The Bosma Sentry Video Doorbell presents a compelling smart home security solution, standing out with its unique integrated siren and strobe light features designed for active deterrence, alongside standard functionalities like 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection. While it offers a robust set of security tools at a competitive price point, potential users should weigh its strong points, such as local storage options and AI-powered person detection, against considerations like its reliance on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and the subscription model for advanced cloud features. It aims to be more than just a doorbell, functioning as a proactive deterrent, which sets it apart from many passive monitoring devices on the market.
Here’s a comparative look at the Bosma Sentry against other prominent video doorbells:
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- Key Features: 1080p HD video, 160° wide-angle view, person detection, package detection, active deterrence 100dB siren, strobe light, two-way audio, local storage microSD card up to 128GB, cloud storage options, IR night vision, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
- Average Price: $100 – $130
- Pros: Strong active deterrence features, local storage capability reduces reliance on subscriptions, AI features for person/package detection are useful, competitive price.
- Cons: Only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, some advanced features require a subscription, app can be occasionally buggy, no battery-powered option.
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- Key Features: 1080p HD video, color pre-roll video, removable rechargeable battery pack, two-way talk, enhanced motion detection, quick replies, Ring app integration, dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz & 5GHz.
- Average Price: $170 – $200
- Pros: Easy wireless installation, color pre-roll captures crucial seconds, strong ecosystem integration with other Ring devices, reliable motion alerts.
- Cons: Subscription Ring Protect Plan essential for video recording and advanced features, slightly wider field of view could be better, battery life varies with usage.
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Arlo Essential Video Doorbell Wire-Free
- Key Features: 1080p HD video, 180° diagonal view, HDR, direct-to-mobile video calls, two-way audio, integrated siren, motion detection, rechargeable battery, cloud storage subscription required.
- Average Price: $150 – $180
- Pros: Wide field of view, direct video calls to phone are convenient, strong battery life, weather-resistant design, works with Arlo ecosystem.
- Cons: Subscription necessary for most useful features e.g., cloud recording, advanced detection, no local storage, higher price point.
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- Key Features: 960p HD video vertical orientation for packages, 145° diagonal view, built-in battery, person/package/animal/vehicle detection, three hours of free event video history, two-way audio, Google Assistant integration.
- Pros: Smart alerts with free event history, excellent integration with Google Home ecosystem, attractive design, easy installation wired or wireless.
- Cons: Lower resolution than some competitors, shorter free video history, full features e.g., continuous recording require Nest Aware subscription.
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- Key Features: 2K HD resolution, 160° wide-angle, no monthly fees for basic functions, local storage eMMC, human detection, two-way audio, customizable motion detection zones, doorbell chime included.
- Average Price: $120 – $150
- Pros: No monthly fees for core features, excellent 2K video quality, reliable human detection, local storage, solid build quality.
- Cons: Wired installation only requires existing doorbell wiring, no battery option, app can be less intuitive than competitors for some.
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- Key Features: 1440×1440 resolution 1:1 aspect ratio, dual-band Wi-Fi, wired or wireless installation, 6-month battery life, person/package detection, two-way audio, local storage microSD via chime, cloud storage subscription.
- Average Price: $90 – $110
- Pros: Very affordable, versatile installation options wired/wireless, high-resolution video with a useful aspect ratio, local storage via chime.
- Cons: Battery life can be inconsistent, Wyze ecosystem can feel less polished than others, subscription Cam Plus needed for advanced features.
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- Key Features: 2K QHD resolution, 164° wide view, HDR, person/vehicle detection, no monthly fees, local storage microSD card included, two-way talk, IR night vision.
- Average Price: $130 – $160
- Pros: Excellent 2K video quality, no monthly fees for recording, included local storage, reliable smart detection, integrates well with Lorex NVRs/DVRs.
- Cons: Wired installation only, app interface can be clunky, less known ecosystem compared to Ring/Nest, larger physical footprint.
Understanding the Bosma Sentry: Beyond Basic Monitoring
The Bosma Sentry isn’t just another video doorbell. it’s designed with an emphasis on proactive deterrence. Many smart home devices are excellent at recording what happens, but the Sentry takes it a step further by actively trying to scare away potential intruders or porch pirates. This philosophy is embedded in its core features, particularly the integrated siren and strobe light. Think of it as your digital bouncer, ready to make some noise and flash some light when something suspicious is detected. This approach can provide an added layer of peace of mind, knowing your doorbell isn’t just watching, but also ready to act.
Active Deterrence: Siren and Strobe Light
One of the Bosma Sentry’s standout features is its built-in 100-decibel siren and integrated strobe light. This isn’t just a gimmick. it’s a genuine attempt to deter unwanted visitors before they can cause trouble.
- How it Works: When the Sentry detects motion, especially if it’s identified as a person thanks to its AI capabilities, you can set up automated responses. This might involve triggering the siren, flashing the strobe light, or both. You can also manually activate these features through the Bosma app if you’re watching a live feed and see something concerning.
- Real-World Impact: Imagine a porch pirate approaching your package. Instead of just getting recorded, they’re suddenly hit with a loud, disorienting siren and flashing lights. This can be enough to send them scrambling, preventing a theft. It’s a significant shift from passive monitoring to active protection.
- Customization: The intensity and duration of these alerts can often be customized within the app, allowing you to fine-tune them to your specific needs and avoid false alarms for friendly visitors. For example, you might set a shorter strobe burst for general motion but a full siren for a persistent suspicious presence.
Video Quality and Field of View
The Bosma Sentry boasts 1080p Full HD video resolution, which is standard for most modern video doorbells and generally provides clear enough footage for identification purposes. Its 160-degree wide-angle lens offers a decent field of view, covering a good portion of your porch and immediate surroundings.
- Clarity and Detail: While 1080p is good, it’s not the absolute highest resolution available some competitors offer 2K or even 4K. However, for a doorbell camera, 1080p is typically sufficient to discern faces and license plates, especially in good lighting conditions. The video quality is generally sharp, and color reproduction is accurate.
- Night Vision: The Sentry includes infrared IR night vision, which allows it to capture clear black-and-white video even in complete darkness. The range of the IR illuminators is usually sufficient to cover the area directly in front of your door. Some users might prefer color night vision, a feature found in higher-end models, but IR night vision remains highly effective for security purposes.
- Aspect Ratio Considerations: Unlike some doorbells that offer a 1:1 or vertical aspect ratio optimized for seeing packages on the ground, the Sentry typically uses a more traditional 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. This is great for seeing who’s at the door and broader surroundings, but you might miss a bit of the ground directly beneath the camera.
Smart Detection and AI Capabilities
The Bosma Sentry integrates artificial intelligence AI to enhance its motion detection capabilities, focusing on what truly matters: people and packages. This helps reduce irrelevant alerts and improves the overall user experience.
- Person Detection: This is a crucial feature that allows the Sentry to differentiate between a human and, say, a passing car, an animal, or swaying branches. By focusing on people, you get fewer false alarms, meaning you’re only notified when there’s actually someone at your door. This saves you from constantly checking your phone for non-events.
- Package Detection: A highly sought-after feature, package detection alerts you specifically when a package is delivered to or removed from your doorstep. This is invaluable for preventing porch piracy. The Sentry can identify common package shapes and sizes, giving you a precise notification about your deliveries.
- Customizable Detection Zones: Like many smart doorbells, the Sentry allows you to define specific activity zones within its field of view. This means you can draw a box around your porch area and ignore motion from a busy sidewalk or street, further refining alert accuracy. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas where you only care about activity directly at your entrance.
Storage Options: Local vs. Cloud
The Bosma Sentry offers flexible storage solutions, providing both local and cloud-based options. This is a significant advantage, as it gives users more control over their data and can potentially reduce ongoing costs.
- Local Storage: The Sentry supports a microSD card up to 128GB. This allows the doorbell to record footage directly onto the card, eliminating the need for a subscription for basic video recording. This is a huge win for privacy and budget-conscious users. Footage can typically be accessed and downloaded through the app. Having local storage means your recordings are available even if your internet goes down.
- Cloud Storage: For those who prefer off-site backup, continuous recording, or extended event history, Bosma offers cloud storage plans. These subscriptions provide secure cloud storage for your video clips, often with advanced features like longer video history, continuous recording, and rich notifications. While local storage is great, cloud storage provides an additional layer of security in case the device is tampered with or stolen. It’s important to weigh the cost of these subscriptions against your specific needs.
Installation and Connectivity
The Bosma Sentry is primarily designed for wired installation, meaning it connects to your existing doorbell wiring typically 16-24 VAC. It operates on a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Wired Installation: This ensures continuous power and reliable connectivity, eliminating the need to worry about battery life. If you have an existing wired doorbell, installation is usually straightforward, involving replacing your old doorbell button and potentially installing a power kit or chime kit. However, if you don’t have existing wiring, installation can be more complex and might require professional assistance.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: While 2.4GHz Wi-Fi offers a longer range and better penetration through walls compared to 5GHz, it can be more susceptible to interference in congested environments. Most smart home devices operate on 2.4GHz, so it’s a common choice. Ensure your home Wi-Fi signal is strong at your doorbell’s location for optimal performance. A weak signal can lead to dropped connections or delayed notifications.
- Chime Compatibility: The Sentry typically comes with a digital chime kit or is compatible with existing mechanical chimes. This ensures you still hear a traditional chime inside your home when the doorbell button is pressed, in addition to getting mobile notifications.
App Experience and Integrations
The Bosma Sentry is managed through the Bosma app, which serves as the central hub for live viewing, accessing recorded footage, customizing settings, and receiving notifications. The app’s performance and features are critical to the overall user experience.
- App Functionality: The Bosma app generally provides a comprehensive interface for controlling your Sentry doorbell. You can view live streams, review motion-triggered events, adjust motion sensitivity, set up activity zones, manage active deterrence settings, and engage in two-way audio conversations. Users often find the setup process to be intuitive.
- Notification System: The app sends push notifications to your smartphone when motion is detected, the doorbell button is pressed, or a package is delivered/removed. The quality of these notifications, including their speed and richness e.g., image previews, is crucial for timely awareness.
- Smart Home Integration: While Bosma has its own ecosystem, many users look for compatibility with broader smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Sentry typically offers some level of integration, allowing you to view the doorbell feed on compatible smart displays like an Echo Show or Google Nest Hub or trigger routines. For instance, you might set up a routine to turn on porch lights when the doorbell detects a person at night. It’s worth noting that deeper integrations might be limited compared to products from major ecosystem players like Ring or Nest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Bosma Sentry Video Doorbell?
The Bosma Sentry Video Doorbell’s key features include 1080p HD video, a 160° wide-angle view, AI-powered person and package detection, active deterrence with a 100dB siren and strobe light, two-way audio, local storage via microSD card, and cloud storage options.
Does the Bosma Sentry require a subscription?
No, the Bosma Sentry does not strictly require a subscription for basic functionality and local video recording if you use a microSD card. Liene 4X6 Instant Photo Printer 2022 Review
However, advanced features like extended cloud storage, continuous recording, and richer notifications typically require a Bosma Sense subscription.
Can the Bosma Sentry deter intruders?
Yes, the Bosma Sentry is specifically designed for active deterrence through its integrated 100dB siren and strobe light, which can be activated manually or automatically upon detecting suspicious activity.
Is the Bosma Sentry easy to install?
The Bosma Sentry is designed for wired installation, connecting to your existing doorbell wiring 16-24 VAC. If you have existing wiring, installation is generally straightforward. If not, professional installation may be required.
What kind of night vision does the Bosma Sentry have?
The Bosma Sentry features infrared IR night vision, which allows it to capture clear black-and-white video footage even in low-light or complete darkness conditions.
Does the Bosma Sentry offer local storage?
Yes, the Bosma Sentry supports local storage via a microSD card slot, allowing you to record footage directly onto a card up to 128GB without needing a cloud subscription.
What is the video resolution of the Bosma Sentry?
The Bosma Sentry records video in 1080p Full HD resolution, providing clear and detailed footage for monitoring your doorstep.
What is the field of view for the Bosma Sentry?
The Bosma Sentry offers a 160-degree wide-angle field of view, providing a comprehensive look at your porch and surrounding area.
Does the Bosma Sentry detect packages?
Yes, the Bosma Sentry includes AI-powered package detection, which can alert you when a package is delivered to or removed from your doorstep.
Can I talk to visitors through the Bosma Sentry?
Yes, the Bosma Sentry features two-way audio, allowing you to hear and speak to visitors at your door through the Bosma app on your smartphone.
Is the Bosma Sentry compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant?
The Bosma Sentry typically offers some level of integration with smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to view live feeds on compatible smart displays.
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What Wi-Fi frequency does the Bosma Sentry use?
The Bosma Sentry connects to your home network using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
Does the Bosma Sentry have a battery option?
No, the Bosma Sentry is designed for wired installation and does not feature a battery-powered option.
It requires existing doorbell wiring for continuous power.
How loud is the siren on the Bosma Sentry?
The Bosma Sentry features a 100-decibel siren, which is loud enough to effectively draw attention and deter potential intruders.
Can I customize motion detection zones on the Bosma Sentry?
Yes, the Bosma Sentry allows you to define specific motion detection zones within its field of view to focus on relevant areas and reduce false alarms.
What happens if my internet goes out?
If your internet goes out, the Bosma Sentry will continue to record to its local microSD card if installed. However, you will not receive push notifications or be able to access live view or cloud-based features until your internet connection is restored.
How does package detection work on the Bosma Sentry?
Package detection on the Bosma Sentry uses AI to recognize the shape and presence of packages on your doorstep, sending you specific alerts when detected.
Does the Bosma Sentry come with a chime?
The Bosma Sentry is typically compatible with existing mechanical chimes and may include a digital chime kit or power kit for installation.
What is the maximum storage capacity for the microSD card?
The Bosma Sentry supports a microSD card with a maximum capacity of 128GB for local video storage. Idprt Sp310 Review
How durable is the Bosma Sentry?
The Bosma Sentry is designed to be weather-resistant and withstand outdoor elements, though specific IP ratings may vary and should be checked for detailed information.
Can I share access to the Bosma Sentry with family members?
Yes, the Bosma app typically allows you to share access to your doorbell’s live feed and settings with authorized family members or trusted individuals.
What kind of alerts does the Bosma Sentry send?
The Bosma Sentry sends push notifications to your smartphone for motion detection, doorbell button presses, and package events delivery/removal.
How does the active deterrence feature activate?
The active deterrence siren and strobe can be activated manually through the Bosma app or set to trigger automatically based on motion detection, particularly when a person is identified.
Is the Bosma app user-friendly?
Most users find the Bosma app to be intuitive for setting up and managing the doorbell, though some have reported occasional minor bugs or less polish compared to larger competitors.
Does the Bosma Sentry record continuously?
Continuous recording is generally a feature offered through cloud subscription plans Bosma Sense for the Bosma Sentry.
Local storage typically records event-triggered clips.
What is the power requirement for the Bosma Sentry?
The Bosma Sentry requires standard doorbell wiring with a power supply of 16-24 VAC.
Can I adjust the siren volume?
While the siren is 100dB, the specific level of adjustability for its volume might be limited.
You can usually control its activation and duration. Samsung 55 Inch Class Qn90B Neo Qled Tv Review
How does the Bosma Sentry compare to Ring or Nest doorbells?
The Bosma Sentry stands out with its strong active deterrence features and local storage option without a subscription, often at a more competitive price.
Ring and Nest offer broader smart home ecosystem integration and more refined app experiences but typically rely heavily on subscriptions for full functionality.
Is person detection reliable on the Bosma Sentry?
Yes, the Bosma Sentry uses AI for person detection, which is generally considered reliable and effective in reducing false alarms by distinguishing humans from other moving objects.
Can the strobe light be turned off independently of the siren?
The settings within the Bosma app allow for customization of the active deterrence features, which usually means you can choose to activate only the siren, only the strobe light, or both, depending on your preferences for specific events.
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