So I’d like to have a video doorbell set up so that it communicates locally with my HA, raising an event when the button is pressed, allowing me to watch its audio and video stream live, and speak back to whoever is at the door. Ideally either from the browser or my phone, when I’m at home or not.

I don’t care about motion sensing or AI or even NVR functions really. What software do I need? Should I bother going through the process of setting up Frigate or is there something simpler that would do the job?

  • @NeoNachtwaechter
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    11 month ago

    when the button is pressed, allowing me to watch its audio and video stream live, and speak back to whoever is at the door.

    I’m curious.

    You want the video and speak back and all, but you don’t want the ability to open the door for your visitor? Why not?

    • @HeavybellOP
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      31 month ago

      Maybe I’ll look into electronic locks later, I guess. It’s not really a priority.

      • @NeoNachtwaechter
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        11 month ago

        So what’s the use of all the other functions when you cannot (or don’t want to?) open the door?

        • shastaxc
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          1 month ago

          So he can give them instructions like “empty your pockets and place your weapons in the slot on your right, and put on the blindfold and ball gag on your left, and wait for someone to lead you a play room.” The video is for blackmail.

          • @spitfire
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            31 month ago

            Or tell the courier to leave the package in whatever place I ask them to.

            • @HeavybellOP
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              21 month ago

              This one. Especially if I am not home.

              • @spitfire
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                21 month ago

                Yup, same here. Sometimes they wouldn’t bother to call, and would just take the package with them if I wouldn’t answer.

        • @HeavybellOP
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          31 month ago

          As someone else said, it’s mainly so I can ask couriers to leave packages in specific places, tell salespersons to go away without getting up, etc.

          • @NeoNachtwaechter
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            11 month ago

            ask couriers to leave packages in specific places

            Around here, they drop the parcel in front of the door and then they run away like thieves.

            Sometimes they ring, too. But they don’t bother waiting.

            • @HeavybellOP
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              21 month ago

              They’re a lot better than that where I live.