Comments on: Defender PHOENIX1 Wireless Video Security System with Portable http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/ Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:25:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: M. Gentry http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2051 M. Gentry Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:01:40 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2051 No Good for Multiple Cameras<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>I had actually made the mistake of ordering the additional camera first. =) Lot of good that did so I then ordered the main unit with camera, got it all set up and got ready to try it out but, wow! It really is wireless, I guess I'm spoiled having only ever dealt with the old standard wired security cameras and there is a world of quality difference between the two. The snow on this system is incredible, the unit's description clearly shows images of the cameras being mounted on brick exterior walls, well, good luck getting reception with that. <br /> <br />Indoors the quality was almost bearable unfortunately that was of no use for me. <br />The system is suppose to utilize 2 cameras and with the hand held base/monitor it alternates between the cameras, even with every possible configuration imaginable I can get either one camera to work but, never both. They're both broadcasting but, I get one image then snow, move the monitor around and maybe get the other camera's image then lose the first camera's image. <br />It's like chasing your tail. I even stood in direct sight of both cameras outside and it still looks like a blizzard. <br /> <br />I can see this system possibly working for a baby camera, indoors, things might work out for you. Make sure the base unit isn't far from the camera and, avoid being suckered into adding a second camera. This system is lucky to work with the one camera, the two camera feature should have been scratched. <br /> <br />For the cost, you can easily purchase the old standard wired camera (network or coax), granted you have to run the wire and power but if your security is really your concern, you'll find it easily worth the effort. Wireless is cute and easy, if that's really all you want then you might be fine. For all others though, avoid this setup. <br /> <br />I've returned this system for refund. My next attempt will be a wired network setup. No Good for Multiple Cameras
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I had actually made the mistake of ordering the additional camera first. =) Lot of good that did so I then ordered the main unit with camera, got it all set up and got ready to try it out but, wow! It really is wireless, I guess I’m spoiled having only ever dealt with the old standard wired security cameras and there is a world of quality difference between the two. The snow on this system is incredible, the unit’s description clearly shows images of the cameras being mounted on brick exterior walls, well, good luck getting reception with that.

Indoors the quality was almost bearable unfortunately that was of no use for me.

The system is suppose to utilize 2 cameras and with the hand held base/monitor it alternates between the cameras, even with every possible configuration imaginable I can get either one camera to work but, never both. They’re both broadcasting but, I get one image then snow, move the monitor around and maybe get the other camera’s image then lose the first camera’s image.

It’s like chasing your tail. I even stood in direct sight of both cameras outside and it still looks like a blizzard.

I can see this system possibly working for a baby camera, indoors, things might work out for you. Make sure the base unit isn’t far from the camera and, avoid being suckered into adding a second camera. This system is lucky to work with the one camera, the two camera feature should have been scratched.

For the cost, you can easily purchase the old standard wired camera (network or coax), granted you have to run the wire and power but if your security is really your concern, you’ll find it easily worth the effort. Wireless is cute and easy, if that’s really all you want then you might be fine. For all others though, avoid this setup.

I’ve returned this system for refund. My next attempt will be a wired network setup.

]]> By: DaveM http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2065 DaveM Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:53:07 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2065 Simple and Good Value<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>I selected this system as it operates at 900 mhz frequency to avoid interference with the WiFi internet at the house and the wireless alarm sensors. After charging the monitor for a few hours, I powered up the camera and it works fine. Good wall penetration with this system - I have walked around 90 feet from the camera with the monitor and the picture is still viewable. The audio is pretty sensitive as well. The night vision is adequate for a short distance, probably 10 - 15 feet in total darkness maximum - fine if you have the camera mounted near the door and want to see who is there. The night vision range could be further extended with the use of an additional infrared illuminator, however the resolution of the camera is not really adequate for a distance shot. The camera is housed in a metal enclosure and seems high quality. The handheld monitor unit is plastic and acceptable quality. The built in lithium battery does not seem to be user-replaceable. I have not opened the device to see if it is soldered into place, but I suspect that it could be changed with a little tech savvy. The unit will probably operate from the supplied ac adaptor even after the battery fails. Overall, the system is a bargain and I recommend it. Simple and Good Value
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I selected this system as it operates at 900 mhz frequency to avoid interference with the WiFi internet at the house and the wireless alarm sensors. After charging the monitor for a few hours, I powered up the camera and it works fine. Good wall penetration with this system – I have walked around 90 feet from the camera with the monitor and the picture is still viewable. The audio is pretty sensitive as well. The night vision is adequate for a short distance, probably 10 – 15 feet in total darkness maximum – fine if you have the camera mounted near the door and want to see who is there. The night vision range could be further extended with the use of an additional infrared illuminator, however the resolution of the camera is not really adequate for a distance shot. The camera is housed in a metal enclosure and seems high quality. The handheld monitor unit is plastic and acceptable quality. The built in lithium battery does not seem to be user-replaceable. I have not opened the device to see if it is soldered into place, but I suspect that it could be changed with a little tech savvy. The unit will probably operate from the supplied ac adaptor even after the battery fails. Overall, the system is a bargain and I recommend it.

]]> By: Ken C. http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2053 Ken C. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:59:49 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2053 Not for apartment use<br>Rating:2 out of 5 stars<br>The product was easy to set up and we are using it as a baby monitor. It gets the job done and we can see and monitor our son, but the picture is very very snowy. We called tech support and they told us it is because we live in an apartment building where we have interference from all sorts of electronic devices from our neighbors and they recommended we return it. It will cost more than we would like to return it, so we are trying to put up with the snowy reception. Like I said, at least it gets the job done. Not for apartment use
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
The product was easy to set up and we are using it as a baby monitor. It gets the job done and we can see and monitor our son, but the picture is very very snowy. We called tech support and they told us it is because we live in an apartment building where we have interference from all sorts of electronic devices from our neighbors and they recommended we return it. It will cost more than we would like to return it, so we are trying to put up with the snowy reception. Like I said, at least it gets the job done.

]]> By: "Captain" Chambers http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2054 "Captain" Chambers Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:30:28 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2054 just my luck to make the wurst possilble choice!<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br>though the camera(when absoultely no interference or cell phone activity is present and it always is when you need it most!) is decent enough day or night, the unit itself cannot hook to anything, you cannot record your videos when odd occurences come up and I'm not there, I'd like it recorded the unit comes with an A/V out/ male to RCA female but it doesn't work in a TV the out jack, not the cord is at fault but it is totally useless except for monitoring current activity. I've got better things to do(like clean the toilet or watch grass grow) than play "security guard" at my abode. just my luck to make the wurst possilble choice!
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
though the camera(when absoultely no interference or cell phone activity is present and it always is when you need it most!) is decent enough day or night, the unit itself cannot hook to anything, you cannot record your videos when odd occurences come up and I’m not there, I’d like it recorded the unit comes with an A/V out/ male to RCA female but it doesn’t work in a TV the out jack, not the cord is at fault but it is totally useless except for monitoring current activity. I’ve got better things to do(like clean the toilet or watch grass grow) than play “security guard” at my abode.

]]> By: Don R. http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2059 Don R. Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:35:38 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2059 Not really for outdoors<br>Rating:2 out of 5 stars<br>The range is good and the video image quality is sufficient, but connecting it to a 9 volt battery is a joke. It lasts for an few hours at most. So connecting it outside is just about impossible unless you live in a really dry area where you could plug it in to an outside outlet. The AC adapter that comes with it is certainly not weather proof. <br /> <br />If you are looking purely for an indoor camera to monitor a room (baby, kids, etc.), this would work OK. I suppose it would work OK to monitor your pool or something like that outside if you could plug it in someplace away from weather and water. <br /> <br />I purchased two cameras wanting to monitor my front door and driveway. I have one aimed through a window near my front door. This works fine during the day, but at night the "night vision" reflects off the glass so I get no image. The other I was able to rig looking through a bedroom window towards my driveway, which is a well lit outside area. This one works pretty well even at night, but it doesn't cover my front door, which is what I really wanted. I had to move this second camera a good distance from the window so the night vision wouldn't reflect back. <br /> <br />I do think the manufacturer is being very deceptive when they call this an "Outdoor Surveillance Camera". Sure, it will work outside with a 9 volt battery, but you would need to change the battery every few hours, which is not at all practice. If you are good with electronics you might be able to rig this some way to actually work outside. Not really for outdoors
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
The range is good and the video image quality is sufficient, but connecting it to a 9 volt battery is a joke. It lasts for an few hours at most. So connecting it outside is just about impossible unless you live in a really dry area where you could plug it in to an outside outlet. The AC adapter that comes with it is certainly not weather proof.

If you are looking purely for an indoor camera to monitor a room (baby, kids, etc.), this would work OK. I suppose it would work OK to monitor your pool or something like that outside if you could plug it in someplace away from weather and water.

I purchased two cameras wanting to monitor my front door and driveway. I have one aimed through a window near my front door. This works fine during the day, but at night the “night vision” reflects off the glass so I get no image. The other I was able to rig looking through a bedroom window towards my driveway, which is a well lit outside area. This one works pretty well even at night, but it doesn’t cover my front door, which is what I really wanted. I had to move this second camera a good distance from the window so the night vision wouldn’t reflect back.

I do think the manufacturer is being very deceptive when they call this an “Outdoor Surveillance Camera”. Sure, it will work outside with a 9 volt battery, but you would need to change the battery every few hours, which is not at all practice. If you are good with electronics you might be able to rig this some way to actually work outside.

]]> By: Alex Laliberte http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2052 Alex Laliberte Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:39:21 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2052 phoenix1 serveillance camera<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>this camera has nothing i expected. low quallity monitor bad reception,bad images. not worth setting it up. phoenix1 serveillance camera
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
this camera has nothing i expected. low quallity monitor bad reception,bad images. not worth setting it up.

]]> By: D. Watkins http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2063 D. Watkins Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:48:22 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2063 Great product, but...<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>Unit works as advertised. Easy to install and great picture. However, strongly recommend using AC adapter on the cameras as battery only lasts 3 hours. I went through 2 batteries thinking unit was faulty, but customer service confirmed working as expected. Great product, but…
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Unit works as advertised. Easy to install and great picture. However, strongly recommend using AC adapter on the cameras as battery only lasts 3 hours. I went through 2 batteries thinking unit was faulty, but customer service confirmed working as expected.

]]> By: Jonathan Birge http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2049 Jonathan Birge Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:30:21 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2049 Poor reception, low resolution, low quality build<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br>The comments on the poor range are generally true. What people aren't saying is that the second you get this thing even a room away, the quality degrades and static comes in, even if it's still "in range." I also find that the screen "flashes" sometimes, even if the reception is relatively good. And good is a relative concept here, because even with perfect reception the video quality is so poor that you can barely tell who is who. It's sufficient to tell if your baby is awake, but not that it's actually your baby, for example... <br /> <br />The quality of the receiver is very low. It is cheap and put together like a toy, not a piece of equipment. It makes annoying beeps whenever you turn it on or use a function, and its alarm setting wheel is so cheap that it will constantly get turned up as you hold it. <br /> <br />Having said that, for the price it's possibly worth the money if you have very modest expectations for it. Poor reception, low resolution, low quality build
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The comments on the poor range are generally true. What people aren’t saying is that the second you get this thing even a room away, the quality degrades and static comes in, even if it’s still “in range.” I also find that the screen “flashes” sometimes, even if the reception is relatively good. And good is a relative concept here, because even with perfect reception the video quality is so poor that you can barely tell who is who. It’s sufficient to tell if your baby is awake, but not that it’s actually your baby, for example…

The quality of the receiver is very low. It is cheap and put together like a toy, not a piece of equipment. It makes annoying beeps whenever you turn it on or use a function, and its alarm setting wheel is so cheap that it will constantly get turned up as you hold it.

Having said that, for the price it’s possibly worth the money if you have very modest expectations for it.

]]> By: Cynthia Early http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2067 Cynthia Early Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:27:31 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2067 Pleased !<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>We use the product with 2 cameras. We needed something that would allow us to have some visibility of the front door and driveway when we were in a location of the house without front windows. This product allows us to quickly and easily view without going to the front of the house. If exterior lights are on the night view is pretty good, otherwise it is about 8 to 10 feet from the camera with the night vision. We have the monitor set up to the TV to enlarge the view. Based on weather and other external factors the picture may be fuzzy at times...but definately clear enough for what view is needed. We are very pleased with the purchase and would recomend. Pleased !
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
We use the product with 2 cameras. We needed something that would allow us to have some visibility of the front door and driveway when we were in a location of the house without front windows. This product allows us to quickly and easily view without going to the front of the house. If exterior lights are on the night view is pretty good, otherwise it is about 8 to 10 feet from the camera with the night vision. We have the monitor set up to the TV to enlarge the view. Based on weather and other external factors the picture may be fuzzy at times…but definately clear enough for what view is needed. We are very pleased with the purchase and would recomend.

]]> By: George C. Hall http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2062 George C. Hall Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:32:10 +0000 http://www.homealarmsstore.com/defender-phoenix1-wireless-video-security-system-with-portable/#comment-2062 works good, defender, phoenix1<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>I got this system to use as a back up camera on my camp trailer, seamed like a versitile 110vac/battery operated unit, and with remoat moniter, and wireless, has been perfect, bought a 2nd cam to put on front of trailer, and its not only good security, but have got to watch wildlife in camp also. <br /> Ha I know this is a kind of off the wall use for this system, but why not? and it works. <br /> The only down side #1 it is not rain proof. <br /> #2 the IR light source is pretty weak, 6-8 foot only, so night use is limited. <br /> #3 A bubble and foil insulation can defeat the wireless signal(metal trailer skin, then this type of insulation), so have to watch placment. <br /> #4 2nd cam was not as good as 1st one, so quality varys, by unit. <br /> I have not had any dealings with company so not sure how customer orented they are. <br /> Yes I would buy this system agin, cant beat it for the $, or versatility. <br />The cams are small, and used in its intended application it is great. <br /> thank you <br /> George C. Hall works good, defender, phoenix1
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I got this system to use as a back up camera on my camp trailer, seamed like a versitile 110vac/battery operated unit, and with remoat moniter, and wireless, has been perfect, bought a 2nd cam to put on front of trailer, and its not only good security, but have got to watch wildlife in camp also.

Ha I know this is a kind of off the wall use for this system, but why not? and it works.

The only down side #1 it is not rain proof.

#2 the IR light source is pretty weak, 6-8 foot only, so night use is limited.

#3 A bubble and foil insulation can defeat the wireless signal(metal trailer skin, then this type of insulation), so have to watch placment.

#4 2nd cam was not as good as 1st one, so quality varys, by unit.

I have not had any dealings with company so not sure how customer orented they are.

Yes I would buy this system agin, cant beat it for the $, or versatility.

The cams are small, and used in its intended application it is great.

thank you

George C. Hall

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