The new Philips Hue Secure wired video doorbell is now available, and it brings a feature that feels like a natural extension of the smart home experience. It can automatically turn on your Philips Hue lights whenever it detects motion at your door. That small but very practical detail makes the system feel more complete, where lighting and security are not separate tools but work hand in hand.
The doorbell works with the Philips Hue Bridge and includes live video streaming, two-way audio, and real-time alerts. The whole point is to give homeowners peace of mind by not only letting them see who is at the door but also by making the entrance area more visible, which might discourage someone with bad intentions. This doorbell is part of the broader Hue Secure lineup, which already features cameras and sensors designed to expand home protection.
Key Takeaways
- The Philips Hue Secure video doorbell connects with Hue lights, so they automatically turn on when motion is detected.
- Better visibility helps homeowners and can discourage unwanted visitors.
- The doorbell has a 2K resolution camera, two-way audio, and is fully managed through the Philips Hue app.
- A Philips Hue Bridge is required to unlock the full feature set and integrate with other Hue products.
- Available in black and white, it belongs to the Hue Secure family of devices.
Product Features and Functionality
The Hue Secure wired video doorbell is equipped with a 2K resolution camera that delivers a wide-angle view of your doorstep, showing not only people but also packages left on the ground. It uses Starlight technology together with infrared night vision, so you still get true-color video even in dim light or at night. The built-in microphone and speaker make it possible to hold a quick conversation with visitors right from your phone, whether you’re home or away.
To really make use of everything it offers, you’ll need the Philips Hue Bridge. That’s the central hub that ties together the Hue ecosystem, linking the doorbell, lights, and other smart accessories. With this setup, you can build custom automations, like having both your porch light and an entryway lamp switch on when the doorbell senses motion.
The device connects to your Wi-Fi network, but it also supports Zigbee. The Zigbee link is what enables it to talk directly to Hue lights, which helps ensure that the response is fast and reliable.
Integrating with Your Existing Smart Home
For anyone already using Philips Hue products, adding the Secure doorbell doesn’t feel complicated. It fits into the same Philips Hue app you already use to manage your lights. Inside the app, you can arm or disarm the system, watch the live feed, and choose which lights you want to activate when motion is detected. If you want sound notifications indoors, there’s also the Philips Hue Smart Chime, though it’s worth noting the doorbell isn’t compatible with third-party chimes.
Security is treated seriously, too. The doorbell uses end-to-end encryption for both video and data, ensuring that your footage stays private. On the integration side, it already works with major platforms such as Google Home and Samsung SmartThings, and Philips has said Apple Home support is coming soon.
Out of the box, the device includes 24 hours of free video history. If you feel that’s too limited, a paid subscription unlocks longer storage, up to 60 days, along with advanced options like Activity zones and Package detection zones.
FAQs about the Hue Secure Video Doorbell
Q: Do I need a subscription to use the Hue Secure video doorbell?
A: No, you can use the core features without a subscription. A paid plan is required for extended video history beyond 24 hours and for advanced detection features.
Q: Is the doorbell waterproof?
A: The Hue Secure wired video doorbell has an IP65 rating, making it suitable for outdoor use and resistant to dust and water splashes.
Q: What is the video resolution of the doorbell camera?
A: The camera records video in 2K resolution.
Q: What is the viewing angle of the camera?
A: The camera offers a wide 180-degree field of view, allowing you to see from head to toe.
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