[Technology] Indoor cameras and smart doorbells etc

Really sorry to hear about your Aunt.

I don’t have any useful advice I’m afraid, other than my older kids have a ring doorbell and they think it’s the best thing ever. I have been on their doorstep and had several conversations with them whilst they are work, so it clearly works well for that and seems reliable.

Sorry to hear of your loss.

I use cctv mainly outside but some of this may appy inside. A recordable device has a fan and makes some noise bear that in mind and where you may place it. Running of internet you obviously reliant on this being up. Use a quality camera and you need good broadband or the images and video may need work off not so good speed and quaity, but still watchable and good audio. Can instead or in addition place on cloud usually at a cost. Most hd store for month and if not that familiar may take while understanding all features BUT you may only wish to use a few features. What triggers cameras e.g. cat etc takes time to learn what works best as does auto alarms. Legally you cant point camera at neighbours land unless its e.g. shared pathway drive etc. But you use blocks when setting it up to block these parts out. Beware of spider webs etc you may wish to clean lens so make cameras accessible (e.g.outside can you reach out a top floor window and dust thr lens etc. Is camera under roof to avoid raindrops etc Test out best view. Indoor a pan and surround style where you can move it remotely highly recommend. If carers come in do you need make them aware what are any legal implications.

Doorbell cameras can be easily removed i would reccomend one higher up that pans down also think of having 2 at different angles. You canget cameras set up working off battery, non mains but if frequently used you prob wish it was mains conected. Had few issues with interference in Kensington home but neighbouring properties have 100s cameras so had consult an expert in the field also needed man with ladder and so onvbut generally you canset up a system yourself.

If you view via an app choose a popular make so they upgrade app as technoogy gets upgraded. An app to view content is easiest.

Sounds obvious but highly recommed if change any defaut settngs you make a note. If a camera goes offline it should reset itself relativey quicky if internet goes offline frequetly its usualy iterferece other devices or weak internet connection. The better the internet connection speed etc thebetter response you will get. If the internet isnt great you are unikely to get any meaningful use.

Ask yourself do you really need to record images videos if not dont as it'll be simpler and cheaper.

If you make change to hd on ipad/laptop/pc make sure you know where to do this on app too. Not all apps allow all features but the most basic and used features are likely to be on the app.

If you have a spare port on the TV you can plug e.g. an outdoor camera pointing at front door driveway etc and see the person vechiles etc outside. Great for say Amazon or supermarket deliveries. Its easy to channel on tv and see who is outside. The TV can also be used to set up and adjust settings for the HD. You could also use a seperate monitor screen or small.dedicted tv instead but the tv conected to the Hd.

If you go wth hd set up use cable long enough in case moving hd in future. Less joining cable equals less opportunity of break in signal communication transfer.

Outdoor camers consider if sunbeam is direct at camera all you see if a useless glare hence ususlly best have 2 cameras different angle capuring same thing.

I had a naff hd in past that chucked away didnt auto reset time. So check and manualy adjust twice yearly if use hd and want reliable time stamp.

Good luck.

sjamesb3466 said:

Sorry to hear about a tough situation Bozza. I hope you get the best possible solution in place for your family moving forwards.

Re the tech side, I have a Eufy doorbell and external CCTV and have set up my parents house with the same to which I have viewing rights to keep an eye while they are away on holiday etc. I know they do internal cameras too so may be of interest to you. Big plus point is they are cheaper than Ring and no monthly subscription. All video footage stored on the hub with the added advantage of local storage on the cameras in the event of an internet outage which is then transferred to the hub when internet restored so not reliant on cloud or reliable internet. Just my two pence.

Good luck with it all, these are terrible diseases but I hope you and your mum have as smooth a ride as you can

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Bear in mind sd cards get filled up qucker than you think and outdoor unless out of reach are easily removed by persons you may not want removing them.

Sorry to hear your news. Managing elderly and increasingly unwell parents can be a massive cause of stress and guilt however you choose to do it - I speak from current experience - so whatever you do make sure their needs are balanced with yours and the rest of the family. I am still trying to get that balance right.