There are currently many choices in IP cameras for those looking to monitor their homes and business locations. Anandtech recently reviewed one such camera, the Dropcam Echo, which was geared towards the non technical consumer. Today we are looking at an IP camera offering from Compro Technologies which hopes to provide advanced features for small businesses and technical home users, while still paying close attention to the ease of installation for the end user.

First off, some information about Compro Technology Inc, as many readers may not have heard of them and they are trying to enter the US market just now.

Compro was Originally founded in 1988, based out of Taipei, Taiwan. Compro manufactures PC-TV, digital audio/video and IP security products for the IT consumer markets. They have been developing PC based TV tuners and data broadcast receiver products since 2003. However they have just recently in 2008 released consumer oriented analog/digital TV tuner products that some of you may be familiar with. Compro's IP security products include a full range of IP camera types from static ones to full PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) offerings with high resolution.

Today we are looking at Compro's mid-range PTZ (Pan-Tilt- Zoom) IP Camera, the IP540. The Compro IP540 lists the following as key features of the product.

  • 1/3" CMOS Megapixel progressive scan sensor
  •  Pan, Tilt, 4x digital zoom (Pan of 340 degrees, Tilt of 100 degrees)
  •  Day and night functionality with mechanical IR cut filter switching
  •  Built-in IR lamps
  •  Supports real-time H.264, MPEG-4 and MJPEG compression (Triple Codec)
  •  Supports dual streams simultaneously
  •  Image frame rate is up to 15 frames per second at 1280x1024 resolution
  •  Smart motion detection
  •  Two way audio with built-in MIC (External speaker required)
  •  Easy and smart installer --- iWizard IP camera utility
  •  Support UPnP (Universal plug and play)
  •  Support 10/100 802.3/Ethernet
  •  Upgradable WiFi USB module to 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN
  •  Supports local storage (MicroSD and MicroSDHC)
  •  Exclusive multiple channels viewing and installation-free mobile phone PTZ control --- WebVuer
  •  Web browser support via MJPEG mode (video only) on wide range of iphone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Mobile and PDA devices to view the IP camera live video anytime, anywhere, anyplace
  •  Remote monitoring from 3G mobile or phone with web browser
  •  Bundled with powerful 32-channel IP video management software --- ComproView
  • Optional Digital I/O box for External Sensor and Alarm (3 In/3 Out)
Unboxing Impressions
Comments Locked

36 Comments

View All Comments

  • fausto412 - Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - link

    Can we get a round up so we know what else the competition offers. i can't compare and see what i get at different price levels without a roundup.
  • ganeshts - Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - link

    I understand :) This is only our 2nd IP camera review. Look for a roundup towards the later part of the year.

    Right now, there are two options which we have used and tested :

    1. Dropcam Echo : Perfect for the AnandTech readers' parents and those who don't want to read up manuals and documentation. Cost : $279 ; has cloud based support, easy sharing with friends by email address with sharing settings as private or public for a given time duration (all the stuff that comes in with cloud based services)

    2. Compro IP540 : Perfect for the tech users who don't want to trust their security to the cloud. More business oriented compared to the Dropcam. Cost : $200
  • Zoomer - Friday, October 15, 2010 - link

    Congrats compro for this major coup. :) However, activex support seems a little...quaint these days.

    Cameron Butterfield, what about reviewing these DVR-like systems that uses analog cameras? They seem to provide a ton of channels, record to hdd, etc, for a very affordable price. Like $300 for a 4 way system with recording capability.
  • gifpaste - Thursday, October 21, 2010 - link

    Awesome! Looking forward to your roundup
  • nanfy - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link

    This camera looks great but it isn't even for sale yet. Its on notify from mwave. They also have a PoE version and the optical zoom version but there is no place to buy them from yet.
  • Dk0524 - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link

    Hi All,

    I have seen the Compro NC570 in stock at www.ipcam-central.com. That's the Compro HD camera with 12x optical zoom, Pan and Tilt and night vision.

    Seems to be a quite powerful offering.
  • ganeshts - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link

    I am quite sure there must be some encryption for the stream.

    Cameron has the review unit in hand, and he will respond ASAP.
  • cbutters - Thursday, October 14, 2010 - link

    Although there is obviously username/password protection on the interface, this camera does not currently support encryption on the stream, compro plans to offer https connection in future professional camera lines starting Q1 2011.
  • nanfy - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link

    Some video samples with both IR on and off in 640x480@30fps and 1280x1024@15 fps would be nice.

    Thanks
  • vol7ron - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link

    agreed. also, is it just one camera per package? or are there packages that come with 4-8 like other comparable devices?

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now