Understanding the Pre-Roll Feature
Capture events more clearly by using the Pre-Roll feature. With Pre-Roll activated, you can get a more complete picture of what's happening outside your door.
This article will answer many commonly asked questions concerning Pre-Roll.
For more information on Advanced Pre-Roll (for wired Ring devices), click here.
What is Pre-Roll?
The Pre-Roll feature enables you to view more complete motion events. A Ring Video Doorbell equipped with Pre-Roll will capture motion four seconds before a motion event is triggered. After these critical seconds of activity are recorded they will be attached to the event clip. If you are subscribed to a Ring Protect plan you will get a video of the event allowing you to have a better look at what's happening outside your door.
When Pre-roll is available, it's shown as a picture-in-picture when you enter into the Live View screen (as shown in the image above). If you tap on the pre-roll picture-in-picture, it will expand to the full screen and show the Live View as the smaller image.
What devices include the Pre-Roll feature?
At this time, only the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus and the Ring Video Doorbell 4 include the Pre-Roll feature. Ring Video Doorbell 4's Pre-Roll is in color.
Click here to learn more about the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus.
Click here to learn more about the Ring Video Doorbell 4.
How does Pre-Roll work?
Pre-Roll is made possible by a small series of low-powered cameras. When the Pre-Roll feature is enabled, these low-powered cameras record up to four seconds of video in a rolling buffer on the camera’s local memory. When you answer a motion event or a doorbell push with Live View, the content in the buffer is made available as a picture-in-picture so you can see what preceded the event.
If you have a Ring Protect plan, the Pre-Roll video is attached to your event video recordings. This is the only time Pre-Roll videos are stored in Ring's cloud.
Do I have to use Pre-Roll?
No. Like most features in a Ring device, the Pre-Roll feature can be turned on or off.
Pre-Roll is enabled by default in the Ring app, but can be toggled on and off in the Video Settings screen within the App.
Does the Pre-Roll video have sound?
No. In order to preserve power, the four seconds of Pre-Roll video are silent.
Does Pre-Roll work at night?
Pre-Roll works in well-illuminated areas. Low light conditions may affect the Pre-Roll functionalities.
Do I have to purchase Ring Protect to be able to use Pre-Roll?
No. Pre-Roll on this device works for everyone, regardless if you are subscribed to a Ring Protect Plan or not. However, if you do not subscribe to a Ring Protect Plan, you will only be able to view Pre-Roll as a picture-in-picture in Live View for answered motion notifications. Ring Protect Plan subscribers will be able to take full advantage of the Pre-Roll feature, including seeing Pre-Roll video previews in their Ring app timeline or event history, as well as for answered motion notifications.
