In the last 10 days I have installed a video doorbell at the front and a security cam at the rear of my property. I was amazed (and very pleased) just how easy it was, and how simple it was to set up on my mobile phone, even for a technoprat like me. Both are 'Ring' products working off rechargeable batteries, and detection/privacy zones have been inputted. The latter is pretty important in case someone decides you are creating footage of them when off your property.
Yes, a monthly subscription is the way to go for optimising functions on the devices but it's a small price to pay for peace of mind when I'm away from my property, especially as I can hurl abuse at any intruder over both devices Any footage is held for 180 days but I tend to check what has triggered the sensors and then delete anything I consider' normal'
The front doorbell, mains chime gizmo, rear cam and spare battery cost me less than £250.
I'm a happy bunny.
Of course, even if I call the Plod to say I have intruders on my property, it will be ignored and maybe it won't deter a determined tea leaf with a tool kit, but the ability to have a theological discussion with Jehovah's Witnesses without answering the door has to be a benefit

I bought an outdoor WiFi IP camera a year ago from the local electronics shop. Me being me, I haven't installed it yet!

The reason I bought it I the first place was it was reduced from $140 to $40!

However, I set it up on the kitchen table the other day, and it transmits very nicely to my mobile phone. Sound as well.

Must get round to putting it up!

Hello Mick

Is it connected to your internet? My two neighbours have this system and have had high value cars stolen recently. I caught the thieves  on my CCTV, which is independent of the internet. Apparently the thieves have a device that can disconnect your internet and stop the recording. Maybe checkout with the supplier.

Hi Geoff,
Yes - it's wi-fi driven (isn't everything these days? )
I wouldn't exactly say my car is 'high value', though

Quote from: Newportnobby on July 15, 2024, 11:55:12 AMbut the ability to have a theological discussion with Jehovah's Witnesses without answering the door has to be a benefit

I suspect it's technically possible now to set it up so you can have ChatGPT or something do the actual theological discussion with them too, so you don't even have to. (although I do rather enjoy seeing what random religion I can convert them to)

I have two devices which set off a loud alarm every time anybody walks along the path at the front of our house. They are not wi-fi and require no batteries. They are called dogs.

Cheers,

Chris

Quote from: Papyrus on July 15, 2024, 04:36:32 PMI have two devices which set off a loud alarm every time anybody walks along the path at the front of our house. They are not wi-fi and require no batteries. They are called dogs.

Cheers,

Chris

Compared to Vets bills and dog food, which system is the more economical to run? I have CCTV cameras with built-in memory so they don't rely on WiFi to link to a storage device. If the wifi is off/jammed, the cameras still operate and record even at night time. At least with my system, I don't have to book holiday accommodation for a dog(s) or find somewhere I can take them with me.
Just a thought, or two!

Best of all, you don't have to do that thing with the plastic bag.

I'm looking forward to Alan's @Browning 9mm views on this subject 

We used to have one of those four legged friends alarms and he was brilliant at it! However, we were too upset when he had to go, so, bearing in mind our ages, (okay, mine  ), we decided not to get another.

Quote from: Firstone18 on July 15, 2024, 04:46:05 PMI have CCTV cameras with built-in memory so they don't rely on WiFi to link to a storage device.

Just out of interest Keith, what system do you have?

I have a Blink system which works well although the pictures could do with being a bit better at night. No subscription as I have what they call a legacy account 
My cameras are as follows:
Front door
Driveway
Patio
Garden
Far patio (I would say b**ch barn but that's not allowed)
Garage
Loft
It has been very useful at times. Spotting the postman deliver to my recycling bin, seeing delivery drivers put parcels by the front door and leave without using the doorbell, watching a heron steal my pond fish (a few times), ignoring Jehovah's witnesses (what did he do wrong anyway?) fox watching, badger watching, duck watching, watching the sexy postlady a couple of times. The loft camera is set not to trigger automatically but is used when I run in locos while I eat my dinner.
Apart from that we ignore it.

Quote from: dannyboy on July 15, 2024, 06:41:24 PMWe used to have one of those four legged friends alarms and he was brilliant at it! However, we were too upset when he had to go, so, bearing in mind our ages, (okay, mine  ), we decided not to get another.

Quote from: Firstone18 on July 15, 2024, 04:46:05 PMI have CCTV cameras with built-in memory so they don't rely on WiFi to link to a storage device.

Just out of interest Keith, what system do you have?

It comes up as ARCAM on my phone app. This app does use WiFi but I've proved to myself if router is switched off the camera does still record on the SD card in the camera. It will only use the WiFi for storage if the Cloud storage service (paid for) is used. I purchased from eBay but cannot look up seller name at moment.
HTH.

Just installed the same down under, haven't signed up for the full package yet, will do that in the next week or so.

Quote from: joe cassidy on July 15, 2024, 06:20:43 PMI'm looking forward to Alan's @Browning 9mm views on this subject 

sorry, but I couldn't possibly comment

but my preferred system would require
my forum name
a spade
a bucket of water
a brush.

work it out for yourselves

does save having to listen to all the messages while waiting on 101 or 999.

It's great that Ring products were easy to install and provide peace of mind. For another option, consider Brinks Home Security, which offers similar features, including video surveillance and smart home integration. They offer professional monitoring, so you can trust someone's always watching out for your home.