D-Link DWM-351 turns the doorbell into a 3G video intercom
By Thomas Ricker 
posted March 23rd 2010 5:47AM
posted March 23rd 2010 5:47AM
In lieu of a cost-effective, consumer-friendly home automation standard being available, products like the D-Link 3G Door Phone have emerged to address ad hoc automation needs. This suped-up, waterproof doorbell allows home owners to monitor the front door over a 3G cellphone or PC via the unit's integrated 0.1 megapixel camera, SIM card, speaker, and mic. Home owners can then see the visitor as a snapshot or over one-way 3G video while interacting over a two-way voice call. Unfortunately, it won't allow you to remotely unlock your door; for that you'll need something like a Schlage lock and a fussy Z-Wave network to go with it. Alternatively, devices like the Siemens Gigaset HC450 intercom has the option to control your electronic door lock from your home landline (accessible via your mobile phone) but lacks video and direct 3G data access. Hey, nobody said home automation was going to be easy.
So now I need a 3G contract for my doorbell? Nah, I don't think so...
There has to be an easier way.
@ABZMike Yeah it's called a peephole, is about $4 and doesn't need electricity http://www.shopping.com/xDN-building_supplies--door_viewers___peepholes
@ABZMike Exactly. I have 2 contracts for supplying the same internet already, a monthly bill for my doorbell is out of the question. Unless they've worked out a deal with a provider, and can offer the service at a low yearly price. $100/year would get me thinking about it. Plans supporting multiple devices would be a big plus, so I can put one of the doorbells in my (or my employees', child's, or wife's) car, and one for in the chimney, so when Santa comes I can ask him to stop labeling my presents as being from "mom".
Back in reality, installing one of these my car, and hard-wiring it into the sound system, would put my words in any thief's ears, and their face on my phone. GPS would be beneficial to that application, but where would I find a 3g doorbell with GPS?
@ABZMike
And what's to stop some jerk from stealing or breaking it?
It's should be connected to the home WiFi instead of 3G (assuming your wireless signal is strong enough to reach the outside door) .
@Ahmed Alzayani
Well most door-bells run INTO the home where the bell is. My door-bell connected between the button and the bell wirelessly in itself. Th ebell could then connect to the net, call you on Skype etc...that would be ideal.
@Ahmed Alzayani That's why draft N is available. (long range)
@Ahmed Alzayani
Well most door-bells run INTO the home where the bell is. My door-bell connected between the button and the bell wirelessly in itself. The bell could then connect to the net, call you on Skype etc...that would be ideal.
@Tes
Sweet lord Engadget...you're now NO LONGER ALLOWED to criticise even the slightest bug in the OS or software on any device until you fix this comment system! It's the height of hypocrisy to complain some slight feature on some device didn't work when you tested it when we daily experience the sheer fail that is this comment section.
@Tes
Agree, and for god sakes add an edit button
@Jordo1234
Holy shit yes. I'm so sick of seeing double posts its ridiculous.
@Tes AMEN!!!
0.1 megapixel ??
what is that , 160x130 video
Indeed, sounds a bit ultra-low quality. I bet they'll still try and charge several hundred dollars for the thing just cos its got a 3G modem and sounds uber-technically difficult to design.
I've been involved in electronics product design in the past - this thing isn't technically difficult to implement, you could use a simple embedded mini-linux install, get an off the shelf mini cam with linux driver set, wifi or 3G modem, and jobs a good-un. Everything else required to produce a fully working doorbell system like this is already built into Linux.
@Heliosphan couldnt i just use a cheap smartphone (like the 150$ thingies nokia announced), install my own program on it and put it in a new housing? Should do everything this thing can do (and even more...).
Yeah I agree, this would have been a much better idea if it were done over wifi. I would rather my PC keep a record of who rang it while I'm away.
You can remotely unlock your door with mobile phone: http://www.solid55.com/en/products.php?product_id=2&option=2&rule=2
the gigaset hc450 door system is really cool it just doesn't work anywhere but in europe as it completely depends on european cordless phone frequencies to communicate; which are just a little different from the us. anyone want to buy a useless door bell and opener? it would be nice if siemans told people of the discrepancy somewhere; like on the box...
...and so awesome gadget sites like this wouldn't post information that is accidentally misleading. and though designed very nicely siemans is extremely bad at customer service so when you spend over a thousand on their system it is almost impossible to get an answer to your problems. fyi.
Going to take awhile before we catch up to Korea.
it would be cool if dlink could use facial recognition software and tell me if the person at the door is someone I really want to open the door for...