Comelit 1998NV Audio/Video Concierge Phone
The Comelit 1998NV is a networked audio/video concierge unit engineered for building entry control and visitor communication systems. It combines 4MP video capture with bidirectional audio in a single compact form factor, eliminating the need to specify and integrate separate camera and intercom modules. This integration reduces installation labor and simplifies commissioning on IP-based building access platforms.
Key Features
- 4MP Resolution for Visitor Identification: Captures 2560×1920 pixel detail sufficient to distinguish visitor features, read documents, and generate usable incident recordings. This resolution strikes a practical balance between storage cost and identification confidence — considerably better than 1080p on a concierge application, yet not so high that it inflates storage requirements on systems recording 24/7 across multiple entry points.
- Day/Night Operation with IR Illumination: Infrared LED array enables reliable capture in darkness and low-light entry environments without requiring additional floodlighting. No need to upgrade electrical infrastructure for night visibility — a common pain point in retrofit installations.
- PoE+ (802.3at) Power Delivery: Draws 95W maximum via PoE+, eliminating dedicated 12VDC or 24VAC supplies at the entry point. Single Ethernet cable handles both data and power, reducing physical runs, conduit cost, and installation complexity. Works with standard enterprise PoE+ switches without special provisioning.
- Integrated Two-Way Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker enable visitor communication directly from the entry unit without a separate handset station. Staff can receive calls, screen visitors, and grant or deny access from any connected endpoint — desktop, mobile, or building management system.
- IP Integration on Ethernet Infrastructure: Operates as a native IP device on standard LAN/WAN segments. No proprietary communication lines; integrates with ONVIF-compliant video management systems and IP-PBX or SIP-based call routing platforms. Simplifies network design and reduces vendor lock-in.
- Compact Mounting Profile: Designed for discrete surface mounting at entry doors, gates, or vestibules without requiring deep wall cavities or specialized structural modifications. Form factor suits both new construction and retrofit deployments.
Integration and Deployment Context
The 1998NV functions as a networked IP camera with integral communication capability, suitable for residential and commercial access control workflows. Video streams integrate with network video recorders and video management platforms that support ONVIF motion events and recording triggers. Audio feeds into SIP-based phone systems or building entry management software via RTP streams. Requires PoE+ sourced from a managed switch or PoE+ power supply capable of delivering 95W; verify your infrastructure before deployment.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your building requires sub-second response on unlocking or multi-floor call routing with priority queuing, evaluate higher-capability concierge systems that add dedicated relay boards and advanced call logic. If the entry point is exposed to direct weather (rain, salt spray, temperature extremes below −10°C or above 50°C), consult the thermal and IP-rating specifications of outdoor-rated variants in the Comelit surveillance line — the 1998NV is optimized for sheltered vestibule and interior lobby mounting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Comelit 1998NV support ONVIF motion events for integration with third-party VMS platforms?
A: Yes. The 1998NV streams ONVIF-compliant video and can trigger recording or alerts based on motion detected at the lens. Confirm your VMS platform supports ONVIF Profile S or higher.
Q: What is the maximum power draw of the 1998NV, and will a standard PoE+ switch port support it?
A: The unit draws up to 95W via PoE+ (802.3at). A PoE+ switch port rated for 95W or higher will supply power without issue. Budget 95W per port in your switch's power budget calculation.
Q: Can the 1998NV be wall-mounted outdoors under an eave or in a covered vestibule?
A: The unit is designed for sheltered mounting. If located where wind-driven rain or direct spray reaches it, apply protective housing or verify compatibility with the environmental rating before commissioning.
Q: Does the audio use a standard SIP codec, and can it integrate with existing IP-PBX systems?
A: Two-way audio operates on standard RTP/SIP protocols. Integration depends on your phone system's ONVIF or SIP gateway support. Confirm with your VMS or PBX vendor before procurement.
Q: What is the infrared range of the 1998NV at night?
A: The IR LED array illuminates the entry area at close range — sufficient for identifying visitors at a typical door threshold or security gate position. Exact range depends on ambient reflectance and lens focus; test in your specific environment before final installation.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Comelit 1998NV is a pragmatic choice for building integrators managing retrofit access control projects where splitting a camera and intercom into separate devices adds cost and complexity. The 4MP sensor and integrated audio in a single unit streamline installation and reduce points of failure. PoE+ power eliminates a power supply and conduit run, which compounds savings on older buildings where electrical infrastructure is constrained.
Technical Highlights:
- 4MP (2560×1920) Resolution: Provides face-level detail at typical entry distances (2–4 meters) without inflating storage demands. On a 24/7 concierge system recording 365 days, this resolution-to-storage ratio avoids the wasteful overhead of 5MP or 8MP on a stationary, close-range application.
- PoE+ (802.3at) at 95W Maximum: Draws enough power for dual-mode IR and audio amplification without exceeding a single PoE+ port's budget. Most enterprise switches allocate 95W per port; verify your exact model's power budget, but this unit won't force a switch upgrade on modern infrastructure.
- Integrated Bidirectional Audio and IR Illumination: Combines visitor identification, two-way conversation, and night-vision in one form factor. Eliminates the need to spec a separate intercom speaker, outdoor microphone, and IR floodlight — reducing bill-of-materials cost and field wiring labor by roughly 20–30% on a typical entry retrofit.
Deployment Considerations:
- Sheltered Mounting Only: The 1998NV is optimized for vestibule, lobby, and covered-threshold installations. Do not expose to direct wind-driven rain or temperature swings beyond −10°C to +50°C. If your entry doors face open weather, request environmental ratings from the manufacturer or plan for a protective shroud — this is a common missed step on gate or outdoor canopy installs.
- PoE+ Infrastructure Prerequisite: Verify your network switch or PoE+ injector can source 95W before ordering. Older PoE switches (802.3af, 15.4W) will not power this unit. Budget the power draw in your switch's overall allocation — one 1998NV on a 16-port switch consumes roughly 6% of typical PoE capacity.
- SIP/ONVIF Endpoint Required: The unit doesn't integrate into proprietary concierge platforms without middleware. Confirm your video management system or IP-PBX gateway supports ONVIF streaming and SIP audio before procurement — misaligned stack choices are a frequent cause of late-stage integration friction.
Position the 1998NV for retrofit multifamily or mixed-use buildings where space and power constraints favor integrated over modular solutions, and where your VMS or phone system already supports ONVIF and SIP protocols. It is not the right fit for explosive-hazard zones, fully open outdoor exposures, or legacy analog phone systems without IP-gateway translation.
