How Should I Configure Video Motion Detection (VMD) Settings For A Video Device?

Video Motion Detection (VMD) works by looking for motion in specific areas (i.e., windows) of the camera’s view. You can customize the size, location, sensitivity, and target size of the VMD windows to reduce false positive or missed motion.

Window locations and sizes 

A video device’s VMD windows work best if you think of them like tripwires: create longer and narrower boxes in areas that must be passed through to reach the area of interest. Keep in mind that it is recommended to avoid placing VMD windows in highly dynamic areas (e.g. large reflective surfaces, large areas where shadows come and go, or trees and bushes that move due to wind).

When viewing the live feed for Alarm.com cameras from the Video Motion Detection Settings page on the website, the VMD window turns orange when it detects an object that would trigger a recording. If it does not turn orange when it should detect motion, the VMD window’s size, sensitivity, or target size may need to be adjusted.

Note: The ’22, ’25, and ’26 series cameras (e.g. ADC-V522IR, ADC-VC725, ADC-VC826, etc.) do not support the VMD windows turning orange upon motion detection on the Video Motion Detection Settings page. 

VMD best practices for indoor cameras

Incorrectly configured	Best practice

VMD best practices for outdoor cameras

Incorrectly configured	Best practice

Target size 

Target size is the percentage of the window that includes movement to trigger a clip recording. If the target size is too large, the camera may not trigger for anything less than an object the size of a car. If the target size is too small, leaves blowing in the wind may trigger recordings. It is recommended to estimate the percentage of a window that a person, or whatever you want to record, would fill and then select one size larger.

Sensitivity 

Sensitivity is a measure of how drastic a change is needed to trigger a clip. Higher sensitivity means a smaller change in the video is needed to trigger a clip, but if the sensitivity is too high, the camera may trigger constantly.

Note: For camera models ADC-V521IR, ADC-V522IR, and ADC-V722W, the sensitivity setting affects all Video Motion Detection (VMD) windows for the specific device.

At-Home Settings 

The At-Home Setting, when enabled, pauses recording rules when the system is disarmed or a Geo-Device is inside of the Home Geo-Fence. This can help prevent unwanted or unnecessary recording.