Smart video doorbells are a relatively new innovation in the home security market. These devices are essentially video cameras that are integrated into your doorbell and connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. They allow you to see and communicate with anyone who comes to your door, regardless of whether or not you are at home.
They are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use, convenience, and enhanced security features. In this guide, we will explore what smart video doorbells are, why they are important, and the benefits of using them. We will also look at the considerations you should make before choosing a smart video doorbell, the different types of smart video doorbells available, and the smart features and integrations that come with these devices.
What Are Smart Video Doorbells?
Smart video doorbells are advanced home security devices that combine a traditional doorbell with a video camera, motion detector, and other smart features. These devices allow you to see and speak with anyone who approaches your door, whether you’re at home or away. These devices typically connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and send alerts to your smartphone when someone rings the doorbell or triggers the motion detector. They can also record video footage of any activity at your front door, providing an extra layer of security for your home.
Benefits of Using Smart Video Doorbells
Smart video doorbells are important because they provide an extra layer of security for homes and can also be a convenient tool for homeowners. They allow homeowners to see and communicate with anyone at their front door, even if they are not at home. This can help prevent package theft, burglaries, and other security issues. Using a smart video doorbell provides several benefits, including:
Enhanced Security:
One of the primary benefits of using a smart video doorbell is the enhanced security it provides. By allowing you to see who is at your front door before opening it, you can assess the situation and determine if it’s safe to answer. The two-way audio feature enables communication with the visitor, creating an added layer of security and serving as a deterrent to potential intruders. You can verify the identity of delivery personnel, screen unwanted visitors, and have peace of mind knowing you have control over who enters your home.
Remote Monitoring:
Smart video doorbells offer the convenience of remote monitoring. Using a dedicated mobile app, you can access live video feeds and receive notifications whenever there is activity at your front door. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or on vacation, you can keep an eye on your property and take immediate action if necessary. Remote monitoring allows you to stay connected to your home and make informed decisions about how to respond to different situations.
Convenience:
Traditional doorbells require you to physically go to the door to see who is there. With a smart video doorbell, you can receive notifications directly on your smartphone or tablet when someone rings the bell or when motion is detected. This eliminates the need to interrupt your activities and provides greater convenience, especially if you’re busy or occupied in another part of the house. You can choose to answer the door, ignore it, or communicate with the visitor without leaving your current location.
Record and Review:
Many smart video doorbells come equipped with built-in cameras and recording capabilities. This allows you to capture video footage of visitors who come to your front door, giving you a record that can be useful for various purposes. Whether you want to review the footage for security reasons or keep track of deliveries, having recorded video can provide valuable evidence or simply help you stay informed about what’s happening around your home.
Easy Installation:
These devices are designed for easy installation and typically do not require professional assistance. They often come with detailed instructions and the necessary mounting hardware. Depending on the model, you can choose to wire the doorbell directly to your existing doorbell wiring or opt for wireless installation. The straightforward installation process ensures that you can quickly set up your smart video doorbell and start using it without hassle.
Peace of Mind:
The ability to monitor your doorstep and control access to your home brings a sense of peace and security. Whether you’re away on vacation, at work, or even just relaxing inside your home, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a clear view of who is approaching your front door. Smart video doorbells provide reassurance and confidence, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life while knowing that your family and property are protected.
Increased Home Value:
Installing a smart video doorbell can enhance the value of your home. It is considered a desirable feature among homebuyers, as it offers convenience, security, and modern technology. Potential buyers see it as an attractive addition to the home’s security system and may be willing to pay a premium for a property equipped with video doorbell capabilities.
Types of Smart Video Doorbells
Smart video doorbells come in different types to fit various needs and preferences. Here are the most common types of these devices:
Wired Smart Video Doorbells:
Wired smart video doorbells are powered by your home’s electrical wiring and typically require professional installation. They offer a reliable and constant power source, ensuring the device stays powered and connected to the internet. These types of doorbells often offer more advanced features and have a higher video quality compared to their wireless counterparts. However, the installation process can be more complicated, and it may require drilling holes and running wires through your walls.
Wireless Smart Video Doorbells:
Wireless doorbells use Wi-Fi or a wireless network to connect to your home’s internet and send alerts to your smartphone or other connected devices when someone rings the doorbell. They are battery-powered and require no wiring for installation, making them easier to install than wired doorbells. With a wireless doorbell, you can place the bell button anywhere you want, as long as it is within the range of the Wi-Fi network.
Wireless doorbells come with a wide range of features, including HD video recording, two-way audio communication, night vision, motion detection, and smart home integration. They usually require a subscription service to store and access recorded footage, and their range can be affected by factors like distance, signal interference, and network congestion. However, the convenience and flexibility of wireless doorbells make them a popular choice among homeowners looking for an easy-to-install and versatile security solution.
Battery-powered Smart Video Doorbells:
Battery-powered smart video doorbells are similar to wireless doorbells but do not require a wired connection or a separate receiver unit. Instead, they run on rechargeable batteries, making them more convenient and versatile. These doorbells are easy to install and can be placed almost anywhere, as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection available. However, battery-powered doorbells may require more maintenance as you need to regularly charge or replace the batteries to ensure continuous operation. It’s essential to choose a doorbell with long battery life to minimize the frequency of battery replacements.
Smart Features and Integrations of Smart Video Doorbells
Motion detection
Motion detection is a popular feature in smart video doorbells that uses sensors to detect movement in front of the camera. When motion is detected, the doorbell will send an alert to your smartphone or other connected devices, allowing you to view live footage or recordings of the activity. This feature is especially useful for monitoring your property’s entrance and detecting any suspicious activity. Some doorbells even allow you to customize motion zones to minimize false alarms and ensure that you only receive notifications when motion is detected in specific areas.
Facial Recognition:
Facial recognition is a feature available in some smart video doorbells that uses AI to detect and recognize faces. With this feature, you can receive alerts that specify who is at the door, making it easier to determine whether to answer or ignore the doorbell. Additionally, some facial recognition systems can learn and recognize regular visitors, allowing them to bypass the need to ring the doorbell or unlock the door manually. However, it is important to consider the potential privacy concerns associated with facial recognition technology before using it.
Two-way Audio
Two-way audio is a common feature in smart video doorbells that allows users to communicate with someone at the door via the doorbell’s built-in speaker and microphone. This is a useful feature for greeting visitors or communicating with delivery personnel, even when you’re not physically present at home. Some models may also include noise-canceling technology to improve audio quality and reduce background noise, making it easier to hear and communicate with visitors.
App Integration
App integration allows users to control their video doorbell from their smartphone or tablet. Users can receive notifications and alerts when someone rings the doorbell, view live and recorded footage, and communicate with visitors using the two-way audio feature. App integration also enables users to customize the settings and preferences of their video doorbell, such as motion detection sensitivity, field of view, and more. Smart video doorbells are typically compatible with a range of popular smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Voice Control
Voice control is a smart feature that allows you to interact with your smart video doorbell using voice commands. Some of these devices are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. With voice control, you can do things like checking the doorbell’s status, viewing a live video feed, and receiving alerts by using your voice. Voice control can be especially convenient if you have your hands full and can’t use your phone to access the app. It can also be helpful for those with mobility issues who may have difficulty accessing the doorbell’s controls physically.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capabilities
Smart video doorbells with AI capabilities can recognize and differentiate between people, animals, and objects. They can send notifications to your phone when someone is at the door and provide live footage of the person’s face. Some of these devices can even detect suspicious activity and send alerts to your phone. AI-powered video doorbells may also offer features like package detection, which can notify you when a delivery has been made.
Smart Home Compatibility
Smart video doorbells can be integrated with various smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. These integrations allow you to control your doorbell with your voice or through a smart home app. You can also use your smart home platform to create automation routines that trigger when the doorbell detects motion or when someone rings the bell. This can include turning on lights, playing a specific sound, or even unlocking the door if you have a smart lock installed. Before purchasing a smart video doorbell, make sure it is compatible with your existing smart home system.
Installation and Maintenance of Smart Video Doorbells
Installation Process
The installation process for a smart video doorbell can vary depending on the model and whether you choose a wired or wireless option. However, most of these devices are designed to be relatively easy to install and can usually be set up in a matter of minutes.
For wired doorbells, installation typically involves replacing your existing doorbell with the smart video doorbell and connecting it to your existing wiring. This may require some basic electrical skills and tools, but most models come with clear instructions and video tutorials to guide you through the process.
Wireless doorbells, on the other hand, usually do not require any wiring and can be installed using simple tools like a screwdriver and drill. These models typically come with mounting plates or adhesive strips to attach the doorbell to your door or wall.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure proper installation and avoid damaging your door or the device itself.
Power Options
As mentioned earlier, smart video doorbells come in three power options: wired and wireless with battery-powered. Wired doorbells are powered by the existing doorbell wiring, while wireless doorbells are typically powered by rechargeable batteries. Consider the power source and how long it lasts before purchasing a smart video doorbell. Wired doorbells provide constant power, while wireless and battery-powered options need to be charged or replaced regularly.
Maintenance and Upkeep
To ensure your smart video doorbell is functioning correctly, it’s essential to maintain and perform regular upkeep. Check the camera lens regularly to ensure it is clean and free of any debris or dirt that may impact image quality. Clean the device and its surrounding area regularly to keep it looking its best. Also, make sure the doorbell’s software and firmware are up to date to ensure its smooth operation.
In addition to regular cleaning and software updates, it’s important to check the doorbell’s battery or power source regularly. If your doorbell is battery-powered, make sure to replace the batteries when necessary. If it is hardwired, check the wiring periodically to ensure it is secure and functioning correctly.
It’s also important to consider the environment in which your smart video doorbell is installed. If it is exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, it may require more frequent maintenance to ensure it is functioning properly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you may encounter with your smart video doorbell and how to troubleshoot them:
Poor connectivity:
If your doorbell has trouble connecting to your Wi-Fi network, try moving your router closer to the doorbell or investing in a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal. You can also try resetting the doorbell and reconnecting it to your network.
Motion detection issues:
If you’re experiencing false alarms or missed motion detection, adjust the sensitivity settings in the doorbell app. Make sure the camera’s field of view is clear of any obstructions, such as bushes or trees, that may be triggering motion detection.
Poor image quality:
If your doorbell’s video quality is poor, check the camera lens for dirt or debris that may be obstructing the view. Adjust the camera’s positioning or angle to ensure the best possible image quality.
Device not responding:
If your doorbell is not responding, try resetting it or restarting the app. Make sure the device’s firmware is up to date. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.
Battery issues:
If you have a battery-powered doorbell, make sure to monitor the battery level and replace it when necessary. You can also adjust the doorbell’s settings to conserve battery life, such as reducing the frequency of motion detection alerts.
Conclusion
Smart video doorbells have become an essential part of modern home security systems. They offer a variety of benefits, including remote access, real-time monitoring, and increased peace of mind. When choosing a smart video doorbell, there are several factors to consider, such as wired or wireless, video quality, audio capabilities, smart features, and budget.
It’s important to choose a smart video doorbell that meets your specific needs and requirements. Wired doorbells are ideal for those who want a more permanent and reliable option, while wireless and battery-powered doorbells are great for those who need more flexibility and convenience. In terms of smart features, motion detection, facial recognition, and two-way audio are the most popular options. AI capabilities are also becoming increasingly common in modern smart video doorbells. Regular maintenance and upkeep are necessary to ensure these devices are functioning correctly. This includes keeping the camera lens clean, updating the firmware, and checking for any common issues.
Overall, our final recommendation is to choose a smart video doorbell that provides high-quality video and audio, has reliable smart features, and fits within your budget. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting developments in these devices in the future.
