What is a Video Doorbell and why should you have one?

Video Doorbells are becoming an increasingly common feature on front doors across the UK. More and more people are using them to stay connected and feel safer at home.  This post answers all the top questions people have about video doorbells: from what they do and how they work, to why you might want one yourself. If you're thinking about upgrading your front door with smart tech, and want to know more about the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Plus, read our guide below.

What does a Video Doorbell do?

A Video Doorbell lets you see and speak to whoever’s at your door, whether you’re home or not. It’s fitted with a camera, microphone, and speaker, and connects to your phone through an app, so you get real-time alerts when someone presses the bell or approaches your doorway. That means you can check in on deliveries, talk to visitors, or even deter suspicious activity, all without opening the door.  Some models also record footage, giving you a useful record of what’s happened outside your home. It’s a simple way to feel more secure, and to stay in control.

How do Video Doorbells work?

A Video Doorbell works by capturing video through a small digital camera/CMOS image sensor. That data is processed by an onboard chip and compressed in real time. The device connects to your home Wi-Fi network, which transmits the compressed video to a secure server and then to your phone via the app, usually in under a second. Motion sensors use infrared or radar to detect movement, triggering the camera even before someone rings. 

Benefits of Video Doorbell

Video doorbells aren’t just convenient; they add a real layer of security to your everyday life. These are a few of the benefits of a Video Doorbell.

Deter criminals

Having a visible camera at your front or back door can deter would-be criminals. Burglars would much rather attempt to break into a house that doesn’t have motion-sensor activated cameras than one that does. Or, if there’s somebody loitering outside your house, you can use the two-way audio to talk to them remotely and let them know they’re being recorded.

Check who’s at the door

Not expecting a parcel today, but the doorbell is ringing? Or is there someone you know who you don’t want to open the door to? You can check who’s knocking quickly and easily over the phone.

Protect your house even when you’re away

It’s well known that burglars usually target houses when the owners are on holiday or away on business. Having a Video Doorbell provides a deterrent whether you’re at home or not – but it also gives you a direct feed, day or night, of what’s going on at home.

Stop inappropriate behaviour

If you experience inappropriate behaviour from delivery drivers or door-to-door salesmen, you can use Video Doorbell footage (and audio) to prove your case. 

Modern convenience

As for their benefits beyond safety, video doorbells are convenient: you can catch deliveries that you would otherwise miss, and you can talk to visitors remotely to let them know you’ll be with them in a minute.

Choosing the right Video Doorbell

If you’re interested in these video doorbell benefits, why not take a look at our SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro? At SimpliSafe, we pride ourselves on offering 24/7 security through our home security kits and indoor/outdoor cameras – and we bring that dedication to safety to our Video Doorbell, too. It features:

• A crisp and clear wide-angle HDR video feed. The 1080p camera in the Video Doorbell Pro has a 162° field of view with pan and zoom, and even has infrared night vision.

• Smart motion detection. Two different sensors in the Video Doorbell Pro can distinguish distractions and cars from actual visitors.

• Two-way audio. You can talk to visitors from anywhere in the world, straight through the app - as long as you have an internet connection!

Installation couldn’t be easier. The Video Doorbell Pro installs in almost any home, old or new. It works with the most common doorbell wiring, is small enough to be placed almost anywhere, and can be mounted on brick or shingles. No CCTV cabling necessary – the video feed is transmitted over the household WiFi connection. 

Take the next step with SimpliSafe

Make your home more secure today with SimpliSafe and test the Video Doorbell Pro today. If you aren’t satisfied, call us within 60 days for a full refund and let us pay for return shipping.