Closer look at the D-Link DCS-8331KT

The DCS-8331KT Smart DIY Security Bundle comes in a surprisingly small box given the content in it. The kit includes a Smart Full HD Wi-Fi Camera with a built-in Smart Home Hub (DCS-8330LH), a Smart Door/ Window Sensor (DCH-B112) and a Smart Motion Sensor (DCH-B122).

The package provides a good level of detail for users looking to purchase this item. The key factor here is that this is a total DIY package, and does not require any expensive electrical wiring. The box highlights the key capabilities of each device that’s provided in the DCS-8331KT and takes a layman’s approach to explain their technical capabilities.

D-Link makes it very clear that you need to first install the DCS-8330LH wireless camera before proceeding with installing the other sensors.

DCS-8330LH Smart Full HD Wi-Fi Camera

The DCS-8330LH is the brain behind this whole setup. It not only acts as a smart WI-FI camera, it’s also a smart hub for other D-Link Smart devices to connect to.

The camera is fully 1080P capable at 30fps (even with night vision), has a 151 degree viewing angle, and includes Cloud or Micro SD card recording. It’s also “ONVIF Profile S” compliant which allows you to easy link this up with a NAS device for continuous recording. ONVIF compliance is certainly a smart move by D-Link and gives users much more flexibility.

A LED status indicator is located right on top along with a microphone below that and a light sensor right at the bottom. Two IR LEDs are located to the left and right of the camera which is visible when the camera is turned on.

A fairly large rear speaker comes with the camera along with a Micro SD card slot on the side.

The mounting plate isn’t removable which is a bad design decision given that if you get your measurements slightly wrong, mounting the camera is going to be a pain. Wish D-Link at least included a template that could have been used to drill the mounting holes with correct spacing.

The camera features AI-based Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) for smarter motion detection. As a result you get less false positives and alerts that really matter. And since image processing is done locally on the DCS-8330LH, there’s less lag and bandwidth required.

AI-based IVA Motion Detection

There are 4 main motion detection mechanisms you can opt to use with this camera. D-Link explains this very well and here’s an extract off their website.

Person Detection

“This camera intelligently tells apart a person from a thing. Now you’ll get alerts when a person walks into your room. NOT every time a bug flies into it.“

Multi-Zone Motion Detection

“Get an alert when something’s moving around specific areas of interest – like your doors and windows. It’s easy when you can create and customize up to 4 independent motion-detection zones in your camera view.“

Boundary-Crossing Detection

“Set a virtual trip-wire and get notified whenever someone crosses the line. Knowing when someone has trespassed on your no-go areas has never been easier.”

Priority Zone

“Know when Spot jumps onto the sofa, or when your baby climbs out of the crib. Priority Zones let you prioritise sensitive areas, so you know when something or someone has crossed into or out of the zone.”

All of these settings can be easily managed via the mydlink app which is available for both Android and IOS. To be notified of any motion for either of the settings chosen will require an automation rule that would trigger some form of notification.

Smart Door/ Window Sensor (DCH-B112)

The DCH-B112 looks like your typical door sensor with smart capability. Its battery operated (So no messy wiring needed) with a battery life of 3 years. Battery life based on 15 detections per day and an opening or closing is counted as one detection. The packaging is much bigger than the actual unit itself, however maintains the proportion across the bundle included.

The sensor includes a bypass button as well if you wanted the device not to trigger when a door/window is open.

Soon as the device is installed via the mydlink app, the automation rules are created by default and added to your active policy. You can modify the rules as needed there after.

The sensor includes a CR2 type battery which can easily be found in the market.

There’s also a small tamper protection button which would trigger an alert soon as the battery cover is opened.

There are 3M sticky tape to mount the sensors in place and D-Link provides an extra set for future use.

One neat feature is that you can check if a particular door is closed/open via the mydlink app as the sensor tells you which state it is in. You can also integrate it with Google Assistant, Alexa and connects using Zigbee technology.

Sensor in closed state (Installed on Laundry door)

Smart Motion Sensor (DCH-B122)

The smart motion sensor is one of the smallest motion sensors I have come across; it spans approx 5cm x 5cm making it quite discreet. Yet it packs a very decent coverage and range which was a big surprise to us all. The DCH-B122 comes in a separate box all integrated within the same bundle.

It’s battery operated with a 2 year life span (Battery life based on 15 detections per day); essentially this makes it a breeze to install and gives you more freedom on where you want to place the sensor.

The package includes a quick installation guide and extra 3M sticky tapes. The included battery is a CR2450 which can be purchased easily as well.

The sensor has tamper protection and notifies you soon as anyone tries to remove the holding bracket. Basic automation rules are setup automatically when the device is first installed just like with the door sensor.

Table of contents

1. Introduction and Specifications

2. Closer look at the D-Link DCS-8331KT

3. Performance and Conclusion