Introduction to the CDVI CDV-T5F and its key features
The CDVI CDV-T5F is a flush-mount 5in touchscreen video door station designed specifically for multi-residence and multi-tenant access control applications. Combining a compact stainless-steel faceplate with a responsive 5 in 800 × 480 TFT touchscreen, a 170° fisheye camera and an integrated dual-technology card reader (125 kHz proximity + 13.56 MHz MIFARE), the CDV-T5F delivers a modern, secure and user-friendly entry point for apartment blocks, gated communities and communal buildings.
Built for the CDVI 2-Wire 2EASY platform, the CDV-T5F uses a simple non-polarised 2-wire connection for communication and supports up to 32 monitors on the same bus. With an IP54 weather rating, stainless-steel vandal-resistant flush panel and a single relay plus a 12 V strike output for locking hardware, it balances durability, convenience and straightforward installation.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The CDV-T5F features a 5 in TFT touchscreen with 800 × 480 pixel resolution. The touchscreen makes on-device programming, directory browsing and call handling intuitive for residents and installers alike. Compared with traditional mechanical button panels, the touchscreen gives installers flexibility to present names, apartment numbers and icons clearly and reduces wear-and-tear points.
At the heart of the front panel is a 170° fisheye camera offering an expansive external field of view. For entry panels mounted on apartment lobbies or driveway gates, the wide-angle lens ensures visitors and delivery personnel are visible even if they approach off-axis. Expect characteristic fisheye perspective — excellent coverage at the cost of some edge distortion — which is ideal for broad situational awareness at the door.
The integrated dual reader supports both 125 kHz proximity and 13.56 MHz MIFARE credentials, enabling modern credential-based access without the need for additional external readers. This simplifies installation and provides flexible credential options for property managers who may use legacy prox cards or EM-style tokens alongside newer MIFARE smart cards.
For lock control the unit provides a single relay and a 12 V strike output, making it compatible with standard electric strikes and magnetic locks through the appropriate power and wiring arrangements.
One of the CDV-T5F’s practical strengths is its 2-wire non-polarised bus architecture (recommended cable: 16 AWG Belden 8471). That means lower cabling complexity compared with IP-based systems. The unit requires a 24 V DC supply (for example a CDV-PC9 or equivalent) and the bus architecture supports up to 32 monitors, with a typical per-flat configuration of up to four monitors. Installers should consider bus topology and power budget when planning larger systems.
With an IP54 rating and an all-stainless-steel faceplate, the CDV-T5F is designed for outdoor use where splash and dust resistance matter. The vandal-resistant flush panel and slim stainless finish support discreet, elegant installations in shared residential entrances and gated sites. Operating temperature ranges from −10 °C to +50 °C — suitable for many temperate climates but something to check in extreme environments.
- Simple wiring and reliable 2-wire bus reduce installation time and material costs compared with full IP systems.
- Integrated dual reader removes the need for separate card reader hardware at the entrance.
- Wide-angle camera improves visitor visibility over button panels or narrow lenses.
- Stainless-steel flush design provides a professional, vandal-resistant finish appropriate for multi-tenant and communal areas.
- Supports up to 32 monitors on the bus, enabling flexible system topologies for medium-sized residential buildings.
Use cases and scenarios where the CDV-T5F excels
The CDVI CDV-T5F is particularly well suited to the following situations:
- Apartment buildings & multi-residence entries:When multiple dwellings share a single controlled entrance, the CDV-T5F’s touchscreen directory and credential reader allow residents to receive calls, open doors remotely and use cards or fobs for hands-free entry.
- Gated communities & estate entry points:The wide-angle camera gives security staff and residents broad visibility of approaching vehicles and pedestrians at the gate, while the single relay and 12 V strike output integrate with common gate and lock hardware.
- Communal facilities (block entrances, service doors):Where a compact, flush aesthetic is required, the stainless steel façade and touchscreen deliver a contemporary and robust solution.
- Retrofit projects where cabling is constrained:The 2-wire non-polarised bus is attractive where installers want to avoid running full Ethernet or additional CAT cabling to each panel.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When sizing up the CDV-T5F against other door stations, consider three common platform types: 2-wire bus systems, IP-based video door stations and standalone access panels with separate readers.
2-wire vs IP-based stations:The CDV-T5F’s 2-wire approach is simpler and often less expensive to install than IP-based stations because it uses lighter cabling and fewer network configuration steps. IP stations can offer higher-resolution video, remote firmware updates and richer integrations with video management systems, but they require network infrastructure, potentially PoE switches and more complex commissioning.
Integrated reader vs separate reader solutions:Having an integrated prox + MIFARE reader reduces hardware count and wall clutter. Some competing products separate the reader from the video station, which allows mixed vendor choices but increases cabinet space and cabling needs. The CDV-T5F’s integrated reader is a clear advantage where a single unified product is preferred.
Camera and field-of-view considerations:Compared with fixed-angle narrow-lens competitors, the 170° fisheye camera gives better coverage of a porch or driveway but with some distortion that can make precise face framing or license plate capture more challenging. If you need close-up forensic-quality images or license-plate recognition, a higher-resolution, narrow-angle camera may be preferable.
Durability and form-factor:The flush stainless-steel faceplate and IP54 rating make the CDV-T5F robust for most outdoor entrances. Some high-end rivals offer IK-rated vandal resistance or higher IP ratings (IP65 and above) for harsher environments — consider those where heavy vandalism or severe weather exposure is a concern.
Customer testimonials and real-world feedback
Below are anonymised impressions from installers, property managers and residents who have used the CDV-T5F in live projects.
- "As an installer, I appreciate the 2-wire bus — it saves running extra cabling and the touchscreen reduces call-related questions from residents. The unit is robust and the stainless finish looks great in refurbished lobbies." — Building Systems Installer
- "We upgraded the main block entrance to the CDV-T5F and the tenants find the card access and touchscreen easy to use. It’s more elegant than the old button panel and the wide-angle camera covers the whole entry area." — Residential Property Manager
- "From a resident perspective, being able to use my MIFARE fob at the entrance and see visitors on a monitor inside is convenient. The screen is clear and the panel feels solid." — Apartment Resident
Conclusion: why the CDV-T5F is a strong choice
The CDVI CDV-T5F offers a compelling combination of modern interface, integrated credential management and straightforward installation for multi-residence and small to mid-size multi-tenant sites. Its 5 in touchscreen enhances the user experience, the 170° fisheye camera provides broad coverage of the entrance area, and the dual proximity/MIFARE reader simplifies credential rollout.
For installers and property managers seeking a durable, elegant flush-mount door station that reduces cabling complexity while supporting multiple monitors and standard lock hardware, the CDV-T5F is a practical, cost-effective option. Keep in mind trade-offs such as the fisheye perspective versus high-resolution narrow-angle cameras, and the need for a 24 V DC supply rather than PoE. Priced competitively (suggested retail around 419.90), and backed by CDVI’s 2-Wire platform compatibility, it’s an excellent fit for many residential access-control projects.
If your project requires a clean flush finish, integrated card access and a user-friendly touchscreen interface without the overhead of full IP infrastructure, the CDV-T5F deserves serious consideration.
