The $1.8 billion global door phone market is transitioning from audio to video technology, with video set to grow and account for 50 percent of unit shipments in 2017, think the authors of a new report entitled “The World Market for Audio and Video Door Phones,” published by IMS Research, now part of IHS.

Worldwide unit shipments of video door phones are forecast to grow by 7.5 percent during the next five years, with several technological advances and benefits helping to drive the transition from audio to video door phones. These trends include increased integration with building automation, a transition towards “hands off” indoor units along with larger 7-inch screen sizes, and an increase in the use of network systems and megapixel cameras.

“The transition from audio to video door phones is occurring in all regions around the world, and is being driven by many factors,” said Oliver Philippou, market analyst for video surveillance at IHS. “Ultimately, this change is due to a reduction in the price of video door phones, and the consumer’s perception of increased security via better identification of those who are trying to gain access.”

But while all of these technological developments will generate a lot of interest and help drive the market forward, the highly price-sensitive nature of the business will ultimately mean that the majority of products shipped will be entry-level devices, the study purports. Meanwhile, the arrival of low-cost Chinese suppliers is intensifying competition in the market, and helping to promote the rise of video solutions.

“The increased price competition — with some Chinese manufacturers able to produce audio door phone indoor units for as little as $3 — has led to traditional branded suppliers moving away from the audio door phone market and pushing their video door phone products more aggressively in order to maximize profits,” Philippou noted. “This has allowed low-priced, unbranded products to gain market share in the audio door phone market. However, it is not just audio door phones that are experiencing a price decline. Video door phones are also dropping in price, making them more accessible to wider markets.”

The recently published report, “The World Market for Audio and Video Door Phones - 2013 Edition,” forecasts the growth of analog door equipment, network door phone equipment, and other relevant topics in greater detail for both audio-only door phones as well as video door phones.