Well I broke down and bought a SkyBell Doorbell. Got it all installed and happy to say, so far I like it!
The whole process only took about 15 minutes to get up and running.
To install...disconnect old doorbell, attach new backplate, attach old wire to new Skybell and place the Skybell on the backplate. Screw in the safety set screw and that part is done.
Now for the app. For me it's Android, downloaded from the Play store..create new account, type in the mac address of the doorbell and it connects. Once it connects to the Wifi, wait for about 5 minutes for the SkyBell to update itself. That's it!
My impressions so far:
- It looks sharp on the wall
- The wide angle lens captures my 12 ft wide deck without a problem and captures the whole person standing just a couple feet from it.
- The audio is perfect but can very easily carry on a conversation with the person standing there.
- Wish we could add the camera to Blue Iris but being able to turn the camera on demand is a nice feature.
- I sent a feedback form in asking when/if there would be an open API or a dedicated IP address for the camera but haven't heard anything back yet.
- Haven't had it long enough yet to test the night vision..will let you know tomorrow!
- I also went around and added the app to each of my Android tablets, now I can see who is at the door from any room of the house even if I don't have my phone on me.
Looks like I'm going to be getting another for my front door!
I've attached a couple screenshots from within the App.
The whole process only took about 15 minutes to get up and running.
To install...disconnect old doorbell, attach new backplate, attach old wire to new Skybell and place the Skybell on the backplate. Screw in the safety set screw and that part is done.
Now for the app. For me it's Android, downloaded from the Play store..create new account, type in the mac address of the doorbell and it connects. Once it connects to the Wifi, wait for about 5 minutes for the SkyBell to update itself. That's it!
My impressions so far:
- It looks sharp on the wall
- The wide angle lens captures my 12 ft wide deck without a problem and captures the whole person standing just a couple feet from it.
- The audio is perfect but can very easily carry on a conversation with the person standing there.
- Wish we could add the camera to Blue Iris but being able to turn the camera on demand is a nice feature.
- I sent a feedback form in asking when/if there would be an open API or a dedicated IP address for the camera but haven't heard anything back yet.
- Haven't had it long enough yet to test the night vision..will let you know tomorrow!
- I also went around and added the app to each of my Android tablets, now I can see who is at the door from any room of the house even if I don't have my phone on me.
Looks like I'm going to be getting another for my front door!
I've attached a couple screenshots from within the App.
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