Monthly Archives: October 2011

Vivotek Unveils Extreme Weatherproof PTZ IP Camera Series
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Vivotek has released a new series of extreme weatherproof speed dome IP cameras.  Aimed at replacing earlier models, the new Vivotek SD83xxE PTZ cameras will of course have IP66 rated enclosures for tough outdoor conditions from snow to desert extremes.

The new Vivotek Outdoor PTZ IP camera series will also provide:

  • Joystick controlled PTZ features with 360° continuous pan and 90° tilt functionality with automatic patrol option.
  • H.264 compression including MPEG4 and MJPEG encoding for flexible video streaming tailored to your needs.
  • Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) Pro support for challenging lighting conditions.
  • IR-cut filter for true day/night functionality.
  • Local data storage on an SD/SDHC card slot.

Model Differences

The main differentiating factors in the new models are resolution and optical zoom capabilities:

  • SD8311E:  18x optical zoom at 720×480 D1

    • …

Thailand Flood Causes Hard Drive Shortage
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If you’re looking to buy a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or especially a configurable NVR like those with QNAP that offer your choice of storage, there may be a shipment delay due to flooding in Thailand that is affecting hard drive production.

The damage from flooding could keep factories closed for months so manufacturers who have an immediate hard drive need are stocking up quickly.  The last few months of 2011 are expected to be tight and Q1 2012 could be slow when the true impact of this disaster is felt.

If you’re looking into buying an NVR or anything else with a hard drive, sooner rather than later may be the best option as there’s no telling how long the wait could be.

Via …

Affordable Do-It-Yourself Home Surveillance
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Entry level IP cameras are dropping in price and are easier to install than you think.  Unlike webcams, IP cameras are standalone devices the don’t need a continuously running computer to allow them to operate.  Plus, you can access images from your IP camera anywhere, including mobile phones.

Nik Rawlinson of CNET writes “How to set up a cheap home security system using Dynamic DNS” and outlines, in great detail, the steps you’ll need to follow:

  1. Site your IP camera
  2. Sign up to free Dynamic DNS forwarding
  3. Set up your router

That’s all you need to start monitoring your cats from work.

Home IP Camera Suggestions

Here’s a few affordable indoor IP cameras that are great for home, office, or vacation home use.  Wired and wireless …

Mobotix Installed as World’s Highest Webcam to View Mt. Everest
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Mobotix’s Outdoor IP Cameras are made from a fiberglass-reinforced plastic that’s normally used to manufacture hard-wearing exterior car components. 

So it’s no surprise that a solar powered Mobotix M12 camera is now the world’s highest webcam at 18,514 feet (5,643 meters) on the Kala Patthar mountain.

Mobotix Outdoor IP Cameras are deployed in arctic and desert extremes with an operating temperature range of -22° F (-30° C) to over 140° F (60° C). And with a low power consumption, temperatures inside a Mobotix camera remain temperate resulting in a longer life span. 

Perched on the Kala Patthar mountain to provide high definition, megapixel views of Mount Everest, the world’s highest Mobotix IP camera is being used with the world’s highest weather station on Mount Everest as part …