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Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner
Complexity: Medium to High
Software Version: VMAX® IP Plus v1.3.7.0 or later
Last Edit: January 28, 2021
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When using a motion recording type for the VMAX® IP Plus, the system will seek out and record camera video when motion is detected by the camera. As motion recording is reliant upon the ONVIF communication between the camera and the NVR, it becomes a priority to determine where issues originate from when motion recording does not operate properly.
This article will outline some things to check on the VMAX® IP Plus and for the camera when encountering motion recording problems.
**NOTE: Motion detection can only be communicated between the IP camera and NVR if the camera has been added using the ONVIF protocol. Cameras added to the NVR using RTSP will not be able to utilize motion detection or motion recording.
When encountering motion detection issues with the VMAX® IP Plus, here are some simple things that you can try:
Turn the system power off, then back on. If the VMAX® IP Plus does not begin to detect motion and record video, further troubleshooting is necessary.
From the Setup Menu, click on System, then select Information.
To learn more about firmware management, please read Upgrading Firmware For A VMAX IP Plus.
When using the VMAX® IP Plus, recording icons will appear at the top of each recording channel. You may check your system for these symbols to determine if the NVR is assigned to use a motion recording type.
To check the recording settings:
When using a motion recording mode, make sure that the Motion Area is properly mapped so that the VMAX® IP Plus can
To set the Motion Area:
Click on specific squares, click-and-drag, or click Select All from the control panel to highlight the zones that you want the system to watch for motion. If an area is not highlighted, motion detection is disabled for that zone.
Additionally, try increasing the Sensitivity setting of the Motion Area.
Click the Save button once you have finished mapping the Motion Area.
By default, Digital Watchdog’s IP cameras have motion detection enabled. This setting can typically be found in the Alarms or Alarm Configuration menu of the camera (varies by model). Connect with the camera’s web client to check these settings.
**NOTE: If the camera is connected directly to the integrated PoE switch of the VMAX® IP Plus and you are connecting using a web browser, please read Connecting With Cameras Through Virtual Ports to connect with the camera.
Cameras must be added to the NVR using ONVIF to utilize motion recording. If the camera was added using RTSP, motion recording will not be possible.
It is recommended to download and install ONVIF Device Manager (ODM) on a computer connected to the same network as the cameras.
This application is only compatible with Windows OS, but is a great tool for troubleshooting cameras.
To check camera motion issues with ODM:
Enter the User ID and Password of the camera’s ONVIF profile, then click the Log In button.
Select Video Encoder Configuration and locate the Resolution of the secondary stream.
Make sure that the resolution of the camera’s secondary stream is no greater than 720 x 576. If needed, this setting can be adjusted through the camera’s web client.
**NOTE: If the resolution of the camera’s secondary stream is 720 x 576 (or lower) and the camera’s motion detection is enabled, it is recommended to update the camera with its latest firmware version, then to default the camera. If motion detection issues persist, please contact Digital Watchdog Technical Support for further assistance.