High definition is the latest area of focus for wireless internet security cameras. Moving away from the limits of the typical 640×480 capture resolution to a much higher resolution, such as 1920×1080, makes security cameras more flexible and suitable for a broader array of scenarios. In this review we will be taking a look at one of the latest high-definition cameras, the Y-Cam Bullet HD1080 Wireless Internet Security Camera (Model: YCBLHD6) currently priced around £338.09.

In the Box: Y-Cam Bullet HD1080

In the box you get the camera itself, a stand/wall mount (with fixings), power adapter (with three country fittings), wireless antenna, network cable, spare water-proof rubber ring, quick start guide (in multiple languages), and a setup CD.

The quick start guide is extremely short at just two pages but includes the default username and password, and points to the 68 page user manual contained upon the CD. The software, contained on the CD, supports both Windows (XP upwards) and Mac (OS X 10.4 upwards).

Even though the camera is wireless the software still needs installing as a computer is required for the initial configuration of the Y-Cam. However, once the initial setup is complete, the Y-Cam can be operated, and further configured, independently. For wireless use the included wireless antenna needs to be attached and screwed firmly into place (although there is an adjustment arm).

The weighty camera, at 810g for just the body of the camera, is clearly designed for wall or ceiling mounting as the accompanying mount is not suitable as a desk style stand (it cannot support the weight of the camera on its own).

The cable set attached to the cable is a great idea as it essentially combines four cables into one more manageable one. The cables break out at one end providing access to the power connector, network adaptor, I/O interface, and speaker connector.

In Operation: Y-Cam Bullet HD1080

Initial setting up requires the camera to be configured from the setup application on the CD and a connection to a wired network. The Camera Setup application scans the network for cameras and lists matching ones by Model, Name, IP, and MAC Address. You need to click on the camera you want to configure and click Setup (you will have to enter the default username and password). Basic information can be entered including the device name, location, and access port (usually port 80). The camera can then be configured to obtain its network information automatically or manually. The camera was quickly detected on various network setups we tried it with.

The camera can be configured for wireless access using the setup program and once connected to the wireless LAN the wired connection can be removed.

Better performance will always be gained using a wired connection however in areas where it’s not practical to install the wireless connection is more than adequate.

Check for Firmware Updates

After initial setup the details for accessing the camera through a browser can be found by running the setup software, you should make a note of these.

Live video can be accessed through a browser, once the camera is configured, although I couldn’t get the video view working on Windows 8 under Internet Explorer. However, installing QuickTime for Windows allowed the camera to work under Google Chrome (there are some tips in the user manual for configuring Internet Explorer to provide access through it’s ActiveX control). Changing Internet Explorer, under Windows 8, to Compatibility View and refreshing the page allows the Y-Cam AxRTSP plug-in to load which at least provides a stop-gap until the issue is resolved.

The firmware version supplied on the camera, for review, was version 1.2436 whilst the latest firmware version is 1.2641, so it’s worth checking the Y-Cam Firmware Update website for the latest firmware revision.

High Resolution Video Capture

The 1920 x 1080 capture (up to 30 frames per second) is a welcome addition, as it makes for a much clearer captured image but don’t expect to be able to read text from a distance. Interestingly up to three video streams can be configured with one fixed at 1920×1080, the second 1280×720, or 640×360, and the third dedicated for mobile use at a fixed 320×180. All supported encoding type H.264 and MPJPG.

Capture To NAS and Storage Card

Video capture can be directly to a Network Attached Storage device or microSD (not supplied). Setting up the NAS is pretty straightforward, requiring only the IP address (or domain information), mount point, and username/password combination. However, it has to be said that the microSD support is a bit fiddly as it requires you to remove the back of the camera which could be tricky, and not advisable, once the unit is mounted. The back section needs to be unscrewed which gives access to the memory card slot and in one way it adds to the security of the unit, as well as adding a benefit when mounted outdoors.,It would have been good to see some other way of managing the device without resorting to a screwdriver. A spare waterproof ring is supplied which should help when laying out the power cable to the unit.

The camera is supported for outdoor usage, at IP66 rating, and has an operating temperature of between –10 to 50 degrees Centigrade.

Night vision is catered for, up to 15m, by utilising 32 infrared LEDs and it works well. Supporting night vision is motion sensing capability, a built-in microphone and speaker connector which allow you to capture audio and send audio respectively although the microphone is pretty sensitive.  Up to three motion areas can be configured from the display, each with their own threshold and sensitivity parameters, whilst a recording schedule can also be configured (Sun-Sat, 00-23). The camera can be configured for continuous recording, snapshots at intervals, and timed email and FTP snapshots.

In Summary: Y-Cam Bullet HD1080

The Y-Cam Bullet HD1080 takes internet based security surveillance to the next level, by introducing high-definition recording, and provides an effective security solution. The recent price drop makes it very attractive. For more information head over to Y-Cam: Bullet HD1080 | Buy the

Technical Specifications

• Product: Y-Cam Bullet HD1080
• Imaging Device: 1/2.7” CMOS f=4.15mm F1.8
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels: 2,073,600
• Frequency: 2.4-2.484 GHz
• Transmission Speed: Auto Switch up to 150 Mbps (1 Spatial Stream)
• Features: Night vision (15m), Weatherproof (IP66-rated)
• Computer: PC/Mac Compatible, Windows XP/Vista, Windows 7, Max OSX 10.4 (Tiger)
• Weight: 810g (body)
• Network: Wired (Ethernet 10Base-T/100 Base-TX), Wireless (IEEE802.11b/g/n)