Average Customer Review:
 ( 23 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 found the following review helpful:
 Simple security with room for expansionJul 23, 2009
By Gaz Rendar
The Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Wireless Surveillance System works as well as advertised. I only have a few minor gripes about the system.
The set-up is incredibly simple. Just plug the power supplies into the camera and into the receiver, screw on the antennas, and plug the A/V cables into some kind of monitor/TV. My camera was already paired with the unit, so I didn't have to do anything else. Pairing the wireless unit with the camera, or another camera is simple, just push 1 button on the receiver and a big yellow button on the camera and it's good to go. They claim the pairing function securely connects your camera to your receiver so that no one else can grab hold of your camera's frequency, but I have no way to test that. I'll just take their word for it. The unit comes with a small arm stand for the camera, and a couple screws to mount it. You might need extra screw mounting pieces if you want to mount it into something like brick, though. Regardless, set-up and installation is a snap.
The image is very good in daylight. However, the night vision is only "acceptable" quality. The far-red LED lights create a bit of a halo effect around the center of the camera's lens. So everything in the center of the image looks clear at 20-25ft or less, but the stuff on the periphery of the center of the image is a little darker and fuzzier. Still, you can see what's going on. Also, be sure to note that you can see the red LED lights of the camera. This is good if you want everyoen to know that you have a camera, but if you want a more stealthy hidign spot for your camera, it's definitely going to give it away. The mic works well at about 25 ft or less, but after that it definitely tails off.
So to sum up the problems: I think the night vision image is a little bad at the edges of the image, the mic isn't all that great at longer distances, my unit had one dead LED bulb on it (I don't think it really affected the image quality by itself), and the far-red LEDs are not truly infrared so you can see them with the naked eye.
The problems I stated are pretty minor in nature, though. The Lorex system is solid and you can expand it to include 4 total cameras, and even view them simultaneously split-screen in your monitor. Overall, I recommend this unit for a simple security solution.
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
So far so good, but....Nov 01, 2009
By flint350
I already owned another Lorex package product which included 4 of these wireless cameras and a small 7" lcd display with wireless receiver. After about 3 months of use, the display failed completely, while the cameras continued to work. Lorex support was less than outstanding on dealing with the display issue and I have read other reports about reliability concerns. So, in an attempt to remedy my problem, I bought this setup which gave me an extra camera and the small wireless receiver. The receiver will connect to most modern displays via the included connector cables and thus provide the same 4 panel view that the Lorex wireless display had. In this way, I now have a reliable display that is larger, brighter and easier to use than the Lorex version. The receiver allows for single channel (full screen) display or a quad view of all four cameras at once. It also allows for easy pairing and has a selectable view mode of lower quality for simple viewing at higher fps, vs. a higher VGA quality with lower fps. I find the higher quality more useful and the lower fps is not troublesome for my purposes. It would be simple to run this unit to a DVR and record also, though I have yet to do so. As the available light diminishes, the cameras quickly (too quickly in my opinion) go to black and white mode. The night time view distance is obviously much less, but sufficient unless it is complete darkness. I'd say it comes close to achieving its claimed 40' distance at night, but with much less detail. Overall, the units perform as advertised with minor complaints - except reliability. The reason I gave 3 stars is mostly for reliability issues and customer service I've experienced with Lorex. In the future I would not buy their units with included LCD's, but get something like this with a receiver that provides the quad view for my own monitor.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Very decent for its intended purpose.Jul 04, 2009
By Allen C. Huffman
I live in apartments with windows facing the parking lot. For some time now, I have thought about hooking up a webcam of some kind and pointing it out the window towards where I parked. The logistics of running a long USB cable from my computer to the appropriate window prevented me from doing it that way. A wireless WiFi webcam might be the perfect solution, but not everyone has a WiFi network (and these cameras can be a bit pricey).
The Lorex LW2201 is an interesting compromise between legacy equipment (old fashioned cameras) and modern wireless technology. The camera itself is designed to be usable outdoors, meaning it is in a rugged metal enclosure complete with an adjustable hood that slides forward to cover and protect the camera lens. It is a color camera, but in low-light conditions, it clicks in to "night vision" mode and the image goes to black and white. A ring of infrared LED lights around the lens light up, allowing you to see an image even in complete darkness. There are no wires -- the camera has an antenna that attaches to the back, and a power cable that plugs in to an AC adapter. Bolt the base somewhere, run the power cable, and you are set from that side.
Elsewhere, a tiny receiver -- about the size of a deck of playing cards -- can be plugged in, and an antenna is attached to allow it to receive video from the camera. Video and audio outputs come out of the receiver (cables are included) and then run to a monitor or TV, or in to a recording device. If you just wanted to keep tabs on your car overnight, you could use a cheap VCR and let it record in 6-8 hour mode.
Overall, setup of one camera to the one receiver is very simple. The receiver can support multiple cameras, and can be set to flip between the cameras (full screen), or split the screen up to display four images at a time. I cannot comment on those features, as I only have the one camera. A button is pressed on the receiver to get it in to a scanning more, then you have to press a button on the camera within 30 seconds to let them sync to each other. It seems easy enough.
The camera does have sound, so if it is mounted outside, you can hear a bit of what is going on, but don't expect miracles. It's not quite as sensitive as a home movie camera typically is. So, overall, you have wireless color (in light) or black and white (in darkness) video with sound, transmitted to a receiver within a few hundred feet.
Now, the downsides:
First, range is very limited unless you have an open area with no obstructions. I hooked the received up to a TV in my livingroom, then tried to use the camera in the bedroom connected to the same wall that the TV is against. Even though the range was only about 15 feet between camera and receiver, signal quality was too poor to lock on. This was due to the bedroom having several large metal shelving units which obstruct the signal. If the room was empty, I doubt there would be such problems.
Video quality is also quite poor. The camera sends a digital picture that looks more like a YouTube video than a video camera image. You can toggle between high speed but low resolution (thus, motion is good but image is blocky), or a slower high resolution image. In bright light, the high resolution image looks very good -- a bit "digital" but totally watchable. The frame rate slows way down, though, so it comes across looking like a traditional security camera clip you'd see on a TV news program.
Overall, the camera seems well built and designed, but wired cameras I have seen provided a better picture than this wireless system. However, in situations like mine, a wireless solution is a MUCH easier choice. As long as you can tap in to power, you can mount this camera anywhere within range and get a totally usable image without any wiring or network configurations.
For my specific uses, though, I think my next effort will be with a WiFi camera. Since I already have a network which completely covers my home, that may produce better results than this dedicated security system.
Instructions were clear, packaging was nice, and setup was simple. It does what it does, and the wireless "plug and go" is very neat. Just keep in mind the designed use -- picture quality may be worse than you expect, and range may be more limited than you expect.
Overall, a very good product for it's intended audience.
8 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 Good image quality, capture sound, night vision enabled, wireless color camera, easy to install and configureJul 14, 2009
By Sidarta Tanu
Lorex LW2201 is a very simple and easy to install surveillance system. The color camera is wireless (from the receiver) and solidly constructed for outdoor use/installation. It also capture sound (built-in mic) and able to see in the total darkness with the help of the infra-red LEDs. The receiver included in this LW2201 package can take up to 4 cameras to see 4 different location at the same time.
Pros:
1. Wireless operation (between camera and receiver)
2. Wireless distance is reasonable/usable (advertised up to 450 feet)
3. Mic included in the camera (will capture sound)
4. Camera has night vision mode that can see at zero light (with the help of infra-red LEDs)
5. Color video/camera when not in night vision mode.
6. 640 X 480 VGA resolution (at 12 FPS, or 320 X 240 at 30 FPS)
7. Easy to install and configure
8. Can receive up to 4 camera (and can view all 4 camera on one screen)
9. Camera is solidly build for outdoor installation
10. Receiver Can be connected to TV/Monitor or Recorder
11. Image quality is good (much better than the average security camera)
Cons:
1. Wireless distance vary depending on the type of environment (concrete walls, other signal interference, etc)
2. Sound range is limited and the mic is not very sensitive
3. Camera viewing range is reduced on night vision mode
4. This Lorex LW2201 surveillance system is not wi-fi enabled (or able to be seen/accessed through the internet)
5. The infra-red LED glows (so it is not suitable if you need a covert night cam)
In summary, Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Digital Wireless Surveillance System has good image quality, capture sound, night vision enabled, wireless color camera, easy to install and configure.
Also check the following options:
- If you are building a security system from scratch and need viewing screen/LCD, at least 2 cameras, and a wireless camera receiver, then get the Lorex LW2602 package
- If you already have your own TV/LCD/Recorder and just looking for a camera and a wireless receiver, then get this LW2201 package
- If you already have the LW2201 camera package (which include the wireless receiver) and just need additional cameras, then get the Lorex LW2201AC1 Additional Camera
Sidarta Tanu
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Inexpensive Wireless CameraNov 28, 2009
By William H. Deckert
Pros: Very Nice Wireless Camera.
After several days of computer research on wireless security systems and cameras I choose the Lorex for the metal weatherproof case, and good night vision. I already have several networked computers running Vista and XP SP3 with TV Video Cards, so I thought I would purchase an outdoor wireless camera system or components to capture movement, intrusions, etc. and to monitor my home from the internet when on vacation or visiting my children out of town. I found the Lorex 2201 to be a good compromise of price versus quality. My ATI Radeon X 1300 Pro TV Video Card did not recognize the Lorex LW2201, but it would play fine hooked to any TV with RCA inputs. I purchased a Dazzle USB Video Capture device and it worked fine on my computer. Using Digi-Watcher software downloaded from Tucows, I can monitor this camera as well as two other Logitech USB Quickcams, record any motion, let it send me e-mail of the motion, and even post pictures to a hidden website every minute. Night vision works to about 30 to 40 feet, but details are not clear enough to identify faces.
Overall I would give high marks to this camera. I purchased it on Amazon for a lot less than advertized at [...] and although I had to buy software and a capture card, overall I have an excellent home surveillance system for under $225
Possible Cons: Wireless distance has been reported as limited, although I am getting an acceptable picture from about 50 feet through aluminum siding and two normal interior room walls. Keep in mind that you must provide power to the camera, and will need to drill at least a three eights inch hole through an exterior wall to feed the power cord, or use an outside power outlet.
See all 23 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
View Cart
based on 23 reviews
