Home Automation Bargain Alerts thread - No General Chat

ctlsleh

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

I saw a price drop of £0.01

i was being generous.......

SachaJ

bk wrote: »

I actually went with the deal last week of a Nest Protect with a Free Google Home Mini for £110

Made the Nest Protect £75, not bad as I wanted another GH mini anyway.

I bought 7........

ctlsleh

bk wrote: »

I actually went with the deal last week of a Nest Protect with a Free Google Home Mini for £110

Made the Nest Protect £75, not bad as I wanted another GH mini anyway.

I would have gone for that had I seen it.....

OU812

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

The Hue colour GU10's are down to £39.49 on Amazon UK

(Almost feels like there's a new gen about to be released!!)

Why oh why oh why didn't I wait a year before I bought 10 of them for £50 each!!

Was about to buy 4 to complete the house & now feel like I should wait a little.. Damn it!

lordgoat

bk wrote: »

I actually went with the deal last week of a Nest Protect with a Free Google Home Mini for £110

Made the Nest Protect £75, not bad as I wanted another GH mini anyway.

Damn, missed that. I think they know that for a good 'safety' product they won't drop prices. Kinda like how bread is never on sale.

john_doe.

lordgoat wrote: »

Damn, missed that. I think they know that for a good 'safety' product they won't drop prices. Kinda like how bread is never on sale.

Got mine from here

https://www.electrical-showroom.co.uk/nest-protect-2nd-generation-smoke-carbon-monoxide-alarm-wired

£10 cheaper than Amazon , have to pay for shipping but still works out cheaper especially if buying a few.

Was going go with Google home mini offer but already have one and I think the microphone is crap will wait for a 2nd gen one before getting more.

bk

lordgoat wrote: »

Damn, missed that. I think they know that for a good 'safety' product they won't drop prices. Kinda like how bread is never on sale.

I think the issue is that no one has been able to make a competitive product, so they are under no pressure.

There are one or two other smart "smoke" alarms but they don't seem to have half the features and cost more!!

I suspect part of the issue is that a safety device like this requires an awful lot of testing and certification, which takes a lot of time and resources. Other companies can't just bang out a competitor quickly like they can in other product categories.

foobar

john_doe. wrote: »

Got mine from here
Was going go with Google home mini offer but already have one and I think the microphone is crap will wait for a 2nd gen one before getting more.

Interesting, I thought it worked so well that i bought another two of them when they were on sale.

skerry

Lads anyone aware of any good deals on a reliable netcam going round at the moment. Need one to be used as a baby monitor.

I've had a Belkin Wemo Netcam for last 18 months and its an absolute disaster. Android app has never worked from the start and never displays video.

After multiple mails to Belkin since I bought it 18 months ago they finally told me that there is a known issue with the Android App and they can't give any date on a fix. So they basically had me tooling around with routers etc. to resolve the issue while knowing full well their app is broken.

Curry's offered me refund so looking for something more reliable as replacement.

bk

I use a Logitech Circle camera to do this. Works well.

Though I always recommend using it in conjunction with a standard audio baby monitor, which are much more reliable.

Hear noise on audio baby monitor, open app to check the camera to see if she is settling back down or if we need to go in.

harr

I have a TP link camera at home which I find good...and I know my sister uses one as a baby Monitor it’s sound activated so will send alerts for sounds or movements..

john_doe.

harr wrote: »

I have a TP link camera at home which I find good...and I know my sister uses one as a baby Monitor it’s sound activated so will send alerts for sounds or movements..

I've always been put off this idea as people seem to debate the effect of IR lights on a baby's developing eyes.

Now it could all be hocus pocus but still put me off.

Also anyone who had a video cam always seems to say get a regular audio monitor too as it's a stressful enough time you need something rock solid.

john_doe.

foobar wrote: »

Interesting, I thought it worked so well that i bought another two of them when they were on sale.

The speaker is great . It's great for streaming music . Just need to shout at it sometimes

Really want one of the Google max's think ot may give a cheap alternative to Sonos.

harr

john_doe. wrote: »

I've always been put off this idea as people seem to debate the effect of IR lights on a baby's developing eyes.

Now it could all be hocus pocus but still put me off.

Also anyone who had a video cam always seems to say get a regular audio monitor too as it's a stressful enough time you need something rock solid.

Never heard the issue with IR lights before, me personally only ever used a regular baby monitor never really found the need for a camera.

bk

john_doe. wrote: »

I've always been put off this idea as people seem to debate the effect of IR lights on a baby's developing eyes.

Now it could all be hocus pocus but still put me off.

Total hocus pocus. It requires very large power output to have any effect.

john_doe. wrote: »

Also anyone who had a video cam always seems to say get a regular audio monitor too as it's a stressful enough time you need something rock solid.

The IP camera is priceless to have in addition to the audio monitor IME As they get a little older, they will often make noise at night, but may settle back down. You don't want to be rushing in waking them up unnecessarily.

- Hear noise on the audio baby monitor
- Check on camera
- If you see them settling back down, let them at it
- If they look like they are getting up and active then head to the bedroom to settle them down.

The camera really helps to cut down on how many times you end up rushing into the bedroom. Particularly handy if that involves running up stairs.

skerry

bk wrote: »

Total hocus pocus. It requires very large power output to have any effect.



The IP camera is priceless to have in addition to the audio monitor IME As they get a little older, they will often make noise at night, but may settle back down. You don't want to be rushing in waking them up unnecessarily.

- Hear noise on the audio baby monitor
- Check on camera
- If you see them settling back down, let them at it
- If they look like they are getting up and active then head to the bedroom to settle them down.

The camera really helps to cut down on how many times you end up rushing into the bedroom. Particularly handy if that involves running up stairs.

Cheers BK and lads for the input.

That's exactly the setup I had, regular audio monitor and camera then just to have a look when your not sure why she's stirring. Camera saves a lot of unneeded trips into the room.

Will check out the Logitech one.

Anyone thinking of the Belkin camera and using an android device I'd advise to stay well clear. I'd been in contact with them so many times and knew myself it had to be a problem with the app as it works fine on the web app.

Only after raising about 10 tickets with them did someone finally tell me that their android app is ****e and they have no idea when they will roll out a fix. Have the camera 18 months and its been crap since the start so its not like its recent news to them.

john_doe.

skerry wrote: »

Cheers BK and lads for the input.

That's exactly the setup I had, regular audio monitor and camera then just to have a look when your not sure why she's stirring. Camera saves a lot of unneeded trips into the room.

Will check out the Logitech one.

Anyone thinking of the Belkin camera and using an android device I'd advise to stay well clear. I'd been in contact with them so many times and knew myself it had to be a problem with the app as it works fine on the web app.

Only after raising about 10 tickets with them did someone finally tell me that their android app is ****e and they have no idea when they will roll out a fix. Have the camera 18 months and its been crap since the start so its not like its recent news to them.

I've looked at the nest indoor but it's bloody expensive and the whole subscription thing is a pain

skerry

john_doe. wrote: »

I've looked at the nest indoor but it's bloody expensive and the whole subscription thing is a pain

Checked out the Nest cam earlier alright and its wayyyy more money than I need to be spending on a baby monitor.

Just need something reliable that I can log in to with the phone when I hear a stir. Belkin was a disaster, I'd say out of 20 logins you might be successful once and actually get a picture.

AndyBoBandy

skerry wrote: »

Checked out the Nest cam earlier alright and its wayyyy more money than I need to be spending on a baby monitor.

Just need something reliable that I can log in to with the phone when I hear a stir. Belkin was a disaster, I'd say out of 20 logins you might be successful once and actually get a picture.

Philips InSight HD, bought from Apple 3 years ago and hasn’t put a foot wrong in that time

copacetic

bk wrote: »

Total hocus pocus. It requires very large power output to have any effect.



The IP camera is priceless to have in addition to the audio monitor IME As they get a little older, they will often make noise at night, but may settle back down. You don't want to be rushing in waking them up unnecessarily.

- Hear noise on the audio baby monitor
- Check on camera
- If you see them settling back down, let them at it
- If they look like they are getting up and active then head to the bedroom to settle them down.

The camera really helps to cut down on how many times you end up rushing into the bedroom. Particularly handy if that involves running up stairs.

Personally only found baby specific products work as you say, but went for an all in one. we have a Samsung video monitor that has the baby features, multiple camera support, noise activiated video and audio, with two way audio etc. It's totally stand alone, no app etc but find that's most suitable for baby stuff. Never not worked in nearly two years.

Something like this one, http://www.babysecurity.co.uk/samsung-wcs-safeview-video-baby-monitor-sew-3037.html

We've found it useful that can have extra cameras for different rooms or for leaving in grandparents etc if you like and also pan/tilt helps get picture from temporary positions.

john_doe.

skerry wrote: »

Checked out the Nest cam earlier alright and its wayyyy more money than I need to be spending on a baby monitor.

Just need something reliable that I can log in to with the phone when I hear a stir. Belkin was a disaster, I'd say out of 20 logins you might be successful once and actually get a picture.

Ya all nests products are fecking expensive , their new alarm system when is launches will be the same. Thing with their products are you plug them in they work and are reliable , have 5 of their smoke alarms and prob will get the home security system when/if it launches.

Will check out the others.
Also looked at this before, if you have any other needs for other security cams

http://www.hikvision.com/us/Products_1_10510_i7599.html

bk

I do find the Logitech Circle cams to be very reliable. Really no issues at all and much cheaper then the Nest cams in both upfront cost and no need for subs. Of course no guarantees, but based on over a year of using this I'm happy with it.

Though that Samsung baby monitor looks cool.

I went with the circle with the idea that it could be re-used as a security camera once she gets older and no longer needs it. When we go away for more then a few days, we already set it up as an extra security cam, it is very easy to move.

skerry

Cheers for all the input lads. Looks like its a bit of a minefield out there regards these things. Looked up a few of the options suggested on the likes of Amazon and its very mixed. Need to look at a few more reliable review sites and do a bit more research I think.

Moved house recently and wifi is only about 15mbps as I'm outside town so need something that will be able to function with that kind of speed and something that has good app integration as the Belkin one was a disaster (not sure I mentioned that before )

THE ALM

Great deal on at UK Argos, Currys and John Lewis. Phillips Hue White and Colour ambience starter kit (3 bulbs, bridge and dimmer) plus a Google home for £170, you are effectively getting the Google Home for free. Have just ordered and getting it delivered to my Sis in Belfast. Offer runs until the 8th.

Josieg

Just ordered 3 X GH minis for £98 from Maplin UK. Tried Argos, Currys and John Lewis but all seem to be out of stock. It's a great deal in fairness. The minis were impossible to get in Currys just before Christmas when they were £34 EA. I only live about 30mins from Currys in Enniskillen but I had to give up in the end. Couldn't order online for collection in-store with these at all.

lordgoat

Wyze cam would be perfect as a baby cam. Have had it an hour and it's running perfectly. I'll put up a few pics tomorrow. Have to order from US but still works out very cheap. <50 for 2 cameras delivered including postage and customs. Did a bulk order with friends of 10 cameras though...

john_doe.

skerry wrote: »

Cheers for all the input lads. Looks like its a bit of a minefield out there regards these things. Looked up a few of the options suggested on the likes of Amazon and its very mixed. Need to look at a few more reliable review sites and do a bit more research I think.

Moved house recently and wifi is only about 15mbps as I'm outside town so need something that will be able to function with that kind of speed and something that has good app integration as the Belkin one was a disaster (not sure I mentioned that before )

Ha In the exact same boat with speeds just moved and outside town.
That wyze cam looks alright

CGI_3

lordgoat wrote: »

Wyze cam would be perfect as a baby cam. Have had it an hour and it's running perfectly. I'll put up a few pics tomorrow. Have to order from US but still works out very cheap. <50 for 2 cameras delivered including postage and customs. Did a bulk order with friends of 10 cameras though...

Where did you get them? Even their own website still saying out of stock (like it did before xmas). None Amazon either. And the Xiaomi version doesn't seem to be supported that well....

skerry

john_doe. wrote: »

Ha In the exact same boat with speeds just moved and outside town.
That wyze cam looks alright

I'm going from 150 mbps to 15 mbps

Although to be honest I've had no issues gaming or streaming as of yet so not complaining. Rural broadband company has a booster on the roof in the new house so I get free broadband too.

john_doe.

skerry wrote: »

I'm going from 150 mbps to 15 mbps

Although to be honest I've had no issues gaming or streaming as of yet so not complaining. Rural broadband company has a booster on the roof in the new house so I get free broadband too.

Same as , only I don't get it free.
Streaming has been fine apart from some live sports streams I used to watch in HD.

I like the look of those wyze cams , wonder would people be in for a bulk buy.