In recent decades, the doorbell systems have virtually gone wireless. The doorbell button contains a built-in radio transmitter powered by a battery. When the button is pushed, the transmitter sends a radio signal to the receiver unit, which is plugged into a wall outlet inside the building. When the radio signal is detected by the receiver, it activates a sound chip that plays the sound of gongs through a loudspeaker. These buzzers and videophones often involve complicated installations. There is also interference by nearby wireless doorbells on the same radio frequency, and the units have to be set by the owner to different radio channels.
There’s an alternative system, however, which utilizes standard Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) technology to combine the two functions. The VTech DECT Video Doorbell is a two-handset landline DECT phone system which works in the same way as conventional cordless phones. The handsets can also be connected to a camera doorbell unit, which can either be battery operated or powered from the main power supply. The handsets are also conventional DECT phones, with integrated walkie-talkie function.
In a sense it is a front porch Caller ID. If you know the person at the front door you can activate the video and audio feed otherwise ignore them.
A complete two-handset kit will cost you $99.50.
