By Eric Kintz // Senior Vice President and General Manager, Logitech for Business
@EricKintz on August 3, 2010
76 Comments
+ 65 Replies
Filed: Digital Home, Product
At Logitech, we’re firmly committed to delivering on our promise to bring HD video to anyone, anywhere. To this date, this promise has been primarily focused on our vision for making HD video communications mainstream. Today, we’re extending this promise to HD video monitoring and surveillance by introducing Logitech Alert, a complete HD digital video security system that lets you always keep an eye on what matters to you from anywhere in the world.
Whether you want to check on the new car in the garage, the kids coming back from school, your home while on vacation or your small business, Logitech Alert will let you access live video on a secure website from any PC, Mac, or through Logitech’s free smartphone applications for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. Soon you’ll also be able to access Logitech Alert in your living room via Google TV so you can check in on the baby in the crib or see who is at the front door without leaving your couch.
Check out this video from Evan Tree, chief product officer of Digital Video Security at Logitech, as he shares all the cool features — including: Night-vision, motion-triggered recordings and alerts, and more…
This next generation video security system couldn’t be easier to set-up with no networking hassles thanks to HomePlug AV. And the HD smart cameras have a built in DVR which means they keep recording even if you take your PC laptop with you when you leave the house.
We truly believe that Logitech Alert is the only HD video security system of this quality and price point on the market today. We’re excited for you to try it and look forward to hearing what you think.
Tags: google tv, HD, home security, HomePlug, logitech alert, night-vision, security cameras, surveillance, video monitoring, video security system
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
76 Comments + 65 Replies Add your own comment >>
Incal | September 2nd, 2010 at 03:14
very cool feautures indeed
BRIAN | September 3rd, 2010 at 05:25
Just one question. is that possible can send sms or through any way to contact the owner immediately when camera detect any movement for indoor camera?
Thanks
Evan Tree | September 8th, 2010 at 16:55
Yes, you simply need to enter your mobile phone number followed by your mobile service providers domain address. For example (mobile number)@att.txt.net You can learn more about email to sms text options and find your mobile providers domain information here: http://www.avtech.com/Support/Email/index.htm
JP | September 3rd, 2010 at 16:48
Love this product but it still is not available to purchase anywhere! When will 750e Outdoor Master System and the 700e Add-On Cameras be available?
Evan Tree | September 8th, 2010 at 16:55
Hi JP, We’re sorry that due to high demand, these units are temporarily out of stock at most locations. The good news is that we expect to begin fulfilling orders again in the next few days. You’re patience will be well worth the wait.
E | September 5th, 2010 at 04:39
Is it possible to extend the cable between the camera and the power point? Something like 10m would be practical for some places.
Evan Tree | September 8th, 2010 at 16:54
Yes, this is just a standard Cat-5e network cable and can be purchased in longer lengths in the Logitech web store: http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/video-security-systems/other-accessories
K | September 20th, 2010 at 00:59
will this be available at retail stores such as best buy?
Evan Tree | October 25th, 2010 at 08:59
Hi K,
Yes, the Logitech Alert video security system is available at Best Buy. You can also purchase the system at Logitech.com and Amazon.com.
-Evan
Rossi | October 3rd, 2010 at 04:20
When will this product be released in Australia?
PG | October 6th, 2010 at 00:14
I would also be keen to know when this product will be available in Australia.
Evan Tree | October 25th, 2010 at 09:01
PG and Rossi,
We are working on making the system more widely available, but I do not have a timeline for when the product will be available in Australia.
George | October 6th, 2010 at 22:02
I am considering the Alert security camera system.
1. Our home is in an area with frequent power outages. Will the system remain completely functional when power is restored? I will often be away and not able to do any on-site restoration procedures if needed after power failure.
2. It seems as though the system will be functional remotely if the setup PC is turned off, is that correct?
3. The outdoor cameras that would be used at my location will require long cable runs to an outlet. What length of cable is supplied? Extra lengths available?
4. The cameras provide storage via SD cards. Any estimate of the time period a specific size card allows in normal use? Can storage space be cleared remotely?
5. Will motion detection be triggered by falling leaves, running squirrels, dripping rain, blowing tree limbs or debris?
Evan Tree | October 25th, 2010 at 22:56
Answers to your questions, in order:
1. Yes, your cameras will reboot into their previous state in the event of a power outage. Even though your cameras will continue to run fine without a PC, I would recommend that you use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to keep your network and PC running during temporary outages.
2. Yes, your cameras will connect to our servers and be accessible whether there is a PC running or not once you have completed the initial setup of the system.
3. The outdoor camera comes with a 20 foot cable but you can purchase a longer cable in the Logitech store. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/video-security-systems/other-accessories.
4. The cameras come with a 2GB MicroSD card which will usually provide 1-2 weeks of motion based recordings. You can increase this capacity up to 32 GB per camera if you like. When running the Commander software on a local PC all recordings from your cameras will be archived to the PC location you provide during your initial camera setup. And, there’s no need to clear space on your storage cards because the Alert camera will do that for you. Once the card is full of recordings it will automatically write new recordings over the oldest clips.
5. In short, yes, your cameras will record motion, whether it’s squirrels or blowing tree’s. However, you can define up to 16 areas of interest or motion zones per camera. This is extremely helpful to ignore areas of the video that may have busy streets, tree’s or bushes that move in the wind. You can also set the sensitivity of these zones to help eliminate recordings of small objects.
Hope this helps.
-Evan
Raj | October 18th, 2010 at 15:37
The new Alert system looks great, but I saw there are no supported hidden cameras (the WiLife had a clock camera). Any plans to introduce one soon as we are in the market now for a nanny camera system?
Evan Tree | October 25th, 2010 at 09:26
Raj,
Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to discuss future product releases, however I can tell you that we are always exploring the possibility of expanding our product lines.
- Evan
heath | October 20th, 2010 at 09:20
Thank you so much for the post! My security system has been malfunctioning and I am looking to buy another. Can never be too safe!
Pat in TN | October 23rd, 2010 at 14:21
I really like the system you have introduced and am trying to figure out how to use it without buying another 2 GHZ PC.
We only have one computer- a new imac.
Could I borrow someone else’s 2 GHZ laptop PC to set up the Logitech Alert 750, but then use my imac in order to record and monitor? I have a feeling that this won’t work.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Evan Tree | October 25th, 2010 at 22:53
Hi Pat,
I’m happy to reply that the answer to your question is “yes”, but with a few caveats.
First, you will have to purchase the Web & Mobile Commander upgrade, but at only $79.99 a year, it’s a great deal for web & mobile system management for everyone, regardless of your operating system. You can then use Web Commander from your iMac which will provide most but not all of the functionality of the Commander PC software.
Second, you will not be able to archive recorded video from the cameras to your iMac. This can only be done using the Commander software running on a Windows PC. Because you would lose this feature you may want to consider replacing the included 2GB MicroSD cards with 16 GB cards to increase your storage capacity on the cameras. This will likely give you several months of recorded video on each camera.
And lastly, software and firmware updates are all managed from the Commander PC software. So, you would need to have a PC present for this or have some way of running the Commander software temporarily on your iMac using Parallels or VMware Fusion. That’s as far as I can go without getting a nastygram from support. In fact, I’ve already probably said too much
-Evan
Reinhardt | October 25th, 2010 at 04:00
I see lots of questions and have my own. But is anyone hosting or answering them? Hello?
Evan Tree | October 25th, 2010 at 09:28
Hi Reinhardt,
I try to get back to everyone as quickly as I can, but do get backed up from time to time. Did you have a question about Logitech Alert?
-Evan
Tony Tam | October 25th, 2010 at 10:51
Hi I was wondering if its possible to do continuous 24/7 recording and have the motion alerts.
For example I have no problem having a computer running 24/7 to record stuff with a 1tb HD, I was hoping to dedicate say 500gb of continous 24/7 recording and have it over write the oldest videos whenever it hits that size limit. However I think the motion detected recording is still needed. If possible I’d like to store these videos in another area with a dedicated amount of storage. Continuous recording is useful for example if some kids throw some fire crackers in my mail box, since that area wouldnt be in the motion detection zone since theres alot of heavy traffic from the road ect… it would still be recorded and I could go back and review the tape when I realize that my mailbox is all black inside.
Evan Tree | November 3rd, 2010 at 10:35
Hi Tony, I’m sorry that at this time we do not support scheduled recording. It is likely that this option will be available on a future release but I cannot comment on the time frame.
Best,
Evan
Carlos Martinez | October 26th, 2010 at 09:58
Are you able to have more cameras (Other brands) with this same software?
Evan Tree | November 3rd, 2010 at 10:34
Hi Carlos, The answer to your question is no. The software only supports Logitech Alert branded cameras.
Best,
Evan
Bob | October 26th, 2010 at 20:11
Is the Mobile Commander server down again? I cannot sign in – continue to get this bizarre message: PLEASE ENTERVE. (not misspelled) – is this a server error?
Evan Tree | November 3rd, 2010 at 10:34
Hi Bob, I have spoke with and forwarded your message to our support team. This is the first we have heard of this error message. It may be an isolated event because we have not recorded other users with this problem.
Best,
Evan
John | October 27th, 2010 at 10:47
Hi Evan i have a system 750e with 4 cameras and because i have anothernetgear power over ethernet non logitech device on the network, it keeps trying to update its firmware, realises it cannot, then keeps knocking the cameras offline
Evan Tree | November 3rd, 2010 at 10:33
Hi John, this is very interesting. Our software will recognize that other HomePlug devices are on the network but will ignore them when it comes to software updates. If you are still experiencing this issue will you please contact support and provide them with a diagnostic report. It is likely that one of your Alert modules is not completing the update and that is causing the problem but we need to look at the diags to know for sure.
Best,
Evan
Mike | October 29th, 2010 at 00:41
I got one and I like it. Full review, including sample videos and stills, at http://www.mikes-review.com
ahmed | October 29th, 2010 at 06:10
hi,
is this product is available in India.
Evan Tree | October 31st, 2010 at 23:33
Hi ahmed,
Logitech Alert is not currently available in India, although we hope to make the system more widely available in the future.
Best,
Evan
Chirstopher James | October 30th, 2010 at 13:04
How far can the outdoor one be from the PC/or how far can I get a signal?
Evan Tree | November 3rd, 2010 at 10:33
Hi Chirstopher,
While I have seen connections in the past over 300′ from the router bridge, the realistic distance would be up to 100′. Keep in mind that the camera must be connected to an electrical outlet sharing the same power meter as the other cameras and router bridge.
Best,
Evan
Derek | November 4th, 2010 at 05:24
I have your previous system the Logitech Outdoor Video Security Master System. Will my 3 existing wilife external cameras (model CLC-220E-G) also work with the Logitech Alert™ 750e Outdoor Master ???
Evan Tree | November 5th, 2010 at 00:02
Hi Derek,
Logitech WiLife products will still continue to be supported. Please visit http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech_en_amr.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=18041 for more details.
Best,
Evan
Rohan | November 6th, 2010 at 18:21
Hi Please advise release date for New Zealand. Also can I use a system purchased in the US on 240 volt power system?
Gustavo | November 6th, 2010 at 19:21
Hi Evan,
I have 2 questions:
1) Can you explain to me why if my 750e work fine in an specific electrical outlet one day and I decided to try it in another electrical outlet and again coming back to the former one and something happen that it doesn’t work again……..! Yellow LED appears instead blue.
2) I upgrade my SD card up to 8GB in the 750e but it doesn’t record any video and reinstalled the 2 GB that came originally and neither work
I do appreciate your comments
Gustavo
Ha Thai | November 17th, 2010 at 14:44
Hi Gustavo,
The first thing that I would do is confirm that you are using the latest software release. You can do this by going into Settings\General\Updates\Check for updates. Please make sure that you have the most resent release of Commander and camera software. Your second question is likely due to the yellow LED described in the first question. This means that the camera is not connecting to the Commander software and so it cannot download or display the recorded clips from the SD card. Another possible problem is that the SD card needs to be reformatted. If you can get the camera connected to Commander you can reformat the card from Settings\Storage\Cameras\Reformat. If not you can remove the card and use a PC to do the reformat.
Best,
Ha (on behaf of Evan)
JOE G | November 7th, 2010 at 21:32
1) Will the iphone app be updated to support audio streaming along with the video?
2) Any plans on adding Pan, tilt and zoom capabilities to iphone app?
3)Any plans to add direct emailing of videos from within the iphone app?
#1 is the biggest priority and I’m suprised its not already there.
Thanks, Joe.
Ha Thai | November 17th, 2010 at 14:46
Hi Joe,
These are all great suggestions and all I can say is that we are working on many product and feature enhancements in this product line. We appreciate you being a customer and we hope to exceed your expectations in the future.
Best,
Ha (on behalf of Evan)
ken toong | November 7th, 2010 at 23:07
i have 2 sets of the old wilife. I just bought an iphone 4. Can i moniyor the system with this phone?
Thanks
Ha Thai | November 17th, 2010 at 14:46
Hi Ken,
Unfortunately you can only receive email alerts with picture snapshots from the old WiLife system. If you would like live video on your iPhone you may want to consider taking advantage of this upgrade opportunity to get the new Alert system. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/349/7073?WT.ac=psE|7378.
Best,
Ha (on behalf of Evan)
Shawn | November 13th, 2010 at 05:30
I understand that with new technologies and advances that not all previous systems will be compatible, however I guess what I need to know is… is it worth waiting to see if another version of the upgraded system comes out that is even better than this one just in case it isn’t compatible with this new version now. I don’t need to end up with way to many systems sitting on the shelf because they are not compatible with each other. I work overseas and I am away a lot and think this new product sounds amazing and love the mobile app which is the main reason I want to change my system out, I am just nervous I guess that the app will get discontinued in the future for some reason after I spend another small fortune on the Logitech products. What do you think?
Ha Thai | November 17th, 2010 at 14:47
Hi Shawn,
I understand your concerns. As a techy person, I have a huge boneyard of products that have come and gone over the last few years. I can tell you that the new Logitech Alert system is a new platform, and we plan to continue to build a family of products and services around this new product line. That’s why it is not compatible with the old WiLife products…it’s a whole new more advanced technology. I believe you will be thrilled with the move to the new system and be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Best,
Ha (on behalf of Evan)
Eric | November 15th, 2010 at 11:33
I like this system but it doesn’t do me much good if someone breaks into my house and steals the cameras and my computer. I would have no evidence of the break in. So, my question is; Does the Alert 750i system have the ability to send still photo’s from motion detection (alert feature) to my online email account?
Ha Thai | November 17th, 2010 at 14:48
Hi Eric,
You can absolutely setup alerts to email snapshots to you.
Best,
Ha (on behalf of Evan)