May 15, 2021

Reasons to Upgrade to a Video Doorbell System

Video doorbells, a.k.a. smart doorbells or home doorbell cameras, have become quite the popular smart home accessory these days. In fact, research firm Strategy Analytics estimates that 20 million U.S. households have a video doorbell as of early 2020. So, why are so many people buying these gadgets? Do smart doorbells take the place of security cameras? And just what are the benefits of a doorbell camera?

Home doorbell cameras are small devices that take the place of a traditional doorbell. While they still have an interior chime to alert you when you have visitors, they also have audio and video capabilities and internet connectivity. Video doorbell cameras come with an app for ease of use and you can also connect it to the Cloud and record the activity there if you choose. Next, let’s review the benefits of a doorbell camera.

Protect Your Home and Deter Crime

Home doorbell cameras notify you when someone is at your door whether you are in the kitchen, the bedroom, at the grocery store, or on vacation. Through an app on your smartphone, you can have a two-way conversation with your visitor through the smart doorbell. This means nobody has to know when you aren’t home. So would-be criminals who like to target homes when occupants are away will not know you aren’t there.

Safer Deliveries

When you’re expecting an important delivery, there’s no need to wait at home.  When a courier rings the smart doorbell, you can let them know where to leave the delivery. And now that you know your delivery has arrived, you can head home to pick up the package or ask a neighbor to pick it up for you.

Screen Visitors

How annoying is it when the doorbell rings while you are right in the middle of a project? With a smart doorbell camera, you don’t have to get up. You can answer (or choose not to) from wherever you are.

Insurance Savings

If your insurance company offers discounts to homeowners who buy devices for home security, doorbell cameras are probably included on their list. They are considered home security devices by insurance companies because, in addition to the other benefits of doorbell cameras already discussed, just the sight of one at the front door deters crime. So you may be eligible for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance if you use a smart video doorbell.

Video Evidence

If you connect your home doorbell camera to the Cloud, you can save recorded footage of anything your camera records. The wide-angle lens on these cameras can even capture what is happening on the street. Sometimes video footage from a front doorbell camera can be useful evidence in vandalism and burglary cases of other homes in the neighborhood.

Video Doorbell System vs Security Cameras

Many consumers wonder if a doorbell camera takes the place of regular security cameras. The answer is it might, depending on your needs.  If you want to be able to see who is at your door and watch the front of your home, then a front doorbell camera may do everything you need it to do. If you wish to have surveillance throughout your property, then you may choose to use one in conjunction with other security cameras.  Fortunately, many smart doorbells work with other security cameras.

If you’re deciding between a video doorbell vs. a security system, you’re comparing apples and oranges. Home doorbell cameras can be a great addition to a security system but they do not take their place. Most smart doorbells can be set up as part of a complete doorbell camera security system that also provides surveillance inside your home alarming doors, windows, and more.

Ring Doorbell Benefits

With dozens of video doorbell systems on the market, you’ll be able to find one with just about any feature you’d like. We love the features of the Ring Doorbell, which include:

  • Motion alerts with advanced features
  • Two-way audio
  • Live-view check-ins from anywhere
  • Video recording
  • 1080p HD video on some models
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Alexa integration

As one of the first in the market, Ring is a top brand and one of the easiest smart home doorbells to install and use, and that’s another reason we love it.

Come See the Connected Smart Homes at Pecan Square

Did you know a Ring Doorbell is included as part of the Canopy technology bundle in every home at Pecan Square by Hillwood? Take a virtual tour to see all the fabulous amenities Pecan Square residents enjoy, and take a look at the new construction homes available in our beautiful Northlake community.