Reolink has introduced a new line of consumer-focused surveillance cameras, the Altas series, designed for continuous video recording and enhanced security features. A key differentiator of the Altas cameras is their ability to record 24/7 to a local SD card for up to seven days on a single battery charge. This remarkable endurance is achieved through a combination of a large 20,000mAh battery and a new ultra-low power chipset. Alternatively, the cameras can be set to record based on motion detection, extending battery life to nearly two years. Furthermore, the runtime can be extended indefinitely by connecting the cameras to Reolink’s compact 6W or 12W solar chargers, providing a truly uninterrupted surveillance solution. This commitment to continuous recording and power efficiency sets the Altas series apart in the consumer surveillance market.
The Altas series comprises three distinct cameras, each catering to different surveillance needs. The Altas Go PT offers a panoramic 360-degree view, eliminating blind spots, and includes 4G connectivity for remote locations. The 2K Altas provides high-resolution video with Wi-Fi connectivity, suitable for standard home surveillance. Finally, a revamped version of the 4K Altas PT Ultra, initially launched in September, joins the series, now equipped with the new power-efficient chipset that enables 24/7 recording. This diverse range ensures users can select the camera best suited to their specific requirements, whether it be wide-area coverage, high-resolution detail, or remote monitoring capabilities.
All three Altas cameras share a core set of features designed to enhance security and user experience. Each camera is equipped with a microphone and speaker for two-way audio communication, allowing users to interact remotely with individuals within the camera’s view. The cameras boast a 1/1.8-inch image sensor and a large F1.0 aperture, enabling them to capture color footage even in low-light conditions. A crucial feature is the 10-second pre-recording functionality, which captures events leading up to a triggered recording, ensuring no crucial details are missed, especially in motion-activated mode. These features combine to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly surveillance experience.
Reolink also offers flexible storage options for recorded footage. Video can be stored locally on an SD card, with support for capacities up to 512GB, ensuring ample storage for continuous recording. Alternatively, footage can be sent to one of Reolink’s hub solutions, such as the new Reolink Home Hub. This provides a centralized storage location on the home network, eliminating the need for cloud storage subscriptions and the associated recurring fees. The Home Hub acts as a local server, maintaining privacy and control over recorded data.
The Reolink Home Hub is designed as a user-friendly solution for managing video footage, creating security routines, and receiving detailed security reports. Unlike the more advanced Home Hub Pro, the Home Hub is specifically tailored for novice users, simplifying the setup and management of a home surveillance system. It supports up to eight Reolink Wi-Fi cameras and provides up to 1TB of locally encrypted storage via two 512GB SD cards, with a 64GB card included in the package. The Home Hub also offers compatibility with RTSP and NAS storage for expanded storage options and integrates with popular smart home platforms like Home Assistant, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, fostering seamless integration within a larger smart home ecosystem.
Another crucial feature of the Home Hub is its ability to maintain recording functionality even during internet outages. The hub connects to the home Wi-Fi router and communicates with Reolink cameras over specific radio frequencies (868MHz in Europe and 915MHz in the US). This dedicated communication channel ensures uninterrupted recording, even if the internet connection is disrupted, providing continuous security and peace of mind. The Altas cameras and the Home Hub are designed to work in tandem, offering a comprehensive and reliable surveillance solution that prioritizes local storage, user-friendliness, and continuous operation. The Altas cameras are slated for release in Q3 with pricing yet to be announced, while the Home Hub is currently available for $99. This combination of innovative camera technology and a centralized management hub positions Reolink to cater to a wide range of consumer surveillance needs.
