They dont require a working doorbell, they just need a working transformer which is the power of the doorbell which you'd likely have to upgrade anyways. I actually used a plug in transformer for my Ring doorbell as I didn't have an existing doorbell. Along with the transformer, you'll also want to use the bell wire to the door which you already have. Tis way you don't have to keep recharging the doorbell. Last but not least, you want an EXCELLENT WiFi signal at your doorbell location. Loss of signal strength equals lesser quality video, and possibly intermittent loss of connections. If you don't have at least 3 bars there, work on that first.

Ring also makes a doorbell that requires no wiring; it uses a rechargeable battery. I installed one 2 months ago and the battery is still at 85% charge level. However, if you don't want to bother charging it once or twice a year, you can also hook this same model up to the transformer wiring as long as the transformer meets Ring's specs.

Note that in order for RING to work (at least the video parts) you need to have sufficient network UPLOAD bandwidth of 1.5-3 (depending if you have the regular or the hidef pro version). Mine doesn't work worth squat with the crappy DSL that is all you can get here even after RING graciously sent me the "non pro" version.

A lot of people like these nifty little gadgets, but I wouldn't put one on my house. That's because they all upload their images to the "cloud." They require a functioning internet server controlled by the manufacturer.

So let's say that 5 or 10 years from now, Ring decides they're not making enough money. You get an email (if your address hasn't changed) that says, "Sorry, but in order to continue to receive our outstanding service, you'll have to start paying us $10 every month. Let's have that credit card number, friend." If you don't pay up, your door monitor stops working.

Or let's say that 5 or 10 years from now, Ring doesn't get enough credit card numbers, goes broke, and shuts down their computers. Your door monitor stops working.

Or let's say that 5 or 10 years from now, Ring decides that they want you to buy a new door monitor. So they shut off the server your doorbell talks to. Your door monitor stops working.

All these have happened to other "internet of things" gadgets.

Also, what happens if some crook breaks into their server? Are you 100% sure that the bad guy won't be able to get his mitts on images of you leaving and returning, to know when he can break into your house safely?

I'm sure that the company says their servers are secure, but Equifax said that too. Good security is hard and expensive. How much do you really trust these people?

I prefer the older style security cameras that are locked to my own home network. Those cameras never send anything to the "cloud," which is just a high-falutin' name for a computer you don't own or control.

And yes, you can still access them when you're not home. It just takes extra effort to set up. I've done it successfully, and I'm no expert.

So, there's no way I'd put one of these "smart" gadgets on my door. You, on the other hand, may be totally fine with it. But at least now you've given it some thought, I hope.

Few points to David in rebuttal. Ring was just bought by Amazon (for better or worse). Dont see them going anywhere any time soon as they’ll need to compete with Nest. Like kudzu, my doorbell doesnt detect my driveway. If someone wants to track when I let my dog out or when I have guests, well I feel sorry for them and their pathetic life. And I dont feel like setting up a dvr or server, this is turn key assuming you meet the other requirements. If and when I decide to record inside my house, I’ll look elsewhere as like you I dont like my personal data in the cloud.

And like kudzu, if they change their policies to something I dont like, I have options, and will speak with my credit card.

Well, as I said, "You ... may be totally fine with it." That's fine. But you did give it some thought, right? That's what I hoped would happen.

I suspect that most folks don't. They have lots of other concerns, and this just isn't on their radar screens.

Thanks to all who weighed in on this. You all have given me some different viewpoints to consider. It looks like I have to start with the strength of my WiFi signal first -- outside my front door, it just showed two bars, which sounds like it won't be enough.

1maps-

Your signal could be plenty strong for the doorbell...or not. You won't know until you try. I got my Ring doorbell through Costco so that there would be no problem returning it if it didn't work for me. If you like the doorbell, but your signal is weak in that location, there are plenty of good quality WiFi extenders for $30 or less that should improve the signal wherever the extender is plugged in and also provide a better signal for any other wifi device in the vicinity, like a tablet or laptop: WiFi Extender

I have a rather sprawling house, and I have a couple of extenders plugged in so that I have a good signal everywhere, including the garage and even outdoors.

Yes of course I gave i some thought. I read more reviews than a person should before I make a purchase like this. I especially pay attention to the negative reviews to see why users don't like products and what issues they are having. In terms of doorbells, all of the major companies only output their videos to their proprietary cloud service with varying lengths of ability to view them. One of the main reasons I went with Ring is because they are the largest company would likely be around the longest. Also, they seemed to have great customer service.

In terms of issues with the Ring, here were the major ones that people need to be concerned with:

1. You need the appropriate sized transformer. If you have an older wired doorbell, it's likely your current transformer is not big enough (16-24v ac). In fact, the first one I purchased while being 24va was defective and underpowering the ring and had to be replaced. I purchased the 16vac unit and it's been a much better unit, flawless to be exact.

2. You need excellent wireless coverage where your doorbell is located. If your service is crummy, it will negatively impact your video quality, if not disconnected it all together. (the newest Ring model offers hardwired internet)

3. You need high speed internet to be able to upload higher quality HD video content to the cloud. Slower DSL won't cut it.

4. They may not function well in colder climates (below zero). I didn't experience any issues over the winter on my Ring Pro however.

5. Motion sensitivity. The Pro version allows you to select your area you want to monitor for motion which is great if you have neighbors with active kids, or are on a busy street. You can just cut those parts out of the motion detection. I don't believe the non-pro's allow this.

6. It can take them a few seconds to start recording motion events. For instance, if your walkway is along the front of your house, and a visitor is not in front of the camera until the last second, they may not capture the front of the person at your door if they quickly ring your bell and leave (ups guy for instance). But if your doorbell is positioned to look at your walkway, then you'll get a much better recording of their motions.

7. The ring does not REQUIRE an existing doorbell, but if you want to use it in conjunction with a chime in your house, you'll either need to purchase a additional Ring Chime, or connect it to an existing doorbell and chime.

1maps, I also forgot, Ring offers the Chime Pro which in addition to being a chime, is a wi-fi extender. If you placed it near your doorbell, it should increase your signal. Might be an option for you.

SteveJ-

Excellent summary. I pretty much agree with everything you wrote. The only thing I will add is that my Costco-purchased Ring came packaged with a Ring chime, so I just disconnected my existing wired doorbell, screwed my batter-powered Ring doorbell to the door jamb, plugged in my Ring chime, and I was in business. Also, my phone is with me everywhere and the Ring app makes a notification sound whenever someone is at the door, so that's an additional help if I'm in the garage or far off in the house where I might not hear a doorbell or the Ring chime.

Steve J and kudzu 9 -- good suggestions and information. Like you, kudzu 9, my cell phone is always nearby. I really appreciate all the input.

If you're single, your phone as the chime might be ok for you. But if others live with you, and they don't want the chime on their phone, or maybe dont have a smartphone attached to their hips, well you might need an additional house chime. But as you mentioned you already have an existing doorbell, you already have a chime then.

1maps-

Good...hope it works out for you. Please post an update when you've done an install.

I will do that. Since I'm also a Costco member, I'll take the suggestion of buying it there for ease of return, if that becomes necessary. Stay tuned for an update. Thanks again to all of you.