XCam Anywhere Kit - Remote Video Camera w/Transmitter:Reciever - X10 Inc.
Reviewed by Merlin!

A few weeks ago, we got a letter from a reader that basically wanted to keep an eye on his baby sitter while she was with his children. He said that he wanted to make sure that while he was away, his children were getting the best care possible and that it was not like some of the shows that he had seen on television where the nanny or babysitter does things that she isn't supposed to while the parent was away. We told him we would look into the available options and get back to him with the results.

After we received an XCam starter kit from X-10 Inc, we are glad to report that there is an in-expensive setup that you can get and that almost anyone can install.

The kit comes with a very small camera that is easy to attach to almost any surface. The camera also swivels up and down, left and right, on a specially designed base that allows it to view your subject at almost any angle imaginable or any position in a room. The camera does have a cord which you will need to hide, if you want to conceal the unit, and the camera and cord can be used outdoors.

The camera then connects to a Video/Audio transmitter that will transmit crystal clear images and sound for up to 150 ft. This makes it great for home and office use and a must have for elderly persons, for example so they can see who's at the door etc.. The video sender and receiver are NOT weatherproof, so they will have to be connected indoors, but there is enough cord that they can be done so very easily around a door casing or through a small opening around a window.

After the camera is installed, you can connect the video receiver to a TV or VCR via the Coax cable or Composite audio/video cables provided with the unit for viewing.

Once connected, the fold up/down antenna on both the transmitter and receiver must be angled so that the picture does not flip or break up or have static. This does take two persons and a few minutes to complete, but once you have it lined up you don't have to bother it again unless someone moves it.

The picture quality of the unit is great while outdoors, but indoors you will need a well lighted room for a good, clear picture. The camera also has a built-in microphone and to be honest, the sound is very clear.

Another great thing that this unit can also do is transmit video and stereo sound from any video source to any monitor or TV in your home or office. Keep in mind that you must keep the transmitter and receiver within 150ft of each other, but this is plenty for home and office use.

Overall, this is one of the smallest cameras we have ever seen and the picture that you get is great, if you have enough light. The camera is weatherproof and has a built-in microphone is a plus. The transmitters work with both the camera and any other video source that you can connect and will transmit through walls and other obstructions without any interference, as long as you've the antenna's aligned correctly. Great item and highly recommend.