Panasonic BLC-30/BLC-131 versus BLC-1/BLC-20

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

helen3492@yahoo.com - 17 Apr 2008 15:24 GMT

All the above are IP network cameras for home monitoring. The BLC-30
and the later BLC-131 feature remote pan/tilt while the BLC-131 also
features sound and MPEG-4 streaming. However...

I have found that the cheaper BLC-1 (wired) and the BLC-20 (wired and
wireless) provide much better pictures for far less money. No remote
pan/tilt - but superior images every time. In fact I would go so far
as to say that the cheapest BLC-1 offers the best bang for the buck.
These units are great for keeping an eye on pets and babies etc. And
who wants wireless devices near babies? Not I. If you don't want to
run loads of Ethernet cables, the Netgear Powerline units are fine
alternatives (Ethernet over domestic mains wiring - and it works great
too).

http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters.aspx

For example - where I live you can almost buy three BLC-1s for the
cost of a single BLC-131.

You can see all the network cams here:

http://panasonic.co.jp/pcc/products/en/netwkcam/

But I don't work for Panasonic or Netgear. I'm just an end-user who
has all the stuff discussed herein.

I hope this is helpful.

Helen

Reply to this Message

Bill Kearney - 17 Apr 2008 17:16 GMT

> And who wants wireless devices near babies?

Oh yeah, right, like the "don't live under powerlines" junk science. Yeesh,
what nonsense.

If you're near any neighbors, have a cordless phone or in cell phone
coverage you're already getting wireless RF.

I'm looking to get something but would prefer to have the pan/tilt/zoom
option. Interesting you noticed picture quality difference between them.

Reply to this Message

helen3492@yahoo.com - 19 Apr 2008 14:19 GMT

>> And who wants wireless devices near babies?
>
>Oh yeah, right, like the "don't live under powerlines" junk science. Yeesh,
>what nonsense.

Well, Bill - with all due respect, the jury is still out on that one.
While we as individuals have little control over the siting of power
lines, we can choose not to live underneath or near them. Whereas
cell phone signals are a feature of modern life that none of us can
avoid. They're everywhere.

However, when it comes to placing RF near infants in our own homes we
definitely do have a clear choice. And I choose the safe option
because I believe the scientists who contend that EMR can adversely
affect the development of babes and children. So there's no WiFi in
our place or cordless phones either. I cannot do anything about
external stuff over which I have no control. But in my house, what I
says goes. Because mom always knows best.

>If you're near any neighbors, have a cordless phone or in cell phone
>coverage you're already getting wireless RF.

>I'm looking to get something but would prefer to have the pan/tilt/zoom
>option.

With CCTV you can have almost broadcast quality if you want it - but
not on the average household budget. My original post was aimed
squarely at run o' the mill householders who, from time to time, need
to observe small children and pets. Sony, AXIS and Panasonic etc. all
do high-end systems that produce far better pictures and offer much
improved facilities over the units discussed - which are basic models
designed for those on fairly tight budgets.

Incidentally - for recording IP cameras I highly recommend a software
called ACTIVEWEBCAM. It's quite cheap and does everything the
expensive manufacturer-specific softwares do and maybe more than most.
But before buying, just make sure that your particular IP camera(s)
are supported. I should be very surprised if they are not.

You can check out Activewebcam here:

http://www.pysoft.com/ActiveWebCamMainpage.htm

Reply to this Message

Homeowner Forum / Home Automation / April 2008

Panasonic BLC-30/BLC-131 versus BLC-1/BLC-20