The XCam Anywhere from X10 Incorporated lets you add wireless
video capture to your home, office, or anywhere you want to monitor. It's a hardware
package that includes three components: a miniature color video camera/microphone, a video
sending unit, and a video receiving unit. Together they provide a wireless video/audio
solution that you can use to monitor a child's bedroom, your front door, backyard, etc.
Setting up the XCam is very easy. You simply plug the camera into the video sending unit -
there are connections for video in, audio in, and power. You plug in the included AC
adapter, set the video sending unit to one of the four available channels (A, B, C, or D),
and turn the unit on. Then you connect the video receiving unit to your VCR or cable-ready
TV, set the receiving unit to the same channel as the sending unit, and turn it on.
You can position the camera and sending unit up to 100 feet away from the receiving unit,
and the XCam can be used outdoors too. The only drawback here is that the video sending
unit needs to be plugged into an AC outlet (there's no battery pack available), and the
unit is not designed for outdoor use. The camera itself can be placed (and even mounted)
outside, which is why it is connected to the sending unit via a cable approximately 14
feet long. So in order to use the camera outside, you will still need to run that one
cable through a door or window. But you don't have to worry about the XCam being damaged
by weather because it is waterproof, and can be used during the cold Winter season as
well.
While the XCam is not specifically a computer product, you can use it along with your PC
or Mac if your system has video capture capabilities. The XCam uses standard composite RCA
connections, so you should be able to simply connect the receiving unit to the video input
on your computer. Then you can use the XCam to capture video to your hard disk drive for
editing. Of course, you can record video by simply using your VCR, but when combined with
your PC, the XCam provides other possibilities such as acting as a remote Webcam.
Since the XCam uses the 2.4 GHz frequency range to transmit its signal, the picture and
sound usually come through loud and clear. The XCam automatically adjusts to light and
dark environments, although it must be focused manually. The only trouble I found with the
signal is when I used my microwave oven in the same vicinity as the XCam. Interestingly,
microwave ovens also use the 2.4 GHz range. If you run your oven near the XCam, your video
and audio signal will exhibit some major interference.
Other than that, the XCam performed excellently. Although it's made to be permanently
mounted in one place, I found keeping it accessible to be more fun. Sometimes you may want
to use it to monitor your front door, other times you might want to record some video with
your computer, or use it as a novelty distraction during a party. The possibilities are
endless. Of course, you can always buy more than one for each of your needs - up to four
can be operated in the same 100 foot range. The price may keep you away from multiple
purchases, but believe me, the XCam has so many uses (both fun and substantial) that
you'll easily justify the cost for at least one.
