|
DWD
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Date
:
March 24, 2010
|
Super-easy to install
This is my first attempt to install any type of camera. It took me about 15 minutes - it would've taken less but I decided to see if I could install it without reading the instructions. After consulting the instructions and plugging it in correctly it worked right away!
It plugs into a local router, comes with window stickers that warn that the "Premises under 24 Hr. video surveillance" (2 in English, 1 in Spanish), and installation stand/bracket with screws and wall anchors.
The video quality is pretty good but the internet connection is a little bit herky-jerky (may be my broadband is a bit slow, who knows?).
Ideal use for just one camera? Small business or office.
To cover a house you'd need multiple cameras and unless you want them all plugged into the same router and run lines everywhere you'll need to upgrade to some wireless cameras.
|
|
Eric K. Talerico
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Date
:
April 23, 2010
|
Great for Windows, not so much for Mac
The Lorex LNE1001 is a terrific little camera that does exactly what the ads say it will. On a PC with Windows XP it was up and running in the short time required to install the software and plug in the USB port. Its easy to use, and the quality of the images is very good. As a home protection device, you can't ask for much more. Things were more problematic when using my Mac Mini though - for one thing, the device supports viewing only for Mac, so you can't record your security footage. So its good for live monitoring, but not for evidentiary uses. Also, it was not easy to set up to use with a Mac. I followed the instructions on the indicated website, which entailed logging into my router and locating the IP address of the camera, but it took several times and a bit of guesswork to really get it operational. Although the camera's IP address turned up when I logged into the router, I had to improvise to get my computer to recognize it. Once I did however I was able to access the camera using my Safari browser and it worked quite well. Be prepared to run a very long ethernet cable if you intend to use the camera outside the immediate vicinity of your computer - there are instructions on how to run the cable on the Lorex website, but you may want to get an electrician in if you've never done it yourself, or get a repeating router so that you can avoid the long cable run.
|
|
Michael B. Taylor
Date
:
September 18, 2010
|
Lorex LNE3003 Wireless IP Network Camera
THIS IS A GREAT CAMERA TO VIEW ON IPHONE. I have had this camera for 10 months, working fine. I bought this Lorex LNE3003 camera for a vacation home that I have. Reading the information in many reviews, I decided this camera seemed best as a wireless camera, IP network, to view on my iphone. It took about one hour or so, seemed longer, to get this camera working fine the way I needed it to. Configuration requires the camera to be directly plugged into the router before using it as a wireless. However, once I did get it working, I can now set it around the house at different locations, and view on my iphone anytime. Usually I leave it setting on an inside window ledge, pointing outside into the swimming pool area of the back yard. I have turned off the led lights so there is no window glare. For many months now this camera has performed perfectly, allowing me to look at whatever the camera is pointed at on my iphone, with no problems at all. I have set up a simple to access icon on my iphone and my wifes iphone, and even after upgrading our phones, the icon has come up on the new phone after the first sync and works perfectly. So, read the information before you buy, and if you decide to make this purchase you will be very happy with the result. THIS IS A GREAT CAMERA.
|
|
camguy
Date
:
July 31, 2011
|
Awesome product, easy to use, remote viewing ANYWHERE
I am personally shocked at how many mediocre reviews there are about this product. I have 4 of these cameras that includes the DigiPlayer by NUUO console. I have had these for over a year and have NEVER had one problem. I can open the console application and view all 4 cameras at once. I can choose to record when I want to. If you buy directly from them, they include the DigiPlayer console which, in my opinion is a must have with this system. Otherwise, you would need to go to each URL to view each camera with a 1-3 second lag instead of one screen with 4 live feeds. I use this to check in on my puppies when we aren't there and have 4 of them setup on wireless. If you are hooking it up through wireless you need to plug it WITH A CABLE directly into your router first and then you must configure your router to port forward to the specified IP address that you assign each camera. If you want to have a particular IP to port forward (which is a must if using DDNS) - you only have to setup the Wireless section....do not change the Device Setup IP's. Free DDNS accounts are also provided by Lorex, which is great. They could have been a little more clear about what I mentioned about not changing the Device IP addresses, but I learned this through trial and error. You are essentially obtaining two IP's for your camera...one WIRED (for setting everything up under Device Setup) and one WIRELESS under the Wireless section. It really isnt that hard if you FOLLOW the directions. This is my first review on Amazon due to the fact that I feel these products are extremely durable, easy to setup and are everything one needs to setup wireless monitoring in your home, HANDS DOWN. This is purely a winner and Lorex has done a great job on this product. They also make a PTZ camera that you could REMOTELY move 360 degrees...quite an option but at $500 I will pass for now. This is absolutely an amazing product and if you are in the market for indoor home surveillance I would urge you to not think twice about this product. [..]
|
|
Mitch Haile
Location: San Jose, CA and Boston, MA
Date
:
June 26, 2009
|
You can get this to work without installing software, but it's a pain
The documentation for this product undersells the product.
As a Mac user, Internet Explorer and ActiveX is not an exciting proposition, which the other reviewers point out. However, you don't need IE or any other software beyond the basic Mac installation to make this camera do its thing.
You will, however, need to know how to find the camera on your network. The camera ships with DHCP enabled, and you need to go your DHCP server (such as your router) and find the IP address that corresponds to this camera. This means looking at the most recently assigned IP address shortly after you plug-in the camera, or comparing the Ethernet hardware address with the entries in your router's DHCP logs.
The above isn't easy for a networking novice, but intermediate or advanced users can probably sort through this. I assume the softare that gets installed serves to find the camera, based on the directions, but I didn't use it.
Once you know the IP address, you can point FireFox or Safari to that IP address and login as admin/admin. From there, you can stream the live feed with QuickTime. The video quality is amazingly good--Far better than the built-in iSight on my MacBook Pro. For the camera quality and integration with standard protocols and tools, this camera really shines. You can also integrate the camera with email and FTP without requiring a computer, which is the whole point. The web UI is fair at best--it's a little clunky, but functional and consistent. For remote access where bandwidth might be limited, the right decision was probably made to keep the UI light.
The camera itself is well-constructed, but it's not going to win any beauty pageants. It's functional, which is perhaps all that is needed of a security camera. The base, arm extension, and a ball joint enable a number of mounting options, but you may find yourself needing to build a custom bracket for specialized positions.
There is a port on the bottom for connecting an external speaker to use the camera as an intercom--I am guessing that use case does require software, but I didn't investigate it first hand. There's also some remote access services that I didn't explore either, but would clearly be handy for the network novice user who doesn't want to deal with static IPs, port forwarding, or FTP.
Overall, the build construction, the ease of use, and the incredibly good quaity video warrants 4 stars. However, the lack of crisp, clear documentation and discovery software that precludes using a Mac when it should not costs the camera 1 star. It is a good product, if you can get through the initial hurdle. The camera exceeded my expectations on video quality, but was about what I expected otherwise.
|
|
Dean Redfern
Location: Indian River Shores, Florida
Date
:
June 26, 2009
|
LOREX LNE3003 Wireless Network Camera keeps an eye on things
The box that the Lorex LNE3003 comes in says, "Connect, See, Hear, and Protect." After a 45-minute installation process, I was able to do all of these things smoothly.
This camera can be mounted anywhere, indoors or outside, as long as it is in the range of your wireless network. In my case, this camera was able to communicate to my old Linksys WRT54G router from a distance of 75 feet. The limiting factor, with regard to placement, is the need for an electrical outlet.
The installation card outlines a seven-step process that goes through the software installation; the connection of the camera to a home network; enabling the record and playback of video; and the remote viewing on the Internet through the use of a third-party website called Yoics. With my Linksys router, and a Vista-based laptop, this moderately-detailed installation took about 45 minutes. The installation calls for a security setting of "WEP" in the network router, which meant going into the router configuration software to make the change, which then resulted in having to propagate this new security setting into the two other computers that are on my home network. Unlike the USB port on a PC, Ethernet connections are not yet a plug-and-play architecture.
The quality of the video depends on the video settings that are used. Through the Lorex software, the video was reasonable smooth with natural colored tones, while the audio seems acceptable, and it is in-sync with the video. Viewing the video stream through a web browser yielded a more jerky picture like those that you often see on a web cam.
The end result is that I now have the ability to keep an eye on our home while we are away, as well as an eye on Wilson the cat.
|
|
Chuck
Location: Raleigh, NC
Date
:
November 27, 2009
|
It's MUCH better now with the Firmware Update
I don't write many reviews so here goes. I purchased the 2-pack Lorex LNE3003 from Amazon.com last week. Amazon's price was much cheaper, especially if you buy their 2-pack. I had read the reviews on here before my purchase, especially about the WEP security issue. Lorex has a firmware update which permits different levels of network security, so it's not only WEP as your security option any longer. [...]
You do need to have some techno background to ensure the cameras work the way you want to. Making the camera wireless after you've installed it initially with a connected LAN cable to your router is not that difficult; in fact, this process only takes about 5 minutes.
The key to proper installation, is reading their instructions carefully, and not skipping a step. [...]
One thing I found as an effective focusing tool once you have the camera installed: I installed the first LNE3003 in my living room; I typed up a sheet of paper with a large letter "E" the size of the 8.5 X 11" paper; shrink your margins down to .3" all around, and increase the font size (Arial) to 300. Then I temporary taped the letter "E" paper to the walls in my living room in two-distance locations. Then with my laptop near the camera, I started to focus the LNE3003 until both "E's" started to come into focus. I have to say the quality of the picture is VERY clear -- Much sharper image than I anticipated.
Sign up for Lorez's free DNS service on their website; it allows you send email pictures much easier than I found with their other methods. What is nice about this camera, is when you use the "motion" sensor setting, it snaps pictures of the area (when movement is detected) and emails them to you, well before a burglar or some criminal person would be able to react or remove the camera. Hence, even if they discovered the camera, pictures would be emails to you well before they remove the camera!
All in all, I am pleased with this product. I'm about to install the second camera under my front, covered porch -- It will give a nice view of the front door, driveway, and any approaching visitors.
|
|
D. Hayek
Location: Minnesota
Date
:
December 29, 2009
|
Easy to use first surveillance camera
This was my first camera for home surveillance. This product is very easy to setup. Viewing while connected to the local network provides fairly smooth motion and sound quality. The web based application for remote viewing is more jumpy but still serves the purpose.
|
|
Tiger
Location: San Jose, CA
Date
:
April 21, 2010
|
Great for home viewing, software limits usability of web viewing
I was impressed with the packaging, materials, and printed instructions that came with this. It was really well packaged and made an awesome first impression. It was just so well polished and noticeable compared to so many other electronics. Setting it up to run & view locally on your home wired network is easy and it works great. It really didn't take much at all to be able to plug in, install the viewing software, and see what it was viewing with a good frame rate. I am very happy with this from that perspective.
This is the wired version, not wireless. I can't help but say 4-star instead of 5-start because of being wired. I am much more limited to where I can place it. But that is easily solved by just buying a long network cable from a cheaper but reliable place online. I really wish I had the wireless version though. It would give so much more freedom to move anywhere you want to monitor anything that has a power outlet within range of your wireless network. But if you are installing at a fixed location, then just by the cable and run it if you can run a cable out of view or don't care about seeing the cable. Wired will simplify setup perhaps to avoid network configuration over time.
My biggest complaint is with the software for web viewing. First, what frustrates me most is the 3 separate usernames & passwords for 3 different things. (1) You have a username & password for the camera itself to protect others from getting access to it on your network somehow and seeing. But I can't figure out how to change the username & password. The manual says you can and made it sound easy, but I am a software developer and I couldn't figure it out on the first day. I'm sure I could keep playing with it, but so far haven't figure it out. (2) You have a username & password just for the IP address switching service so that the third piece of software can locate it. (3) You have a user name & password for what looks like a freeware service to view your camera by using (1) and (2) from the website you log onto with (3). The software was too loosely integrated in my opinion. It is just too confusing. I really wish they had one portal that put together everything seemlessly for you, (1) camera admin itself locally, (2) IP switching, (3) web based viewing. I can't always remember which username or password it is asking for and which to enter. I was disappointed by the loosely integrated experience after such polished packaging and printed instructions.
When you view from the web, the video quality is greatly diminished, but this is configurable when you configure the camera locally and really depends on your internet upload speed. So I am not considering that a point against it. It is simply limited by your connection speed, but does a lot to help configure better for it. You can do better quality choppy video, like freeze-frame, or various other resolutions.
|
|
J. Offenbach
Location: N VA
Date
:
June 16, 2010
|
Wired way to watch from afar
The Lorex LNE1001 Easy Connect Network IP Remote Surveillance Camera (White) was not too difficult for me to connect after reading the materials and checking the Lorexcctv website. A lengthy brochure describes the step-by-step sequence for setup which must be followed in order, but to install on a Mac, I had to go to the website for instructions. The camera is small in size and a short white ethernet cable was included. Unfortunately, for our needs, we'll be getting a wireless surveillance camera, but this was an inexpensive way to get started. We'll also be looking for a camera that enables us to record on a Mac which is not an option with this camera and the reason I've deducted a star from the review.
|
|
Penguin Chick
Date
:
October 20, 2010
|
Works nice!
Well "easy connect" might be pushing it a little bit, but just the first time. This took me about a half hour to hook up. It would probably take less time for someone a bit more computer savvy than me, but I still think I did pretty good. Once it was set up, it actually works great! I use it just to keep an eye on things at home and I'm able to do that with no problem. Sometimes the connection is a bit shaky, but all in all I'm happy with it. This is my first experience with this kind of product, and I think for first time users, you will be pleased.
|
|
Mel K
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date
:
October 29, 2010
|
Nice camera for casual users
Not the easiest set-up on my Macbook Pro, but it's worked fine since I got it going. The camera requires a wired connection, so as others have mentioned, it just isn't the best choice if you're looking for a setup far away from your computer (unless you're fine with buying and using a really long Ethernet cable). My computer is in my living room apartment so it's usually fine if I want to check up on my dog while I'm at work. For similar casual remote viewing, this system gets my vote. For more robust surveillance (and recording capability) I would probably research another model.
|
|
twright3
Date
:
November 4, 2010
|
IP Cam does its job
My goal was to have a camera in my garage at home and record motion on my security computer at work. After a bit of a struggle, it's doing just that. The instructions start you with the simplest case -- wired to your router. You install a small program on a PC attached to that router to set up the camera. It's like setting up a router -- you run a browser on the PC and interact with the camera through its html pages. At first I was confused about what was running where but I got the hang of it. The instructions step you through to more complex states, first running the camera in wireless mode and then accessing it from non-local computers. Then I worked up to automatically FTPing pictures when there was motion, which you set up on the camera. At first I went to my friends FTP site, but then I set up a free FTP site on my computer using FileZilla. The only part where I had to get help was setting up my routers at the office to allow FTP access. After that was working I was able to easily set up FileZilla to only accept FTP access from my home IP. The camera is now autonomously grinding out pictures and they are being automatically saved at a remote site exactly like I wanted.
|
|
ittech
Date
:
October 29, 2011
|
Lorex LNE1001i review
This version I purchased is hard wired.
Pros
* Good picture quality for its size and price range
* Easy enough to configure with the included software
* Does have internal speaker for hearing sound with video(works great), can add speakers for two-way sound.
* Can access with web browser for local viewing and control. Can also access remotely via web browser and includes suggested Yoics account setup to avoid any static public IP address issues.
* Does have a smart phone app, but this appears to be just for local network viewing.
Cons
* Stand is not easy to adjust. Needs more movement. Best if hung on a wall.
* Software is very basic. Needs more recording features like adding schedules. The motion detection feature is really bad. Does not record sound and video(this is normal in the US due to legal issues per state).
* I spent some time trying to get the smart phone app to use the Yoics account but could not make it happen. Having to use a smart phone web browser to go to Yoics and have multiple log-ons is a pain when viewing remotely. Be nice if the app had two setups, one for local (as it has now) and one for remote setup with the yoics account, then have it remember the log-ons. One click viewing. If I had a public static IP address then I suspect it might work.
Suggestion
Would be nice if more POE IP cameras were available. (power over ethernet) no need for power cable, just an ethernet cable.
|
|
Sean P. Logue
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC
Date
:
August 3, 2009
|
Cool idea, flawed execution
I really wanted to like this product. It is certainly a very cool idea. A self-contained camera with an mpeg encoder that can connect wirelessly (or wired) to a standard home network, and broadcast video to any laptop over a web browser. And, indeed, it does try to do all that, but only partially succeeds.
First, kudos on the packaging. It is high quality, has all the necessary parts, including a short ethernet cable, a metal swivel mount, and even a couple of zip ties to keep things neat. I was very excited to unwrap the goodies!
The first snag I hit was that the wireless ability only works on a WEP network, not WPA. I moved all my routers to WPA security long ago because WEP is no longer considered secure. Because I'm not going to downgrade the security of my home network, wireless is out for me as an option. Still, it isn't so bad for me because I have lots of available hardwired ethernet ports in my house, and I figure that since I have to plug in the power adapter anyway, it won't really be wireless regardless. So, I went ahead with it but be sure and check that you have a port near where you intend to mount the camera before ordering one.
The part I was most worried about, the software, actually installed effortlessly and found the camera on my network without any trouble. One click and I was getting a streaming video feed right to my laptop, which was very cool! The image itself was color, but very blurry. That's because the lens has to be focused by turning it left or right, like a projector lens. That wasn't as easy to do as it sounded from on top of a step stool while trying to see my laptop screen (where the feed was) at the same time as turning the lens. I think a helper may have made this easier, but I was never able to get the focus sharp, and even when I got some things in the image somewhat in focus, other parts further or closer away would be blurry. So, I wasn't very successful with the lens focusing.
I also gave up trying to see the image from outside my network. It is clear that it is possible to do so, and the company has gone to great lengths to allow it. However, it requires service from Lorex as well as from a different company (Yoics), and by the time I had accounts with both and had installed the Yoics software, the whole thing just became too complex for me to keep fiddling with. So, while it is possible to do this, I wouldn't say it was easy.
Overall, because of the focus issue (I'm watching my blurry image type this right now), the lack of WPA support for wireless connection, and the complexity behind viewing it from outside the home, I recommend passing on this product. If you do go ahead and get one to play with, just be aware of its limitations in advance. It is a cool idea, and I'm sure the products in this space will continue to improve.
|
