What Is a Wireless IR Camera?

A wireless infrared (IR) camera is a camera that functions on the infrared light spectrum and uses no or very few wires. Wireless IR camera devices need power; to satisfy the wireless promise to consumers, these cameras often use batteries. To receive the audio and video from a wireless IR camera, the owner must use a receiver that remotely picks up on the camera’s transmission. Many wireless IR cameras have remote computer controls, which allow users to move the camera from a computer. These cameras are commonly used for security, especially during the night, because IR cameras can record without visible light.

Every wireless IR camera needs a power source to function. Some wireless IR cameras use disposable batteries, and these cameras will never need to be hooked to a power wire. The batteries are disposable, so owners may have to spend a lot of money powering such cameras. Rechargeable cameras will need to be paired with a power wire every few hours. While this means a wire must be used to make the camera function properly, the camera will rarely need to be connected for longer than several hours.

When the wireless IR camera is running, the owner will need to use a receiver to accept the audio and video transmission. After the receiver is tuned to the camera’s frequency, the camera will send waves of audio and video information toward the receiver, which the receiver will pick up. Depending on what the receiver is connected to, the owner will be able to watch the transmission from a TV, computer, VCR or DVD player. Some cameras may require specific operating systems for computer transmissions, but there are rarely such requirements for TV, VCR or DVD player transmissions.

If the wireless IR camera can connect to the computer, then it can normally be controlled from the computer, as well. The owner may be able to move the camera back and forth using the arrow keys or some other keys. Some cameras cannot pivot, and these cameras cannot be moved via the computer.

A wireless IR camera uses the infrared spectrum, so it can record even if there is no light visible to humans. This means these cameras are often used for security purposes, especially nighttime security. The IR light will be strong enough to record people, but they will be unable to see the IR light, which is invisible to the human eye.