Video baby monitor
I just got in my Foscam FI8918W wireless IP camera to use as a video baby monitor and I can honestly say that this thing rocks.
For those that have not heard of the Foscam, it is a low cost, pan/tilt, wireless IP camera with night-vision and a number of other nice features.
Setup is a snap. It works on multiple devices and really could not be much more simple (though the interface could use a bit of work). You also can view the video stream from the web-browser of your choosing, and from anywhere in the world if you have the proper port-forwarding or VPN set up.
The software also has robust features such as multiple user accounts, Dynamic DNS account settings for those with ever-changing IP addresses, and the ability to upload photos to an FTP server.
If anyone is looking for a great video baby monitor, save your money and buy one of these bad-boys. The camera has built in audio that works well, but for our situation it does not make sense to have a iPhone, iPad, or web-browser on the stream 24/7. So, our plan is to supplement it with a classic audio baby monitor and get great quality video that can be monitored from anywhere in the world alongside 24/7 audio monitoring for peace-of-mind.
My favorite feature is adding the Foscam as a playlist on a hacked Apple TV, so you can have the baby monitor up on the big-screen with audio. You could even set the Apple TV up on picture-in-picture and watch the game while still keeping an eye on the little one.
An authentic Foscam can be found online for around $80 shipped, but you might have to wait a while for it to come in from China. If you are willing to take a risk, knockoffs can be found on eBay in the $50 range.
February 17th, 2013 at 1:05 am
How did you add the foscam as a playlist? I’m trying to figure out how to see my baby on the TV when I’m downstairs. Thanks.
February 17th, 2013 at 10:36 am
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