Video Doorbells Motion Detection: Keep Your Home Safe

Video doorbells with motion detection are quietly reshaping how people protect their homes. It’s surprising, but about 83% of burglars check for a security system before deciding on a target. That’s probably why these devices are becoming so common. (1)
They don’t just chime when someone presses the button—they let homeowners see who’s outside, even if they’re miles away. It’s like having an extra set of eyes, always watching. And they’re not just for safety; they’re practical, too. Curious how they work or if they’re worth it? Stick around—there’s more to these little gadgets than meets the eye. Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Video doorbells use motion detection to alert you of visitors.
- They can record video and send alerts to your phone in real-time.
- Features like night vision and adjustable zones make them even better.
What is Motion Detection in Video Doorbells?
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Motion detection is a clever feature that helps video doorbells keep watch over a home. When someone walks up to the door, the doorbell notices and sends an alert. It’s super handy, especially if the homeowner is busy or not around. These doorbells usually detect motion in two main ways.(2)
- Passive Infrared Sensors (PIR): These sensors work by feeling heat. When a person gets close, the sensor notices their body heat and tells the camera to start recording. This is especially useful at night because it can still detect heat even in the dark. For instance, if someone comes to the door late at night, the PIR sensor will catch it so nothing is missed.
- Camera-Based Detection: This method uses the camera itself to spot movement. It watches for changes in the video, like when something moves into view. It’s also smart enough to tell the difference between a person and something like leaves blowing in the wind. That way, homeowners don’t get unnecessary alerts for every little thing.
When both types of motion detection are combined, it makes the system even better at catching what’s important. It’s like having a helpful neighbor who’s always keeping an eye on the front door.
Extra Features for Better Security
At Shielded Residence, we understand that security is more than just seeing who’s at the door. Video doorbells, equipped with features like adjustable motion zones, wide field of view, and night vision, are an excellent addition to your home security setup.
We offer custom solutions that integrate these devices seamlessly with our broader security systems, enhancing the effectiveness of your overall protection plan.
- Adjustable Motion Zones: Homeowners can pick specific areas for the doorbell to watch. This way, if a neighbor walks by or a car drives down the street, it won’t send an alert. It’s especially useful for houses near busy sidewalks or roads. No one wants their phone buzzing all day for nothing.
- Wide Field of View: Many video doorbells have wide-angle lenses, so they can see more than just the front door. They can catch what’s happening in the yard, driveway, or even the sidewalk. It’s like having a bigger window to the outside world.
- Night Vision: These doorbells can see in the dark, which is a big deal. Most use special lights to make sure the video stays clear, even at night. This is great for spotting late-night visitors or anything unusual happening after the sun goes down.
- Real-Time Alerts: When the doorbell spots motion, it sends a quick alert to the homeowner’s phone. They can check the live video or watch a recording later. It’s perfect for keeping up with deliveries or surprise guests, no matter where they are.
With these handy features, video doorbells aren’t just gadgets—they’re like having a mini security guard right at the front door. They help people feel safer and more in control of what’s happening outside.
How to Install a Video Doorbell

For optimal performance, we recommend ensuring the right height, angle, and Wi-Fi connection when installing your video doorbell. At Shielded Residence, we also provide professional installation services for our security systems, including video doorbells, to ensure that everything is set up for maximum protection and efficiency.
- Height and Angle: If the doorbell is installed too high or pointed the wrong way, it might miss people standing close or pick up things too far away. The best spot is about four feet off the ground, aimed at the area you want to watch. This height helps get clear views of visitors and avoids stuff blocking the camera.
- Obstacles: Check that nothing is in the way of the camera or sensor. Things like trees, bushes, or even decorations can mess with how well it works. Keeping the area clear makes a big difference! A clear view means better alerts and recordings.
- Power Source: Some doorbells use batteries, while others need to be connected to your home’s wiring. If it’s wired, you’ll need to hook it up to your electrical system. Knowing which type you have is important, so follow the instructions that come with it.
- Wi-Fi Connection: A strong Wi-Fi signal is a must for the doorbell to send alerts and show live video. Before installing, check the signal strength near your door. If it’s weak, moving the router closer or adding a Wi-Fi extender can help a lot.
By paying attention to these steps, homeowners can make sure their video doorbell works its best. A well-placed and properly installed doorbell can really help keep things safe and give peace of mind.
Conclusion
Video doorbells with motion detection are a great way to keep an eye on your home and enhance your overall security. At Shielded Residence, we combine these modern solutions with our comprehensive home security systems, offering real-time alerts, motion detection, and 24/7 monitoring. Our goal is to provide peace of mind by offering tailored solutions that fit your unique needs. For more details, reach out to us today and learn how we can help safeguard your home.
FAQ
What is the difference between a 2nd generation and earlier video doorbells?
The 2nd generation video doorbells often improve features like motion detection, 1080p HD video resolution, and video storage options. These updates can include better detection zones, enhanced battery life, and more accurate alerts to reduce false notifications.
How does local video storage work with motion-activated doorbells?
Local video storage lets you save motion events directly to a hard drive, microsd card, or sync module. This is a good option for those looking to avoid monthly fees and cloud subscription plans while still recording video for security purposes.
Do video doorbells with 2k resolution offer better video quality?
Yes, 2k video or 1536p HD provides higher video resolution compared to 1080p HD. This offers a clearer view of motion events, making it easier to identify people and packages on your front porch or yard.
Are subscription plans necessary for video doorbell cameras?
Some video doorbell cameras offer free local storage or free video recordings, while others require a subscription fee for features like cloud storage, motion alerts, and event history. It depends on the device and your preferences for video storage options.
How do motion sensors reduce false alerts?
Motion sensors use detection zones, passive infrared, or human detection to focus on relevant movement. Advanced features like rich notifications or familiar face detection can filter out false alerts from animals or cars in your front yard.
What’s the best power source for a video doorbell?
Video doorbells can be battery-operated, wired to existing doorbell wiring, or use a rechargeable battery. Wired doorbells offer continuous power, while battery doorbells are more flexible but require regular recharging.
How does a doorbell camera work with a smart home?
Video doorbells like those compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple HomeKit integrate with smart home platforms. This allows features like live video, smart lock control, or quick replies through smart displays and mobile devices.
Do video doorbells provide live feed in real time?
Yes, most video doorbells offer live view or live feed features. This lets you see what’s happening on your front porch in real time through a mobile app or smart home device, ensuring immediate awareness of motion events.
What are the benefits of a wide degree field of view?
A wide degree field of view, such as 180 degrees horizontal or 90 degrees vertical, helps capture more of your front yard or porch. Features like bird’s eye view and toe view enhance the coverage for better home security.
Are there options for free video storage with doorbell cameras?
Some doorbell cameras offer free cloud storage or free local storage without a subscription. Others require paid subscription plans for additional storage or advanced features like 3D motion detection or accurate alerts.
References
- https://ring.com/products/video-doorbell-pro-2?srsltid=AfmBOoqoWh221hn3dISeKlsIPNO3khNt27wvFJfZeoPXVYiT-yiU5AbX
- https://www.smartsecurity.com.au/how-do-video-doorbells-detect-motion-and-how-do-they-work/