From September, online shoppers will be able to rent a Shopbox, have it installed and ready to accept delivery of any online purchases when not at home.

Consumers will no longer have to stay in and wait for their grocery shopping, or be forced to pay for peak time evening or weekend slots, as the Shopbox will receive the goods whilst they are out, storing them securely and at the correct temperature, until they return home.

Unlike other drop boxes, Shopbox has three temperature-controlled compartments; frozen, refrigerated and ambient, which can accept anything from carrots to cornflakes to computer games:

• Easily installed, simply plug into the mains (part of installation) on days when groceries are being delivered and on other days you can use your Shopbox to accept any non-food items such as clothes, books and electrical products.
• The secure locking system is activated upon delivery and then unlocked by the owner on their return. The box is securely locked to the outside wall.
• Shopbox can also be used as an extra food storage device, ideal for outdoor entertaining and at Christmas, when fridge and freezer space can be tight.
• Shopbox is rented for a monthly fee of £14.99.

Many of the major retailers are supportive of Shopbox and are looking at joint marketing initiatives.

If you would like to find out more about Shopbox, please visit the website.
Tel:   (0800) 007 6122.

A new UK technology called Jabbakam, aims to give power back to the public by making security camera networks as easy to use as Facebook.

Jabbakam removes the complicated knowledge and technology barriers that have traditionally stopped ordinary people from setting up their own security surveillance systems.

The system enables communities to link personal or public cameras up and monitor the footage via the Internet, or be alerted of activity via email or SMS.

In time, the new breakthrough application will permit users to aggregate themselves into online groups that can share information to create a virtual neighbourhood watch, so that communities can feel safe again.

The success of privately owned CCTV is being witnessed across the country and images captured by members of the public have been used on numerous occasions to identify and convict offenders.
But the cost of CCTV for the majority of us is not a realistic option – Jabbakam is.

Jabbakam entrepreneur James Wickes on BBC Surrey Breakfast Show said: “I think CCTV is great, although there should be less monitoring by the state and more by the people, monitoring what they want to be monitored, and a more organic approach. The statistics show the frustration women and men feel when it comes to protecting their homes”

People obviously take pride in their possessions, as often it is a reflection of what their hard work has achieved.
Where general CCTV has come under scrutiny for invasion of privacy, it must be understood who is Big Brother in these situations, as video monitoring is only an invasion of privacy when it’s not you who is in charge of the footage in which you star.

The National Crime Survey states that properties without basic home security measures, are more likely to become victims of burglary than those that have taken precautions. A statistic backed up by the Neighbourhood Watch Trust. 

Jabbakam, is a pay as you go system and can cost as little as 10p a month  to run.

About Jabbakam

Founded in November 2009, Jabbakam is a unique system for the remote management and networking of IP cameras. A Jabbakam network can be formed by two or more users monitoring a single camera, or an international community sharing footage across the globe.

Jabbakam networks enable groups of people with a shared interest, to view video footage recorded on their cameras online as and when they want.

You can now download the Jabbakam iPhone app for free! Keep an eye on all things Jabbakam wherever you are, through the sleek interface of the iPhone:

• Check your inbox for the latest activity on your cameras or those in your networks.
  Control the recording and alert status of your cameras.
  Read and respond to your private messages.
  And much more!

For more information about Jabbakam Technology visit the website.

International security monitoring and do-it-yourself video surveillance specialists, Swann Communications have launched the next generation in wireless security, the ADW-400 Digital Guardian Camera & Recorder.
 
The ADW-400 Digital Guardian Camera and Recorder introduces real affordability, for people who require a solution that not only allows them to see what’s going on but also records footage.
 
One of the biggest inhibitors to effective wireless camera performance in past years has been interference from nearby Bluetooth devices, Web routers, microwave ovens and cordless phones.

Swann’s latest Advanced Digital Wireless cameras are truly Wi-Fi friendly, with an encrypted point-to-point signal, providing a 100 per cent secure signal that cannot be intercepted.

By combining this high quality wireless camera with a neat, compact SD card receiver and recording system, Swann have created a fantastic do-it-yourself solution that provides genuine protection for homes and businesses:

• Just mount the day/night ADW-400 camera in the area you want to monitor and connect to power. Connect the digital receiver to your TV using the RCA cable and then to power.
• Once set to the same channel the camera and receiver will find each other, or “pair up” to create a secure and private, encrypted point-to-point wireless signal.
• The latest Advanced Digital Wireless technology means you get clearer video picture and better sound.

Protect the people you care about and your property with motion triggered video recording . The ADW-400 allows you to easily record over 3 hours continuous footage to a 2GB SD card (included in the pack).

You can also upgrade to 32GB for over 2 days continuous recording; From there, it’s easy to transfer the video to your PC for storing, emailing or uploading to the web.

The pack includes the camera, receiver, SD card, mounting screws and plugs, 4 theft deterrent stickers and everything you need to get started. It’s wireless security for today’s world!

The new ADW-400 is now available at SRP £199.99 inc.

For more information, please visit the Swann Security website.

Prodigy™ is a new line of home control products from Crestron, the market leader in home entertainment and automation systems now available in the UK.

Prodigy is a simple to install, easy to use, and an exceptionally affordable solution that does not require any special wiring, programming or expensive custom installation.

Prodigy home automation solutions include home cinema, audio distribution, lighting and climate control; backed by Crestron quality, expertise and support, Prodigy is inexpensive control without compromise.

Crestron is installed in more homes worldwide than any other brand, and brings years of experience and success to this latest line of home technology.

A very simple residential solution, Prodigy delivers the power, flexibility and reliability of Crestron, to more people and more homes than ever before.

According to Robin van Meeuwen, Managing Director of Crestron UK, “Prodigy gives our dealers the opportunity to expand their market to provide home control for every lifestyle and budget. Now virtually any homeowner can enjoy the benefits of affordable and reliable home automation.”

Prodigy is scalable, so the system can be expanded easily. Start with a simple home theatre; then add whole house audio, lighting and climate control, even remote control from laptops and mobile devices. Control interfaces also include touchpanels, handheld remotes, and wireless keypads:

• Easy to set up; there’s no system design or expensive installation.

• Prodigy Composer guides you through a few simple steps, using basic drop down menus and check boxes.

• The software provides all the logic and creates touchscreen interfaces automatically in the background.

• The wizard is intuitive, so anyone can get a system up and running in minutes without any training.

In our picture is the Crestron V-Panel - the industry’s only full 1080p high definition touchpanel that can function as both a control interface and flat panel HD display.

For more information and case studies visit the Crestron website.

Tel: (0845) 873 8787

Texecom Ltd. The leading security product manufacturer has now launched its professional-grade mesh network wireless platform: RICOCHET.

This innovative technology has been designed to overcome the limitations and address the concerns of existing wireless security systems.

RICOCHET technology devices send receive and repeat wireless transmissions from all other compatible devices in the network.

This means that each and every enabled device provides a data route for the wireless signal to and from Texecom’s Premier Series control panels, allowing the network to ‘repair’ itself, when a connection even begins to weaken.

Traditional wireless systems depend on simple ‘point-to-point’ communication, where each connection is made directly between the control panel and the device. In this situation, distances between the controller and security sensor can be very limited, with outlying zones susceptible to signal loss.

By creating a mesh network of interconnecting points, the RICOCHET system maintains signal integrity even in the event of direct-line interference.

Texecom has also developed the new Signal Security diagnostic tool, which actively monitors the wireless network in real-time – eliminating the need for cumbersome site signal strength

It shows, in real-time, the network’s status and condition, and the total number of alternative signal routes for each device. This therefore offers a superior indication of total system integrity compared to a simple signal strength measurement.

The initial range of products available with RICOCHET includes a 32-zone wireless expander, 15m digital PIR, 15m digital quad PIR, shock sensor, magnetic contact and wireless keyfob.

The company is making significant investments in the continued development of the RICOCHET platform, with additional devices, systems and features being rolled out in the near future.

A RICOCHET Starter Kit is now available for a limited time only.

Contents:

• 1 x Premier 32XP-W.

• 1 x Premier SmartKey.

• 3 x Prestige QD-W.

• 1 x Impaq Plus-W.

• 1 x Impaq Contact-W.

• Software, Instructions and Auxiliary Bag.

Frequency Band 868.0 MHz - 868.6 MHz

Further information and the latest updates can be found at Texecom’s dedicated website for the technology.

Door security systems are becoming increasingly popular and are proving to be especially useful for elderly or disabled people, providing both security and peace of mind.

Types of Door Access Systems - There is a wide choice of access control systems available from cheap DIY devices, to the more complex hard- wired door security systems.

Video Systems - This type allows visual confirmation of visitors and remote door access into a property, giving both security and calm to the occupants.

Intelligent Home’s Touch Screen Video Door Entry Systems.

Intelligent Home supplies a complete range of home door access systems, to suit many requirements. Their most popular system is:

The IH-692 Touch Screen Video Door Entry DUO System, which comprises:

• One Master Touch Screen 7” LCD monitor with SD card slot records short video clips or pictures on SD card 2GB + 1 x slave monitor. Dimensions of monitor: W223  x H160 x D25mm.

• OSD (on screen) menu selection: adjust volume, colour, brightness, scene mode, change ring-tone etc.

• SD card memory to store colour images with date and time. Video clip or picture are taken automatically when someone rings the bell or can be taken manually at any time.

• Loud speaker with 15 different ring tones.

• Allows you to check outside and talk to people outside at any time you wish to, even if no one rings the bell.

• Connect direct audio handset (no separate power supply needed)

• Connect up to 2 doorbell cameras or one doorbell plus one CCTV camera direct • Connect up to 4 doorbell cameras and/or CCTV cameras with an additional 4 way switcher

• Open 2 electric locks independently with an additional RLC or control of electric lock and a light with an RLC • Intercom function among all monitors in the system • Brushed aluminium face plate • Mounting type: surface mount.

To complete the system you need to add at least one doorbell camera and one power supply; choose from five different doorbell cameras - three flush mount and two surface mount.

There are three choices of power supply: An individual power adaptor, a multi power transformer for up to 2 monitors and a multi power transformer for up to 5 monitors.

You will also need 4-core shielded alarm cable for connection distances up to 30 metres between monitor and doorbell camera.

To view the whole range of access systems on offer, visit the Intelligent Home website.

Features of home automation systems such as the Comfort Intelligent Home System from Cytech Europe, can provide a major input to the Lifetime Homes Standard, as well as to Assistive Living and the homebuilding industry’s targets for Sustainable Homes, in line with the new mandatory regulations.

Benefits offered by the Comfort System include:

• Interactive Voice Menu that can operate in any of nine languages allows Comfort to be controlled from any remote or home telephone. The real time status of the lights and appliances can be announced so you can check before switching anything on or off.

• Reminder Messages and Voice Announcements Triggered by Events: Comfort can be set to play back recorded reminder messages on talking keypads, or the telephone to remind the user to take medicine, for example, as a wake-up call, or to warn if any motion is detected in the home.

• Dial Out to Alert Carers: Comfort dials out to carers or family members, if there is no activity in the home for a longer than usual period of time. The carer can talk to the person in the house via any of the keypads. An emergency button on the keypad can force a dial out to the carer or family member.

• Conditional Logic Programming; Comfort’s extensive Logic Programming capabilities allow conditions to be tested up in order to determine the actions to be taken; for example, after dark, and the doorbell is pressed, switch on outside lights and play an announcement, or greeting message on the door station, and announce on the keypad that a visitor is at the door.

• Intercom: Comfort’s talking keypads communicate with other keypads around the home and with the door station.

• Home Security: The range of Comfort door stations including those with a camera, let the person at home speak with the visitor and also see them before opening the door. The door can be opened via any phone or keypad in the house.

• Heating, Lighting, Appliances, Curtains, Blinds can all be monitored and controlled by Comfort to help with energy-saving, home security and convenience.

For further information visit:

Web: http://www.cytech-europe.co.uk

I was pleased to accept Swann’s offer to trial their new ADW 300 digital wireless security camera and receiver. See our article dated October 25th 2009.

The camera was delivered on the day promised and the camera and other contents were securely packed and well protected. The camera, stand and all components were strong, smart and clearly of quality manufacture.

I found the operating instructions very clear with lots of illustrations to help understanding and enable a quick and easy set up of both the camera and receiver.

The interactive demos on the company’s website, also provided further useful information and illustrations about installation.

My Set-up was quickly achieved, thanks to the plug and play technology, in around 2hrs:

I placed the camera high up in a corner of my lounge with a clear view of the door, and the receiver was connected to a TV and computer in my office on the first floor.

I discovered it was necessary to avoid including a window in the camera view, as the long range of the camera picks up motion outside and triggers the alarm. Reducing the sensitivity of the sensor (users can do this in set-up) would have the same effect, if windows can’t be kept out of the frame.

The receiver layout and functions, including how to pair the camera to a channel, were clearly presented and explained in the instructions.

Installing the software went smoothly with no problems and the camera view was soon displayed on my computer screen:

A simulated control-centre image of a good size 16cm x 16cm, is displayed, with very clear layout and function controls.

The operation instruction booklet illustrates the layout in detail and each function is fully explained in its own section.

Testing the system.

• All functions on the Receiver worked well including the menu and zoom with camera movements.

• Software functions were easy to follow and the capture of video or pictures by scheduled times or motion only, could be quickly set up or changed. Don’t forget to save your settings!

• A choice of video or snap shot pictures is available to suit your preference.

• I preferred the high-resolution video images, which I found were extra clear and detailed in colour, for possible identification of an intruder.

• The infra-red beam for night time produced good pictures during darkness, however if I were fitting this camera, I would also install a light activated by a motion sensor – again for ID purposes.

• The events screen with time date worked well and the search facility by camera, time and mode is a real time saver.

• I experienced no interference on the camera system from my wireless network or vice versa.

There is a useful trouble-shooting guide in the booklet with answers to the main problems one might experience.

Overall I must say I was impressed with the versatile Swann ADW 300 Security Camera, which is ideal for indoor or outdoor use.

Visit the Swann Security website for more home security solutions.

  UK-based company and connected home provider Intamac Systems, has launched two new connected home applications – for monitoring and controlling home security, energy management, home automation and telecare through the internet and cell phones – at 2010 International CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show:

The Intamac iPhone application, is an innovative interface, which allows full two-way control, live video, messaging and reporting from the home.
Connecting directly to the subscriber’s Intamac account, the app will be available to download from the Apple store during the first quarter of 2010.

Also on show for the first time is The Intamac iBridge, an interface device, which enables third-party communicating products to be connected via broadband to the Intamac Platform, allowing end-user customers to monitor and control these products remotely through their web-enabled Intamac account.

This enables Intamac’s home automation service My Control to be activated, which includes applications such as automatically powering down non-essential devices, locking doors and setting alarms when leaving the home – and powering up, unlocking and disarming the home when returning.

The Intamac iBridge features full two-way support of Zigbee and Zwave devices.
Once connected to the home router, it automatically connects to the Intamac platform for self - install and ease of use.

“The Intamac platform has the flexibility to take data in any format and from any device, to enable service providers and utilities to offer value-added services such as security, energy management, automation and telecare,” said Kevin Meagher, CEO, Intamac Systems.

“Our support of technologies such as iPhone, Zigbee and Zwave demonstrates our commitment to support the most popular standards and devices to give consumers the greatest choice, and our partners the maximum flexibility.”

For more information about these exciting new products, visit the Intamac website.

Tel: (0870) 111 7234

EyeSpy 247, a leading provider of cost-effective IP network cameras and monitoring solutions for home and business security, has announced the launch of its brand new and unique EyeSpy247F+ and EyeSpy247ptz cameras.

They also come ready equipped with an exclusive online monitoring, recording and alerts platform that includes video recording, email/SMS intruder alerts, and more free of charge.

The cameras have been designed specifically as ‘plug-n-play’ products; they can quickly turn an ordinary broadband router into a remote video monitoring and alarm security solution with ease.

Whether it’s for watching over a home or business, checking in on elderly or sick friends and relatives, or looking in on pets, the camera can be set up in minutes.

EyeSpy247 is anything but yet another set of IP cameras:

• Uniquely integrated with web based monitoring, recording and alerts out-of-the-box, the cameras offer an altogether more capable extra pair of eyes and ears, to help keep watch over user’s properties.

• The products are extremely easy to install without any need for technical knowledge, as the Set-up Wizard takes users through the simple installation process in just a few steps.

• Once installed users can securely manage motion detect events, image and video recording.

• Unlike being connected to a traditional third party monitoring station, the new EyeSpy247F+ and EyeSpy247ptz cameras, offer users immediate control of what action to take the moment an intruder alert happens, by email or SMS.

• Users can check if it’s a false alarm, call friends, family or neighbours to take a look, or call the police directly.

The EyeSpy247ptz in our picture, has additional motorised pan and tilt functionality, night vision LEDs and a motion detection mode based on body heat, instead of movement, so it’s more accurate in identifying intruders.

The EyeSpy247F+ retails at £99.89 and the EyeSpy247ptz retails at £179.99 from EyeSpy247 direct.

Both cameras are also available online from cmac-cctv.co.uk and use-ip.co.uk priced at £86.94 and £165.00 respectively.

Visit the EyeSpy247 website for further information.

Tel: (0845) 5440 288