What Are Doorbell Cameras?

Simply put, a doorbell camera is a device similar to a traditional doorbell but, as one may assume, has built-in camera. Doorbell cameras allow homeowners to view who is at their door remotely, from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. This device shows the user live streaming footage from in front of the equipment and is capable of recording both audio and video. Doorbell cameras also let the user have a 2-way conversation with the person on the other side before opening it, possibly preventing an intruder from entering the house.

How do doorbell cameras work?

Smart doorbell cameras are easy to use, have many convenient features and provide a higher level of security around a residential property. Here are some of the things that a doorbell camera does.

  • A doorbell camera connects to your home’s existing doorbell wiring and doorbell chimes, as well as your home’s WiFi.

  • When someone pushes the doorbell, it chimes just like a normal doorbell. Some doorbell camera models use motion detectors to sense when someone is at your front porch and then start recording automatically.

  • A notification is sent to your smartphone via the WiFi connection, alerting you when someone is at the door.

  • Opening the doorbell camera’s app will allow you to watch a live video feed from the camera. Some doorbell cameras start recording video footage once the doorbell is pressed, or when motion is detected, allowing you to review the footage at your convenience. Because recorded video clips require storage space, you may need cloud storage or removable storage.

  • Doorbell cameras also feature a speaker, allowing you to use the app to speak through the doorbell camera to the visitor on your doorstep. If the doorbell camera also includes two-way talk functionality, you can see and have an active conversation with your visitor.

Why should you add a doorbell camera?

If you’re like most people, you may not answer your phone if you don’t recognize the number on the caller ID. Many people now feel the same about their front door—why would you answer it without knowing who is there?

A doorbell camera acts like the caller ID for your front door, letting you see who’s there without actually opening the door or peering through a peephole. It’s a must-have for anyone interested in improving the security of their home.

Contact Titan Alarm to explore the benefits of a doorbell camera installation.

Top Smart Home Technologies to Consider as You Build Your New Home

Tucson smart home

If you’re in the process of designing your dream home, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about things like the size of the rooms and whether or not you want to install a fireplace. For many homeowners, though, the implementation of smart technology also deserves strong consideration. What is smart home technology? Simply put, a smart home is equipped with lighting, heating and cooling units, electronics, appliances and security systems that are able to communicate with one another and can be programmed and controlled remotely with a computer, smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.

Examples of the Best Smart Home Technology

Specific examples of new smart home technology include:

  • Lighting:

          Smart home lighting systems feature Wi-Fi-enabled LED light bulbs that can significantly reduce                your home energy bills. You can also program your lights to turn on and off at specified times,                    which also helps to conserve energy and serves as an effective home security measure.

  • Thermostats:

    A smart thermostat enables you to more easily control your home’s heating and cooling system and maintain the optimum temperature throughout the year. It has the ability to automatically adjust the system’s operation whenever the interior temperature rises or falls — you won’t have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night because the house is too hot or too cold.

  • Household appliances:

    Smart household appliances include everything from washers and dryers that can be programmed to automatically start loads to refrigerators equipped with cameras that can take pictures and email them to your smartphone — so you’ll know whether you need to pick up a gallon of milk on your way home from work. You can even get a smart crock pot that allows you to control the settings remotely with your computer or mobile device.

  • Beds:

    A smart bed allows you to improve sleep quality by using embedded sensors to track your movements and vital signs and make recommendations for improvements. It can also be integrated with your heating and cooling system so you can maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature throughout the night.

  • Security systems:

    What is the best smart home technology solution in terms of a security system? A fully integrated smart home security system typically consists of devices such as wireless video surveillance cameras, motion sensors, door locks, fire alarms and smoke detectors. An example of how an integrated smart security system works is when an intruder trips a motion sensor that causes the lights to turn on, while simultaneously triggering the video cameras to begin recording.

Trust Titan Alarm With Your Smart Home

If you are building your new home in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. has all your smart home technology needs covered. We can work with you to design and install a fully integrated smart home system that encompasses security, energy management, appliance operation and much more. You’ll also have the ability to easily monitor and control your system via a downloadable mobile app.

Contact Titan Alarm today to learn more about what the best smart home technology options are for your new home.

Learn More About Smart Home Technology

Best Smart Home Technology for 2016

best-smart-home-technologies

When you hear the term smart technology, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the smartphone you use on a daily basis. You might not know that this same intuitive, user-friendly technology can be found in a wide range of household products and devices that are changing the way people live. Here are a few of the many gadgets that represent that the latest advancements in smart home technology as of 2016.

Robot Vacuum Cleaners

A robot vacuum cleaner can eliminate the drudgery associated with this essential household chore. Vacuums equipped with robotic smart home technology do not require human operation and are capable of detecting and navigating obstacles and even automatically emptying their dustbins.

Smart Refrigerators

Are you tired of having to throw away long-forgotten perishable items that seem to get lost inside your refrigerator? A smart refrigerator includes a touch-screen monitor that interacts with a smartphone app. This allows you to keep an inventory of fresh vegetables, dairy products and other perishable items, while also getting access to useful information regarding the refrigerator’s energy consumption.

Wireless Lightbulbs

A wireless LED lighting system can be a big energy-saver – you also get the convenience of controlling your entire home lighting system via your smartphone. You will even be able to set up a schedule for when your lights go on and off, which is an important home security benefit.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats also provide an excellent way to keep your home energy costs under control. They have the ability to work with your home heating and cooling system to automatically adjust the temperature to suit your preferences, and you can also manually increase or decrease the temperature at any time with your smartphone.

Wireless Door/Window Sensors

Wireless door and window sensors detect intruders who attempt to gain access to your home via these vulnerable points of entry. They also send immediate text and/or email alerts that allow for a prompt response when a break-in occurs.

Wireless Security Cameras

Smart security cameras offer the advantage of wireless connectivity so you can place them exactly where you need them. You can also use your smartphone to monitor your camera feeds remotely – you can keep a close watch on your home while you’re at work, running errands or traveling.

How to Upgrade My Home to a Smart Home

If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona, area, Titan Alarm Inc. has the know-how to transform your home into a smart home. We can work with you to develop a fully integrated smart home technology system that incorporates security solutions such as video cameras, intrusion detection devices and lighting systems, as well as a variety of other home automation gadgets. We’re also the best smart home installation provider in the area – we can set up your entire system, as well as deliver timely maintenance and repair service when needed.

Contact Titan Alarm for fast, efficient smart home installation in Arizona. We’ll be happy to schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation at your convenience.

Learn More About Smart Home Technology

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.