One of the more joyous tasks in the digital home is setting up a monitoring system for your new arrival to the family. BabyPing is a new division of Y-cam Solutions and they aim to make that a much easier and more pleasant task with their new high-quality Wi-Fi IP CCTV setup. In conjunction with it's free iOS app the system allows parents to watch and listen to their baby on an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch...
Wi-Fi CCTV cameras are so convenient, even better if you can pan and tilt from a remote location while viewing your home from your smartphone. But what if all that was available in a device that cost just £40? Well it is with the this CCTV camera, a wireless IP camera with 2 way pan/tilt, built-in microphone and speaker plus it supports mobile phone viewing and WEP/WPA/WAP2....
The new 'EyeSpy247HDSD' is a high definition megapixel IP CCTV camera that comes bundled with free access to EyeSpy247's on-line monitoring, recording and alerts platform. The systems only requires a browser to connect to it so it's Windows, Mac and Linux friendly and can be viewed on an iPhone and other smartphones too. With up to 30fps in 720p, an on-board PIR and sound trigger sensors, 2 way audio and 802.11N Wi-Fi , it really is a featured packed camera. Check out the video and pricing after the jump.
Described as 'the world's first Push & Point quick installation Wi-Fi minidome', the new Y-Cam EyeBall promises performance and ease of use with it's innovative lens system. Like the other cameras in the Y-Cam range it features motion detection, with the camera emailing you a snapshot of the action and recording to the microSD card. The Eyeball also brings the ability to record directly to a NAS and boasts 2-way audio and PoE capabilities too. Check out the video after the jump...
Our friends over at Think CCTV have just put together an offer for Automated Home readers. Use the code 'AutomatedHome' at checkout for a £30 discount off this top spec, H.264 CCTV kit. The setup includes eight (yes 8!) colour Silver Sony CCD cameras with IR Enhance night vision. A pre-installed 500 HDD, backup Via USB, remotely activate and view via the internet from anywhere in the world...
The launch of new Z-Wave wireless smart home devices continues unabated and seems to be turning into an almost daily occurrence. This time the new goodies are from Eminent who are revealing their e-Domotica home control range...
Back in September last year Automated Home reader, Klaus sent us a video on XBMC control from his iPhone. Today he sends us his next video showing home automation control using his iPad. The system employs 'm..myhome' (Mac and Linux friendly) and controls a huge variety of functions around his house including lighting, blinds, heatinfg, CCTV and door locks - in addition to the media centre control.
The new Panasonic BL-C210 is a pan/tilt IP network CCTV camera that employs H.264 video compression to reduce the bandwidth requirements on your home network whilst maintaining image quality. The £160 wonder's feature count includes a built-in passive infrared sensor, emailed movement notifications, integrated microphone and speaker, external inputs and PoE (power over Ethernet). Its wireless sibling, the BL-C230 is also now available for the freedom of locating that Wi-Fi brings...
We've seen some amazing stuff in our time covering the smart home but this is definitely one of the stranger items. The 'KJB Security SC7000 XtremeLife Artificial Rock Camera/Recorder with Motion Sensor' (to give it its full title) is, as it sounds, a covert recording camera built into a custom housing designed to look lke a decorative rock in your garden. The camera can record up to 1280x960 and supports PAL and NTSC. With an amazing standby battery life quoted of up to a year the unit records to an SD card and can also be connected to a PC via USB...
UK based BenSoftware today announces SecuritySpy 2.0.9, an update to their multi-camera video surveillance software on the Macintosh platform. With features such as motion detection, real-time compression of multiple video and audio feeds, and network video and audio streaming, SecuritySpy is designed for demanding video surveillance applications. SecuritySpy supports a wide variety of network cameras and video servers, as well as FireWire, USB, and PCI video input devices...
Here's an Automated Home exclusive first look at the brand new outdoor CCTV camera from EyeSpy247. The IP65 rated network cam produces three VGA res video streams ( H.264, MPEG-4 and M-JPEG) at 30fps and can be viewed easily from your mobile phone . Its automatic IR cut filter gives true colour during daylight hours and Infrared illumination of over 10 metres in total darkness. The tiny unit is Windows, Mac and Linux friendly and also houses PIR and sound trigger sensors, 2 way audio and 802.11N wireless. Read on for the price, the links and the ful PR...
Still one of our favourite IP CCTV camera ranges - Y-Cam - now has a new "Bullet' model. The MPEG-4 streaming IP camera is Windows, Mac and Linux compatible and is rated IP66 for outdoor use right out of the box. In addition it has a switchable IR filter meaning you lose the purple tinge of previous models during daylight, whilst retaining the low IR capabilities at night. You can record video based on motion to its local microSD card as well as emailing and FTP stills. The camera also produces MJPEG and 3GPP and supports streaming to iPhone and Blackberry for example. The unit has wired 10/100 Ethernet and Wireless (802.11b/g) with support for WEP and WPA2...
Russian developers, iRidium Mobile, have just released the new version of their home automation control application. Available on a range of platforms, - most notably now the iPad too - the system can be used to control AMX, EIB/KNX, ABB, Berker, GIRA, Jung and Modbus with DALI , X10 and Domintell protocols in the works too. iRidium can also control XBMC, with support coming in the near future for Boxee, Windows Media Center and Apple TV...
Last month we ran a story on a new range of internet CCTV cameras. Now EyeSpy247 have kindly given us a discount voucher code for a 15% off their camera range for Automated Home readers that would like to try these IP cameras, including the pan tilt zoom model. Discount code after the jump...
One of our current favourite IP CCTV camera ranges - Y-Cam - now has a new model with a built in SD slot for storing recorded video. The Y-cam Black SD is now fully Mac and Linux compatible too and was recently featured on an interesting segment on home security on BBC 2's Working Lunch. Watch the video after the jump...
EyeSpy 247 have just announced 2 brand new IP CCTV cameras for your home - the £100 EyeSpy247F+ and £180 EyeSpy247ptz (pan tilt zoom). Both models feature VGA resolution at 30 frames-per-second, MPEG4 and M-JPEG compression, wired and wireless operation and two-way audio. EyeSpy 247 say their cameras are uniquely easy to setup and in conjunction with their free web monitoring and alert service you can record movement as well as receive email and SMS notifications. Read on for the PR...
UK smart home security system AlertMe continue to go from strength to strength and last month secured £8M in series B funding. When we first reviewed the product in May 2008 we said it was an ideal hub for home automation and CCTV with its link to the Net. AlertMe added their SmartPlug product earlier in the year and today have announced their IP CCTV add-on for the system.
The camera is a Sercomm RC8021 unit with wired Ethernet and wireless 802.11g WiFi capability too. It's VGA resolution (640x480) 30 FPS, with dual MPEG-4 and M-JPEG streaming plus support for 3GPP to mobile phones. Read on for the introductory discount offer on the new camera...
We love viewing our IP CCTV cameras on our iPhone, but some models don't play so nice on the Apple device. Our current favourite is the Y-Cam as it's mjpeg stream works great on the iPhone. However, there are ways of viewing your Axis, Panasonic, D-Link and other brands of cameras too on the iPhone and other mobile devices. Read on for the special URLs that may allow you to see images when you thought you couldn't..
In the fourth of our video interviews from this years Smart Home Show we talk to Chiu Lu Yung from Cytech, manufacturers of the Comfort smart home security system. Chiu shows us round some of the new additions to the range, including the Z-Wave serial interface we announced last month. We also look at the new design of the door station as well as a biometric interface and a new CCTV option...
Check out our Videos Page for the High Quality options
Marmitek have just released a new range of IP CCTV cameras. As usual you can monitor the pictures and sound on your own network or arond the world via the internet. In the absence of a network some of the cameras can also record directly to a USB thumb drive. The units include Marmiteks UltraView software that supports up to 16 cameras. Four models are available, including wired Ethernet and wireless 802.11b/g devices. Prices range from 100 to 200 Euro (around £80 - £160)...
myhome247 have just launched their new 24/7 home surveillance system. The kits start at £250 (plus £5.95 per month) and provide home security and control, with one button setup, secure remote monitoring and support for Windows, Mac and Linux-based web browser...
The £150 Y-cam Black is a compact wireless IP CCTV network camera with 30 built-in infrared LEDs allowing the camera to deliver full colour images during the day while at night automatically activate its built-in infrared lights to deliver a clear black and white image even in complete darkness. It's also one of a very few that you can currently view with the iPhone...
iRobot have released two new domestic robots. ConnectR is a home communications robot, allowing dad for example to control the robot from his office, driving it round and viewing and talking to those at home. Looj is a skinny track driven mechanical ferret that scurries along your rain guttering cleaning them out. Check out the videos afer the jump...
This was posted to our mailing list last night - "We have just launched our service www.neverblinks.com , which is a very reliable and robust Web-based Always-ON IP Camera Remote Monitoring Service. With neverblinks, you can set up your cameras on our website, and schedule recording and motion detection sessions without having to bother about running camera monitoring software on a computer managed by you. Our servers stay awake 24/7, and keep your premises secured...
Here are some details of the newest release of the Domia Harmony 2007 Home Automation software product. Harmony 2007 is a ground-up rewrite of the existing software and is now a .Net application incorporating multi-threading and other contemporary technologies. It's a client server system which allows a central PC to run the server side and have the hardware attached, whilst allowing various clients to connect and control it...
Marmitek have launched another interesting new gadget aimed at the smart home market. The "SD MemoryCam2" consists of a small CCTV camera and a seperate recording device which captures images onto a SD Flash card. A 2 gig card will hold up to 24,000 picture. The device is on sale now at around 150.00 Euro...
Now this looks like a bargain, a Pan Tilt home CCTV system complete in an outdoor housing for $100! Read on for the details on this new product at Smarthome.com
"Encased in a sturdy plastic, weatherproof housing, this dome camera works both indoors and out. With both manual and automatic panning, the camera allows 180 degrees of coverage so you can monitor a large area with just a single camera. Measuring 4.72” by 4.53”, the compact camera can be mounted anywhere – on a ceiling or wall (with the included mounting kit)...
Here's an interesting product if you are considering installing a CCTV system in your home. The new Vi1204VPD from Vigitron allows the video signal, Pan Tilt Zoom data and power all to be sent along a single CAT5 cable...
"Vi1204VPD is a passive transeceiver device that combines video, PTZ data, and camera power over a single 4-pair UTP cable to simplify CCTV instalations in a structured wiring environment. It supports up to 4 cameras for up to 750 feet and is designed to be installed in the control room...
Domia have released information on a new addition to their Harmony home automation software range. The CCTV server application is available for £65.00, or bundled with a 4 channel DVR card for £160.00...
This little wireless IP camera looks idea for use in the home. With several unique features like the fact that it carries sound as well as video, and a LCD panel that shows its IP for easy configuration. Including WPA and available at under £170 Delivered, it should be a big hit with home automators...
Here's an interesting little device that detects movement and then records video through the standard peephole of your door...
"Did you know that burglars often come right up to the front door of a home and knock to make sure no one is at home before robbing a house? While you're away for work or holiday, your home could be more vulnerable to break-ins. IntelliCorder is a new gadget to help protect your home and family. The IntelliCorder is a motion-activated surveillance system for your front door. Designed to let you see who's on the other side of the door, it can provide security on demand. This patented door system uses a DVR (digital video recorder) and monitoring screen for real-time viewing and recording of anyone approaching your door within 2 meters...
Back in June we reported on this wireless cctv camera setup. It's now HALF PRICE so you can pick up the set for just £49.99 - so that's the wireless base station, a wireless cctv camera and a wireless temperature sensor all for under 50 quid...
Here's a new pan/tilt IP CCTV Camera. Available in both wired and wireless form for around £140 and £175 respectively...
"With the IP RoboCam8, the latest IP camera from Marmitek, you will never have to miss an important occasion ever again. Any event that you cannot personally attend can be watched on the Internet, wherever you are in the world. It is fantastic for special occasions and has a large number of practical security uses as well...
"Motorola's new Homesight Wireless Easy Start kit is under £100 and available now...
Stay in touch with the important things in life with our affordable, custom-tailored monitoring, security and control system. The homesight system allows you to see what's happening at home any time. From home, at work, even on vacation, you can keep a watchful eye on what matters most...
We've just received this press release on a new UK company specialising in the supply and installation of IP surveillance technologies.
"Analogue cctv equipment has undoubtedly been instrumental in reducing crime, however, this technology requires investment in expensive equipment and infrastructure so that criminals can be effectively monitored. IP camera technology can be implemented for a fraction of the cost using existing network infrastructures and employs intelligent technology which monitors premises and can track individuals movements without the need of an operator being present. Add to this the flexibility of being able to control and monitor cameras from anywhere in the world over an internet connection and the benefits become very tangible...
"SentryPad is an innovative solution to small business and home security and monitoring. The solution gives you live images over the Internet and on Internet ready mobile phones. Motion detection software will alert you via email and sms text message so you can view the live images or archived event log to confirm an intrusion to your property...
The BBC are running the following piece on their News site...
"Wander into your local branch of Woolworths, B&Q, Argos or Homebase and you will see boxes of CCTV systems stacked alongside more traditional homewares. Prices start at under £30 for a basic black-and-white device. Clearly, you no longer have to be a celebrity, millionaire industrialist or politician to have cameras trained on your doorstep...
Rather than wait another few weeks to publish my Home CCTV Server review I've decided to make t a two part affiar. Part one is now on-line...
"I have had CCTV at home for 8 years now in one form or another. Over that time camera performance has increased, whilst prices have fallen. Par for the course where most technology is concerned I suppose. A year or so ago I bought a Samsung CCTV switcher from eBay to view our cameras by modulating its output round all the TVs in the house. Using its simple timer it switched between each camera at a set interval, while this worked it was frustrating as the camera you wanted to view was rarely the one that was on the screen at that particular moment in time. The eBay acquired switcher died a month or so ago and so the search for the "upgrade" was on"...
The IR-POD camera mount provides wireless positioning capabilities.
Controlled by hand-held, TV-style remote, the IR-Pod is a motorized base that pans and tilts a camera. Set-up requires users to plug a camera and a power cord into the unit and does not require computer. Works with any camcorder, camera, or webcam within weight restriction; product is available in 2 versions...
I have had CCTV at home for 8 years now in one form or another. Over that time camera performance has increased, whilst prices have fallen. Par for the course where most technology is concerned I suppose. A year or so ago I bought a Samsung CCTV switcher from eBay to view our cameras by modulating its output round all the TVs in the house. Using its simple timer it switched between each camera at a set interval, while this worked it was frustrating as the camera you wanted to view was rarely the one that was on the screen at that particular moment in time. The eBay acquired switcher died a month or so ago and so the search for the “upgrade” was on...
Turn Your PC into an Affordable Video Surveillance System MSL Soft has released Easy Photo Grabber v. 1.3, an easy-to-use Windows application that turns your PC into a video surveillance system. Capture and store a series of video images from your webcam or video camera, or use Easy Photo Grabber's motion detection feature to alert you immediately when activity is detected...
The InControl range of security systems now support Direct IP or host name connections. There is now no need to go through the Digital Cybermasters server when using broadband or other always on connection (NO MORE SUBSCRIPTION CHARGES). You can also connect across internal LAN connections...
Welcome to the Automated Home Wiring Guide. This guide documents the installation of the various wiring systems around our new "automated" home. Hopefully the information will be helpful to others faced with the same task, or provide inspiration to those considering it. I'm a firm believer that a picture can paint a thousand words so wherever possible I have included photographs. I hope you enjoy reading this and I'd love to hear from you if you have any comments or suggests (
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Hi, The worlds first MPEG4 Network Camers server (BRANS200E) with full audio has arried UK. www.cateyeuk.com - Watch TV on line with audio and turn lights on/off.
Brans200E based on MPEG4, compresses images up to 1.5 - 2.0 Kbytes (320 x 240) per frame to transmit 15 - 20 frames per second via 256Kbps bandwidth and 30 frames per second in 512K bps bandwidth or better; however, image sizes can increase depending on the objects viewed and the amount of motion...
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- Li at Laser.com kindly lent me a Robocam to try out with my existing X10 camera. The robocam is a pan & tilt base for mounting your X10 camera on allowing you to keep a watchful eye on a wider field of view than the camera currently provides...
Submission by Adam Courtney - Panasonic have developed a biometric (retina scanner) Camera which doubles as a webcam. "Camera includes Private ID™ Client Software for stand-alone PC protection software-PC Log-On, Folder & File locking, and more...
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Now you can protect, control and automate your home *AND* save money with the new InControl Quadcam four camera bundle from DCM. For just £349.95, the bundle features an InControl Quadcam system complete with a full set of four full colour CCTV cameras (one supplied free). Now you can maximize the effectiveness of home CCTV, giving you the power to watch over four places at once! And best of all, this bundle represents a saving of £28 over the combined retail price of the same items when purchased separately...
Just received this press release. - "New from Digital Cybermasters Ltd is InControl Quadcam, a USB-based four camera home CCTV system with full X10 support. Selling for just £199.95 including a FREE full colour CCTV camera, InControl Quadcam connects to your PC via USB so there are no complicated capture cards to fit, no messy cabling and very straightforward set up...
