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7 Messages

Video Doorbell Pro - Garbled 2 Way Audio -- Firmware Won't Update

I attempted to research this issue, as I am a techie.

It seems pretty clear that for those of us that have the issue with the 2-Way Audio on the Video Doorbell Pro, the issue was fixed in a firmware update, after removing the camera from your account, resetting it on the back, and then giving the doorbell 2-3 days to get its firmware update.  (FWIW my keypad took its update just fine).

This is the third 72-hour wait after trying this, and still no dice. Firmware is still at 2.1.9.50.  I don't want to unscrew the darn thing again, so I will wait longer, but this is truly ruining the functionality of the reason we chose a "Video Doorbell" over a plain outdoor camera -- so my elderly mother could answer the doorbell from her phone.

I want to wait for it to update the firmware before really evaluating its motion sensing capacity/range, but I can't even give an appropriate evaluation of that function when the main function is broken (and theoretically can be fixed).

I have hung a ping on the VDP on my home network to ensure that my router knows the device is active, just in case the firmware updates are coming down at a time when the camera's IP (which isn't requesting a "forever" DHCP lease like the base station, another issue that could cause connectivity issues) isn't active in my router's ARP table. (Many routers will drop the first packet of a ping request because a device isn't in the ARP table yet, and while if a system is that sensitive it's really not functional anyway, I figured I'd eliminate that possibility.

Average ping from cell phone on local wifi next to the doorbell to the doorbell (so two-ways through the brick wall blocking any 2.4ghz, cell to router to cam and back) was 11 ms.  Signal strength is fine.  Upload speed is insane as my ISP is ATT Fiber -- definitely not the issue.

After my last call with the Simplisafe people to document that yes I was having the issue still 72 hours after install, doing the reset so they knew it was done, and a rinse-repeat of that for the third time.... they said they'd send out a new doorbell if it still wouldn't take the update.  But that seems fairly wasteful if it is a firmware problem -- and won't fix it if it's my ISP blocking something it shouldn't be.

I know all good things come to those who wait, but frankly my mother isn't getting any younger, nor are her bones getting any less breakable.  She does not need to be trying to get up and get the door every time it's just a courtesy ring by a package driver, and until she can yell "Thank you!" at them like the Southerner she is (through a video cam if need be), she's going to break something trying to get herself to the door.  Yes, this may help her see if the person was just leaving, but doesn't help if it's a solicitor/etc.

Any suggestions on how to make your Video Doorbell Pro take the neat nifty update that makes it actually BE a Video Doorbell vs just a motion-sensing camera in a doorbell?

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1 Message

Same issue here as well.         I just installed the complete system 5/1/20 entry sensors, multiple (2) indoor cameras,1 doorbell camera, water sensors etc. I can receive audio with the cameras but the output camera audio is barely garbilled and non existent. Upload speed is > 21 mbps Download is >170 mbps. Other than this issue system work good.
Any advice on how to correct audio output on cameras please?

15 Messages

I have a feeling they sent out a bad batch of cameras because of warehouse issues during COVID.

Does anyone have a camera with an issue that was not purchased in the last month or 2?

1 Message

We are having exactly the same issue with both our Interior camera and the doorbell Camera. Any attempt to speak to anyone via the app to the cameras just comes out garbled and totally unintelligible.  This function is of very high importance to us, and we are also looking for a fix. So far we have been told by tech support that the cameras would update automatically within 48 hours. That was days ago. Very unhappy.

272 Messages

Thank you all for your feedback. Our Engineering Team is aware of this and working on a fix.

Lee
SimpliSafe Home Security

15 Messages

Lee can you confirm this is not an issue with our home networks and is an issue on your end?

7 Messages

Quote:

"Thank you all for your feedback. Our Engineering Team is aware of this and working on a fix.

Lee
SimpliSafe Home Security"

Thanks Lee.

Are they working on a fix for why the firmware will not update, or some other issue?

Because I can assure you, it's the fact these are running ancient firmware.  Not routers (unless there is a port that isn't being forwarded properly by our ISPs -- ATT Fiber here).  Not wireless networks (if our apps say the signal is "strong").  Not our upload speed (firmware is a down push).  Not the app software (this happens in both updated iOS and Android clients on my network).

Again, I would rather not get a doorbell shipped that is going to be just as useless as this one is, and others have expressed that replacement of the doorbell has simply resulted in yet another one at the ancient firmware.  Your CS has offered that option and while it's appreciated, I don't think it would fix the problem and would just cost your company more money, and make these doorbells even more pricey.

I am more than willing to be a guinea pig for your engineers if they need to see the problem.  Feel free to contact me (surely you actual Simplisafe People have that information) and I will supply them more data than one team even wants. ;)

Take care Lee!

6.6K Messages

@Lee C, thank you for posting with a reply and status in the forums.

4 Messages

Same problem here. Just installed the doorbell I picked up from bestbuy. Firmware 2.1.9.50.

Is there a way to force the firmware upgrade?

15 Messages

No way to force a firmware upgrade. I am 1.5 months in and on my second set (2.1.9.50) and still no update. 3rd set on the way as well.

2 Messages

Same issue here. I am at 30 days and 2 sets of cameras and no firmware updates. I just talked to tech support and here comes set number 3. I am not happy about this.

4 Messages

I too would like to help. Is there a software package we can use to update the firmware via the microusb port?

I did this with some old nest dropcams i've had in storage for a few years. connected to pc and forced update in order for it to connect.

15 Messages

3rd Set of Cameras arrived today and same old firmware and same issues out of the box.

2 Messages

More of the same
Second doorbell with firmware 2.1.9.50  same audio problem.  Doorbell purchased in the last month.  Our daughter got hers a few weeks earlier with firmware 2.6.0.148.  Hers works well.  We both have iphones.  Hope this issue can be resolved soon.  Customer service is polite and tries to help, but so far no luck.

7 Messages

Quote:

"Second doorbell with firmware 2.1.9.50 same audio problem. Doorbell purchased in the last month. Our daughter got hers a few weeks earlier with firmware 2.6.0.148. Hers works well. We both have iphones. Hope this issue can be resolved soon. Customer service is polite and tries to help, but so far no luck."

Odd question, but can you try to "swap" them and see if yours updates on her network?

As in, unscrew both from the base, take yours over to her house, remove her doorbell temporarily (so only one doorbell is on the account at the same time -- don't hit any buttons on the back of hers), add yours, and leave it going overnight on her account?

The base 2.1.9.50 firmware *should* take updates.  Theoretically.  It's supposed to.  Many people who had this issue in the past, if you search this forum, did get results from resetting to the default firmware and attempting to make it ask for an update -- or had it the first day they had the system, and in a few days it took the update and it worked.

It would at least tell us if it's an issue with the doorbell devices themselves, or potentially with ISPs blocking ports/not allowing the OTA updates to the Video Doorbell Pro.

FWIW, my base station got an update this morning, so we'll see if it updates tonight -- if it doesn't, I'm gonna try a reset again.

2 Messages

Just received my "NEW???" SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro. from a SimpliSafe direct ordering.  I was aware of all the complaints concerning the "Garbled Audio" before I ordered my  doorbell and low and behold it is the OLDER problem firmware version 2.1.9.50.  It appears the SimpliSafe is purging their inventory of problem doorbells by filling orders and replacing them when there are complaints with still more defective doorbells.  My doorbell even came with a "Clearance TAG" stuck to it inside the box.  I didn't know I was getting a "Clearance" item since it was never advertised that way and the price was the full price.  Is this a reflection of the age of this product?  The doorbell's being sold on Amazon are of 2 different product codes, one of their older sales items and a new one with only a few sales as of yet.  They appear as if they are two different versions or productions of the same product.  I am going to give it a few days to see if the firmware upgrades, if not I guess I will start requesting replacements and help SimpliSafe purge their stock of old non-functioning doorbells.

Jim

1 Message

I'm having the exact same problem! 2.1.9.50 firmware and garbled audio. Everything else seems to work ok. I have talked to customer support and removed and added it back multiple times. Had it sitting right next to my router - no change. Added it directly to my iPhone hotspot to see if it could be a block on the internet - no change. Going to call them back today to see if they can send me a new one with THE UPDATED FIRMWARE already installed.

Troy

1 Message

Add me to the list. Just spent $2K on a system. The doorbell cam is stuck on firmware v 2.1.9.50 and unintelligible quiet garble if I try to talk, although I can hear just fine. 5 indoor cameras all do exactly the same thing (firmware 2.2.5.39). I'm really disappointed.

1 Message

WHERE IS SUPPORT ON THIS!!!!!  We are on our second doorbell in two weeks time.  First was the standard "its your internet" , then the firmware, new doorbell with updated firmware and now its a port issue.  Was told to contact my ISP to unblock port 8890.  After sitting on the phone with them for THREE HOURS they cannot unblock this port due to security issues.  Called Simplisafe again and got the same run around with the internet speeds and the solution to send a wifi extender when I ALREADY have one 6 feet away from the door.  Support finally offered to return it.  That's great, but what do I do with the holes that are now drilled into the siding of my house after mounting?!?!?!?  

I have a non-Simplisafe home security camera with two-way audio and have no issues.  Step it up Simplisafe and get a fix for this.

1 Message

Same Issue

Just got the second doorbell and it's garbled. Same old firmware as reported by everyone else. Did a reset and nothing has happened.

ALSO, went to test the simplicam inside as when I got it I thought it was only one-way communication and long and behold it's garbled speak as well.

Video is great and reacts instantly which the Ring doesn't do (take forever for it to work) but not being able to speak into it is a big issue.
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