I actually suggested this to Ring, that they could do a commercial series of the Ring Pro that’s PoE powered/connected, would work perfectly and could even include some sort of RFID card reader built in for door entry.
1 Like
And have an option to mount to a standard duplex junction box; this surface mount crap is tacky.
I have a Skybell and here are my experiences:
05/13/16
Works OK. Not great, and $200 just way to expensive for the value. Get frustrated by the software mainly - if you want to view the cam on-demand (not initiated at the front door but by you, on your phone) you need to open the open, select the Skybell app, select the Skybell (as it presumes you have more than one installed), select the settings, select Start Video. Way too many steps, way too deep for a simple common function.
Spent a long time where it just barely worked. Be aware support has such unique, strange, magical and strict requirements that it will seem like voodoo especially to anyone who has a rather robust home network. Frustrations were that support focused more on ways to disqualify your skybell from support than trying to help.
Also frustrated by Skybell’s refusal to play nice with other Home Automation aggregation apps - so it is pretty much a stand alone app. No API or integration elsewhere so instead of building a well integrated baseball team, Skybell is sort of like the aloof left-fielder who hangs out by himself and wants nothing to do w/the rest of the team.
@SkyBellAndrew are your API’s just not open?
Edit: From skybell’s FAQ:
Are there APIs or IP addresses for integration with apps, other devices or desktop clients?
Not at this time, yet we are considering all these options.
The APIs are not open to the public - yet are open to partners. SmartThings API integration will be available soon, providing you with access to triggers and the ability to send commands to SkyBell HD.
Hi There, sorry to hear that. I’m a bit surprised to hear some of this and would like to reply in the hopes of helping you out.
You definitely need to open the app to see live video, just like any other app for which you want to perform a function in the app. The app should load to the screen you were last on. For most people, this is the device screen and the “watch live” button is on that screen. So it’s not so bad.
SkyBell HD just needs a 2.4ghz high speed network with good range at the front door. In most cases, that’s enough. You also need full time power at the front door.
As far as playing nice, that’s a bit of a surprise. We have more API partners than any other video doorbell. We are partnered with Honeywell, Alarm.com, Nest, Amazon Echo, IFTTT, Icontrol and are in the IoT programs for Comcast and Apple HomeKit. We’ll be on SmartThings real soon. We have a documented, fully baked API program called SkyBell Connect that currently powers our integrations.
We’re also very proud that SkyBell HD was named as the Best Video Doorbell by CNET: http://www.cnet.com/products/skybell-hd-wi-fi-video-doorbell/
http://www.cnet.com/topics/smart-home/best-smart-home-devices/
SkyBell HD was just named as the Best Video Doorbell on CNET:
I would need to dig through some of the old emails … off the top of my head, 2.5 network (not 5), network had to be broadcasted, very specific upload/download requirements to the point where speed tests were required. Problems with certain types of routers, isp provider needed to meet criteria, etc. Crazy difficult time adding a device with all these manual long involved processes of data entry.
So Skybell plays nice? That would be great - how is this integrated, where would insee the integration? Wohat hub woukd be needed?
Too many taps to launch video. Have made suggestions such as a simple Answer Door button that could be added to the iOS today widget. There really should be no reason to ever open the app - to change settings.
Wish List:
I live in an association and am getting heat because of the blasted red/green led indicators. No way to turn off the LED (especially at night) etc. Told this is fir technical troubleshooting, but it is really about branding. An on/off seitch in the setttings woyld suffuce and also work for troubleshooting.
Way to minimize road noise for the microphone (noise cancellation)
Quick question to all you ring owners. My house doesn’t have a wire going to a door bell, we’ve been using a wireless door bell for years and it’s died, do I am considering a ring. Does the unit in the following url work without a wire? and if so how is the performance (in terms of connecting) and also battery life: https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.video-doorbell.1000845435.html
I’m using ring with existing wire, but you can use it with built in rechargeable battery. It’s 5200mAh battery that lasts from 6~12months according their website. I’d recommend getting wired power not only for the peace of mind but also for added benefit of live view. With battery you only see the video when there’s motion or door ringing, but with live view you can do it anytime on demand.
1 Like
I have a wired doorbell and two battery stick up cams, it’s been months since I had to charge and I’ve had workers back there setting off motion left and right. Also live view for battery coming end of may.
1 Like
I agree with others. Depending on the integration with SmartThings, I may be willing to give Skybell a shot again. I was apart of the first release and spent a considerable amount of time on it to find out that I had a defective unit. @SkyBellAndrew attempted to help me via phone/email back then (Feb 2014). After I got a working unit, I still had so many issues such as, false alerts, poor install method, people would press the button, but it wasn’t sensitive enough to activate, poor video quality and I could go on and on. I also desired it to be apart of my hub and it nor the others that were emerging at the time didn’t have that option. I ended up returning everything and thought I would wait a year or two. Now that Smartthings seems to be more stable, I may be willing to give one of these guys a short if they can prove reliability and integration.
I wonder if this or newer versions has solved the issue of lighting. I have a small porch. With the bright skylight behind a person standing, the person on the porch looked very dark on the Skybell image. It wasn’t handling the brightness so you couldn’t actually see the face of the person. Anyone know about this?
Actually, it’s not a good comparison. Ring is a wireless doorbell and Skybell is wired. Those are two different things and products for two different types of people. If we must compare them, I found a really, really long review about, skybell vs ring, that’s kinda useful.
As for Kuna, I hate it. I literally hate it. That’s a doorbell that caused me the most problems! I hardly got it running and it only took a week for it to die!
In this comparison, Ring doorbell easily wins. It’s a bit overpriced but totally worth it.
It is an interesting review but of the old version of SkyBell, not the HD version. I don’t have Ring but replaced my original SkyBell with SkyBell HD and it is greatly improved.
@smartcosa
Yes, SkyBell HD still suffers the issue with a dark face if the background is very bright. However, each situation may be better or worse because of the wider field of view. For me it seems worse because the additional content added with the “fish eye” lens is brighter forcing the camera to darken even more. However, if yours results in a darker field it may be better.
You would think they could do something in the software to adjust white balance to the person coming into view.
Having said that I still prefer a darkened face to a narrow field of view.
Night time view is much better because the LED illuminates the person at the door.
There is a solar panel kit you which may work on the doorbell. Don’t see why not, besides fitting the cable behind it.
Ring is a wired or wireless doorbell.
The web page indicates it won’t work with the doorbell but is rather awkwardly phrased:
"Can I use Ring Solar Panel with Ring Doorbell?
No. The mounting bracket and wall Ring Doorbell is mounted to gets in the way. To keep your Ring Doorbell charged at all times, hardwire it to existing doorbell wires. If you do not have existing doorbell wires to connect to, you can wire Ring Doorbell to a low power transformer (8-24 VAC only, no DC) with a resistor in place of the doorbell kit."
It doesn’t say it won’t work, it says the mounting bracket gets in the way. I bet with some work you can get it to work, it may be as simple as adding a little bit of spacing between the Ring and the wall to run a USB cable to.
If I did not have power running to my doorbell, I would be exploring this option.
Don’t forget, the Ring Pro is wired only.
1 Like
JoeC,
Not sure if you are looking for something this involved… but I have two suggestions for the doorbell.
-
Check out the Qolsys/DSC Touch doorbell sensor. Granted… if your not looking for a full security system… that would be an expensive add on. But as an Alarm.com dealer I can attest to it working well with the system.
-
You could geek out and use a DIY solution with zwave doorbell like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA91V40S0297 If you went this route… you could do all sorts of things.
Id love to see an IFTTT Zwave Hub … even if its only purpose in the world was to bridge IFTTT to all things zwave.
Good luck!