Podcast #785: D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD

The D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD (MSRP $199.95) camera is the first camera that makes use of Apple’s HomeKit technology. It's not an ugly, bulky Wifi camera that most are used to, but one that can be easily integrated into your home, while still providing a complete feature set in 1080p resolution.

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Today's Show:

News:

• Disney reportedly not onboard with premium video-on-demand service
• Comcast reportedly planning $15-$40/month broadband skinny bundle with HBO, ESPN for cord-cutters
• VIZIO Unveils All-New 2017 D-Series™ Smart TV Collection Highlighted by 4K Ultra HD in Select Models
• DIRECTV Now & Vue Have 400,000 Subscribers

Other:

• Video Streaming Solutions: 12 Products to Try
• Poll: How Do You Primarily Listen to Music?
• The History of DVD: The Disc That Changed Home Entertainment
• I may have found how Amazon prevents the echo from activating during commercials.

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D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD

The D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD (MSRP $199.95) camera is the first camera that makes use of Apple’s HomeKit technology. It's not an ugly, bulky wifi camera that most are used to, but one that can be easily integrated into your home, while still providing a complete feature set in 1080p resolution.

Installation is as easy as plugging it in, opening your homekit app and aiming your phone’s camera at the unique ID. That alone adds the device to your homekit automation system and transmits all wifi settings for your home. Within two minutes the device is on your network and in your home ready for you to set up automation rules for its use.

Features

180° Field of View – Widest angle lens on a fixed camera. You can see an entire room with one camera. D-Link also does something with the image so it doesn’t look like you are looking through a fisheye lense. Looks best on an ipad.

1080p HD Quality Video – Rich detail and crisp image quality

Motion Detection – Push alert notifications and recording whenever movement is detected. In fact the motion detection is so go you won’t need other motion detectors. You can trigger your automation rules based on movement on your home. I (Ara) ended up returning two motion detectors since two cameras covered the entire first floor.

Two-Way Audio – Built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication. Other than verifying that this works I have not had to use it daily use. But it may be a great feature for looking in on individuals who may need extra support.

Local Recording – MicroSD card slot for local recording based on motion detection trigger. What’s cool about this is that you don’t need a third party service to review triggered recordings.

Night Vision – See up to 16 feet in complete darkness with built-in IR LEDs.

Live Viewing – View on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch with any homekit enabled app.

Conclusion

If you are in the iOS ecosystem and have an AppleTV Homekit is the way to go. It is so easy to mix and match devices from multiple vendors. It would be cool if Apple provided a web interface for setting up and monitoring your system. The D-Link Omna is a little on the expensive side but the ease of setup and quality of picture make it a camera you will want in your home!

Download Episode #785