Wilife DVS800I LukWerks Indoor Starter Kit

by WiLife

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.8 x 3.2 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000E0I9K4
• Item model number: DVS800I
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,982 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 6, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Secure your home and small business with a professional-grade digital video surveillance system in an easy-to-setup and easy-to-use package. The LukWerks Indoor Camera Starter Kit includes all the components for a full-featured, single camera system with three mounting options. Each starter kit includes a smart LukWerks Camera, the powerful Werks Software, and Remote Viewing Technology. Built using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), LukWerks automatically connects your cameras and PC. See the Video Tour for more details. Each Indoor Starter Kit includes all the components needed to get started:

Intelligent Indoor Camera

• High-resolution color video
• Digital motion detection
• Easier than wireless -- just plug it in

Easy to Use Werks PC Software

• Monitor up to six cameras simultaneously
• Motion-based recording
• Powerful search and playback tools
• Email and cell phone alerts

Free Remote Viewing

• View live video from anywhere, anytime
• Internet browser accessible
• Windows Mobile cell phone accessible

What's in the Box
LukWerks Installation CD, Luk Indoor Camera, Luk Receiver, Luk Power Supply, USB Cable, Camera Ethernet Cable, Suction Cup Mount, Desktop Stand, Wall Mount Bracket Set, Window Decals, Cable Clip Accessories.

Note: Monitor shown is not included.

Product Description

The 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wilife Security LukWerks Indoor Starter Kit - Nice Features for the Price, Some Reservations, March 29, 2008

By 

Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)   

This review is from: Wilife DVS800I LukWerks Indoor Starter Kit (Personal Computers)

(What's this?)

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!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent security system for home use, March 20, 2007

By 

momof2greatboys "momof2greatboys" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wilife DVS800I LukWerks Indoor Starter Kit (Personal Computers)

After having our home vandalized by local teenagers (but no proof of the culprits' identities), we decided to invest in a home security system. We found ourselves faced with two unattractive options: either a wired system (which would require significant expense to install) or a wireless system, with its inherent intermittent failures. Neither was appealing. While bemoaning our dilemma, a friend of ours (who happens to be a NASA astronaut) recommended this system. We could not be happier! This system uses the existing electrical lines to transmit the data. So just plug the cameras into a wall outlet, and plug a device into your computer (which is also plugged into a wall outlet). Within minutes, we had a fully functioning system. It is awesome!! I love being able to log into the Internet from work, and seeing a live feed from my home. It truly provides peace of mind! I have not experienced any of the technical issues that other reviewers have described. Yes, your computer does need to stay "on" 100% of the time, but that isn't a problem for me. We now have three cameras installed, and I'm about to add a fourth. Truly a versatile and easy-to-use system. And oh - by the way - the local teenagers have figured out that we have this system. We have video of them staring at the cameras one day .... and they have not bothered us since. Priceless.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice Idea. Recent Hardware Failures -- Updated 7/27, October 27, 2007

By 

Moroni Marten (Utah) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wilife DVS800I LukWerks Indoor Starter Kit (Personal Computers)

I'm lowering my rating to 2 out of 5 stars. Initial review submitted on October 27, 2007. Update July/08. Nice concept. Fairly good camera operation, but lately I've had major hardware failures.

I own two outdoor cameras and two indoor cameras. Since the cameras use the existing power wires to run the video signal, there seems to be some instances where the signal is interrupted. The camera will flicker off for a few seconds and then flicker back on. I've noticed with the new software updates (I'm running 2.5), the outages have been less. Occasionally, however, I have to "find" my cameras via the software. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. When it fails, you need to reboot the camera.

My indoor cameras had some failures within six months of purchase. BOTH power supply units to the indoor cameras failed. None of the lights illuminated. They were totally dead. Although customer service was friendly, waiting on hold appears commonplace and it took over a week for the replacement to arrive.

In June, 2008, one of my outdoor cameras failed. I went through all of the steps to problem solve, but it was dead. I called customer service and experienced a first -- rudeness. I know they were bought out by Logitech and it must've affected personnel. Anyway, I went through the steps of getting a replacement. One of the annoying things is that you must wait several days for an "email" from the tech department with the RMA. Then you must SEND your dead camera. When they receive it, they will either fix it or send out a new unit. But in the meantime, you're out a camera for several weeks.

In early July, 2008, my second outdoor camera failed. It was the exact same type of failure as the other outdoor camera. I'm speculating that it's caused by heat (both failures were during hot summer months) or caused by power fluctuations which is burning out some fragile components within the camera.

The second camera was purchased thirteen months earlier which is longer than the specified 1 year warranty. However, Logitech DID replace the camera without charge after I sent in the defective unit. So, I was pleased they replaced it even though they technically didn't have to. So, as of this writing, all four of my cameras are working properly. I think I have run my limit on replacements, however, and I don't know what will happen if one of the replaced cameras fails.

When the cameras work, the image is fairly good. There is no audio - which can be a drawback for some people. Night vision is poor unless you have the night vision kit. I have also noticed that the automatic exposure adjustments on the cameras are VERY slow. One of my indoor cameras is window mounted by the front porch. I have motion lights outside. At night the camera shows total blackness. When a visitor ( or intruder) comes toward the front door and activates the motion light, the camera image shows only white (over-exposed). Over the next 10-15 seconds or so, it will VERY slowly adjust the exposure until it is correct. However, by that time, the intruder or visitor will be inside or have left and the camera would not have been able to record the identification. I found this very disappointing. Daytime is fine, but nighttime is almost useless.

One of the positives is the remote ability. It is nice to access your cameras from work or another location via the web for "live" viewing. There is now also a paid service whereby you can view "recorded" video from remote locations.

Overall, I have mixed feelings. The design flaws in the power supplies and the outdoor cameras, the unreliability of using the power wires to send the video, the poor exposure reaction and night vision, counter some of the conveniences and positives. The four-camera system cost me about $1000. With all of the hardware failures and software glitches, I probably could have purchased a more durable system for close to that price. Overall, I'd lower my rating to 2 out of 5 stars.