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(More customer reviews)Wilife DVS800I LukWerks Indoor Starter Kit
I've been shopping for a new home security camera system for some time, and was lucky enough to get my hands on one of these sets. Overall I like the product, although I do have some reservations. This product is extremely targeted. So you have to know your needs very well in order to know if this is right for you.
This unit includes the Wilife management software, one indoor camera, suction cup mount, bar mount, table stand and power and USB connectors.
Installation
Physically installing the device is straightforward. The receiver and the camera must be attached through power outlet via receiver plugs and connected to your computer's USB port.
The software installation is not equally easy for all users. Any system running Windows Vista, Antivirus software and a software firewall running will need them to be temporarily disabled to get the Wilife software to install. In addition, Windows Vista's extra protection means you will have to click yes several times and go through a few reboots.
This setup made the installation take a little over an hour and required an extra reboot due to some initial hanging. Still, well worth it to have this system installed on a secure OS.
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. If you're buying a home security system, you will probably want the computer that's storing those files to be secure. With that in mind, taking the extra time to have AV and a firewall installed is probably worth the extra effort.
The design of the indoor cameras is very unique. I can only guess that they are designed to cram a lot of electronics into a very small body. The outdoor cameras are more traditionally shaped. In any event, they all seem to work well once set up.
Adjustment and Expansion
Once you've got the software running, the amount of options for managing this unit are impressive. While most novices need not change settings. You may want to adjust the setting for motion sensitivity after running this for a while. I found that turning down the sensitivity ideal for my use. This will vary based upon which areas this device is being used to monitor.
You can do some cool things with this system, including setting up phone or email notifications of recordings that exceed limits you can set.
This wasn't my first security system, but it was my first introduction to Wilife. I can say without reservation that experienced users will love the adjustable features, except for a few functions disabled unless you upgrade to the premium package.
There are three starter sets: this one with an indoor camera, another with an outdoor camera Wilife DVS800E LukWerks Outdoor Starter Kit, and one with a "hidden" camera Wilife DVS800C LukWerks Spy Camera Starter-Kit. If you want multiple cameras or a combination of them, 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. Once again, 90% of users will be happy with these starter sets, I personally just know I will have to either buy more add-ons or upgrade to the Pro set.
There is a bridge you can buy for about $80 to integrate this with the pro set Wilife Homeplug Bridge. Those that want to avoid using power-line communications will most likely have to consider a more expensive pro version Wilife Pro 4CAM Master Syst Pro Ip Video Security Syst 4CAMS or a different system all together.
The available add-ons and accessories include:
1. Night-Vision 50 Illuminator kit illuminates up to 30 ft and includes an 80° IR lens
2. 54 degree camera lens allows the camera to better view distant objects
3. Standard 80 degree camera lens to replace damaged indoor lenses
4. 120 degree Wide Angle camera lens covers twice the area for better close-ups
5. Set of 5 Adhesive-Backed Mini-Clips to attach your camera cables
6. Set of 2 Small Suction Cups to route camera cables around windows
7. Wall mount bracket for ceiling or wall mounting your camera
8. Deluxe mount with extensions for mounting cameras from a drop ceiling or solid surface
9. Desktop Stand to place your camera on any flat surface
10. Mounting Suction Cup to attach the camera to a window
11. Replacement cables in Standard (10 ft), Extended (20 ft) and Long (30) lengths
12. CAT 5, RJ-45 cable extender for up to 80 feet of CAT 5e cable
Considerations
1. Your camera must be close enough to an outlet to connect it via the included 10 foot cable. You will need an extender if your power outlets are further away.
2. You have to manually adjust the camera focus, so adjust it before mounting.
3. You will need to have a computer that meets the minimum requirements
4. Your computer needs to be on all the time for the recording of video.
5. You will need a broadband connection to access this video remotely.
6. This power-line connection will work better with newer wiring.
7. You will want enough hard drive space to allocate at least 2 GB or more for storage.
8. It will take a little time running the system to set your optimal motion sensitivity
9. The computer receiving the video signal and recording does need to be a PC. If you have a Mac running Parallels or other virtual PC running Windows XP or Vista, you could theoretically install the monitoring software on that. Few users will want to or be able to set that up.
10. For panning or remote adjusting, you need to purchase an "upgrade" for $79 per year to activate the advanced features. So most of us will live without those features.
11. If you have Windows Vista, antivirus software and / or an internet firewall application, installation requires several extra steps.
Pros
+ Nice power over Ethernet design - no batteries needed!
+ Nice price for a fully functioning starter system
+ Very easy to add cameras to the system - up to 6 cameras supported
+ Nice group of available accessories to customize your installation
+ Great management software with many customizable settings for those experienced with security systems
+ Default settings will meet the needs of novice users and not require changes or adjustment
+ System is motion activated, saving storage space
+ Video recordings are stored in a directory and easily backed, copied, or erased
+ You can easily access your camera via live feed over the internet
Cons
- Not particularly fond of them including the "digital pan and zoom" feature as part of the premium ($79 per year) package, but I will live without those features
- Also need the premium package to access recorded videos over the internet.
- More demanding users will need a system that includes audio
- Manual focus adjustment for camera; why not offer a higher priced one with auto-focus?
- Some latency on website video access
Conclusion
This set is definitely worth looking into. For most basic needs, this set fits the bill at a very good price.
Enjoy!
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Wilife DVS800I LukWerks Indoor Starter KitThe LukWerks Indoor Camera Starter-Kit video security system protects homes and small businesses. Install the software and plug-in the cameras in minutes no wires needed! Your PC instantly becomes a command center for live monitoring, motion-based recording, internet remote viewing and security alerts.Add up to 5 LukWerks Add-on Cameras.
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