Home Surveillance Security Monitor - Help Please

[GameBoy27]

Posting in the Lounge as not many members peruse the Technology section.

This is a two part question.

1. I would like to install a camera or two inside my home and one or two in my parents house. This is the type of camera(s) I was thinking about. http://www.amazon.ca/PYLE-HOME-PIPCAM5-Surveillance-Security-Downloadable/dp/B00LN0OLZQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1440007100&sr=8-5&keywords=remote+control+home+surveillance

I would like to be able to view them on an iPad or iPad Mini (which I plan on purchasing) when connected to WiFi when not home. Does anyone have any experience with these things?

2. I want an iPad/iPad Mini for both viewing the cameras and to store all my iTunes music on. I would be looking at used so which generation would be my best choice, keeping cost and functionality in mind?

 

[geeky]

I would suggest ipad mini 2. The upgrade to Mini 3 is not worth the money.

However, ipad refresh is likely in October - if you don't need this right away, you may be better served by waiting and seeing what comes out.

 

[WinterHawk]

You have a ton of options.

I've just installed a set of KUNA lights "http://www.getkuna.com/", that are WiFi enabled, motion sensor with a built in speaker, microphone and alarm. Allowing you to see who's at your front door, talk with them and if need be sound the alarm siren. The 720p HD camera will record who's at your door and you can download the footage to your smartphone or upload it to the cloud for free. More storage is available at a monthly cost. But basically once you buy the unit and hook it up, that's it, no more $$$.

As for inside you house, you could go with Google's Nest Cam (Drop Cam) which will pair with you Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect smoke detectors. There are other cameras on the market that are WiFi enabled, just search on Google and YouTube for examples.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

It is a constantly changing situation with new products that are lower in price and better in features coming out all the time. What I installed a few years ago I will not change because of cost and it still does the job. There may even be better products at lower prices at this time. Where you will spend a lot of money is in labor if you can not do it yourself. Check what is out there on the internet and at Best Buy. While you are installing you present system, think of the future and throw in a few extra wires while you are at it. Should I need or want to change my camera system it is ready for all eventualities.

 

[GameBoy27]

I would suggest ipad mini 2. The upgrade to Mini 3 is not worth the money.

However, ipad refresh is likely in October - if you don't need this right away, you may be better served by waiting and seeing what comes out.

I can get a BNIB iPad Mini 2 32GB for $300.

You have a ton of options.

I've just installed a set of KUNA lights "http://www.getkuna.com/", that are WiFi enabled, motion sensor with a built in speaker, microphone and alarm. Allowing you to see who's at your front door, talk with them and if need be sound the alarm siren. The 720p HD camera will record who's at your door and you can download the footage to your smartphone or upload it to the cloud for free. More storage is available at a monthly cost. But basically once you buy the unit and hook it up, that's it, no more $$$.

As for inside you house, you could go with Google's Nest Cam (Drop Cam) which will pair with you Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Protect smoke detectors. There are other cameras on the market that are WiFi enabled, just search on Google and YouTube for examples.

Thanks for the info. I'm really more interested in the cameras for inside use but that Kuna does look pretty cool.

It is a constantly changing situation with new products that are lower in price and better in features coming out all the time. What I installed a few years ago I will not change because of cost and it still does the job. There may even be better products at lower prices at this time. Where you will spend a lot of money is in labor if you can not do it yourself. Check what is out there on the internet and at Best Buy. While you are installing you present system, think of the future and throw in a few extra wires while you are at it. Should I need or want to change my camera system it is ready for all eventualities.

Good to know. I do like the wireless cameras though.