I am seriously considering buying a dropcam but I have one concern. Do you need a super fast internet connection to work the dropcam? What is the minimum it requires?
1371501
As long as you have cable or DSL it should work , if you're upload is 768 or lower watch out, because your internet will slow down. That being said you can set the drop cam for SD quality which is still acceptable if your internet super suffers too much.
1371502
To be honest, I'm not sure what the minimum requirements are. But, we live in a remote area and have Charter internet, which is giving us what is supposed to be about 30mbps, but in reality, we are getting anywhere from 4-11 mbps, plus we have at any given time, around 10 wi-fi devices running off our internet. We still are getting good picture and streaming from the drop-cam, but it does have a little bit of a viewing delay (2-3 seconds), which to us, is not that big of a deal. From what I have read, it is the DVR service for the dropcam that bogs down your internet, which we don't do. We did the free trial and didn't notice any serious problems though. Hopefully that helps you out a bit. To be honest, I'm not sure what the minimum requirements are. But, we live in a remote area and have Charter internet, which is giving us what is supposed to be about 30mbps, but in reality, we are getting anywhere from 4-11 mbps, plus we have at any given time, around 10 wi-fi devices running off our internet. We still are getting good picture and streaming from the drop-cam, but it does have a little bit of a viewing delay (2-3 seconds), which to us, is not that big of a deal. From what I have read, it is the DVR service for the dropcam that bogs down your internet, which we don't do. We... » Read More To be honest, I'm not sure what the minimum requirements are. But, we live in a remote area and have Charter internet, which is giving us what is supposed to be about 30mbps, but in reality, we are getting anywhere from 4-11 mbps, plus we have at any given time, around 10 wi-fi devices running off our internet. We still are getting good picture and streaming from the drop-cam, but it does have a little bit of a viewing delay (2-3 seconds), which to us, is not that big of a deal. From what I have read, it is the DVR service for the dropcam that bogs down your internet, which we don't do. We did the free trial and didn't notice any serious problems though. Hopefully that helps you out a bit. « Show Less
1371503
I don't know how much bandwidth you will need. I suspect it will depend on how many cameras you install. I have an 18 mbs Uverse internet with two cameras and it didn't seem to slow anything down. I would call the support people at Dropcam to get your answer. They are great to work with.
1371504
My connection is not SUPER fast, it claims to be 15 MB/sec but it's always lower than that. It depends on the connection of who watches it. Like from my phone it interrupts sometimes. I noticed that the camera disconnects sometimes depending on where you install it. Keep it away from interference (microwaves, wireless phones etc.)
620631
I haven't tried it for that, but the specs say it should work. Alternatively you can use an Active USB extension cable to power a dropcam.
1244041
I have not, and I'm surprised it works for others since it only supports USB 1.1 (12Mbps) speeds. Are these webcams low-bandwidth?
1516465
If your PC has the software installed, you'll access the files much like you would in dropbox, though an internet connected folder on your PC. You must have a fast upload speed where the transported is connected to be worth having. I have 5mbps up and it works alright. 10mbps would be my recommendation. If you "link" a file with the transporter you can view it on the website. I haven't messed around with that too much, but it seems to work.
1964846
The camera in and of itself does not send video over the internet. I assume that's your question. To do that you'll need a camera such as this one but you'll also need something with "smarts" inside that can talk to the Internet. Usually that's done with a DVR or NVR. I do have one of these connected to a small box that can output a signal that a tv can use. It displays on my desk in the house locally. NOT over the Internet. Also if you're wishing to view what this camera sees over the Internet you need to know that you will not be sending the 700 lines of information. While the camera may be capable of 700 lines, when you're viewing remotely you'll get many less lines than the 700. The camera in and of itself does not send video over the internet. I assume that's your question. To do that you'll need a camera such as this one but you'll also need something with "smarts" inside that can talk to the Internet. Usually that's done with a DVR or NVR. I do have one of these connected to a small box that can output a signal that a tv can use. It displays on my desk in the house locally. NOT over the Internet. Also if you're wishing to view what this camera sees over the Internet you need to know that you will not be sending the 700 lines of information. While the... » Read More The camera in and of itself does not send video over the internet. I assume that's your question. To do that you'll need a camera such as this one but you'll also need something with "smarts" inside that can talk to the Internet. Usually that's done with a DVR or NVR. I do have one of these connected to a small box that can output a signal that a tv can use. It displays on my desk in the house locally. NOT over the Internet. Also if you're wishing to view what this camera sees over the Internet you need to know that you will not be sending the 700 lines of information. While the camera may be capable of 700 lines, when you're viewing remotely you'll get many less lines than the 700. « Show Less
1084458
No one way audio. You can listen but not talk. Assuming you can get it to work. Give it up and look at a dropcam pro. Trust me, you will be much happier.
353758
I have my mother using the webcam on her Dell, using AIM. I go through Ichat. It worked for a while, but I had to invite her to videochat. Picture quality was poor. She could never invite me. Now, it doesnt work at all, and am wondering if it is just my mother who isnt very tech savvy, or if it is the stinkin cam.
1209762
No you only need the etherner cable to install it to your network. But before you buy this camera look at ycam free online storage.
2243167
Camera works as long as it has wifi connection and that the wifi is commecting to the internet. There is a slight delay depending on your wifi speed, but for us it has not been a problem. We just bought cheap audio monitors as a back up.
545998
That's a very interesting thought. We are always looking into what we can do to provide DVR service options that can appeal to everyone. Would you mind suggesting this as an idea for us by clicking on 'Suggest an Idea' on this page: http://support.dropcam.com/forums/20768048-feature-requests ? It would also be great to know why you would like recording for just one day. Thanks! David Corea
1765696
If you are connected to the same network (ie if you are at home using the same wan/lan the camera is connected to) you can type in the ip address and view video real time. Alternatively, you can port fwd your router and purchase a dns ($20/yr) and allow yourself to view video from anywhere as long as you can get on the internet. For smart phones you can use tinycam monitor too, but only if you port fwd and buy dns. In summary, no software is needed to view realtime as long as you are connected to the same network. No additional software is need outside of network either as long as you pay for dns(www.dyndns.com) and set up port fwd on router.
1903529
The supplied DVR and camera combination will work fine without an internet connection. However you will have to supply a monitor to view the recordings or live video feeds.
240336
Gadgetjq: Great post... but my problem is that I disabled my webcam (thinking to save HD space from something I wouldn't use) and now want it back (now I'm a grandmother going on a trip!) It doesn't appear under My Computer at all. Can I get it back??Thank you for any help!
351704
Because the camera works on IP (either Ethernet or WiFi), you need an IP path to your Mac or iPad. To use the device while you are away from your home, that IP service would be the Internet. If you are in your home, you could use your WiFi to connect. Note that this would be true of ANY camera that uses IP to communicate with either a computer or a smartphone.
1581739
I don't have mine connected to either a computer or internet. I believe you only need to connect them if you want to view remotely (from your phone or computer). I have mine set to record for 30 seconds so if I want to view video later I can do that. I don't have a need for remote viewing so no computer or internet needed.
1823525
You need a dvr with Internet access to connect the camera to most dvr now have that feature. If you want just a camera you need to install an IP CAMERA.
879412
No. It will not "stream" directly from the camera to a computer over any network. You have to connect it via USB and transfer the videos that way. It does it much faster than expected if that's any consolation.