Door Bell Camera

[bulleidboy]

Our local neighbourhood watch has an offer on the "Ring.com" doorbell camera. Has anyone got one, and do they work? The reviews are appalling and would suggest they are a waste of money. Having said that, my brother-in-law, who is a bit of a "techie" when it comes to these sort of things, has them mounted on the eaves of the house (yes the door bell camera - he got a cheap bulk deal), and they all work perfectly. The thought behind this is just general house security. Thanks in advance. BB

[Tricky Dicky]

I too have read appalling reviews of the Ring camera. If you already have Hive they have brought out an exterior camera that uses motion sensing and allows you to communicate with the visitor from anywhere you have an Internet connection via mobile or tablet. As it is fairly recent reviews may be a little sparse at the moment.

Richard

Edit: Just found some reviews looks so-so for an expensive bit of kit. Scrub above suggestion do not think I would recommend this kit.

[RAF96]

My next house has CCTV apparently with decent up-spec cameras so I am told, but when I read the reviews for the app that is used to access them it gets slated, so I am sort of flummoxed about all this security as if one bit off the system is useless but the rest is good then what is one to do....
Not quite sure what my question is really, but maybe these other systems on offer are in the same boat.

[Mr Bones]

I did consider some of these security systems, but in the end opted for a DIY option as their use seemed very limited for the cost.

I use a CCTV camera (used to be in the house now in the shed). It runs via the Wifi so only needs power and is controlled by the surveillance system on my NAS (Network Attached Storage). I had the NAS anyway so adding cameras wasn't a hassle or too expensive. It activates recording by motion detection and will delete footage once the storage uses up 1TB. I can also access the NAS to view the camera or the recordings remotely via my phone.

I would recommend this sort of setup over the Hive or Ring security systems. Trouble is that if you don't have the NAS initially it can prove expensive. However, the NAS pays for itself over time as all the data from the PCs and Laptop gets instantly stored on there and NAS is hidden away. If my PCs or Laptop get stolen or they die I only lose the hardware not the data.

Not sure if that helps answers the question, but it gives other options.

[RAF96]

That explains why the recording box is in the loft. Not much point recording stuff if the klefti-walla takes it with him. Mine is WiFi apparently and has spare channels so I will be able to add more cameras, when I eventually complete on the purchase of the house - unlike Cyprus where I sold my house and it was all done and dusted within 7 days.

[bulleidboy]

Had the guy from the alarm company in today - will probably go with a "hard-wired" system - we discussed all options.

[yelrow]

its a shame, one has to go to these lengths, these days, to protect whats yours. All you needed years ago, was a beware the dog sign. We are singularly fortunate, here, that the commune, has eyes everywhere. When our electric fence broke, and i went to i investigate, local farmer was there, within seconds of my arrival. They make us feel very safe. Tractors go past our front door, all the time, deep into the night.

[Walkingthedog]

Houses have been burgled for centuries, you can now have the pleasure of watching it live while away on holiday.

[Steve M]

Must have something worth pinching.

[Walkingthedog]

Afraid not. If they can’t find anything they just wreck it, live on your phone.