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.

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

It’s that time of year when we fill our homes with expensive gifts, often under the Christmas Tree that we proudly display in our brightly lit front rooms for all to admire…including snoopers on the hunt for festive booty.

And while domestic burglaries in the UK and Wales have remained fairly static on an annual basis, in the three months running up to Christmas last year, both police recorded domestic burglaries and other burglaries rose by 4%* - and it’s set to be even higher this year as economic pressures hit home.

So now is also the time of year that homeowners need to step up home security.

But if investing in a burglar alarm system, or buying a fierce dog is not an option, a simple set of blinds has been sited as one of Britain’s frontline defences against burglary

The Home Office advice is “Don’t have things on view and try to look as though you’re in if you’re out.”

“Blinds afford security from unwanted snoopers, by preventing intruders from peering in to see what they can grab quickly.

Research has shown that homes where items are on view are more vulnerable than those where window coverings are fitted,” says Gary Chambers of Apollo Blinds.

“Aluminium blinds also have the added benefit of being noisy – an added deterrent,” he added.

Julian Stanton of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) said: “There is undoubtedly a correlation between burglaries and recession, but just as at any time, sensible security measures will considerably reduce your chance of becoming a burglary victim.

In light of this, now is a good time for you to review your home security, just to be sure you are fully protected.”

So if you want to show off your Christmas decorations this year, invite your friends in and keep your foes out!

To view the blind collections please visit the Apollo website.

Tel: (0800) 915 3030
*http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/statistics/statistics078.htm

Frozen pipes and broken boilers are likely to cause problems in many British homes this winter and, with only 13% having home emergency insurance*, many households will not be covered for such emergencies.

As temperatures drop, Direct Line Home Response 24 is urging homeowners to start battening down the hatches and protecting their homes against harsh weather this winter.

Andrew Lowe, head of Direct Line home insurance, warns: “Homeowners shouldn’t forget the importance of taking precautions to protect homes against wintry weather.”

Whilst the weather cannot be controlled, there are some steps people can take to keep their homes safe this winter.

Direct Line Home Response 24 recommends the following to ensure homes remain in tip top condition during the winter months:

• Insulate your pipes with preformed pipe insulation and replace the washers on any dripping taps – if the taps freeze, the pipe will get blocked.

• Know where your water valves are and learn how to shut them off in case a pipe does burst.

• Have your chimney swept before lighting the first fire of the winter.

• In very cold weather the heating should be on at a low level, or set to come on a couple of times a day. Most modern boilers have a frost protection thermostat, which turns on automatically if the temperature drops to a level that will cause pipes to freeze.

• Open the loft trap door on cold days to let heat in.

• Check your loft insulation is in good condition; make sure it hasn’t been damaged or disturbed since you last looked at it.

Directline Home Response 24 - Operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; assists homeowners immediately when called with an emergency, and sends out an authorised repairer at a mutually agreed time.

Any qualifying homeowner, regardless of whether they have their home insurance with Direct Line, can purchase this product.

*Datamonitor Home Emergency Insurance Report 2006

For further information visit the Directline website.

Tel: (0208) 313 5830

Protecting the treasured possessions you can’t afford to lose!

TRAAKiT is a revolutionary new satellite alerting device, which gives you peace of mind by keeping watch over almost anything you want to protect and alerting you if it is removed.

This product is a market leader, in providing an enormous level of security, reliability, functionality plus flexibility and the concept is simple:

• You decide on the boundaries you want your ‘prized possession’ to stay within via PC or mobile phone.

• The TRAAKiT computer system then sets up a ‘Virtual Fence’, which monitors the prized possession for you; you can then monitor your property’s progress on a minutely detailed online mapping system.

• If the position of your TRAAKIT is moved outside the Virtual Fence, the host computer alerts you by sending a text message and an email.

• The monitor will then send its position to the host computer every 5 minutes, which means you can see precisely where your possession is going and act accordingly.

The Brainchild of British invention entrepreneurs David Clayton and Tim Young, the TRAAKiT service is primarily aimed at protecting motor vehicles, caravans, camper vans, trailers, expensive tools and machinery and personal effects such as, laptops, cameras and golf clubs; however it’s new uses are now growing daily.

Whatever you wish to use it for, TRAAKiT enables you to follow something you concerned about, every step of the way and the additional benefit of the system is that it can be swapped from one prized possession to another.

A TRAAKiT TD1 monitor is priced at £273.50 including VAT and delivery in the UK and a monthly service contract costs £14.85 per month.

For a limited period of time there is a launch discount of 25% on the service charge, provided that the contract is paid in full, when ordering the monitor.

Devices can also be hired for £50 per month for UK operation and for £52 including VAT for worldwide operation.

For more information about this remarkable innovation, please go to the TRAAKiT website.

Tel: (01638) 508838