D-Link announced yesterday the release of its D-Link Air DCS-1000W Wireless Internet Camera. The product is designed for use in remote security monitoring. It can also be used to broadcast live feed over the Net.

The D-Link Air DCS-1000W has a built in 802.11b radio, and can wirelessly stream digital audio - or it can be connected with Cat 5 cable through its RJ-45 port. It has additional ports for IR and/or motion sensor applications. The Wireless Internet camera has a web-based interface, enabling users to remotely configure it from any available Internet connection.

The unit has both a built-in web- and email-server, enabling remote viewing from virtually anywhere in the world where a user can type an IP address into a standard Web browser. The camera can be set to take timed interval snapshots. Add-on motion, magnetic, or IR sensors can also be used to trigger image capture. In fact, the camera's built in e-mail server will automatically notify designated users the instant a picture is taken!

Video specs include VGA resolution at 20 frames per second. It can be set to stream video from 160x120 up to 640x480 pixels at 24-bit RGB color. Automatic gain control and white balancing are incorporated, and the output itself can even be modified to maintain steady video streams over slower Internet connections. The Air DCS-1000W supports common Internet protocols and IEEE 802.11b and 802.3/3u Ethernet.

D-Link stated that the Air DCS-1000W Wireless Internet camera is now available through authorized reseller, retail, and distribution channels with an estimated street price of $409 and a manufacturers suggested retail price of $449.

Matthew Peretz is Managing Editor of 802.11-Planet.com