Samsung targets technophobes with 'simple' Wi-Fi surveillance camera and baby monitor

In March, Samsung will begin selling two simple-to-set-up wireless surveillance cameras, the WiFi IP SmartCam and WiFi Video Baby Monitor. Both will retail for $149.99.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.

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David Carnoy

Jan. 8, 2012 4:31 p.m. PT

2 min read

The Samsung WiFi IP SmartCam will be available in March for $149.99 (click to enlarge). Samsung Techwin America

LAS VEGAS--Along with introducing its InTouch Skype HD videophone for TVs, Samsung Techwin America today rolled out two new consumer video-monitoring cameras, the WiFi IP SmartCam and WiFi Video Baby Monitor.

Both cameras are designed to be very simple to set up and both will hit the market in March for $149.99.

Samsung claims the set-up is basically a no-brainer, requiring a single button push (or really two).

"Users simply locate the WPS [WiFi Protected Setup] button on the device and their home router," the company says, "and with a click of each, the two will automatically sync and the camera will be added to the network in less than 30 seconds."

The Samsung WiFi Video Baby Monitor will also ship in March and cost $149.99 (click to enlarge). David Carnoy/CNET

Once you're connected to your home network, you then create an account on SamsungSmartCam.com, where you can register your camera and view real-time footage from the device without installing any software. This is very similar to what Dropcam and a few other competitors have been offering for a while.

Like Dropcam, Samsung says free apps will be made available for Android and iOS platforms, "allowing users to keep an eye on what's going on at home no matter where they may be."

However, the company is quick to note one big difference between its products and those of competitors.

The company says, "Unlike traditional IP cameras which host video on a remote video server, the Samsung SmartCam leverages peer-to-peer technology for an enhanced experience. With peer-to-peer technology, Samsung makes a one-time verification--or handshake--between the SmartCam and the device that will be used to view the footage. Once that connection is made, the SmartCam is then able to stream directly to the consumer's computer or mobile device without having to go through a remote video server that could experience significant delays with increased use."

Both the SmartCam and Video Baby Monitor offer standard-definition video recording (640x480-pixel / 30fps / H.264) and can record events in the dark through the use of non-visible infrared LEDs (up to 15 feet). The company also says that because the cameras have an embedded microphone and speakers, they're also capable of two-way talk and can be configured to automatically record video when motion or sound is detected.

"That footage will automatically be uploaded to a secure YouTube account and users will be notified of the event via real-time push notification," the company says.