Smart Video Doorbells to Be a Popular Theme at ISC West

Doorbell cameras from Vivint and other companies have emerged as a main attraction in the home security market.

The once-lowly doorbell is now the next big thing in home technology. A record number of residential doorbell cameras will be on display at ISC West 2016, the big tradeshow for commercial security, home security and (increasingly) home automation.

These products differ from the residential video intercom systems we’re used to seeing from companies like Channel Vision and Holovision (neither at ISC this year, it appears). The new breeds communicate via Wi-Fi/Ethernet, Bluetooth or Z-Wave and generally don’t play nice with pro-oriented security and automation systems. But they represent a crazy-fast growth category that can get dealers into the doors (so to speak) of new customers.

Vivint, the security giant best known for door-to-door sales, says its new Doorbell Camera, released in 2015, has been the most successful product rollout in the company’s history, with more than 100,000 units sold in the first five months.

In fact, Vivint CTO Jeremy Warren tells Security Sales & Integration sister publication CE Pro that the company invested heavily to create its own front-door product because the category is so compelling to consumers.


Photo Gallery: Check Out These Video Doorbells


The unit looks like a thicker version of a traditional vertical doorbell, with a form factor that allows placement on a standard door frame. Other units on the market are square, round or otherwise unsuitable for thin frames. Vivint’s can sit right where the old doorbell once stood, powered by the same two wires that connect to the doorbell chime.

The camera on the product provides a sweeping 180-degree view and includes night vision for 24-hour surveillance. There’s two-way talk via the built-in mic and speaker and integration with Vivint Sky touchpanels.

Will the design and functionality of a doorbell camera really lure customers to Vivint for whole-house security and automation?

“Yes, we think so,” Warren says.

 

Matt Eyring, chief strategy and information officer for Vivint, says the doorbell camera grabbed the most attention at the company’s sprawling two-story model home at CES 2016.

“A lot of people at CES were asking, ‘Can I just get that doorbell?'”

(Answer: Not without a complete professionally monitored security and home automation system from Vivint, starting at about $60 per month).

The attention bodes well for security dealers and home-technology integrators.

Vivint (Booth #3123) will be at ISC this year with RS&I, the reseller program that lets independents become Vivint dealers.

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About the Author

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Julie Jacobson, recipient of the 2014 CEA TechHome Leadership Award, is co-founder of EH Publishing, producer of CE Pro, Electronic House, Commercial Integrator, Security Sales and other leading technology publications. She currently spends most of her time writing for CE Pro in the areas of home automation, security, networked A/V and the business of home systems integration.

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