YOUR EXTRA SET OF EYES!
HOMEGUARD FULL HD 1080P PAN & TILT - HGWIP-812
Review by: Jennifer Griffiths
Video & Testing by: Philip Griffiths
Introduction :
This week I am looking at the HOMEGUARD FULL HD 1080P PAN & TILT. Just looking at the box and reading its capabilities, I am able to see that this camera will incentivize the discerning customers through your door. Why? This camera is made for indoor use with your WiFi. It is equipped with a microphone and speaker so you can speak and be spoken to from the camera. I know you are probably a bit befuddled as to why this is a good thing. Let me elaborate. Let us just say that you have a child, or even a family member in need of constant care for some reason. With this camera, you can monitor them, even speak to them to ask if they are OK and if they need anything. They can speak back to you and tell you of their needs.
This could be a step-saver for those moments when you want to have a rest but feel compelled to check in on someone. Just look at the camera on your device and check in. We have seen baby monitors and nanny cams in the past, but this, well I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what HomeGuard has brought to the table with this. So, without further ado, let's take a closer look at this marvelous bit of technology.
Manufacturer statement:
This HomeGuard Full HD 1080p Wi-Fi Pan & Tilt Camera (HGWIP-812) is simple to use and can be conveniently positioned with the home and remotely controlled from your computer, tablet or smart phone. This camera also includes a built-in microphone and speaker to allow you to listen and speak back to where the camera is located.
About HomeGuard:
HomeGuard are a DIY consumer security brand with a mission to deliver the latest and most advanced technology. They offer a range of affordable CCTV solutions for home & small businesses.
Their aim is to offer high-quality products without the premium price.
Packaging:
The packaging is clean and tidy without a lot of overkill, yet effective in showing you what you need to know. It also provides pictures of examples of what the camera is useful for. The fonts are easy to read and the package is not very large, so it will not take up a lot of shelf room. It has eye appeal and I can tell this is something HomeGuard put a lot of thought into before I even open the box.
Unboxing:
This unit is well padded and wrapped when you open it up. The contents are as follows:
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Camera
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Disks
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Manuals
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Stickers
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Cables
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Mounting Arm
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Screws
Installation:
Setting it up on a Smartphone/Tablet was easy. For this test we used an iPhone 7 Plus. All you do is scan the QR code on the DVR unit. This will take you to the correct app on your phone. Once the app is installed, create an account with HomeGuard. It only takes a few seconds for the app to link up to your device once it is installed and set up.
See Video for full setup >> https://youtu.be/F9DIei6Nlew
Testing:
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The HomeGuard Full HD 1080p Pan and Tilt, once installed we found the camera to be quite adequate for the use of monitoring a room. On the highest setting, 1080p, it was a bit jittery. Once we adjusted it to a lower setting, it became clearer and calmed down with a more respectable picture.
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When you zoom, the picture is not very clear, so if you can get away without zooming I would suggest doing so.
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Snapshots made from the app do not tilt if you tilt the device (phone) and you can not zoom in on them. They stay in one position and you can only see the shot as it is on the phone without zooming.
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The microphone and speaker are of good quality and we had no problems hearing clearly.
Pricing:
VIP £53.33
RRP £79.99
Suppliers:
VIP
http://www.vip-computers.com/uk/shop/product.aspx?product=116143
Model Number
HGWIP-812
Conclusion:
This camera would be great as a Nanny Cam, or placed in the room of a sick or elderly person that requires a lot of communication and or checking in on. I think it could be a step saver as well. If the person you are monitoring is upstairs, you will not have to make as many trips up to check in or to speak to them. When you do go, you will at least know to bring that cup of tea they want and not have to go back down and up and down again. Used as a nursery cam or for looking in on children it could also be invaluable. A quiet child is not always a good thing. Sometimes quiet children or getting up to something they should not be. If you look in on them with this camera you know whether or not to go in quickly or just enjoy the quiet. I would definitely consider the product for purchase. - Jenni
Stand out point: The built in microphone and speaker on the camera enabling communication.
Pros:
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Ability to communicate with the person in the room being monitored.
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Good picture
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Good audio
Cons:
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Zoom was a bit hard to see
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Jittery on 1080p
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You can't zoom or tilt a photo on a phone.
They got a GOLD Award for this product.