Security System Adds Photo Capability

VAN NUYS, CALIF. — Al & Ed's Autosound began offering this month a private label remote start/security system that is one of the first to include a remote camera so that the user can receive pictures of the inside of his vehicle when there is a security breach.

The new Al & Ed's security system is called the MobilWorks SD900 series. The product has a camera built into the system's FM transmitter, and it takes JPEG images of the car's cabin that are sent wirelessly to the user's remote two-way transmitter. The photos are then displayed on the transmitter's mini LCD. When the system is breached it automatically triggers the camera and four pictures are sent to the remote, said Al & Ed's product manager John Haynes. The user can also press a button on the remote to take additional pictures. The photos may be uploaded to a computer to be shown to the police, Haynes said.

Some security suppliers said they are looking into similar technology but none contacted had immediate plans for a camera-based security system.

Crimestopper's president Howard Miller said, “We're certainly looking at the idea. The two-way technology is improving all the time. As far as interfacing a camera, we haven't gone that far. We're expanding in the area of GPS and seeing how we can interface GPS with our alarm systems."

Directed Electronics' product category manager Charlie Quong said, “We're not specifically looking into that application, but we've been investigating all kinds of new technologies.”

Audiovox said it is focusing on combining telematics with security as in its CarLink system that can unlock the car doors with a phone call.

Al & Ed's MobilWorks remote start/security/camera system offers dual stage shocks, door protection and six-tone siren. The system has a retail price of $1,000 installed, said Haynes.