Video door entry kit - cheap Amazon option

[Daljit]

Hi

I’m looking to upgrade a v old door entry phone in my house to a video one. It is a single dwelling set-up.

From searching online, I don’t find too many brands but the ones I have all start around £250-350: https://www.superlecdirect.com/3217-esp-aperta-colour-video-door-entry-system/?hsa_acc=5149061780&hsa_cam=388664136&hsa_grp=1235851354362570&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=o&hsa_tgt=pla-4580840335361167&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&msclkid=02e7b1f852ca1109a76bd8fa7ebabaa2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CJ - Bing Shopping (All Products)&utm_term=4580840335361167&utm_content=All Products

But then I checked Amazon and saw a few options for around £80!! https://www.amazon.co.uk/TMEZON-Intercom-Monitors-Doorbell-1-Family/dp/B0CFY3JM7D/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kP4AQJoLOQOS1dOhY-YX-FfJuA0j1IRkr2rs365VYtpLO96Z0o9F7CKhyH4Wxz7Yk-tUMx3RuQxitMItU6jY368hqjsx5diANnfnE5bdw2U-_Y5mtbSSPXxmSZGVSWvea-nYMqhG5iY2b30VRuiSwoEuSQtgyJeCXlqMbXx3eaTD1y78BhNTG125UQt6Ve1zopJhjkF4Dgp5bJo5VniZXg.A2Ym24r95m7LS0MkNPqR-eRUpBFvXLL2P2lkWJGz_Vc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Video+Entry+Systems&qid=1761986190&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

Anyone know why electrical suppliers’ products would be 3-4 times the price? I do understand you get what you pay for, but seems to be a huge difference.

Cheers.

 

[jj4091]

I read an advert the other day saying either Aldi or Lidl were goig to start doing a non- subscription video door bell. Maybe a google search might turn it up for you. Don't know any details sorry

 

[flameport]

The expensive one is from a UK supplier and vendor.
If there are problems you can contact the UK 'manufacturer' for assistance. Or return it when it fails after a month or four.

The Amazon item is a direct from China import. Much cheaper but if problems occur you are on your own.

 

[CrazeUK]

Have you checked Eufy? They have a no subscription option.

You get a camera, then a base station (i bought a new base station 2 for £25 from FB market place to test.

the base station records the footage and connects to wifi.

The expensive one is from a UK supplier and vendor.
If there are problems you can contact the UK 'manufacturer' for assistance. Or return it when it fails after a month or four.

The Amazon item is a direct from China import. Much cheaper but if problems occur you are on your own

Most uk suppliers buy from China, and will debate about conditions of usage etc.

With amazon, you are certainly not on your own.

Even if the item is about 7 months old, if it states it has warranty, contact amazon cs and you'll get a refund.

To me a replacemebt is better than a refund. - but amazon only do refunds.

Generally, as long as the item is worth more than 60 (I think the threshold is), amazon cs will try to help

 

[DavoUK]

I've had a TMEZON (older model https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077QD9P9G) running for around six years. Went with it because I needed to be able to open the front door from upstairs. Had a couple of issues 1) I initially didn't use a good enough cable for the video 2) Water got into the exterior unit and that had to be replaced.
I've contacted TMEZON a few times over the years. Always had a good response.

 

[Daljit]

Having thought more about it, I’m leaning towards a system that provides:

- Video to monitor (don’t particularly need it connected to a phone)
- ability to release door using a phone (kids often forget keys, never ever their phones!)
- I’d rather not have a key pad on the external device.

Also, we have a basic electric strike release which works with a Yale nightllatch. There is also a mortise lock fitted (which we only occasionally use). I’m thinking of beefing up both the nightlatch and strike, and stop using the mortise altogether.

So, any thoughts how I can connect the external camera unit to a monitor and electric strike that can be activated using a mobile?!

 

[DavoUK]

So, any thoughts how I can connect the external camera unit to a monitor and electric strike that can be activated using a mobile?!

Do you already have a camera unit and monitor?

My old system allows unlock via the monitor and via a mobile app using an old electric release plate... note that the door cannot be key-locked for this to work.
This one seems to do the same (https://www.amazon.co.uk/TMEZON-Touchscreen-Recording-Detection-Technology/dp/B0DK93YP9L) however TMEZON have other models so best check them out for all the needs you have. Of course, there are other suppliers!

 

[Daljit]

Do you already have a camera unit and monitor?

No, looking to buy as a kit. The Tmezon link you sent looks almost perfect. However, not keen on the name plate on the camera unit - we’ve had a brass name plate on the door for years now!

Found this as an option too: https://doorentrydirect.com/srs-7052wkit-01tuya-2wire-villa-kit. Pricier, and looks like a Chinese product that’s been badged by an industry giant (SRS), with Tuya software being used again.

In terms of wiring, the old audio system has about 8 wires in the cable. It must be at least 25 yrs old. I’m guessing this would need to be replaced too?

 

[DavoUK]

No, looking to buy as a kit. The Tmezon link you sent looks almost perfect. However, not keen on the name plate on the camera unit - we’ve had a brass name plate on the door for years now!

Found this as an option too: https://doorentrydirect.com/srs-7052wkit-01tuya-2wire-villa-kit. Pricier, and looks like a Chinese product that’s been badged by an industry giant (SRS), with Tuya software being used again.

In terms of wiring, the old audio system has about 8 wires in the cable. It must be at least 25 yrs old. I’m guessing this would need to be replaced too?

It does look like a re-badged Chinese product. Does it open via a mobile app as you wanted?

The website suggests there are only two wires running from the external door bell/camera back to the internal monitor. Presumably those wires will have to carry video, audio and power. I suspect your old audio cables may not be up to that.

 

[sparkymarka]

Problem with most cheap Chinese units …is they aren’t used to the uk weather …..

 

[FrodoOne]

Hi

I’m looking to upgrade a v old door entry phone in my house to a video one. It is a single dwelling set-up.

From searching online, I don’t find too many brands but the ones I have all start around £250-350: https://www.superlecdirect.com/3217-esp-aperta-colour-video-door-entry-system/?hsa_acc=5149061780&hsa_cam=388664136&hsa_grp=1235851354362570&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=o&hsa_tgt=pla-4580840335361167&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&msclkid=02e7b1f852ca1109a76bd8fa7ebabaa2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CJ - Bing Shopping (All Products)&utm_term=4580840335361167&utm_content=All Products

But then I checked Amazon and saw a few options for around £80!! https://www.amazon.co.uk/TMEZON-Intercom-Monitors-Doorbell-1-Family/dp/B0CFY3JM7D/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kP4AQJoLOQOS1dOhY-YX-FfJuA0j1IRkr2rs365VYtpLO96Z0o9F7CKhyH4Wxz7Yk-tUMx3RuQxitMItU6jY368hqjsx5diANnfnE5bdw2U-_Y5mtbSSPXxmSZGVSWvea-nYMqhG5iY2b30VRuiSwoEuSQtgyJeCXlqMbXx3eaTD1y78BhNTG125UQt6Ve1zopJhjkF4Dgp5bJo5VniZXg.A2Ym24r95m7LS0MkNPqR-eRUpBFvXLL2P2lkWJGz_Vc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Video+Entry+Systems&qid=1761986190&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

Anyone know why electrical suppliers’ products would be 3-4 times the price? I do understand you get what you pay for, but seems to be a huge difference.

Cheers.

In spite of that which others have written,
you might as well go to the "source" for such devices,
which are unlikely to be "manufactured" in the UK - or Europe !

For example,
https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholes...g0o.productlist.auto_suggest.1.24953a19ZtdwJw

The expensive one is from a UK supplier and vendor.
If there are problems you can contact the UK 'manufacturer' for assistance. Or return it when it fails after a month or four.

The Amazon item is a direct from China import. Much cheaper but if problems occur you are on your own.

However, if an item works in the first place, it is unlikely to "fail" for many years,
by which time technology may have "moved on" and an update may be "advisable".

I have this "situation", at present, with a "Weather Station",
where the "Outside Unit" has stopped communicating with the "Inside Unit" - after about Ten Years - or more!

While a "New System" will cost about twice the price of the ten year old one ($140 versus $75),
and prices have changed,
the "New System" is (technologically) far superior.

Problem with most cheap Chinese units …is they aren’t used to the uk weather …..

However, UK houses seem often to have Front Doors (and Doorbells) unprotected from any "weather",
by an Overhang, Portico or Verandah of any description,
unlike "modern" houses in North America and Australia.

With the main "Entry Door" under protection (so that one can locate and utilize one's key - without being wet in the rain)
any "Bell Push/Camera" will also be so protected!

 

[Daljit]

Hi,

Just for the record I bought a kit for c£110 on AliExpress. Arrived within days, and it’s been fitted for a week now. There were cheaper options but I needed to know the dimensions of the indoor monitor and v few adverts provided this information.

Verdict? It’s pretty damn good! I needed to replace the old intercom cable with 2 core flexi (0.5mm), no issues in installing. I can now use keys or the app on (all family) phones to gain entry. Can also let anyone into the house remotely using the app.

Only concern is that the doorbell camera isn’t very secure. It can be opened using an Allen key, and if you knew what you were doing, you could theoretically put a 24v charge through the electric strike wiring and push open the front door! Although it’s not obvious that an electric strike is used in the set-up, so maybe it’s not an issue.