I am updating my review from below because its not longer valid. I noticed my Ring Elite was updated to firmware version 1.8.21. Now I'm getting full high def video. It now works exactly as advertised. I'll leave the old review just for edification. But as of 8/10/2017, the device works flawless.
Old review
I will start this by saying that I am a Network Engineer. In fact my specialty is Voice/Video over IP. My house has a very elaborate network inside of it that is of better quality than the average business network. I am providing an absolutely ideal network for this device to function within.
A previous person complained about the ethernet jack being at the bottom and it being difficult to place this inside the junction box. I personally did notice the same when I installed mine. But I was able to get it in very easily. I certainly wouldnt knock any stars off for that. So why did I only give it two stars? Great question. Well most important is this thing is no where near 1080p. Maybe, just maybe the camera itself has a CCD that can do 1080p, but the stream coming off this unit is of exceptionally poor quality. When reviewed on my computer (or handheld) the video is very washed out and grainy. Being that I work with loads of video over ip products, I would compare this to a Cisco 9971 which runs at 320k using h.264 30fps.
Second complaint is that it only rings the indoor chime about 50% of the time. I'm sure someone from Ring would love to say that its my wireless signal thats the problem. Negative. I have a Meraki MR32 sitting about 15 feet away from the chime. My Meraki portal says the signal strength is 28db. Thats more than adequate. I also hadnt mentioned this, but my Ring Elite is hard wired to my Cisco 3750G POE switch. So that is also not a wireless problem.
Third complaint is they are not doing anything about firmware updates. I'm currently sitting at 1.7.22. I've seen a 1.8 and a 1.9 firmware come out. I asked tech support and was told that both of these firmwares had problems and had gotten pulled out of production. I'm glad they didnt break my device. But c'mon. When are you going to write a new firmware. I'd like to think that my complaints would be resolved with a new version.
I'm giving it two stars because I wouldnt return the device. It rounds out my smart home design, and I dont know of a comparable product that is flush mount and poe. Its no where near worth the $500 price point. I personally think its worth maybe half that. (maybe). I also think the poe injector that is included should be an option buy as to lower the price of the unit. Why did you include a $100 injector if I dont need one. I would have appreciated paying $100 less.
If Ring would like to reach out to me, please feel free. Considering I have the perfect test network I'd love to help you resolve your issues. I can offer pcaps and firewall logs to help isolate whatever is wrong. I originally attached a video to my review so you could see the video quality. But Amazon rejected my review.
The wired POE version of the Ring is finally the device to own. No more video cutouts, lockups, messing with WiFi. Running it off a POE+ port of a local Unifi switch make the device also super easy to remote manage.
Made a custom ~45 degree mount with a Leviton Surface Mount Backbox and patched it all in to match the stucco and paint of the house. Best looking doorbell setup we ever had.
I installed one for a friend, and I liked it so much I purchased one for myself. The unit was easy to install. I have to say that in both installs I had already prewired the house with cat 5. If you are going to start from scratch and do it right, there will be some attic time fishing a cat 5 down your wall. I install sound and video systems in churches and schools so I already own all the stuff to make it easy. The app works well with motion zones if you choose to turn on motion detection. I had read in reviews that there was some concern about the "bend" in the cat 5 close to the connector on the doorbell side. I did not have any issue with that and it was not a problem in my situation.
I am very pleased with the final fit and finish of the elite unit. I would absolutely recommend this product to a friend, even knowing that I will be the one who gets to install it for them for free.
I really like the Ring Elite and its capabilities and how it looks with a cleaner look after installation. I do like that it can use POE, but I don't think that capability is worth the extra money above the cost of the PRO. Maybe an extra $50 but not the extra $250.
Love it. Have been searching for a POE video doorbell for a long time (most are commercial applications that are not aptly suited to a home construction).
Pros:
Install was a breeze
Fast connection to my pre-installed POE
Everything I needed to install the device came in the box.
Cons:
Expensive. $500? Really?
I have a brick house, so I opted to have a brick mason cut the hole in the brick. Glad I did.
I do not have this connected to my doorbell. (The doorbell is on the frame of the door; the POE runs to the entryway wall.)
I did not need the power device that came with the device - just plugged it into my POE and it was up and running.
Feature Product
- Works with Alexa to illuminate and send announcements to Echo devices when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. You can also see, hear, and talk to visitors through Echo Show or Echo Spot.
- Lets you see, hear and speak to visitors from your phone, tablet and PC
- Sends alerts as soon as motion is detected or when visitors press the Doorbell
- Connects to ethernet cables for power and internet connection
- Monitors your home in 1080HD video with infrared night vision
- Lets you check-in on your property at anytime with Live View on-demand video
- Includes Lifetime Theft Protection: If your Doorbell gets stolen, we'll replace it for free
Description
The professional-grade Ring video doorbell Elite lets you watch over your home and answer the door from your phone, tablet and pc. With Ring video doorbell Elite, you can create and customize your own motion zones, so you can focus on the most important areas of your yard. When anyone enters your motion zones or presses your doorbell, you’ll get an instant alert on your phone, tablet and pc. Answer the alert, and you can see, hear and speak to people at your door from anywhere. Ring also lets you get on-demand streaming video and audio with live view, so you can check-in on your property at anytime. With built-in night vision sensors and a weather-resistant design, you can protect your home around the clock – day or night, rain or shine. You’ll also get a free 30-day trial of Ring video recording, so you can review, save and share your videos at anytime with anyone. Ring video doorbell Elite installs on standard junction boxes with a flush-mounted finish. It connects to your network via power over Ethernet for a reliable connection and non-stop power, so you’ll never have to worry about charging a battery. Your purchase also includes four interchangeable faceplates, so you can pick a color that matches your home and your style. Whether you’re on vacation halfway around the world, or just too busy with the kids upstairs, Ring lets you answer the door from anywhere. Because with Ring, you’re always home. Requires Ethernet connection. Compatible with iOS, Android, Mac and windows 10 devices. Lifetime purchase protection: if your Ring video doorbell Elite gets stolen, we’ll replace it for free
I am a previous Ring Pro owner in a stucco home. Even though I had an access point within 20 feet, the connection was not reliable (50-80%). The Elite version answers all reliability issues when connected through POE. If your house is actually Ethernet wired to the Doorbell, the connection is much easier than Ring Pro. Kudos to Ring for a solid product.
Great video doorbell. Replaced my crappy August doorbell that would fail to connect 3/4 of the time. Good picture quality and fast to connect. Every now and then the app will glitch but WAY less any of the competitors.
I would agree that all of the network cable is not needed. I ran cable from my server room to the doorbell, so that was a waste. I also installed this in brick, so the orange low voltage gang box was not needed. I used a metal gang box and construction adhesive after cutting a hole in my brick. It looks and works great. Glad I upgraded. Just wished the cost of recorded videos was a little lower.
Ive owned both Ring doorbell 2 (battery) and elite (POE awesomeness).
Ring doorbell 2 has lackluster Wi-Fi reception but install tools and brackets included are A++, works pretty well with app but chime and ring don't always sync up their doorbell ring so that's annoying too.
The doorbell elite has much better Wi-Fi, great installation tools, great video and setup. Wish there was a way to angle bracket install like on ring doorbell 2. Also, doesn't sync well with the ring Chime similar to ring doorbell 2 problem.
Interfaces with Nucleus Intercoms (poorly) which is a plus once those bugs get worked out.
Overall, these have great feature set, seem reliable, still querky but nothing a few updates can't fix.
Lost one star because Wi-Fi performance so terrible ( I have Ubiquiti small business class AP 50ft from my front door and still had to get a chime) AND these things are definitely overpriced/Not a good value.
That being said, I don't believe there is a close second.
I love that it is POE and wish they would make all their cameras POE. We are building our home, so it was pretty easy to run the Ethernet cable. Otherwise it would be pretty difficult.
Overall, pleased with Ring Elite. Our old door bell wiring already had ethernet which made set up very easy. Works very well with my Alexa and Echo Show. There is a delay if someone rings the bell and I am away and need to respond through the phone app. Also, I will probably pay for the monthly video storage; but I am disappointed that Ring charges "extra" if you add other ring cameras to your account. Otherwise, I would give 5 stars, instead of 4.
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