An IP security camera, also known as an IP camera or a network security camera, is a digital video camera that transmits your video, audio and other data through the internet using a broadband internet such as cable, dsl, and fiber optics.  (Dial-up not supported.)

Some benefits of IP security cameras:

1. Remote monitoring from anywhere.
2. The ability to easily send video and images from anywhere in real time using the internet.
3.  Adjustable frame rates and resolution to meet specific needs.
4. Two way communication (Please note: iWatchLife only supports the audio-listening feature).
5. Lower cabling requirements.  Some IP cameras may not require any hard wiring at all.
6. Small, discreet and easier to install than traditional wired video cameras with bulky DVRs attached.
7. Can integrate video analytics software
8. Can integrate to get real time alerts on your blackberry and iPhone.

One of the disadvantages of using an IP camera is that it takes up a lot of your bandwidth which makes it very expensive to use.  iWatchLife has, therefore, developed an innovative patented technology that gives you real time alerts and real time video feeds while minimizing bandwidth usage.  Find out more!

 

iWatchLife connects your IP camera(s) to the Internet through your home network's wireless router or router.  iWatchLife stores all the video and audio feeds to our cloud-based secure servers using the Internet.  All you have to do is login to your secure iWatchLife portal to monitor your IP security cameras..  Using a browser, you can monitor from any computer or any web-enabled device.   iWatchLife only works with the two models of Axis IP cameras we offer (M-1031 or M-1011).  

iWatchLife uses video analytics to alert you with events that are important to you. This is done by:

1. iWatchLife detecting events and movements within the camera view from the video feed. 
2. Filtering events based on events you've specified as important.
3. Alerting you that an important event has occured via email or your smartphone.

Here's a great video that explains how iWatchLife works.  

NOTE: iWatchLife only works with Axis M-1031-W and Axis M-1011-W IP cameras.   

Step 1:

1. Take the ethernet cable and plug it to your router's port. Plug the other end of the router to the camera's network connector.
2. Take the power adapter and plug it in the camera's power connector. Plug the other end of the power adapter to the power outlet.
3. If you choose to monitor wirelessly, the Ethernet cable connection will only be required during the initial camera set up.  Do not disconnect the Ethernet cable until you have connected your camera for wireless monitoring.

Step 2:

1. Go to my.iwatchlife.com, sign in to your account and go to "My Dashboard".
2. Click on "Add/Install Camera(s)". Click on "IP camera" and run the software.
3. An "IP Camera Set Up Wizard" window will pop up.  Enter your iWatchLife credentials.
4. iWatchLife will connect your camera to your network.  Once camera is detected, you're all set to monitor on a wired connection.
5. It is recommended that you go to the "Events" tab under camera settings and turn off all alerts while you're testing the camera to prevent any unnecessary false alerts.

For a detail step by step overview on installing and setting up your camera, click here.

 

 

To set your Axis IP camera for wireless monitoring, you have to ensure that your camera is properly connected for wired monitoring.  For a detail step by step overview on installing and setting up your camera, click here.

For wireless monitoring, you have to:

1. Click on "Camera Settings"
2. Click on the "Network/Advanced" tab
3. Click on "Wireless settings"
4. Click on your network's name
5. Enter your router's wireless network key
6. Click on "Apply settings".  You're now all set for wireless monitoring.  You can unplug the ethernet cable from the camera and the router.

 

Your IP camera package will contain:

1. A network camera (either iWatchLife M1031-w or  M1011-w)
2. A wall mount
3. A flexible clamp
4. An indoor power adapter
5. An Ethernet cable

 

iWatchLife's M1031-w has the audio listening and the LED light feature.  The Axis M-1011-w does not have these features.   Note that the "w" in the name simply refers to the color of the camera enclosure.  

 

Both models of IP cameras that we offer were designed for indoor use.  However, you could always point the cameras outside through a window.

iWatchLife customers have used the IP cameras outdoors with success by protecting the camera from the elements, avoiding extreme conditions and cold temperatures, however it is important to note that using the camera outdoors will void the manufacturer's warranty.  

 

The minimum system requirements to monitor with an Axis IP camera are:

• A PC
• One of the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 7 or higher, Safari, Google, Chrome, Netscape
• One of the following routers: Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, TP-Link, 2-wire or Trendnet
• One of the following operating services: Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
• Broadband internet connection. DSL, Cable, Fibre Optic.  iWatchLife does not support dial up internet services.
• A minimum upstream bitrate of 640-768 kbps

 

No.  With an IP camera, you do not need to have the computer turned ON or require any use of the computer-unless you'd like to use it for monitoring-after the installation process.

For a wired set up, you will have the Ethernet cable connected to the router and camera, however, this does require the use of the computer itself.

 

No, iWatchLife only works with an Axis M-1031-W and M1011-W IP cameras at this time.  The reason for this is that iWatchLife leverages some of the camera's functionality in order to provide you with the best event detection functionality available.  

 

If you are running your IP cameras using Ethernet cable then you could have then about 200 feet away from your router.

If you are running your IP cameras wirelessly, then you can have the cameras about 100 feet from your wireless router but it depends on how much electrical interference is present.   

 

Depends on how dark the environment is.  iWatchLife continually monitors however chances of iWatchLife missing an event increases if sufficient light is not present.  iWatchLife requires light to monitor.  As a result, it is recommended, if you are monitoring on the Axis M1011-w IP camera or the web camera, to ensure there is enough light.  If you have the cameras pointed outside, be sure to turn on the porch lights around sunset.

Alternatively, you can purchase Axis M1031-w IP camera which has a built in light in the front of the camera.  You can program the light to turn ON/OFF at desired times or manually control the light feature from anywhere using your laptop by simply logging into your iWatchLife secure portal. 

As a quick example; suppose you're out of town and you'd like iWatchLife to monitor your front porch.  Rather than calling a neighbour to keep watch, simply log in to your iWatchLife account and turn the light feature ON remotely.  

 

Unfortunately, you can only install iWatchLife and your Axis IP camera using a PC.  After the installation process is complete, you can use your Mac to monitor your cameras as iWatchLife can be access from any web browser.  

 

The IP camera may be offline for one of the following reasons:

1. Camera's power adapter is not connected to the power outlet.
2. Camera is not connected to the router properly.  If you're connected on a wired connection, check to make sure that the ethernet cable is connected to the camera and to the router securely. 
3. Power failure
4. Power outage
5. Network error

 

 Unfortunately, no.  iWatchLife should automatically re-start monitoring after the power is back however, if you find that iWatchLife is still offline or isn't detecting any events, simply power cycle by unplugging the camera from the power outlet and then plugging it back again. 

 

Power cycling may be required in the following events:

1. Power failure
2. Power spike
3. Camera goes offline
4. Network problems

iWatchLife will register these events as "Network Outage" in Event View and as a result, you will have to power cycle your camera by:

1. Unplugging the camera's power adapter from the power outlet and keep the power adapter unplugged for 5-10 seconds.
2. Plugging the camera's power adapter back into the camera's power outlet.

If your camera fails to come online, please contact iWatchLife Support at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

You may need to hard reset your camera if iWatchLife's auto configuration is not working and your camera cannot communicate with iWatchLife's network.  It is strongly recommended and advised that you contact iWatchLife support at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it prior to hard re-setting your camera.

Hard re-setting your camera is a 2 step process:

1. Hard reset your camera
2. Re-install iWatchLife software

Step 1: Hard reset your camera

a) Ensure the Ethernet cable is plugged into your camera.

b) While pressing the control button at the back of your camera, unplug the power adapter from the power outlet.  Keep the power adapter unplugged for 5-10 seconds.

     

c) While pressing the control button, plug the power adapter back on the power outlet.  Hold the button down until you see the status indicator around the camera lens turn orange.

d) Release the button and wait until the status indicator around the camera lens turns green.  You have now hard-reset your camera!

Step 2: Re-install iWatchLife

a) Go to my.iwatchlife.com and  login to your iWatchLife account.

b) Go to "My Dashboard".

c) Click on "Add/Install Camera(s)".

d) Follow the prompts and re-install iWatchLife software.

 

• Must be placed indoors (iWatchLife M-1011-W and M-1031-W warranty is voided if used outdoors) 
• Must be in an area where camera is able to receive sufficient light for optimal monitoring
• Must be shake free.  Don't put it in an area where someone can brush against the camera.  Don't place camera where the object holding the camera is not sturdy ie: loose bookshelf/table. 
• Wireless camera must be within 100 feet (max) of the router.
• Keep camera and cords out of reach of young children.

 

A web camera is a video camera that attaches to your computer; typically via USB or is already built into your laptop or desktop. 

Using iWatchLife with any webcam is easy.  

1. Simply download iWatchlife at www.iwatchlife.com/download
2. Create your secure iWatchLife account
3. Log into your account and you're ready to go!  

If you have more questions about using iWatchLife, see our Tips, Tutorials and Documentation page.  

Click on the iWatchLife icon on the bottom right hand corner of the task bar and click on "Exit".

Unfortunately, no.  You will have to ensure your computer does not  fall asleep if you want your camera to continue monitoring.  If you don't want your computer to sleep, you need to adjust your power saving settings.  

Windows 98

1. Click on the "Start" button on the lower left hand side.
2. Click on "Settings".  Click on the "Control Panel" icon.
3. Click on the "Hibernate" tab on the top of the "Power Options" screen.
4. Uncheck the "Enable Hibernation" button and click on "OK". 

Windows XP

1. Click on the "Start" button on the lower left hand side.
2. Click on "Control Panel" and then click on "System Maintenance".
3. Click on "Power Options".
4. Click on the "Power Schemes" tab and select "Never" in the System Standby drop down menu.
5. Click OK.

Windows Vista

1. Go to the "Start" button and go to Control Panel.
2. Click on "System Maintenance" and click on " Control Panel"
3. Go to the "Power Options".
4. Click on the "Change Plans Settings" under your respective power plan.
5. Click on "Change Advanced Power Settings".
6. Select "Never" on the "Put the computer to sleep" drag down menu.
7. Click on "Save".

Windows 7

1. Go to the "Start" button and go to Control Panel.
2. Click on "System Maintenance" and click on " Control Panel"
3. Go to the "Power Options".
4. Click on the "Change Plans Settings" under your respective power plan.
5. Click on "Change Advanced Power Settings".
6. Select "Never" on the "Put the computer to sleep" drag down menu.
7. Click on "Save".

Contact iWatchLife's Support team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Unfortunately, no.  We are constantly upgrading our features and the different types of hardware that iWatchLife can support.  Please contact iWatchLIfe's Support team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you'd like to make any future upgrade recommendations.

iWatchLife offers the exact same promotions and features to web camera users and Axis IP camera users.  As a result, there is no differences in service package pricing.

Yes, the sharing feature is for both Axis IP cameras and web cameras.

With your web camera,you are getting the same feature sets as the Axis IP camera.  

The single biggest difference is that using a webcam will require your computer to "on" all of the time so that video can be sent to iWatchLife for analysis and live viewing.  

With the Axis IP cameras, you get:

• Wireless monitoring at up to 100 feet
• Nightlight  (M1031-W model only) 
• Audio features (M1031-W model only) 

• A PC
• One of the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 7 or higher, Safari, Google, Chrome, Netscape
• One of the following routers: Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, TP-Link, 2-wire or Trendnet
• One of the following operating services: Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
• A web camera (built into PC or USB web camera)
• Broadband internet connection. DSL, Cable, Fibre Optic.  iWatchLife does not support dial up internet services.
• A minimum upstream bitrate of 640-768 kbps

Unfortunately, no.  You can not use your Mac to view and monitor your web camera however, for the installation process, you need to have the web camera software installed using a PC.