Logitech Alert brings pro features to home security cameras

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 18 October 2011 15:34

Your IT - Home IT

Many of the features of professional video surveillance systems are available to home users in the form of Logitech's new Alert system.

iTWire has previously reported on professional video surveillance cameras (such as those from Axis) and related products which provide features including HD video, motion detection, and local storage. Logitech's newly-released Alert system brings such capabilities to homes and small businesses.

The basis of such a system is an Alert 750i Master System for indoor use, or a 750e for outdoor installation. Rather than relying on Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the Alert system communicates via HomePlug AV, sending data across the electrical wiring that powers the cameras.

Up to five Alert 7001 and 700e cameras can be added as needed to provide sufficient coverage of the property. All Alert cameras feature 720p video and 130-degree lenses, and the e models include 'night-vision' capability.

The system includes PC and web software, and supports remote live or recorded viewing on a smartphone (iPhone, Android or BlackBerry), Windows PC, or Mac. The Alert cameras include 2GB of MicroSD storage, allowing up to a week of recording when the associated PC is not operating. Recordings are automatically backed up to the computer when it becomes available.

Storage is conserved by only recording when movement is detected. Unnecessary recording and false alerts can be minimised by defining up to 16 motion zones around the premises.

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