Video surveillance recording can be triggered on security camera DVRs using external burglar alarm sensors such as PIR motion detectors and magnetic door and window sensors. This video demonstrates how CCTV Camera Pros uses this PIR motion detector that is installed in our office to trigger video recording on our iDVR-PRO DVR.

The motion sensor is wired to our DVR using 18 gauge / 2 conductor power cable. The two wires connect the output of the sensor to one of the alarm input ports on the DVR.

To configure the DVR to record based on motion detection from the sensor, I select system setup from the main menu.

Next, I select alarm sensor from the event menu.

The motion detector is connected to alarm input one and we have the normal position of the detector set to normally closed, so I set the operation to normally closed.

Next, I select the three security cameras that are installed near the motion detector to be associated with this sensor.

Optionally, I could also choose to enable additional alarm actions such as email alert notification, mobile app push notifications, and FTP file upload.

When done, I click apply, then close.

Next, I select record setup from the main menu on the DVR.

I set the recording mode to manual configuration. This gives users control of the recording schedule of the DVR.

I apply the manual setting, then select alarm recording from the side menu.

On the alarm recording screen, the recording video resolution, frame rate, video quality, and audio of each security camera can be configured.

To setup the recording schedule, I click on the schedule tab.

Let’s say for example, we want to record video on camera one when when motion is detected but only during off business hours. I can select the specific hours that recording is enabled.

For this demo, I am going to turn recording on for all hours so that the DVR captures some sample video recording now.

I turn alarm based recording on for security camera one, two, and six.

Then click apply and close.

When that screen closes, we return to the live video view on the DVR.

Now, when the motion sensor detects motion, the recording status for those cameras changes to A. This means that those channels are recording based on the alarm input.

To playback the recorded video, I select search from the main menu.

On the search screen, I zoom in closer on the time line. The video recordings that were triggered by the motion detector alarms are noted in red on the timeline.

When I select a point in time, the DVR displays thumbnail images of the recordings at that time. To begin video playback, I click on the playback button.

This is a nine camera view of the video recording. I switch to a full screen view of security camera one by double clicking on it.

Next I switch to a four camera grid view. Then double click on camera four to view it full screen. Our DVR currently has various model AHD and HD-TVI security cameras connected to it. All of these cameras support 1080p HD resolution.

When I am done viewing the recording video, I switch back to the live view on the DVR by clicking on menu, then live.

Want to learn more about iDVR-PRO HD security camera DVRs? Please visit www.iDVRPRO.com.

Thank you for watching!