By John R. Delaney

The Wi-Fi Video Doorbell ($199) from SkyBell is the latest smart doorbell to hit the digital homemarket. Much like the Ring Video Doorbell, it sends a live video feed to your smartphone when somebody presses the button, and allows you to initiate a two-way conversation with the person at your door. It installs in minutes and offers motion detection and on-demand video, but otherwise falls far short of the Ring. The SkyBell ismissing a few important features such as cloud-based recording of calls and motion events, and its picture quality is barely adequate.

Design and FeaturesThe SkyBellis round and measures 2.8 inches in diameter and 0.8 inches thick. You can order it with a silvery Brushed Aluminum finish, or an Oil Rubbed Bronze finish that looks more like flat black with bronze highlights. Whereas the Ring doorbell can be powered by either internal batteries or a low-voltage doorbell transformer, the SkyBell must be wired to a doorbell transformer using the two wires protruding from the back of the device. If your home is not currently wired for a doorbell you'll have to run wires and install a transformer to use it.

The SkyBell has a relatively low-resolution (640-by-480-pixel) camera with a 130-degree field of view. It connects to 802.11b/g wireless networks on the 2.4GHz band and works with Androidand iOSdevices, but it does not yet have a Web browser app. On the face of the doorbell is the camera lens, a motion sensor, an infrared night vision LED, and a backlit ring button. Below the button are a speaker and a microphone.

The kit comes with mounting screws and three base plates for various mounting applications (flush, wedge, and doorframe). It also comes with a small Allen wrench for securing the device to the mounting plate, and an installation guide. Additionally, SkyBell's site offers comprehensive installation and troubleshooting instructions.

When you launch the app, a list of connected SkyBell doorbells is displayed. In the upper right (in Android) or left (in iOS) corner is the Settings icon that takes you to a page where you can view account information, enable push notifications, and add new SkyBell devices. Push notifications can be sent to multiple mobile devices, but the app does not offer a list of calls or motion-triggered events.

Tapping the SkyBell icon on the main page takes you to a Device Settings screen that lists your Wi-Fi ID and gives you options to enable motion detection, turn the chime on and off, and view live video without waiting for a doorbell call or motion trigger. Missing is an option to adjust motion sensitivity, and a listing of recent calls and motion-triggered events. While viewing a live video feed you can take a snapshot, adjust image contrast, and initiate two-way audio communications, but there's no way to record video like you can with the Ring doorbell, at least not yet. SkyBell plans to include server-based video storage in the near future.

Installation and PerformanceIf you are replacing an existing doorbell, installing the SkyBell is a piece of cake. Simply remove the old doorbell and choose the mounting plate that best fits your installation. Attach the plate to your mounting surface using the included hardware, connect the two doorbell wires to the two white wires on the SkyBell, and snap the SkyBell onto the plate. Use the Allen wrench to tighten the set-screw which holds the device firmly in place.

When you download the app you'll be asked to create an account using your name, email address, and a password. Once registered, you can add the SkyBell to your device list by tapping "Add a SkyBell" in the Settings menu and entering the device ID, which can be found on the device and on the box. Next, select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your password. Within 20 seconds or so, the SkyBell will connect to your network and you'll be good to go.

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SkyBell Wi-Fi Video Doorbell

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April 6, 2015 at 3:38 am by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Wiring Installation