Reviewed: HomeMonitor HD security camera

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The impressive Yi-Cam HomeMonitor camera, which Inside CI reviewed last September, has had an important update in picture quality and now brings 720p HD images to your mobile device. Apps are available for iOS, Android and Roku devices.

HomeMonitor HD: Build and installation
The camera weighs in at the same size as the previous model, 85x85x30mm and weighing 150g (pictured below). It's equipped with a 1 megapixel ¼ CMOS lens. I was keen to trial the HomeMonitor in an existing setup and installed it side by side with the original model. Since we already had the software setup, this consisted of the simple job of scrolling along to the camera management tab and pressing add camera button. After you enter the camera ID (which is supplied on the instruction leaflet) you'll be up and running within 5 minutes.

HomeMonitor HD: Features
All the features we loved on the old model are still present on the HomeMonitor HD; the simple interface and setup are a massive bonus to the install market, no fixed IP address or tunnel are needed, all you have to do is plug in the camera to the router, add the camera ID and the software configures the rest automatically. The user interface is clean and intuitive.

HomeMonitor HD: Performance
Side by side, the camera quality is noticeably better, the image being at least 3 times sharper than the old camera.  I did think the colours of the HomeMonitor HD were less punchy, but for video surveillance this is much preferred. The wide angle lens provides a 100° (H) and 71° (V) viewing angle.  On testing it at almost pitch black light levels, the 30 IR LEDS kick into action producing a near perfect night image.

One of the aspects we love about the HomeMonitor HD camera is the ability to record to the cloud, the Infra-Red detector works really well allowing you to setup zones of detection. Also, the fact that it can email you and time lapse the recording are brilliant touches. The 7 day recording is still a free option that comes with your account, and you can increase this to a 30 day archive for a nominal fee of £29.99 per year.

The integrated Wi-Fi works well, but if the access point is some distance from the camera you can always use an Ethernet cable direct.

HomeMonitor HD: Verdict
I have been using the older camera for over 6 months now and have to say that the ability to use my smart phone and tablet as the viewing devices is a massive usability bonus. I always feel my property is safe, and the ability to tap in and see that my entire tech is secure is just fabulous.

Consequently, the upgrade to the HD camera is well worth considering as the picture and sound quality are noticeably better, and with the price of the unit being £150 it's a steal considering that you get free cloud storage of video thrown in the package. With the easy setup, excellent audio quality, superb notification system and good video quality, the HomeMonitor HD is easy to recommend.

Visit HomeMonitor web site