 A top price performer |
| Review Date: June 1, 2010 |
| Reviewer: R.Cabell, Boyce, Vatican City State (Holy See) |
| Fantastic value. Simple to set up. I added a $90 13" TV monitor, replaced the 2GB chip with an 8GB, and liked things so much, added a second camera. Individual cameras require ac power, but transmit wireless to the control unit. When a camera's passive IR detects motion, it records either a preset 5, 10 or 15 seconds... whatever you specify, and you can record at higher or lower quality. I use high quality and five seconds. It makes a new folder each day, and each recording is an audio-visual file whose name is composed of the time HHHHMMSS and camera #. e.g. 10450122-01.AVI...... Each 5-second hiQ recording runs about 800 MB. You can review the files, or take out the chip, place it in your computer and look at them with software like Windows Media Player. I live in the country, so not much goes on... it records 50-60 hits a day. At that rate, a 5GB chip will hold about 3 months. When the chip is full, you can set the system to start writing over the oldest. The passive IR takes getting used to. It and the night vision only work within about 10-15 ft of the camera. A quirk is that afternoon thermals from my woodpile and my driveway apparently are enough to trigger recording. |
Simple to setup, OK picture quality
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| Review Date: March 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Stephen Lerch, Elkton, MD United States |
For the record, I also own the Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Hidden Master System Camera so I can do some comparisons for setup and picture quality and features.
The Lorex is extremely simple to setup. You just have to plug in the base station device, plug in and mount the camera, insert the memory card and you're all but done with setup. At least physical setup. Before you allow the receiver to go on recording, you will want to set it up using the on screen menus (you must use the supplied AV cable and connect to a TV for this). This device uses composite connections for video/audio to your TV. Using the remote, press the menu button. From here you can easily pair a new device (if you have more than one camera; if just one camera the DVR and the camera are already paired), setup a schedule for recording (say if you want to record a specific place 24/7 or just during an 8 hour day), adjust the date/time and so on. Everything is rather simple and shouldn't be too hard to know.
The picture quality. I find that the quality of the picture, even with perfect signal strength from the camera, isn't that fantastic. The images are washed out. Before you say "well it IS a security camera," this is an instance where I can compare this device to the Logitech Wi-Life system. The camera with the Wi-Life system auto adjusts it's colors whereas and looks decent; this device seems to only have a single setting and the images are OK to messy. Black shirts appear washed out blue which doesn't happen with the Wi-Life.
One thing this system has when compared to the Wi-Life, other than a better starting price, is a camera with built in infrared imaging. The Wi-Life has infrared only as a kind of expensive add on. With the Lorex system, this option is part of the system. The images from infrared are very excellent (they are black and white, but that's the nature of infrared).
Another thing this system has over the Wi-Life system is it doesn't require a PC to record. The Wi Life will ONLY record if you have it paired to software installed on a PC. I have a laptop setup in my house, hidden, that does my Wi-Life recording for me.
One thing the Wi-Life has that this system does not but is remote viewing. I can sit in my office at work, log into the Wi-Life system using Logitech's software, and see what is going on with any of the cameras setup around my house. With the Lorex, there is no such feature available on this model. You have to have the device with you or have the memory card with you. The Wi-Life can also be setup to email you if there is motion detected, another feature the Lorex system clearly lacks.
I have, but, experienced some issues with this unit. First, there seems to be a small in my power cable for the DVR. Any movement can cause the system to cycle power. This brings me to my second problem. I didn't realize this was happening and I removed the included memory card... while it was rebooting, and it has apparently hurt the card to the point of no longer being recognized as a device either in the DVR itself or in my PC. I plot on contacting their customer service department to see what can be done.
Before deciding on this system or the Wi-Life, choose on what features you need. If remote viewing/access is required, this is NOT the system for you. If recording in the dark is required and you don't want to spend a lot of money, buy this system. If you already have a PC you leave on all day, the Wi-Life may be the better option. If you don't want to invest in a new computer and leave it on all day, the Lorex is the way to go.
Either system will allow you to copy files to another media (CD, DVD, USB stick, etc) to hand off to law enforcement in case the unthinkable does happen. Picture quality on either system is OK and detailed enough to ID someone as well. The only difference is the Lorex is cheaper but also lacks some features found on the Wi Life.
Over all I'm satisfied with the product. I will likely keep my Wi Life system setup but augment it with the Lorex for areas I don't want/need remote viewing.
For me, as long as I can get |
A Safe Investment. Lorex' Digital Wireless Surveillance System: A Critical Review.
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| Review Date: April 15, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Andre Lawrence, Miami, Florida |
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R28JDPO0FJ1WVQ * Initial Inspection and Setup
** Items needed and Optional Recommendations
*** Testing & Results
**** Conclusion
Lorex' Wireless System (#LW2301) is a relatively compact surveillance system. It has very few pieces including an indoor/outdoor-"Nightvision" camera, a digital receiver with an RCA stereo output, 2 GB harddrive and an assortment of mounting accessories.
* I found the installation pretty straightforward and not really needing to consult the manual. But, there is a need for the manual if you elect to attach several (optional) cameras to the system.
Other than a hammer or a screwdriver to nail the camera's wall mount, there's no other mandatory tool you'll need to get the basic system up and running in a matter of 10 minutes max.
** If, as I stated in the video, that you have one of those older model TVs' that you're going to use as the monitor, then you'll need a mono-stereo input converter, which is about $20, to be able to receive the signal from the camera to the receiver.
I'd also recommend, a UPS (a portable battery backup unit)--prices range from $35- $200 with the median around $60.
*** When deciding how to use the system, I found it vital, especially if you're considering it for home use to reckon about where you want to have strict surveillance. If you want to be alerted when someone is just outside your home, the camera must be placed outside. I made an fascinating discovery during the first day of testing. I mounted the camera in the foyer with the backdoor several feet away. The foyer is separated by several full-length glass that opens up to the outside. With the camera aimed directly outside past the foyer (with a clear shot of roughly 50'), the camera would stream people going by but wouldn't recognize them even someone who was directly on the opposite side of the open glass door to the foyer. It was not until the person walked in that the system recognized them. This is not a negative criticism but an observation as to the limits of the system.
I also wasn't terribly impressed with the resolution of the image saved on the receiver's harddrive. As you can see in the video, the image of the person walking by and setting off the alarm (me!) wasn't sharp despite my being no more than a foot away from the camera.
**** For what it promises and for the price, I would consider this a excellent (not a fantastic) buy for a home/ apartment use and maybe for a section of an office in a small business.
Four stars.
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Simple TO USE
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| Review Date: March 25, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Margaux Paschke, New York |
We have just set this system up and it took around 20 minutes to install the camera (you only need a screwdriver) and 10 minutes to get it ready to record. Everything you need to get this indoor/outdoor surveillance is included in the box.
We installed the camera outside. There are adjustment knobs to help get the exact view you want. The system tells you if your camera is out of range and provides signal strength. You better be sure where you want to mount it before you attach it to your house. We could not place the camera exactly where we wanted due to to poor signals so we have an extra set of holes. Ouch. You have the option of setting the camera to record by the motion detection, set times or by pressing a button. We choose the motion sensor option and are pleased with it so far. Since we have just started using it, I will provide an updated review.
The wireless receiver is a thing of beauty. It places nice with our wireless router (Linxys) and the small size makes it convenient for placement. Getting the system up and running is a piece of cake too - you simply plug it into your pc or tv. There is no software for your pc, it is a self contained unit and does not provide for fine tuning. An automatic configuration is what you get and hopefully, it works for you. The picture quality is excellent, not fantastic. A basic SD card of 16 GB (4-6 hours) is included with the package for video storage but we will be purchasing one with larger memory.
I have also used Logitech's Wilife security system. How do they compare? This one is a small cheaper, has a 4 camera capability versus Logitech's 6, these cameras attach permanently while Logitech also has suction cup option (but this only works indoors and doesn't always work well), this camera appears sturdier but video quality seems about the same. The Logitech Wilife has more options in their software but this one can be used on a computer or tv and is ready to record after being plugged in. I would recommend either one for homeowners or small business owners for added security.
This system is very simple to set up and recommend it for any DIYers, no real skill required. I do not recommend it for use inside homes, you can buy cheaper systems that don't need to be screwed into walls for monitoring. |
Not terrible... but not for your business...
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| Review Date: June 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: I. R. Smart., Seattle, WA |
The Lorex LW2301 wireless camera system is simple to setup and use. It has a basic set of features that limit its application. It is a very excellent system for in-premises monitoring.
Setup
Unpacking and setting up the system is quick. For testing, I was able to have the system up and runnning in about 30 minutes. This excludes proper mounting/installation for actual usage.
The package includes everything you need to connect the system using a show (show not included). Once the base unit and camera were powered on, they paired automatically.
Features
The built-in IR motion sensor on the camera is a fantastic feature. Other systems I have used rely only on the captures image, which can take processing time and is less accurate. The IR motion sensor range is wider than the camera view point, so motion is detected before the subject enters view,which is nice for a security system.
The base unit needs to be connected to a show that has composite vide input. This allows for connectivity with most TVs and monitor. The low resolution of the composite connection limits image quality. The user interface (UI) has a basic set of options that are navigated using directional arrows in both the unit and a remote control included in the package. The UI uses icons. Most are intuitive; some require referencing the user manual.
Recording can be done manually, by schedule and by motion detection.
The package includes a remote control. The remote is small and not very responsive. I had to hold it with one hand and press keys with the other to get it to respond. I found myself utilizing the base unit controls to avoid the frustration with the remote.
Conclusion
The camera system's main strenght is its simplicity. For monitoring a small room or building entrance, it works well. It avoids complex software and computer setup. The system is not suited for remote monitoring and instant event notification or alerts because it is self-contained with no connectivity. It is not designed for remote security monitoring. This is its Largest downfall, and why you can't rely on it when you're away from the business/store etc. What this means is that if someone breaks into your house/store etc when you're NOT there, you'll have no thought it happened. Yes, the Lorex will record it, but if the Lorex gets stolen during the break-in, that won't help you. :D
If you are looking for simple local monotoring and record-keeping video, this is a low cost, simple-to-use option. No remote access means it loses a star. But you could certainly do a lot worse!
4/5 |
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April 26th, 2010 | 
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Posted in Wireless Home Security Systems | 
Tags: 4channel, camera, digital, indooroutdoor, lorex, lw2301, motion, quad, recorder, surveillance, system, video, wireless, with