The Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security Indoor Master …

Comment posted on Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security–Indoor Master System Camera by Mark

The Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security Indoor Master System is my second set in this group of security products. I’ve added on a few components and learned how to deal with more of the system’s features and quirks. As far as home security camera systems go, this is a very nice value. While I haven’t had any issues with the components I have purchased, the previous incarnation did have some warts that have hopefully been addressed with this update.

This unit includes the Wilife management software, one indoor camera, suction cup mount, bar mount, table stand and power and USB connectors. I like the product, although there are some reservations. You have to know your needs very well in order to know if this is right for you.

The design of the indoor cameras is very unique though somewhat blocky. The outdoor cameras are more traditionally shaped. In any event, they all seem to work well once set up.

PROS:

+ Updated hardware and software should improve reliability and ease of use

+ Nice power over Ethernet design means no batteries needed

+ Nice price for a fully functioning starter system

+ Improved cell phone and email alert features

+ Very easy to add cameras to the system

+ Nice available accessories to add on to your installation

+ Nice interface for management software with many customizable settings

+ Default settings will meet the needs of novice users without adjustments

+ System is motion activated, saving storage space

+ Video recordings are easily backed, copied, or erased

+ Video can be accessed via live feed over the internet

+ Firmware updates are readily available, with caveats

CONS:

- Installation can be somewhat time-consuming

- Despite what they tell you, DO NOT ENABLE AUTOMATIC FIRMWARE UPDATES!!! Do them manually

- Some features require a premium subscription at an additional cost

- The starter set should have included at least one more camera

- Lack of audio will disappoint more demanding users

- Latency on website video access

- Software interface requires some getting used to

CONSIDERATIONS

1. Your camera must be close to an outlet to connect it via the included 10 foot cable.

2. You have to manually adjust the camera focus, so adjust it before mounting.

3. Your computer must meet the hardware and software requirements.

4. Your computer must be on all the time for video recording.

5. You will need a broadband connection to access this video remotely.

6. This power-line connection will work better with newer wiring.

7. It’s best to set up extra hard drive space for at least 10 GB of videos.

8. The computer recording video needs to be a PC. A Mac running Windows in a virtual machine software might work.

INSTALLATION

Physically installing the cameras is straightforward. The receiver and the camera must be attached through power outlet via receiver plugs. The system connects to your computer over the power interface via the USB port.

The software installation still requires some patience and hardware knowledge. Computers running Windows Vista, Antivirus software and software firewalls will need those security settings disabled to get the Wilife software to install. Still, it’s well worth it to have this system installed on a secure computer. You can re-enable all that stuff when you are done, making sure to allow for your firewall to permit the Wilife software to access the internet.

Installing on XP may be slightly easier, but you will still have to deal with disabling your Antivirus or desktop firewall if you are running those. You should want the computer that’s storing your home security video files to be secure. Taking the extra time to have AV and a firewall working is worth the effort.

Windows Vista requires a few reboots before the software installs and sees the cameras. On my first installation of the product I experienced some initial hanging, but I had better luck the second time I set up the starter kit in a different location. So the software has been improved, but it is still beneficial to be comfortable with computers.

Setup can take about an hour or two depending on how you place your cameras and the speed of your computer. If you have issues, contacting support should be relatively painless, though I have not had to call them with the two systems I have set up.

SETTINGS AND EXPANSION

The system has options for adding on hardware in terms of more cameras and software in terms of premium features. If you want multiple cameras, you will have to buy those additional units as add-ons. It would have been nice if they would have simply produced a starter set with one of each or some other configurations. Still, most users will be happy with the starter sets.

The Wilife Homeplug Bridge can integrate this with the pro set. Those that want to avoid using power-line communications may prefer to step up to the Wilife Pro Set or a different system all together.

The management options for this unit are nice. You can adjust the setting for motion sensitivity to your liking after you are familiar and have been running this for a while. Phone or email notifications are easily set for motion activated recordings. The software lets you define the limits that must be exceeded to trigger an alert.

The Wilife wasn’t my first security system, and I’ve been happy with both the original and the update. Experienced users will love the features, except for a few functions which require you to upgrade to the premium package. Given the cost it’s hard to argue with the features.

CONCLUSION

This is a nice set that has continued to improve. It’s worth looking into depending on your needs and budget.

Enjoy!

Rating: 4 / 5

Mark also commented

• I purchased the system just over the one year warranty. Total investment with this system – 1,500.00 approx. (not including hiring an electrician to put outside outlets on my home to house the outside cameras). When the system works it is wonderful, very impressed with the system. The problem was that for that one year of service, the system decided it was not going to work properly.

  First one camera could not be read. Then the next day, four cameras could not be read. After trouble shooting for three days, I discovered it was not the cameras, but possibly the CRM-100.

  Having to deal with the WILIFE SUPPORT was frustrating. The techs were pleasant enough, but getting the problem resolved seems to be an impossible task.

  My third call to Wilife, I spoke to the first tech I had on my first call and after telling him everything that I had done with trouble shooting, he concurred it had to be the CRM-100 (The part that plugs into the wall, and then into the USB on the computer). The tech set up a RMA number to get a replacement part at no charge. He told me that that part there were some problems with them.

  I got off the phone,happy that the three-day problem was resolved, went to fill out the info to send to the company to get the replacement part, and the online form wouldn’t work.

  So, I called Wilife Support AGAIN to have them help me get the form sent in so I could get the replacement part.

  This last call to WILIFE SUPPORT was one of the biggest nightmare phone calls I have ever had with any support call I have done with any kind of electronic gear. Turns out I was not getting any replacement part that the tech told me before on the previous phone call. I would have to pay $160 for a CRM-100 because my CRM-100 was a later model —and that was probably why the online form did not work to get my replacement part.

  I would have to write a short book on this last phone call and will spare you with what had happened.
  
  Rating: 1 / 5

• I’ve had the WiLife system for a few days now and I think it’s a great introductory home surveillance system but it may not be for everyone. Before you purchase you should plan ahead and make an assessment of what your needs are. I think it is a good system for you if:

  1) you plan to use this as a supplement to a home alarm system
  
  2) you have a PC that meets the hardware and software specifications
  
  3) you don’t mind leaving your PC on all the time
  
  4) you have good camera mounting options that are near plug-in power outlets
  
  5) you have access to a PC at work that you can use to remotely monitor your home

  Some other things to consider:

  1) Since this system relies on a PC, if the PC happens to shut down such as for an automatic restart, security patch update, or brief power outage then you lose the ability to monitor the home until the PC boots back up. If this is a concern then you may be better suited looking into a dedicated DVR based system with battery backups.

  2) If you plan to mount the camera in a window then make sure that it’s a window that isn’t exposed to too much sunlight. My initial mounting location was in a window facing out over the front driveway. However that window was exposed to so much sunlight that at the end of the day the unit was really hot. The indoor camera is only rated up to 93F which might be why so many reviewers have had their cameras die within the first year of service. When you think about it a camera sandwiched between a glass window and some curtains might as well be out in the greenhouse in my opinion. So as a precaution I moved my camera to another window that wasn’t exposed to as much heat. Hopefully this will extend its life.

  3) The focus range on the camera is really only sharp enough to get a clear and positive ID on someone if they are within 10 feet of the camera. I’ve tweaked and tweaked but that’s about the best I can get out of it. If you plan to focus on something farther away you may need to consider purchasing the 50 degree lens to replace the standard 80 degree lens that is included with the camera.

  Now, for the good parts:

  1) The system is super easy to install . . . no crawling through the attic required. As a first step I recommend downloading the latest version of the install software from the WiLife website when you order your system. The CD that came in my kit was Version 2.1 but the latest version is 2.5sp3. Once your camera master kit comes then you just need to run the setup program and follow the instructions in the online manual for configuring. It’s all pretty easy and only takes about 45 minutes if you’re like me and take your time doing this sort of thing. I have Windows XP service pack 3 and didn’t run into any configuration issues.

  2) The command center is fun to use and provides most all the functionality I need. Despite what some people have said in their reviews, the motion alerts and web monitoring are both free with the master system. The motion detection will always triger the camera to record to the hard drive. If you wish to recieve an email notification that a motion detection occurred then you have to “arm” the notification alerts manually. Once you do this it will send you emails and/or text messages with an attachment every time a motion is detected. The trick is that you have to manually turn this function on from your home PC which isn’t a big deal. If you choose to pay for the Platinum service, then you gain the ability to schedule alerts to turn on/off automatically at certain times of the day and you also get a little more functionality with the software but I don’t think I’ll be paying $80 a year for those niceties. By the way, web monitoring is free also but you are limited to viewing one camera at a time and can only see what’s happening live. With the platinum you can look back over past events remotely but I can wait till I get home to do that.

  3) The system has pretty decent low light capabilities especially when you help it out by turning on a porch light. So I’m thinking the IR add-on device may not be necessary for my application. One thing to point out is that I’ve discovered the frame rate automatically drops when the light conditions drop. During daylight my camera runs at 15 fps but at dark it drops down to 5 fps. There is some noise on the image in low lighting but it’s not all that bad.

  In conclusion, I’m enjoying my WiLife system so far and can’t wait to save up money to add some more cameras. The basic system is affordable, easy to install, and seems to do pretty much everything that I need. It helps me monitor activities around the house when I’m not around and it sends me alerts with photo attachments if anyone tries to approach my front door when I’m not at home. From my experience so far I highly recommend this kit but I give it 4 stars since it may not be suitable for everyone due to the limitations I’ve mentioned.
  Rating: 4 / 5

• Wilife Digital Security System is the first video security system I’ve had that really works . . . at least part of the time. But it’s a far cry from foolproof. And I’ll admit to being something of a fool when it comes to electronics.

  I wanted this system to be able to look in on my sleeping mother (she has Alzheimer’s disease) without waking her. And it turns out that the system is pretty good for that purpose, sometimes. Here’s what I experienced:

  The Good

  Having this system in a bedroom where you want to look in on a baby or elder sometimes requires seeing in the dark. This camera is surprisingly good at producing an image in light where your eye fails to register an image. Lighten up your screen, if necessary, but you won’t have to turn on a light to disturb your sleeper.

  The images produced are at or above the level of security cameras I’ve seen. Good, but not great. And good is enough to accomplish my purpose.

  So far, so good, but wait! There’s more.

  The Bad

  Installing this system was anything but the 15-minute breeze promised by the Logitech blurb. I ended up calling their support number (the rep was helpful and pleasant) and finally resolved the problem with new software. (six hours)

  I wasn’t done yet. The software needed to recognize the camera – and that took several trips to the Knowledge base to resolve. Turns out this system does not work or play well with my firewall (or my virus protection), so all those programs had to be turned off in order for camera recognition to occur (another four hours).

  Then my sleeper complained about the brightness of the light on the spy clock. I toned it down with a sheet of paper cut to fit the display, and she was pacified (another hour). Had I not taken this step, she would have removed the camera from her room, and the whole exercise would have been for naught.

  The Ugly

  The system refused to work at all this morning. Apparently, another program was interfering with recognition of the USB device, so I had to go through the entire install procedure again (another hour and 1/2). By this time, my temper is becoming frayed at the edges, and I’m wondering if it’s really worth the effort I’m putting in to it.

  Conclusion

  Image quality is good enough for my purposes, and leaving my dedicated computer on all the time, I believe I can maintain contact with the camera. So, for me it’s worth it.

  However, you shouldn’t have to be a computer wizard to set this system up and get it working. Installation should be the breeze promised – but for me it was not!

  Three stars!

  Rating: 3 / 5

• I’ve had the Wilife camera system for two months, and I’ve found it meets my needs to provide a view of what’s happening at certain places around the house (inside or out). I found the system delivers the goods by providing the homeowner a fairly clear image, stores the image in an easily managed retrieval program, and you can view “what is happening” when you are away from home over the Internet via your laptop or a smart phone. Also, you can individually set the cameras up to have the system E-mail or text you if there is motion detected or the system goes “off-line.”

  The skinny review:

  Pluses: for the most part easy set-up, trouble shooting is extensively detailed (Logitech obviously wants you to be able to solve connection problems), Internet accessibility actions are recorded (and easily accessed), adaptability, the quality of the images can be varied, images can be saved, and movies can be saved of what is picked-up by the camera(s) in a WMA file.

  Negatives: starts to get pricey by the time you get your 4th camera, some places in the house not easily receptive to signals and not all cameras are suited to all areas (I write about this below).

  Full Review:

  This “Starter” system with the indoor camera is a great way to see what the system can do for you. I say this because, for me, the indoor camera was a little harder to set-up, but it also was flexible enough that I was able to easily change its location and could tell where I wanted to place my other cameras before purchasing them. In setting these locations, I sometimes used a laptop connected to the Internet to give me instant feedback on my placement of cameras and what the image would look like.

  Regarding problems, most had to do with receiving the signal from various points in my house, and my house, approaching 40 years old, has its share of additions that I am thinking a newer home with continuous wiring won’t have this problem. But, I am getting ahead of myself.

  I do not know why a “surveillance” system has always intrigued me, but over the years I have tried several different wireless products (X-10′s system, another wireless system with the cameras used with USB 2.0 water-proof Wireless Web Ready DVR Security System w/ 4 Pack Highigh Resolution Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras with only “poor” to “fair” results. WiLife’s system provided me with an affordable “starter” system, a good image, and it kept track of the activity that the cameras recorded.

  Here are my observations regarding the system with all of the various components and their installation:

  First of all, it is easy to hook-up. With the starter kit for the inside, I installed the software on a media computer I had integrated into my audio/visual system, plugged-in the receiver to an outlet that wasn’t “protected” by a surge protector and placed the camera in another part of the house, plugging that camera’s LAN-like connector into another outlet. The first time I hooked it up, it searched for the camera(s) after I told it I had “one.” As I added cameras, I merely clicked on the “add additional cameras” button, changed the number of cameras, and it found them. With regards to firewall issues, I use OneCare Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Up to 3 Users) for my computer’s security, and it handled this for me by asking if I wanted to allow WiLife. I did and that issue was solved.

  With regards to set-up issues and the inside camera, I live in a rather sprawling house that has multiple floors and an addition (which is why my “radio signal” X-10 and other cameras had problems). I took the camera and placed it in different areas to see how it worked. In all but two places, it worked well and was easily picked-up by the WiLife program. With the camera at one location, after several times of not being able to discover it, the program actually had me assign an address, like an IP address, for the camera. After doing that, it worked fine, but I ended-up using an outside camera at that location, which picked-up the signal right away. NOTE: while I did not use the manual to work-out my problems, the manual is very detailed and a very good manual, especially in working through connection and firewall problems (if you have them). The manual is available on the CD and from their websight [...], and if you have any doubts about whether to get the system, you should download the manual and glance through it. In hindsight, I should have consulted it in addition to the instructions given by the program’s help section in dealing with my minor problems.

  As for the various set-ups, on one camera I use the infrared light, and it is very inobtrusive. On the other cameras, I have an inside camera that is affixed to a window by the suction cup with the wide angle lens and another inside camera that is just in a room. This inside camera with the suction cup has stayed attached since I attached it six-weeks ago. One note about the infrared camera, it should not be used around a pool or spa for it sometimes “shows,” depending on the color of the swimsuit, the swimmer’s figure under the swimsuit.

  Which camera work best? The outdoor camera works best. I have a good picture from dawn to dusk (and even in twilight), and I have not had any problems with them sending the picture to the WiLife Computer Center. I have one of them pointed at my front door and one in the backyard that can view my hot tub or the backyard (more on that in a minute). I wish there was a way I could post a video, but if you look-up my name on youtube, I have posted one that shows the neighborhood children coming to the front door and getting candy from my wife. In that video, you’d see the picture of the entrance with just the light coming through the fixed-lights in the door, then, the fluorescent floodlights come-on (those usually take a few seconds to “warm” up), and finally the lights on the side of the doors come on. During the day, the picture is very good (I have posted a picture of the front door during the day).

  With the backyard outdoor camera, I attached-it to something my X-10 camera used that could rotate the camera to fixed points that one established. It was called a “ninja” unit, and I have found it to be helpful in allowing my backyard camera to view several spots in rotation, or however I want to do it.

  The clock, or “spy,” camera is another camera that is easy to use. I hooked it up, and it was worked fine from the get-go. It picks-up an image in slightly lower light better than the inside camera. If there is one thing I wish the system had, it’s that the clock camera had a battery back-up. While the electricity doesn’t go off but once or twice a year where I live, it is still something I wish it had. On the plus side, the clock is one of the easiest I have found to reset.

  The system has done what I wanted it to do: I had some concerns that some of the neighbor children were trying to get into the spa, and the cameras showed me this wasn’t true (my small dog was actually slipping-in through a 4-in opening); It shows me who is at, and who has come to, the front and other doors; and it has shown me what, if anything, my daughter does in my audio/visual room when I am not at home.

  If I had young children, I would probably have one of the cameras in their room and in their playroom, and pointed outside to the yards where they play. With my dog, I have been able to find-out if he is damaging anything while being left alone (sometimes he is guilty). Because the cameras turn-on and record activity, and show the recording on a time-line, one can easily go back and view what has happen during those recordings.

  This is not a security system, but I have found it supplements the centralized alarm system on my house quite well. Which brings-up an instance, and a feature I have not mentioned, the ability to view what is happening over your computer or your smart phone. We were out of town for the day, and I received a call about the alarm going off. The police were on their way to the house and the alarm dispatcher was checking to see if we had done anything to trigger the alarm. I told them no, and to let me know if they found anything. I immediately logged-in on the WiLife web site with my smart phone and clicked on the outside cameras. Because this was at night, I first saw the policeperson’s flashlight at one of the entrances to the backyard (the alarm came from the back door being opened). Then, the outside security lights came on, and finally the police checking the doors. With the WiLife system, you can actually have notices sent to you if there is activity from any of the cameras by text and even an image of what triggered the camera if you want that information. Some of these features require a subscription fee, and this might be something you would want to consider. I have the subscription and like it. Regarding this instance, it turned-out that I forgot to close one door all the way and dog pushed it open.

  Overall, I have found the WiLife System has met my needs. I did get the extended warranties on equipment through NEW as offered on Amazon, and have been pleased with their service. The two times I have had a warranty issue with other equipment (a computer and a printer), NEW has taken care of the matter quickly or has had very good technical support to help me resolve the problem Even though I am not anticipating any problems with the WiLife System, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to have the extra protection. I especially thought an extended warranty would be good since one cannot hook-it-up through an UPS or surge protector. I have uploaded several pictures to give you an idea of how the images sent by the cameras look.

  Rating: 4 / 5

Recent comments by Mark

• Securityman PalmWatchIII Wi-Fi Interference-Free Wireless Baby Monitoring System with Night Vision, Audio and Video Motion Detections
  I just received it yesterday and the quality of the video is very good. I am replacing another baby video monitor. (MOBI) There is some interference, but its nothing like the previous monitor. I like the fact you can shut off the video feed with out shutting off the unit, you can still here everything, this is great at night when you are asleep, and you do not have to have a bright light on your face. You can simply turn off the screen. The mobility of the actual camera is great my old one only moved up and down, this one moves all 4 directions North, east, south, and west. .
  Rating: 4 / 5
• Securityman PalmWatchIII Wi-Fi Interference-Free Wireless Baby Monitoring System with Night Vision, Audio and Video Motion Detections
  This is a great product for a great price. I LOVE that it’s simple and very easy to set up. There’s no static whatsoever and it doesn’t interfere with my wifi, cordless phones, or cell phones at all. The picture is clear and night vision is like watching it in the daytime. This is a deal I’m glad I didn’t pass up!
  Rating: 5 / 5
• Securityman PalmWatchIII Wi-Fi Interference-Free Wireless Baby Monitoring System with Night Vision, Audio and Video Motion Detections
  I have to say this is better than my old one. I love the look of it and its easy to carry around. It takes 4-AA batteries and I would say it would last 2-days if you turn it on during naps and off when not in use. I still get static when I’m near a laptop. Don’t get fooled by the color quality picture that you see on amazon. The actual color looks nothing like it. It looks more black and white than color. There is no zoom in/zoom out feature and our table is too far from the bed. So I tried to balance the monitor on the bed and its hard when the base of it is too narrow.
  Rating: 3 / 5
• Securityman PalmWatchIII Wi-Fi Interference-Free Wireless Baby Monitoring System with Night Vision, Audio and Video Motion Detections
  I have bought this product recently, and I am very happy with it.
  
  I also tried a similar product that is using 2.4ghz radio and it had bad reception because of my Wi-Fi Internet and cordless phone.
  
  This one works for 15 meters away from the camera unit with decent reception. The audio is clear and video quality is satisfying.
  
  Only downside is that the camera unit has limited movement, so I had to improvise a way to hang it on my baby’s bed. But that’s a very minor issue.
  
  If you’re in to video baby monitor, this is a great choice.
  Rating: 5 / 5
• SecurityMan Remote Control Pan Base for camera
  This product is worth every penny. It turned my surviellence camera into a panning camera. Since I already had my camera I just needed an improvement at my new location. I couldn’t see everything without spending more money on extra cameras or I would have to upgrade to a PTZ camera which I couldn’t afford. The SecurityMan remote control base works excellent and gives me a 360+ degree view of my property. I recommend this product!!
  Rating: 5 / 5

powered by SEO Super Comments

Tags: Camera, Digital, Logitech, Master, SecurityIndoor, System., Video, WiLife

This entry was posted on June 10, 2010 at June 10, 2010 and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.