• Home
  • Reviews
    • Best Of Lists
      • Top 10 Lists
      • Trade Show Lists
    • Smart Home
      • Energy Conservation
      • Smart Home Tools
      • Home Control
      • Security
      • Smart Appliances
    • Health & Fitness
      • Health Monitoring
      • Fitness
    • Automotive
      • GPS Navigation
      • Car Stereo
      • Emergency
      • Motorsports
    • Digital Living Room
      • Digital Living Room
      • DVD and DVR
      • Home Audio
      • Home Video
      • Televisions
      • Head Phones
    • Computer
      • Desktop PCs
      • Projectors
      • Speakers
      • Software
      • Printers
      • Monitors
      • Hard Drives
      • PC Components
      • Wifi
      • Laptops
    • Digital Imaging
      • Still Cameras
      • Camcorders
      • eReaders
      • Digital Photo Frames
    • Entertainment
      • Games
      • MP3 Players
      • Toys and Robots
      • Analog Specials
    • Websites & Apps
      • Free Stuff on the Web
    • Cellular / Wireless
      • Cell Phones
      • VOIP
      • Cell Software
      • Cordless Phones
    • Accessories
      • Batteries
      • Tools
    • Embedded
      • Innovation
  • Editorial Staff
  • Find Us
  • Contact Us

Zonet Two-way Audio IP Cam

Details
Category: WiFi
Written by Rich McComas

zonet-zvc7630-100w.jpg Zonet's ZVC7630 and ZVC7630W IP Camera is sophisticated enough for multiple-camera business use and simple enough to use as a Nanny Cam. The added features of two-way voice and night vision make this an feature-rich choice for either home or business security applications, and the price is best-in-class for a device of this nature.

zonet-zvc7630w-black200w.jpgAdministered completely through a browser, setup features include the ability to email photos periodically or when motion is detected, and even to turn the power light on or off.

One feature we liked but did not test was the ability to speak TO the device, which required installation of an external powered speaker.  At first, we wondered why a speaker was not integrated into the device, but then we imagined a number of scenarios where it would be better to provide higher quality audio, amplified audio, or even mount the speaker in a different location.  In a retail store location, for instance, you might want the camera aimed at the store floor or the cash register, but the speaker mounted in the manager's office, so that remote management could inform local management of an issue without disturbing customers or workers.  In other scenarios, a speaker might be aimed directly at the camera, so the the zonet enginees also place echo-cancellation technology in the device.

The only challenging part of the setup is making the device available for viewing remotely via the internet, a frequent use of the device which is not covered in the printed Quick Installation Guide, in the more detailed manual on the CD, or even in the website FAQs.  Within the same network, accessing the device is as simple as running a utility to search for the IP address of the camera, and then entering that IP address as the URL in your browser.  From the outside world, however, your camera is usually hidden behind a firewall and a router, so you will need to go into your Router configuration (different for each router) and forward a port to the device.

The difference between the 7630 and 7630W is that the W model includes a WiFi connection, which makes locating the device infinately easier.  In some environments, the additional WiFi bandwidth required for streaming high-quality video might present a bandwidth problem, so where possible, the wired connection is the better way to go.

The camera includes UltraView software for easy viewing up to 16 cameras at one time, which is fairly friendly and can manage many of the features on the device (or a group of devices).  Also, this IP camera is the most versatile that we have seen in terms of where and under what conditions you can save pictures and video clips.  At prescribed events or intervals, you can send data to an FTP port, sent out via email, save to a network drive, or event save to a USB stick that you could plug into the device.

For more information on this product, visit www.zonetusa.com.

Who are the Gadget Gurus?

peopleatsign.jpg Gadget Gurus technology reviews are heard and read by millions of people across the United States, including more than a dozen print publications, dozens of tier-one radio stations, on third-party websites, and more than ever, online at our own website.

NEWS: This year, you will see a number of exciting announcements from Gadget Gurus, including podcasts, our syndicated "Gadgets-in-a-Minute" broadcasts, and our ever-expanding "Best Of" lists.   Also, you will be seeing our portfolio of magazine "gadget pages" growing into a number of vertical markets.

TECH2 LAKE HOUSE

th-channel7-370.jpgUPDATE - The exterior of the Technology Lake House is complete and we are now working on interior finishing and electronics.  Last year, San Francisco's Channel 7 ABC News ran a special video report on the construction progress of the Technology Lake House, and we expect them back for a follow-up soon.  Click HERE for a DLINK Live Video Feed with pan and zoom features (userid=user, no password, daylight hours only). 

Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California.  Even though the house is a wireless demo house, we have installed more than seven miles of wires in the walls for dozens of flat panel TVs, speakers, control panels, and sophisticated lighting. So far, more than a dozen technology and fixture manufacturers have agreed to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967.  The 7,500 square foot project (plus three existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a five-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort.  This summer retreat will host  technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house showcasing the latest in home technologies.  There is room to park plenty of boats, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete.  For more info, send email to ronald@usa.net, or call 707-995-2683.  To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.

We are currently looking for products to evaluate in these areas:

  • Home automation: lighting, security, and entertainment
  • A/V technology for the 500 SF home theater media demo room

Hot News on Cool New Features: The ENTIRE front of the home is made of 21 sliding NanaWall glass panels that fold into the walls, opening the entire home up to the lake during demo days.