Security Camera’s

Security cameras have always been for the Rich & Famous in the past, but now they are an easy DIY project that doesn’t have too much of a hefty bill.  I just found this site (www.networkcamerareviews.com) tonight that does reviews on IP based Video cameras.  There is a massive amount of information on this website, and if your interested in the idea I suggest you check it out. 

Trendnet TV-IP512WN

Some people might think that they don’t need security cameras, and I’d probably agree with most people on that.  Although they can provide you with some other benefits that you may have not been aware of.  For an example, if the doorbell rings, and your home alone on your computer, you can connect to your camera via a web browser and see who is there.  Even if your out, you can have your camera record video based on motion sensitivity and you can see who came by your house when you were out.  One of my co-workers had a bull-dog puppy and he has set his security camera up inside the house so that he can check it from work to see what his little puppy is up to.  Or maybe you just want to catch which neighbor is bringing their dog around to crap on your lawn (yes one of my co-workers bought one for this reason).

Some features on various cameras can include:

• Email you pictures of when motion is detected
• Record video when motion is detected onto a network share or computer
• FTP a picture when motion is detected (this is great as if you are getting robbed, this can send the picture to the internet so that if your computer is stolen you can still find what was on the camera)
• Record sound as well as video and even have speaker attachments.  This way you can hook a speaker up to your camera and talk through a microphone hooked up to your computer – this will drive your pets crazy
• Cameras that Pan/tilt and swivel, that you can control via your web browser (or even automatic target tracking so that it can follow a subject walking by - possibly creeping out your visitors)

 Now when I think of a wireless security camera I think it can provide a little more security on your house as people may be intimidated to rob a house with them.  On the other hand, maybe people will think you have something worth robbing… 

Wireless security camera’s aren’t the most secure.  They do have built-in security, but for some of those hackers out there, they could essentially hack into your camera to either disable them or see what they are seeing.  So I wouldn’t 100% rely on these cameras for full home security.

The camera in the picture at the beginning of this post is by TrendNet.  They have quite a few affordable cameras with some great features.  Also most cameras will come with TrendNet TV-IP512WN I listed above comes with software that can control up to 32 cameras – for the extra paranoid. 

I will personally be purchasing a couple of these, as I think they are a “Soup up my House Essential”.  This is definetly a wow factor to people who visit your house, nevermind the people you can show at work.

If you have any experience with any of these cameras please let me know.  I’m interested in the different software each brand comes with and how good they are. 

What do you think, good investment? or kinda creepy?

One remote to rule them all!

There are tons of universal remotes out there, but nothing compares to Logitech’s Harmony line.  This remote can control every single IR device.  So the more things you have IR sensors on the better. 

For example, my Logitech Harmony 880 remote controls:

• TV
• Stereo Receiver
• Xbox 360
• Xbox
• Satellite Receiver
• Space Heater
• Light Dimmers

And the best part, is that all these devices are in Logitech’s database online.  When you setup your remote (by hooking it up via USB to your computer), you can setup your activity list.  Some examples of an activity would be: Watch TV, Watch a DVD, etc.  When you click on Watch a DVD, you can have the TV turn on, go to the right input, turn on the stereo receiver, change the stereo receiver to the right input, adjust the volume, and set the lights to a preset dim.  All at the click of one button!!! 

I admit, at first I think it may be a little overwhelming for the average person.  But once it is setup properly it is VERY simple.  If you can’t get something to work, there is a help button that guides you through how to fix the problem. 

I’m not too sure the difference between the models, but the low end model should do exactly what the average household needs. 

Most people think this is a guy gift, and your probably right – it definitely makes a great gift for Fathers day coming up.  A little pricy at $100 USD for the lower end model (I find www.ncix.com has great prices for both Canadian & US).  But I guarantee, once you show your wife how to use this she will love it to.  I apologize to you women who are tech savvy – I admit I know a bunch of guys who wouldn’t have a clue what to do with something like this…  But I promise, with patience if you follow the instructions it is a pretty painless setup.

Anyways, since it is fathers day this weekend I figured I’d give a couple gift ideas (including the media players I posted about this morning) – probably gifts that require more than 1 person to go in on though. 

If any of you have any gift ideas for Father’s day please let me know (I still need to go shopping…)