Customer Reviews

Lorex LW2002B Digital Portable Color LCD Wireless Surveillance System (Black)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I used the Lorex LW2002B for a couple of nights in parallel with my existing Summer Infant "Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor 2.5" Screen". I returned the Lorex when it failed to alert me to my son's cries in the middle of the night (whereas the SI model did).

I give this item two stars because it has some very nice features:
- Great reception, no interference
- Privacy
- Great screen video (for a baby monitor)
- Accommodates up to four cameras, with scanning capability (great if you've got more than two kiddos or want to monitor multiple rooms)
- Hooks up to the TV for PIP viewing
- sleek design

What I didn't like and the primary reason for my returning it:
- The audio turns off after about one second if there is no sound in the room. There is no option to override this function (e.g. keep the sound on continuously).
- Despite set to maximum sensitivity on both the camera and the receptor, and with perfect reception, it did not sound the alarm or turn on the audio/video at my child's cries until he was thoroughly awake, upset and beginning to wail.

I like to be aware of my children's sleepy whines well before they get themselves into a state of distress and alertness. Although I don't want to run in at every moan or whimper, a more sensitive monitor, or one with an "audio always on" option, will enable me to make the determination if they need attention or can self-sooth.

Additionally, some minor complaints:
- the sound is a bit "tinny"
- the unit does not automatically default to power saver mode for the video when on batteries (it stays in the user-specified mode whether on battery or the power adapter).

I ended up replacing the Lorex with the Summer Infant "Best View Digital Video Baby Monitor" and, though I've only used if for one night so far and it's not perfect (I have yet to find the "ultimate" baby monitor), I'm finding it has the essential functionality that I need to care for my little ones. Hope this helps!

First of all, the main reason I focused on this was because I wanted a Secure monitor. Something about broadcasting my kiddo and the inside of my house to the world (or neighbors at least) didn't sit well, so that limited my choices quite a bit. If you don't care about that, there seem to be some other options out there that rank higher. With that, I'll get into the reviewing.

Setup:
The camera (we only have one) and monitor were very easy to set up, and appeared to already be sync'd to each other out of the box. After unpacking and plugging it, we let it charge for the suggested 4 hour minimum (just to be safe) and were ready to go. Turn them on, and everything works out of the box. Adding more cameras may require a sync step.

Video:
The video and night vision on this camera is, in my opinion, very good. It provides pretty clear images, as long as the distance is within 50 feet or so (night vision to 15-20 ft). I tried pointing it out the window, and it had a hard time (images got a little hazy and distorted by the sun), but this was intended for indoor use, so that's not really too big of a ding against it. The picture came in clear in both modes, and it was easy to make out small details.

Audio:
The audio on this system comes in fairly clear (when it is on), but that's the big problem. The audio only turns on when a high volume threshold is met (no "always on" mode). Also, getting the audio to come on requires activity that is a bit louder than it should. I would have liked to see a more sensitive setting on the audio, or perhaps a better mic was needed.

Other:
The reception is very good, everywhere in the house (and a ways outside). We have a lot of wireless devices, and had no problems with interference (another big plus). The settings leave something to be desired. A brightness control or possible a digital zoom might be nice, but that's just being picky really. The ability to hook up to a DVR/Computer/TV is very handy, and the Picture in Picture mode is great. (Just don't expect HD). Another nice feature is the battery mode on the camera, so you can take it with you making it very convenient.

In Summary:
Overall, I would say I'm mixed on this one. I really like the video, reception, options, and especially the security, but the audio problems are a tough call. If they had an "always on" audio mode and a better sensitivity setting on the mic, this would be a 5 Star, but that's a pretty important feature. I'll probably keep it and make do, but if the audio is really important to you, you may want to find another monitor.

The video monitor works great. I love to watch our new baby in his crib. This is our second child and it is nice to check on him by looking at the monitor and not have our toddler follow me when I check on him and wake him up. There is a weird feature of a night light on the camera, which I don't understand. The problem with this feature is that you can turn this light on by the hand held monitor by accident when you pick it up as the button for it is on the side. This does not work well for us as both my kids sleep in the dark and when I hit this the first time it jolted our toddler awake when she was just starting to doze off. I just try no to hit it, but it sometimes gets accidentally turned on and I don't realize it until I see it over the crib like a beacon. Our 7 month old sleeps in a Pack and Play for nap, which I hang the monitor over the side. He now likes to try to grab it as he likes the red infared lights. Our toddler just looked at the lights once with her face right up to the camera, it was funny watching her on the monitor. After that, she never bothered with it or cared it was there.
The picture is clear. You will need to play around with the sensitivity of the audio trigger. If it is too high then you will go from silence to a scream and it will scare you. You just need to adjust it and it is fine. I like the button where you can turn off the monitor to save batteries then with the touch of a button turn it back on. I have not tried the camera with only batteries yet, even though that was one of the reasons we bought it. I also like the idea of adding cameras to the unit. Soon our kids will share a room and we plan on having a camera over each bed. Another negative is that I wish the handheld monitor had a stand when you did not have it in the charger cradle so you can see the video without having to pick it up.

the design is poor, can't mount properly to crib. the picture quality is poor, dim. battery life is poor, 2 hours max (i am an academic and spend HOURS up at night, so this doesn't work well). The power adaptor to the monitor is broken, poor quality. the seller (Luise) sold a defective unit to us, they won't accept it back. poor company, both seller and maker.

Before I purchased this system (along with an additional camera), any time that my wife or I overheard a strange sound in the middle of the night coming from the bottom floor, I would have to walk down the steps and perform an inspection. This happened several times and proved to be extremely stressful, nerve wracking, and potentially life threatening.

So I purchased this surveillance system and placed the cameras downstairs at key locations, keeping the base upstairs in the bedroom, of course. I already kept a couple of motion sensors as well, each located at convenient locations that we always walk by on our way upstairs. So now if a strange sound is overheard or a sensor happens to go off (for whatever reason), I simply grab the base and review the bottom floor with the aid of the cameras. It is absolutely fantastic and extremely comforting to know immediately if there is an invader in the house. The first time that the circumstance occurred, I didn't even have to get out of bed - simply reached over, reviewed the bottom floor with the aid of the cameras, and went back to bed. The peace of mind that this has provided is absolutely invaluable.

I don't set the sound detection to a sensitive setting, because every time that my dog barks the base will sound a loud "beep". And if I set it to a not-so-sensitive setting, then its purpose is negated. If you don't have this problem, then the sound alert will work great as well.

The reception is excellent in a 2000 square foot home. I've never had a problem. The set up worked just as described, which is great. The only gripe that I might have is the price. I haven't compared pricing to other products, but do your research first. Nothing may be comparable, however, for the reliability and functionality this product provides. Then again, I do research items quite extensively before I purchase electronics and wound up purchasing this one about a year ago. So even though my memory fails, it must have seemed like a good compromise.

After trying several baby monitors sold in the stores, all of them were terrible till I found the Lorex Baby Monitor LW2002B. It is PHENOMINAL... private, 100% digital signal, up to 3 additional cameras and reliable night and day. Ever since our son was born we couldn't imagine life without it... that was until its 5th month of normal use. When we went to turn on the receiver that night, the screen and audio were dead but the power light was on. I called Lorex tech support and no help of theirs seemed to work, so they honored the manufactures warranty and offered replacement. However its been a PAIN dealing with the Plainfield, IN returns department. I sent it to the Lorex Return depart on 9/8/10, shipped via UPS (insured & certified delivery) and it arrived to them on 9/13/10. They didn't process it till 9/15/10! Then when I called to check the status they claimed they couldn't find it, on the next day when I called they found it in their system and told me one week to replace it. One week later no unit. When I called back they claimed no record of the device on file. When I called yet again speaking to another rep they found it and complained of a computer system change they encountered. Then today I called again, and they stated my black receiver I sent was checked in as white??? I ordered a black color and shipped a black color, naturally I want a black color back! Then they tell me the unit was missing the receipt which I know was sent cause I taped it to the device! Now I had to call customer service in Canada HQ's who tells me to resend the receipt, so I do and now they are going to send a replacement once the black is in stock? Who knows... over a month later I'm not that happy with Lorex's company returns or process return system. I recommended this company to over 5 friends and plan on purchasing the full security DVR system in the near future. This type of product control may make me second guess that decision going forward. I sure hope I get my replacement receiver as it been gone for a month now... THE POINT... if it works, it works great! If the unit dies before 1 year of normal usage, good luck with the returns department.

Bought this as a baby monitor. rooms spread apart upstairs and down. works well. good image. short battery life.

I bought this device about a month ago. I couldn't be happier. I have done some research before and debated between the Levana BABYVIEW20, the SVAT GX520 and the Lorex LW2002B. I ended up bying the Lorex LW2020B & I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I needed a device that can handle multiple cameras, as with two kids I wanted to have a camera in each room and possibly additional cameras for a playroom area for the kids & the basement. I have a two story house 4000+ square feet, with full basement. I have wireless phones & wireless DSL internet. So my three main criteria for the device are:
1 / Clarity of image & sound in daylight or night vision & good range(Lorex & Levana are best followed by Lorex).
2 / Device be shielded enough to have interference free transmissions(Lorex than Levana than SVAT).
3 / Capability of adding multiple cameras (Lorex & SVAT, no additional camera with Levana).
The Lorex Camera beats hands out the two other devices. I have read interference issues with the Levana & the SVAT, and short range placement issues with the SVAT (if device is more than few feet the image is fuzzy). I have the camera placed about 15 & 20 feet from the bedheads. The image is clean & well colored in well light & daylight condition. At nighttime, the infrared light gives a clear distinguishable image of my kids in total darkness,I love it. The infrared red lights are so deemed there are barely noticeable at night. I gave the device a 5 stars, the only bad thing is here is no battery gauge on the receiver. I guess nothing is perfect, but it's as close to perfect as you can get. You have a noise & alarm sensitivity control& best of all, I have a piece of mind, when I am working downstairs at night & the kids are sleeping.

It's the best. I was looking for similar products for babys, in Target or Babies'r us, and they are just expensive and lower quality. Lorex is pretty good