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Ring Doorbell Pro Review

I always thought the front door of my home was a secured place since no burglar would break in through the front where he risks being seen. Well I was wrong. I had a number of attempts and that’s why I decided to make use of what smart technology had to offer. After I checked a number of video doorbell reviews, I was ready and willing to try out the ring video doorbell pro.ring-pro

So I am going to take you through the ring doorbell pro review. How improved is it from its predecessors, the specific features and what makes it stand out from the rest? Why is this particular doorbell the game changer? Let’s find out.

How it works

From the ring video doorbell pro reviews I read, I was so eager to try out the gadget. Well not only does it have a camera, but also works with a motion sensor that detects any movement on your door. You can also speak to the person at your door without having to open the door.

This doorbell works with your iOS or Android devices so that you can see and talk to your guest from anywhere in the world. You don’t have to be there physically. You will get a push notification when someone presses the button. So by just tapping on it, you go straight to the App and to the LIVE view.

For it to work, the Pro requires an existing hardwired doorbell. It needs to be powered so that it doesn’t depend on its battery alone. But it is important to note that this version doesn’t have an included rechargeable battery.

Features

I must say that this is a refreshed version of the popular video doorbell. I loved the versatility in smartphone compatibility. It is able to work with select iOS and android devices. The best part is that you can link it with your home wireless networks since it offers a Wi-Fi connectivity of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

To be able to view video footages and also receive alerts, you only need to download the Ring app on your phone. This means that you can keep an eye on your home and communicate with your guests from a remote location. The incredible camera captures a 160-degree angle of view. This means you can record wide-angle high-definition video. There is no other gadget in the market that lets you maintain a clear view of your home’s entrance and offers optional cloud recording for later view. The night vision secures your home even during the night. The infrared LED’s allows me to record videos in dim lighting.

The motion sensor is the other feature I love about my doorbell. When a motion is detected by the sensor, it automatically records the footage and sends you an alert. The new Ring Pro doorbell allows you to create your own custom shaped zone rather than selecting motion zones like in other versions.

From the first glance I noticed that the Ring Pro appears a bit smaller in size than other bells. It measures 4.5″ x 1.85″ x .8″, which makes it shorter and skinnier than the original version. The rectangular shape makes it look more like a standard doorbell than just a video camera, which is a good thing for your door.

The aesthetic feature I love about this doorbell is the fact that it has interchangeable faceplates. This means I get to change the color of the faceplate whenever I want. This is why my doorbell will always look new all the time.

You will definitely need a bit more bandwidth for the 1080p videos than you would for 720p video quality. With the new Dual Band Wi-Fi, I am not restricted to the 2.4 Ghz channel. I can also take advantage of the 5 Ghz channel. You can then view and interact with people on any device using the Ring App which is free from Google Play or iTunes.

Installation

Before you start installing, you should make sure the following items are in your package:

  • Ring Doorbell
  • Micro USB charging cable
  • Mounting bracket and level
  • Screwdriver
  • Screwdriver Bit
  • Drill bit
  • Wood screws
  • Masonry screws and anchors
  • Weather sealant
  • User’s Manual

Simply attach the included mounting bracket to a flat surface. If you only understand the wiring of your traditional bell, then installing this one will be a walk in the park. There are only two wires and it doesn’t matter which one goes to which terminal. Therefore, you can’t get it wrong. Place the Pro doorbell onto the bracket and secure it with a proprietary security screw that prevents theft.

Video quality

You should always expect the best video doorbell quality with a HD camera. This one offers an improvement upon the original 720p resolution. The full high definition in 1080p provides an extra clarity in the quality of the video. This doorbell has been designed to give you a better view of the details around your front door. I am sure I will have no issues determining a clear description of anyone or any event that happened on my door to the authorities should something wrong happen. I have tried and tested the quality.

Audio quality

The creators of Pro decided to invest in this masterpiece and the audio quality speaks for itself. Through the App, you can clearly communicate with the person at the door. With a small intergraded speaker and microphone, verbal speaking has been made easier. The noise-cancellation feature is an advancement made to this smart technology to filter out all unwanted background noise. What I normally get is a clear communication without any distortion.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The two-way audio and one-way video is a great privacy concern.
  • Modern design
  • Easy to use
  • Night vision and LED technology
  • HD video and audio quality
  • Cloud recording
  • Enhanced Wi-Fi connection

Cons

  • Field of view is smaller than the first generation

Conclusion

If you have gone through a number of ring doorbell reviews, then you will agree with me that this is a top-notch doorbell that leads the market. I was looking for a quality doorbell that would make my home modern, smarter and secure. Buying this gadget is so far the best decision I ever made.

 

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Ring Doorbell Review

I have always been worried about the safety of my new neighborhood since I moved in a couple of months ago, until I tried the best smart doorbell. Well at first I thought this was just another gadget that promises quality service to a homeowner then fails the next day. But that’s not the case with this ring doorbell. I can now walk my dog and still get notifications when someone is at my door while am away. That’s not all, I can also get to see and talk with the guest in real-time. It’s just incredible what technology can do. Well here is my ring doorbell review and why you should get one.ring-doorbell

How it works

This security gadget lets me answer the door from anywhere using my smartphone. It has a HD camera with night vision. So I get to see who is at my doorstep clearly all day and night. So when someone rings my doorbell, my phone blurts and buzzes. With a tap, I can initiate a video chat with my visitor before I open the door. The bell works from anywhere, so you can be notified whether in the kitchen or at the office. They get to hear you but they can’t see you. If it is delivery, I enjoy the fact that I can just give the guy permission to leave a package and instructions on where to stash it.

It offers a more refined and comprehensive approach than the traditional doorbells. There is a motion sensor that alerts my phone when someone walks onto my porch or approaches my yard. It can also record audio and video of each event then stores it in the cloud for future reference.

It works with the companion app which is free and so is the user account that allows you to have access to the features of the ring. The fee for cloud storage is also negligible considering the quality of service you get from the device.

Features

By just looking at it, you won’t believe that this is actually a doorbell. This ring camera measures 4.9 by 2.4 by 0.8 inches. The upper part is made of black plastic and it’s where the 1,280-by-720-pixel camera is located. The 180-degree field view makes this camera outstanding. There is a motion sensor attached to it and contains an LED-backlit ring button that glows blue when a visitor presses it. The loud chime can be heard from the speaker located at the bottom and your phone speakers.

Attaching it to a wood, brick, stucco, vinyl or cement surface has been made easier with its 4.9-by-2.4-inch mounting plate. A supplier of this bell will give you a small toolkit that contains everything you need to mount the device. Enjoy an operating range of -5 to +120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the best gadget that connects to your home Wi-Fi network to support 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity on the 2.4GHz band. Other incredible features include:

  • Weather-resistant
  • Lifetime Purchase Protection
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Operates under temperatures of -5 ºF to 120 ºF
  • Comes with micro USB charging cable

Installation

The installation bit was a walk in the park. I didn’t ask for any assistance because everything was self-explanatory. I first downloaded the app then created an account with my name, email address and password. I confirmed my location and address before I gave the doorbell a name.

You only have to follow the instructions on the app, press the button on the back of your device then go to your smartphone’s Wi-Fi settings. Connect to its SSID then reconnect it to the home Wi-Fi and enter the password. You will be live and good to go.

Mounting is also not as hard as you think. You will be provided with screws to secure the doorbell in place. I was advised to use the existing wiring of my old doorbell. The wiring powered my bell and used my existing chime. If you want to test how powerful the doorbell’s internal battery is then you can bypass this step. It only took me around 10 minutes to finish the entire setup and installation process.

Video quality

The daytime live video is crystal clear. What else would you expect from a HD camera other than sharp and well-defined colors? The 1,280-by-720-pixel camera also makes the black and white night vision video quality stand out. It is as sharp out to around 20 feet. This is why the recorded night video looked every bit as better as the live video.

Audio quality

I must say the audio quality of my doorbell is purely high. Its two-way talk with noise cancellation works reasonably good day and night. You will also get what the visitor is saying even when the weather seems to be unfriendly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • You can see and speak to anyone who presses your doorbell at any time regardless of where you are.
  • The wide-angle video that has a night vision makes this gadget stand out among all security apparatus in the market.
  • The motion-detection feature beefs up security better than your CCTV camera. It sends video alerts when anyone steps to your door.
  • It is easy to install

Cons

  • You may experience bad lag times between the doorbell presses and smartphone alerts.
  • The app performance is slow
  • No video-on-demand
  • The battery life is shorter than normal
  • Audio could be better

Conclusion

There are many security products in the market but the ring video doorbell stands out. I love the fact that I can see who is at my door from the comfort and safety of my couch. I don’t have to go and confirm. I can also accept or deny visitor calls when I want.

I get alerted of any activity going on on my doorstep with the effective motion detection even when the bell hasn’t been touched. That’s not all, the 720p camera gives me sharp videos with good color. Although the audio quality is a hit or miss, you at least get events recorded and stored automatically in the cloud. This is a key feature currently lacking in most security devices. The battery life could be better. However, this was not an issue when I bought my doorbell since I use the existing wire. And if you are looking for newer model and better then definitely chek Ring Pro Review.

 

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Skybell HD Review

I have always had interest in buying “smart” gadgets to make my life better and more efficient. When I came across the SkyBell doorbell, I had to try it out. So far, this product has redefined what home security can be in a connected world. Not only does this “smart” doorbell show you who is at the door, but also allows you to monitor your door any time of the day thanks to the “Watch Live” feature.

skybell-hd

What makes homeowners embraced it in most modern homes is due to the fact that you can connect to other smart home products at home. My home security has never been this easy. This product helps me feel secure and connected at all times. Here is my SkyBell HD review and why I think this is the best technology has to offer so far.

How It Works

This gadget starts recording as soon as the motion sensor is activated. When someone presses the button, the bell will notify me through my cell phone that there is a new visitor in front of my door. It connects with my wireless router then connects to my phone through the internet. The SkyBell app sends the alert.

I am able to see, hear and speak to my visitor with the free app compatible with selected iOS and Android devices. So I am able to answer with my phone and communicate to my visitor the same way I would do if I was video chatting.

Features

The main feature that makes SkyBell HD the best doorbell on the market is because it provides 1080p full HD Video streaming. The motion sensor is also a feature I so much wanted. The sensor is able to detect movement up to 8 feet away before the recording starts.

I am able to monitor what’s going on in front of my door from my phone with the live monitoring ability. The device has the ability to record videos and store for future reference. With the color night vision, a homeowner can have clear color videos even at night. The greatest security feature that puts my house ahead in the neighborhood is the photo snapping. I can take pictures of my visitor anytime.

Other outstanding features include:

  • Multiple users—setup with multiple users and devices
  • Heavy duty—works in extreme outdoor conditions (as low as -40c and as high as 60c)
  • 2-way audio—speak with a visitor while you are out of the house.

Installation

The installation process has been simplified and this only took 1 hour of my time to have it working. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1.Find power source: For this high tech electronic to work, you will need to connect it with either an existing doorbell wiring or a power adopter. If you don’t have the wiring, then you will have to get the resistor to connect with the power adapter to avoid burning your new fancy doorbell.

  1. Attach the mounting plate: The mounting plate should be at a point you find suitable. Here is how you can attach the mounting plate efficiently:
  • Attach to where you want the bell to be and mark spots for the screws
  • Drill small holes for the screws
  • Pull the wiring through the plate and attach it to your wall
  • Add the screws and make the mounting stick firmly to the wall

3.Attach the doorbell: Use screws to secure the SkyBell to the mounting plate, the screws are hidden underneath.

4.Download the SkyBell app: The company created a new app for the new SkyBell called the SkyBell HD. This can be downloaded and installed to your android or iOS device.

  1. Configure: Once you open the app, you will be prompted to configure the new doorbell. It’s that straight forward

6.Ready to use: Once you have installed and configured, press “SkyBell” button to taste if it’s working or live view from the app.

Video Quality

Any HD camera will always provide high quality videos. So this one gives me the best quality as compared to the previous models. The night quality also makes the quality stand out. In fact, you can setup the brightness of the LED to what you think is perfect.

Audio Quality

The audio quality on this device surpasses anything else I have tested. I have never had any issue understanding the person at the door. This is because each SkyBell in the app has the ability to control speaker volume in case it’s too loud. You can also easily decrease if you live in close proximity to other neighbors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

The HD camera of adds a big bonus. In fact, this is the only video doorbell in the market with a HD camera available. So homeowners get more than they bargained for. The motion sensor on the other hand works just great. You are able to catch trespassers right away.

The fact that you can store videos and download them any time helps home owners keep records of the events that happen at the door. So whatever your CCTV cameras fail to capture, SkyBell has everything covered. I also enjoy the fact that my doorbell is compatible with Nest devices.

Cons

The SkyBell app is not available for the Android 4 version. So this is not a security solution to everyone. The video call will at some time lose signal but only temporarily. You will still experience the 1-2 seconds delay.

Conclusion

With that said, the SkyBell is a security device any home should have. If you prefer a sleek, nice looking and rock solid gadgets then you shouldn’t look any further. When compared to other competitor models, the connectivity and wireless range is quite something to be proud of.

It makes sense to use a 2.4Ghz WiFi since the signal has to get through exterior walls to the doorbell. The nice LED color that glows right on the button adds style and sophistication to your door. This feature is also fully customized through the app for those who love change. Get yourself the SkyBell HD.

 

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August Doorbell Cam Review

Best camera doorbell known to provide a safe and convenient way to see your guest without having to go and open your door. I bought my August Doorbell Cam specifically for that reason. Apart from just wanting to look cool in my neighborhood, crystal clear video images made me wish these gadgets were developed earlier. If someone rings my door, I can decide whether to open or not because the power is in my hand. This August Doorbell Cam Review will explain to you benefits you stand to enjoy especially if security concerns are your priority.august-cam

How it works

This doorbell works pretty much like some of the latest technology doorbells in stores. It uses the same Android and iOS app as your August Smart Lock. Once a guest presses my bell, I get a push notification on my phone. This then takes me to my app where I can view live video and also have a conversation with whoever is at my door. Whether to pick calls or not is me to decide.

August Lock works with my August doorbell making it easier to lock or unlock my door with the press of a button. Press “Watch Live” for video on-demand. Press and hold “microphone” if you want to speak to whoever is at your door. There is more you can do with this doorbell. For instance, you can tap your gear icon so that it opens a settings page. Here is where you can enable the Doorbell chime, check signal strength of the doorbell’s Wi-Fi, adjust speaker volume and check battery levels.

Features

August Doorbell Cam looks nothing like a doorbell camera nor does it look like a doorbell. Its casing is square and measures 3” on each side and 0.8” thick. It comes with a plate to mount that’s 3-by-3 inches with 1/8-inch thickness. It has four wired terminals for the casing and two external wires that connect it to your existing wires.

Most August doorbell reviews will tell you how good this device is but that’s just not enough. This is a one of a kind smart Doorbell you have to try. It is available in two colors, silver and dark gray. It has a 2-inch large and round button at the center that enhances its general look. This button activates the buzzer and camera. You will admire its small 1,280-by-960 HD camera which has a 120-degree field of view.

There is also a motion sensor attached to it in the upper left. A speaker and microphone are located below its buzzer button. They are meant for two-way audio communications between your phone and the doorbell.

Installation

Judging from different August Doorbell Cam reviews on net, you can tell that the installation process is quite easy. Just removed your existing bell and connected two mounting plate wires to the two doorbell wires with Dolphin connectors included in your package. Attach the mounting plate and snap your Doorbell casing onto the plate, it’s that simple. However, it is advisable that you first charge its internal battery for 30 minutes before using it.

After installing, you should now download the iOS or Android August app. This app is easy to configure. It will walk you through the account setup process if you don’t have one. You will then configure your bell successfully. Here is what you should be seeing.

  • Select Start Setup in once the LED indicators on your device starts flashing green (meaning you’ve installed everything properly).
  • Give your house and door where the buzzer has been installed a name
  • If your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi network, it will search for your doorbell.
  • It will connect over Wi-Fi

Video quality

With a 1,280-by-960 HD camera, video quality of this smart gadget is more than you could ask for. Its clarity is just excellent. With LED light augmentation, facial recognition has been improved. This device was specifically created to improve security in your home and video clips stored in the cloud reveal every detail of what has happened on your door. You won’t believe how its image detail is crisp and there is no doubt that you will fall in love with its ability to stream videos with clean and excellent colors. Night-time videos are sharp and have good contrast.

Audio quality

The audio quality of August Doorbell Cam has also not been compromised. Audio speakers are loud enough for your guest to get exactly what you are saying. You can clearly communicate with your visitor through August app more effectively provided your Wi-Fi is on point. This one also has noise cancellation features that filter out unwanted background noise. Get a clear voice when talking to a deliver guy through the two-way audio. Who said you must be at home to receive your package? Give him instructions while in your office or in a restaurant having some quality time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Has excellent HD image quality
  • On-demand video streaming
  • It can intergrade with August Lock

Cons

  • No IFTTT support
  • Motion detection and video recording not yet enabled.
  • Installation procedure a bit complicated than other doorbells

Conclusion

Although this is not the first creator of new-tech doorbells, but one thing is for sure; their products are a step in the right direction. Other devices in stores are criticized for their significant lag times, standard-definition live feeds and other shortcomings, this model seems to address more than what meets the eye. It surely delivers sharpest videos, better than my CCTV camera. Gone are the days when I had to open for strangers and people who interfered with my quality time. However, all its features are not ready for prime time.

Although my concern was on whether or not my bell would fit where the original bell was, it did fit and therefore there was no need of rerouting my wiring to a different spot. But it is important to understand that August doorbell with other high-tech wired models will only work if your door has a traditional mechanical chime.