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visit TECH FEATURE
66 JUNE 2016
TECH
Peace of mind will never go out of fashion but the
age of pricey home security is over. The presence
of user-installed security systems in homes is
escalating, with home security
and monitoring more effortless
and more cost effective than ever
before. Control of home security is
finally being handed over to the
homeowners.
By John Roebuck
Leading the charge in commercial home security,
NETGEAR’s products innovate in the field of user
experience. The Arlo 3 and 4 camera system (three and
four cameras, respectively) works in conjunction with a
cloud system and app service (on both iOS and Android)
that function with one another to provide the consumer
with instantaneous updates on their Smartphone, Tablet or
computer, should any activity register. You’re in complete
control.
The cameras are durable and weather resistant, offering
130-degree field of view and also capable of capturing
night vision. They record only when motion is detected,
preserving battery life. As with all NETGEAR products, set
up is simple. The system comes with magnetic camera
mounts and cameras can be added where the user sees fit
(the system can handle up to fifteen).
The clarity and reception here is absolutely outstanding.
The software and phone app that work in conjunction with
the cameras are easy to follow and use. The relatively low
cost and ease of use makes Arlo one of the best home
security systems on the market, putting users in complete
control of their home security.
Netgear VMC3040 Arlo Q 1080p HD Security Camera with Audio
When it comes to affordable home security, the Arlo Q is possibly the most coercive product
on the market. With features that are usually associated with higher end products, such as
1080p detail and night vision, the Arlo Q offers real bang for your buck.
Corresponding (and completely compatible) with comparable Arlo products, the Arlo Q is
uncomplicated to set up and operate. The cameras are equipped with two-way audio, allowing
users to communicate with any room in which they are installed. The Arlo app, available for
both iOS and Android, is straightforward and can receive alerts when sound is detected,
making home supervision of a child or pet a breeze.
The clincher? Arlo Q purchasers are provided with a free basic cloud storage plan, storing
motion and sound-triggered videos in the cloud for a full seven days at no cost.
i
Security Kit
In close competition
with the Arlo systems
is the Swann Wi-Fi
Security Kit, another
leading product in
wireless home security.
The Swann provides
720p high definition live
viewing and playback,
which is ten times
the picture sharpness
of traditional home
security systems.
Included in the Security
Kit are two cameras,
both with enhanced
night vision capabilities,
which can see in the
dark up to 15m.
Two additional
cameras can be
added to the system if
required, to provide full
4-channel monitoring.
Like the Arlo, the
Swann system can
be controlled via
an app, for iOS or
Android, which can be
downloaded for free,
allowing the user to
view what the camera
sees remotely. There
is also computer
software, operating in
a similar fashion to the
app, which is included
with the kit and can be
installed and configured
upon set-up.
lo 3 and 4 Camera System
3 camera option