Hi, I have been using my Skybell HD for a while now, and I am really not happy with the quality of the stored video and audio with ADC.
Per the Skybell website, using their service, video is recorded 1080p, H264 x 30FPS HD.
Via ADC, I am getting 1080p, but 9FPS. extremely compressed with very poor detail. Also, the audio is horrible - completely artifacted and very hard to make out what is being said.
Is this normal? Is the ADC stored video much worse than if I used Skybell to store the video? I just want to get this working correctly so that the video from the Skybell is useful in the event I need to use it.
Per the Skybell website, using their service, video is recorded 1080p, H264 x 30FPS HD.
I didn’t actually find this on their website, can you link where you found this?
Streaming at 30FPS yes, recording I would expect lower (in fact around 10 would’ve been my guess, but I could be wrong, not finding documentation.)
What is the upload speed at the location of the doorbell? Can you run a speed test and let us know the upload specifically?
Compression will be there (has to be otherwise data sizes would be comparatively enormous)
Are you referring to live audio through the doorbell, through the app, or both?
Is the ADC stored video much worse than if I used Skybell to store the video?
The ADC Versions of the Skybell HD, at least the couple times I’ve tested, do not play well with the Skybell App. Live view fails to connect at all and any attempt to change a setting shows an error for me.
I have been working with Skybell and have sent them some video samples from ADC. They are concerened with how tinny the audio sounds. They sent me a sample and their audio is significantally better. They are not sure if it is due to ADC or if it is a defective unit, but they said I have to troubleshoot this with you since it is an ADC model. Please let me know how to proceed…as of right now, the audio on the unit is nearly useless.
Thank you. We will do some testing in similar conditions as the clips provided and have ADC look into this as well. I do see what you mean. It very well may be a mic issue.
As a test, can you try dropping the resolution in the Skybell settings, wait a little bit, then capture a recording?
Any difference in the results?
We’ve actually noticed prominent performance changes from better quality wifi signal and higher signal to noise found in an office test environment and that of an actual installation environment.
Skybell’s test clips they sent appear to just be from a skybell sitting on a desk, so it’s not apples to apples.
I dropped the Skybell to the lower of the 720P options. I will wait a few minutes and test again (actually, may have to wait until I get home tonight to test it).
I do know that my wifi signal is very strong at the doorbell (the Skybell is reporting 88%). I can get the actual strength and signal to noise ratio once I get home.
We can see the signal to noise ratio for the device. It is not too bad, but on the lower end of what the device needs, and still categorized as poor in ADC (kind of on the fence of what is needed, may be able to improve it with a little router tinkering)
I want to rule this out and ADC indicates it is likely as well. Unfortunately the Skybell HD has very strict requirements.
We tested the Skybell today after lowering the recording quality to the lower of the two 720p settings. Audio is just as bad, if not worse. It is completely unintelligble. Would you like me to send it to you?
Hmm. Well if there was no distinguishing improvement I would say it’s probably safe to RMA. This page has our warranty policy for returns. Please fill out the form linked on the page and send with the malfunctioning device.
I just emailed you the new clip just so you can weigh in and let me know if you feel it is still not operating correctly. Also, can I set up an advanced exchange so that I am not without a doorbell for a couple weeks?
If we find that the replacement is the same, I just want to confirm that I would be able to set up a refund, in the event I need to go with another option.
Items would be replaced under warranty. Items may be returned for refund within 30 days with original packaging and parts and no wear or tear. Refer to the return policy page for options.
One option would be to purchase a replacement, then send back the original. (replacement purchase is refunded once the malfunctioning one is received here.)
Received the clip, oddly enough I almost feel like there was in fact a beneficial change from dropping the res, but it doesn’t help because it only amplifies the distortion which does not appear to be caused by connection quality.
If I purchase a replacement and then ship back the defective one, does my 30 days start at the purchase of the replacement? Just want to make sure I fully understand.
To clarify, a “return” does not really apply in a warranty scenario.
Malfunctioning devices under warranty are replaced. The replacement goes uncharged (if you send yours in first) or is already refunded (if you buy replacement before returning original). We cannot refund twice
