Knock, knock, who’s there?
When your doorbell has builtin video, you don’t have to ask who’s calling.
With the Ring Video Doorbell Pro ($249, when the front door rings, an alert shows up on your smartphone, allowing you to see who is at the door and to establish a two-way audio conneciton with echo cancellation.
The device replaces your existing bell, and setup is relatively easy if you have an existing hardwired doorbell in place. The wired Pro model comes with a kit that includes the doorbell, hardware, all the tools you need and even the drill bit. Four interchangeable faceplates to match your home’s exterior are included, along with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
First, shut off the power to the existing doorbell from your circuit breaker and download the Ring app (iOS, Android and Windows 10).
Using the step-by-step guide, you’ll have to install the included pro power kit on your internal doorbell, attach the wires to the Ring doorbell and then mount it in place. When hardware installation is done, start the app, and follow the instructions to connect the doorbell to your existing Wi-Fi and complete the setup.
The internal camera gives you a 160-degree field of view, and video has a 1080p HD resolution. It works day or night, in temperatures from minus 5 degrees up to 120 degrees.
Compared with the less costly, wireless and rechargeable Ring Video Doorbell ($179), the Pro version adds advanced features, such as higher-resolution video and infrared night vision.