I remember when the very first doorbell camera came out. Ring advertised it as a way to prevent package theft. Also known as porch piracy, package theft is highly motivating to homeowners who choose to install doorbell cameras. But sometimes a doorbell camera reveals something totally unexpected.
Such was the case in the Scottish town of Denny in late November. According to many news reports, four primary school boys hoped to do a good deed while practicing their love of singing. The boys walked up to the front door of a house, looked right into the doorbell camera, and joyfully belted out their rendition of Last Christmas.
Within minutes, the homeowner had posted the video to TikTok. It went viral shortly thereafter. To date, millions of people have seen it. The footage is a heartwarming example of the good that remains in the world.
An Affordable Investment
As someone who appreciates modern home automation and security tech, I am fascinated by the doorbell camera. It represents an inexpensive investment in your safety. For a small amount of money, you get quite the piece of kit.
If you are not familiar with the doorbell camera, think of it as the offspring of a security camera and traditional doorbell that ran off and got married. You get all the functionality of a doorbell with the added benefit of an onboard camera and audio system.
Whether linked to a cell phone app or a professionally installed home security system, the doorbell camera allows you to see visitors standing at your front door. You can also communicate with them via the onboard audio. You can do so whether you’re home or not.
Some doorbell cameras are hardwired using the same electrical connection as the traditional doorbell you remove. Others are battery powered. Still others can use either type of power. Doorbell cameras also connect to your home network via Wi-Fi. Connectivity makes it possible for you to monitor a doorbell camera from anywhere in the world.
As Part of a Whole-Home System
You could install a doorbell camera as part of a whole-home security and automation system. Take a brand like Vivint Home Security. You can start with a base package and then build it out by adding more devices. A doorbell camera could be one of those devices.
The whole-home advantage is total integration. For example, you could create a routine in your system that turns on all of the lights as someone approaches the front door. Your doorbell camera picks up the motion, sends an alert to your smart home hub, and all the lights go on.
Doorbell cameras can also be tied to smart locks. With some creative coding, it is technically possible to direct your smart lock to automatically unlock as you approach the front door. Of course, you would want to use a doorbell camera with facial recognition capabilities.
As a Stand-Alone Device
You do not need to have a whole-home security system to enjoy the benefits of a doorbell camera. Doorbell cameras work fine as stand-alone devices. For some consumers, they represent an entry point into the larger world of home automation and smart security.
Have you installed a doorbell camera? If so, has it ever revealed anything other than package theft? Here is hoping you will someday get a surprise as nice as the homeowner in Scotland. Maybe a group of neighborhood voices will serenade you with Christmas carols this December. It would be far more enjoyable than watching a package thief take off with your stuff.