Philips InSight Wireless HD Home Video Monitor
Easy to use monitoring system,
I was eager to set up a camera to monitor my house for a while but the other options I have tried have simply not worked because they were either overwhelming “bits” boxes needed to break through a firewall or were simply not sensitive enough. This Philips offers is actually very simple to use and, with some reservations, really good.
• In the box
After seeing the amount of things you have in boxes containing other safety systems of the house, it was an absolute joy to see (sorry to be OTT). In the box you get a camera, wall mount and fastenings, USB and plug. That’s it. No complicated son that myriad connectors must be attached, just a camera and a cap (plus a European late replacement for the card that you can throw in recycling).
• Implementation
After removing the bit (ok, just the camera) and find the English instructions, it took me a little over 5 minutes to set it up and get a watchable picture on my iPhone, but not by much. Probably after just 10 minutes, I had a picture and was bombarded with messages that sound or movement had been detected … I had set up in front of me on my office desk, which probably was not my brightest move.
The App Philips was easy to find (three different options come to me on a search, but only one had this camera associated with it) and works very well. The implementation is simple, easy to follow and quick. Note that the camera must be able to pick up a Wi-Fi signal to work so that you may need an extension cord to stimulate it.
• Images
You get a feed and alerts online for free with the system at the basic level no cost associated underway. I received an alert on my phone whenever the camera detects motion or sound, and it turned out very sensitive. At other times I could watch a live stream on my phone (full screen) to keep an eye on the place and the assurance that nothing untoward was going on (although initially I was just looking at my office but I did spend quite quickly).
Images / sounds generated by the alerts were saved on my phone as a series of size stamps shears, but you can not access these to see if you select a paid for service.
The camera is very sensitive and moving images it captures are a good level in daylight. What you will capture the night depends on the amount of light available; it’s okay but not great if you can have a safety light set up.
• Subscription
There are three levels of service available via the App Philips. The images or sound clips generated when the camera detects something can be stored in the cloud and accessible if you need it – but only if you pay a monthly subscription; note that the subscription is per camera, not per user:
• Basic: you can view a live feed from the camera (as you have Wi-Fi) and receive alerts if the camera detects motion or sound. The alerts come quickly enough so that you would have the opportunity to see the live stream to see if there was an intruder, even if you could not access the clips. It would probably be sufficient for you to call a neighbor or the police to attend and check things out.
• Silver: For about £ 8 per month, you can choose to have the records stored on a seven-day rolling, which could be useful if you do not have broadband access, immediately, or just for the peace of mind.
• Gold: the most expensive option at about £ 28 per month gives access to recordings captured during the previous 30 days.
• Conclusion
This is the best option I have watched so far to keep an eye on the place while I am away. It is easy to install and easy to follow what is going on from a remote location. Whether you use the basic subscription or paid to a service is a matter of choice, but if you are looking for a home security monitor for the peace of mind the basic service will probably cover most needs without additional costs .
Philips InSight Wireless HD Home Video Monitor
