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Technical Details
- Logitech WiLife Digital Security Systems are not compatible with the new Logitech Alert Digital Security Systems
- 400 MHz DSP Processing Power
- Windows Media Video 9 Image Encoding
- Motion detection in up to 16 zones, Auto brightness Image Processing
- Selectable 640 x 480 pixels or 320 x 240 pixels Resolution
Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
| Discreetly monitor your home or business. Discreetly monitor your home and business with the Logitech Spy Video Security Master System, a revolutionary video security system you can install in 15 minutes. Your spy camera is a fully functional digital clock.
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Easy set up gets you up and running fast
Instant viewing
15-minute installation on your PC. No wires to run. Just plug and play.
  |   |   |
No-hassle setup:
No new wires to run. No network configuration.
  | Easy to use
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Alerts and remote access let you be in two places at the same time
 | Motion-activated cell-phone and e-mail alerts. Free remote viewing via the Internet. Windows Mobile cell phone accessible. Accessing Remote Viewing from an Internet browser requires a PC and browser running the Windows Media Player 9 or later. |
| What's in the Box Logitech WiLife Spy Camera, Logitech USB receiver, Logitech Command Center PC software, USB cable |  |
Protect your entire property with multiple cameras
Expandable for maximum coverage.
Add up to five additional Logitech Indoor, Outdoor, or Spy Add-On Cameras in any combination to any Logitech Master System.
 Indoor Camera |  Spy Camera |  Outdoor Camera |
Multiple indoor-mounting options.
Attach to a window (facing in or out), place on a desktop, or mount to a wall for optimum positioning.
To get complete home surveillance coverage we suggest placing cameras in the following locations...
- Nursery
- Entertainment Room
- Children's Play Area
- Living Room
Product Description
WiLife Digital Video Security Camera Hidden Master System
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
125 of 127 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
There are three sets that are nearly identical, and differ only in the type of camera: this one (hidden camera), the outdoor starter kit, and the indoor starter kid. for more comprehensive reviews, look at those other kits as well.
As for my opinion, this set does what it says it does in a pretty seamless fashion: you install the software, plug the camera into the wall, plug a USB adapter into the wall and your computer, make some minor configuration changes and you are all set. I have no doubt we could have gotten a better system cheaper but not one as seamlessly integrated.
We looked at many different systems and bought this one instead because:
- most spy cams broadcast for TV...you then need a TV/VCR to record, or a separately purchased adapter to make it work with your computer, and we weren't technically confident enough to want to buy different pieces and figure out how to get them working together
- some spy cams are self-recording (they contain memory internally) but these tend to be pricey AND they limit how much you can record; they will fill up if you don't clear them out regularly, and for our purposes that wasn't practical
- most "wireless" spy cams work on a WiFi wireless network, which is great if you have one, but we wanted this for use in a place we didn't have wifi; this one works by transmitting over your home or office electrical system.
- the cost of the system includes a website you can set up to view your camera remotely (although if you have a firewall you'll only be able to watch 3 minute pieces; if the system can connect directly, which might require configuring your router which some people will find daunting, you can watch constantly).
So, that said, here are some cons:
- only works on PCs, not macs
- 95% of the configuration is a piece of cake, but some aspects are confusing, like how to schedule alerts, and setting up for emailing alerts
- the program has many features that are in the program but you can't click on them -- they are there as advertisements for a "platinum" version of the software that costs $80 a year. It's annoying to have a screen full of buttons you aren't able to click, and to have advertising be such a prevalent portion of the interface
- this one is kind of petty, but it would be nice of the clock that hides the camera had an alarm, since we had to remove a "real" clock in place of this one
- the camera is fine for security, but the image is kind of strange - it appears to be infrared? Which means the colors are bizarre. Reds turn yellow, greens and blues turn white. Which is probably fine for security purposes, but don't be expecting to get a high quality video out of it
As for my opinion, this set does what it says it does in a pretty seamless fashion: you install the software, plug the camera into the wall, plug a USB adapter into the wall and your computer, make some minor configuration changes and you are all set. I have no doubt we could have gotten a better system cheaper but not one as seamlessly integrated.
We looked at many different systems and bought this one instead because:
- most spy cams broadcast for TV...you then need a TV/VCR to record, or a separately purchased adapter to make it work with your computer, and we weren't technically confident enough to want to buy different pieces and figure out how to get them working together
- some spy cams are self-recording (they contain memory internally) but these tend to be pricey AND they limit how much you can record; they will fill up if you don't clear them out regularly, and for our purposes that wasn't practical
- most "wireless" spy cams work on a WiFi wireless network, which is great if you have one, but we wanted this for use in a place we didn't have wifi; this one works by transmitting over your home or office electrical system.
- the cost of the system includes a website you can set up to view your camera remotely (although if you have a firewall you'll only be able to watch 3 minute pieces; if the system can connect directly, which might require configuring your router which some people will find daunting, you can watch constantly).
So, that said, here are some cons:
- only works on PCs, not macs
- 95% of the configuration is a piece of cake, but some aspects are confusing, like how to schedule alerts, and setting up for emailing alerts
- the program has many features that are in the program but you can't click on them -- they are there as advertisements for a "platinum" version of the software that costs $80 a year. It's annoying to have a screen full of buttons you aren't able to click, and to have advertising be such a prevalent portion of the interface
- this one is kind of petty, but it would be nice of the clock that hides the camera had an alarm, since we had to remove a "real" clock in place of this one
- the camera is fine for security, but the image is kind of strange - it appears to be infrared? Which means the colors are bizarre. Reds turn yellow, greens and blues turn white. Which is probably fine for security purposes, but don't be expecting to get a high quality video out of it
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Vine™ Review
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Logitech makes some cool things and the Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security Hidden Master System Camera is one of those very cool things.
According to the documentation and marketing, it takes only 15 minutes to set one of these up. That's not exactly true however--if you count how long it took to unpack the system, set up the software then the hardware in a suitable location, be prepared to spend at least an hour.
That said, the entire process is simple and should not present much difficulty beyond thinking about where to place and focus the camera. The package I got came with a camera, two transmitter/receivers: one connects via USB to the computer and the other via Ethernet to the camera, a CD of drivers and software and an assortment of bits of hardware chiefly for mounting the camera.
Installation of the software was straightforward and easy. Setting up the hardware was also straightforward; the included Quick Start guides and other pieces of documentation was clear and easy to follow, complete with color illustrations. I was soon up and functional. The bad news soon followed.
I have a wish list for Logitech: Would that there was a way for the camera to be completely wireless. Even with the 8-feet-long Ethernet cable, the camera requires a power outlet and is thus limited to being within 8-feet or so of said outlet. The best place I could think of putting a camera (the package came with only one; more can be obtained for an average cost of $200) was near the top of my living room which, of course, doesn't have any outlets close-by. With several different ways of mounting (on the wall using an included apparatus with wall screws and such, on a pane of glass with suckers, or on a desk with a stand), I guess there are several options, but it seems there was none I was satisfied with.
The other thing I wish for is that the features that a prospective user would find most useful (such as remotely controlling pan and zoom; setting an automatic schedule for recording, etc.) are only available by subscribing to an $80 a year subscription to something called WiLife Platinum. All of these `non-features' contribute to my thinking of this product simply as `neat' but not very practical. I guess if I really needed such a camera system, perhaps I'd spring for it, but it is a downside.
The camera itself, without the Premium subscription, requires a manual focusing. Which is just great because two people are required for such a procedure: one looking at the WiLife command console and shouting to the person who most likely is precariously perched on a rickety ladder tweaking the lens. I can tell you that the picture quality is pretty good and the ability to record several levels of quality is also quite nice. I could, for example, choose to record at 15 frames per second or less; I could record at VGA or QVGA (640x480 with VGA or 320x240 for QVGA); I could define `zones' which means I could focus recording only on a specific, defined region. It is also possible to have the system contact the user via email and mobile (PDA, etc.) alerts.
To top it off, all of this is viewable online using the WiLife site. However, as I stated earlier, in order to get the more juicy (and, in my opinion, more practical) features, the user will need to subscribe to WiLife Platinum. The maddening thing about it is that WiLife command console is filled with references to Platinum-only features. The front of the WiLife command console has a `zoom and pan' feature that figuratively screams "buy Platinum, dude!" every time the program opens up, which is on logon if you choose the default settings.
There are definitely some very cool uses for such a package but for the "average" user, I don't see this product fitting the bill unless as one of those "cool" things to have although it could still have some very useful security applications.
4 stars out of 5.
According to the documentation and marketing, it takes only 15 minutes to set one of these up. That's not exactly true however--if you count how long it took to unpack the system, set up the software then the hardware in a suitable location, be prepared to spend at least an hour.
That said, the entire process is simple and should not present much difficulty beyond thinking about where to place and focus the camera. The package I got came with a camera, two transmitter/receivers: one connects via USB to the computer and the other via Ethernet to the camera, a CD of drivers and software and an assortment of bits of hardware chiefly for mounting the camera.
Installation of the software was straightforward and easy. Setting up the hardware was also straightforward; the included Quick Start guides and other pieces of documentation was clear and easy to follow, complete with color illustrations. I was soon up and functional. The bad news soon followed.
I have a wish list for Logitech: Would that there was a way for the camera to be completely wireless. Even with the 8-feet-long Ethernet cable, the camera requires a power outlet and is thus limited to being within 8-feet or so of said outlet. The best place I could think of putting a camera (the package came with only one; more can be obtained for an average cost of $200) was near the top of my living room which, of course, doesn't have any outlets close-by. With several different ways of mounting (on the wall using an included apparatus with wall screws and such, on a pane of glass with suckers, or on a desk with a stand), I guess there are several options, but it seems there was none I was satisfied with.
The other thing I wish for is that the features that a prospective user would find most useful (such as remotely controlling pan and zoom; setting an automatic schedule for recording, etc.) are only available by subscribing to an $80 a year subscription to something called WiLife Platinum. All of these `non-features' contribute to my thinking of this product simply as `neat' but not very practical. I guess if I really needed such a camera system, perhaps I'd spring for it, but it is a downside.
The camera itself, without the Premium subscription, requires a manual focusing. Which is just great because two people are required for such a procedure: one looking at the WiLife command console and shouting to the person who most likely is precariously perched on a rickety ladder tweaking the lens. I can tell you that the picture quality is pretty good and the ability to record several levels of quality is also quite nice. I could, for example, choose to record at 15 frames per second or less; I could record at VGA or QVGA (640x480 with VGA or 320x240 for QVGA); I could define `zones' which means I could focus recording only on a specific, defined region. It is also possible to have the system contact the user via email and mobile (PDA, etc.) alerts.
To top it off, all of this is viewable online using the WiLife site. However, as I stated earlier, in order to get the more juicy (and, in my opinion, more practical) features, the user will need to subscribe to WiLife Platinum. The maddening thing about it is that WiLife command console is filled with references to Platinum-only features. The front of the WiLife command console has a `zoom and pan' feature that figuratively screams "buy Platinum, dude!" every time the program opens up, which is on logon if you choose the default settings.
There are definitely some very cool uses for such a package but for the "average" user, I don't see this product fitting the bill unless as one of those "cool" things to have although it could still have some very useful security applications.
4 stars out of 5.
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
I've had this system for about 2.5 years. Overall, I'd have to say its hit and miss. Somedays it works, some days it does not. Meaning the cams go offline a lot and you have to reset the cams, reboot your computer, or restart the command center. This happens about once a week at least. And of course, this seems to happen when you really need it (traveling, etc).
I've also had to replace two cameras after a year. WARRANTY is only good for a year on these and they are expense! I have 5 cams in total. The customer service staff is very helpful but they only have a handful of tricks up their sleeves (reboot, restart, unplug). So few, I know them by heart. My newest camera hasn't worked right since I bought it here 3 weeks ago and now I'm thinking about junking the entire set up. That stinks since I've invested so much time and money.
Word of advice--just don't think it will be maintenance free. It's a lot of work to keep it working, and you'll sometimes have to live with not every cam working properly (especially the spy cams--they give me the most trouble).
I've also had to replace two cameras after a year. WARRANTY is only good for a year on these and they are expense! I have 5 cams in total. The customer service staff is very helpful but they only have a handful of tricks up their sleeves (reboot, restart, unplug). So few, I know them by heart. My newest camera hasn't worked right since I bought it here 3 weeks ago and now I'm thinking about junking the entire set up. That stinks since I've invested so much time and money.
Word of advice--just don't think it will be maintenance free. It's a lot of work to keep it working, and you'll sometimes have to live with not every cam working properly (especially the spy cams--they give me the most trouble).
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not worth your money!
This is a very expensive camera and doesn't what it suppose to. I download software beautifuly but the USB cable did not work it wasn't passing signal to the computer. Read more
Published 4 months ago by openheart
piece of crap
This camera is a piece of crap. It has terrible picture quality. I got it to set up finally but it won't find the indoor add on camera i also purchased and i've tried everything. Read more
Published 5 months ago by k.f.
Easy to use for non-techie, great results
I bought this system after repeated vandalization of my workspace. The set-up was super easy, even for a techno challenged person like me. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Pamela Garvis
Really Nice Camera
I've had a few glitches watching remotely from work, but not sure if it's the connection or the camera. Recorded version was clear and had no problems.
Really easy to use. Read more
Really easy to use. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Angela Zverev
Discontinued item
Don't buy this product. It has been discontinued and there is NO service or parts available. I just purchased a new camera last month and the USB adaptor went out. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Musicman
Good Eye
Great deal, Easy to set up, Easy to operate, Reacords by motion saving time and memory space, Monitor from any computer w/internet.
Add up to 5 more cameras. Read more
Add up to 5 more cameras. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Starlimac
Never received it so I cant tell ya :) Lovely UPS
Never recevied it so I cant say anything...AMAZON wont remove this from my account...very frustrating.
Published 20 months ago by SAVVY3_337
wilife
This doesn't record all activity. It seems to only record in 10-15 increments. When it does record, it emails a 5-10 sec video. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Phillip Garrett
Great security system for home
We got this security system to keep an eye on our nannies, and the number one thing I was really worried about was the set up. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Shirlgt
JUNK!!!
I bought this item due to Logitech having for the most part good quality products. However they have missed the mark on this. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Pavel Miller
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