Summary
Doorbell cameras are a great way to keep a watchful eye on your front door.
To cut out unwanted notifications, you might create an Activity Zone and customize the radar’s detection range.
Installing the Doorbell Camera
Smart home products, for the most part, are easy to install.
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Having 24/7 power brings many advantages, and youll never have to worry about charging or replacing a battery.
If youre interested in the smart doorbell, confirm to head toEcobees compatibility checkerbefore making the purchase.
It offers all the information you should probably determine if you’re able to use the doorbell camera.
The Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera provides a perfect way for you to keep a watchful eye on your front door. Along with 1080p video, the camera features a 175-degree vertical field of view so you can see what’s on your porch from top to bottom with no fisheye effect. To cut out unwanted notifications, you can create an Activity Zone and customize the radar’s detection range. Smart Focus will pan and zoom to give a closer look at visitors.You need a subscription to view recorded video, but it’s inexpensive and also unlocks several security features with other Ecobee devices.
Along with the doorbell camera, Ecobee provides the required chime adapter and other fixings.
Youll need to provide a Philips screwdriver, power drill, masonry bit, and needle-nose pliers.
That brings the correct power to the doorbell camera.
The Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera provides a perfect way for you to keep a watchful eye on your front door. Along with 1080p video, the camera features a 175-degree vertical field of view so you can see what’s on your porch from top to bottom with no fisheye effect. To cut out unwanted notifications, you can create an Activity Zone and customize the radar’s detection range. Smart Focus will pan and zoom to give a closer look at visitors.You need a subscription to view recorded video, but it’s inexpensive and also unlocks several security features with other Ecobee devices.
Its also possible to use an Amazon Echo or Apple HomePod to hear a doorbell chime.
Then, youll attach the new doorbell camera to the existing wires from the previous doorbell.
Ecobees companion app, which youll need to use to control the camera, offers a comprehensive installation guide.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
Since I was replacing another smart video doorbell, installing the Ecobee took me around 30 minutes.
it’s possible for you to also communicate with the visitor.
Just like with HomeKit, there is no way to view recorded video.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
Youll need the Ecobee app to do that.
Other smart video doorbells dont require a subscription, but the Ecobee option still has a lot of advantages.
Always Watching Your Front Door
The Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera sports 1080p video quality.
Video was high quality and sharp during all times of the day.
A standout feature is the 175-degree vertical field of view.
That lets me see the entire porch, including deliveries left on the walkway.
Other video doorbells offer a similar field of view but suffer from a strong fisheye effect.
Ecobees video looks great and doesnt suffer from those same issues.
There are additional ways to cut down on unwanted notifications, like from a blowing tree branch.
you could set an Activity Zone where activity will be detected.
The companion app also allows you to customize the detection range of the radar in the doorbell camera.
There are four ranges to select from7 feet, 10 feet, 20 feet, and 30 feet.
Smart Focus is also another great feature.
But it might be something youd want to use if you have a longer porch area.
I was pleased with the overall video experience, with one substantial caveat.
I occasionally waited up to 10 seconds to bring up a live view.
And I had an eero node a little more than 20 feet away in my living room.
Likely, thats because the doorbell camera was awake and prepared to send live video.
After someone presses the doorbell, a live view will appear on the screen of the thermostat.
you might talk to the person and end the video.
Not having to pull out my phone to see whos at the door has been great.
Ecobee also offers an optional SmartSensor that can monitor when a window or door is open or closed.
Combine those with the smart thermostat and doorbell camera, and you could create an inexpensive security system.
The thermostat also doubles as a hub for the entire system, allowing you to arm or disarm security.
The Complete plan also provides 24/7 professional monitoring.
Thats a spectacular deal for that service, especially compared to other competitors' options.
Ive been trying out a bundle that included the thermostat and two smart sensors along with the video doorbell.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
The real advantage of the system is its simplicity.
Adding the video doorbell camera is a no-brainer if you already have an Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium.
Even if you dont, it’s possible for you to add one later.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
