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If you want to know who is standing in front of your own apartment door, until recently you only had the door peephole at your disposal. The simple hole with a lens is only partially reliable, after all, you can keep it closed from the other side.
In addition, the manual approach is not without risk. After all, you reveal that you are looking through the peephole yourself at the latest when the lens is shaded.
That’s why the latest trend in doorbell technology is called the “video doorbell” – in other words, the doorbell with an integrated camera. Here Ring has made a name for itself as an innovative manufacturer of reliable technology. With a broad portfolio, the company offers the right video doorbell for diverse scenarios.
In this article, you’ll learn which product is best for use in an apartment. Our favorite is the Ring Video Doorbell 4* or Wired*. If you want something cheaper, the Video Doorbell 3* is also a good choice.
Table of Contents
Requirements for a Video Doorbell for Apartments
The main difference between an apartment and a house is that the entrance area is located inside the building. The second difference is that the viewing area of the video doorbell can also include the entrances of other apartments.
This can lead to legal problems. For the video doorbell, this results in the following catalog of requirements for apartments:
- Discreet attachment
- easy cleaning
- theft-proof
- simple and reliable technology
- clear picture and clear sound
- nightlight capable
Discreet installation is especially convenient if the apartment is located in a corridor with other apartment entrances. An overpowering visible video camera would cause discomfort to the neighbor and they may feel observed and controlled.
Since the video doorbell is constantly touched by various people at the bell button, it should be easy to clean and disinfect. Therefore, it must be made of a material that can tolerate different cleaning agents and disinfectants. Changing disinfectants is important to prevent resistant strains of bacteria from forming.
Theft protection is inherent in a modern video doorbell. After all, most devices have integrated motion detectors and a camera that sends videos to the smartphone when needed. A thief would therefore quickly give himself away with a stolen device. In addition, a particularly firm mounting should provide sufficient protection against unwanted removal of the device.
Video doorbells can be demanding to install and mount. In daily use, however, they should pose as few technical hurdles as possible. A high level of automation and customization of functions achieves this goal.
Images from surveillance cameras used to be blurry and pixelated. Today’s technology makes such shortcomings obsolete. A high-resolution camera and a sensitive microphone, as well as a small but powerful speaker, are all part of a video doorbell today.
Ring Products
Ring offers a selection of seven products in its “Video Doorbells” section:
- Video Doorbell 4*
- Video Doorbell Wired*
- Video Doorbell Pro 2*
- Video Doorbell Elite*
- (and the respective predecessor models)
All devices offer the following functions:
- Motion detection
- Video camera
- Transmission of the image or the ring signal to the smartphone
- Real-time communication with the visitor.
The bells do not produce a ringtone themselves. Pressing the button only activates the intercom and video surveillance. The camera is also switched on by the integrated motion detector in most models. To actually use a video doorbell from Ring as a classic doorbell, the add-on module “Chime” is required.
The “Wired” model offers an affordable entry into the world of modern doorbells. It is hardwired. This does provide a certain level of security. However, it makes it necessary to drill a hole in the wall or door for the power cable. This requires getting the OK from the landlord beforehand. In contrast, hardwiring provides some additional security against theft. The installation of the camera must be done by a certified electrician.
With the “2nd Generation”, the user gets a video doorbell with somewhat improved features. Although it is a bit more expensive than the “Wired” model, it also offers correspondingly more performance.
The model 2 is also wired. It also offers a 5 Ghz dual-band wifi connection.
A wide-angle camera is integrated in the Model 2 Pro. This is particularly interesting for receiving parcels. The user can use it to see whether the delivery has been set down correctly.
The Elite model draws its power from an Ethernet. It is also particularly slim and well suited for discrete installation where space is limited.
Model 3 has a rechargeable battery installed as a power source. The batteries can be easily removed and re-powered by the included charger. It has convenient programmable motion detection and improved WLAN transmission and reception performance.
The model 4 offers slightly improved features and performance compared to the model 3. In addition, the user can integrate automatic responses into the ring function here. Upon request, Ring will supply an additional free bezel for this model.
Legalities for the Use of Video Doorbells
The main problem encountered when using video doorbells on apartment doors is data protection. It is not permitted in Germany to film other people without permission. Video doorbells are legally in a gray area. Because they are clearly visible as a permanently installed camera on the door, the person approaching knows that they are being filmed. With a doorbell, this step would be preceded by entering the property. Here, homeowners have the unrestricted right to make video recordings. The problem with apartments is that visitors from other apartments can also be recorded by the video doorbell.
It is irrelevant for automatically activated video cameras whether they generate the recording only for live images or whether the moving images are recorded. Here again, data protection takes effect. Filming the entrance areas of the neighboring apartment or recording every passing visitor is definitely not permitted.
One solution for the use of video doorbells on rented apartment is to turn off the motion detector altogether. Photographing and filming a visitor after pressing the doorbell button is allowed. There is a ruling on this from 2011, and the legal situation has not changed since then.
Selection for Apartments
In principle, all video doorbells from Ring are suitable for use on apartments. The rechargeable battery models are advantageous in that they do not require drilling for the power supply. Nevertheless, we recommend installing a video doorbell only after consultation with the landlord.
The rechargeable models are also very expensive. This makes them less suitable for use in inexpensive housing such as student apartments. Here, the low-cost models such as Wired* or 3rd Generation* are more advantageous.
Each Ring Video Doorbell comes with three cases that allow them to be color-matched. With the dark, medium and light colored covers, the doorbells can be discreetly placed on any surface. The covers are also removable, which makes cleaning easier.
Comfortable Bell with Chime
The video doorbell from Ring can only really be used as a doorbell with a separate “Chime” device. These devices are simply plugged into the wall socket. Inside there is a powerful speaker.
Ring has two models in its range here. In addition to the simple doorbell, a WLAN repeater is integrated in the second model. This pleasant additional function makes WLAN available in every corner of large houses. For apartments, on the other hand, the WLAN option only really makes sense for large apartments of over 100 square meters.
The ringtone is freely programmable via the app. In addition to a large selection of included sounds, you can also define your own tones, melodies or noises as a ringtone. This gimmick is very popular among students. It also allows you to customize the ringtone for your guests for special occasions like Christmas, Halloween or parties.
Our Recommendation
If you are a landlord and want to offer your tenants the convenience of video doorbells, we recommend the Wired* and 3rd Generation* models. Both devices are extremely affordable. The hard wiring gives you the best protection against theft. You can also place them in such a way that there are no problems with data protection.
If the device is not mounted on the door, but on the frame, the viewing area is already reduced by 50%. In this way, you avoid unnecessary disputes between your tenants. You can also stipulate in the rental agreement that the motion detector must always remain switched off. This way you are legally protected in case of conflicts.
If you are a tenant and want to upgrade your apartment with a video doorbell, then we recommend the battery models. They are much more expensive than the cheap wired models. But you can take them with you to the next apartment. In addition, you do not need an electrician to install the device.
However, be sure to discuss the use of the video doorbell with your landlord and your neighbors. Hang it in such a way that its viewing area does not interfere with your neighbors’ privacy. It’s best to show them how the camera is installed and what it records when it’s active. Also, turn off the motion detector. This way you are legally on the safe side and do not endanger the peace of the house.
Can I mount the Video Doorbell anywhere?
No, for the installation of a video doorbell with motion detector are legally tight limits. You have complete freedom to install video surveillance only inside your home. The only restriction there are the windows. You are not allowed to film out and capture areas outside your property. What is allowed are video doorbells that become active when the doorbell button is pressed.
Do I have to ask the landlord to install a video doorbell?
Any modification to your apartment should be agreed with your landlord. This applies at the latest when you have to drill holes in walls or doors. The use of a battery-operated video doorbell is generally not subject to approval. However, you should be able to prove at any time that you are only using it within the legally permissible scope.
What do my neighbors need to know about my Video Doorbell?
When installing your video doorbell, you should make sure that you do not disturb the privacy of your neighbors. Demonstrate its function to them and make sure that the motion detector is turned off. This way you show responsibility and interest in a peaceful neighborhood. Perhaps your hallway colleagues will also want to buy a video doorbell later. Then you can advise them comprehensively over coffee and cake.
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
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