LOREX LW2301 4-Channel Wireless Quad Surveillance System with Digital Video Recorder & 1 Indoor/Outdoor Motion Camera Review
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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 easy 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 difficult to understand.
The picture quality. I find that the quality of the picture, even with perfect signal strength from the camera, isn't that great. 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 good (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 however 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, however, experienced some issues with this unit. First, there seems to be a short 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 damaged the card to the point of no longer being recognized as a device either in the DVR itself or in my PC. I plan on contacting their customer service department to see what can be done.
Before deciding on this system or the Wi-Life, decide 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, purchase 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
LOREX LW2301 4-Channel Wireless Quad Surveillance System with Digital Video Recorder & 1 Indoor/Outdoor Motion Camera Feature
- Video recorder supports up to 16 GB on Secure Digital Card?
- Record options?schedule by time or motion detect
- Single channel recording
- Expandable to 4 total cameras
- Quad or sequential viewing
LOREX LW2301 4-Channel Wireless Quad Surveillance System with Digital Video Recorder & 1 Indoor/Outdoor Motion Camera Overview
Lorex Lw2301 4-Channel Wireless Quad Surveillance System With Digital Video Recorder & 1 Indoor/Outdoor Motion Camera
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 27, 2010 20:39:33
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