Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team

In the current era, innovations have surfaced that significantly improve our daily living by bolstering convenience and safety. While everyone prioritizes safety, not all adopt the most effective measures to ensure it. Thankfully, smart video doorbells present an avenue for enhanced security, making our homes safer than ever before.

The Basics of Smart Video Doorbells

Smart Video Doorbells provide homeowners with the ability to interact with visitors right at their doorstep using a smartphone, no matter where they are. They serve as a valuable tool for individuals often on the move, granting them the ability to remain connected with activities at their home. Moreover, for those prioritizing safety, it offers an enhanced security layer.

Unlike traditional video doorbells, Smart Video Doorbells are equipped with high-definition cameras and two-way audio, enabling homeowners to engage in conversations with visitors before granting them entry. What differentiates Smart Video Doorbells further is their motion detection feature. They not only detect motion but also have the functionality to send notifications and save recorded footage.

As technology progresses, newer models are boasting features like person, pet, and package identification. Some of the latest editions even come with face recognition capabilities, providing homeowners with a heightened sense of security and ease.

Diving Deeper: Smart Video Doorbell Capabilities

While many are acquainted with the traditional video doorbell’s functionality of viewing visitors from the home’s interior, the modern Smart Video Doorbell brings much more to the table. Its diverse features make it an asset for spotting known faces, identifying strangers, noticing package deliveries, deterring potential threats, and overall ensuring a household’s safety. Due to these expanded capabilities, Smart Video Doorbells are fast emerging as essential home security equipment.

Basic Features Explained

Here are some foundational features most Smart Video Doorbells possess:

Video Storage Options: Many of these doorbells use cloud storage, allowing users to revisit footage of their visitors. However, this often necessitates a subscription for cloud services. Alternatively, certain models offer local storage, equipped with a microSD card slot, allowing footage to be saved directly on the device.
Motion Detection: Almost every Smart Video Doorbell comes with motion detection. This means the moment someone is nearing the entrance, the doorbell can notify the user and begin recording automatically. This feature is particularly beneficial for those keen on being alerted whenever there’s activity by their door.

The motion detection feature often includes advanced capabilities such as heat and human shape recognition, considerably reducing potential false alarms.

However, Smart Video Doorbells don’t just stop at these features. There are models in the market that offer even more sophisticated functionalities. Let’s delve into these advanced capabilities next.

Advanced Capabilities of Smart Video Doorbells

Sophisticated Camera Features

The newer, advanced models of Smart Video Doorbells come equipped with highly sophisticated camera functionalities. While having an enhanced camera is undeniably advantageous, it’s particularly crucial because it amplifies the efficiency of the artificial intelligence algorithms the doorbell operates on. Here are some notable camera features:

High-Definition Video: Some of these doorbells are fortified with HD cameras, ensuring that the footage captured is of superior clarity and detail.
Wide-Angle Lenses: Certain models boast wide-angle lenses, offering users an extended field of view, ensuring they don’t miss out on any activity in the vicinity of their doors.
Zoom Capabilities: With this feature, users can zoom into specific parts of the footage without sacrificing much on the video’s clarity.
Night Vision: Arguably, one of the standout benefits of an advanced Smart Video Doorbell is its ability to provide users with a clear view of who’s at or nearing their door, even in the darkness of the night.

Beyond Basic Motion Detection

The prowess of advanced Smart Video Doorbells isn’t limited to just motion detection. They elevate this feature by including detections for persons, packages, and even pets. However, it’s essential to differentiate between mere detection and recognition. For instance, while a doorbell may detect a person or pet, it doesn’t necessarily recognize or assign an identity to them.

Though Face Recognition technology is making its presence felt, only a handful of Smart Video Doorbells currently incorporate this feature. However, the tide is shifting, and it’s anticipated that this feature will soon become a norm. As the market continues to evolve rapidly, it becomes paramount for manufacturers to consistently revisit and refine their AI strategies. It’s also vital for them to find efficient means to update their AI capabilities, ensuring their products always resonate with cutting-edge technological advancements.

The Future of Smart Video Doorbells

As technology continues its relentless march forward, Smart Video Doorbells are poised for considerable evolution, particularly in the realms of AI detection and recognition. A testament to this is the gradual inclusion of Face Recognition in more products. This feature will potentially allow doorbells to identify the person at the doorstep if their face image has been saved in the system. For unrecognized faces, an alert will be triggered, intimating the user about a potential stranger at the door, aptly termed ‘stranger detection.’

Moreover, the future promises AI innovations that allow Smart Video Doorbells to adapt to the daily routines of users and proactively respond. Envisage a scenario where the doorbell, recognizing it’s past a particular hour, automatically locks the doors or sets a security alarm. Another anticipated feature is ‘anomaly detection.’ With this, the doorbell would be able to notify users about any unusual activity in their vicinity. For instance, it might alert parents if their kids don’t arrive home from school at the typical time.

Given the trajectory, it’s evident that Smart Video Doorbells are not just a transient trend in home security. Their integration with advanced computer vision and AI assures that they will continually adapt, innovate, and offer unparalleled security solutions in the times to come.

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The Indispensable Benefits of Video Doorbells

While there are numerous perks that come with a video doorbell, here are some compelling reasons that showcase their true value:

Financial Incentives: Home Insurance Discounts

Installing a smart doorbell could lead to savings on your homeowners insurance. The presence of such devices not only deters potential break-ins due to their motion detection and video features but also offers crucial information for insurance providers and the police. As a result, many insurance companies reward homeowners with reduced premiums for adding this enhanced security feature to their homes.

Combat the Threat of ‘Porch Pirates’

The rise of online shopping has resulted in an increase in doorstep deliveries, giving rise to a new breed of thieves known as ‘porch pirates.’ These individuals stealthily wait for a delivery person to drop off packages and seize the opportunity to steal the goods when the homeowner is absent. Smart doorbells offer multiple defenses against these opportunistic criminals. For starters, homeowners can configure their smart doorbell to alert them of any activity around their front door, enabling them to secure their deliveries swiftly. They can even communicate with the delivery person via the doorbell’s two-way audio feature, guiding them to place packages in safer spots. Additionally, some advanced doorbells possess features that actively deter potential thieves, like activating a bright light and loud speaker when suspicious activity is detected.

Providing Crucial Evidence in Law Enforcement

In unfortunate events like break-ins, the high-quality video footage from smart doorbells can be pivotal evidence for the police. These devices continually monitor entrances and other proximate areas, recording any person or activity that triggers their motion sensors. Such footage has proven invaluable to police departments, aiding them in solving a variety of crimes, ranging from kidnappings and car thefts to assaults.

On-the-Go Monitoring of Home Entrances

With smart doorbells, gone are the days when one would discreetly tiptoe to the door’s peephole, hoping the person outside wouldn’t notice. These devices offer live video feeds directly to users’ devices whenever someone rings the doorbell. Whether you’re at home or away, you’ll receive real-time notifications, allowing you to decide whether to interact with the visitor or not.

A Formidable Deterrent for Potential Burglars

A smart doorbell is a powerful addition to your home security arsenal. Potential burglars usually target homes without security measures. Aware that these doorbells come equipped with cameras that can capture their identities and that homeowners receive instant notifications, many would-be intruders may think twice before targeting a home fortified with such a security feature. This preventive aspect can make smart doorbells a crucial component in safeguarding your residence.

Engaging with Visitors Safely

One of the prominent features of smart doorbells is the two-way communication mechanism, allowing homeowners to converse with visitors without physically answering the door. This can be particularly useful when you wish to provide instructions to delivery personnel or simply when you’d prefer not to approach the door. Moreover, this capability offers an added layer of security by enabling homeowners to interact with individuals at the doorstep even when they aren’t home. Such interactions can deter potential burglars, who often knock to ascertain if a house is empty, and offer added protection, especially if children are home alone.

Seamless Integration with Existing Smart Systems

Smart doorbells offer the flexibility of integration with your pre-existing smart home devices. Beyond the conventional pairing with smartphones or tablets, these doorbells can harmoniously collaborate with systems like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Nest. This unified approach to home automation elevates the overall convenience and functionality of your smart home ecosystem.

Uninterrupted Video Surveillance

A standout advantage of smart doorbells is their persistent surveillance capability. These devices are perpetually active, recording video footage round the clock, ensuring you don’t miss any activity around your entrance. Many of these systems retain the video clips for a duration, with some even offering cloud storage for easy access. This continuous access to footage ensures you can verify the legitimacy of entrants and monitor essential activities, such as children returning from school or a pet sitter attending to your dog.

Enhanced Security through Professional Monitoring

Smart doorbells can elevate your home security by integrating with professional monitoring services. It’s not always feasible to be on high alert or within the immediate reach of your smartphone. In such scenarios, knowing that a dedicated team of skilled professionals is available 24/7 to respond to any security breaches offers invaluable peace of mind.

A Visual Deterrent for Intruders

Arguably one of the most crucial benefits of a smart doorbell is its visibility. The mere presence of this device can serve as a deterrent to potential intruders. Recognizing that they are being monitored and that the homeowner has been alerted to their presence, many would-be burglars might reconsider their intentions, opting for a less fortified target. This passive protection feature amplifies the safety quotient for both the property and its residents.

Tips on Choosing Your Smart Doorbell

Video Quality: Ensure the smart doorbell offers high-definition video, preferably 1080p resolution. Clear visuals can help in identifying visitors or potential threats more effectively.
Two-way Audio: Opt for a model with a robust two-way audio feature. This allows you to communicate with visitors without having to open your door, enhancing security and convenience.
Night Vision: For effective surveillance even in the dark, ensure the smart doorbell comes equipped with infrared night vision capabilities.
Field of View: A wider field of view ensures that you can see more of your doorstep and surroundings. Ideally, choose a model that offers at least a 160-degree lens.
Motion Detection: Smart doorbells with adjustable motion detection zones can help in reducing false alarms. Some advanced models can even differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles.
Integration with Other Devices: Check if the smart doorbell can integrate with other smart home systems you have, such as smart locks, lights, or home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Power Options: Some doorbells work on batteries while others need to be hardwired. Choose according to your convenience and how frequently you’re willing to charge or replace batteries.
Storage Solutions: Investigate how the doorbell stores video footage. Some offer cloud storage (which might come with a subscription fee), while others might have local storage options. Decide based on your preference for accessibility and data security.
Weather Resistance: Ensure the doorbell can withstand the weather conditions of your location, be it extreme cold, heat, rain, or snow.
Ease of Installation: If you’re a DIY enthusiast, look for models that are easy to install. Otherwise, consider if the brand offers professional installation services.
Security Features: Advanced encryption and data protection measures are vital. Ensure the doorbell has features that protect against hacking or unauthorized access.
Subscription Costs: Some features, especially cloud storage or advanced detection capabilities, might come with a monthly fee. Be sure to factor in these costs when making your decision.
Design and Aesthetics: While functionality is paramount, you might also want a doorbell that complements the exterior of your home. Look for designs that match or enhance your home’s aesthetic.
Warranty and Support: Always choose a product that comes with a reliable warranty and offers good customer support. This can be invaluable if you face issues down the line.

When deciding on the best smart doorbell for your needs, it’s crucial to consider both its functional capabilities and how it fits into your broader home ecosystem. A well-chosen device can provide peace of mind, convenience, and a touch of modern sophistication to your entrance.

Conclusion

In an age where technology continually reshapes our daily experiences, smart doorbells stand out not just as tools of security, but as devices that offer a myriad of unanticipated advantages. Beyond the obvious layer of safety they add to our homes, they seamlessly intertwine with our digital ecosystem, enhance our day-to-day conveniences, and even offer financial incentives. From safeguarding deliveries against ‘porch pirates’ to providing homeowners with peace of mind through professional monitoring, these devices showcase that innovation often yields benefits far exceeding their primary intent. As we look towards a future where our homes become even more interconnected, it’s devices like smart doorbells that will pave the way, redefining the confluence of security and convenience.