Silvercrest Wi-Fi Video Doorbell from Lidl Review
This is an initial review of the Silvercrest Wi-Fi Video Doorbell (model is STWT 720 A1) which was available in-store at Lidl UK for £79.99. Here we'll look at what's in the box, how to setup and some of the features.
Overall it seems to be working ok so far. Video quality seems pretty good. For non rechargeable alkaline batteries it seems to last around 2-3 months (see below).
Here's a link with more info:
https://www.lidl-service.com/cps/rde/...
Also it appears to be a clone of the GOSCAM 5100ZJ WiFi Video Doorbell:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07K4DYSP...
http://www.smarthome.ge/en/product/51...
Notice in the descriptions for the GOSCAM it talks about up to 6 months battery life (unlikely). I also tried the GOSCAM app but couldn't get it to work.
Problems
1. Every week or so the doorbell stops working. Seems the doorbell drops the connection with the base unit. The ringer does nothing, no notifications etc. To fix you either need to re-pair the doorbell with the base unit (hold buttons down on both the doorbell & base unit) or power off & on the base unit. Also manage to get it to reconnect by toggling motion sensor setting in the app. But not sure if this works every time.
UPDATE: Since replacing the batteries 2nd time this seems to be ok now. I suspect the cheap batteries that came with the bell was causing the drop outs.
2. Delay or no notification on the phone when someone rings. Seems to be random really. My phone has background data etc switched on for the app but still think the app has issues waking the phone.
Battery Level
Here's the results for the battery level. Device comes with 4 AA (non rechargeable) batteries. Doorbell has motion sensor deactivated due to false alarms and battery drain.
Week 1 - Showing as max (5 bars)
Week 2 - Showing as max (5 bars)
Week 3 - Showing as max (5 bars)
Week 4 - Showing as max (5 bars)
Week 5 - Showing as max (5 bars)
Week 6 - Showing as 4 bars
Week 7 - Showing as 4 bars
Week 8 - Showing as 4 bars
Week 9 - Showing as 4 bars (occasional low battery message)
Week 10 - Showing as 4 bars (low battery message more frequent)
Week 11 - Showing as 3 bars but camera longer working. Changed batteries.
So got about 2½ months out of the batteries. Not quite the claimed 6 months!
UPDATE #1: 2nd set of batteries lasted 15 weeks (Aldi non-rechargeable)
UPDATE #2: Tried a set of NiMH (rechargeable) batteries (2000ma) and the doorbell wouldn't not work correctly. It kept dropping the connection to the base unit. I eventually gave up and went back to non-chargeable. It makes me think the lower voltage (1.2v) of rechargeable batteries causes problems, i.e. doorbell can't work with lower voltages, i.e. less than 5v.