Aiphone IX-EA vs Aiphone IX-DVF-6

INTERCOM COMPARISON

Aiphone IX-EA vs Aiphone IX-DVF-6: Specification Comparison

Both the Aiphone IX-EA and IX-DVF-6 are IP video door stations in the Aiphone IX series, designed for SIP-based access control deployments. The IX-EA is a single-call surface-mount unit suited to single-entry or residential-style applications, while the IX-DVF-6 accommodates up to six individually-directory-mapped call buttons in a flush-mount form factor. This comparison evaluates call capacity and physical integration, environmental and power specifications, and protocol/platform compatibility to help installers and IT buyers determine which unit fits their deployment.



How do call capacity and physical installation requirements differ between the IX-EA and IX-DVF-6?

The IX-EA is a single-call station with no stated call-button count in its spec sheet, implying one call destination. It ships in a surface-mount form factor measuring 6-5/16" H × 3-15/16" W × 1-3/4" D, requiring no in-wall cutout and suiting retrofit or single-tenant scenarios where a flush finish is not required.

The IX-DVF-6 provides six discrete call buttons, each mappable to an individual directory entry, making it purpose-built for multi-tenant vestibules, apartment lobbies, or office suites where multiple parties share one entry point. Its flush-mount design at 13-11/16" H × 7-3/16" W demands a prepared wall opening and box rough-in. Depth is not listed in the provided specs. The larger panel and six-button layout represent a fundamentally different installation scope and pre-construction coordination requirement compared to the IX-EA.


Which unit is rated for harsher environments, and how do their power requirements compare?

The IX-DVF-6 carries an IP65 ingress protection rating and an IK08 impact resistance rating, with a specified operating temperature range of -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C). These ratings make it suitable for exposed exterior installations in climates with severe winters or locations subject to physical abuse (IK08 equates to resistance against 5-joule impacts).

The IX-EA is rated for outdoor use but its spec sheet does not list an IP or IK rating. Its operating temperature range is 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C), a narrower cold-side window than the IX-DVF-6 by 54°F. Both units are PoE-powered via IEEE 802.3af Class 0. The IX-DVF-6 additionally accepts 24V DC as an alternate power source, providing a fallback where PoE infrastructure is unavailable. Maximum power draw is 5.28W for the IX-DVF-6 versus 5.18W for the IX-EA — a negligible 0.1W difference on the same PoE class budget.


How do the IX-EA and IX-DVF-6 compare on network protocol support and VMS/access-control platform integration?

Both units support ONVIF Profile S and RTSP, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of SIP-capable VMS and IP intercom management platforms. Both implement IEEE 802.1X port security for network authentication in managed-switch environments.

The IX-DVF-6 spec sheet enumerates a broader explicit protocol list: IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, SIP, HTTP, HTTPS, RTSP, RTP, RTCP, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, SFTP, DHCP, NTP, and DNS. Notably, it lists IPv6 and multicast protocol support (IGMP, MLD), which matter in enterprise networks running dual-stack or multicast-routed VLANs. It also includes local microSD card storage for on-device event recording. The IX-EA's spec sheet does not enumerate individual protocols beyond ONVIF Profile S and RTSP, and no local storage is specified. The IX-DVF-6 also lists two contact outputs, enabling direct integration with electric strikes or magnetic locks; the IX-EA spec sheet does not list contact outputs.


Which should you choose: the IX-EA or the IX-DVF-6?

Our take: The IX-DVF-6 is the stronger choice when the installation requires multi-tenant call routing, harsher environmental performance, or direct door-hardware integration via dry contacts. Key spec deltas: the IX-DVF-6 supports six individually-mapped call buttons versus the IX-EA's single call destination; its cold-side operating temperature extends to -40°F versus the IX-EA's 14°F — a 54°F advantage for northern or exposed sites; and it provides two contact outputs for direct strike/lock wiring not listed on the IX-EA. The IX-EA is the appropriate selection for single-tenant surface-mount retrofits where no wall rough-in is feasible, an IP/IK ingress rating is not contractually required, and the simpler protocol footprint is sufficient. Both units share the same 1.23MP sensor, H.264/MJPEG codecs, PoE 802.3af Class 0 power, and ONVIF Profile S compliance, so either integrates cleanly into existing Aiphone IX or SIP-compatible platforms.


Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.

SpecificationAiphone IX-EAAiphone IX-DVF-6
Product TypeIP Video Door StationIP Video Door Station
Call Buttons6
Camera Resolution1.23 MP1.23 MP
Sensor Size1/3" CMOS
Min. Illumination5 lux5 lux
Low-Light AidWhite LED
Video CodecH.264/AVC, Motion JPEGH.264/AVC, Motion JPEG
Audio CodecG.711, G.722
Audio ModeTwo-way
Power SourcePoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0)PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 0) or 24V DC
Max Power Draw5.18W5.28W
Mounting TypeSurface-mountFlush-mount
Dimensions6-5/16" H x 3-15/16" W x 1-3/4" D13-11/16" H x 7-3/16" W
Operating Temp14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C)-40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)
Ingress / Impact RatingIP65, IK08
Contact Outputs2
Local StoragemicroSD card
Port SecurityIEEE 802.1XIEEE 802.1X
VMS / ProtocolONVIF Profile S, RTSPONVIF Profile S, SIP, IPv4/IPv6, RTSP + more
Warranty2-Year

Frequently Asked Questions

Which should you choose: the IX-EA or the IX-DVF-6?

The IX-DVF-6 is the stronger choice when the installation requires multi-tenant call routing, harsher environmental performance, or direct door-hardware integration via dry contacts. Key spec deltas: the IX-DVF-6 supports six individually-mapped call buttons versus the IX-EA's single call destination; its cold-side operating temperature extends to -40°F versus the IX-EA's 14°F — a 54°F advantage for northern or exposed sites; and it provides two contact outputs for direct strike/lock wiring not listed on the IX-EA. The IX-EA is the appropriate selection for single-tenant surface-mount retrofits where no wall rough-in is feasible, an IP/IK ingress rating is not contractually required, and the simpler protocol footprint is sufficient. Both units share the same 1.23MP sensor, H.264/MJPEG codecs, PoE 802.3af Class 0 power, and ONVIF Profile S compliance, so either integrates cleanly into existing Aiphone IX or SIP-compatible platforms.

Is the IX-EA or IX-DVF-6 better for a multi-tenant apartment lobby?

The IX-DVF-6 is purpose-built for that scenario. It provides six individually-mapped call buttons with separate directory entries, a flush-mount panel suited to finished lobby walls, and two contact outputs for door-strike integration. The IX-EA has a single call destination and no listed contact outputs, making it unsuitable for multi-tenant call routing without additional hardware.

Can either unit be installed in a climate with sub-zero winter temperatures?

The IX-DVF-6 is rated down to -40°F and carries an IP65 ingress protection rating, making it appropriate for exposed cold-climate installations. The IX-EA's specified operating minimum is 14°F (-10°C), and no IP ingress rating is listed in its spec sheet. For sub-zero deployments, the IX-DVF-6 is the documented choice.

Do both units work with the same VMS and SIP platforms?

Both carry ONVIF Profile S compliance and RTSP support, and both implement IEEE 802.1X port security, so they share a compatible baseline for SIP-based intercom platforms and ONVIF-compliant VMS. The IX-DVF-6 additionally lists IPv6, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, SFTP, and microSD local storage in its spec sheet — capabilities not listed for the IX-EA — which may matter for enterprise dual-stack networks or deployments requiring on-device event logging.



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