Is it a Doorbell, Telephone, Home Monitoring System?  Actually, It’s all Three.

This Video Doorbell and Cordless Telephone from VTech also Serves as Intercom and Entry Door Monitoring Device

This post is in partnership with VTech. All opinions are my own.

If you’ve used a smart cell phone lately, it certainly comes as no surprise that the idea of having a single, portable device capable of efficient multi-tasking is an idea whose time has come – in fact, it’s been with us for a while now. 

Portable, Smart, Indoors
Now, the ability to handle multiple activities simultaneously has come to the cordless home phone.  Meet VTech’s IS7121-2 video doorbell phone system .

The basic system includes a wireless doorbell with a built-in camera capable of snapping still photos or streaming video, two multi-function cordless handsets that incorporate LCD screens, a master base station with an integrated answering machine and an auxiliary charging station.

Doorbell and Camera in One
The doorbell/camera can run on two AA batteries or a provided DC power supply.  It can also operate on the low voltage wiring that’s part of an existing doorbell system.  The internal lens swivels up/down or left/right up to 10 degrees.  Installation is simple and can be accomplished in just a few minutes.

See Before You Decide
When a visitor pushes the VTech doorbell button, an electronic tone sounds on both handsets and an image displays on the screen.  Built-in microphones and speakers enable a two-way conversation with whomever is at the door.

If the telephone is in use when someone rings the doorbell, the tone sounds and the image still appears on the handset screen.  The decision as to whether or not to put the caller on hold and go answer the door remains with the user.

Although I didn’t test the system for range, I did mount the doorbell/camera unit on one end of the house while placing the base station and handset on the opposite end.   The wireless reception was fine.

If the ability to answer the door from just about anywhere in the house appeals to you, then you may want to check out this VTech innovation.  The video shows it in action.