Navigating the realm of new technology can be a precarious journey, especially when it comes to cameras for home automation, where missteps can quickly translate into a costly experiment. In the early stages of my home automation endeavour, my focus was on upgrading our outdated intercom system, a journey detailed in the blog post "Intercom re-invented."
Starting with Ring doorbells and cameras seemed promising initially. These devices are user-friendly but come with their set of challenges. Notably, they demand a robust Wi-Fi connection outside your home, necessitating the installation of an Outside Access Point for optimal connectivity. An unforeseen hurdle was the rapid depletion of batteries, requiring frequent replacements—no small task with multiple cameras. To address this, I opted for solar panels, though not without its drawbacks.
Ring's non-compliance with Onvif standards limits continuous viewing, coupled with the inconvenience of cloud storage and a monthly fee. App limitations further compounded the user experience, restricting split-screen capabilities on tablets. Motion detection, particularly at night, left much to be desired. While Ring served as a decent starting point, it became evident that a shift was on the horizon within the next year.
Simultaneously, I delved into a tutorial, eyeing dome Annke cameras as potential replacements. However, unforeseen limitations surfaced, such as restricted rotation capabilities and exclusive support for h.265 and h.265+ video compression. While touted as advantageous, compatibility issues emerged, with most hubs supporting only h.264 natively. Workarounds like Frigate or BlueIris presented their own challenges, including audio stream complexities and the need for dedicated hardware.
In light of these experiences, the decision to transition to UniFi equipment for doorbells and cameras is imminent. UniFi offers a reliable and cost-effective surveillance solution, seamlessly integrating advanced technology. While features are essential, the effectiveness of any system hinges on the user interface, and in this regard, UniFi Protect App stands out. Its sleek, responsive, and user-friendly design makes live camera views easily accessible, marking a significant improvement in the overall smart home experience.
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