“You can ring my be-e-ell, ring my bell”

Every once in a while a product comes along that is unique in tech world. For today’s review we will be looking at one such device – the Ring Video Doorbell. The Connected Home is the latest field where companies both proven and new are trying to establish new consumer footholds. The outside door is one frontier that has not been tapped, yet.

The Ring is a multifunctional device functioning as a standard doorbell while providing the ability to monitor outside of the home via its built in motion sensors along with a wide angle HD video camera. It can even record this video to the cloud for future reviewing.

Basically the Ring Video Doorbell functions as a security system for the entrance to one’s home or business. Using the free Ring app the user receives instant alerts when motion is detected or when someone is ringing the bell. Being Wi-Fi enabled allows users to screen visitors whether home or away. The person at the door will never know where the user is located but will realize that they have been seen. The Ring works during the day or evening using built in night vision capability.

Unboxing

 

The Ring Video Doorbell arrives packaged in a cardboard box with the doorbell visualized through a clear plastic window on the left hand side. The front right of the box lists some features of the device and folds out to reveal the supplied tools for installing the doorbell along with a quick install guide on the inner flap. On the back of the box we see the Ring doorbell used in conjunction with an iPhone along with a listing of all the capabilities of the device. Looking at the sides of the box we find the technical requirements, box contents and specifications along with a message from the inventor.

 

 

 

 

Inside the box is the Ring Video Doorbell, a micro USB charging cable, a quick install guide, two sided bit screwdriver, screwdriver handle, drill bit, mounting bracket, mounting level, diode, screws and anchors.

 

The doorbell measures 4.98” x 2.43” x 0.87”. It has a 720p HD camera with 180° Field of view, two way audio with noise cancellation, infrared LEDs for night vision, bank-grade encryption with an operating temperature range of -5°F to 120°F. The Ring Video Doorbell is available in Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, Antique Brass and Polish Brass finishes. For our review we will look at the Satin Nickel version.

On the main face of the Ring Video Doorbell is a wide angle HD camera at the top of the unit with a microphone resting underneath it. Below this camera is a LED Ring button (aka doorbell) with the speakers resting at the bottom of the device. The back of the Ring has an orange setup button, micro-USB charging port and lists the MAC address.

 

The included mounting bracket has two doorbell wire terminal if choosing to hard wire connect the Ring to one’s previous doorbell wiring, six mounting hooks as well six wire management hooks in the center of the bracket.

Ring includes all the tools needed for the installation of the video doorbell, other than a drill if it is required. The screwdriver handle accommodates a Philips head bit on one end and an Allen type bit on the opposite end. The provided micro-USB cable is bright orange making it easy to differentiate from other cables for those like myself with more cables than I know what to do with. The mounting level is small and snaps into the middle of the included bracket to use during the installation.

The Quick Install Guide is illustrated with diagrams of the front, back and mounting bracket on ne side of the sheet and provides setup instructions on the back; the Ring app will guides the setup process using video.