New from CCTV camera company FLIR Systems, Inc is FLIR FX. It’s described as a compact Wi-Fi-enabled HD camera that integrates cloud-based analytics and application-specific mounts. FX optional accessory mounts are for use in applications including in-home monitoring, outdoors, sports and vehicle dash-camera recording. Users can stream live HD video to a smartphone or tablet with or without an internet connection, record video to a removable Micro-SD card, review events that are recorded using motion detection algorithms, communicate with two-way audio, and review hours of video with FLIR’s Cloud-based RapidRecap.
The FX app includes the RapidRecap, function, which displays multiple time- stamped motion events into a single abbreviated video clip. Based on technology used in law enforcement for suspect identification, RapidRecap allows users to simultaneously review a day’s video events in seconds, it’s claimed, and to pinpoint events of interest. Original recordings of interest can then be accessed on both iOS and Android devices.
A SmartZone feature allows users to identify specific areas within the camera’s field of view for movement detection, which in turn triggers an instant alert to a user’s mobile device of choice. This allows users to receive only the most relevant alerts.
The FX app intelligently detects the accessory mount type in use, whether it be the indoor, outdoor, sport, or vehicle dash mount, and automatically switches the functionality and app configuration for the best results. These patent-pending mounts make FLIR FX a portable wireless camera for these scenarios, the makers say:
•INDOOR STAND: Place on a counter or mount on a wall to capture activity in an entire room using the camera’s a 160 degree field-of-view. Night vision infrared LEDs on the camera provide up to 33 feet (10 meters) of range in the dark.
•OUTDOOR HOUSING: The rugged and weatherproof outdoor housing protects FX from the elements and shields it from excess sunlight. Sold both with and without the camera, the outdoor accessory includes additional infrared LEDs to facilitate more powerful night-vision capabilities up to 65 feet (20 meters).
•OPTIONAL SPORT CASE: A protective acrylic camera housing that facilitates body or helmet mounting and makes the camera waterproof at depths up to 65 feet (20m).
•OPTIONAL DASH-MOUNT: Facilitates mounting the camera to a dashboard or windshield for recording while driving. A built-in accelerometer senses motion and activates a 30-minute loop recording function. The accelerometer also senses shock from potential impacts and automatically stores a before and after recording.
With an internal battery and direct Wi-Fi connection, the FX can be installed and used anywhere, the makers say. HD video footage can be recorded to an on-board microSD card or to the FLIR Cloud. Other features include two-way audio, ambient temperature measurement, humidity monitoring, and the ability to manage multiple cameras at once. Andy Teich, President and CEO of FLIR, said: “The combination of our innovative RapidRecap, SmartZone, and FLIR Cloud features provide users with an unprecedented ability to see, record and review video events, no matter where they are in the world.”
FLIR FX includes complimentary access to FLIR’s Free Cloud Basic, which provides cloud storage of video motion events dating back 48 hours, with three RapidRecaps per month. For more cloud storage days and an unlimited number of RapidRecaps, FLIR offers FLIR Cloud Plus (seven days of storage) for $9.99 (USD) per month and FLIR Cloud Premium (30 days of storage) for $19.99 (USD) per month. Every purchase of FLIR FX includes a 30-day free trial of FLIR Cloud Plus.
The FLIR FX is available for pre-order at FLIR.com and numerous online retailers in the US, Canada, and UK. Direct shipments to consumers begin in mid-April. Visit www.flir.com/fx.
