Ring Video Doorbell ...I'm out

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  • Опубліковано 22 лют 2016
  • In this video I demonstrate the Ring WiFi Video Doorbell - *A FIRST GENERATION RECHARGEABLE VERSION*. I ultimately decide that it's not suitable for my needs.
    In the end I opted for a traditional Wireless Doorbell - the TEQIN Obell What makes this one special is that the outside button generates its own electricity when pressed - so no need to worry about batteries going flat. If you are interested, here's a link to it on Amazon amzn.to/1WGxlLX (UK) amzn.to/1Q9f2Lm (US)
    NOTE RING NO LONGER SELL THIS RECHARGEABLE VERSION - I can see why.
    The Techmoan channel can be supported through Patreon / techmoan
  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,2 тис.

  • @SimonChristensen
    @SimonChristensen 7 років тому +780

    As a parcel delivery guy, I've come across a couple of these. Yesterday a woman actually used it to talk to me through her phone. She told me she was on her way, and when she opened the door she was in a wheelchair with a leg in a cast. Perfect doorbell for a scenario like that.

    • @MegaBeaker
      @MegaBeaker 7 років тому +60

      Thats an excellent example of the product working for someone. After this honest and comprehensive review, I feel like it won't suit my family all that well (although personally I think I'd love it)

    • @Fireglo
      @Fireglo 7 років тому +22

      @Simon Christensen however I don't think many delivery guys will be as understanding as you. Some want to be over and done as quickly as possible.

    • @wheneverihavehamproduction6359
      @wheneverihavehamproduction6359 7 років тому +18

      Here in Canada, if your parcel is under a certain value, and it does not require a signature, they just leave it at your door for you to be pleasantly surprised once you get home.

    • @technopoptart
      @technopoptart 6 років тому +22

      dude, my postman at my old flat once sat at the end of the drive writing the 'not home' slip for me while i was actually walking towards him. prick then got indignant that i said i was there and wanted my package(he would have to get out and walk about twenty steps to my letterbox)

    • @MajorMoron
      @MajorMoron 6 років тому +34

      "elitist doorbells"
      Someone has a high horse.

  • @NicholasCoulter
    @NicholasCoulter 5 років тому +354

    Techmoan: Films the video in his garage in case the neighbours give him weird looks for talking to his front door
    Also Techmoan: Plays with a puppet outside his house😂😂

    • @micheals1992
      @micheals1992 4 роки тому +10

      It's a good way to keep thieves away from the house ;)

    • @sadikmeah4057
      @sadikmeah4057 4 роки тому +13

      He obviously doesn't want us to know where he lives

  • @rickjames6647
    @rickjames6647 8 років тому +449

    The last thing I need is a reacurring doorbell subscription. Next up, coffee cup rentals.

    • @TropicalChris
      @TropicalChris 8 років тому +12

      +Rick James The subscription is only for the cloud storage. If anything, my home insurance went down $5 a month for getting it, and it costs $3 for the subscription. So it kinda pays for itself.

    • @MrCorrectify
      @MrCorrectify 8 років тому +29

      Is there any reason why we can't just set the videos to save to a dropbox/drive/sky folder?

    • @trackready8026
      @trackready8026 7 років тому +15

      Chris Gd No insurance company out there will give a discount without a Certificate from a professionally monitored security system. Quit spreading false information

    • @OAleathaO
      @OAleathaO 7 років тому +25

      +MrCorrectify --> Because then they wouldn't be able to force you into a subscription if you wanted to store your videos silly. LOL

    • @trackready8026
      @trackready8026 7 років тому

      Would you except them to store it for free? It is costing the hardware and power costs. Sure they could offer it 'free' for a few years after purchase, but it would just get build into the cost

  • @reddcube
    @reddcube 8 років тому +154

    No custom ringtones? WHAT? For the price I expect custom ringtones.

    • @lucarchive
      @lucarchive 4 роки тому +4

      It may just be a file in the app, even. In that case, on Android at least, it may be possible to just change the file in the APK. I do wonder though, assuming that works, if the Chime would make the same noise or if the sounds are baked into it?

    • @NBWDOUGHBOY
      @NBWDOUGHBOY 4 роки тому +2

      You definitely can make custom ringtones on Andriods.

  • @PANTA-Music
    @PANTA-Music 6 років тому +76

    'by your commands , future boy. Hailing frequencies closed'
    You got me..

  • @MrAtheHun
    @MrAtheHun 8 років тому +168

    Great video, thanks. "Hello, I can't come to the door at the moment, I'm back in 1986 buying some audio equipment from Tandy".

    • @kareno8634
      @kareno8634 5 років тому

      lol Don't you know it! Perfect scenario - You too can experience once that step is taken over the threshold. {{Ding Dong}} 'Avon Lady calling'. =O

    • @glassyxanderplaysminecraft8340
      @glassyxanderplaysminecraft8340 4 роки тому +1

      Tandy? Tandy made computers to my knowledge.

    • @gimble8638
      @gimble8638 4 роки тому +4

      Glassyxander plays Minecraft, Tandy was the store name that radioshack used in the uk and mainland europe,its that they are referring to as opposed to the computer firm in this context, just so you know bud ;)

    • @VintageTechFan
      @VintageTechFan 4 роки тому +2

      ​@@gimble8638 Weren't the "Tandy" computers just a store brand of Radio Shack, too? And they just called their whole stores like that in Europe instead of just one of their product lines?
      Maybe they did that since you can't trademark "common words" in Europe?

    • @stratobuddy
      @stratobuddy 4 роки тому +1

      ​@@glassyxanderplaysminecraft8340 My vinyl player is from Tandy under their brand name REALISTIC, a linear drive player

  • @gtoger
    @gtoger 8 років тому +45

    I've just spent 16+ minutes watching a video about a doorbell. And I'm not upset. I may need to evaluate my life choices, or get out more.

    • @TheAngryFinnishPerson
      @TheAngryFinnishPerson 3 роки тому +4

      and now you'll be wasting about 5 more seconds to check out the notification from receiving a comment to your comment 4 years ago.
      It's an interesting idea, these video doorbells and techmoan is master at making well produced videos from topics that not that many people may even think about.

    • @stephaneveron408
      @stephaneveron408 3 роки тому +1

      "...get out more" well under times of confinement or curfew this is something to read !

    • @morlamweb
      @morlamweb 3 роки тому +3

      I could say the same about a certain channel that features cars getting towed from a private lot...

  • @airplanejack
    @airplanejack 6 років тому +20

    'why dont you have a door bell?'
    'I do, its just *charging* at the moment'

  • @Smorfty
    @Smorfty 8 років тому +166

    The first unbiased review I've seen so far. All the others were sponsored and they gave no criticism whatsoever.

    • @linushyper300
      @linushyper300 7 років тому +13

      Welcome to UA-cam!

    • @oz_jones
      @oz_jones 4 роки тому +9

      @@linushyper300 Welcome to life in general. You don't usually bite the hand that feeds you.

    • @SirNarax
      @SirNarax 4 роки тому +1

      Sponsorships are not reviews you can't blame the youtubers for wanting to do sponsors after all the job is a grind and very unstable. If they do it right the sponsorship will be more of a "These guys gave me money they look alright and here is their product if you want it."

    • @SomenathGarai
      @SomenathGarai 3 роки тому +1

      MAT IS MR UNBIASED!

  • @RobatRobot
    @RobatRobot 4 роки тому +17

    Couldn't agree more. A device designed to tell people you are not at home is perhaps the most backward thinking way to make your house more secure. I have also seen house phones for sale whose main selling point is that they are designed not to ring. What's the point? You might as well just not buy the phone.
    I know someone who lost his Internet connection for a few days, and it just highlighted the whole "Emperor's new clothes" issue with flashy devices designed to solve problems no one has. Firstly his door bell stopped working. It seems to need more than just a local area network connection, but WAN access to the company's servers. On top of that, all the Phillips Hue light bulbs he had fitted also stopped working. Turns out they too need access to more than just a LAN connection. They didn't even have a failsafe option to revert back to working off the wall switch.
    I really liked the point you made about having it ring in the street. There's really no need. You already know you've pushed the button. All you need is for the person inside to hear it.
    I think if I ever need to call on someone with one, I'll ignore it and knock.

  • @LordDrachenblut
    @LordDrachenblut 8 років тому +77

    I wish companies that made devices which did "cloud recordings" would allow me to have targets of my choosing, say a ftp server I run, to save the recordings to instead of blackmailing me into paying them to have that functionality

    • @TheChipmunk2008
      @TheChipmunk2008 8 років тому +5

      +LordDrachenblut I sometimes wonder, depending on how these are set up, if you couldn't spoof the DNS to point it to your own server. But agreed, you shouldn't HAVE to

    • @medworthy
      @medworthy 8 років тому +5

      Not only would you need to spoof the DNS but would have to determine which protocol it is using (the device could be using a closed-source / proprietary infrastructure / protocol)

    • @johnfrancisdoe1563
      @johnfrancisdoe1563 5 років тому +1

      dgpx84 Indeed, some may be selling the hardware at a loss hoping to earn it back through subscriptions.

    • @yfs9035
      @yfs9035 3 роки тому +1

      @@TheChipmunk2008 Nope. SSL will not work and the device will not function.

    • @klausstock8020
      @klausstock8020 3 роки тому +5

      It's all for convenience. Most people will won't understand anything about FTP, NAT, port forwarding, whatever. And don't even worry that a device on the outside of your home knows your Wifi password. Oh, yes, it's secured with two "security screws".
      There are lots of funny stories on the internet where the doorbell was used as the attack vector to gain full control of a "smart home".

  • @GadgetAddict
    @GadgetAddict 8 років тому +24

    Interesting. There's a LOT of controversy surrounding the Ring doorbells and their "questionable" marketing, especially here on UA-cam. I loved the courier scenario, very funny.

    • @UXXV
      @UXXV 8 років тому

      +Gadget Addict like what? Im interested to know as they sponsor a few podcasts I listen to

    • @GadgetAddict
      @GadgetAddict 8 років тому +7

      UXXV A lot of reviewers have said they were told they can only say GOOD things about the doorbell. So you've got a bunch of half assed reviews on UA-cam and Amazon which mislead people into thinking its better than it is. And my understanding is that they give the doorbell plus money and the bigger your audience the more money you get. There's been a couple of big UA-camrs speak out about this. Most of the genuine reviews, like this one from Techmoan, point out major problems with the Ring doorbell.

  • @deniro800
    @deniro800 4 роки тому +6

    As a postman I find these doorbells great.I have become accustomed to the delay,which isn't really very long,and when the owner is instructing me where to leave the packet,there is also a delay when you respond so you have to be aware of not talking over one another.But a few seconds delay is worth it when you don't have to bring their packet back to the office and make out a non delivery docket to leave in their letterbox.

  • @rogerhudson9732
    @rogerhudson9732 7 років тому +110

    Never ever tell an unknown visitor you are out, say you're in the bath or something. Think 'security'.

    • @ricky302v8
      @ricky302v8 4 роки тому +18

      "I'm on the toilet having a dump"

    • @oz_jones
      @oz_jones 4 роки тому +25

      @@ricky302v8 "I'm having a wank, be right out..... aaand done. Coming. The second time."

    • @lepidotos
      @lepidotos 4 роки тому +1

      @@oz_jones me on the weekends
      also, i remember that movie, you have some good taste.

  • @mbirth
    @mbirth 8 років тому +20

    That external ringer being upside down (in UK wall sockets) would drive me crazy. "6u!J"

  • @MarkGarth
    @MarkGarth 8 років тому +10

    'Hailing frequencies closed' had me in fits of laughter. It seems like a good product, but like you, the delay would drive me mad.

  • @KevinHarper3DArtist
    @KevinHarper3DArtist 8 років тому +67

    I like your theory as for it going to sleep. That would also explain why we cant use the camera to just to take a look outside when no one rang the bell. I had a situation where a delivery guy came by the house for food my wife ordered while I was at work. So I picked up my phone and told him "ok hold on one second" so that I could call my wife and ask her to get the food from the door, she was not near her phone. Turns out, I could not reach her by phone either b/c she was in the back yard. But now I had already told the guy outside to wait and that is what he was going. I could see him on the security cams just standing outside the door playing with his phone for 15mins before my wife by coincidence goes to the front door to hank up christmas decorations. Watching him stand there really made me feel like such a dick because I told him to wait and I no longer had any way of communicating to him that he did not actually get through to anyone at the house. I could not trigger the intercom on the Ring doorbell because it only works when activated via the doorbell button and I could not reach my wife and I did not know where she ordered from. It was very frustrating. So I like the idea of the product but I can not recommend it at the moment.

    • @SimeonTuitt
      @SimeonTuitt 8 років тому +8

      Live viewing of the doorbell is now possible if your device is hard wired to the mains, It got introduced a few days ago.

    • @KevinHarper3DArtist
      @KevinHarper3DArtist 8 років тому +6

      +Simeon Tuitt Ah thanks, Guess I missed the firmware update.

    • @SimeonTuitt
      @SimeonTuitt 8 років тому +3

      +KevinHarper3DArtist No worries. Is yours battery or mains powered?

    • @JohnNNJ
      @JohnNNJ 7 років тому +4

      15 minutes? I hope you gave him a decent tip. Where I live some ring you when they are about to pull up in front of the house, then you go out to the vehicle.

    • @badlarry172
      @badlarry172 6 років тому +1

      mine has a live view button

  • @fireinbloom1978
    @fireinbloom1978 8 років тому +31

    Ring is a disaster. I returned it after 2 days. And based on your review, your experience was a lot better than mine. Still cannot believe this thing is on the market in places such as Best Buy. The entire security and surveillance industry is overpriced, yet under performs. I finally settled on the Nest Cam, which is not intended for outdoor use, yet I put it under an awning.

    • @TRS-Tech
      @TRS-Tech 7 років тому +5

      Robert Michael Sadly pretty well every product sold on the DIY market is something that the security industry would never even look at. I have seen some of these DIY wifi cctv cameras and the realy sad thing is not that they are pants in general its that you can get professional standard equipment from a security supplier and 90% of the time its cheaper. I spent many years in the security industry and without a doubt the junk they sell in DIY stores is the kit we would not touch with a ten foot pole. It winds me up when I see things like this that exploit the public and rip them of.. :(

  • @bzakie2
    @bzakie2 7 років тому +2

    I bought it recently and now you CAN activate the camera with 'Live View'. No need for the button to be pressed. Also with an extension ringer it rings immediately, no delay.

    • @rth314
      @rth314 4 роки тому

      I've had Ring for many years starting with their original model. The "Live View" feature has always been there. I'm surprised he made such a glaring mistake.

  • @integralcamerasolutions
    @integralcamerasolutions 8 років тому +1

    I would probably put a small sign up next to it "If you are dropping off a package with no signature needed, just ring and drop it off" etc etc etc. but then your doorbell needs instructions. id rather have something that just records everyone that walks up to the door, without the remote communication. great review though, you make great points about why this is inconvenient in ways.

  • @wtfiswiththosehandles
    @wtfiswiththosehandles 8 років тому +49

    This "special security screw" looks like a normal TORX screw... so... not very secure to be honest.

    • @rubbereentjuh
      @rubbereentjuh 7 років тому +18

      Well at least the motion sensor camera will stream the guy removing the camera. That's also why the company can promise to send a new unit: They can check if the thing is actually stolen. Also, it is a cloud device: You can steal it, but once stolen, it is likely to be remotely locked or marked stolen. The device can broadcast where it is anytime it is connected to a WIFI signal.
      It is pretty much useless once stolen. It can even tell the whereabouts of thiefs. It is like stealing a GPS tracker

    • @miguelaraiza8070
      @miguelaraiza8070 6 років тому

      They will send u a new free unit if it gets stolen

    • @jeffsims7386
      @jeffsims7386 6 років тому

      I don't know that most criminals carry around a full bit set with their lockpicks.

    • @pizzaboxer
      @pizzaboxer 6 років тому +7

      they don't need to carry a full bit set around with them, they just need the one correct Torx size as the size is same on all of the Ring doorbells.

    • @Novaximus
      @Novaximus 5 років тому +3

      Criminals have a special desecurity tool. It's called a crowbar. As if a pro theif couldn't just buy this product just for the screw driver. Or go to a hardware store and buy the head bit.

  • @angrycatowner
    @angrycatowner 7 років тому +237

    I would never accept a package from a muppet.

    • @mikeypops73
      @mikeypops73 6 років тому +33

      Angry Cat Owner
      I only accept packages from Muppets...hmmm

    • @dusterdude238
      @dusterdude238 5 років тому +14

      Jim Henson would be so Disappointed . .. HA HA

    • @glassyxanderplaysminecraft8340
      @glassyxanderplaysminecraft8340 4 роки тому +2

      Damn feltennials.

    • @OAleathaO
      @OAleathaO 4 роки тому

      Pretty ironic considering Jim Henson's Creature Shop has been located in England since 1991.

    • @ZGryphon
      @ZGryphon 4 роки тому +1

      I would _always_ accept a package from a Muppet.

  • @attilaplays
    @attilaplays 8 років тому +1

    I highly appreciate the production value going into these videos. You are doing a great job at script, scenes, and overall composition or story line. Always come back for more, and always looking forward to the next one. Love the muppets. Keep up the good work Good Sir!

  • @FaisalAlmalki223
    @FaisalAlmalki223 8 років тому +1

    We had one similar door bell with video at home back in 2003-2004, the output is shown in a small 5 inch monochrome CRT.
    The CRT was ancient "made locally back in 1995, stamp on the back of the bulb" but the camera-doorbell assembly was made in 2002, all analog beauty.

  • @Pieh0
    @Pieh0 8 років тому +133

    "But can I use it as a dashcam?" :P

    • @johncas1
      @johncas1 8 років тому

      if you want a dashcam buy one

    • @Pieh0
      @Pieh0 8 років тому +35

      John C
      Thanks for totally missing the humour ...

    • @PianoVideosJustForU
      @PianoVideosJustForU 8 років тому +6

      "Does it have a shock detector as well??"

    • @technologyproductions-ye3px
      @technologyproductions-ye3px 6 років тому

      Yes if you modify it but by then you should have bought a dashcam

    • @bx19tgd
      @bx19tgd 6 років тому

      Pieh0
      Do you live in the land of bad drivers also known as **cough** Russia?

  • @SamuliTuomola_stt
    @SamuliTuomola_stt 6 років тому +12

    hah "hailing frequencies closed!" that muppet's awesome, cheerio future-boy!

  • @benyamino
    @benyamino 8 років тому

    You make some of the highest quality tech videos that I've ever stumbles across on the internet. Your physical appearance as well as voice overs are top notch, keep it up!

  • @micheals1992
    @micheals1992 2 місяці тому +1

    8 years later and still whenever I hear a ring door bell I think of this video 🤣

  • @peter_smyth
    @peter_smyth 8 років тому +13

    The device should have the ability to record the video to your own server, if you don't want to pay a subscription fee.

  • @steve1978ger
    @steve1978ger 5 років тому +11

    When I was a kid, our doorbell was an actual bell. Never failed, always connected, only one sound, ★★★★☆

    • @rogerbarton497
      @rogerbarton497 3 роки тому +2

      At one house we had a mechanical door bell, you had to twist a knob to make it ring. And then the Victorians had bell-pulls which rang a bell through a system of wires and pulleys.

  • @Oceansteve
    @Oceansteve 4 роки тому

    i have been using mine for just over a year and found it very useful.. most of the Q/A issues you raise are not an issue now, so maybe they were in the process of fixing them from when your trial worked.
    but I appreciate there are occasions when it does delay starting and also that you do not see the benefit.

  • @typhoontim125
    @typhoontim125 4 роки тому

    Hi Mat, brilliant video as always. I installed the Ring Doorbell today for a neighbour and was very impressed. The delay that you mention was very short, less than 2 seconds. Two possible reasons for the improvement versus your experience: It was wired to an existing bell power supply and I suspect the software has been much updated since you bought yours.

  • @vhm14u2c
    @vhm14u2c 4 роки тому +5

    Not much delay for me, maybe 5 seconds. Also the app does have a option do view live vid when no one is at the door. Can also turn on intercom if some is there (played with a kitty nearby, did the confuse a cat bit from MP)

  • @SatanicJamnic
    @SatanicJamnic 8 років тому +108

    :D This mupet scene was so funny. As always, thanks for making such a great video.

    • @salty6pence672
      @salty6pence672 8 років тому +1

      +SatanicJamnic Thank for the vid Future Boy.

  • @ianz9916
    @ianz9916 3 роки тому +1

    The TECKNET Self-Powered Doorbell is quite a good wireless bell because the push doesn't use batteries. Pressing the bell push generates the power to send the wireless signal to the ringer and, as an added bonus, it comes with two plug in ringers.

  • @rigilchrist
    @rigilchrist 4 роки тому

    I'm glad that you have reviewed this product. I am a professional installer of, among other things, door intercoms. So like you I thought I'd give it a try. I did not want to use Wi-Fi and as this is a business, I opted for the "Ring Doorbell Elite" model (c£500) which has wired Ethernet link using PoE. I found the product design seriously lacking. The Elite is a much larger product requiring to be set into the wall using a back-box. A back-box is supplied, but this has many problems. It has been designed for use with a wall which has a thin skin, like the cladding widely used in the US. In the UK, most of our dwellings have brick walls - and removing enough brickwork to create a hole large enough to receive the back-box is a serious job. The backbox mounting holes are extremely close to the edge of this hole, rendering them useless - we had to fabricate our own fixing to the rear. The device is a close fit to the box, making it impossible to fit a regular, booted RJ45 cable. I have to make a cable up so that it could handle the tight radius when installed. And all that was only the start of the problems. PoE is a standard - and the unit does not work with that standard - it evidently requires its own. None of our Cisco PoE switches would work with it, but Ring do supply a "PoE" power injector, so we were forced to use that. Next, I discovered that it simply does not work on a wired network. I am a network administrator, so I know all about the various protocols (BOOTP, DHCP etc) which devices use to acquire an IP address - indeed, we configure such devices all the time. This Ring device would not acquire an IP address. I could trace its MAC address but it made no attempt to acquire an IP using any of the standard protocols. I contacted support. And waited. And waited. After WEEKS someone got back to me. But not from Ring, but from the "community". They were clueless, telling me to restart my router, etc. I explained I was using a Cisco network switch, which they'd never heard of (whatever one might think of Cisco, the internet basically runs on Cisco switches). Eventually, after over a month, someone from Ring did "reach out" to me, but by then I had enough. So the support for a professional product is non-existent. We were forced to use Wi-Fi - which I don't like to do for fixed devices - and is why I bought the Elite model. The final problem is one you have discovered - latency. You may be right about a "waking-up" delay, but that wasn't evident in this powered device. However, there is an unacceptable delay - and the reason for this is that the Ring servers are in Washington, USA. This is a preposterously bad product which I would have returned if it were not for a need to fill a hole in my brickwork. I do use it, but I would NEVER recommend one!

  • @dezmobluefire8217
    @dezmobluefire8217 5 років тому +9

    Can we just appreciate that his WIFI is named WOPR?

  • @NonsensicalSpudz
    @NonsensicalSpudz 8 років тому +18

    you have the buy the actual door bell ring function separately. that's interesting

    • @flyonawall6521
      @flyonawall6521 8 років тому +2

      +NonsensicalSpudz Mine came together in the same box.

    • @rubbereentjuh
      @rubbereentjuh 7 років тому +2

      That's because you can hook the device up to your "current" ringer. If you already have a ringer, you only need the button unit. That way, the classic ringer is activated AND you get a phone notification

  • @twelvebears1971
    @twelvebears1971 5 років тому

    I think you are correct about the delay being down to it going into sleep mode to save the battery. We have just installed the permanently wired Pro version and don’t experience any noticeable delay. Also it picks up and movement and doesn’t seem to miss anything, so being ‘always on’ makes all the difference.

  • @fuelvolts
    @fuelvolts 8 років тому

    Great video! One thing to mention, that I've hooked mine up to my hardwired doorbell, so it still rings my 20 year old chime inside the house, as well as powers off the low voltage wiring (believe it is 18v), so no need to buy that chime unless you don't have an already installed chime. Sorry to flood your inbox if you've already received comments like that. Love your channel.
    EDIT: I should have waited to finish the video, you mention that it will ring your old bell. Sorry!

  • @oldvideopro
    @oldvideopro 8 років тому +5

    Mine is wired in and notifications are pretty much immediate. The new app now does let you choose "Liveview" and see what's happening outside at any time. The movement notifications work well, too. Mine does also ring the normal door bell, too.

  • @LazyScoutJace
    @LazyScoutJace 7 років тому +13

    I actually work at a hardware store that started displaying these for sale. I explain everything that was mentioned in your vid and even send them links to your vid. I have yet to make a single sale after they take a watch! Hahaha

  • @dwwolfe1
    @dwwolfe1 8 років тому

    I'm so glad you reviewed this device. I've enjoyed your videos for several months, especially the dash-cam reviews. I was considering getting one of these Ring doorbells, because I live in an apartment with poor acoustics. I've missed deliveries because I'll be in one of the bedrooms and not hear them knock. My solution: have them delivered where I work. But, it would be nice to know when maintenance comes in or if there is an undesirable person at the door.
    I agree with you. The delay is too long. I suspect you're probably correct in that the device has to "wake up" on battery power and that causes the delay. Ring should work on this issue and release a firmware update or offer a hardware upgrade. IMHO, even 15-20 seconds would be too long. Some delay might be due to various cell phone networks, too. Try calling your cell from a land-line and see if the delay is similar.
    Like you, I'll probably go buy a wireless doorbell. They're less than US$30 at the big box stores or on amazon.
    Oh, and keep the puppets in your videos. I think the most successful tech reviews have a bit of humor and fun in the videos.

  • @Slovflyer
    @Slovflyer 7 років тому

    I've been watching your videos for the last few days. Excellent quality and entertaining commentary, as well as learning something new about electronics from my childhood era (can't go wrong with striking the 80s nostalgia chord for me). Reminds me a bit of the old Beyond 2000 and Next Step shows on the Discovery channel.

  • @raptorekpl
    @raptorekpl 8 років тому +16

    I did something like this using a raspberry pi wired with ethernet and gpio. Fun little project. It has a camera, motion sensors and pressure sensors under doormat. It drops events to syslog, videos to owncloud and can be accessed from anywhere via VPN. RTC and NTP with a few lines in python tells it when not to ring a bell. Face recognition turned out to be quite tricky on r-pi but instead it catches 802.11 beacon frames from nearby devices and creates profiles based on that. It can more or less tell who is approaching by what his or her phone is looking for. :)

    • @robocog
      @robocog 7 років тому +6

      Have you documented this anywhere online? - looking to do similar and have 2 PI 2's sat here..

    • @Splitface2811
      @Splitface2811 6 років тому +1

      I was thinking the whole video that a pi would be way better. Got any guide on how you did this?

    • @NarfBLAST
      @NarfBLAST 5 років тому

      facepalm

  • @dennisolof9994
    @dennisolof9994 7 років тому +3

    Ahhh, that green puppet is so cute and funny. Use him more in your videos. You should get him some friends and do some fun stuff with them :)

  • @PepsiManX360
    @PepsiManX360 5 років тому

    I just got this doorbell today. As of today they’ve updated the app, and features. Now it has full live view and a lot of other features. I really needed this since my hearing problems and I can’t always hear the door bell. God, I’m 24 and I’ve missed so many because of not being able to hear.

  • @junkendriven
    @junkendriven 7 років тому

    Interesting review, thanks! I've had a few people ask me about these (I'm their go-to techie!)
    I was sceptical for several of the reasons you mention and glad my assumptions were correct.
    On the time delay, as you mention it looks like it's not the battery vs wired power, but my suspicion is it's the sleep mode and wireless function. The radio is the highest power consumption component along with the camera, so putting the wifi to sleep saves a lot of power. The problem with that is your wifi AP will then see it as a dis-association from the AP, releasing the IP back into the DHCP pool.
    So when somebody presses it, it has to: Power on the wifi antenna/chip, associate with the wifi, request an IP, ACK the IP, then connect using the internet out your broadband to their central servers, then send the signal from there out to your phone. That's quite a round-trip time for a doorbell sound/notification!
    Thanks again for the great video, and keep the muppets!

  • @LeonSteelpaw
    @LeonSteelpaw 4 роки тому +11

    Interesting how sometihng that started as a good idea, is now being used for more nefarious purposes

  • @salsolo2403
    @salsolo2403 8 років тому +29

    £160 seems a bit steep jeez :O

    • @vincentdeguard4726
      @vincentdeguard4726 8 років тому +6

      +dominic Saleh ...for that price could just leave a cheap Smartphone by the door!

    • @salsolo2403
      @salsolo2403 8 років тому

      Vincent de Guard hahaha

    • @vincentdeguard4726
      @vincentdeguard4726 8 років тому +1

      ***** Indeed...have something similar on my SatNav; put there in a slightly vain atempt to stop common folk being able to change the battery.

    • @jmbwithcats
      @jmbwithcats 8 років тому

      +dominic Saleh Syd Barrett Opal avatar? Quite nice ;)

    • @salsolo2403
      @salsolo2403 8 років тому

      cheers man :)

  • @slicedpage
    @slicedpage 8 років тому

    as the years go on your studio setup is getting bigger and better,good for you.

  • @blairashworth9472
    @blairashworth9472 6 років тому

    Thanks for another great short review, Mat!! on the wider subject of budget Wi-Fi security cameras I would like to wholeheartedly recommend the "Clever Dog" device which cost me all of £20 -- and I trust it to monitor the entrance hall of my home while I'm out, with all the features of a system 10 times the price. I kid you not!!!! They are available all over eBay and I'm fairly confident you'll find it a worthwhile device to review.

  • @Flofutz
    @Flofutz 8 років тому +5

    Hailing Frequency has closed....😅 The Mupped is a must

  • @locouk
    @locouk 8 років тому +3

    Even the wireless doorbells are pants, the last one I tried was £30 and that often won't work. I've gone back to a wired bell, extended the cable and put a higher voltage battery pack on it to compensate for the voltage drop in the long wire. (I'm in an upstairs flat btw)

  • @helloimash
    @helloimash 7 років тому

    This was an enlightening video for me to watch because my neighbour has one of these. One time I rang it and stood on his doorstep for a really bloody long time feeling like a total pillock. I thought he was being rude or lazy, but this video has explained that it's just the massive lag of this thing!

  • @kcgunesq
    @kcgunesq 5 років тому +1

    Only because this is now three years old, I'll mention that the current (2018/2019) version seems to have fixed many of the issues mentioned. There isn't much delay at all, for example. Also, I'll mention that I never saw the primary benefit as being able to talk to people while away. Rather, creating a record of who approached the door and handled parcels is why most people I know want something like this.

  • @spudrubble
    @spudrubble 8 років тому +3

    Seems like one of those products with great potential but just needs a bit more tweaking

  • @kvfive
    @kvfive 8 років тому +5

    Always 1st class quality videos Mr Techmoan, thank you :)

  • @davejoseph5615
    @davejoseph5615 6 років тому

    Thank you for your thoughtful review. I have my own doubts about this unit. I wish the makers of the unit were more forthcoming about its internal workings and limitations.

  • @PVflying
    @PVflying 8 років тому +1

    Simply superb review video. You manage to continue to raise your game even after all these years. Hats off to you

  • @nictaylor00
    @nictaylor00 8 років тому +3

    We got one for the office and returned it too. The delay as you mention is way too long. Sometimes you would never even get a notification. Additionally, all of us here in the office downloaded the App, so that all our phones would notify us since we all work odd hours. Unfortunately, if you forget to turn off the app, your phone may ring even when you were not working. Kinda annoying on your days off.

    • @Wakeywhodat
      @Wakeywhodat 8 років тому

      Was your unit hard wired for power or just the internal battery?

    • @nictaylor00
      @nictaylor00 8 років тому +1

      +Wakeywhodat we were using the internal battery. There was no hardwire option for the location we chose.

    • @Wakeywhodat
      @Wakeywhodat 8 років тому

      Ok, thank you.

    • @NateBluehooves
      @NateBluehooves 6 років тому

      so far as i can tell the delay is your phone, not the bell. i have an android phone with optimization turned off for ring and i have a one second delay roughly.

  • @IMRROcom
    @IMRROcom 8 років тому +11

    "shall we play a game" - Global Thermonuclear War?

    • @oz_jones
      @oz_jones 4 роки тому

      "What an odd game. The only winning move is not to play."

  • @vistron888
    @vistron888 8 років тому

    Hi,
    Glad you reviewed this as I'm looking for one of these. A few questions:
    - When you're away from the house - how is it contacting your mobile? Do you have to be in a wifi zone or have 3g/4g via your mobile phone provider?
    - Can you not wire the doorbell to a mains transformer inside your house to see if there is still a delay?
    - Didn't understand the lack of wifi signal bit since the video was taken in the garage and not outside the house?? How weak is it?
    The fact that you can be contacted away from your home is the most important feature, imo, for having one. Yet the manufacturers don't seem to place this on their marketing material/packaging. Who really gives a toss when you're at home to be able to view the person on your mobile?

  • @Wlhlm
    @Wlhlm 4 роки тому +1

    here in germany, ive never seen in a house or flat without a doorbell. ive also never seen a doorbell that isnt a 2 way intercom. its common here to first awnser on the doorbell to find out whats going on, and then we have this open door button next to it which opens the door.
    im surprised to hear not all the houses over there in the uk have this...

    • @Saaj2
      @Saaj2 4 роки тому

      They have those in apartment buildings and houses with external gates

  • @henrikaleksandernilsen6388
    @henrikaleksandernilsen6388 8 років тому +5

    What I think will improve this would be a Wifi circuit that's in low-powered mode but keeps its connection to the network to avoid the delay, and a small solar panel on the doorbell just to top off the battery.
    Another thing is.. This works well if you're the only person who lives in the house. But what if there lives more people there? Every time someone is at the door you'll need to answer, then go (or call) and tell your wife or whoever it is that there's someone at the door. That, or every family member has to have their own doorbell, like if just one isn't expensive enough.

    • @TropicalChris
      @TropicalChris 8 років тому +1

      +Henrik Nilsen It will notify anyone connected to the doorbell. So I have my phone, iPad, and my wife's phone connected. Everyone gets the notification, but anyone presently in the house will also hear the doorbell ringing.
      I just know not to answer it if I think my wife is home. Just the fact that they rang the doorbell means I have an image of the person just in case something were to happen.

    • @jimanna1
      @jimanna1 7 років тому

      Henrik Nilsen

  • @Neffers_UK
    @Neffers_UK 8 років тому +22

    Ding dong ding dong.... "Hi I'm not home at the moment..." - Thief with Mr Burns finger action, "Excellent"

  • @77fishbowl77
    @77fishbowl77 7 років тому

    Very practical and comprehensive. Best review I've seen this year!

  • @gverran
    @gverran 8 років тому

    Hi Techmoan. First of all, I'm a complete fan of your videos. Discovered you a few months ago, subscribed and watched most of your vids. I also value the traditional Hifi and all the components that go with it. My dream has alwasys been to have a proper stacked Hifi with all the components, but although I am not there, I have absoluate joy in watching yoru videos as I share the love for Hifi in the 70s and 80s and early 90s as you do - not to mention the facination of the different technologies of the day. Hope you keep on testing more unusual Hifi components as you continue to build your Hifi. :) Now to my comment of your review of the Ring doorbell. I am super glad you reviewed the Ring doorbell and you for one, do a thorough review and highlight the items that would bug me in a big way. Thank for saving me from considering the Ring doorbell as the annoyances that you had, would totally annoy me too.I do hope that you'll do reviews of more "smart" doorbells in future as I despirately need one of these for myself. We have an intercom doorbell at my gate, but if you're sitting outside at the pool or in the bedrooms, you cannot hear the intercom ring as the intercom unit is at my front door, so having a hybrid of an intercom / doorbell that rings my phone and an external chime unit is a must.I looked at the Skybell (www.skybell.com/) when it was launched, but as I live in South Africa, the price of these things with shipping is very high. Could you consider reviewing the Skybell?Well, keep the good work and keep those videos coming. Cheers~Glen

  • @HarryBunnGRVOTV
    @HarryBunnGRVOTV 8 років тому +37

    i don't have a doorbell, i just get a load bang on the door, works for me and it's completely free!!!!!!!!

    • @murrfeeling
      @murrfeeling 7 років тому +14

      You are sort of bragging that you have a small house with flimsy walls.

    • @chaos.corner
      @chaos.corner 7 років тому +15

      Actually sleeps in a van down by the river

    • @joshuarosen6242
      @joshuarosen6242 6 років тому +3

      Either that or his visitors have a proper manly knock, unlike whoever it is who knocks on your door.
      I have a reasonable sized house with thick stone walls and perfectly decent hearing. The knock seems to work perfectly well here as well.

  • @gtamasterplayer383
    @gtamasterplayer383 7 років тому +4

    I loved the thumbnail.

  • @Split10uk
    @Split10uk 8 років тому

    Great video as usual. I thought it a great idea when you demo'd the product, but that lag would be a killer.
    The bit at the end made me LMAO. Keep it up!

  • @AttilaTheHun333333
    @AttilaTheHun333333 8 років тому

    I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel. I love your content and your humor always put a smile on my face...even on the not so great days. Keep up the great work Mat! You have one of a kind youtube channel.

    •  8 років тому

      +Attila theHun Agree. :)

    • @Techmoan
      @Techmoan  8 років тому

      +Attila theHun Hope today has been a good one for you - I know all too well how things can go.

  • @uriituw
    @uriituw 8 років тому +13

    One reason for the delay could be that your iPhone is asleep and isn't connected to Wi-fi 100% of the time.

    • @medworthy
      @medworthy 8 років тому +4

      More then likely the delay is releated to re-establishing a IP address via DHCP (and then connecting to the cloud / service provider).

    • @compzac
      @compzac 5 років тому

      In all likelihood its both, when I had mine I was having the same issue, up too and at one point past a minute (mostly cause I think at the time I was connected to a Starbucks wifi and was leaving so the signal was quite weak) but the fix I had was put the ring app into the doze exclusion list on my galaxy and it helped a bit but I still would notice that the ups guy would say damn took a long time for you to respond, I ended up giving the ring back, got a different unit with some features that ring omitted like the ability to turn the camera on whenever but I also wired the new unit up and the delay all but disappeared.

    • @darrenbrannigan586
      @darrenbrannigan586 5 років тому

      This looks like the original ring doorbell, do you know if the lag us still there with the ring video doorbell 2?

  • @bigbadjohn10
    @bigbadjohn10 4 роки тому +4

    I think a camera would seem a better investment if you are worried about burglars.

  • @wisteela
    @wisteela 8 років тому

    Great situation demonstration :)
    That clip on extension lead looks very handy
    I didn't realise that android with face off was a picture at first!

  • @evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879
    @evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879 6 років тому

    I love the honesty in the review! Well done, sir!

  • @Mooncalf2012
    @Mooncalf2012 8 років тому +3

    Is that a ghost, or a laser pointer, on the left @ 8:37

    • @Techmoan
      @Techmoan  8 років тому +16

      +Mooncalf2012 it's LED light reflecting off a tiny insect....the same thing all those fraudulent ghost programmes rely on for their bull crap 'ghost' video 'orb' nonsense lies.

    • @Mooncalf2012
      @Mooncalf2012 8 років тому +2

      +Techmoan I've seen at least one 'orb' ghost with my own eyes, but never seen anything on camera, other than some Kodachrome slides I took that had blue lights I couldn't explain away to light leakage or developing errors. Glad I watched your video, it seems that everyone that makes these video doorbells caters to the iPhone/Smartphone crowd. I just want a simple doorbell switch that works with the existing doorbell and power, wi-fi video, as well as having motion detection. It sounds like they want to sell you extra wireless doorbell ringers for your home, when it's not even necessary. I'll probably end up buying an outdoor wi-fi camera, and just a run-of-the-mill doorbell switch with a nice blue light. Better yet, maybe a mini camera that can't be detected to catch someone in the act. Someone ought to just make a regular doorbell switch with an attractive LED light and a fake camera lens to deter would be thieves, cheaper, and probably just as effective.

    • @Mooncalf2012
      @Mooncalf2012 8 років тому +2

      +Mooncalf2012 It appears from your review that the major limitation is the software, because just about any wi-fi video camera, or even a router, can be set up to send you notifications via the web. There is always some sort of delay with this process, so barring an actual dedicated monitor to work with the video camera, there will probably never be a way to shorten the delay to your phones. If they were smart, they would program their software to also react to the motion control or button push via the LAN, (when you are within reach) instead of using a string to communicate through the internet to their servers. The internet string method adds the delay, but it is impossible for most people to connect directly to an IP and local port through their ISP because of the firewalls. Without firewalls, (or using the LAN connection when at home) there would be a delay of less than 30-40 milliseconds after the button is pressed. But of course, part of their strategy is not to sell you a functional device, but to get you to subscribe to their cloud service.

  • @chroniclesofbap6170
    @chroniclesofbap6170 4 роки тому +8

    To help alleviate the delay, maybe give it a static IP address?

    • @chrisbaker8533
      @chrisbaker8533 4 роки тому +2

      IMHO that wouldn't work.
      It's not about the WiFi connection its about the power save mode.
      This is why TM was saying some people weren't experiencing the delay as they were probably hardwired as opposed to battery powered.

    • @CantCampThereMate
      @CantCampThereMate 4 роки тому

      Static IP won't make a difference

    • @chroniclesofbap6170
      @chroniclesofbap6170 4 роки тому

      @@CantCampThereMate Because you have a network diagram in front of you and schematics of the device

    • @CantCampThereMate
      @CantCampThereMate 4 роки тому

      @@chroniclesofbap6170 WTF. It won't make a difference, simple as that

    • @chroniclesofbap6170
      @chroniclesofbap6170 4 роки тому

      @@CantCampThereMate So you know that he doesn't have a switch that has a corrupt routing table? Impressive.

  • @thingsdemystified
    @thingsdemystified 6 років тому

    I bought a Ring Video Doorbell Pro, and I love it! I liked it so much I bought their Floodlight version for the driveway. One of the things I love about them is being able to watch videos of my kids playing in the driveway or yard when I don't happen to have my video camera handy or if I'm unable to be outside at the time. It also alerts me whenever I get a package. Often times the delivery people don't even ring the doorbell. Oh, and there was one time where this scary looking guy was ringing out doorbell at night, and we didn't want to open the door. I ended up talking to him through the Ring because he wouldn't go away. Turns out it was a pizza delivery for the wrong address but I was glad I didn't have to open the door.

  • @lesmoor001
    @lesmoor001 8 років тому

    great video i had my eye on this product for a while.i dont like outside chime aspect or the delay

  • @bazahaza
    @bazahaza 8 років тому +8

    Thanks for the video Technoman ;-) Please KEEP the Muppet's!

    • @breebw
      @breebw 8 років тому

      +Bazahaza Is it a plane? No, its Technoman!

    • @shippy555
      @shippy555 4 роки тому

      It's Muppets, not Muppet's!

  • @opinionday0079
    @opinionday0079 7 років тому +3

    The muppet stays..

  • @citizengar
    @citizengar 7 років тому

    Great review, thanks! I have been thinking about the Ring door bell.

  • @WaybackTECH
    @WaybackTECH 8 років тому +1

    Doorbell going to sleep was my first thought as well. Makes sense to me. Probably is having to reconnect to the Wifi and then get a new IP, and also having to find the phone again. Seems like a neat device though. I think the short fall though, besides the delay, is not connecting to your existing ringer in the house, and having to buy the plug in accessory, which still i think can have it's short comings as well.

  • @WillFealey
    @WillFealey 8 років тому +3

    You can turn off the external ring but you have to email support and they do it remotely.

    • @darrenpardoe
      @darrenpardoe 6 років тому +1

      That makes it a really good product then, or they could have just put it into the software. What a massive glaring oversight that someone may wish to turn the outside ringer off!!!!

  • @archlinuxrussian
    @archlinuxrussian 8 років тому +4

    Simple idea: make this silent outside, make it wired and use Power over Ethernet, and allow LOCAL storage...there, basically a doorbell with a security camera...though why not just use a security camera with a normal doorbell?
    In all honesty, I'm mostly for "smart devices" presuming they respect my privacy and allow local storage and data :)

  • @robertledet
    @robertledet 8 років тому

    Love your videos. You inspired me to build up quite the hi fi setup. This is an interesting product. Kind of a solution to something that I would think wasn't really a problem, but an interesting use of technology that doesn't quite work perfectly.

  • @LoveMoreJudgeLess
    @LoveMoreJudgeLess 8 років тому

    Thanks for reviewing this product.... you saved me a HUGE amount of time! A THOUSAND THANKS!

  • @wgitelman
    @wgitelman 7 років тому +3

    if your ring doorbell is hard wired you can see it in live mode. the feature is disabled if running on batteries

  • @NotATube
    @NotATube 8 років тому +11

    Got to love how technology is sold as the solution to our every problem when devices like this seem determined to make life more- and not less- complicated. I mean, for ####'s sake, it's a DOORBELL!

    • @freezerlunik
      @freezerlunik 6 років тому +1

      It's a so-so doorbell, so-so motion activated security camera, so-so internet-capable intercom. Lots of features and potential uses outside the classical doorbell capabilities.

  • @Shermanbay
    @Shermanbay 8 років тому +1

    Your experience reminds me a lot of mine with a Dropcam, which I tried to use for a front door watch, too. But the delay after motion sensing until record start made the device unusable for security purposes. And if I want to see what that noise was outside and I switch to the Dropcam view on my computer, it takes 30 seconds for it to connect, so that doesn't work for security, either. And the delay in the talkback function makes that one only a toy. Then there is the poor Wifi range of the cam, much less than other Wifi devices. In short, we have a lot of good ideas here, but the implementation falls short of practicality.

  • @garyallsebrook3493
    @garyallsebrook3493 5 років тому

    Since my last post, I installed an Airport Extreme router near the ring and tripled my bandwidth. Its very close to real time now and I'm satisfied with its performance

  • @JayDillon-mm6yv
    @JayDillon-mm6yv 4 роки тому +5

    You could just let people knock on the door and if civilization has not yet broken down, they go away if you're not answering the door.

  • @Cyber_Cowboy
    @Cyber_Cowboy 4 роки тому +3

    Anyone else randomly get this video suggested in 2022
    Give it time, I'm sure this will make more sense

  • @jamesgillre
    @jamesgillre 8 років тому +4

    Haha my favourite techmoan video yet! loved the live comedy segment - "future boy, hailing frequencies closed!"

  • @byrons8956
    @byrons8956 7 років тому

    I ended up buying the Pro version, so far working ok for me.
    I didn't have an existing doorbell, so had to run wiring for it and the issues with getting my UTM network system configured to even be able to use the doorbell and chime unit. One other thing I did is setup a separate WiFi network just for this doorbell.
    I still need to integrate it with my home automation system and the new (Gen2) Amazon Dot device. Since I bought it more for package deliveries and not needing to constantly watching the security cameras to look for them. Its interesting how many carriers don't knock and just drop the packages off.

  • @rustcohle3803
    @rustcohle3803 6 років тому +3

    I came here cuz of the muppet

  • @disanco
    @disanco 8 років тому +13

    with the current software it rings on your phone with no delay.
    and now they make a new unit called the ring pro.
    also they have added live view now too.
    you need to update your video

    • @Techmoan
      @Techmoan  8 років тому +118

      I don't 'need' to do anything.

    • @efraing726
      @efraing726 8 років тому +16

      +Techmoan you tell em!

    • @oskarwrobel1672
      @oskarwrobel1672 7 років тому +13

      Someone put obviously flawed product on the market. No one 'needs' to go around in circles fixing their own fault.

    • @bennylofgren3208
      @bennylofgren3208 6 років тому +1

      Bruce Wayne Not because some random stranger tells him to...

    • @rars0n
      @rars0n 6 років тому +2

      No delay? Yeah right. Especially when it comes to live view, which usually takes at least 10 seconds to connect, if it even does at all.
      The motion sensing is still completely broken. I have it set to the minimum 5 ft and it still goes off when a car drives by, even though the street is a good 25 ft away from the doorbell.

  • @lifestream_real
    @lifestream_real 6 років тому

    I really enjoyed this. I am interested in tech like this and absolutely would have a concern should there be a long delay on the notifications or ringing. Obviously we don't all have wired doorbell hookups, so many of us might want to use the battery, myself included (although you said in a comment below that the delay may happen even if it is wired, which is even more worrisome). In my view, the delay is the one glaring flaw with this device that would keep me from using it myself.
    I really appreciate your videos on these things; thank you so much for all your fine work.