Wireless Webcams

Hidden Wireless Webcams

2008-10-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

I had a few people ask about the Nanny Cam and could it be hidden, etc. Yes, while the camera in the previous post could be hidden, it seemed a bit big to me to be hidden practically.

There is another inexpensive wireless camera that could be hidden much easier. This one uses a receiver that's about the size of a deck of cards, and that can be connected to your computer, VCR, etc. somewhere else in the house. The camera itself is about the size of a casino die. Both can be powered by 9 volt batteries or plug-in adapters. This camera is color, includes audio, and can be focused to an extreme close-up.

These can be used as hidden wireless webcams, but keep in mind that you still must have a composite video input(or USB to composite adapter) on your computer. Click the picture above to see an example of what you get for about $40.

Wireless Webcams - The Nannycam

2007-08-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Before I move on to the other wireless webcams, I wanted to touch on the nannycam. Apparently these are quite popular with people who have in-home child care. The wireless webcams I mentioned in the previous post can function quite well as a nannycam. In fact, after my wife's maternity leave was over, I just left the camera set up. We had a baby sitter come in every day, and it was nice for both of us to be able to look in on our daughter from work. The camera was in plain view on top of a bookcase. The baby sitter never asked about it, and it never occurred to us to mention it to her, or the fact that we could see them over the internet while we were at work.

Most people who set up a nannycam are interested in concealing it so the baby sitter is not aware of it. While our camera could be hidden in a shelf ornament or a clock, X10 makes smaller ones that are easier to hide, and ones that they specifically market as a nannycam. If you are interested in that, be sure to check out the X10 site for it.

Scott

Wireless Webcams

2007-08-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of webcams, but did you know there are wireless webcams? Indeed there are different kinds of wireless webcams, and I'll explain the differences. Although wireless webcams are not particularly new, they are becoming more popular with the explosion of broadband internet access.

Non wireless webcams are typically the ones that are somewhat inexpensive and connect to your computer with a USB cable. They are great for sending photos or video, and even for live video chatting by way of Skype and other services. The disadvantage is that the camera must be tethered to the computer by the length of the cable.

In my view, there are two types of wireless webcams. The first of the wireless webcams I'll be telling you about is technically not really a webcam, but a 2.4Ghz wireless video camera. It becomes a webcam simply by connecting it's receiver to a video in port or card on your computer. You can get the software you need to use it as a webcam for free on the internet, or get it included when you buy the camera. I prefer the second option.

The setup I use and really like is from a company called X10. Besides all sorts of wireless cameras, they also make a full line of home automation and home security products. All their prices are very affordable, and they always have some kind of special going on. In fact, the very first pop-up ad I ever saw on the internet was from X10, and I bought the kit they were advertising on the spot. Never bought from a pop-up since.

Anyway, back to the cameras. I started with the basic three camera kit, which includes everything you need to get going. They have tons of add-ons (I had to get those) like a motion sensor which will start a recording when tripped, and other goodies. But my favorite was the webcam software and a little hardware gadget that allows you to view and switch between all your cameras from anywhere on the internet. If you have the pan and tilt models, you can even operate that function from the internet.

The uses you can find are endless. When My first daughter was born a few years ago, I set one of these up so I could see my wife and new baby while I was at work.

Check out the X10 Site.

Next Up: I'll cover the real wireless webcams, which are more expensive, but don't require a computer to operate them.

Scott