If you’re considering MVI systems as your future intercom provider, we hope this article helps you decide. Based on 9+ hours of research, we review the two intercom models with their feature set, suitability for various use cases, and how their mobile application reviews stack up.
Table of Contents
- Overview of MVI Systems
- MVI Intercom Review: KeyCom BOLT and LITE
- MVI myKey Mobile Application
- Key Considerations: Should You Buy an MVI Intercom?
- Swiftlane: A Compelling Alternative
Overview of MVI Systems
Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, My Video Intercom (MVI) is an organization that develops intercom systems with video capabilities, mounting pedestals, accessories, mobile applications, and more within the access control industry.
MVI systems offer two intercoms: the KeyCom BOLT and the LITE. Both integrate with MVI’s myKey mobile application for remote access management and other essential capabilities today.
But how do you select what’s right for your property? And what do customers say about the myKey mobile application? Read on to learn more.
MVI Intercom Review: KeyCom BOLT and LITE
MVI systems offer two intercoms: KeyCom BOLT and LITE. Let’s examine their feature sets and determine whether they suit your security needs.
KeyCom BOLT
The KeyCom BOLT features a touchscreen intercom with a 15” display by MVI systems. The intercom offers surface and flush mount installation for lobby walls, doors, or entrance gates. You can also mount the intercom on a pedestal, which the company provides separately, among other accessories.
KeyCom LITE
While offering the exact same functionalities as BOLT, the KeyCom LITE, with its 12” portrait display screen, can fit in narrow spaces. LITE is a better option for secondary entrances or if your walls have less mounting space.
Here are notable feature highlights for both MVI intercoms.
Key Features
- Varied connectivity types – Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and LTE
- 2-way video communication with visitors through the myKey mobile application
- Cloud-based portal to track and manage access events/ maintenance requests/ resident concerns
- Both intercoms are IP65-rated for maximum resistance against water and dust
- 1080p HD resolution with anti-glare display (sun) and auto-brightness (dark)
- Vandal protection with gorilla glass
- Extensive range of operating temperatures to battle extreme weather conditions
One essential intercom capability is video verification of all visitors, which MVI provides with its two-way video calling feature using the myKey mobile application. As gleaned from its reviews on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the MVI myKey has vastly varying customer ratings and feedback.
MVI myKey Mobile Application
The MVI intercom app, myKey, offers various features for residents and property managers. Intercoms with dedicated mobile apps allow users to manage access on the go and have become integral to access control systems worldwide.
MVI myKey allows residents to open doors remotely after two-way video verification in real time. It provides peace of mind about who’s entering their property and eliminates physical keys and fobs.
You can send and manage digital keys (QR codes) to expected visitors or delivery people, granting them touchless access to the building. If you miss visitors, you can use the mobile app to play recorded messages guests leave through the intercom.
The MVI intercom app also alerts you of real-time access events, sends notifications about community events, and offers right to your phone.
In addition to these features, a property manager will find the ability to track and manage maintenance requests/ customer queries through the application useful.
App Store Reviews
Customer reviews on the Apple App Store are mixed. Some users find the application easy to use, but others criticize its reliability. It’s important to remember that these reviews reflect individual experiences and may not be the same for everyone.
Positive
- The MVI myKey allowed tenants to unlock doors using Bluetooth, which helped in touchless entry.
- Tenants could chat with each other and make requests to management through the same platform.
- Property managers appreciated remote access control as being highly convenient and secure.
- Some users perceived the app’s design to be user-friendly and deemed customer service to be satisfactory.
Negative
- There were repeated complaints of slow loading time. The app must be constantly relaunched to connect to the intercom and provide video footage. This is a security concern during emergencies, which can lead to theft or harassment.
- Some iOS users mentioned that the app did not function on their devices and failed to launch the camera or unlock the door. Thus, users had to go downstairs and physically unlock the door, defeating the purpose of the MVI intercom app.
- Several users mentioned bugs in the app that required fixing, including the customer support number, which rang an unhelpful answering service.
- Many users faced trouble logging into MVI myKey as it did not accept user credentials.
Key Considerations: Should You Buy an MVI Intercom?
Finding a comprehensive intercom system for residential or business purposes requires weighing some key considerations. Let’s examine how MVI systems perform on some high-value parameters for tenants and property managers.
Multiple Entry Methods
Smart features have become standard today, including multiple entry mechanisms. MVI allows you to enter by scanning a QR code, through frictionless Bluetooth-based unlocking, by video calling a resident, and more.
Advanced Software
MVI systems offer the essentials of modern access control, such as two-way video communication and remote management. However, the company is limited in providing cutting-edge capabilities like loitering detection and facial recognition.
Hardware and Installation
The BOLT is a good option if you’re looking for robust hardware and features like good visuals and camera quality. Its bigger screen size makes BOLT ideal for larger outdoor spaces, such as a building’s main entrance, apartment gates, parking lots, and more. The LITE is suitable for snug installations. MVI offers a variety of accessories and mounts to ensure smooth installation for different building types.
Integration with Other Management Systems
It is undoubtedly advantageous if your property management system (PMS) can integrate with additional technologies or software. Once you combine access control with automating workflows, generating reports, or managing assets and leases, you can manage a property entirely through a single platform. However, this integration is an experience that MVI systems have not yet provided.
Mobile Application UX
MVI myKey reviews on the Apple App Store lie on both ends of the spectrum, indicating vastly different experiences for different users. The application averaged 3.2 stars on Google Play Store based on 90 reviews.
Vandal Resistance
Porch pirates often damage intercoms with hard blows, necessitating the purchase of access control devices with a high impact resistance. While BOLT and LITE are IP65 rated (resistance against water and dust), no information is available about the impact resistance (IK ratings) of either MVI intercom.
Swiftlane: A Compelling Alternative
This MVI intercom review has explored both MVI intercom offerings and the myKey mobile application on many different fronts. For some users, MVI intercoms might be the exact access control device they’re looking for, but for others, they might want to explore more options.
Swiftlane is a formidable contender for MVI systems across all industries and use cases.
With features like package management, a cloud-based portal, facial recognition technology, and a dedicated onboarding and installation team, Swiftlane Video Intercom is positioned to upgrade all buildings. It is a huge value addition to properties looking to boost their value.
Swiftlane offers all the capabilities of MVI intercoms and more. It serves thousands of buildings across the US and is powered by positive customer experiences.
Here’s one of many customer testimonials that share an authentic Swiftlane experience.
Experience Swiftlane security today by asking for a demo or filling out this form for customized quotes and other product-related information.
We hope this review helped you in your access control journey!
Before choosing something as critical as an access control system, review all parameters and commit to a product that best aligns with your security and accessibility requirements.
