Started By
Message

re: General security camera discussion (was "Unifi Protect security cameras")

Posted on 2/27/21 at 12:37 am to
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28703 posts
Posted on 2/27/21 at 12:37 am to
quote:

Ahh. This is barely on my radar for the future. A pair of doorbells +2-4 bullets is going to be plenty for my house, and I may realistically never add a backyard or driveway view.
Yeah evidently there are a lot of mid- to large-ish Protect installs out there (probably most migrated from the Video product), so there is actually pressure on UI to make the UNVR "stackable". I'm assuming all that means is you can keep adding units as they reach the camera capacity, and view/manage them all as if they were one. According to "support" on their forums, this is actually their "central focus" for Protect at the moment. I honestly don't find it much trouble at all to swap between multiple units as it is.
quote:

I don’t think I’ll use the g3 instant I have for much. I have it set to always run, never record and catch my cats doing silly things throughout the day. The wife likes to move the camera around when I’m not home just to see if I check it. Indoor views for a home seem like a good thing if you need them, but there’s not much I feel like I need it for.
Yeah they aren't for everybody, but wyze and google etc. sure sell the hell out of indoor wifi cams. The Nest Indoor is $130. I would damn sure pay $200+30+30=$260 for a CK+ and 2 Instants before I pay $260 for 2 Nest cams and have to then pay a subscription every month.
quote:

The smart detections are pretty great when the app wants to work well. I’m sure you have used them- you have a little window on the timeline with a still frame, and clicking it takes 1-30 seconds to load. 1 being awesome and 30 being “why the frick can’t they fix this stupid thing?”
That usually works pretty well for me, far better than Ring does. Ring has the rich notifications, but clicking them gives me the live view maybe 25% of the time. Same results across 3 doorbells and 3 different phones.
quote:

There’s no “save snapshot” feature, but I’m fairly certain there’s a still-frame image capture button available on the desktop (when logged into the UDMP) version.
There's a snapshot button on the web app and the mobile app. On mobile you have to click the 9 dots menu and you'll see it.
quote:

My house and basically every house in every neighborhood I’ve lived in has floodlights on every corner. I don’t know who the target audience is, but I’m pretty sure I’m not it.
A lot of houses in my 'hood need more floods, but I don't see these fitting the bill. They seem more like a $30 product than a $100 one.
quote:

Speaking of “wtf” products, they made PoE ceiling-tile lights.
Lights.
To add a light or two is one thing.
To market this as if Ethernet + PoE ports/switches are cheaper than an electrician in that setting is just...odd to me. Maybe I’m way off on the cost of this, but I don’t think you can save enough to justify just the sheer cost of the switches you need to run the things, particularly if staying in their stack.
They also had a 110/240V version, but I am actually pretty bullish on PoE lighting in general. If we eventually want pervasive smart lighting that does occupancy detection and automatic color temp and brightness adjustment etc, and central management, if they are all wireless then that could potentially be a lot of unnecessary RF airtime. Better to hardwire for data, in which case might as well use PoE for power too. Then instead of taking up wifi capacity, they could provide more wifi capacity via integrated AP in the fixture to cut down on devices and cabling. My thoughts, anyway.
quote:

I could see them eventually pulling it all together, but it seems like something they are going to swing, miss, realize, and quit.

I don't think they will quit. They do have a lot of irons in the fire right now, and they are known to drop products and entire lines of products, but I think they're in the security game for the long haul. I mean they're on their 4th generation of cameras, and they are diversifying into door access and sensors. They seem pretty committed to me. Shooters shoot, and if nothing else UI is a shooter.
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28703 posts
Posted on 2/27/21 at 12:36 pm to
Ok so in the release notes on the forum for 1.18beta they mention the UP-Sense device that we discussed, which is of course found in the EA store.

I just checked the changelog found on the UNVR, and it also mentions adding support for UP-DoorLock! I have so far held off on getting smart locks for my house because I just haven't seen one that checks all my boxes, so now I'm pretty anxious to see what UI has coming up.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 2/27/21 at 11:07 pm to
quote:

UP-DoorLock



Damn it. I also have considered door locks and never pulled the trigger for this or that reason. Maybe the bastards will push me over the edge.


I just hate battery powered things so much though. It is going to have to probably be pretty nice AND not require Wi-Fi 6 like the sensors.
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 3:25 pm to
Just got my 2 phones in today. They are very nice and well built. Very easy to set up, but they don't port forward so I am paying for another phone # through Ubquiti and just forwarding my landing to the system for now.
I really like the new controller software, and the fact that I am sitting on the couch at the house completing the setup.
I am a Unifi fanboi at this point. About to pull the trigger on the access system as well.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 7:57 pm to
quote:

Just got my 2 phones in today. They are very nice and well built. Very easy to set up, but they don't port forward so I am paying for another phone # through Ubquiti and just forwarding my landing to the system for now.
I really like the new controller software, and the fact that I am sitting on the couch at the house completing the setup



Wait. Are you actually me in real life? I am doing the same, other than the 2nd landline (though I'll cancel my Voip.ms line in the next hour)
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28703 posts
Posted on 3/3/21 at 8:30 pm to
quote:

Just got my 2 phones in today. They are very nice and well built. Very easy to set up, but they don't port forward so I am paying for another phone # through Ubquiti and just forwarding my landing to the system for now.
I really like the new controller software, and the fact that I am sitting on the couch at the house completing the setup.
I am a Unifi fanboi at this point. About to pull the trigger on the access system as well.
I don't know much about VOIP or phone systems in general, but from the videos I've seen about UniFi Talk it definitely looks pretty slick! Have you tried the interactive receptionist? The little animation on the landing page makes it seem like a node-red style drag and drop setup for it.

I'm trying to get started with a little low voltage business, kind of feeling my way around security cameras and voip and such, and Ubiquiti is making things look pretty easy!

That is, if they can figure out a proper software development strategy instead of mixing new features and bug fixes on the same branch.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 12:20 pm to
quote:

shawnlsu



The big touch phones are back in stock if you’re thinking about them- my wife is forcing me to stick with the standard/small ones, but it’s the first time I’ve seen them in stock.
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 12:49 pm to
quote:

Have you tried the interactive receptionist?

Yes, its pretty slick and easy to set up once I understood it.
I have it set now to play a welcome message, then promt to press 0 to speak to reception, 1 for sales, ect. It all goes to my office manager but it sounds damn professional
You can set up several different "rules" and make any one of them active with a click.
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 12:55 pm to
quote:

Hopeful Doc


aaaaaand they're already gone
I just want 2!
This post was edited on 3/4/21 at 1:10 pm
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 12:57 pm to
quote:

Wait. Are you actually me in real life? I am doing the same, other than the 2nd landline (though I'll cancel my Voip.ms line in the next hour)

I have an Eatel phone# bundled with my internet, I'll pay the $10/mo until I can figure that out.
Day 2 on using them and they are better than I thought they were yesterday.
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28703 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 1:24 pm to
quote:

I have it set now to play a welcome message, then promt to press 0 to speak to reception, 1 for sales, ect. It all goes to my office manager but it sounds damn professional

quote:

You can set up several different "rules" and make any one of them active with a click.

Can you set a rule to dial an outbound number?
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 1:28 pm to
I'll look and report back.

I was finally able to buy 1 Touch Max after refreshing a few times.


ETA: You can set the system to "forward" or ring an outside extension via the root menu if no one is in the office.
You can also have your handset "redirect" or forward all calls to an outside extension as well instead of going to VM. Visual voicemail also on the handset. Its basically an Android tablet with a cord and headset.
This post was edited on 3/4/21 at 1:35 pm
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 2:01 pm to
quote:

I was finally able to buy 1 Touch Max after refreshing a few times



Sweet!

quote:

Its basically an Android tablet with a cord and headset.



Fair statement, but I will clarify a little further:
G1 phones run a relatively “open” android (I think 7) with access to the play store. Most useful apps aren’t available as it is so outdated, and the lack of a camera further reduces its utility of even having a touch screen.
G2 phones are locked the heck down, offering access to Unifi Talk and Unifi Protect (presumably also Access, and if not then eventually) with a few familiar android menus. They are probably the fastest and best way to view my doorbells. Push notifications from the doorbells don’t seem to be turned on by default (reasonable), and I haven’t had a chance to play a ton. But this is going to be my home phone service. A wifi phone with the ability to see who is at the doorbell that’s relatively attractive at a modest price that can’t be junked up with apps by kids/unwitting spouses is a pretty winning combo. I haven’t tested it JUST yet, but it may very well be an adequate wifi bridge for the handful of cases that may be of use.
ETA- so for now, it is not a Zoom/Teams phone.
This post was edited on 3/4/21 at 2:03 pm
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 2:17 pm to

The really crappy "phone system" I had in here until yesterday was well over $600 for the 2 desktop sets and a wireless extension and it didn't do anything other than ring and record voicemail.
minus the DM Pro that I already installed for the cameras and router, I've spent a total of half that for 3 badass phones that will do a whole host of things once I get the entire system installed.
I'm sold and can't wait to start selling these things.
This post was edited on 3/4/21 at 2:24 pm
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28703 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 2:35 pm to
shite guys, I've been trying to keep my fanboy in check and avoid the phones, but I'll be damned if I don't want to buy in now.
Posted by CarRamrod
Spurbury, VT
Member since Dec 2006
57426 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 2:44 pm to
so i just sold a bunch of my lutron switches and can use that to buy a DM Pro....... should i do it?
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28703 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 3:08 pm to
I don't have one yet, but maybe in the next few months.

I just know that browsing the ubnt forums you would think none of their shite ever works. Probably just the internet as usual though, pissed off people are loud and 99% might be happy as can be.
Posted by CarRamrod
Spurbury, VT
Member since Dec 2006
57426 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 3:14 pm to
everyone on youtube say it is great.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 3:35 pm to
quote:

so i just sold a bunch of my lutron switches and can use that to buy a DM Pro....... should i do it?



Only if she lets you buy a g4 doorbell, too.
Posted by Hopeful Doc
Member since Sep 2010
14942 posts
Posted on 3/4/21 at 3:40 pm to
quote:

I'm sold and can't wait to start selling these things.


I would probably get some pushback if I rolled these out tomorrow. Girls in the office love our phones ability to 1) put someone on hold 2) “radio” into the phone across the office for girl2’s attention to tell them who is on the line or ask question. These are missing that function if I read correctly on the forums.


My goals for today:
1) make all phones ring without requiring caller to push “0” (I put no effort into finding out how to do this yet. I was excited to just “plug and play” a phone system after tweaking with 3cx/VOIP.ms and some unsupported phones for a few weeks
2) try to get “push” notifications or live video-on-ring from the cameras on the phones



As an upgrade from a POTS, I get the appeal.
As far as lacking some features, I sort of get it. None of them seem to be mission critical, but “buzzing” each other is a real workflow-changing feature that I could see people missing.
Jump to page
Page First 3 4 5 6 7 ... 21
Jump to page
first pageprev pagePage 5 of 21Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram