It’s a doorbell, a video camera, and a two-way communications device all wrapped into one-and it gets even better when it’s installed as part of a smart home security system. Here are five really useful things you can do with one.

1: Answer the door from anywhere.

The video doorbell chimes like an ordinary doorbell but you also get an alert on your smart phone app. You can tap the alert and see a live video of your visitor. You can even have a conversation through the doorbell’s speaker and microphone!

2: Secure a delivered package.

If a delivery driver is dropping off a package, you can ask them to leave the package inside, unlocking your front door with smart lock. When they step outside again and close the door, you can lock up just as easily.

3: Catch a suspicious caller in the act.

The video doorbell is a great way to keep an eye on activity around your porch and driveway, which are the busiest outdoor areas on your property. At night, the camera can even trigger your porch light to come on when there’s motion, giving you a well-lit video clip. Should your camera catch something suspicious, you can download the clip and share it with your local police department.

4: Keep up with the kids.

You can use your Alarm.com-powered video doorbell to send you a daily video alert when your kids arrive home from school. As well as knowing they’re home safe, you can see exactly who they’re with.

5: Sleep udndisturbed.

Safeguard your hour of afternoon peace during the kids nap time with ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode: which switches the chime off, but still sends you a text alert when a visitor rings the bell.