Smart doorbell and other accessories

6 years ago

I recently got a google home unit, and have developed an interest in getting a few other smart products. One is those little plug in outlets that can be operated by WiFi. Some of them specify that they work with google home.

another is the ring doorbell. I don’t currently have a doorbell so there is no wiring for the pro unit. I’m considering the ring 2 which runs on lithium batteries.

anything I should know about these that I may not have thought of? Experiences with any of these? Pros and cons?

thanks

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Comments (5)

Chessie
6 years ago
I have the smart plugs and love them. I would like to have a Ring doorbell, but I refuse to pay for a cloud subscription to store the video. Once you do that, you are at the mercy of the company for a monthly fee - that they can hike anytime they like. I am waiting for a smart doorbell that I can connect to a DVR at home. THAT I would go for.
Saypoint zone 6 CT thanked Chessie
User
6 years ago
I have Ring. In addition to the yearly cost for cloud storage, you may need an internal chime.
Saypoint zone 6 CT thanked User
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Steve J
6 years ago
I have both as well.

i use the smart plugs with my Samsung SmartThings. They’re z-wave devices, but function basically the same way other than they run through SmartThings and I have much more control and customization with them. That said, they are awesome as are my switches and other sensors.

i recently bought a Ring Pro and installed it myself. My previous doorbell was wireless, and the button was stolen so it was time to replace. I went with the Ring Pro because I didnt want to deal with recharging batteries, abd I wanted to be able to view live video whenever I wanted. You can install a Pro without having a current doorbell, but you have to run wires, and you need a transformer. I opted for an ElK plug in transformer vs a hardwired transformer because all the reviews for every transformer suck. I figured if I need to replace it, I can just unplug it and swap the wires and I’m done without having to shut off a circuit. Running wires for me was pretty easy as I have a basement utility room just below. Your mileage may vary. I almost went with the Ring 2, but again, no live viewing.

I mentiones my SmartThings before, I have added my ring into SmartThings, and use the built in motion sensor to turn on my outside lights if it detects motion in my yard. Should make most people think twice about lingering around.

As Jim mentioned, if you dont have a current doorbell, you will likely want a chime to go with it. Ring has them for $50.

Also for the Ring, regardless of which one (except for brand new network cabled one) you need a pretty decent wireless signal at your door. That will affect the video quality and the cause for most complaints.

Regarding the subscription costs... I wasnt excited about it either, but I figured $100/yr was worth the additional security it provides. If it stops or helps convict one person from theft or break in, how much is that worth to you? On top of that, the subscription provides:

-Cloud storage for up to 60 days accessible from anywhere on any device. I dont need to buy a dvr, configure it, or open a firewall port for it.

-Unlimited devices (base plan is per device)

-And the main reason for upgrading to thr better plan, lifetime warranty on the doorbell. If its damaged or stolen, they’ll replace it for free.
Saypoint zone 6 CT thanked Steve J
Saypoint zone 6 CT
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thanks for all the info.

Steve, what do you mean when you say that the ring 2 doesn’t have live viewing?

I’d probably have an electrician install the transformer and wiring for the pro version.
Steve J
6 years ago
The battery only device live viewing only shows live video when someone rings the bell. The hardwired models let you initiate an ad-hoc live viewing at any time.

Smart doorbell and other accessories

Comments (5)

Chessie

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Smart doorbell and other accessories

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Chessie

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