Review on YI Security Surveillance Monitor Android by Ben Barrington

If you are just starting out with a home/office surveillance system then you should definitely give it a try. They work as advertised and you do NOT need a cloud subscription if you want basic monitoring. You need the cloud option if you want to store records for a long time. The iOS//Android app works as advertised. The windows based application is what you really need for your home as it allows you to display a 9 window view matrix. That's right, you can constantly display the view of nine cameras to actively monitor your territories. You can have up to TWELVE (12) cameras under one account. This is perfect for the home or small office. With the PC application you can display a 9-panel matrix view of the cameras; Amazing feature. In light of THIS summary, here's what you should know: I would advise you NOT to buy a dedicated outdoor version of this camera if you need privacy. In the special outdoor version of these cameras, the IR lamps glow red. This makes them visible to others and everyone knows where your cameras are located. If you are looking for discreet outdoor placement of your cameras (for security reasons you would think you will) then buy an inner pack of 4; Internal cameras do not have red IR LEDs. (See attached image) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CW4CEMS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Then buy a case for each: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078MXH7WZ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You can spray paint to make each one match the color of your house ( This will make them even more more discreet and offer added resistance to the elements.The best thing about these little cameras is that you can place these cameras almost anywhere in your home with a simple 25ft USB cable extension (since they only require a standard input).5c) https ://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0763358FV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Oh, and if you need extra reach, these little gems are "America's Choice" for the following reason: https://www .amazon.com/gp/product /B0195Y0A42/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I implemented all of the above to put together a very simple and inexpensive surveillance system for a typical suburban site. See attached video for Ka quality sample. Take a look at the 4 links above and your creative mind will guide you to the rest. Remember that like the military, you need a "firing arc". So plan your setup so that each camera "covers" a portion of the area that the other camera "covers". With 12 cameras in one account, you can cover the entire outdoor area. I would also recommend this little gem for your car. It's cheap, works at night, has a mic that can be toggled on and off, and thanks to the included 3M sticker, the mount WILL NOT fail in hot weather: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078MXH7WZ / ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01 ?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Good luck and money. Remember that a system this simple is better than NO system AND it will give you peace of mind.