Move over. Here come the big brands…Logitech introduces a wireless home-monitoring camera system based on the Homeplug AV wireless-networking platform.
“The video security market is characterized by expensive, hard-to-install and hard-to-use security systems, as well as poor-quality monitoring cameras," points out Eric Kintz, VP/GM of Logitech's video business.
Ouch... Hard-hitting Logitech is combining its training in out-of-the-box mass market sales with its HD video expertise (remember it dominates webcams at retail and also bought Lifesize) to throw its big retail brand punch into the home security market. Home security makers may reel from this hit, but Logitech will soon swing the second blow: they will bring Logitech Alert to the TV later this year as they enable Logitech Revue with Google TV customers to view any camera from any Google TV connected screen.
The Logitech Alert master systems (an indoors model and one other model weatherproofed for outdoors with night vision) include one HD camera, monitoring and control software, and free remote viewing of live video via a secure site. Also free smartphone apps enable viewing by iPhone, BlackBerry and Android.
The cameras come with a 2GB MicroSD card for storage and offer motion-triggered recording via built-in DVR. The available cameras capture 720p video and feature a 130-degree wide-angle lens.