TRENDnet TV-IP1328PI

[testman78]

Introduction

A good way to protect your home is to install a security camera or a few around the exterior. Not only do they help discourage potential intruders from breaking an entry, but they can also record all the action for prosecution. Today, we review the TRENDnet TV-IP1328PI camera. This is a bullet style security camera which can be used indoors or outdoors, and has a number of features that are to be desired in a security camera for either home or business. The first thing we'd like to mention about the TRENDnet TV-IP1328PI, is that it boasts super HD 2560 x 1440 high resolution image capture in a space-saving H.265 compression format, which means you're getting superior picture quality to most security cameras, in day or night settings. The TV-IP1328PI is both a "plug and play" and PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera, and advertises itself as a fully weatherproof model that supports both Smartphones and Windows/MAC. PoE means that you can use a regular ethernet cable to deliver power to the camera, since it has that capability. You can use any universal ethernet cable.



Specifications:





Packaging & Contents

We start with the simple stuff -- the packaging, so you know what to look for in the stores. The packing box is made of a cardboard box and it comes in a blue/white design. We have features of this Camera listed along the bottom. Above, an image of the Camera.



On the backside, we have more features listed in several languages while at the left a diagram of the usability.



24/7 technical support and Android and iOS apps.



Features and bundle contents.



TRENDnet logo.



TRENDnet contact info plus product's serial numbers and barcodes.



The Camera itself is packed very securely. Foam pad is made in the most vulnerable places.




Inside the box, you'll find the camera, as well as a waterproof cap for the RJ45 cable, product catalog, safety note paper Mira app booklet, manual, drill template and all the mounting hardware (screws and plugs) you'll need.












A Closer Look

The design is a bullet-style, with the main unit up front attached to the mount on the rear. It measures 173mm in length, 70mm in width and 70mm in height and weighs just 280g. The 3-axis mounting arm allows you to pan (up to 360 degrees), tilt (up to 180 degrees) and rotate (up to 360 degrees) the camera. The sides are bare, aside from the subtle TRENDnet branding, and the rear houses the single cable.



Everything is aluminum, aiding the IP67 rating that allows you to use this camera outside without fear of weather damage. When you setup the camera for the first time you will need the QR code located at the top. Unfortunately there isn't any microSD / SD Card Slot.



It's 1/3″ 4 mega pixels CMOS sensor with a resolution of 2560x1440 produced really sharp and crisp footages during our review and would be sufficient for most applications. To make everything work in the dark two IR LEDs are placed on the lower left and right.



This single cable splits into two parts- one for the ethernet, another for the AC power. This isn't required since the TV-IP1328PI supports PoE, making this a great option if you already have a PoE switch available.




Mira Web Interface

When you setup the camera for the first time you need to connect the camera with both Network cable and power cable. Unlike some other camera systems we reviewed, most of Trendnet's cameras can rely on a host PC running on your network to store recorded video. For computer you need to install Mira software, you can download it from TRENDnet's website.





For the surveillance task, you can view the live video of the added network cameras and video encoders on the Main View page. And some basic operations are supported, including picture capturing, manual recording, window division, PTZ control, etc.



After adding a custom view, you can start live view for the camera in the custom view.



The software provides PTZ control. During the PTZ control, you can set preset, patrol, and pattern, and you can also open a new window for controlling the PTZ.



You can search the video files stored in the local device or the storage server by camera or triggering event, and then play them remotely.



The recorded video files triggered by event, such as motion detection, VCA detection, or behavior analysis, can be searched for event playback. This function requires the support of the connected device.



Reports, created for a specified period, are essential documents, which are used to check whether a business runs smoothly and effectively. In this software, reports can be generated daily, weekly, monthly, annually, and by custom time period. You can use reports as basis in creating decisions, addressing problems, checking tendency and comparison, etc.



In the Event Center, you can view the real‐time events, search the historical events and view the pop‐up alarm information.



A security control panel detects people, vehicle (etc.) entering a pre‐defined virtual region, triggers events, and reports events information (such as event location) to security personnel.




Μira App

For mobile, download the Μira App either at App Store or Google Play depending on your device and install it. The App will auto show your camera and you just press "Add Device". Now you can change the Wifi settings. Thats it! It's a simple app, and since the camera is a plug and play one, the app will be able to scan the QR code placed at the bottom of the camera, and after a couple of seconds, you'll be able to monitor everything via your mobile phone.



Once set up, you can see your live view, take snapshots, and record videos. And some basic operations are supported during live view, including picture capturing, manual recording, PTZ control, etc. You can set the parameters of the device, including basic information, time settings, recording schedule, etc. Toolbar allows you to adjust the live view window size, the stream type, and the plug‐ins. Υou can view and edit a device's basic information, delete the device, and configure other functions such as video and image encryption, changing device verification code, transferring the device to another user, etc.



You can adjust window division in different scenarios. Tap to set the window division mode to 1‐window, 4‐window, 9‐window, 12‐window, or 16‐window respectively.



If the added camera number is more than the window division number, you can swipe to the left or right to change the window division group on the current page.



With the PTZ Control functionality, you can make the camera pan and tilt to the required positions, and zoom in or out the live video images.



Digital zoom adopts encoding technology to enlarge the image. You can zoom in or zoom out the live video image as desired. Tap to zoom in or zoom out the image. Or spread two fingers apart to zoom in, and pinch them together to zoom out.



Create custom motion detection zones to record video and send email notifications when a zone is triggered. So if the camera captures an intruder or some dreadful beast prowling the night, the camera inform you right on the spot so you can deal with the situation accordingly. This feature enables you to stay informed about the situation happening around your home, no matter how far you are from it.



You can search the camera's recorded video files in a selected time period and then start playback. You can set a recording schedule for a channel of a specific device and can select the time zone and set the time synchronization mode.




Performance

The 2560 x 1440 HD quality is one of this camera's major advantages, since a low or even passable quality of image might not be able to capture the details you might need to keep an eye on things. You'll want to be able to see license plates, people's faces, and other small details - even in the dark. And, luckily, that's what the TRENDnet TV-IP1328PI is designed to do. Adjustable Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) setting improves image quality and clarity when a camera is exposed to high contrast lighting environments by enhancing the dark areas of the image to make them more visible. This TRENDnet TV-IP1328PI allows you to capture all the details and clarify of what you are pointing it at by having an 180-360 degree viewing angle.



Speaking of night vision, this camera has night vision up to 98 feet, with an 80 degree viewing angle and audio range up to 15 feet. For the size of the camera, which is relatively compact, this is a good range for night vision, but of course it requires some strategy for placement on the part of the property owner.




Final Thoughts

The TV-IP1328PI is an excellent all around choice for an outdoor day/night 4MP camera. It feels well-made and is supported by an established brand. The PoE connectivity makes for a neat installation and there are undoubtedly situations where the extra resolution is a real advantage. This camera has been running 24x7 since I installed it and it has been running flawlessly through rain. This camera out of the box, you can place it wherever you want outdoors, and you don't have to worry whether it will be affected in any way by harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, or intense cold or heat. The box contains a waterproof connector to attach to your Cat 5/6's RJ-45 connector where you attach it to the camera. If you are mounting outside, I strongly suggest that you use the weatherproof device. It comes with everything to set it up and use it within minutes. There's nothing complicated about mounting it or setting up the software. It has a solid, but simple mount, that is 360 degrees adjustable. The camera took a little to figure out, and the built in Web GUI is easy and had all the necessary options that you might need. Once there you can set loads of options like frame rate, compression/bit rate, resolutions etc.. You can specify multiple network paths for storage including NAS. I used also the Mira App with this camera and it worked flawlessly. Works with many back-end recording applications, as well. Being a smart camera with remote viewing capabilities, you can view a live feed of the camera from your smart phone or device. The settings are robust. The TV-IP1328PI has a motion detection alert feature, which means you will be notified if something is detected, should you want to be notified. Daytime video/image quality is superb (for surveillance camera) and IR night vision looked very good when I turned out the lights. Also audio range up to 15 feet is great. It's not all total sweetness and light.... You can't get any Video and Audio In/Out, Alarm Siren and memory card slot. Even though the TV-IP1328PI doesn't have a memory card slot still you can enable recording to a drive connected to your network or even on your IOS/Android devices.



Overall, users will love this camera and it is a great camera for the price! These features are not common in cameras at this price ($100) and therefore this camera scores a few bonus points with us.