Showing posts with label complete surveillance systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label complete surveillance systems. Show all posts

7/19/2012

Swann Night Hawk 2.4 GHz Wireless Outdoor Security System Review

Swann Night Hawk 2.4 GHz Wireless Outdoor Security System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My neighborhood has had some nighttime vandalism, so I wanted to install a security camera. However, the neighborhood association forbids "architectural modifications", and you can't just slap a camera on the front of your home. This camera, with its compact size, seemed like the solution. I removed its base, leaving just a two-inch-long cylinder, and set it on a ledge outside a window with a putty cradle to hold it in place. I taped (should caulk) shut the little screw holes left by removal of the base. The cord from the power adapter is narrow and flexible, and the window shut over it easily. The camera is inconspicuous and has made it through many rains with no problem. See the customer image captioned, "Windowsill installation".
The camera's daylight picture is acceptable. You even have the option of running it off a 9V battery. I have detected no interference from my wireless router or cordless phones.
Now for the bad news. The camera's maximum infrared range is nine feet, so it is not designed for watching your yard at night. You can compensate for this with some strong lighting attached to a motion detector. However, at night the camera's infrared LEDs reflect off the camera's front window as a white, fuzzy halo that blurs the top of the picture. (Poor design, IMO.) Swann should have included a switch to optionally turn the LEDs off.
All in all, considering it as a learning experience, it was not a bad starter camera. However, I think that my next camera will simply be a long-range indoor camera looking through a window, aided by a motion-activated floodlight.
2/19/07 update: After a year of operation night vision remains poor, although it is somewhat improved by a motion-activated floodlight that I installed. I also attached a motion-sensing DVR, and it operates normally with this camera because I have put the receiver right up against the window next to the camera, so the picture is stable. (Again, see the customer image captioned, "Windowsill installation".)
12/30/10 update: The transmission from the camera to the receiver is the weak link, as pointed out by the first comment on this review. It gradually deteriorated over the years; it became sensitive to the position of the receiver, then even the window blind, and now it no longer records reliably. I wonder if the camera itself, or its antenna, deterioriated because of sitting in the weather. I liked this setup while it lasted because it gave better pictures than my WiLife setup.

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4/30/2012

Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Hidden Master System Camera Review

Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Hidden Master System Camera
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(More customer reviews)
There are three sets that are nearly identical, and differ only in the type of camera: this one (hidden camera), the outdoor starter kit, and the indoor starter kid. for more comprehensive reviews, look at those other kits as well.
As for my opinion, this set does what it says it does in a pretty seamless fashion: you install the software, plug the camera into the wall, plug a USB adapter into the wall and your computer, make some minor configuration changes and you are all set. I have no doubt we could have gotten a better system cheaper but not one as seamlessly integrated.
We looked at many different systems and bought this one instead because:
- most spy cams broadcast for TV...you then need a TV/VCR to record, or a separately purchased adapter to make it work with your computer, and we weren't technically confident enough to want to buy different pieces and figure out how to get them working together
- some spy cams are self-recording (they contain memory internally) but these tend to be pricey AND they limit how much you can record; they will fill up if you don't clear them out regularly, and for our purposes that wasn't practical
- most "wireless" spy cams work on a WiFi wireless network, which is great if you have one, but we wanted this for use in a place we didn't have wifi; this one works by transmitting over your home or office electrical system.
- the cost of the system includes a website you can set up to view your camera remotely (although if you have a firewall you'll only be able to watch 3 minute pieces; if the system can connect directly, which might require configuring your router which some people will find daunting, you can watch constantly). So, that said, here are some cons:
- only works on PCs, not macs
- 95% of the configuration is a piece of cake, but some aspects are confusing, like how to schedule alerts, and setting up for emailing alerts
- the program has many features that are in the program but you can't click on them -- they are there as advertisements for a "platinum" version of the software that costs $80 a year. It's annoying to have a screen full of buttons you aren't able to click, and to have advertising be such a prevalent portion of the interface
- this one is kind of petty, but it would be nice of the clock that hides the camera had an alarm, since we had to remove a "real" clock in place of this one
- the camera is fine for security, but the image is kind of strange - it appears to be infrared? Which means the colors are bizarre. Reds turn yellow, greens and blues turn white. Which is probably fine for security purposes, but don't be expecting to get a high quality video out of it

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WiLife Digital Video Security Camera Hidden Master System

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4/10/2012

Brinno PHV132512 Electronic Peephole Viewer With Energizer Longer Lasting Lithium Battery 4-pack Review

Brinno PHV132512 Electronic Peephole Viewer With Energizer Longer Lasting Lithium Battery 4-pack
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Easy to install if you already have a peephole viewer. All yor need is a screwdriver. The picture is clear, but depends on the light outside your door. We find it most helpful at night, as we have a light directly overhead.
You can save money by going on-line. Several catalogs carry it but charge more.

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4/06/2012

Wireless Security Camera System DVR Infrared Surveillance (4) Quad View Quad Display 2.4ghz Night Vision Real Time Color Review

Wireless Security Camera System DVR Infrared Surveillance (4) Quad View Quad Display 2.4ghz Night Vision Real Time Color
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I took a chance and bought this system mainly for the 4 cameras at such a low price. I shouldn't have. The instructions were written by someone very unfamiliar with the English language. Two of the four cameras didn't work. The transmission was supposed to be 330 feet; I was unable to get over 80 feet. The night vision might have been good for 10 feet, and I'm being generous. There was only one review when I bought this system. It was a good review. I think it was written by the manufacturer because no one else since then has had any luck with this product. Don't waste you money on this. I have recently bought the Uniden system and it works like a jewel. Oh, by the way, it cost me $21 bucks to send this junk back. Amazon gave me an expedited refund so I have no complaint with them. But this system is not worth $20, much less over $200.

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3/16/2012

Defender SN301-8CH-002 8 Channel H.264 Smart DVR Security System with Coaching iMenu and 4 Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Surveillance Cameras (Black) Review

Defender SN301-8CH-002 8 Channel H.264 Smart DVR Security System with Coaching iMenu and 4 Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Surveillance Cameras (Black)
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The only thing i can say bad about this product is the flimsy camera mounting brackets. after using some of the foam shipped with the product, the camera's actually stay in set place, instead of finding their balanced weight when top mounted or shooting skyward when bottom mounted. Oh, yea don't pull too much on the 60ft camera cord, they will break internally. out of 1200ft only 1, 60ft section didn't work. Other than that, i think its worth every penny, compared to namebrand systems, such as honeywell or sony.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Defender SN301-8CH-002 8 Channel H.264 Smart DVR Security System with Coaching iMenu and 4 Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Surveillance Cameras (Black)

This Defender DVR system is perfect for anyone who has never used video security before or is unsure of their property's needs. The SN301-8CH includes four outdoor night vision cameras and can be expanded to include up to four more. As your business, family or home grows, so can this system. Setup is fast and hassle-free because everything you need is included in one simple kit and an interactive coaching menu helps you along the way. Keep a constant watch of your property and record over a month of video on the DVR's built-in 500GB hard drive that uses revolutionary H.264 compression to conserve memory. You'll also enjoy the convenience of being able to check in from anywhere in the world using the Internet. This DVR was specifically designed for the do-it-yourselfer and is loaded with features that will help keep your property safe and secure.

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2/13/2012

LTS LTD08HTDK 8-Camera H.264 Realtime DVR Security System with 500GB, Mobile Phone Live View, VGA output Review

LTS LTD08HTDK 8-Camera H.264 Realtime DVR Security System with 500GB, Mobile Phone Live View, VGA output
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LTS LTD08HTDK 8-Camera H.264 Realtime DVR Security System with 500GB, Mobile Phone Live View, VGA output
I searched around for a fairly decent surveilance system with a limited budget. I thought this was it. But, I soon discovered not everything is what it's cut out to be. When I received this system, I read over the box, before opening it to see if everything matched the description on Amazon.com. It looked good, then I opened the box and soon began to be disappointed. The packaging looks great, everything nice and clean, but I soon discovered the camera base & mount bracket were not the same as that pictured with the description! Then I started reading the manuals and looking at schematics provided, to find that the description is misleading in its portrail of what this system can do and how it does it, and customer service from the manufacturer is extremely disappointing. The company that provides this product has poor customer service, the sales staff does not know what they are doing or saying. The technical support is non-existent...you get a message to leave a call back number--they'll get in touch with you!???? What kind of technical support is that? If you do get lucky to talk with a tech, you quickly learn you made a bad choice--at least I did!
This 8-channel system only records in CIF--but you don't know that until you get the package! It boasts a Sony CCT camera, but it is only a analog camera with a Sony chip inside--no way to know for sure. The camera mounting bracket and base are cheap...it's not adjustable like shown in the description--it's a 5" tube with a base; and the length of the camera cables is shorter that the length of the mounting bracket with base, thus leaving the BNC connecters exposed and vulnerable to theft or disconnect/damage by any intruder. This system may be what others tout it to be, but my experience has been terrible and I would not recommend this item to anyone! Sorry Amazon.com, but this item did not live up to your reputation!

Click Here to see more reviews about: LTS LTD08HTDK 8-Camera H.264 Realtime DVR Security System with 500GB, Mobile Phone Live View, VGA output

The LTS 8-Camera H.264 500GB DVR Security System makes advanced technologies simple. Realtime display/record professional grade equipment designed for the do-it-yourselfer. New H.264 technology will enable smoother video stream over the Internet and with the 500GB hard drive installed will provide extra long recording time. You can monitor your properties from anywhere over the Internet or 3G mobile phone (with Windows Media or Symbian). Other features like email alert, daylight saving time function and VGA output will provide extra security and convenience. Use the LTS 8-Camera digital video recording security system to reduce the risk of theft in your home or office; know what your care-taker is doing while you are away; or monitor your business effectively from anywhere.

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1/19/2012

Logitech Alert 750i Indoor Master - HD-quality Security System(961-000329) Review

Logitech Alert 750i Indoor Master - HD-quality Security System(961-000329)
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I've been trying to set up a remote monitoring system for a while now, and have experimented with a few different solutions including webcams and other stand-alone cameras. The same problems problems occur over and over:
- When the router gets rebooted, invariably you can't connect to the camera without going back and fixing some part of the configuration.
- Remote viewing through dynamic IP addresses is flaky, and many DDNS solutions don't work very well. And do you really want a static IP address just for this?
- You need a computer switched on near the camera, or a web-server that the camera can stream to. That's somewhat awkward.
- The image quality is so-so, and tends to be good enough to see a person entering a room, but hard to identify who it is.
I'm pleased to say that the Logitech Alert system beats any of the others I've tried hands-down, and it's clearly designed with absolute simplicity in mind, together with the need to connect with the camera system remotely without a degree in network engineering.
Everything is provided in the box, including various mounts, network cables and software. It took more time to individually unwrap each component than connect it together - the whole system was live in under 5 minutes. The software updates itself in seconds, and even setting up user accounts on their website took no time at all. In terms of positioning the camera, it's possible to place it on a stand, screwed to a wall, or attached to a window using the suction cup provided.
This package does several things (very) well:
- The software is extremely simple to use, yet offers some bells and whistles such as motion alerts by email, live recording and playback, and basic controls such as zoom. It's also written in English, and you'd be surprised how many other systems are not.
- It handles Internet disconnection gracefully with an on-board SD card, and doesn't need any user action to help it 'remember' any IP settings.
- Talking of IP settings, these are all under the hood so you can be blissfully unaware of how it works - which is such a major benefit that I'd buy this package for this alone.
- Viewing remotely through a desktop browser in another location is as simple as visiting the website and logging in.
- Viewing from a smartphone is even better. I used their free Android app, and the speed and quality surpassed my expectations.
- The audio broadcast is very clear.
- Adding additional cameras is straightforward, although you have to make sure your Internet bandwidth is capable of supporting the number of cameras you need.
- You can switch off the LED lights that might give away the location of the unit - what a nice touch.
But this package is NOT:
- A completely wireless solution: the camera connects to an outlet unit and communicates to your router with another outlet unit. Although wiring is really minimal, there is always the one cable needed on the camera side.
- A replacement for a multi-camera professional system - though it comes close, and for a fraction of the price might suffice for some commercial users.
- A way to spy on your neighbor's license plates across the road - why would you anyway?
Still, even with those caveats it's a remarkably good solution if you want to view a location remotely with a minimum of hassle.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Alert 750i Indoor Master - HD-quality Security System(961-000329)

Logitech alert 750i indoor master system is the complete video security system you can set up yourself and count on when you need it.

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12/21/2011

Q-See QS408-803-5 Precision Recording Security System with 8 Indoor/Outdoor CCD Cameras and Pre-Installed 500GB Hard Drive Review

Q-See QS408-803-5 Precision Recording Security System with 8 Indoor/Outdoor CCD Cameras and Pre-Installed 500GB Hard Drive
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I bought my first q-see DVR (digital video recorder) about 3 years ago right here on amazon.com. It was known as a "PENTAPLEX" which meant you could do 5 things at the same time - record live video from multiple channels, backup the hard disk, view video remotely over the internet, view video locally on a TV set, and search through recordings to find out who took your recycle bin full of cans. Pentaplex and Triplex are names given as to how many activities the unit can do simultaneously.
That unit is still running after driving the neighborhood drug dealers out of their rent free abandoned home (and having them arrested numerous times - it povided key evidence of license plate numbers, video of drug deals going down, spousal abuse -- you name it the police department got it. For that matter the PD could log in over the internet to check up on who was there if they wanted to)
I live on a 2 block long road full of modern quiet 4500 sq ft homes, and across from me was a 60 year old 931 sq ft original house that had become the neighborhood drug hangout - a place to go smoke a bowl, ride your motorcycle through the front door of the house and out the back, to hook up with the homies, etc. It definitely did not fit in - the crime rate rose - the house adjacent to the drug house was robbed 5 times in 3 months. Both me and my next door neighbor installed MONITORED alarms and we formed our own neighborhood watch. His was a .357 and mine was a 9mm.
The Q-see was instrumental in getting rid of the trash. It provided numerous photographic enlargements of license plates, video evidence used in court to convict the individual squatting there, and more 30 second drive by drug deals than I could count, happening every 3-5 minutes right in front of my house.
I installed 8 cameras covering every angle possible, 2 PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom - like the casino's use) domes that I could controll remotely over the internet to see what is going on if I was not home, and motion detectors, microphones - all of this was OVERT meaning it was blatant that you were on camera if you came nearby - I had to put up a sign because legally I could not record voice without notifying the people (video is OK) due to wiretapping laws that are outdated, so I put my sign on the 60 year old tree in front of my house warning people they were under video and audio surveilance. In 3 months we had the dealers out, the rightful owners back, they had to demolish the house because it was so badly damaged, and then they built a brand new 4500 sq ft home in keeping with the neighborhood.
About Q-see
Q-see brings the $12,000 DVR that the casinos use to catch card cheats down to the price a homeowner can afford. I recommend any home first install a MONITORED alarm system and make it BLATANT that one is in place (big bell box outside in a conspicuous place) - this will rid yourself of 90% of the crime because criminals know where to look for these and when they find them, they walk on to your neighbor's house to rob instead. After an alarm comes video evidence of WHO did WHAT and WHEN with PROOF. Q-see gives you this.
What do all the numbers mean? What is H.264?
When dealing with video (which is inherently analog) and you go to digitize it, you would normally find yourself swamped in data, because video is 30 pictures per second, each 740x480, full color (or b&W at night with IR vision cameras). Imagine a 1.3 megapixel camera taking 30 pictures per second - your memory card would be full in a couple minutes at the most.
The broadcast industry faced the same problem when the FCC mandated that they "go digital" recently - there was not enough room on a channel to put raw high definition television. So they did what we do on our PCs when we have a bunch of files - they compressed them. This process is known as coding and decoding and is abbreviated CODEC for those of us who dont like to type alot. MANY codecs exist - divx, h.264, h.263, mjpeg, etc. H.264 however crams the best quality picture into the smallest amount of disk space. It's used by the satellite providers to give you more channels than they could without it. Best of all, it's free. No royalties to pay.
You're going to hear alot about frames per second. 1 video channel is 30 frames per second. That's for one camera. If you have 8 cameras, then it 8 times 30 or 240 frames per second that your 8 camera DVR must record (if you want smooth free flowing video like you are accustomed to on TV) - now you don't need free flowing video - you can cut from 30 to 15 frames per second and still get reasonably smooth video. The point is that any DVR has a limit as to how many FPS (Frames per Second) it can record. You get to decide which cameras get the best picture, and which ones only take 2 pictures per second (as an example) if you do not have 240 frames per second.
The second number to throw at you is resolution. VGA is 640x480 and is about VHS quality. HD is 1920x1080 and will blow your mind after being accustomed to VGA quality video (blu ray is done in HD as an example) In the world of surveilance video - the more pixels you choose to record, the less time you can record on a disk. So they invented QVGA - which stands for quarter vga - they divide a VGA screen into 1/4ths and you are left with 320x240. That's cell phone size video - and when you see it blown up onto a big screen tv set it looks pretty bad. Another standard is CIF which is 352x288 pixels - better than qvga, but not as good as VGA (about VHS or the old video standard).
What I like about this product is you can configure how much quality you assign from the product's ability to record to each camera. That way the cameras for areas where people are standing (front door for example) take 3 frames per second of CIF or VGA quality video. The cameras that cover high speeed motion - the street with cars zooming by or the sidewalk with bicycles, they can record at 30 frames per second for smooth video. Again - for 8 channels you need 240 frames per second to record all 8 channels at full framerate (30 FPS).
The good news!
The 408 from q-see supports 240 frames per second, so every camera can have full motion video. Cameras 1 and 2 are special though, as they are sampled at a higher resolution called D1 or 702x408 pixels (sure beats CIF) while cameras 3-8 are recorded at CIF resolution. I've been getting by on JUST CIF for 3 years, so this is a step up!
Can I Install it? Is it legal?
I am not an attorney, so this is not legal advice, but from what I found on the net, you can record video of your property without giving notice. However, this product can also record audio. To do that you must put up a sign in a conspicuous place that tells passers by that video and audio surveilance is in use - then you are compliant with all the laws.
Can you install it - probably if you can wire an 8 track player into your 1977 buick. Here's what you need to know.
1 - everything you will need is on amazon.
2 - I've reviewed most of it so read my reviews
3 - my email is in my profile so if you get stuck email me
4 - every camera needs 2 things - a video connection and 12 volts to run the camera. x 8 cameras and you will want a 12 volt power panel like the one I reveiwed here: Q-See QS1018 12 Volt 12 AMP Power Distribution Panel Connects 18 Cameras
5 - should you decide to record audio, you will need 1 - a microphone for each channel (8 of them) 2 - a mic to line level amplifier (about $20) 3 - some microphone cable. This gets into recording gear - the sennheiser C2 is a good deal since you get 2 mics in a set, 4 sets would get you 8 mics, and they are very sensitive - able to hear a whisper at 100 feet. But they need preamps. ART Tube MP Microphone Preamp Here's just one example - it will only handle one microphone, and costs more than the mic, so you might look around for 8 channel preamps beause the microphone needs 48V to run itself, and it gives you a very low level output on a XLR connector (3pin pro stuff) - and you need to amplify that .007 volt signal to about .700 volts (100x or 20dB for those who speak dB) to run the line level inputs of the 408. Of course you could opt to just have 2 microphones.
6 - what's this I hear about night vision - it it that expensive military stuff? No. How night vision works is when the sun goes down a sensor tells the camera to turn on a whole bunch of IR LEDs (infrared light emitting diodes) - these look to have a dull red glow to you, but 36 of them shining into your front yard is like a 1000W light turned on. Best part is the subject walking through can't tell - the infrared spectrum is beyond what us humans can see - so it still looks dark, except on your camera, where although its black and white, it is fully detailed with facial recognition possible.
7 - How about motion detection - can these replace those alarm motion sensors. The answer is: it depends. Inside, I'd say yes, but outside, I'd say no. The reason is that IR is not visable to HUMANS, but BUGS love the stuff, especially spiders who spin webs over your camera lenses where it's nice and bright at night. And that spider will trigger any motion detector - even if you kill off all the spiders, the number of flying insects that love IR light is amazing. Every night I capture about 50-80 bugs flying through a motion capture zone.
8 - what is a motion capture zone? Your camera brings back a big area - as much as the lens lets it see - but you may not want to capture the entire area, just a sub...Read more›

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12/11/2011

Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master Security System with Night Vision Review

Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master Security System with Night Vision
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First of all the SETUP is very easy. The on screen prompts will take you though the steps.
1.Install the software.
2.Plug the master network adapter into the power outlet and plug the Ethernet cable into your router
3.Plug the camera into power outlet and click yes to update firmware (adapters and camera).
NOTE: Do not unplug the camera or the master adapter during the update.
Wow that was easy. It took less than 15 minutes to get the system up and running.
PICTURE QUALITY
The picture quality is great during daylight hours but not so great at capturing clear pictures of moving objects in total darkness. However in my case I have a flood light with motion detector that comes on when someone enters the area at night making the video bright and clear.
MOTION DETECTION
What I like is that you can draw areas on the actual image from the video camera to trigger recording. In other words you can eliminate false recordings from cars going by or movement outside your property.
You set up each camera individually providing ultimate flexibility in alerts, sensitivity and recording. In addition, once you have created a LogitechAlert account, you can select which cameras triggers an email alert.
EMAIL ALERTS
You set the LogitechAlert account up from the Settings Menu (the gearwheel icon).
From here you can enter several email addresses. I have mine set to send a text to my cell phone (as I don't have a smart phone with email and web access).
Most cell phone providers offers an email address starting with your cell phone number that will be forwarded to you as a text message.
Please look the email address up on your providers web page. I can not put them up due to Amazon posting regulations.
You may get charged for each text by your cell phone provider so make sure to set the Alert Frequency and Motion Filter conservatively (from within the Settings Menu - Alerts-Advanced).
As mentioned above, I have not received one false alarm although my system is still set using the default values.
RECORDING WITH PC TURNED OFF - THIS IS A GREAT FEATURE.
The camera(s) stores all motion triggered activity regardless if you have the PC on or off. To review all recorded activity, start the PC and click the "Enter Playback Mode" icon. A very intuitive calendar and timeline shows up indicating recordings. Point to a time and click on play to see the activity.
UPDATE:
You can review/playback history from only the dedicated PC on your network.
Logitech suggests not loading the software on more than on PC on the network.
If you do, you can only watch live video but review/playback will not work from the other PC's (also unexpected results may occur).
NOTE: You can view the real time images from anywhere on the web with the free Logitech Web Alert Viewer. To get full control with playback via a remote PC you must purchase the Logitech Web and Mobile Commander for an annual fee* of $80 (at the time of this writing).
Unless...
You keep a PC turned on all the time and control it from any PC (or web enabled phone) on the web using Teamviewer or LogMeIn (both are free for private use - you can download the programs from Cnet.com). Then you can access the Logitech Alert Commander interface as you normally do from home.
UPDATE 1: I am using the free version of LogMeIn and it works great. The only disadvantage is that you can not hear audio from the home computer. But you can see the live video feed and use playback along with camera adjustments etc. Actually you can operate your home computer just as if you were sitting in front of it. You can access it from work or anywhere in the world via the internet.
UPDATE 2: I have now used both remote programs for over a month. Logmein appear to be unreliable with respect to video quality. TEAMVIEWER IS THE WINNER (To get perfect video quality: select "View", "Optimize Quality" from the TeamViewer screen on the remote computer).
Cost for leaving your home computer on all the time.
The cost for a 40 Watts consumer** 24 hours per day, 365 days per year = $35/year at $0.10 per kWh.
However, LogMeIn allows you to use "Wake Up On LAN" so you can turn your home computer on from the remote computer (Too much to cover here).
* Come on Logitech!!! Reduce it to a $50 one time fee and sell more systems to happier customers.
** One UPS manufacturer estimates 40 watts power consumption from an entry level desk top with a 20 LCD monitor. Turn the monitor off and bring the cost down even more. Also set the hard drive to turn off if not in use via Windows "Power Options Interface". You may also be able to set the home computer to "Wake up on LAN".
INSTALLATION OF THE CAMERA'S POWER/DATA ADAPTER IN THE ATTIC
First of all I wanted to hide the wire to the camera.
Logitech's instructions show the power/data wire going from the camera to a power outlet on the side of the house.
Consequently a thief can easily unplug the camera.
Solution
Pull an extension cord from a power outlet in the attic (or somewhere else) and connect it to the grey power supply/adapter for the camera.
IT WORKS!!!
I know Logitech Customer Service had told another reviewer "The adapters CANNOT be installed in the attic".
Logitech may be concerned about high attic temperatures present in some climates.
My attic does not get very hot; in addition I mounted the adapter just above the lower perimeter soffit vent where outside air constantly flows in.
The power/data Ethernet cable to the exterior camera (mounted under the roof overhang) is now routed through the soffit to the camera adapter in the attic.
Drill a 9/16" (14 mm) hole to allow the Ethernet plug to pass through the soffit. Mount the power adapter over the soffit vent with the power cable coming out at the top as shown in Logitech's instructions.
NOTE: I used a 100 foot grounded heavy duty extension cord plugged into a grounded power outlet. I don't know if using a grounded outlet and grounded extension cord matters because none of the adapters are equipped with grounded plugs. You may not need a heavy duty cord as the camera adapter uses very little power.
PREVENT BLACKOUT DURING POWER OUTAGES USING A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
I still want the surveillance system to work during power outages or if the power line to the house is cut.
The Manual tell you it will not work if you use a surge protector or UPS.
Solution
I already have the cable modem and the wireless router plugged into an APC BN600R Battery Backup (UPS), so all I had to do was to plug the black Logitech network adapter into the UPS and pull an extension cord from the UPS to the grey Logitech camera adapter. All the equipment is fed from a single UPS.
IT WORKS!!!
The disadvantage is that you have to pull extension cord(s) from the UPS to the camera adapters. In my case it was not a problem because the extension cord would drop down from the attic between the studs in one of the walls to where I have my router.
I am sure you can use a higher capacity UPS as long as ALL your Logitech adapters are connected to it.
SOUND/AUDIO
Out of the box there was no audio from the camera.
Solution
To turn the sound on:
1) Un-mute from the Command screen (slider at the right hand bottom) and
2) Click on Settings (gearwheel icon) and click on the camera name (your camera(s) will be listed by the name you give them during setup "Entry way", "Hall way" etc.)
Then check the box Enable Audio (after accepting the legal notice).
Note: If you have more than one camera, you have to Enable Audio for each one.
GOOD QUALITY PRICE RATIO
Overall I will rate the Logitech 750e a quality system for the money. As an alternative, you can purchase professional systems that will cost thousands of $ but is unlikely that they have the remote access this system has.
Perhaps Logitech have "beefed up" the mounting hardware for the camera. My hardware is rigid and of good quality. Another reviewer had problems with the hardware.
(I tightened and pre-adjusted the holder/adapter and added a drop of Locktite (blue) to the threads prior to installation. It is easier done on the ground as compared to the top of a 15 foot ladder).
UPDATE: The mounting plate is covered with a rubber cover. You have to tighten the holder rod FIRMLY to the base to ensure a rigid mount (or else the camera will wiggle).
Also, one of the cameras would turn freely no matter how hard the thumbscrew was tightened. It turned out that there is a phillips screw hiden inside the short rod which is being clamped by the thumbscrew assembly. The phillips screw was loose. Simply remove the thumbscrew completely to take the assembly apart. Then tighten the phillips screw and put it back together.
Logitech, QA/QC you need to address this issue. This is probably why so many people are complaining about the camera mount.
SUMMARY
-Very easy setup
-Great picture quality in daylight but not in total darkness
-Motion detection is very reliable
-Flexible email alert settings
-Workaround if you don't have a phone with email or web access
-Recording with PC turned off - great feature
-Workaround to avoid paying $80 per year for remote access
-Attic installation of the camera's power adapter
-How to connect "Battery UPS backup"
-How to turn the sound feature on
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Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master Security System with Night Vision

Logitech alert 750e outdoor master system is the weatherproof, night vision video security system you can set up yourself and count on when you need it. installation is simple and takes just minutes.

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11/20/2011

Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-on Security Camera with Night Vision Review

Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-on Security Camera with Night Vision
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
From the moment I opened the box the Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master Security System with Night Vision was very easy to understand and had great setup diagrams with color coded ribbons for stress free setup. Where I was mounting the unit 20 feet off the ground I connected everything in the house and tested it to make sure it was working first. Once the camera was mounted in place I simply adjusted it to the area I wanted to monitor and then used electrical tape around the mount joints as they are not as tight as I would have expected and I did not want to have to climb a ladder after every wind storm to adjust. Setup was very quick after installing the mounting bracket.
It should be noted the the ribbon (power) cable that connects to the outdoor camera is so flat and thin that you can bring it in through a window without compromising the window seal when the window is fully closed. This is a huge plus as I did not need to drill a hole for it.
I set up email alerts and also I highly recommend if you have some blowing tree branches in view as I do that you set up particular areas for movement detections. If you do this and set the motion rate for recording you will capture only scenes of interest which makes it so much easier when reviewing recordings.
The master system comes with the network hardware and the invaluable command center. This is extremely easy to navigate. You can zoom, pan and tilt effortlessly. I am thinking of adding this software for remote viewing as well.
The night vision is suprisinging very very good in low to know light. I am extremely impressed with the night vision and have to say that it is well worth the extra money.
The only drawback I can see to this system is that if you enable and use the audio component which comes built in and has great range, picks up way to much wind. I would like to see an add on for wind noise reduction. This would not keep me from highly recommending this product. I did a lot and I mean a lot of research (hands on and reading) before making my decision to purchase this camera and I am very glad I did.
I highly recommend this product! Picture is extremely clear not washy like others. The audio is good enough to capture voices and sounds with in the entire viewing areas and sometimes beyond.
I was not able to figure out how to upload a few pictures with this review otherwise I would have.
Thank you Logitech for a superb and well built system that seems to have it all.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-on Security Camera with Night Vision

Logitech alert 700e outdoor add-on camera expands the coverage of your existing logitech alert system to additional locations.

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9/08/2011

Defender SN301-8CH-008 8 Channel H.264 Smart DVR Security System with Coaching iMenu and 8 Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Surveillance Cameras (Black) Review

Defender SN301-8CH-008 8 Channel H.264 Smart DVR Security System with Coaching iMenu and 8 Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Surveillance Cameras (Black)
Average Reviews:

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The Defender SN301-8CH like the average security camera system that sells to the general public averages in resolution around 420 TV lines which is barely enough to clearly identify anybody over 10 ft. Therefore if you ever catch a criminal on camera beyond that range and you want to press charges, I found it useless to use that in court. If you are looking for good image with longer range you have to start at least with a resolution of 550 TV lines per camera which could bring the price for a 8 channel system to over $1200. Other than that system serves the purpose of monitoring your property and the software is very user friendly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Defender SN301-8CH-008 8 Channel H.264 Smart DVR Security System with Coaching iMenu and 8 Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Surveillance Cameras (Black)

This Defender DVR system will work for almost any property because it includes 8 indoor/outdoor night vision cameras. Depending on the size of your business or home, you can mount the cameras at all entrances, in your yard and even inside. Setup is fast and hassle-free because everything you need is included in one simple kit and an interactive coaching menu helps you along the way. Keep a constant watch of your property and record over a month of video on the DVR's built-in 500GB hard drive that uses revolutionary H.264 compression to conserve memory. You'll also enjoy the convenience of being able to check in from anywhere in the world using the Internet. This DVR was specifically designed for the do-it-yourselfer and is loaded with features that will help keep your property safe and secure.

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