Wireless IP Surveillance Cameras Now Under $300
Breakthroughs
in wireless technology have opened a Pandora's box of options when it comes to
home and small-office surveillance. But no longer do you have to be a trained
computer guru to set up or operate these systems.
For
the security professional, the speed and simplicity of this modern equipment
allows an enormous increase in productivity. You could easily surveil dozens of
businesses from a network of wireless internet-based cameras from one computer,
in one location. An effective, single-camera system is going to cost under
$300. Additional cameras, indoor or outdoor, cost about $200. Compare that to
what these cost two or three years ago. Couple that price with the ease of
setup--minutes instead of hours--and it's easier and more affordable than ever
to get these systems online.
New
cameras, such as those by Logitech (detailed at wilife.com), can be installed
by any computer user in about fifteen minutes. Notifications by cell phone or
email can be set up in seconds. Motion-activated cameras can email you--or dial
your cell phone with a special ring tone - when they become active. Many
systems tie in smoke detectors for extra peace of mind. On the Wilife system you
can hop on the web and flip through as many as six different cameras from a
single website.
Another
option is something like Panasonic's new 3110, one of the first systems that
requires no local computer. That's right, no computer. Up to eight angles can
be preset from a single camera, and the camera will shift between all
programmed angles as desired, automatically panning and focusing as it goes
(the angles can also be changed manually over the internet).
Another
unique, cutting edge feature of this Panasonic 3110 is its two-way audio
functions. Hear what's going on in another room or, even better, be heard
through the camera's internal speaker on the other end. Two-way voice is a
security feature offered by many security professionals. Now it's available in
this stand-alone camera. Did we mention the Panasonic 3110 is also under $300?
As
a small business owner, check in on the office while you're out. Peek at your waiting
area to make sure clients are being serviced. Take a gander at your shipping
area to make sure safety protocols are being followed. Home users can aim the
cameras at central locations in their house, complete with motion detection and
notifications. Front door opens? Your cell phone rings.
Another option is EZWatch Pro's IP NVR software. These NVR's (network video recorders) can actually support up to 64 remotely placed IP surveillance cameras. A great solution fo bigger security applications. The software starts around $300 for a four camera license and goes up from there.
But
as a security professional, you can offer all of the same peace of mind to your
customers from a central location, serving dozens (or more) of customers. Set
up the software to pan through your cameras so you can watch them all live. Or,
route the software through your handheld or cell phone to monitor the locations
on the go. Enable notifications for smoke and fire alarms. Turn on motion-activation
on the cameras, and receive an email whenever one becomes active. These things
have never been more accessible or simple to install.
Prior
to the advent of these new systems, they required the know-how of a savvy,
trained technician to set up and maintain. You had to be a computer wiz to
figure out how to manage the system. In the modern era, setting up a wireless
security system has never been easier. Thanks to wireless technology employed
in something like the Panasonic 3110, all you need to cover an office is the
camera and an internet connection. Storage is handled online, so you don't even
need specific recording equipment to have video evidence at your fingertips.
By Paul Burke