X10 Community Forum
🖥️ActiveHome Pro => Plug-ins => iWatchOut/iWitness => Topic started by: tsummerl on April 12, 2006, 02:02:32 PM
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I ordered and received the AHP Package that contains the iWitness software package. I thought it was a great deal. Was I wrong.
It does not include the VA11 usb interface nor does the add say anything about it as a requirement. Not even any Fine Print.
The software is useless without it and no other usb video interface will work!! Bait and switch!!! I was told (very arrogantly) I could order this part for an additional 59.95.
Don't get duped like I did.
Beware!!!
I plan on returning it. Spread the word.
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You can find the Va11A on Ebay very cheep. Got mine for $7.00 ;)
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You should also be able to get our sales staff to help the correct the problem -- (800) 675-3044. Also, I've passed this information on to our marketing manager so he can check and make sure that the kits that need the VA11A have it.
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I had the same concerns and requested mine during the order process and she was nice enough to toss it in no charge!
Tc
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You should also be able to get our sales staff to help the correct the problem -- (800) 675-3044. Also, I've passed this information on to our marketing manager so he can check and make sure that the kits that need the VA11A have it.
I am in the same boat. I just talked to support and got denied for a free adapter. Here is the email I just sent support.
I bought my x10 gear from a third party reseller (Digitronix.) Here is what I bought:
Active Home Pro Interface CM15A
2 XX17A Color wireless cameras
Iwitness Software
Ninja Pan and Tilt accessory
Before I bought I researched your website carefully and the current information on the X10 website and the manuals says NOTHING about needing a USB Interface adapter to enable the cameras. I don't think that was intentional on X10's part. I only found out through the formums here. If it were my oversight I would cough up for the other addtional interface. I see that X10 provided them free for customers who bought from X10 but support just denied my request becuase I bought from a third party reseller. My point is that I am still an X10 customer and it was due to the lack of information on your website. Based on that I would like to ask for concideration on obtaining the VA11A adapter. Can you help me?
Thanks in advance for your response.
<Edit> After looking at pics of the VA11A interface it looks like it is an RCA to USB converter. That is not going do anything for my wireless cams is it?
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The VA11A connects the output of the video receiver to the PC so you can view your cameras in software, so it will do something for your wireless cameras.
I understand the frustration in buying something and not having everything you need. I'll see what we can do, but since you didn't purchase the product from us I can't guarantee the outcome at this point.
Have you tried asking the people you bought the system from (in your e-mail you mention Digitronix) if they can make it up to you? As an X10 reseller they should be guiding you in picking a complete system. We try to make sure on the X10.com site that everything you need is included when you buy a kit.
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So do I need the VA11A to make the wireless cameras work with the AHP? I guess I am not clear on which component I need. I have email Digitronix and they merely offered to sell me one. Please let me know which component I need and if there is anything else you can do.
Much appreciated!
Scott (ZZ)
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Now I am finding I need a VR36A receiver and a VA11A USB adapter. Based on the unclear info on the X10 website I feel like I am being lead down the nickle-and-dime path!
I am very exited to get the X10 stuff but my exitement is being steifled by this confusion and frustration. From reading other posts I am not the only one. I hope that the folks at X10 take their customers comments to heart to make buying anfd using their products easier. Hey I am starting to hijack my own thread!
I just want to get the $250 bucks worth of gear I have to work along the $70 bucks I'm am going to have to spend because of crap I didn't know about.
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ZZ : You"ll need the VA11A plus a video reciever(VA36A or simular) inorder to work your cams with AHP plugin iwitness purhaps X10 can put a package together for you! ;) You might find a deal with a cam included for the price of the two separate!
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You definitely need a VR36A receiver to use your wireless cameras. Is it possible for you to return your order to Digitronix? We can't fix an order that doesn't come from us, but if you order with us you will always get all the parts you need.
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I can't return my items but now that I know what I need to get it's upward and onward.
Thanks for the responses. ;D
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You should also be able to get our sales staff to help the correct the problem -- (800) 675-3044. Also, I've passed this information on to our marketing manager so he can check and make sure that the kits that need the VA11A have it.
Thanks x10 now that's what I call good customer support!!
Tc
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So it looks like I got the same "deal" with no VA11 adapter that make the rest of my PC multiview software and camera gear useless? Great. I just wasted 2 weeks trying to get it to work. Support said I needed one and they would have to charge at least $49.99 USD (I'm in Canada). Forget that! If X10 doesn't provide it no charge I'm returning it all and getting my money back, since I'm still under the 30 day money back guarantee. Then I'll reorder if the adapter is included. Rather silly, you'd think they've realized this before now and would send an email to clarify their mistake!
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>:( I don't normally like to rant on forums but I am well justified at this point. Well, I ordered the other to things I was told I needed. I am out almost $400 bucks now. I followed the instructions and during the driver installation for the USB adapter it made my computer crash twice and corrupted my CD drive driver and a program that I use alot. I have spent 4 hours trying to correct the corruption. Needless to say my X10 stuff still doesn't work, the manuals refer to old software as do the help files. I was stupid enough to buy mine from an X10 reseller that has a no return policy so I am screwed! THANKS X10!!!!!
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If you are using Windows XP, use the System Restore to get the system back to the state it was before you installed the drivers from X10. That will at least get you up and running.
What X10 driver installation gave you problems? When did you download it, and from what page on the X10 site?
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I did use the restore in XP but it did not resolve all of my windows issues. I got the file from this page http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm (http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm)I still don't understand why my PC crashes while trying to install the WDM audio capture driver it is requiring during the install. I have to click cancel to installing the driver to boot my PC. The video is working fine.
I am a software presenter for a Fortune 1000 company and I am far from being a techno idiot. If you have any insight please let me know.
(http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/7103/wdmdriverproblem2ic.jpg)
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If you install this, how does the system crash -- blue screen, re-boot, error message?
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NO BSOD or Crash to desktop. It just powers off and reboots. Now my CD/DVD drive and Soundblaster drivers won't load. I had to use a restore point to get them back. :-[
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Maybe they need to run banners on the order pages telling that you will have to buy more once they hook you.Unfortunately I also ordered the $49 deal before checking the forum. The info read that the interface would take the place of everything else. I tried for quite a while several days before realizing I didn't have everyting. The VA11A was not in my package. I called support and they wanted $50 for just the adaptor. I asked for a retun # and they said they would have to email it. Don't know why they couldn't just give me a # while I had them on the phone. Still haven't received the return # yet!
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I must say I am woundering what if anything X-10 is doing about the company Digitronix if this is what its doing . It should be carrying a return policy of some type. I am worried because I am waiting for an order from Digitronix that was sent to them on 5-18-06 and I still havnt gotten it . If this company can not backup it orders and X-10 will not do anything then I must rethink becoming a reseller and start looking for a company that would care how its name is being carried. I dont want to sound mean but I am researching adding X-10 into my stores on and offline so I must say somthing.
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My orders were all received very promptly. Here is the email address for them. customercare@digitronex.com (http://customercare@digitronex.com)
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Today I got my order in but thank you for your help . I must say I dont understand somthing though. I was emailed my software and I dont mind that but after installing it and putting in the Registration Number it became registered to Digitronix and not me, whats that.I paid for it , lol . anyways I am now trying to get it to work. I finally got it installed but now the software says it cant find it so I am now going to work trying to find out why.
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This is beyond absurd. I called X10 support and they said "it must be a problem with your PC". I got news for those morons, it doesn't work on another PC either! I wonder if X10 has ever been subject to a class action suit?
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Seems there are a lot of people in the same boat. I also ordered the active home package - after calling to find out what I needed to get my camera system to do what I wanted - and was given bad information. Calling customer service is useless - you get the "well, pay more money and we will send you another part". If they were honest and up front about all the things you needed so you could get them ordered all at once it would be so helpful! And, with the website being such a nightmare to navigate, there is no way to figure out what your ordering has been shorted a part or two that they can gouge you for later. It is extremely frustrating, and I am about ready to send it all back.
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Purchased $140 of x10 merchandise last week, and last night purchased
another 79.99 for AHP SUITE.
Reading this forum, I realized I would need the v11a.
Called x10 and said it was not included and it would cost me another $69.99.
Or I could order a diiferent kit and it would cost me $99.
Would not even offer an adjustment....
Notta,nyet,NO WAY!!!
Canceled last night's order and received RMA to return last week's order.
Too,bad, X10. You just lost another $220.00.
FIRST AND LAST TIME CUSTOMER.
SEE YA' IN THE FUNNY PAPERS
B0SC0
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I too have recently purchased and received the AHP with iWitness. I am also disappointed that I just found out that I need to purchase a Va11A USB adapter. I have a PCI video capture card in my system already. I was hoping to utilize it with AHP/iWitness.
Why does X10 bundle iWitness in a package deal if they do not allow you to use a different video capture device, or provide you with the Va11A that is needed? I will not trash my X10 system because of this, I have been a loyal customer for 20 years. My home is too automated to give up. I dumped the 2.4 Ghz cameras because of my WiFi network interference. But can not live without my X10 system. I wish X10 would make a special deal for those of us that have the AHP/iWitness bundle.
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I had the same concern. I brought the 49.99 package ActiveHome. I was so upset that I needed to buy v11a. The ad said you have everything to see your Cameras via your computer and the web. I called twice and first I was told I need to pay 59.99 I said NO. Called again they said 49.99. I brought it,but I think the advertising was very misleading. Now the are giving away the signal extender with that package for free. I see why now the signal is very weak. They at least could give me that with all the money I spent. HELP!!!!
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I wish I would have read this post before I bought the AHP bundle with the iWitness. It said nothing about needing the VA11A USB adapter. I called customer service and all I got was a "Sorry". I am glad I found this out before I purchased any more of X-10's products.
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I was also very disappointed with the "all-inclusive" package that didn't contain the necessary USB adapter. I emailed support and they stated that if I would let them know of a comperable package that included the adapter I could pay the difference and get it.
WTF. There isn't a package like that. The package I bought was suppose to be everything I needed. There no package with more than everything.
I've been using X10 for over 10 years and I'm ticked at how this was handled.
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I think that the fine folks at X10 should be reading this forum. They need to see that more people are getting upset by their "package deals". They should offer us that have purchased the AHP package a really low rate for the VA11A adapter. I am finding it on eBay for around $33 plus S&H, a far cry cheaper then what X10 is offering to sell it to us for. You know that their cost is low, so they can afford to make amends. They have records of who purchased the package, so they should be able to check and offer the VA11A at a real reasonable price.
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Personally, I'd rather they change the programs so that any video capture can be used.
I use a TV card to capture my camera's videos and save it to my FTP site, that way I can access it when I'm away from
home.
But it would be nice to see live video on MyHouse using my TV card though.
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Puck, I couldn't agree more. My first post was that I too have a video capture card in my computer and would prefer to use it.
Trying to get the people at X10 to listen to us is the hard part.
I know from dealing with them in the past, it is hard for them to even maintain a database of customers.
I don't think that they are concerned about the existing customer's need.
They are more concerned about getting new customers.
If they do not listen to our suggestions, then it will be their loss when we tell people not to buy their products.
I think I have expanded my home automation system to it's max using X10's technology.
It looks like I might have to research other avenues to continue my expansion.
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Wow....reading through this post was like a rollercoaster ride and I still don know if I got burnt or not. I just ordered (last night) this package for $49.99
1 ActiveHome Professional Computer Interface and USB Cable (CM15A)
1 Smart Wireless Repeater (SR731)
1 ActiveHome Professional Software (SW31A)
1 Smart Macro Software Module for ActiveHome Pro (SW32A)
1 iWitness Software Module for ActiveHome Pro (SW33A)
1 myHouse Online Software Module for ActiveHome Pro (SW34A)
3 Slimline Wireless Wall Switches
Reading through the information on the deal page it says, as others have stated, NOTHING ABOUT NEEDING THE USB INTERFACE so can anyone offer advice as to how they recently solved this problem?(short of buying it) I noticed the X10 administrator replied "Also, I've passed this information on to our marketing manager so he can check and make sure that the kits that need the VA11A have it." but I just asked customer service via chat window and they said it is NOT included?
Here is a link to the page with my deal on it: http://www.x10.com/promotions/cm15a_ed_sr731_ss15a.html
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uno....
Hi, although I have a perfectly working system anyway, I bought the same package just for fun and the free hardware. You could sell the hardware you got for almost that price on ebay (new /unopened).
For iwitness you will need the VA11A. What I did? Bought at EBay for around $37 shipped for a new one (less for used).
If you are interested in security modules, I also found the OnAlert plugin there for $20 (but no "free" hardware like X10).
RETAIL (which a few uninformed pay) on just the hardware you got is greater than the $49.99. Plus no shipping, no tax.
Burnt? I don't think so, but it would be better if they included everything you needed to use the software. Still I think this is one of the best deals I have seen in a while, which is why I ordered it.
You can always TRY to get them to throw a VA11A in. ;D
GLT
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YOU ALSO NEED A PLUG IN FOR ON-ALEART $%# @#$% it....
I'm sorry but this is just irresponsible sales/ marketing tactics and it pisses me off.
In todays world of "the informed consumer" there is no reason for this other than to fraudulently boost sales and that is the bottom line.This is no different than some sleazy used car dealer offering a deal on a car or truck and upon picking up the vehicle realize there is NO ENGINE>>>> Actually its worse because with the car you would realize it before you pay because you would test drive it, with this there is NO WAY to tell until they have your money... I cannot believe that with all the freakin information on their website someone "forgot" to include this information for the Iwhitness AND OnAleart :-\
Sorry about that......No.... you are right, it is a heck of a deal on its own but its just not a responsible way to do business. I haven't dealt with x-10 in a while but I do have 3 color cameras, the security system (DS7000), and active home (old) all of which I have been satisfied with and I believe are good products (for the price) but I distinctly remember thinking " Imagine what these guys could do if they did away with the childish pop ups and teene bopper marketing it really cheapens their product image"
Thanks for the reply and advice
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;D
Looks like two people there...
To be clear you can use AHP, the smart macros, AND MyHouse online in the included package WITHOUT anything else (oh wait, you need some lamp or appliance controllers, guess X-10 forgot to mention that) !
Some people bought AHP and THEN bought smart macros and THEN bought myhouse and THEN bought iwitness..etc.
Sooner or later they will probably throw in OnAlert, but I wanted the SR 731 repeater now.
Yep, heck of a deal - like all my X-10 purchases.
GLT
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To be clear you can use AHP, the smart macros, AND MyHouse online in the included package WITHOUT anything else
" (oh wait, you need some lamp or appliance controllers, guess X-10 forgot to mention that) !"
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what is that supposed to mean? I hardly think its a fair comparison.......selling a software product and forgetting to mention that you need hardware to use it is completely different than your snide remark above.... For all I know (and the average person ordering ) the interface does all the work..
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Received the adapter, took three telephone calls to get the software: QUESTION: iI cannot register the software, and ideas how. I put in invoice number plus the -1 and it does not work.
QUESTION 2. What software is needed to run the video cameras with the video adapter.
QUESTION 3. Is there anyway to see if you video adapter is working properly, i.e., another program
Tks in advance.
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If you live in Illinois and purchased this kit you have recourse. Go to Attorney General Lisa Madigans web site and download the Consumer Fraud complaint form. Fill it out and mail it. It is very simple. http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/index.html
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You should also be able to get our sales staff to help the correct the problem -- (800) 675-3044. Also, I've passed this information on to our marketing manager so he can check and make sure that the kits that need the VA11A have it.
If you passed it on in April it must have gone by the scenic route. I just got burned on this package in November. I am taking my complaint to the Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Fraud division!!! http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/index.html
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Received the adapter, took three telephone calls to get the software: QUESTION: iI cannot register the software, and ideas how. I put in invoice number plus the -1 and it does not work.
QUESTION 2. What software is needed to run the video cameras with the video adapter.
QUESTION 3. Is there anyway to see if you video adapter is working properly, i.e., another program
Tks in advance.
[li]Answer1: Order number plus -1 does not always work as a registration number.
e-mail support with your order number and ask for a new registration number
. [/li]
[li]Answer 2: Any web cam software will work if it can see the VA11A
To use AHP you need the iWitness plug-in
.[/li]
[li]Answer 3: Windows moviemaker can see your cams with the VA11A
.[/li][/b][/size][/list]
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You should also be able to get our sales staff to help the correct the problem -- (800) 675-3044. Also, I've passed this information on to our marketing manager so he can check and make sure that the kits that need the VA11A have it.
If you passed it on in April it must have gone by the scenic route. I just got burned on this package in November. I am taking my complaint to the Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Fraud division!!! http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/index.html
Same thing here, except I'm not going to complain to a legal person, I'll just get the VA11A. BUT! I just got my Active Home system, and I was not aware that I needed the VA11A! This was a "Special offer for the CM15A. All is good, beautiful software (so far, from what I've seen) but when ever I open the program, I get an error message that the USB interface (VA11A) isn't plugged in. I didn't know what I was loading when I put all those programs in. Simply put: X10 shouldn't send software for hardware that we don't have! But nice software, so I'll look on ebay, as all of us know that a USB to RCA adapter is sure not worth $50.00. Last word: Note that this issue has been causing problems and hard feelings since last April! Also, it's very difficult to make any sense out of, or to get any info, from the website, X10 is to busy with all their high pressure pop-ups!
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I'll save some space on the page by saying I agree with almost every post in this thread.
Personally I have an additional gripe because I own the previous version of the cable (VA11 I THINK) and it DOES NOT WORK WITH THIS SYSTEM. That REALLY ticks me off. Why would X10 kill off an item that could be easily tied in.
Actually I don't see why ANY camera couldn't be used like most webcam systems.
SLAM ... soapbox is back in the closet.
Thanks for allowing me to rant. I'm off to eBay and see what I can get a cable for.
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This Problem still exists. Maybe I read the adv wrong, but ???
I purchased ;
Qty Description Part
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1 ActiveHome Pro Computer Interface and USB cable CM15A
12 Door/Window Sensor DS10A
1 Multi-Camera Instructions IN47A
1 INSTRUCTION SHEET IN48A
2 1 YEAR WARRANTY CERTIFICATE IN76A
4 Security Keychain Remote KR10A
2 Lamp Module LM465
2 Security Surveillance Window Yard sign MM023
3 Security Surveillance Decal MM024
2 Wireless Motion Sensor MS10A
1 EagleEye Motion Sensor MS14A
1 Voice Dialer Console PS561
1 Mini Powerhorn SH10A
1 Security Remote Control SH624
1 Slimline Switch Decorator White SS13A
1 VCR Commander II UX23A
1 VideoReceiver with AC Adapter VR31A
1 XCAM2 Camera w/PS (XM13A) XX16A
1 Battery Pack with adapter
( Carl ) My order 3265101 Did not come with the needed USB VGA Adapter VA11A, Can the iWatch software work witout it? The adv said control your Xcam with the $50 package. I ordered much more.
( Nakita ) Give me a minute to find your answer
( Nakita ) No it wouldnt work
( Nakita ) not without the va11a
( Carl ) Why wasn't it included as your adv stated ?
( Carl ) [ADV]The best 50 bucks you'll ever spend! It all starts with ActiveHome Pro. This software lets you control your entire home from your PC! Control all your lights and appliances from right at your desk! You'll even be able to turn your PC into a surveillance monitoring system! With iWatchOut, you can monitor and control your cameras and even record video!
( Carl ) [ADV] For only $49.99, you can't beat this deal! Warranty: 1 year Features: Come home to a warm well-lit home - get online from work to turn up the heat and turn on the lights before coming home Watch over your home from anywhere in the world - get online to monitor and control your X10 surveillance cameras (sold separately) Where is the needed VA11A ?
( Nakita ) you dont get it because you may not have cameras so its just the starter kit
( Carl ) I purchased the Xcam indoor/outdoor.
( Nakita ) ok that doesnt matter if you only purchase active home pro than you dont get the va11a
( Carl ) The adv I posted was the starter kit & it stated I could control the camera, watch, & record the video. I purchased the audio/video rcvr also. The adv is then false & that is illegal
( Carl ) I guess the old saying " Let the buyer beware" applies to X10
Am I out of line in expecting the ADV to be true?
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To all those upset with X10 (mostly to those who even plan to take legal action)
Everyone is upset that the USB adapter was not included. Boo-hoo. Of course you need a way to connect the video to your computer! You can't blame them for your ignorance. For those of you whining about false advertising, and threatening to sue,
Do you sue video game companies when you buy a game and it doesn't come with a mouse and keyboard to play it with???
X10 provides A LOT of information about their products. If you are willing to spend your money on-line, do some research!!! Many camera packages come with the USB adapter, but not all of them. This is good, because if you already have one and want to expand your system, you don't need another one. If every package that could use one came with it, many people would be paying for extras.
I also re-sell X10 products (and yes, it is frustrating that software is registered to the reseller who originally bought it from X10), but overall their products and support are great. For those of you interested in making a purchase, don't let this forum stop you.
What you need:
-camera
-wireless video receiver (if your camera is wireless)
now you can connect your video to a TV, VCR, etc..
-USB video adapter
-software (VanGuard, AHP...)
now you can connect your video to a computer
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For those of you interested in making a purchase, don't let this forum stop you.
I don't think the forum in general would stop people from purchasing X10 products; IMHO I feel the information here and the openness of the forum to allow unhappy customers post their beefs (in a politically correct manner of course) is only a positive for the product and the company.
Because of the original complaint of this thread, all potential new buyers who read it will now know what they need to get started. This is a positive result from an unfortunate mis-understanding by another customer.
Should there be more information available to inform potential new purchasers what's needed? Probably so, but the forum does get a lot of pre-purchase questions, and the forum with all it's members helps them make informed decisions.
Like you said... do some research
...is the best advice, and the forum has been provided by X10 to help give their current and potential customers the information they want.
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Can you help me find instructions for uninstalling the iWitness plugin bundled with my X10 package I just rec'd from X10? I continue to get the video cam missing error and do not intend ever to have a video cam, but now that all of my X10 system is up and running I would like to discontinue getting the error. Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob