OK, so here is my experience so far with the LaView branded doorbell. (I paid $129 during Christmas special)
I have a LaView NVR and camera's already. I am using the LaView Connect App for iOS.
Added using QR codes, just fine. Followed the instructions on the app. Was able to see the video, door bell rang, initiated a "call". Picture Quality was very good. I had a SkyBell HD before, and even though they both say they have 180 degrees of coverage, I am able to see a little more with the LaView doorbell camera than I was with the Skybell.
I did have a couple of problems before upgrading the firmware, and a few different problems after upgrading.
I upgraded using the firmware provided by user lpd82
Dropbox - digicap.dav
I had added the doorbell to my LaView NVR, but after the upgrade the MAC changed and my IP which was staticly assigned from my router by MAC also changed. I changed the Static Map to use the new MAC, but the LaView NVR would not connect any more.
Also, quick note, the door bell was working just fine in the App. The App actually had me update to a newer firmware. I am now on V1.4.62 Build 171212 (I think the download was 17210).
So, previously the doorbell was connected to the NVR using the LaView Protocol. With that I was able to rename it, configure motion detection zones, etc, from the NVR menu. Now I am only able to add the camera as an OVNIF protocol camera. And although it is recording to the NVR, I cannot change name or motion detection zones in the NVR menu any more. I can however do those things if I connect to the IP directly. I am using windows 10, standard IE, it prompted me to load an active X control, which I did, and I had no problems at all. No special tricks, no compatibility mode, etc. Having to configure it two different places is not the end of the world, just annoying. Its not something I'll do often, so I can live with it.
Motion Detection works great, I get alerts on my phone, and the video clips are awesome. By that I mean, with the skybell, I would get a motion alert, look at the video, and see someone walking away. With this when it gets a motion alert, it actually starts the Clip about 5 seconds before motion was detected. So you get the entire thing. To me this is probably the biggest improvement over SkyBell.
I think, but am not 100% sure that the clips are stored on the SD card. I am recording 24x7 to my NVR as well. If I access the doorbell in the app using the Doorbell device, and look at history I see clips only (which is great), if I click on the device via my NVR and look at history I get a full timeline (also great).
I did end up turning the volume off outside, so when someone rings the doorbell, it rings inside for me, but they hear nothing. This is how I had my skybell set up, so for me personally this is not an issue. if they find away to turn off the voice prompts I may turn the speaker back on. Also I do hear a bit of feedback on my audio, but I heard some on my skybell as well. I have bought a new transformer recently, and that made no difference. Not sure what it is, maybe some interference some where.
These last few observations would totally depend on your setup.
1. IR, like so many others, I agree that there is reflection, and its a bit annoying. For me, it's not horrible. I don't have to many things for it to reflect on so its manageable. Also, if my porch light is on, IR does not even turn on, so it's a non issue at this time.
2. Motion. I have a driveway that runs in front of my doorbell, and no trees, bushes, or roads, so the I was able to pick pretty distinct areas for motion detection, and its been great. No false alarms. I left motion sensitivity at its default, and I believe I have not missed anything yet.
3. Picture quality - For me its as good or nearly as good as my SkyBell HD during the day, and pretty close at night.
For me it's great, but I've read enough other reviews to say purchase with caution. Think about where your doorbell will face. The motion detection for me was paramount. Too many false alarms makes it worthless, and not enough detection is just as bad. Also IR reflection, and available light are other things to consider. With the firmware upgrade and the ability to configure with the browser, I would even consider this without a NVR, but with the NVR it's been great. I've only had it running for one day, so I'll report back if it starts having issues.
