Lorex

• Camera System Bundles
• Skype Functionality
• Heavy-Duty Recorders
• Camera Monitor
• Camera Quality
• Customization

Camera System Bundles

Lorex has camera bundles available for customers who want to purchase more than one camera at one time. Camera systems can have up to 32 channels, and there are many more to choose from. Lorex's available camera systems are as follows:

Digital IP Systems

Digital IP systems are best for monitoring larger areas with high amounts of traffic, such as warehouses, commercial units, businesses, and residential homes. 

MPX/Wireless Systems

MPX systems are best for urban properties, farms, smaller businesses, and residential homes. MPX systems can also include wireless surveillance cameras. 

Wire-Free Systems 

Wire-free systems are best for users who want the most flexibility with their Lorex security cameras. Being wire-free, these security cameras can be moved with little difficulty. Keep in mind that wire-free systems are ideal for low-traffic areas. 

Skype Functionality

Lorex's home security system, the SD7+ wireless home video surveillance kit, is accessible via Skype. There are pros and cons to the Skype functionality. With the Skype feature, you can access the SD7+ system from virtually anywhere in the world, granted you have a Skype account. This is a great way to increase the robustness of the hardware while not worrying about the cross-compatibility between different platforms. The bad news is if you have a Mac, you can't use the system over Skype. The Skype compatibility works on the iPhone (with iOS 4.0 or better) and Android phones (Android 2.3 or better).

Heavy-Duty Recorders

Lorex has heavy-duty network video recorders (NVRs). With 24/7 functionality, the recorders have various recording modes, pre-installed hard drives, as well as the ability to connect to your system using Lorex's mobile app. Most of the recorders include combinations of IP cameras that have pan-tilt-zoom functionality, color night vision, and motorized varifocal lenses.

Other camera capabilities can include IK10 vandal-proof ratings and listen-in audio functionality. The NVRs are also compatible with Lorex's mobile app that allows remote viewing at any time and anywhere. 

Lorex has three video recorder options:

• Security NVR
• Security DVR
• Wire-Free DVR

Camera Monitor

Another positive is that the SD7+ system comes with a monitor. The Lorex system was one of the only camera packages that we reviewed that included a monitor. The 7" monitor comes with a lot of different settings that enable you to easily adjust the brightness of the screen, view multiple cameras, and add additional cameras that are purchased separately beyond the first two. You can't go beyond 4 cameras, however.

Camera Quality

Lorex security cameras are high quality with a wide variety of features:

• Weatherproof
• Vandal-resistant
• 4K resolution
• Wide-angle
• Color night vision
• Two-way audio and talk

Customization

Lorex makes this system very customizable. The basic SD+7 system includes two cameras (you can add two more). However, if you have a larger home, you can purchase additional wireless range enhancers. There are two different range extenders, and you can purchase both of them for $69.99.

• Limitations
• Number of Cameras

Limitations

Unfortunately, you cannot use the Skype functionality of the Lorex system with Macintosh computers. This was disappointing, as Skype works pretty well with the Windows operating system. There were a few other details that we read in the fine print that concerned us. For example, you can only upload pictures to a computer if it is running windows.

Another issue that concerned us was that there was no power over Ethernet. If you have a camera as part of the Lorex system, it depends heavily upon conventional power outlets, severely limiting the camera's deployment in the outdoors. Also, in order to interface with a computer, you must have a USB connection between the 7" monitor and the computer. This somewhat limits the system's functionality when a wireless home network is used.

Number of Cameras

With so many surveillance cameras, it may be difficult to decide which ones are the best for you. However, if you do the research and decide which type of Lorex security cameras best fit your ideal security, then the wide variety of cameras may be a convenience to you. 

Best Home Security Companies