Jargon Buster
Having a hard time understanding all the words in our descriptions? It's probably because of the jargon! It would be nice if we could avoid jargon completely, but that is not always possible. To help you understand everything, here is an explanation of the technical words we use in plain English.
2 Wire
2-Wire sytems do NOT need 4-core alarm cable to connect the components together. All the signal transfer for the system is sent via the two power wires in the power cable.
4 Wire
4-Wire systems need 4-core alarm cable to connect the components together. 4-core alarm cable is used to wire up most commercial alarm systems. See also 2 Wire.
CAT-5
CAT-5 is a common type of cable, often terminated by RJ-45 connectors. Newer systems can often be connected together using CAT-5 cabling. It is always wise to check what type of cabling you will need before you buy a system. This is most important if you are installing somewhere where wiring has already been installed.
CCTV
Closed-circuit Television System. Allows you to video your property for surveillance purposes.
DCU
The DCU unit is a multi function device designed to connect 2 CCTV cameras and control a light or lock. One light and one lock can be supported by the system; please note, they must be connected to two separate DCUs. Note that this unit can only be used with the DT flat/apartment intercom system. Documentation is here.
Flush Mount
A doorbell camera designed for flush mounting will be mounted into a hole in your wall. Once it is fixed in, it will be 'flush' with the rest of the wall (or very nearly so). See also Surface Mount.
Master Monitor
The difference between the Master Monitor and a slave monitor is picture-taking. With the Master monitor, you can take pictures of the person at the door, and store them for future reference. You would normally only have one Master monitor per system. The IH-692 and IH-6913 have an SD card slot so you can download the pictures.
Power Supply Unit
The correct technical name for these devices is actually Transformer. You can't connect our devices to mains electricity because the voltage is too high (240-260v). Our devices use between 12v and 24v. The Transformer takes the mains voltage and steps it down to either 12v, 18v or 24v. Our power supply transformers are designed specifically for use with our equipment. Using any power supply with our equipment other than the ones supplied by us will invalidate your warranty. You can buy power supply transformers separately here.
Slave Monitor
The slave monitor does not have picture-taking and storing capability. You can answer the door just the same as with the Master monitor, and you can also use it for intercom talking. You can have up to five of these monitors with the house entry system, and up to twenty with the flat/apartment entry system.
Surface Mount
A doorbell/camera designed for surface mounting will be attached straight on to the wall surface by a mounting bracket. That means no hole will need to be cut in the wall. The Doorbell camera will be more vulnerable to vandalism and the weather. See also Flush Mount.
Touch Screen
Touch Screen monitors allow you to change the options of your system, and answer the doorbell, without using buttons. Icons appear on the monitor screen, and when you touch them, they respond. Some people prefer this to button operation, but it's really up to you!
Wireless system
Wireless door entry systems send their signal information using wireless broadcasting. We do not sell wireless door entry systems. All our systems are wired systems. Wireless systems still need power, and therefore power cables! Because of the nature of wireless home devices, there is a chance that a wireless door entry system will interact/interfere with other devices in your home that use wireless broadcasting.