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.
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.
Contents
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.
- 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.
- 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.
