Y-cam SD range launched – surveillance & recording all in one box
Posted on Monday, October 5th, 2009
Introduces “offline” recording direct to microSD card (no network connection required) – a security camera and DVR solution all-in-one box
RICHMOND, London – October 5th 2009 – Y-cam Solutions Ltd, a leading UK based manufacturer of innovative IP network cameras and solutions, today announced the availability of a new range of its hugely popular Y-cam IP camera.
The Y-cam is a monitoring video camera that can send high quality video and sound through any standard computer network (wired or wireless) via the internet. It connects directly to the internet through your network, so there is no need for additional hardware or a computer to be constantly on. It makes the monitoring of property, valuables or loved ones easily available and affordable.
Any Y-cam can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world via a standard web browser by up to 16 simultaneous users. As well as viewing live video, users can take snapshots and record direct to their computer’s hard drive, plus listen in to what’s going on through the camera’s built-in microphone. Its secure encrypted wireless connectivity and password protection means only those authorised can access the camera.
The unique benefits of the Y-cam lay in its motion detection abilities. If the Y-cam detects movement in its field of vision, it can automatically send an e-mail alert notifying the owner that motion has been detected, with an attached image of the scene. The owner can then login to their camera from anywhere in the World, using any internet-enabled device, such as PC, laptop, iPhone or Blackberry.
The new Y-cam SD range adds a microSD slot to the existing camera housing, allowing you to record the video feed, or any alerts, directly to a microSD card (commonly found in many mobile phones and digital cameras). This allows the Y-cam to be used without the need for a network connection, creating a cost effective standalone video security camera with an impressive specification. The microSD card can then be used to view images in any compatible device, such as a mobile phone or computer.
The addition of the microSD slot to the Y-cam in effect turns the camera in to an all-in-one CCTV package, offering both a high resolution video camera and DVR (Digital Video Recording) facility all in a small compact unit. There is no need for extra wires to be installed as with analogue CCTV systems, meaning the Y-cam SD has the capability to replace or upgrade old CCTV systems within minutes.
Designed with non technical users in mind, the Y-cam is very easy to install and is ideal for domestic and business use. Some people use the Y-cam in their homes to monitor their children and pets while they are working, others are using it to record and monitor their shops, offices and holiday homes. Most, however, use it for peace of mind, all wrapped in one low cost, easy to use package.
The Y-cams unobtrusive design, flat profile, smooth edges and its small size ensures that it blends into its surroundings, and can be wall mounted, ceiling mounted or placed on a flat surface using the camera stand supplied. There is also a unique external enclosure kit that fits around existing models so the user can use their cameras outdoor without compromising any of camera’s existing features.
Managing Director of Y-cam Solutions Ltd, Devin Chawda, comments on the introduction of the Y-cam SD : “We have responded to the growing demand for simple, affordable video monitoring solutions by launching the Y-cam SD – a cost-effective camera that offers both online and offline security. We have invested heavily in this technology as we strongly believe solutions like this will be the future of all video monitoring. We are confident that people who have no technical knowledge whatsoever can install this camera and make use of its many benefits.”
The SD range launches with the Y-cam Black SD, an updated version of the Y-cam Black. The Black SD is capable of nightvision, thanks to its 30 infrared LEDs, allowing users to see clearly in pitch darkness up to a range of 12-15 metres from the camera, ideal for around-the-clock surveillance. Updated Y-cam Knight and White SD models will follow the Black SD launch later in the year.
Canary Wharf utilises Y-cam IP cameras for comms room motion detection alerts
Posted on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009
Canary Wharf is a thriving space and vibrant business district located on 96 acres of reclaimed docklands in central London. The site includes a wide range of shops, offices, restaurants, pubs and wine bars, as well as healthcare and leisure facilities. On any working day over 85,000 people either visit or are working on the site, therefore safety and security is of paramount importance.
Within the district there are areas of floor space dedicated to communications for numerous Canary Wharf systems and access to these areas is restricted due to the value and importance of the equipment within. The communication areas are monitored by traditional access control methods such as swipe card technology, however there is no way of being able to see what is going on or being alerted when motion is detected. The aim was to find a cost-effective monitoring solution that could solve the potential issues :
- Unauthorised access to the communication rooms/cabinets.
- Unauthorised works within the communication areas.
- Untidy work or poor workmanship within these areas.
- Litter and obstacles within the areas.
- Health and safety, work permit compliance within the communication rooms.
- Potential for sabotage.
Canary Wharf Group PLC required some way of monitoring the different sites simultaneously from more than one location. After researching the market and evaluating several IP camera manufacturers, Y-cam was chosen above the competition. The products were installed in the communication rooms to allow the monitoring of the servers and other devices to ensure that only authorised personnel are performing maintenance. Other advantages of installing Y-cam cameras include :
- Movement detection – Email notifications mean that we only respond when we have to.
- Low light performance – Works well in the many different environments.
- Excellent value-for-money – The best quality and features in their price range.
- Simple deployment – there is always network presence in the communication rooms.
- The cameras enable security staff to keep a keen eye on exactly what the engineers do in the rooms.
- The management team can now view more than several rooms from a central location which results in a more productive use of their time.
- No more rushing across sites to check out reported incidences which turn out to be false alarms.
A Canary Wharf rep stated “If unauthorised motion is detected, a number of security staff are notified immediately on their BlackBerrys with an image of what happened. We have been impressed by the Y-cam IP cameras and have since decided this is the way forward to help us in controlling the estate patch rooms infrastructure.”
About Canary Wharf Group plc
CWG is an integrated property development, investment and management group of companies. It is focused on the design, construction, leasing and management of Grade A office space and high-quality retail and leisure facilities on its 97 acre Estate in East London.
Over the past 20 years CWG has regenerated derelict wharves into one of the world’s premier business districts, constructing over 15 million square feet of office and retail space – more than any other company in London.
Canary Wharf is home to many of the world’s leading business organisations, including in the professional services, media, law, energy, financial services and transport sectors. It is also home to over 200 shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, including many of Britain’s leading brands.
The Estate includes 20 acres of landscaped parks and plazas. Canary Wharf hosts over 180 events a year and has one of the UK’s largest collections of public art.
