Why ecobee's Smart Doorbell Camera is a BIG upgrade
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- The new ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera seamlessly integrates with your front door with your ecobee and Apple smart home systems. Let's look at all the details and see how it could be a great fit for your front door. Also thanks to ecobee for sponsoring this video!
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ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: bit.ly/3rVwjXR
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:39 Setup
01:32 Hardware
02:23 Video Quality
03:06 Recording Clips
04:23 Security Plans
04:55 Siren Button
05:08 Apple HomeKit
05:36 with ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
06:15 The bigger picture
#myecobeehome #ad
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- Some links in this description are affiliate links and might support the channel at no additional cost to you
- This video and all of Eric Welander's channel is a production of E. Welander, LLC - Наука та технологія
Add me to the list of folks where this not having HomeKit Secure Video is a total nonstarter. If it had HKSV, I'd instantly buy!
Yep, without HKSV I am not buying it. It is almost crazy how everyone is trying so hard to force everyone into subscriptions.
Agreed!
Thanks Eric for all the details!
Really like the looks of this smart doorbell and the features and I have the Ecobee Thermostat but I agree with the other comments not going to work for me without HomeKit Secure Video.
I like the radar and wide field of view for package detection. I just got the Aqara doorbell, and those are two things that are missing for my current setup.
However, I replaced a Ring doorbell, and I don't want to go back to any product that has a subscription.
I’d buy this for sure if it supported HKSV. For now my Logitech Circle View still works fine for me. If they add support in the future I’ll pick one up.
Same, if it is not HKSV, I won't get it. They probably want people to subscribe to their subscription services, but it is at the expense of you and I and many others not buying the device at all and looking elsewhere.
No HKSV is a non-starter IMO.
An astounding omission tbh.
I understand that HomeKit Secure Video is a must have for some people but due to Apple's lack of pushing that platform forward, it means you are ruling out on device image processing and potentially things like radar sensors. Also Apple routinely has Wi-Fi connection bugs with HomeKit cameras and you potentially have no backup way to access them. In this case during early iOS 17 builds with Home bugs, the ecobee app still worked fine while all my HKSV cameras were down.
Yeah, kind of agree. I get Ecobee’s direction here, but I don’t own any other Ecobee devices. I don’t want to pay for another subscription. I think it’ll limit their audience.
@@EricWelanderfrom a business economics perspective, Ecobee should be setting up a ‘threshold tier purchase model’ where a customer who buys and links say 4 Ecobee cameras and an Ecobee doorbell gets a Free Premium Subscription for 5 Years. (2 months free is not enough).
Subscriptions are a major turn off as an annoying add on for people who invest so much in their initial bulk purchases.
So, I don’t understand why these SmartHome companies aren’t following the strides of say Internet Providers - where if you sign up to a new Internet Plan for a minimum 2 years, they give to a Free WiFi 6e Modem Router.
As opposed to a customer who just buys a month-to-month plan.
The customer’s initial commitment to buying 5 devices (as a large fixed income for Ecobee) should be rewarded with a complimentary subscription of 5 years to further boost their rapport with the Brand and foster a long-term relationship - where the customer is will update or buy more products after that 5 years of free Subscription service has been used.
@@EricWelanderwas looking forward to a HomeKit Video Night Mode in iOS17 - seeing as Apple has made process with its built-in ‘Focus’ architecture that works across its device Ecosystem.
Having a ‘Record at Bedtime’ mode or even an added shortcut variable / automation for the Home App will be a delight whenever it comes.
Integrating ‘Focus’ modes with the Home App seems the best way for them to do this so people can link Scenes to their Focus.
No HomeKit Secure Video is a deal breaker. From what you showed in your video the camera quality is bad. The siren is a nice feature though.
For a DSLR or iPhone, this would be poor image quality, but for a compressed surveillance clip it's good.
I understand that HomeKit Secure Video is a must have for some people but due to Apple's lack of pushing that platform forward, it means you are ruling out on device image processing and potentially things like radar sensors.
Does the chime ring on HomePods require the chime adapter to be installed or is it just a software function of the home app?
I bought one of these, and the set up is great. Image quality is awesome, as is the speed of bringing up the live video. The huge drawback is the poor motion recognition (at least in my opinion). I’ve cranked up the range to as far as it will go and as wide as possible and it is continuously missing notifications. This is a good option for HomeKit, but I’m too disappointed in the motion recognition that I’m going back to my Ring doorbell. I’d love to the HomeKit integration, but not with the huge trade off in quality. Maybe I received a bad product, or I am missing the obvious, but I’m these issues just did not exist in Ring. They need a much better way to turn up/down the sensitivity, not simply the distance.
Would have been cool if you compared the quality with the logitech doorbell.
Nicely done.
So no HKSV means it doesnt record in the home app, is that right?
Correct. It's just a live view and notifications there
Does anyone know if you can have the Ecobee light switch play any sound when the Ecobee doorbell is pressed? That would be a sick addition
Does it Support HomeKit Secure video also?
I bought the Aqara doorbell a couple of months ago. For me the decision maker was the ability to run it in batteries.
How has it been? How is the battery drain and the connection?
Can I add to Ring app? I have the Ring security.
This looks like a great doorbell. However, I live in the Phoenix, Arizona (USA) area. In the summer, the temperature routinely exceeds the maximum operating temperature of this doorbell. I'll wait until we get more information on what happens when the temperature exceeds 113 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, earlier this year, I tried the Logitech Circle View doorbell. The doorbell shut down whenever the temperature was too high. (Not only did the camera turn off, but the doorbell itself wouldn't ring.) In contrast, the Aqara doorbell sends me a warning that the temperature is too high, yet the doorbell (including the camera) continues to function. Logitech's approach may do a better job of protecting the doorbell's sensitive electronics, but I like Aqara's approach better. Even if the life of my Aqara doorbell is shortened because it stays on even when the temp is too high, I want my doorbell to work ALL the time.
Wish there was a battery enabled wireless HomeKit doorbell like this. Aqara one doesn’t last long on the battery.
Eric, nice video here. I agree with your hksv assessment. I want to move from Ring (HOOBs) where I pay $240 a year for monitoring without native HK support that continues to be more unstable over time, to something WITH native HK support for $90 year. I’m honestly more annoyed with the fact it doesn’t expose the motion sensor to HomeKit lol. I’d love to see a follow up if you decide to use as a security system.
Thanks! Yes I already use the security system. The benefits are that you can control it in Shortcuts and all the door sensors natively show up in the home app. One feature I miss from Ring is support in the app to schedule a mode change, like every morning disarming at a specific time. I have to use a personal automation on my iPhone for that with ecobee instead.
Ecobee vs Nest doorbell? Which one?
Not seeing the “great” video quality based on the intro. I would suggest sharing the video bitrate in these.
Any product that requires a subscription or has cloud instead of local, is a non-starter for me.
Yup, that’s why I bought an Aqara even after I was gifted a nest doorbell. I wasn’t about to pay the subscription fee just to have basic functionality
How do you like it?@@gbidrugchemist
For an iPhone or DSLR that wouldn't be great image quality, but for a surveillance clip compressed I think it's pretty great. This is especially true with colors in low light of dusk and dawn.
few questions for you Eric. How does the quality of day and night video and recordings compare to Logitech Doorbell? When will this camera support Apple HomeKit Secure Video? I understand EcoBee wants people to use their services, but they should still offer an option - for me lack of HKSV is an instant NO-BUY regardless of other bells and whistles. And lastly, is 5.0 Ghz band crippled like on the Ecobee Thermostat premium where it refuses to connect when using DFS channels on 5.0 Ghz band? Thanks
No HomeKit Secured Video support? No thank you.
Exactly, dealbreaker to me as well.
I understand that HomeKit Secure Video is a must have for some people but due to Apple's lack of pushing that platform forward, it means you are ruling out on device image processing and potentially things like radar sensors. Also Apple routinely has Wi-Fi connection bugs with HomeKit cameras and you potentially have no backup way to access them. In this case during early iOS 17 builds with Home bugs, the ecobee app still worked fine while all my HKSV cameras were down.
@@EricWelander very good point! Thank you for sharing.
Does it show the preview of who is at your door like the Logitech option?
Yes on Apple TV and on the ecobee thermostat and in the image of the notification to your devices
You didn't say the video is also stored in the Apple Homekit video? So is this a homkit video devices as well or must you use their video storage solution?
Yes you just see the live view in the Home app and need the ecobee app and subscription to view and manage recordings. But you still get doorbell ringing notifications with live view on Apple TV
@@EricWelander to me Homekit video is a nice aspect of the homekit solution as I already pay for some icloud storage. So sadly this is not the doorbell I am looking for. Hopefully at some point they will make a Pro version or something that supports home kit video.
Ecobee isn't likely to allow any Apple user to bypass their subscription. Ecobee, like everyone else, is banking on the subs to offset the hardware cost.
Where they could screw over apple users is enable HKSV with paid ecobee subscription.
Do they have one that is wireless number one number two do they have One that is compatible with XFINITY Home security?
instead paying for the ecobee cloud storage services, can i use my apple one cloud storage that i already pay for monthly ? big bummer if not
Hi @EricWelander
Any thoughts on this
do you need to pay for the subscription to use the device?
No. You also don’t need one of their thermostat. Read more on their site on how the free plan compares to the paid plans.
No HKSV as others have said. If you don't subscribe to even their $5/mo plan, is it worth it?
I was told by support this AM 10-20-23 that there was NO cost for month cloud storage. It clears every 30 days. Not thinking I misunderstood that but would appreciate if someone else could verify?
I was surprised to see a live feed in the Home app without HKSV. Does a video pop up on Apple TV when someone rings the doorbell? Can you view the live feed on your Apple TV like you can with HKSV cameras?
Yes the live feed pops up as an Apple TV notification and yes you can view the live feed on an Apple TV like other Apple devices with camera access and yes your HomePods can be used as chimes.
This would be neat to showcase in a video!
@@efmarosario4953him leaving all that out is why I hate sponsored videos.
Thanks as always for the excellent content Eric. I was elated when you returned from your break from making frequent content. I have a couple of questions. What do you mean by Apple is not pushing HKSV forward? Have they mentioned dropping it and I missed it or just not improving its capabilities? Secondly, I have a SimpliSafe security system and my monitoring plan has increased to close to USD $30 per month now. Have you had experience with or heard from others who have the complete ecobee monitoring plan for USD $10 per month? I already have Ecobee thermostats (not the one they sent you) and could buy a lot of sensors to build out an ecobee security system with the subscription savings for a year approx USD $240 per year).
Here’s a video I made all about what I don’t like with HomeKit secure video. Some of the items apply here in ways Ecobee is better than HKSV like on device processing and a siren button. ua-cam.com/video/KLh0uDWV5H4/v-deo.htmlsi=ruDb7kuuDznVc_M9
Ecobee also gave me a trial of their home monitoring. I haven’t had any incidents to test that part out but I find the system to be great and you can trigger it with Shortcuts. I would investigate it further to see if it’s work it for you.
Thanks Eric!
@@EricWelanderI have the Ecobee premium and a Arlo doorbell. Would recommend switching to the Ecobee doorbell (granted the Ecobee doorbell is more expensive than the Arlo). I also have the Level door lock.
they will increase the price of monitoring at some point. I'd rather get a doorbell that doesn't require subscription.
@@abc123fhdi I was told by surport that you receive 30 days free each month and just wasn't a trial period.
I'll pass on this, requires paid subscription vs other doorbells on the market can record and store video without subscription and some even offer free subscription. The Reolink doorbell even has POE or ethernet in addition to dual band wifi. Does it work with apple secure video and does that mean you can record without subscription? I've heard some negative things about that, though like it's limited in resolution or something though this isn't that high of a resolution. Also you need ecobee premium thermostat to see video on that, won't work on enhanced though you can get the premium for about the same price as enhanced if you use the rebate vs enhanced without gas co rebate. Will it display video on other devices like echo show and allow two way talk?
Remember you’re also paying for a 24/7 Professional Monitoring system and cloud recordings is just an added bonus for the doorbell. Yes I agree they should have local storage, but I think the values offered here is great. HKSV would be the easiest solution here, but I don’t think it’s needed and should be optional, because HKSV is also limited with its features. You don’t need the thermostat to view footage. You can view live footage on Apple TV, not sure about the others. You can’t satisfy everyone!
I really enjoy your channel, but a pretty major oversight in your review is that it does not support HKSV. Thus, if you want video storage you must pay a subscription. This is a deal breaker for many (including me).
Google home "Hey google" support?
Great review. Seems like a great doorbell. I have a ecobee premium thermostat, and I’ll wait on this. Many people have mentioned the fact that it doesn’t support HKSV. I am an Apple user and I get it. And it surely a dealbreaker.
One thing I want to mention; I will assume Ecobee will have to pay Apple to use that platform (not sure, but I am guessing so), which mean they would have to increase the price to maybe recoup what they pay Apple. Look for example at the Logitech doorbell ($199) or the WeMo (189). Those two are about $30 to $40 more than the Ecobee. Considering Apple users are not the only Ecobee customers, Ecobee would alienate the other customers just because of HKSV. Compared to a company like Eve who only focuses on Apple ecosystem (I don’t know why they don’t have a doorbell, which will be a no brainer) Ecobee cannot do that. What Ecobee can do, I think is to reduce the price to maybe 2.99 and 5.99 instead of 5 and 10. This way they can compete with the Logitech on Apple and the Nest on Google or maybe they can switch and focus solely on Apple Ecosystem.
Interesting line of thinking here. I agree and I bet it’s because the company would not make the money back from subscriptions if lots of customers pay Apple (via iCloud) for HKSV instead. I still think this doorbell is a great option for lots of people with Apple homes, which is why I wanted to make this review, sponsored or not.
It’s not paying Apple, it’s losing subscriptions as people bypass your own cloud services, alongside added development costs. What companies should know however is that there is a decent user base which refuses to buy cameras which aren’t HSV compatible from a privacy standpoint
I love how none of these require a smart hub
What’s the info with apple ecosystem and advantages on it. I wanted to see how it works with Apple HomeKit, as an example when someone rings the bell can I get notification on Apple HomePods , who ring the bell? Or does it show up in Apple TV?
Now all ecobee needs to release is a fire/smoke detector for the entire system. Ring sucks and I would buy an entire set to go along with the thermostat pro+. Which I love.
The joys if not being an Apple user.
Looking at the comments you can clearly see that HKSV is a major, if not the main feature customers want. I’m really sorry you chose to mention homekit integration without mentioning the lack of HKSV. It’s kind of misleading to people who rely on these reviews to make purchasing decisions. Not a lie, but obviously leaving out an important piece of information that people really care about. I mean, you start the video by saying “if you want something that works well in the apple ecosystem”, you must be able to understand that this could be misleading to people looking for HKSV. I also see from your replies that you have your opinions on the usefulness of HKSV and I appreciate your position, but those comments are also somewhat intellectually dishonest in this case since you know why ecobee has really chosen not to support HKSV and it has nothing to do with apple’s implementation/support. They could always offer both options if they think they have a valuable subscription and let the customer decide, but they don’t in order to drive people to their subscription. Which by and large customers don’t want to do, clearly. I understand you’re running a business and need sponsor support, but this leaves a bad taste for sure and tarnishes your credibility. My advice would be to never sacrifice honest opinions or leave out information to satisfy a sponsor. If a sponsor won’t allow you to be honest, you should consider if they’re a good sponsor for building your reputation. I personally won’t really be trusting your reviews moving forward as a result of this, I’m afraid.
I partially agree with you. This video was a bit misleading. But I don’t think HKSV is needed here when you’ll be comprising features of the doorbell. Definitely should’ve mentioned it though. Videos like this make me want to start making videos with full transparency!
It's easy for us steeped in the Apple ecosystem to forget that HKSV also requires an iCloud subscription. This is less than dedicated video subscriptions but it's still a recurring cost. With ecobee you can combine it with security system monitoring, which is another expense you might already plan on paying.
I can what you mean of how people might think I'm talking about a HomeKit Secure Video Doorbell especially if they don't watch the full video. For doorbells specifically, there's a lot more to Apple Home integration than HKSV. There are chimes on HomePods, live view notifications on Apple TV, and notifications of events on other Apple devices. Not to mention the security system option here works with Apple Shortcuts and the door sensors show in HomeKit.
Of course companies making cameras are looking to recoup some costs of the product through subscriptions. I think it's why we'll never see lots of HKSV options for doorbells or other cameras. Apple has taken the best part for themselves.
While I still use HKSV and will cover it on this channel, it's part of why I push other options in videos like this. The economics of the HKSV system aren't setup for thriving options and innovations. This will only be exacerbated by Matter video feeds flooding into HomeKit some day.
Buying into a manufacturers ecosystem like this is more limited selection, but the economics are setup to incentivize the camera company to keep pushing forward with new camera and software products and features.
Apple hasn't added many features to HKSV and we'll see. I hope they evolve the program to make it better for manufacturers and customers in the coming years.
@@EricWelander Dude, come on. Don’t treat your viewers like that. Maybe that is truly your opinion on HKSV and your points are not invalid, but it’s misleading to not even mention it in the video because most customers want HKSV despite your perspective on it.. and I think you know that. That is my point. We don’t really need to keep engaging on this I guess. I’m really not out to start a fight or get into a protracted argument. Hopefully you see my comments as reasonable criticism and consider the points. I do wish you good luck with everything.
Is it smart enough to not ring when my toddler is asleep?
Unfortunately not. You can’t change which doorbell chimes make sounds as part of an automation
But you can choose which thermostat participates in the chiming. I’d suggest just not allowing the one next to your toddlers room to participate in the chiming.
subscription based, lacking basic apple HSV support are deal breaker
Sorry, used to like your video. But have to give a thumbs down for this video for trying to hide lack of HSV support for this doorbell…. But of course this is a sponsor video
Why would you want Herpes Simplex Virus?
Want to elaborate?
@@jasonmcmaster4968 HSV = HomeKit Secure Video.
From what I understand is it allows you to view video from HomeKit as well as Ecobee’s app.
One of their cameras has HSV, but I don’t know if it would require a firmware update for them to add a doorbell, or if they would need different hardware.
No HSV is definitely making me rethink Ecobee.
The problem is that there are not a lot of options for HomeKit.
Herpes simplex virus?
HSV is Homekit Secure Video and even devices which provide support for the Home app with video streaming aren’t necessarily HSV compatible. HSV means the video is encrypted end-to-end and routed to be analyzed locally through your home hub (Apple TV or HomePod).
I may have to look into this doorbell. I have the logic tech circle view now, and I must say. IT SUCKS!
45 c !!!
I'm living with 50 c 😂
So no for this doorbell
113f? So I should not buy this living in Texas =(
You never mentioned Android users at all. If this product only integrates with Apple, I'm not interested. Wish you'd have had less bias and didn't ignore my preferences and many others.
I am disappointed that you failed to mention a key drawback of this doorbell that it doesn't support Home kit secure video, I guess because it's a sponsored video. I watched your video and instantly bought one and installed it, only to know after the fact that it doesn't support hksv. How can you recommend any camera today that is HomeKit compatible but no HKSV ? very biased review..time to unsubscribe.
Absolutely agree! This was a trash review! He should be ashamed too!
I’m so sorry to hear you misunderstood. I still think you got a great doorbell, but you should be able to return it if it’s not for you.
HKSV is a valid video option but it’s far from the only video option that works with Apple Home. I talked about how this doorbell works with Apple Home because that’s the important integration here. Personally I’d prefer this over a HomeKit Secure Video doorbell given the on device recognition, radar, integration with the thermostat / security system, and more solid Wi-Fi connectivity than HKSV doorbells in my experience.
I say yes to products for sponsored reviews that I think are a great product and I present them in the best possible light by focusing on what they do well. I say no to 99% of these kinds of video opportunities.
Not a fan of biased, paid reviews
Without the “all opinions here are my owns” clearly sponsor had shut you up to NOT mention this doorbell does not support HomeKit Security Video. I bought one of this camera to find out it doesn’t have HSV! To me HSV is a deal breaker even I already own 2 ecobee premium and multiple door sensors with it. Thumbs down and unsubscribe for being slimy here. Won’t bother to watch any of your videos from now on