Smart Home 101: this article is part of our Smart Home 101 series, where we dive into everything you need to know about the smart home of today and tomorrow. 

This article introduces you to the Video Doorbell, allowing you to check and secure your front door from anywhere, anytime. In this guide, we'll cover key factors to consider before buying one, such as camera quality, field of view, smart home compatibility, and mobile app features. Additionally, we'll explore the latest video doorbell technology, including people and package detection, alerts, notifications, and night vision capabilities. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and enhance your home's security.

Hardwired or Wireless Video Doorbells

When choosing a video doorbell, one of the first decisions you'll need is whether you want a hardwired or wireless option. Hardwired doorbells are connected directly to your existing low-voltage doorbell chime wiring, while wireless doorbells are battery-powered and connect to your home's Wi-Fi network.

Hardwired Video Doorbell Advantages: One advantage of hardwired video doorbells is that they don't need regular battery replacements, making them more reliable in the long run. However, installation can be more complicated and may require professionals to help. In addition, hardwired doorbells typically offer more advanced features and higher-quality video than their wireless counterparts.

Wireless Video Doorbell Advantages: On the other hand, wireless video doorbells are generally easier to install. Set them up anywhere convenient, making them a good choice for renters or those who move often. They also tend to be more affordable than hardwired options and offer a range of features that can still meet most homeowners' needs. However, they need regular battery replacements and may be less reliable in areas with poor Wi-Fi connectivity.

Ultimately, the choice between hardwired and wireless video doorbells comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your home. Consider factors like installation, maintenance, and feature requirements before deciding.

Camera Quality

Video Resolution: The camera quality of a video doorbell is an essential consideration as it affects the clarity of the images and videos you'll receive. Most video doorbells come with a 1080p HD camera, which supplies a clear image of everything at your door. However, some doorbells come with 720p or even 480p resolution, which may be more pixelated and lack detail. Note: 4K video doorbells are also available, offering sharper video images. These devices cost more than 1080p HD models and the video storage requirements are greater due to the higher resolution.

Field-of-View: Another essential aspect of camera quality is the ability to capture wide-angle shots. For example, a doorbell with a wide field-of-view (FOV) can capture more of your front porch, giving you a better view of visitors or any package delivery. You'll typically find doorbells with FOV ranging from 120 to 180 degrees. Ensure you check with the vertical FOV; otherwise, you will miss important events at your door.

Zoom: Some video doorbells have a built-in zoom feature that allows you to focus on specific areas of the video feed. This feature is handy if you want to look at something better, like the package left at your doorstep. Note that some cameras offer digital zoom, a method of zooming in which reduces the field of view in a photo or video by cropping it to match the original aspect ratio and then scaling it up, all without adjusting the camera's optics.

Alerts and Notifications

Motion Detection: One of the essential features of a video doorbell is the ability to receive alerts and notifications when someone approaches your front door. The best video doorbells will let you know whenever they detect motion, or someone rings the doorbell.

Motion Zones: Some video doorbells offer customizable motion zones, allowing you to specify areas where you want to receive alerts. For example, you can set up a motion zone that only alerts you when someone enters a specific area of your porch or driveway.

Smartphone Connectivity: Another essential feature to look for in video doorbell notifications is the ability to receive alerts on your smartphone or other devices. This way, a notification is sent to you proactively, wherever you are, and you can even answer the doorbell from your phone.

Alert Types: Lastly, consider the types of alerts and notifications you want to receive. A PIR (Passive Infrared) triggered alert in video doorbells is an alert notification that is activated when the device's built-in PIR sensor detects motion or heat signatures in its field of view. This technology helps reduce false alarms caused by non-human movements, like leaves blowing in the wind or moving shadows. When the PIR sensor detects relevant motion, the video doorbell sends an alert to the homeowner's mobile device, allowing them to be alerted to potential visitors or security events.

Night Vision

Low-light Performance: Night vision is an essential feature of any video doorbell, enabling you to see clearly in low-light conditions. This feature is critical if you receive many visitors at night or want to check any suspicious activity around your home.

Infrared Sensors: When choosing a video doorbell, look for one with infrared night vision, which provides the clearest image in the dark. Most video doorbells have infrared sensors that detect heat and convert it into a visible image. Some video doorbells also come with an integrated spotlight or can be connected to your smart home lighting, illuminating your front porch and making it easier to see visitors.

Quality: Night vision quality can vary between video doorbell cameras. Some may have a limited range, while others may provide a clear image even in complete darkness. Review the specifications of different video doorbells to ensure you choose one with at least 10ft. of high-quality night vision.

Overall, night vision is an important feature to consider when choosing a video doorbell, especially if you want to watch activity around your home all day and night.

Smart Home Connectivity

Connected Smart Home: One of the benefits of a video doorbell is its ability to connect with other smart home devices, such as smart locks, smart lights, and home security systems. When a video doorbell is part of a connected smart home ecosystem, it can enhance your home's security and provide a lot of added conveniences.

Single App: Having your entire home controlled with a single app is also essential. For example, if you have a smart lock installed on your front door, you can use your video doorbell to unlock the door for your guests remotely. Similarly, if you have a smart light installed on your porch, you can set it to turn on automatically when the video doorbell detects a person, but it won't if it's an animal.

When choosing a video doorbell, consider the smart home devices you already have installed and look for one that can integrate. 

Mobile App

Remote Monitoring: An excellent mobile app is essential for any smart video doorbell. It should be easy to use and give you quick access to your video doorbell's features and settings. With a mobile app, you can check your front door from anywhere, receive alerts and notifications, and adjust your video doorbell settings on the go.

Testing Your App: When choosing a video doorbell, download and test the mobile app before buying. Check the reviews and look for a user-friendly app with a clear and easy-to-understand interface. The app should also allow you to customize your video doorbell settings, such as adjusting the motion detection sensitivity or setting up custom motion detection zones.

Other Functionality: Additionally, the mobile app should provide notifications and alerts when someone rings your doorbell, detects motion, or when someone is at your front door. Most importantly, ensure the app lets you view recorded video footage or live video streams from your doorbell. 

Data Privacy and Security

Secure Storage: When choosing a video doorbell, it's important to consider data privacy and security. A video doorbell is a device that captures video footage of your home, so it's important to ensure that this data is stored securely and is not accessible to unauthorized parties.

Video Encryption: Look for a video doorbell that includes end-to-end encryption of all video footage and other data. This means the data is encrypted when it's in transit (i.e., being transmitted from the video doorbell to your mobile device or the cloud) and at rest (i.e., stored on the video doorbell or in the cloud). End-to-end encryption ensures your data is secure and can't be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties.

Authentication: Additionally, ensure that the video doorbell you choose has a strong password policy and two-factor authentication. You want to prevent unauthorized access to your device and ensure only authorized users (yourself and anyone you give access to) can view the video footage.

Data Privacy: Finally, it's important to read the privacy policy of the video doorbell and ensure that you're comfortable with how they're handling your data. Look for a provider that is transparent about their data privacy policies and gives you control over your data, such as the ability to remove your data from their servers if you choose to do so. Most importantly, ensure your data is never used for advertising purposes and can never be shared without your consent.

Data privacy and security are easy to overlook, but the last thing you must worry about is unauthorized people accessing your home.

Conclusion

Choosing a video doorbell can be a great addition to your smart home, and as we've discussed, it's important to consider several factors before making a purchase. These factors include whether you want a hardwired or wireless video doorbell, camera quality, camera field of view, alerts, notifications, night vision, smart home connectivity, mobile app, and data privacy and security.

A video doorbell can give you peace of mind by allowing you to watch your front door from anywhere and receive alerts when someone is at your door. With features like people and package detection, you can receive alerts when important deliveries arrive, a friend comes over, or someone is loitering around your front door.

When choosing a video doorbell, consider your specific needs and preferences. With so many options available on the market, there's a video doorbell out there that's right for everyone.

At GreenMarbles, we work with various builders and property managers nationwide, helping them decide what sustainable solutions will work best for their customers (including video doorbells). 

Smart Home 101: Picking The Right Video Doorbell For Your Home