Digital Video Security
What is the Logitech Digital Video Security System?
Logitech Digital Video Security (DVS) Systems are an affordable surveillance system for your home or small business that’s easy to install and easy to use. No new wiring or wireless network needed—you simply install Command Center software and plug the camera into an electrical outlet.
Logitech DVS systems stream video over your existing electrical wiring straight to your PC using HomePlug™ technology. It doesn’t use 802.11 wireless signals so you don’t need to worry about interference.
Smart security cameras
Each system supports up to six Logitech DVS cameras. You can choose indoor, outdoor, and spy cameras in any combination. Every camera has a 400 MHz processor inside that compresses the video. The compressed video is streamed to your PC in VGA (640-by-480 pixels) or QVGA (320-by-240 pixels) resolution. An autobrightness setting gives you better results in extreme lighting conditions.
Command Center software
This easy-to-use PC software lets you watch live action, search your recorded video archive, and set options. You can choose to receive e-mail or cell phone alerts when motion is detected. And you can save and email video clips and still frames images.
Command Center uses minimal resources so your PC isn’t bogged down. And you don’t need to worry about space on your computer either—it lets you determine how much of your hard drive you want to use for video files. When that space is filled, it removes the oldest files to make room for new recordings. To save you space, it’s set to record only motion events by default.
Free remote viewing
Got a broadband Internet connection? You can watch live video remotely from your Windows-based PC, cell phone, or PDA. We don’t charge any fee for this service. If you have more than one location with cameras installed, you can watch them all from your password-protected online.wilife.com account.
Why is Logitech Digital Video Security the perfect home surveillance solution?
It’s an expandable system with Indoor, Outdoor and Spy camera options so you can get more complete video coverage of your house at an affordable price.
You can start monitoring your home in as little as 15 minutes. You just load the software on your computer, plug the USB receiver into the wall next to your computer, and plug your camera(s) anywhere in your home. The software automatically finds your cameras and starts streaming and recording live video. That’s it.
Why is Logitech Digital Video Security the perfect system for a small business?
A professional surveillance system can cost thousands of dollars more. On top of that, they may charge you a monthly access fee to view your cameras remotely. Logitech Digital Video Security gives you a high-quality expandable surveillance system at a price small businesses like yours can afford.
And it’s easy to setup and use. You can be start monitoring your business in as little as 15 minutes—no new wiring or wireless network needed. You just load the software on your computer, plug the USB receiver into the wall next to your computer, and plug your camera(s) anywhere in your business. The software automatically finds your cameras and starts streaming and recording live video. That’s it.
Does the Logitech Digital Video Security system work as easily as you say it does?
The best way to prove it is to let a customer tell you how easy it is. Here’s an e-mail we received from one of our thousands of satisfied customers:
I recently received and installed the Logitech Indoor Starter Kit. I was expecting to spend at least a day of troubleshooting/reconfiguring (as was the case when I installed my home WiFi network). To my shock and most pleasant surprise, I had the system up and running within 20 minutes of opening the box! I still have to pinch myself. I still find it hard to believe. And the quality/capability is at least as fine as advertised—if not better. I assumed home-wiring networking was still half-baked. Apparently I was in error.
In this age of hype and shallow techno-toys, it is truly astonishing to find a product that not only does what it says, but does it in a very cost-effective manner. I can't wait to get additional cameras—particularly an outdoor device.
All I can say is, 'my compliments to the chef!' Well done, well done indeed.
JLF
Madison, Alabama
How many cameras can I install with my system?
Our systems support up to six of our cameras. Currently the only way to install more than six cameras is to install systems on more than one computer.
How much does a typical system cost?
A Logitech Digital Video Security starter kit (called a Master System) starts at $299.99 and includes everything you need for a one-camera system. Additional cameras start at $229.99 each.
See all video security systems.
Is it compatible with Windows Vista™?
Yes. It’s compatible with Windows Vista™, Windows® XP Home Edition, Windows® XP Professional, and Windows® XP Media Center Edition.
Is it compatible with Mac® computers?
Sorry, it’s currently only compatible with Windows-based computers. Please refer to our detailed system requirements for more information.
How much hard disk space is required for video storage on my PC?
You need a minimum of 500 MB storage space. We recommend you allocate at least 20 GB of hard disk space. To help reduce the amount of space you need to maintain an archive, the software is designed to record only motion events by default. In continuous recording mode, each camera—using the default QVGA settings—requires about 2.2 MB per minute or 3.2 GB per day.
If you prefer to use the motion detection feature to capture only significant events (like most users), you’ll need approximately 10-20% of the storage used in continuous mode. A typical single camera system using motion detection requires between 3 and 6 GB of hard disk space for well over a month of recording. This depends, of course, on how much motion your cameras are seeing. You may want to allocate more space if you have lots of motion, or if you want to save your video for a longer period before the disk space is recycled for new video.
Does the system record audio?
We don’t currently offer an audio surveillance system. State and federal laws in the U.S. generally prevent audio recording without the permission of one or more parties, which is why we don’t offer this feature. But if you’re looking for an affordable video surveillance system for your home or small business, our Digital Video Security system is an ideal choice.
Does my computer need to be running for the system to work?
Your computer needs to be running for the software to record video to its hard drive. It also needs to be on and connected to the Internet to access your cameras online. The software is designed to use minimal resources and will run in the background while your screensaver is on. Your computer monitor doesn’t need to be on for the system to work.
What is the field of view for cameras?
Each camera comes with an 80 degree lens. In optimal lighting, objects are visible up to 30 m. Our sample videos can give you an idea of the image quality and view. We also sell wide and narrow-angle lenses for our indoor cameras.
How far can the cameras see clearly?
In optimal lighting, your camera can see objects up to 30 m away. Our sample videos can give you an idea of the image quality and view. We also sell wide and narrow-angle lenses for our indoor cameras.
How far away from the PC can I place my cameras?
The system works best in buildings under 700-1000 m2 or on a single electrical run 30 m. The actual distance depends on the AC wiring architecture, including whether all circuits serving the system are served by a common meter (required) and the same breaker box (highly desirable).
Can the Logitech Digital Video Security system support more than six cameras?
The system only supports up to six of our cameras. If you want to add more cameras in one location you can install additional systems on different computers.
Do your cameras work at night with no light?
Our cameras have very good low-light capabilities—down to 2 Lux—or about twice the light of a full moon. With a porch light, you’ll get plenty of light for a quality picture and your cameras will work well. An easy solution is to install your Outdoor Camera near an exterior flood light. When the light is activated, the camera will detect the motion and record.
Do the Logitech Digital Video Security system cameras operate off of batteries?
No. The cameras are designed to be powered by the AC power line and send their digitized, compressed video signals back to your PC using the same AC power line. Other so-called "Wireless cameras" still need a source of AC power to operate—and a very complex setup in a network environment. Our system lets you set up the whole system in as little as 15 minutes and is easy to use.
Do the cameras operate in a power outage?
There are two safeguards in the event of a power failure. First, we recommend that you buy a battery backup system. A common battery backup can power your PC for up 30 minutes during a power outage.
Additionally, you can set up your PC to automatically reboot and return to the same state it was in before the power outage. You can do this by going to your BIOS Power Management and enabling the “AC Power Loss Restart” and “Previous State” settings. Not all BIOS have this feature and you may need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to help you enable these settings in some circumstances.
Are your cameras "wireless"?
They’re not wireless—they’re better and easier. Like wireless, you don’t need any additional wiring to set up the system. You also don’t need to install wireless cards in your PC or configure a wireless router.
With our system, the configuration is done automatically—you just need to install the software and plug in the USB receiver and camera. That’s it. And unlike wireless networks, cordless phones, walls, or movement won’t interfere with your video signal.
Our systems use HomePlug™ Technology—a superior method of securely transferring data using your existing AC power lines. The cameras transmit the video signals along the AC power lines to the USB adaptor that communicates with your PC via USB cable.
How long are the camera cords?
The Indoor Camera has a 3 m Ethernet cable, the Outdoor Camera has a 4 m standard electric cord, and the Spy Camera has a 2.5 m standard electric cord.
Can the cameras be connected to an extension cord?
The Indoor Camera has a Cat 5e cable and we have different lengths available in our online store. You can also use any Cat 5e cable you have available. You can use extension cords with the Outdoor and Spy cameras. We recommend you use a high grade cable and limit the length of the cable as much as possible.
What is Remote Viewing?
It’s a simple way for you to view your cameras from anywhere in the world. We offer you this service without additional charge. You simply create an online account at online.wilife.com and connect to your password-protected account from the Command Center Software. After that, you can log into your account from any web browser including your cell phone or PDA and view your cameras live. Your cell phone provider may charge additional fees for using the Internet over your cell phone.
How can I get an SMS motion alert?
To get an SMS alert on your cell phone when motion is detected, you need to have an Internet provider or cell phone provider who offers 'email to SMS'. The email sent by the system will then be forwarded to your mobile phone. Your provider may charge you for this service.
On which cell phones or mobile devices can I watch my cameras?
You would need a mobile device (cell phone or PDA) based on the Windows Mobile operating system. Your mobile phone operator may charge you for this. You can also do remote viewing with any PC with an internet connection.
Can more than one person remotely view at the same time?
No. Remote viewing access is currently limited to one user at a time for a given location.
How secure is remote viewing?
Your web-based account for remote viewing is password protected on our server.
Can I remotely store recorded video?
If you choose Digital Video Security system Platinum, you can upload video from your software to be stored on our server. This service has an annual fee and comes with 50 MB of online storage that can be upgraded as you need more.
You need to manually upload the video files. This lets you store and share important video files online. Once the file is uploaded it can be accessed from your Platinum online account from anywhere in the world.
Learn more about Platinum.
How does the power line network operate?
It uses your existing electrical wiring to form a network of communication. Simply imagine that the electrical wiring hidden in the walls work as the traditional Cat 5 Ethernet cables used in traditional LANs.
Will using power line devices damage other home appliances or electronics?
No. The power line devices transmit using very low voltages that won’t damage any other electronics in the house.
Will power line devices work if the power goes out?
No. They won’t work when the power goes out.
Do older electrical wirings affect the power line devices?
In some cases, old wiring may have faulty connections or long wiring paths that may influence performance.
Does the USB adapter deliver any power to my computer?
No. The power for the USB adapter comes from the computer. The receiver is only plugged into the wall to complete the network.
What is the range in distance for power line devices?
Power line devices will operate at a distance of 300 m (under normal circumstances) before performance is adversely affected.
Is the power line network secure?
Yes. Once you apply a password, the power line communications are secured with 56-bit DES encryption during transmission.
What can I do to ensure the highest performance of the power line devices is attained?
Don’t plug the devices into power strips or electrical surge protectors.
Will the power line signal pass between homes or businesses?
No. It won’t pass between homes or businesses.
Do the power line devices have built-in surge protectors?
Yes. You don’t need to plug your devices into a surge protector as this will hinder the signal and hurt the performance of the HomePlug™ network.
Will the power line network pass through different power phases?
Yes, in some cases. However, testing has shown that the strength of the signal will suffer and ultimately be lost.
Will the power line signals travel between floors in a home or business?
Yes. You can use any available electrical wiring and outlets on the same fuse box. Separate floors aren’t a problem for power line.
How much electrical power does a power line device consume?
The cameras require 18 volts. During startup, the cameras boot up using approximately 120 milliamps and then run on 100 milliamps (100 milliamps = one tenth of an amp).
Are there any legal restrictions for the use of video surveillance systems?
Depending on your country of residence, certain types of video monitoring may be prohibited by law.
Change Location
