Customer Reviews

Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Digital Wireless Surveillance System

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

What I like most about this Lorex surveillance system is that I had it up and running within minutes. It's no more complex than plugging in basic RCA cables to a VCR or DVD player. Anyone can handle it, no sweat.

Given the simple cable interface, the Lorex can be hooked up to any device with RCA inputs -- a DVD recorder, VCR, surveillance DVR or even a computer's second monitor or portable DVD player if you like. Advanced users will appreciate the BNC connectors for higher end equipment.

It's important to note the sturdy construction of the camera itself. It's an external camera housed in heavy duty casing, not cheap plastic. This will easily stand up to the elements, birds or even a rock flung directly at it. It's no cheap toy, this is the real deal. But the camera isn't overly bulky or obtrusive. It's a good compact size while still significant enough to deter on sight alone. It's about the size of a soda can, though not as big around. The mounting brackets are also solidly constructed to support this sturdy cam.

The camera lens is encircled by 30 infrared LEDs that come on automatically for superb night vision, giving clear visibility at least 40 feet with virtually no external light source. No joke. I have this mounted on my garage pointing at my back door, and with the lights off, I see everything clearly. Very cool.

It's important to note that though the video signal from the camera transmits wirelessly, the camera itself still needs a power source and has to be plugged into an outlet. You'd think this is obvious but I've had conversations in the past and some overlook this fact so I thought I'd better mention it.

Signal transmission extends up to 450 feet, though that may be reduced significantly if the camera and receiver are separated by concrete or brick walls. Mine are about 150 feet apart with the camera high on the garage and the receiver in the house. The signal is strong and consistent with no dropouts or feedback. Oh, and it has SOUND too!! Some surveillance systems don't offer this.

Another cool feature for the Lorex is that you can add 3 more cameras, giving 4 total views on one viewing screen. The receiver splits the screen for the other cameras so you can place multiple cameras around the house, office, store or what have you.

My only quibble is that this unit can't be used over a network where you login and see what's happening remotely while away from the office or on vacation. For that, you'll need something like the Logitec WiLife system, though those are nowhere near on par with the heavy duty construction of this Lorex. The lack of network connectivity isn't a flaw with this system, per say. It's just a feature I like, so for that reason, I docked it one star. Just personal preference.

UPDATE -- didn't notice this before, but the box says "Slingbox compatible" Well, that's kinda cool since it give the remote viewing capability I thought it was lacking. You have to incur the added expense, but at least it's an option if you need it.

Legally required but not functionally significant -- I like the surveillance warning stickers that are meant to be stuck to a window. Those alone are intimidating.

The Lorex LW2201 Surveillance System is the real deal. This is a top notch security system that's easy to setup, rugged, with excellent video quality and a flawless wireless signal. If it meets your needs and you don't need network viewing, you can't go wrong with this one.

This cam works ok. The video quality is poor and I would not recommend this product if you're looking to make out the face of an individual 20 to 30 feet away from the camera. The wireless range is good. Haven't had any problems what so ever. For the price I paid, a better image quality would of been nice.

Lorex LW2201 Weatherproof Ultra Digital Wireless Surveillance System.
Very easy to set up and go. Can be more functional.

The LW2201 is setup for an out of the box and go installation. I was able to watch monitored surroundings in about 15 minutes from the time that I opened the box. The camera half of the kit is very well made, not quite industrial quality, but well above the typical plastic web cam models. Of course it is a security camera, and not a web cam. As such it is enclosed in aluminum, has an additional aluminum sunshade, and the mounting swivel support is steel. The receiver portion is plastic, but it is meant to stay indoors. The basic hook up is on camera: 12 dc power supply, antenna, and a pairing button. On the receiver, antenna and one umbilical cord which has three plugs on the end; 12 dc to power connector, audio, and composite video signal. Once you plug in the power to both components, they automatically synced up and I got an excellent quality signal on my composite monitor. So the basics work extremely well. There are provisions for changing the 640x480 VGA signal to 320x240 on the receiver, this simply looks to be a digital crop to the center of the picture. You can also set up the receiver to scan up to four camera full screen sequentially, or put up four small pictures from each on the screen at the same time. The composite video output can be recorded on a VRR or DVD/HD recorder. Here are some more first hand observations.

The range is advertised as up to 400ft. With multiple walls the best I could do was about 200ft. About exactly the same as my 2.4Ghz cordless phone. Not coincidentally the camera uses the same frequency (frequency hopping for security). There is a signal strength meter on the screen, but basically when it dropped from 4 bars, it then went to nothing almost immediately.

The camera contains a microphone. It is not very sensitive. Talking from 10 ft away could barely be heard.

The camera is night vision (up to 40ft) capable. There are 30 IR leds surrounding the lens. They glow dim red when night vision engages. It works very well in total darkness, but the red glow is easy to see. The night vision is in black and white.

The viewing angle is specified as 58 degrees. 5.8mm f2.8 lens. It is not particularly wide, and you very well may need multiple cameras for adequate coverage. Focus looks good at all distances. Quality of the video is excellent.

The camera switches to night vision mode with an audible click. It does so prematurely I would say, as daylight color picture stays a very good quality, and things do not have to get very dim before the camera goes into night vision mode. Normal room lights indoors were not enough for it to stay in color daylight mode.

The back of the receiver contains a mini USB port. Instructions say it is not used. I called Lorex and they said there is no way I could hook up anything to this port. This seems short sighted. I hooked it up to my computer and it was immediately detected as a Mars-Cam. None of the drivers available on the Lorex website for their web enabled cameras that I tried appeared to work. Why? Nowadays that web based monitoring and computer enabled video is so common why not have the driver. It looks like all of the circuitry is already in place.

For 24 hour monitoring and recording you would need a special VCR/DVD recorder. (by the way you get a Spanish and English language stickers warning of 24 hour video surveillance to dissuade potential intruders) It would be so useful to have your computer grab a snapshot every minute or so. Of course Lorex also sells cameras that do that as well.

So in summary; here you get a very well constructed outdoor quality monitoring camera, with a swiveling mount and a weather shade. You can plug it thru the power supply into a outdoor spot light bulb socket with a screw to ac plug adapter and be ready to monitor in minutes. The receiver is no frills very easy to set up, range is good. The recording capability is limited by the composite A/V output only so to use it with a computer would require a video capture card. However there is a remote possibility that Lorex may issue a USB driver for the port already available in the back.

The Lorex LW2201 is a good system, but it has its limitations too. The camera itself is well built, and weatherproof. Although it is "wireless", it does require it to be be wired to its power supply. Once everything is hooked up, it does produce very good video under all lighting conditions. Even in almost complete darkness, the camera is able to see what is going on. The camera does use illuminated LEDs when in infrared mode, so if "stealth" is what you're looking for, this may not be the system for you. The claimed range is up to 450', but I found that it is not nearly that when used inside my home. I found some signal breakup from one side of the house to the other. The camera does have sound, but it pretty much useless. When tested, I could barely understand any audio it did pick up. All in all, the LW2210 is a good system that does serve its intended purpose.

Pros:
Very good image quality
Works well even in complete darkness
Wireless except for power source
Weatherproof and well built

Cons:
Range limited by obstructions and conditions
Poor, almost useless audio

Never owned a camera like this one before, nor do know anyone who has. When you look at your monitor, you see cars, birds, or anything that moves, they jump or skip across the screen. It never looks like it's live. Looks like a recording with a step by step frame shot.
Another thing this Lorex LW2201 will not do is have live motion part of the time. It appears that
it had taking a cam shot and saved it in it memory, (which it does not suppose to have a memory)
and is displayed on the monitor. You have someone walk in front of the camera, and it will not
show it on the monitor at times, instead it will show what it saw hours before and freeze up on
that. I called Lorex and they were very kind and sent me another one, and i had to return it
back also because it was the same kind of camera with the same problems.