UPDATE: New firmware was released od April 2, that has MANY improvements, including two-way audio over ONVIF: reolink.com/download-center/?Reddit&Doorbell+Firmware www.reddit.com/r/reolinkcam/comments/12bk414/doorbell_first_new_firmware_support_more_smart/?
I installed this new firmware earlier this week but it doesn't result in two way Audio working in Synology surveillance station. Does it work for you on your Synology?
@@PersonXes just checked. It did recognise changes in the camera after the upgrade, but I still can't do 2 way audio in Synology for this camera. Will play a bit more with settings and try on newer version of Surveillance station - this was 8.x
@@BeardedTinker Thanks! In the home assistant forums I posted on 1 February some Node Red automations to get quite advanced management of rich notifications for when the Reolink doorbell sees a person or someone rings the door. I'd paste the link but youtube doesn't allow me to do so... I want to make those notifications actionable (e.g. if I see on the picture it's someone trying to sell something I choose right from the notification to send a text to speech message that we're not home). But that requires the two-way-audio to work, and despite the new firmware it doesn't look like that's working... The other option would be that Reolink exposes their quick-replies trough the API but I haven't managed to convince them to do so so far... In the reolink community forums I also posted a list of problems and missing features. Again I can't post the link but here are the problems: Important information to make the Reolink work remotely with a VPN if you’ve blocked it from accessing the internet: by default the Reolink app adds the doorbell based on the ‘UID’ rather than it’s IP address and then it only works using the cloud once you have excited the app and open it again. To make sure you add the doorbell based on it’s IP address you need to delete the device if you already added it. Then disable wifi on your smartphone so that you are on mobile data. Then activate the VPN. Then add the doorbell using the option ‘input UID/IP’ then choose the IP option and enter the camera’s IP address. When the doorbell switches to Infrared mode and vice-versa it is falsely reported as a motion detected event. That’s a bit amateuristic. The android app has a major problem on Samsung smartphones. On Samsung smartphones it uses the microphone at the bottom (used to speak when holding the phone to the ear) and not the microphone at the top of the smartphone (used when talking in “speaker mode”). The update (not released yet officially) helps a bit with the problem because you can set the audio volume of the built-in speaker. Would still be far better if it uses the right microphone because I still have to hold my mouth at 1 cm distance from the smartphone so I can’t really watch the screen and talk at the same time.
Nice I hope we'll get two way audio in home assistant with this in a future release. Just got this doorbell for my parents little weekend project with a Shelly to keep the old chime.
This doorbell is truly the best one out there. I use it for a couple of months now and it's great. Sometimes I see some hiccups in the stream in Home Assistant, but I think that is because of my Wi-Fi.
@@BeardedTinker aren't you afraid someone break it off and fry your switch/router with high voltage out of pure evilness? I know croatian people are nice but on summer tourists arent always....
No. All my cameras are also PoE and have been for some time. There is higher chance of lightning strike than this I think and it would be easier to cut electricity line or Internet connection. Hope I don't get proven wrong, but...
A great reason to get rid of my Ring doorbell and their cloud subscription. I can integrate it into Frigate with my other cameras. Thanks for the review 👍🏻
I bought this to replace an aqara g4 that failed after six weeks, the remote chime on the aqara needed a usb psu and a cable and only worked to around 5m in air from the camera, this was crap for my use as the camera was on a gate 6m from the house. Reolink scored all round, the remote chime just plugs in anywhere with wifi coverage, result!!. Agree 100% with this revue, really good camera, integrated with my WD NAS storage very easily.
Glad to hear that Reolink is working out for you. I really like the company but it's always risky to "recommend" something as you never know what will happen with a device, software etc. Thank you for the comment!
THANK YOU for this EXCELLENT review. This is the ONLY review I've seen that ACTUALLY lets me know what this will or won't do- HOW it does it and WHAT I can use it for... The rest are just general hit and miss reviews with little "meat" in them. I can actually know which one I want to get NOW.... THIS ONE!!!! THANKS AGAIN..
Just upgraded to this doorbell from a Nest Hello as well replacing 3 other Nest cameras with Reolink ones and their NVR. All I can say is WOW, amazing picture, no subscription and best part is what I was paying Google per year for a subscription will pay for the Reolink gear in a couple years. Thank you for sharing this in depth look.
thank you so much for educating users on local control devices and encouraging vendors and users to look for devices that the users control and own!!!!
Wifi Reolink is $70 today for Prime Day in July. They also have a newer white one with 3:4 head to toe and package detection for $80 but has a $10 coupon making it $70 as well.
Just discovered this guy. Brillient!!! Review super helpful and unbiased. Off to try out Reolink POE with Home Assistant! Thank you, oh, Bearded Oracle!!!
pretty good quality and even waranty claim after 4 years had been successfull. Paid nothing and got the successor as replacement. Was an Argus 2 with battery and wifi that worked, cause we have 2 even with solar panels that do not needed a charge in a whole year. So good quality and also quite often amazon offers.
Battery powered cameras are a bit different in terms of how they work and that's why I don't prefer them myself. But they also are great cameras if they fit your purpose. And so far they've worked great for me and few friends that got them after recommendation. Just hopping they don't make some crazy change in future :D
@beardedtinker the Watermark feature is only for the Reolink logo to be displayed or not. The camera name and date/time can stay turned on even with the Watermark turned off. The nice thing with the Reolink cameras is they allow you to not only have your date/time and camera info displayed, but you can also choose the location for the info so it doesn’t cover an area that you want to be able to see. It is also nice that they can be hidden as well. Nice work by Reolink on this feature!
Thanks for another great video. I WISH I was able to get my hands on one in the UK! I have chosen this as my desired doorbell, especially since my Ring doorbell broke (that I had been wanting to replace for a while anyway)
We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version ruclips.net/user/postUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.
I'm currently using the Reolink. Replaced the Amcrest AD410 with it as every time the doorbell would ring on the Amcrest the video would freeze and lose connection in Blue Iris. So basically useless for me at that point. My plan next is to run ethernet to it (have the wifi/lan version, not POE) in order to speed up the connection.
The only thing im not keen on is that the status light lights up at night every time the camera detects some 1 so its not very discrete. The only other options seems to be to switch the light off completely. Would be good if it only lit up when pressed
Really can't tell you about Eufy. But Reolink is nice one. I have also few cameras running (outdoor) and it works great with Reolink app but also integrates with Home Assistant, if you want or need it there.
Thanks for that ... trying to break my existing video dorbell ... but still resisting. No connection for electric lock (lobby style) ? I can add this trough tasmota or similar ... but this will be nice.
If you use NVR such as MotionEye, Frigate or something similar, sure. Otherwise not so easy, but you would require VPN to connect to camera a watch video from SD card.
Very detailed and informative video. I've been wanting to buy one since it was announced, but it's still not available (or in stock) in the UK. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for watching and comment! I think it's again sold out. It gets sold before fully restocking unfortunately. I've waited 2 months to get my hands on it.
I ordered one earlier today from Amazon Germany I posted the same thing on Everything Smart Home’s video earlier this week and someone replied saying they had ordered their from there. £96 all in. Will need a converter for the chime but I got fed up of waiting.
Great video, love the new integration options ! Unfortunately last year I was too cheap and went for the basic Ring Doorbell 😂 I'll probably switch at some point ... Keep up the good work !
Hi, man! Many thanks for your videos :) One question, when I try to make the automatization to stream video from Doorbell to a wall panel (Realme Pad), says me 'Wrong url or format not supported". Can you help me, please? I have checked the local network settings in Home Assistant settings and in principle it is ok.
I use this to stream to Google Nest Display. Previously it was used to stream to TV. github.com/BeardedTinker/Home-Assistant_Config/blob/master/automations/camera-motion-stream-tv.yaml Not sure how are you displaying video on Realme Pad? It's much easier if device is Chromecast or media_player.
@@BeardedTinker I understand why you have a SD card. But I would think that you want your security footage a bit more secure. Like not in the device itself someone can just take of the mount
Because you can save event on SD card and via FTP move to secure location. That way, event is saved locally and move to safe place. But question is why not? Just because you wouldn't use it doesn't mean someone else wouldn't. For example - I would never by iPhone, but am glad others who want can buy it.
Not sure and can't try. Removed Frigate. You can hear camera sound in stream, but you can only use prerecorded messages. It will be easier once media_player is added from Reolink camera, but that's not possible for now.
Good video i like the indepth info. One question: how stable is this camera/doorbell? will it crash after sometime? I have a foscam camera that freezes up after a few weeks. I wonder how stable this thing is. Most of the time cameras with allot of features and that are cheap have crappy stability. Also the auto reboot feature gives me the creeps. Its almost as if reolink itself knows their software is unstable and fixes it by saying to reboot it every day.
Autoreboot is something that most of the cameras (should) have. That's a nice way to prevent any problems on remote sites. I've seen it on most of the cameras in the last 5 years. As for stability, in a few months I have it running, haven't had any glitch with it.
Just to make sure. In home assistant, when the camera sees motion or someone hits doorbell you can automatically have the camera to display the live stream? Correct?
I am not sure that 180 degree view is better or worse. I know it gets more in, but everything is a bit lower quality as it is trying to get 180 degrees in the same size sensor. That said, it looks great in daylight. Reolink have got some great features as well. It is nice that companies are starting to supply the Chime in the kit. In the past chimes had always been extra cost. That's a nice touch. Have Reolink updated the firmware so both streams can be the same encoding now? Previously the sub was H264 and main H265, which was a real pain to setup in Synology Surveillance Station. Has the night vision been improved? One of my biggest issues with Reolink in the past was horrible IR night vision where the footage was completely unusable.
Thanks for the comment 😉 I'll try to add more images somewhere - filed of view is really not bad. And also I'll add some night shots too. That part I didn't test that much to be honest and still need to play more.
I'm sending mine back, it has been very frustrating. There are no pop-up notifications on Android when the door bell is pressed, the same sound as a regular text message is used when the doorbell rings, make us miss deliveries all the time. There is no way how to add another chime, they do not support it, you cannot buy another one. It has been a very bad experience. Also I was expecting POE to be much faster/responsive. From tapping the app to actually view the live feed it takes similar time to an amazon ring doorbell over Wifi. Also I was expecting much less delay with audio, but it has been pretty much as bad as a wireless ring doorbell, you can hear yourself on it as well at times. It has been a very negative experience, to me sounds like a beta product at best. I bought it quite cheap in the UK as it was on sale, and now I can see why. Even though I don't like amazon and ring, I have to go back using it as at least it works better than reolink poe.
Sad to hear it. I didn't have issues with notification popup. As for delay, yeas, there is slight delay, but it didn't bother me that much. Most of IP cameras have delay, as it's part of how streaming works. It needs to get part of the video first before it can start streaming it.
Hi BT, a very helpful and informative video. I have been researching video doorbells for 2 years, and have yet to take the plunge, but your review has got me closer to making a decision. As an 84 year old man, and not very technical, what does POE mean. It looks like this needs to be wired or am I incorrect? Many thanks. Terry davis
PoE stands for Power over Ethernet - if you have remote device that requires network connectivity, you can use same cable to get power to it. I prefer that way since I have network cables running all over the place. But it also requires PoE switch that can push power over network cable to those devices. Doorbell needs either PoE power (so via Ethernet) or it can be powered via old bell wires. There is no option for batteries. There should be a manual on Reolink web site under support section for the device. Don't take me on my word, but I think it's up to 24v of power and that's usually what most doorbells have. But in that case, connectivity is of course via WiFi (although I do believe you stil can use ethernet cable)
@@BeardedTinker Many thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. This will confirm my lack of knowledge again. My previous bell was powered by 4 x 1.5v batteries. presumably this will not suffice for the Reolink doorbell? Does that mean connection to the mains supply? The Reolink set up on their website, showed the cable being placed through the drilled hole. But where does it go? My Router is in a separate room away from the door. Please don't reply if it needs too much of your time. You have been helpful enough already. Regards Terry
Check here: support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/12704048812953-Getting-Started-with-Video-Doorbell-WiFi/#h_01FYXERYAY5B6E2112MF00782H If you don't already have mains powered doorbell (actually it's transformer powered usually) you can power it via external power supply. So you would need to drill a hole in the wall or door frame - if you have a power socket nearby. Not sure what the length of the cable included is. I have my bell (old) powered via 12V transformer, but it's tied in series two few buttons so I went for PoE version. I have Ethernet cable already running to outside so used that network cable with Unifi 16 port PoE switch (8 ports are PoE and I use them also to power cameras around the apartment) - that now provides both power and data connection. Hope this helps a bit :)
@@BeardedTinker Thank you very much for your time in answering my perhaps, silly questions. I am very grateful. Keep up the good work with your videos.
Thanks again for the helpful information. I find it extraordinary, that this whole procedure has not been made simple, at least for an old brain like mine. I doubt if I could make any of the connections, because of short cables and location of Router. The setup details you kindly sent me, are only a fraction of what, in my opinion, is needed. My thanks again for you time and help.
I've heard about it - apparently so many people have it on notification list that it never shows in stock and they have a very big "backlog". At least that's what I heard from Reolink.
Love the camera. But what bugs me: Why does the thief in the commercial leave the bike. He could easily take it and run... No, but seriously: I do like the option of either PoE or hardwired. I share your feelings about battery operated doorbells/cameras.
Yeah, strange - I always take the bike even if alarm goes off :) The camera is really good. Wish I would be able to use it myself, but have to keep using normal camera for my flat.
great video, been trying to add a Reolink camera snapshot as an attachment to my gmail. been trying unsuccessfully for weeks. Can you point me in the right direction? Thank you.
Main question - are you using Home Assistant maybe? In HA, there is option to create snapshot - it saves current image to local file. Than you could use service to send mail. Here is example of automation from documentation. www.home-assistant.io/integrations/smtp/#usage
ok, just have read description link. "2. ONVIF with two-way audio support using RTSPMany users ask for this and we have heard it. Try to use the two-way audio on third-party software with this new firmware." I guess just have to wait.
I did try on Synology Surveillance station briefly, but wasn't able to get it working. TBH, it was short test. But others report that it's working. For HA integration, that will require more development in the future because at this point HA doesn't have mic support for media_play. Probably, if it gets added TTS could be used in step 1.
I use a wireguard vpn on my phone to solve the two-way speak problem. I have to still use the native app, but if gives the two way speak while out of the house without using reolink cloud services. Notifications come from the HA integration. Doorbell itself is locked in a dedicated VLAN without internet access.
sticking a comment in here in hopes someone finds an answer. I bought a ring a few years ago and have been waiting for a video doorbell that doesn't suck. This one is very close.
@@BeardedTinker I live also in an apartment in block building in Bucharest, Romania, at 3rd floor, and i was thinking to install on the door, but how to give power to the doorbel on the door?
That was few weeks back. They did release firmware since than. You can always check this unofficial Reolink firmware repository too: github.com/AT0myks/reolink-fw-archive
@@BeardedTinker thank you that's awesome news, so I am guessing you still recommend the product, I was holding off because of the firmware being held back but I am assuming the door bell is working well with HA with 2 way audio?
Great idea, but I doubt that 90% of people who seen this even know what SIP is. And SIP still needs an app, server or something - depending how you route and terminate the call - doesn't it? It's easier than to go for analogue/digital doorbell or intercom.
@@BeardedTinker yes, but most home routers with phone "aka ip telephony" can register a SIP client. See AVM Fritz!Box. Your point is valid. Too much techno hassle for 90%. DOORBIRD would be their (expensive) option to go.
@@BeardedTinker yes. I see many DSL routers in homes that do SIP calls for the internal phones. In Grmany the AVm Fritz!Box does this. It would be super easy to have the doorbell connect there. In fact, an asterisk client in the bell would suffice. I never understood why this is not planned.
@@BeardedTinker yeah, so you dont need the cloud for remote viewing. from the reolink website "What Is IP Camera P2P & How Does a P2P Camera Work" "Well, each P2P security camera or network video recorder (NVR) is identified with a unique ID number (UID) registered and integrated at the developer level, which is used to ping the P2P server (merely for connection, not a proxy) via network P2P IP camera apps or software for Mac/Windows." "Once the P2P camera is connected with the P2P IP camera app/software, you can stream live videos from the P2P IP security camera in a breeze in real time even outside your home or local area network (LAN)." tldr, they have a server that is used to connect you to the camera, but after that the video feed is p2p (video doesnt go through their server). not sure if it is used by default or not, mine hasn't arrived to check. also im not sure if i got the details exactly right, i saw it in a video before that explained it well but i cant find it now
Cloud is not needed for any of standard Reolink cameras - unless you opt-in to use one. And P2P as described here is also not needed. HA accesses camera by local IP address. But again, that all depends on your use case. If you want to use Reolink app (that's not bad) - you'll need it - P2P access to cloud for connection info only. Most if not all cameras from Reolink support ONVIF standard - so you can also use that to connect to camera in HA.
I bought myself a Reolink Doorbell PoE. The case is made of thin plastic, which is absolutely unacceptable for placement outside. I live in a large apartment building and many strangers may be near my apartment. It will not be difficult for them to remove the Doorbell or damage it. The cases of such devices must be made only of durable metal and have an anti-vandal design. Using thin plastic is a very strange decision by Reolink.
The case could be made out of harder material - true. But all depends on the model. If you're using WiFi version that would also reduce signal strength - if metal case would have been used.
@@BeardedTinker and if they are going to break it off, doesnt relly matter what its made from, a hammer will deal with most things, and you will have a nice clear video of it happening
UPDATE: New firmware was released od April 2, that has MANY improvements, including two-way audio over ONVIF:
reolink.com/download-center/?Reddit&Doorbell+Firmware
www.reddit.com/r/reolinkcam/comments/12bk414/doorbell_first_new_firmware_support_more_smart/?
I installed this new firmware earlier this week but it doesn't result in two way Audio working in Synology surveillance station. Does it work for you on your Synology?
@@PersonXes just checked. It did recognise changes in the camera after the upgrade, but I still can't do 2 way audio in Synology for this camera. Will play a bit more with settings and try on newer version of Surveillance station - this was 8.x
@@BeardedTinker Thanks!
In the home assistant forums I posted on 1 February some Node Red automations to get quite advanced management of rich notifications for when the Reolink doorbell sees a person or someone rings the door. I'd paste the link but youtube doesn't allow me to do so...
I want to make those notifications actionable (e.g. if I see on the picture it's someone trying to sell something I choose right from the notification to send a text to speech message that we're not home). But that requires the two-way-audio to work, and despite the new firmware it doesn't look like that's working...
The other option would be that Reolink exposes their quick-replies trough the API but I haven't managed to convince them to do so so far...
In the reolink community forums I also posted a list of problems and missing features. Again I can't post the link but here are the problems:
Important information to make the Reolink work remotely with a VPN if you’ve blocked it from accessing the internet: by default the Reolink app adds the doorbell based on the ‘UID’ rather than it’s IP address and then it only works using the cloud once you have excited the app and open it again. To make sure you add the doorbell based on it’s IP address you need to delete the device if you already added it. Then disable wifi on your smartphone so that you are on mobile data. Then activate the VPN. Then add the doorbell using the option ‘input UID/IP’ then choose the IP option and enter the camera’s IP address.
When the doorbell switches to Infrared mode and vice-versa it is falsely reported as a motion detected event. That’s a bit amateuristic.
The android app has a major problem on Samsung smartphones. On Samsung smartphones it uses the microphone at the bottom (used to speak when holding the phone to the ear) and not the microphone at the top of the smartphone (used when talking in “speaker mode”). The update (not released yet officially) helps a bit with the problem because you can set the audio volume of the built-in speaker. Would still be far better if it uses the right microphone because I still have to hold my mouth at 1 cm distance from the smartphone so I can’t really watch the screen and talk at the same time.
Nice I hope we'll get two way audio in home assistant with this in a future release. Just got this doorbell for my parents little weekend project with a Shelly to keep the old chime.
@@LayerCakeMakes Can you explain how to use the existing chime(s) with use of a Shelly?
This doorbell is truly the best one out there. I use it for a couple of months now and it's great. Sometimes I see some hiccups in the stream in Home Assistant, but I think that is because of my Wi-Fi.
I try to go with cable connection anytime I can, of course, if it's possible - to avoid most of network issues. But it's not always possible.
@@BeardedTinker aren't you afraid someone break it off and fry your switch/router with high voltage out of pure evilness? I know croatian people are nice but on summer tourists arent always....
No. All my cameras are also PoE and have been for some time. There is higher chance of lightning strike than this I think and it would be easier to cut electricity line or Internet connection. Hope I don't get proven wrong, but...
agreed this appears to be the best doorbell on the market now
I can't seem to find out, is this live feed or snapshots every couple of seconds (10 sec.)?
A great reason to get rid of my Ring doorbell and their cloud subscription. I can integrate it into Frigate with my other cameras. Thanks for the review 👍🏻
That's a good idea to use with Frigate!
Eufy also does not have subscriptions. Seems the same as this or very close.
Does eufy have onvif?
I bought this to replace an aqara g4 that failed after six weeks, the remote chime on the aqara needed a usb psu and a cable and only worked to around 5m in air from the camera, this was crap for my use as the camera was on a gate 6m from the house. Reolink scored all round, the remote chime just plugs in anywhere with wifi coverage, result!!. Agree 100% with this revue, really good camera, integrated with my WD NAS storage very easily.
Glad to hear that Reolink is working out for you. I really like the company but it's always risky to "recommend" something as you never know what will happen with a device, software etc. Thank you for the comment!
The remote chime is 433MHz RF not WiFi.
THANK YOU for this EXCELLENT review. This is the ONLY review I've seen that ACTUALLY lets me know what this will or won't do- HOW it does it and WHAT I can use it for... The rest are just general hit and miss reviews with little "meat" in them. I can actually know which one I want to get NOW.... THIS ONE!!!! THANKS AGAIN..
Thanks for great comment and thanks for watching! Much appreciated!!!
Just upgraded to this doorbell from a Nest Hello as well replacing 3 other Nest cameras with Reolink ones and their NVR. All I can say is WOW, amazing picture, no subscription and best part is what I was paying Google per year for a subscription will pay for the Reolink gear in a couple years. Thank you for sharing this in depth look.
Glad to hear that and that you like Relink gear.
thank you so much for educating users on local control devices and encouraging vendors and users to look for devices that the users control and own!!!!
Any time - really enjoyed with this one! Thanks for the comment!!!
Wifi Reolink is $70 today for Prime Day in July. They also have a newer white one with 3:4 head to toe and package detection for $80 but has a $10 coupon making it $70 as well.
Just discovered this guy. Brillient!!! Review super helpful and unbiased. Off to try out Reolink POE with Home Assistant! Thank you, oh, Bearded Oracle!!!
I'm keeping this one "Oracle" :) Thank you and hoping you'll have fun with Reolink...
pretty good quality and even waranty claim after 4 years had been successfull. Paid nothing and got the successor as replacement. Was an Argus 2 with battery and wifi that worked, cause we have 2 even with solar panels that do not needed a charge in a whole year.
So good quality and also quite often amazon offers.
Battery powered cameras are a bit different in terms of how they work and that's why I don't prefer them myself. But they also are great cameras if they fit your purpose. And so far they've worked great for me and few friends that got them after recommendation.
Just hopping they don't make some crazy change in future :D
@beardedtinker the Watermark feature is only for the Reolink logo to be displayed or not. The camera name and date/time can stay turned on even with the Watermark turned off. The nice thing with the Reolink cameras is they allow you to not only have your date/time and camera info displayed, but you can also choose the location for the info so it doesn’t cover an area that you want to be able to see. It is also nice that they can be hidden as well. Nice work by Reolink on this feature!
Yes, correct - watermark is for watermark and yes, you can also move/customise date/time/name of the camera.
Great and very informative review (including HA integration); thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!!!
Nice video, first review i've seen that gives good info
Glad you liked it Thank you!!!
Thanks for another great video.
I WISH I was able to get my hands on one in the UK!
I have chosen this as my desired doorbell, especially since my Ring doorbell broke (that I had been wanting to replace for a while anyway)
Thank you! Yeah, looks like UK shop is always out of stock. Whatever get's in is sold before showing up on web page.
Biggest problem is app notification is next to useless when someone presses the bell.
It needs the VOIP function that was promoted pre release
is voip available yet or in development?
@@BooleanDev The first promos I saw had you receiving a video call when the door bell was pressed. Some other brands do this
This.
We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version ruclips.net/user/postUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.
Good to hear.
great review, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for the comment!!!
Great video. Thank you sooo much :)
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks B.T.
Any time - thanks for watching Ron!
I'm currently using the Reolink. Replaced the Amcrest AD410 with it as every time the doorbell would ring on the Amcrest the video would freeze and lose connection in Blue Iris. So basically useless for me at that point. My plan next is to run ethernet to it (have the wifi/lan version, not POE) in order to speed up the connection.
I really like Reolink. They work really OK and don't push things that are not needed in your face. Hope you'll be happy with the doorbell
The only thing im not keen on is that the status light lights up at night every time the camera detects some 1 so its not very discrete. The only other options seems to be to switch the light off completely. Would be good if it only lit up when pressed
Can't decide between Reolink or Eufy... Considering I may add on an outdoor camera at a later date too..
Really can't tell you about Eufy. But Reolink is nice one. I have also few cameras running (outdoor) and it works great with Reolink app but also integrates with Home Assistant, if you want or need it there.
Thanks for that ... trying to break my existing video dorbell ... but still resisting. No connection for electric lock (lobby style) ? I can add this trough tasmota or similar ... but this will be nice.
Hello, thx for the video. Is it now possible to answer directly within home assistant (two way audio) ?
You could try this route... community.home-assistant.io/t/2-way-audio-w-reolink-poe-doorbell/649469
i wish there was a doorbell like this which also has rfid with wiegand output
We have to hope someone will make it.
Is it possible to view the recorded videos when away from home if not hosted on the cloud?
If you use NVR such as MotionEye, Frigate or something similar, sure. Otherwise not so easy, but you would require VPN to connect to camera a watch video from SD card.
Very detailed and informative video. I've been wanting to buy one since it was announced, but it's still not available (or in stock) in the UK.
Keep up the great work.
Thanks for watching and comment! I think it's again sold out. It gets sold before fully restocking unfortunately. I've waited 2 months to get my hands on it.
OK. That's interesting. I'll keep checking.
I ordered one earlier today from Amazon Germany I posted the same thing on Everything Smart Home’s video earlier this week and someone replied saying they had ordered their from there. £96 all in. Will need a converter for the chime but I got fed up of waiting.
@@sganatra Thanks very much for that advice. I've also ordered from Germany - the Wifi version for about £105 - cheaper than Reolink UK! 😊
Great video, love the new integration options ! Unfortunately last year I was too cheap and went for the basic Ring Doorbell 😂 I'll probably switch at some point ...
Keep up the good work !
Thank you 😉
this is not expensive and no monthly subscription, ring is the first doorbell people think of
Hi, man! Many thanks for your videos :) One question, when I try to make the automatization to stream video from Doorbell to a wall panel (Realme Pad), says me 'Wrong url or format not supported". Can you help me, please? I have checked the local network settings in Home Assistant settings and in principle it is ok.
I use this to stream to Google Nest Display. Previously it was used to stream to TV.
github.com/BeardedTinker/Home-Assistant_Config/blob/master/automations/camera-motion-stream-tv.yaml
Not sure how are you displaying video on Realme Pad? It's much easier if device is Chromecast or media_player.
TNX for the info. I truly don't understand why they decided to put the SD card in the doorbell itself
To record video on motion or trigger even if you don't use app, HA, NVR or anything else. You can connect via web interface and look at recordings.
@@BeardedTinker I understand why you have a SD card. But I would think that you want your security footage a bit more secure. Like not in the device itself someone can just take of the mount
Because you can save event on SD card and via FTP move to secure location. That way, event is saved locally and move to safe place. But question is why not? Just because you wouldn't use it doesn't mean someone else wouldn't. For example - I would never by iPhone, but am glad others who want can buy it.
Anyway to connect with home assistant for 2 two way audio / frigate too?
Not sure and can't try. Removed Frigate. You can hear camera sound in stream, but you can only use prerecorded messages. It will be easier once media_player is added from Reolink camera, but that's not possible for now.
Good video i like the indepth info. One question: how stable is this camera/doorbell? will it crash after sometime? I have a foscam camera that freezes up after a few weeks. I wonder how stable this thing is. Most of the time cameras with allot of features and that are cheap have crappy stability. Also the auto reboot feature gives me the creeps. Its almost as if reolink itself knows their software is unstable and fixes it by saying to reboot it every day.
Autoreboot is something that most of the cameras (should) have. That's a nice way to prevent any problems on remote sites. I've seen it on most of the cameras in the last 5 years.
As for stability, in a few months I have it running, haven't had any glitch with it.
Just to make sure. In home assistant, when the camera sees motion or someone hits doorbell you can automatically have the camera to display the live stream? Correct?
Yes. You can receive an alert/trigger on motion or button press and then trigger camera stream push to any display (TV, Nest device or similar)
@@BeardedTinker Thank you I will be ordering mine asap
I am not sure that 180 degree view is better or worse. I know it gets more in, but everything is a bit lower quality as it is trying to get 180 degrees in the same size sensor.
That said, it looks great in daylight. Reolink have got some great features as well. It is nice that companies are starting to supply the Chime in the kit. In the past chimes had always been extra cost. That's a nice touch.
Have Reolink updated the firmware so both streams can be the same encoding now? Previously the sub was H264 and main H265, which was a real pain to setup in Synology Surveillance Station.
Has the night vision been improved? One of my biggest issues with Reolink in the past was horrible IR night vision where the footage was completely unusable.
Thanks for the comment 😉
I'll try to add more images somewhere - filed of view is really not bad. And also I'll add some night shots too. That part I didn't test that much to be honest and still need to play more.
Subscribeeeeed!! :) Finally can drop my Ring camera
Thank you - hope it will work out great for you!!!
I'm sending mine back, it has been very frustrating. There are no pop-up notifications on Android when the door bell is pressed, the same sound as a regular text message is used when the doorbell rings, make us miss deliveries all the time. There is no way how to add another chime, they do not support it, you cannot buy another one. It has been a very bad experience. Also I was expecting POE to be much faster/responsive. From tapping the app to actually view the live feed it takes similar time to an amazon ring doorbell over Wifi. Also I was expecting much less delay with audio, but it has been pretty much as bad as a wireless ring doorbell, you can hear yourself on it as well at times. It has been a very negative experience, to me sounds like a beta product at best. I bought it quite cheap in the UK as it was on sale, and now I can see why. Even though I don't like amazon and ring, I have to go back using it as at least it works better than reolink poe.
Sad to hear it. I didn't have issues with notification popup. As for delay, yeas, there is slight delay, but it didn't bother me that much. Most of IP cameras have delay, as it's part of how streaming works. It needs to get part of the video first before it can start streaming it.
The remote chime is 433MHz RF. You can add third party RF receivers to trigger chimes etc.
Hi BT, a very helpful and informative video. I have been researching video doorbells for 2 years, and have yet to take the plunge, but your review has got me closer to making a decision. As an 84 year old man, and not very technical, what does POE mean. It looks like this needs to be wired or am I incorrect? Many thanks. Terry davis
PoE stands for Power over Ethernet - if you have remote device that requires network connectivity, you can use same cable to get power to it. I prefer that way since I have network cables running all over the place. But it also requires PoE switch that can push power over network cable to those devices.
Doorbell needs either PoE power (so via Ethernet) or it can be powered via old bell wires. There is no option for batteries.
There should be a manual on Reolink web site under support section for the device. Don't take me on my word, but I think it's up to 24v of power and that's usually what most doorbells have.
But in that case, connectivity is of course via WiFi (although I do believe you stil can use ethernet cable)
@@BeardedTinker Many thanks for taking the time to reply to my question. This will confirm my lack of knowledge again. My previous bell was powered by 4 x 1.5v batteries. presumably this will not suffice for the Reolink doorbell? Does that mean connection to the mains supply? The Reolink set up on their website, showed the cable being placed through the drilled hole. But where does it go? My Router is in a separate room away from the door. Please don't reply if it needs too much of your time. You have been helpful enough already.
Regards
Terry
Check here: support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/12704048812953-Getting-Started-with-Video-Doorbell-WiFi/#h_01FYXERYAY5B6E2112MF00782H
If you don't already have mains powered doorbell (actually it's transformer powered usually) you can power it via external power supply. So you would need to drill a hole in the wall or door frame - if you have a power socket nearby. Not sure what the length of the cable included is.
I have my bell (old) powered via 12V transformer, but it's tied in series two few buttons so I went for PoE version. I have Ethernet cable already running to outside so used that network cable with Unifi 16 port PoE switch (8 ports are PoE and I use them also to power cameras around the apartment) - that now provides both power and data connection.
Hope this helps a bit :)
@@BeardedTinker Thank you very much for your time in answering my perhaps, silly questions. I am very grateful.
Keep up the good work with your videos.
Thanks again for the helpful information. I find it extraordinary, that this whole procedure has not been made simple, at least for an old brain like mine. I doubt if I could make any of the connections, because of short cables and location of Router. The setup details you kindly sent me, are only a fraction of what, in my opinion, is needed. My thanks again for you time and help.
Hi PT, it's me again1 As meentioned at my age it seems a bit complicated. Is this sort of detail covered in the Users Manual?
Hope my previous answer helps a bit ;) If not, just drop me a line.
Can this doorbell trigger gate access/relay systems? Sorry if you mentioned it and I missed it
Unfortunately no. It doesn't have any outputs analogue or digital for connecting to it relay/gate.
The remote chime is 433MHz RF.
is it possible t use 2 chimes with this doorbell? maybe one upstairs and the other downstairs
Sorry, not really sure. Can't remember if I've ever seen it in docs and haven't tried as I don't have to.
You can add third party 433 MHz RF receivers, to trigger whatever you want, such as chimes.
Does anyone know if you can use Alexa Echo Show or Hub to talk with the person ringing the doorbell?
annoyingly not available in UK Ive had a notify on available alert for 6 months, and nothing.
I've heard about it - apparently so many people have it on notification list that it never shows in stock and they have a very big "backlog". At least that's what I heard from Reolink.
Love the camera. But what bugs me: Why does the thief in the commercial leave the bike. He could easily take it and run... No, but seriously: I do like the option of either PoE or hardwired. I share your feelings about battery operated doorbells/cameras.
Yeah, strange - I always take the bike even if alarm goes off :)
The camera is really good. Wish I would be able to use it myself, but have to keep using normal camera for my flat.
great video, been trying to add a Reolink camera snapshot as an attachment to my gmail. been trying unsuccessfully for weeks. Can you point me in the right direction? Thank you.
Main question - are you using Home Assistant maybe?
In HA, there is option to create snapshot - it saves current image to local file.
Than you could use service to send mail.
Here is example of automation from documentation.
www.home-assistant.io/integrations/smtp/#usage
@@BeardedTinker remember to save in the WWW folder
1@@Kiloptero but if needed, you can also use allowlist_external_dirs - www.home-assistant.io/docs/configuration/basic/#allowlist_external_dirs
Anyone knows about how to overcome the lack of "press 2 speek" feature on HA integration? Why it's missing? Almost perfect. Why...
ok, just have read description link.
"2. ONVIF with two-way audio support using RTSPMany users ask for this and we have heard it. Try to use the two-way audio on third-party software with this new firmware."
I guess just have to wait.
I did try on Synology Surveillance station briefly, but wasn't able to get it working. TBH, it was short test. But others report that it's working. For HA integration, that will require more development in the future because at this point HA doesn't have mic support for media_play. Probably, if it gets added TTS could be used in step 1.
I use a wireguard vpn on my phone to solve the two-way speak problem. I have to still use the native app, but if gives the two way speak while out of the house without using reolink cloud services. Notifications come from the HA integration. Doorbell itself is locked in a dedicated VLAN without internet access.
sticking a comment in here in hopes someone finds an answer. I bought a ring a few years ago and have been waiting for a video doorbell that doesn't suck. This one is very close.
When I had talkback enabled in Blue Iris, the talkback wasn't working in the Reolink app. Any clues?
I live in an apartment block, so since I cannot provide electricity directly, a battery version of this would be great.
That is minus, but also a plus. Unfortunately, cameras that are battery powered can't be used with NVR systems. But, yeah, I do get the problem.
@@BeardedTinker I live also in an apartment in block building in Bucharest, Romania, at 3rd floor, and i was thinking to install on the door, but how to give power to the doorbel on the door?
@@BeardedTinker And how can we protect this doorbell against vandals or thievs to not steal from our door? Any ideea?>
I just bought one, wrong time zone, I didn't find how to change it, the max volume of speaker is too low.
TZ can be changed under system setting on configuration page.
aparently they pulled the firmware and are fixing it... no word on when the new firmware will be release
That was few weeks back. They did release firmware since than.
You can always check this unofficial Reolink firmware repository too:
github.com/AT0myks/reolink-fw-archive
@@BeardedTinker thank you that's awesome news, so I am guessing you still recommend the product, I was holding off because of the firmware being held back but I am assuming the door bell is working well with HA with 2 way audio?
Would it make sense for those devices to initiate SIP calls to existing phones? Or am I too old fashioned not wanting an App?
Great idea, but I doubt that 90% of people who seen this even know what SIP is. And SIP still needs an app, server or something - depending how you route and terminate the call - doesn't it?
It's easier than to go for analogue/digital doorbell or intercom.
@@BeardedTinker yes, but most home routers with phone "aka ip telephony" can register a SIP client. See AVM Fritz!Box. Your point is valid. Too much techno hassle for 90%. DOORBIRD would be their (expensive) option to go.
That would be amazing!
@@BeardedTinker yes. I see many DSL routers in homes that do SIP calls for the internal phones. In Grmany the AVm Fritz!Box does this. It would be super easy to have the doorbell connect there. In fact, an asterisk client in the bell would suffice. I never understood why this is not planned.
@@santaclaus1291 I think it's just too complex for most of the people and that's why nobody has bothered (that I know off) .
We have no wires to our doorbell and our doorbell is wireless, so this would be no good for us, and it's way too big anyway
In that case, nope... BTW size - it's smaller than Aqara/Eufy/Netatmo and similar than Ring pro 2.
how does your doorbell get power?
"I wish I had" -- not "I wish I've"
isnt the app P2P?
As in Peer to Peer?
@@BeardedTinker yeah, so you dont need the cloud for remote viewing. from the reolink website "What Is IP Camera P2P & How Does a P2P Camera Work"
"Well, each P2P security camera or network video recorder (NVR) is identified with a unique ID number (UID) registered and integrated at the developer level, which is used to ping the P2P server (merely for connection, not a proxy) via network P2P IP camera apps or software for Mac/Windows."
"Once the P2P camera is connected with the P2P IP camera app/software, you can stream live videos from the P2P IP security camera in a breeze in real time even outside your home or local area network (LAN)."
tldr, they have a server that is used to connect you to the camera, but after that the video feed is p2p (video doesnt go through their server). not sure if it is used by default or not, mine hasn't arrived to check. also im not sure if i got the details exactly right, i saw it in a video before that explained it well but i cant find it now
Cloud is not needed for any of standard Reolink cameras - unless you opt-in to use one. And P2P as described here is also not needed. HA accesses camera by local IP address.
But again, that all depends on your use case. If you want to use Reolink app (that's not bad) - you'll need it - P2P access to cloud for connection info only.
Most if not all cameras from Reolink support ONVIF standard - so you can also use that to connect to camera in HA.
I bought myself a Reolink Doorbell PoE. The case is made of thin plastic, which is absolutely unacceptable for placement outside. I live in a large apartment building and many strangers may be near my apartment. It will not be difficult for them to remove the Doorbell or damage it. The cases of such devices must be made only of durable metal and have an anti-vandal design. Using thin plastic is a very strange decision by Reolink.
The case could be made out of harder material - true. But all depends on the model. If you're using WiFi version that would also reduce signal strength - if metal case would have been used.
@@BeardedTinker and if they are going to break it off, doesnt relly matter what its made from, a hammer will deal with most things, and you will have a nice clear video of it happening
What nobody tells youi is tha the 2 way talk is barely audible at both ends. Don't listen to these sponsored videos
Thanks for the tip. I take those sponsored videos with a grain of salt ... But I couldn't hear that because it was barely audible at my end too...
@@BeardedTinkerDid you manage to fix it?
Weird to see the cam get 15eur more expensieve During this video……..
True, that would be bad. But you probably didn't watch carefully and hear that there are two versions - PoE and WiFi. Price difference is 15EUR
@@BeardedTinker true, my mistake🥴👊. Loved rhe info though..