Monitoring IP Cameras without computer

[jmanderson]

So I've been devouring this website for a few weeks as I research implementing my own security camera system. I am going to be installing a 4-6 camera system that will all be IP/POE based cameras (picking the cameras is a whole different mess). I was wondering if anyone could give me any insight into ways to view the camera feeds sans computer/tv. I'll give you a scenario: front door cam that you want to be able to instantaneously view when someone rings the doorbell without having to find a computer or turn a tv on. Hours of fruitless google searching has not led me to anything. I was thinking of some sort of smaller LCD display with a build in network access that I could mount or take with me.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated and can't tell you how great this site is for noobs with a a lot of interest.

 

[Quixote_1]

So I've been devouring this website for a few weeks as I research implementing my own security camera system. I am going to be installing a 4-6 camera system that will all be IP/POE based cameras (picking the cameras is a whole different mess). I was wondering if anyone could give me any insight into ways to view the camera feeds sans computer/tv. I'll give you a scenario: front door cam that you want to be able to instantaneously view when someone rings the doorbell without having to find a computer or turn a tv on. Hours of fruitless google searching has not led me to anything. I was thinking of some sort of smaller LCD display with a build in network access that I could mount or take with me.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated and can't tell you how great this site is for noobs with a a lot of interest.

I would go with a smartphone or even a tablet. If you have the patience, you can buy an Android tablet for around $100 and use an application from the market that would display the image from an IP camera. Looking at the market now, I see that there are free applications to do exactly that. I've been meaning to set up the same type of system but haven't got around to it yet, so I can't offer any information gathered from hands-on experience, but that is the direction I will be taking, personally. I already have an Android phone as well, so I'm set in that department.
Here is an article on one such tablet, titled "Walgreens now selling $100 Maylong M-150 Android tablet" on Engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/walgree...android-tablet/

 

[Rupp]

Watch our for the Walgreen's tablet, it's a really old version of Android 1.6 if memory serves me. One user on the HomeSeer message board stated that all he could use it for was to watch ripped movies and it would get really hot doing this.

 

[SteveQ]

I use the Apple iTouch. I always have it in my pocket and I can use it anywhere WIFI is available. Simple to use no special software required.

Steve Q

 

[znelbok]

mobotix make an IP intercom with internal handset and screen. Might not be exactly what you are after though.

A camera that does both IP and video out would give themost flexability, if the TV is on, then change to the channel that has the image, if not use an iPad/tablet tyoe device that is "always on" via the IP connection.

Mick

 

[twilo123]

I use my iPad, itouch, iPhone, moto droid, and blackberry to view anytime with our CCTV apps. No need for pc or tv