Currently, there are many 'smart' and 'connected' products available and are expected to be much more likely to enter the market in the future. In general, the market is split into two parts: the first offering a solid solution for homeowners who require home or installation hardware, and the second is more about bringing the plug and play option to the consumer, even though usually with lower quality . Remo + DoorCam fall into the second category (as this is a plug and play option) but looks to offer a quality that fits the first category. As a reference, Remo + DoorCam is now available for purchase and priced at $ 199 per unit.
Specs
Remo + DoorCam uses a 1/4 inch color CMOS sensor along with a 160-degree viewing angle. This camera supports HD (1280 x 720) and VGA (640 x 480) resolution, as well as a maximum frame rate of 30 FPS. In addition to camera, Remo + DoorCam features built-in mic and speakers for two-way audio, and supports Night Vision. This is a compatible device with apps that support iOS (7.1 and higher), and Android (4.1 and up). The body measures 3.2 inches 1.7 inches by 6.7 inches, while the camera sized 4.8 inches by 1.85 inches 1.81 inches. The entire unit weighs 1.1 lbs and is understood to be weatherproof because of the operating temperature range listed 0 ° F to 122 ° F.
Hardware & Design
The first thing to note about Remo + DoorCam design is that it is much larger than you might expect. One would expect a door camera to be very small and more discrete even though it does not correspond to DoorCam. To be fair, however, the camera parts visible to the outside world are small because most of the bulk comes in basic form - parts of units designed to stay inside. This is not to say that this unit is too big (like not), it might be bigger than you think.
Of course, since this is a one-stop, all-in-one kind of solution, which requires minimal interaction before use, its size represents all the miracles that occur in the back, mostly plastic, boxes. So its size is more the result of its ability. Where the real design comes into play, however, is a small metal bracket that connects aspects of the outside world to the inside. Because this is a small piece of metal that turns this door camera into "the world's first smart camera shortcut."
Although practically the design is very simple and simple, but also cleverly compiled in this case. Like a small metal bracket that lets DoorCam installed in any door (inside or outside) easily, and within seconds. With all the technology going on in the battery-powered rear box, and the camera is directly attached to the box, there's nothing else to watch for - no cables, no plugs, nothing. The result is arguably one of the simplest and very simple home security door cameras. Though that does not mean that all users will have the same experience. In addition to various types of doors, other aspects (eg isolation) can be very important for how well DoorCam is installed. Although somewhat customizable and able to accommodate a number of different door sizes and shapes, interested buyers would be wise to double-check the backward compatibility of the doors first.
Of course, one criticism of the design is the over-the-door solution. While it seems strange to say (considering it is also a specific selling point) it is one that should be raised. Because with this type of camera design will also be in a high position. This means that it will always see people outside. While this may not be a problem for some people, for those looking for a solution that provides a direct view of the subject (such as a camera peek), this would not be the ideal solution. Although in fairness, if you are considering buying an over-the-door camera, then this might be something you would consider as this is a problem attached to this type of product, and not this product, specifically.
Setup & Installation
By becoming this plug and play unit, the setup process is very easy. The whole process takes a few minutes and it's easy enough that it's impossible for people to face major problems. After the unit is unloaded, it's just a case of plugging in the battery (available), opening the Wi-Fi settings on the phone (or tablet), connected to the Wi-Fi signal emitted by DoorCam (signal broadcast automatically after battery inserted), downloading the app, and using application to connect DoorCam to home Wi-Fi network. As soon as DoorCam connects to Wi-Fi, it's useful to use it. Even this recording sounds more complicated than the actual process. Although these instructions are not too different from the instructions for cameras and other smart door products, the "installation" (if it can be called that) is just as easy. DoorCam has been designed to be very easy to use and rightly so. What the user should do is choose which door faces the camera, open the door, sit on the metal part of the unit at the top of the door frame, and then just close the door. It's really that simple.
As simple as that, though, there are two things to note. First, remo + suggested that the camera be positioned in the center of the top of the door frame. Secondly, remo + suggested the screws that are included in the package should be used to actually secure the unit to the door. While this is a good recommendation to adhere to, in fact, no recommendations were followed during the review period and absolutely no problems encountered. DoorCam proved to be super stable, fixed in place, and trouble-free - without actually securing the unit, or positioning it as recommended. Although, again, your mileage may vary.
Performance
Since this is a solution designed to help with home security, regardless of how easy it is to install and set it up, its performance will be what makes or breaks it. To chop to chase, remo + DoorCam is very good in this case. Yes, it's not the absolute best solution out there and you'll definitely find a better option that can give you high resolution resolution and image capture images, but for things to do, it's very good. One of the reasons this particular solution works so well is that it is very simple to implement. Cameras are only connected to the app and most are passive devices. However, the moment and moment of movement near the door is detected, the camera is not working and activates the fetch feature. If you happen to be near a camera (eg caught on camera) you can actually hear the camera clicking. That's not to say it's hard (like not) and anyone who is not aware of the camera is not interested in that sound, but if you listen specifically to that voice you will hear it all the time. In addition to no problems with the reliability of motion detection, sensitivity is also good because it is always successfully picked up when someone is at the door, or just by walking alone. Arguably, the sensitivity outside the box may be a bit too acute because DoorCam often activates it when no one is nearby. Although the sensitivity level can be adjusted if needed. In either case, once the camera is activated, it will immediately send a notification to the account-related device that advises detected movements.
Clicking the notification opens the live camera feed along with the answer / ignore call icon. Clicking on the caller answer icon (green button) will enable the two-way audio feature that allows the device owner to talk to the person on the other side of the door - this works fine. You're at home and connected to the same Wi-Fi. network or in other locations and using mobile data. Actually, like the quality of the shoot, the audio quality is not the best, but it proves to be sufficient for the purpose with the visitors confirming that they have no problem hearing what is said to them.
If a critique is leveled on its performance, it's not about the camera, but the response rate between the camera and the app. In general, this never proves itself to be a problem, but through a motion (after the notification is over and the user clicks the notification to open the live feed), it takes a few seconds. In an ideal situation, it will be a bit faster to allow users to see who is at the door as quickly as possible. Since this never comes up as an issue, however, this is a comment that just keeps in mind ... the response can be faster.
Application
This application is another aspect that continually attempts to remo + to provide a user-friendly product and as a result, this app can be considered lightweight and minimalist enough. Once the account is set up and automatically set to sign in, launching the app immediately redirects the user to the library page. Which is another point worth noting as remo + does offer a cloud-based subscription package to access older videos and images. This is not a requirement to use the product because those who do not choose a subscription can still take advantage of direct connections (including audio) and the app provides a general activity log that users can review at any time. overview of activities. However, by subscribing, users can browse all video recordings from the previous three days and play them back - and access them from anywhere, on any device, or share them with third parties.
In addition to activity libraries, the app includes a left-side menu that provides quick links to user accounts, as well as details about who has access to the camera, and of course, the app-specific pages for each device. The app itself can connect to multiple cameras and act as the main dashboard for all cameras, with each camera page providing basic information such as battery life (up to twelve months), and various settings for each camera. So for example, you can adjust video quality, motion detection sensitivity, and enable / disable Night Mode on a per-camera basis. You can also choose which camera you want to receive notifications.
On the downside, one aspect of some users will encounter an error is that the app does not provide an on-demand view from the outside. Most smart cameras currently available (both designed for inside and outside use) give users the option of choice to click on the feed just for their benefit. DoorCam, however, does not. This means that the camera feed really depends on the motion detection that occurs. If, for example, you hear a noise outside and want to immediately launch the camera to see if anyone is there, unless the motion sensor has taken movement, you can not.
Overall, though simple in its general approach, it is still a fairly rich application solution and that provides more than enough granular control for every camera, as well as the entire system.
Wrap Up
It is clear that this smart door camera is for those looking for plug and play options. This most likely means people who rent somewhere or who are less likely to install a product like this. However, build quality, recording quality, and overall performance mean that this is a great choice for everyone. Whether you own a home or not, whether you are an expert in installing products or not, remo + DoorCam provides all the features you expect from a product like this, but without any hassle. Although only a simple solution, this is a very good solution though simple. It does have some problems and issues you want to consider before buying (such as high position and lack of direct on-demand feedback), but if this is the aspect you like - then DoorCam is smart security. Cameras that perform well and most importantly, can be relied upon.