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If you’re anything like me, you want to protect your valuables, but when you have to travel, there’s the ever-present fear that you won’t be around when the burglars arrive. However, if you want to invest in a video surveillance system, most high quality video devices cost more than the products you’re trying to protect, and the lower end cameras record in such poor quality that you’re better off not buying them. Enter Logitech’s new Alert Digital Video Security system. Marketed as a no-hassle, high definition set up, the Alert 750i Master System and the Alert 750e Outdoor Master System are intended to provide protection for consumers and small businesses at an affordable price point.
Logitech states that both cameras are “Logitech Alert smart cameras” which means that they will have a built-in DVR and “automatically record video when motion is detected”. Included with the camera will be the Logitech Alert software, which is necessary to configure, record, and review your video. Once the computer is connected to the network and the camera is plugged in, you can immediately begin recording. It might not be as easy as easy as “plugging in a toaster”, as the press release might lead you to believe, but it’s a far superior install process compared to rewiring your house or business. All of these features will be available on both the 750i and 750e; in addition, the 750e is completely weatherproof and has night vision recording for additional security. If you’re in need of multiple cameras, Logitech is also releasing the 700i and 700e add on cameras priced at $229.99 and $279.99, respectively.
Finally, the coolest feature of this system is the ability to connect the Alert system to your smartphone or laptop so that you can check on your house or business anywhere at any time. The included Logitech Alert Commander software will allow free remote viewing on a computer or smartphone, but if you are a frequent traveler or security nut, Logitech is also releasing the Logitech Alert Web and Mobile Commander service which allows users to use all the features of their main system on their laptop or mobile device. This means that as long as you are connected to the internet you can “configure your video security system, watch live video, archive recorded video on your PC and review the recordings captured by your camera”. These features are normally only available on the computer that has the original Logitech Alert software installed, but if you subscribe to the $79.99 per year Web and Mobile Commander service then all those services will become available with you wherever you go.
Although the Logitech website is currently sold out of both systems, you can pre-order now and the company will ship it as soon as possible. Although Skatter Tech, cannot confirm or deny the quality of these new Logitech camera’s, I have had excellent experience with many Logitech products including their webcams, and these options are much cheaper than the alternatives. As of this time, buy at your own accord.
The video security market is characterized by expensive, hard-to-install and hard-to-use security systems, as well as poor-quality monitoring cameras,” said Eric Kintz, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s video business.“ As part of our vision to bring HD video to anyone, anywhere, Logitech is thrilled to introduce a completely new video security solution to consumers and small businesses, which offers HD video quality and motion-triggered live viewing and recording at attractive price points.” Logitech also plans to bring Logitech Alert to the TV later this year, by enabling Logitech Revue™ with Google TV customers to view who is at their front door or check in on the baby in the crib, without leaving their couch. Although there are DIY ways of making security cameras, these usually involve a significant amount of time, and effort and use traditional webcams. Although the Alert System isn’t for larger companies, it will greatly cut costs for startups, small businesses and even paranoid individuals.
Buy: Logitech 750i for $300 | Logitech 750e for $350
Links: Logitech 750i | Logitech 750e
