D-Link Smart Home Security Bundle REVIEW

The idea of smart homes used to be the stuff of science fiction, but the technology is finally here. With it, I can control lighting, heating, music and a host of other things – all from the comfort of my smartphone (or smart speaker). Each widget I add should (in theory) increase the IQ of my home. This time, its D-Link’s turn with the Smart DIY Security Bundle.

I’ve long been dying to find out just what my two greyhound dogs got up to while I was out. Thanks to the Smart DIY Security Bundle’s Full HD Wi-Fi Camera, finding out was a doddle. (It turns out that true to form, they did little more than use my absence to catch a crafty snooze on the sofa. Oh well…)

It has a built-in ZigBee hub and door/window and motion sensors are bundled too. In short, if there’s motion or a front door is opened, I’ll be notified and can check in to see what’s happening from anywhere there’s mobile reception, thanks to the mydlink smartphone app (IOS/Android)

The camera is a particularly impressive bit of gear. It can continuously record to a network-attached hard drive as well as to the cloud, which is handy if burglars decide to take the hard-drive.

The camera is brimming with smarts. AI and Intelligent Video Analytics are baked in, and there’s a 151-degree view at 1080p. AI-based and intelligent video analytics means that unlike so many wireless cameras, you don’t end up with a tonne of false motion-detection alerts. Because of this, the camera will, in theory, only alert you to real motion detection events. This takes the form of multi-zone detection where you mark out a specific area and when motion is detected in that area, you get an alert. On the recording front, you’re not short of options either. The camera can continuously record video to a network-connected hard drive, and Cloud Recording will store detection events to the cloud so you can view these from anywhere. There is also a MicroSD card slot, which can handle cards up to 256GB.

It isn’t just all about the camera. D-Link also bundles door/window and motion sensors. As they use ZigBee wireless there’s no wiring required (which made getting set up dead easy). You also get around two years of battery life. The door/window sensors will detect any opening (and closing) of a door or window. There’s also a Sensor Bypass button, which lets you open doors and windows without triggering an alert. Frustratingly, there is only one sensor in the box. Given most homes have more than one door, I was relieved to find that additional sensors can be purchased. The door/window sensor also comes with tamper detection capabilities. Thanks to its integration with services such as IFTT.Com, door openings/closings can also trigger automatic recording and alerts. The sensors will also work with other D-Link cameras and smart plugs. Last but by no means least is Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

The bundled passive infrared motion sensor delivers motion detection alerts. Like the door/window sensor, it has up to two years of battery life and comes with tamper detection. I liked that both sensors can play nice with other smart home devices. I was, for instance, able to turn on a lamp in the hallway via a D-Link smart plug when I entered the hall. Both sensors were also able to handily trigger camera recordings and alerts too.

If you’re looking for a simple way of keeping an eye on things, D-Link’s DIY Security Bundle is worth a look. It’s dead easy to set up and a clever addition to any smart home. Add compatibility with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant, and there’s a whole lot to like.

www.dlink.co.nz