There are several things you can do to help keep your home safe.
For example, you can install a home security system. In the United States alone, more than 2 million home burglaries happen each year. If you do not have a home security system, you’re 300 percent more likely to experience a burglary.
In addition to having a security system, it’s also smart to use other home security gadgets. Although there are many options, a smart doorbell is one of the best investments.
If you’re having troubles with your smart doorbell, reach out to HelpCloud Technicians.
Video Doorbells Explained
Video doorbells are advanced safety devices.
They conveniently allow you to monitor your home and keep it secure. Many video recorder doorbells have 180 degrees of coverage, allowing you to monitor more than just your doorstep.
Depending on the type of doorbell you use, you can also benefit from things like HD audio and visuals. For convenience, you can choose an option that uses wireless internet to connect to your most-used devices, like your smartphone or a tablet.
When someone rings your video doorbell, technology allows you to see him or her and communicate back and forth. The person at the door will not be able to see your picture; he or she will only be able to hear your voice and talk back to you.
As long as you have service, you can see who is at your door and communicate with them 24 hours a day. Even if you’re in another state or out of the country, your smart doorbell will still connect to your device as long as it has service.
Other smart doorbells come with motion detectors. So, even if the doorbell hasn’t been rung, the system will record in the event there is suspicious movement taking place.
Many systems will also allow you to share, rewind and save the videos they record, whether they turn on from a doorbell ring or are triggered by movement. In short, a video doorbell is like a security camera, audio recorder and speaker all wrapped into one user-friendly device.
A video doorbell can also be an effective way to keep your home safe. If a person comes to the door who you do not trust, a video doorbell will allow you to seem as if you’re home even if you’re out of the house.
People who are interested in burglarizing your home often ring the doorbell first to see if you’re home. When you speak with the person at the door through the smart doorbell, you’re likely to deter them from criminalizing your house.
Video doorbells can benefit nearly every homeowner.
Busy people who often miss important visitors or package deliveries enjoy video doorbells because they enable them to function like they’re home even if away. Individuals with mobility problems or hearing troubles can also greatly benefit from video doorbells because they’re customizable and easily cater to different special needs.
When, Where and How to Buy
No matter the time of year, you can purchase a video doorbell in several ways. If you have a local consumer electronics retailer nearby, they might have several options for you to choose from. You can also purchase a video doorbell online for a reasonable price.
Video doorbells generally start at around $99. The more features you want, the more you’ll need to pay. The most technologically advanced doorbells with video capabilities cost around $250. Fortunately, many companies save you money by designing for personal installation.
Some video doorbells are designed so that they can be installed without the help of an electrician. In comparison to a home security system, which generally cost at least $1,500 for installation alone, a video doorbell is an excellent investment.
The Top Options
1) Ring
Each year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) takes place and puts innovators and breakthrough technologies on a global stage. The next big breakthroughs are often introduced to the marketplace at the CES showcase. During CES 2019, there was a big buzz around the Ring video doorbell.
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Consumers were instantly impressed by the doorbell’s new battery-powered design. There is no longer a need to deal with complicated wires when using a Ring doorbell. Additionally, the system is now easier to mount and use than ever before.
Still, if you are having any kind of difficulty installing, using or troubleshooting your home’s video doorbell, strongly consider reaching out to HelpCloud Technicians for remote support to help resolve the issue.
When someone visits your front door, the Ring records what’s going on outside. It also functions with an intercom, so you can have a two-way conversation with the person outside. Another great feature about the Ring is that it detects when people knock on your door.
2) August Doorbell Cam Pro
Another popular video doorbell is created by August. Overall, the August Doorbell Cam Pro is known for its amazing video quality and low response time. It also comes equipped with a built-in floodlight, which allows it to offer color night vision.
Although other devices have night vision, they are often only in black and white. Users also love this doorbell because it can be used with voice control via Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant.
3) Nest Hello Video Doorbell
You might be familiar with the name Nest because of their well-known smart thermostat, but they also make an impressive doorbell, the Nest Hello Video Doorbell. It responds quickly, has impressive quality and it’s easy to use.
Also, it has voice control via Google Assistant, which can be very helpful. The Nest doorbell connects to your hardwiring and is generally straightforward to set up and install.
Users often rave about this product because it allows you to record messages that can then be played at the door. So, if you’re not home, you can play a prerecorded message for your guest, kind of like a voicemail.
On top of all Nest already offers, it also comes with upgrades. If you pay for a Nest Aware plan, you can get features like facial recognition and continuous video recordings.
4) SkyBell HD
SkyBell offers a WIFI video doorbell that’s designed to be in the elements. With a rain-proof design, it’s one of the first video doorbell devices really built for inclement weather. This video recorder also comes with free cloud storage. For no monthly fee, the video recorded on your doorbell will be stored on the internet.
Another benefit of the device is that it’s designed to alert you when there is motion detected. When someone is on your doorstep or approaching your home, SkyBell will send an alert directly to your desired device.
Another useful feature is the ability to capture a photo of the person at your door simply. If you find you want a photo in addition to video, you can press a button to quickly capture and store an image.
5) SMONET Smart Doorbell
For the low price of $69.99, many users are drawn to the SMONET Smart Doorbell.
In addition to controlling the device through your smartphone or tablet, it can also be used with a wireless remote. The device covers 166 degrees so you can see your doorstep and most of your front yard all day and night. Like other systems, an electrician should not need to be present for installation.
One thing to keep in mind about this system is that it stores its video on a memory card, which is not included with the smart doorbell. Once you purchase and insert a memory card, the unit will automatically delete the prior recordings when the memory card is full. So, if you’re worried about losing footage, this might not be the best option for your household.
6) Kuna
Although many video doorbells have a sleek design, Kuna goes above and beyond. The Kuna WIFI video camera is built into an elegant outdoor light fixture. You can control the light through your phone, put it on a schedule or have it automatically come on when the day’s light darkens.
When someone is at your door, the system sends you an alert. You can see and talk to the person through a smart device whether you’re home or away. If you do not want to talk with someone and are concerned by their presence, you can also trigger Kuna’s alarm from your device. To install the light, all you need to do is replace your old lighting fixture with Kuna and make sure it’s hooked up correctly to the already-existing wiring.
Other Must-Have Security Products
Smart doorbells will help keep you safe, but they’re not the only investment to consider. A smart speaker is another security technology that can improve the quality of your life. For many users with special needs, the Amazon Echo is the best device. You can use Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated assistant, to call friends, family or 911 in case of an emergency.
You may also send messages through Alexa when you need assistance. In addition, Alexa can play music, make to-do/shopping lists and carry out other helpful tasks.
Smart door locks are another option that increase the security of a home. There’s arguably nothing worse than leaving your home and questioning if you locked the door; well, having this feeling when you’re already tucked into bed can be pretty terrible, too. With a smart door lock, you can lock and unlock your home’s smart locks remotely from your current location.
A third category that’s worth considering is smart kitchen devices. There are microwaves, ovens, coffee makers and more that can be controlled through your phone. So, if you ever leave the house and are concerned the oven is still on, you can check from a smart device. If you forget to turn it off, you can then do so remotely instead of needing to travel back home.
Many of the kitchen smart devices also have power down options. This way, your devices will automatically turn off after a specific amount of time, hopefully preventing fires and other safety threats.
Safety First
Staying safe is possible, especially with the help of smart technology. That being said, using new devices for the first time can come with unique challenges. If you are having any kind of difficulty installing, using or troubleshooting your home’s smart devices, strongly consider reaching out to HelpCloud Technicians for remote support to help resolve the issue.
