Not the same ding-dong
Homeowners embrace smart doorbells
Kim Fundingsland/MDN Video doorbells are easily installed, usually in the same place as an existing doorbell. A wide angle camera provides an excellent view for homeowners to see and record anyone on their property.
Ringing the doorbell isn’t quite the same as it used to be. Neither is knocking on a door or even stepping onto the sidewalk of someone’s property.
Why?
An increasing number of homeowners today have discovered the advantages of installing “smart” doorbells, doorbells that record video and even have a “talk back” feature. Not only do owners of smart doorbells receive notification on their smart phones when a delivery is made, packages and such, but the video is recorded too.
It’s not just neat technology that’s fun to own and show off, there’s a security aspect to it as well. Unwanted visitors, such as “porch pirates” stealing packages delivered to someone’s doorstep, are caught on video where they can usually be identified and later prosecuted.
“Video doorbells have helped in several cases,” said Capt. John Klug, Minot Police. “It can help give us a suspect vehicle or person that may lead to an arrest, or at the very least, a place to start the investigation. Digital evidence is more and more prevalent to our cases as technology advances.”
A man approaches a front porch in this photograph taken by a doorbell camera and captured on a smart phone. Doorbell cameras alert homeowners to anyone who approaches their properties.
Most video doorbell cameras are high-definition and provide remarkably clear images. They usually give a wide-angle view that can include driveways, sidewalks, even streets in front of homes, in addition to the entry area of a home. Motion sensors let homeowners know when someone is at their door, via smart phone no matter if the homeowner is inside or far away from the residence.
There’s a talk-back feature too. Using a smart phone, a homeowner can speak to a person who has approached their property and hear their response. The person does not know if the homeowner is speaking from inside the property or from a remote location.
There are several types of video doorbells on the market. Prices start at less than $100. Some are designed to be easily installed using the same wiring as existing doorbells. Others run on a rechargeable battery that operates up to six months on a full charge. When a battery runs low on power a smart phone application alerts the homeowner that it is time for a re-charge.
Many video doorbells contain infrared LEDs that allow for excellent recording of images in low light situations. Video stored on the “cloud” can be recalled and viewed at any time. Installation of video doorbells is easy and, according to manufacturers, can be done in as little as five minutes.