Lextech Labs’ iRa has brought the tools of the high-end security industry to the iPhone, enabling users to view multiple video feeds and directly control pan-tilt-zoom cameras from their device.

Users may define multiple groups of cameras, each containing as many video feeds as they like, and quickly switch between them for managing multiple facilities. Then, users simply touch the screen of their iPhone or iPod touch for a full screen view or to manipulate a pan and tilt camera.

However, this here app is somewhat aimed at professional use (hence the high price point). Interested parties are advised to locate a surveillance equipment integrator before purchasing the app, while end users must have working knowledge of network and digital camera system installation and configuration, as support for iRa is available exclusively through local integrators.

iRa main features include the ability to view multiple video feeds, full screen video view, PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) control for camera motion, zoom video with a ‘pinch’ (multi-touch support), group cameras for quick access, WiFi, auto network camera discovery of configured devices, support for Pelco D devices and compatibility with Axis video servers.

Lextech Labs was able to test and confirm a number of supported hardware solutions such as:

- Axis 241Q/QA 4 port video server
- Axis 207 IP fixed camera
- Axis 215 PTZ dome
- Quickset GeminEye IP enabled PTZ
- Lantronix UDS1100 serial to ethernet converter
- DV-41 Pelco-D PTZ Dome
- AirLink101 SkyIPCam250 (AIC250)


Hardware that “should work” but hasn't been tested yet includes Axis - all video and PTZ units and any IP enabled Pelco-D PTZ device, according to the company. The LinkSys WVC54GC camera is currently unsupported, while there is no end user-tested hardware currently listed. Below you have a link to the iTunes App Store page featuring iRa.

iRa Surveillance App (iTunes App Store) - $900