As smart home technology advances, integrating your security cameras with other household devices unlocks new capabilities. One of the most useful innovations is sending video streams from Ring Doorbells directly to your television for enhanced monitoring. This comprehensive guide includes the benefits of hooking up Ring to your TV, providing tips for an ideal setup, reviewing subscription options, and comparing top Ring models to identify the best video doorbells for TV streaming.
What is Ring Video Doorbells?
Ring Doorbells are compact security cameras that replace traditional doorbells while adding high-tech features like Wi-Fi connectivity, HD video, and motion detection alerts.
When someone presses the doorbell or triggers the motion sensors, you receive mobile notifications to see and speak with visitors from anywhere using the Ring app.
Key attributes include:
- HD Video – With 1080p high definition recording, the 2.4 GHz connection provides smooth, detailed video day or night thanks to infrared night vision.
- Two-Way Talk – Built-in microphones and speakers enable real-time voice communication through the app when you receive an alert.
- Rechargeable Battery – Battery-powered options can be installed anywhere without needing existing doorbell wiring. Just charge the removable battery periodically.
- Customizable Motion Zones – Fine-tune the exact motion detection area to reduce unwanted alerts from passing cars, animals, trees, etc.
- Weather Resistance – Durable design withstands temperature extremes from -5°F to 120°F, along with rain, snow, dust, etc.
- Quick DIY Installation – Sticks onto existing doorbell locations with included hardware and can be set up in minutes using just a smartphone.
- Affordable Cost – Video doorbell starter models like Ring Video Doorbell Wired begin around only $60-$100.
Connecting Ring to Your Television
Previously, Ring Doorbell feeds could only be viewed on your phone or tablet. But now two accessories from Ring enable live video streaming directly to your TV:
Ring Bridge: This compact device connects your wired Ring Doorbell Pro or Ring Stick Up Cam to your TV’s HDMI port. When connected, it automatically sends the camera’s audio and video to the television whenever motion triggers recording.
Ring Chime Pro: This offers the same functionality as Ring Bridge above while also boosting your Wi-Fi range. Connect Chime Pro to your compatible wired Ring cam, then run an HDMI cable to your TV inputs from the device. Motion events will instantly appear on the screen.
Choosing the Best Method
With several options for connecting your Ring Doorbell to a TV, consider the following when deciding on the best method:
- Video quality needed
- Wireless range and connection strength
- Smart capabilities like notifications
- Placement of TV in relation to Ring Doorbell
- Budget and existing devices
An HDMI connection provides the highest quality, while built-in smart apps make notifications easy. But also factor in wireless coverage and convenience. Testing different setups can help determine the right fit.
Benefits of Connecting Your Ring Doorbell to Your TV
Watching your smart doorbell’s security feed on a 50″ + television instead of a 5″ phone provides many advantages:
- Increased Visibility – Seeing fine details and identifying visitors on a large HD screen is easier than interpreting footage on a tiny mobile device.
- True Hands-Free Access: Hear and see any activity as it happens without checking your phone each time you get an alert. Great for uninterrupted multitasking.
- Centralized Monitoring: A living room television is a security hub where the whole family can observe rather than crowd around your phone.
- Alarm Feature – Video instantly popping up on the biggest screen in your house acts as a visual alert that grabs your attention when motion is detected.
- Flexible Viewing Angles – Check the feed from different rooms, floors, or areas instead of needing to be next to your phone.
- Discreet Recording – Having live streaming video on the TV looks natural from outside rather than holding up your phone to record visitors.
- Evidence & Recording – Clear screen grabs or video clips are easy to save as evidence if any suspicious activity occurs.
- Accessibility – Those with limited mobility can more easily monitor the door without interacting with their phone to view alerts physically.
Optimizing Your Ring Doorbell With Your Television- Setup
To customize your smart video doorbell’s integration with the TV, consider these tips:
- Adjust motion detection settings so that only important activity triggers the display and prevents constant disruptive feeds.
- Mount your television at the optimal viewing angle facing your entry door to see visitors.
- Add a Ring Chime or external speakers to also hear doorbell press alerts and spoken two-way talk responses.
- Attach USB storage to Ring Bridge or Chime Pro for continuous video recording for later playback.
- Group additional exterior Ring cameras like Spotlight Cams or Floodlight Cams to your television for whole-property monitoring.
- Enable Alexa voice control through compatible Fire TV devices to view feeds and manage streaming hands-free.
- Allocate more Wi-Fi bandwidth to your Ring Bridge or Chime Pro if needed to maintain steady video streams.
- Opt for a higher-end Ring Doorbell Pro model for full functionality rather than a basic battery-powered video doorbell.
Comparing Ring Models for TV Viewing
With Ring’s cameras, the wired, higher-priced models typically perform better for television streaming:
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – The flagship model has 1536p HD head-to-toe video, ideal for TV viewing. It also has preset Quick Replies for responding to visitors via the TV.
- Ring Video Doorbell 4 – Slimmest design with advanced head-to-toe 1500p video. Works wired or battery, so it is ideal for any home.
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro – Original premium model with 1080p HD video. Still offers strong television streaming. Lacks some newer features.
- Ring Video Doorbell Wired – Affordable starter model with 1080p video. Limited Wi-Fi range could affect TV streaming.
- Ring Peephole Cam – Unique design for apartment doors. It’s a sharp 1080p video that is battery-powered and needs occasional charging.
Drawbacks to Consider When Integrating Ring Doorbell to Your TV
While Ring integration with TVs is useful, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Existing doorbell wiring or frequent battery recharging is required.
- Strong Wi-Fi bandwidth is essential for smooth video streaming.
- Constant motion alerts could lead to distracting disruptions if sensitivity settings aren’t optimized.
- Advanced features require a paid Ring Protect subscription after the 30-day free trial.
- There is no native integration yet with popular smart TV platforms. Needs a Ring Bridge or Chime Pro.
Conclusion
In summary, sending real-time video from your Ring Doorbell to a television takes home security monitoring to the next level. This provides expanded visibility, hands-free convenience, and whole-home protection. With personalized configuration, a Ring and TV setup delivers elite surveillance for total peace of mind.
