Dahua Zone Settings Not Working? A Configuration Guide
Configuring motion detection zones on your Dahua security system is one of the most effective ways to reduce false alarms and ensure you are only alerted to meaningful events. When these zones are ignored by the system, you can be overwhelmed with irrelevant notifications. This guide will walk you through the common pitfalls and correct procedures for setting up motion zones on Dahua equipment.
It's important to note that configuration is best done through the Dahua web interface on a computer, as it offers more detailed options than the mobile app (DMSS).
## Standard Motion Detection (MD) Configuration
This is the most common type of motion detection, which works by analysing changes in pixels.
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Navigate to the Event Menu:
- Log in to your camera or recorder's web interface.
- Go to "Setting" > "Event" > "Video Detect".
- Make sure you are on the "Motion Detect" tab.
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Enable and Draw Your Zones:
- Check the "Enable" box at the top of the page for the correct camera channel.
- You will see a grid over the camera's view. By default, the entire screen is usually selected as Zone 1.
- Click "Clear" to remove the default selection.
- Click and drag your mouse to draw one or more rectangular zones over the specific areas you want to monitor. For example, draw a box over your driveway but not the public road.
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Set Sensitivity and Threshold:
- For each numbered region you create, you can set a unique "Sensitivity" and "Threshold".
- Sensitivity: This determines how much movement is needed to trigger an alert. A higher number is more sensitive.
- Threshold: This relates to the size of the object moving.
- It's crucial to adjust these settings. If sensitivity is too high, even rustling leaves can trigger an alert.
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Save Your Settings: This is the most critical step. After configuring your zones, you must click the "Save" or "Apply" button at the bottom of the page. Without this, your changes will be lost.
## Advanced IVS (Intelligent Video System) Rules
If your camera supports IVS features like Tripwire or Intrusion, these are configured separately and are generally more reliable than standard motion detection.
- Navigate to IVS: Go to "Setting" > "Event" > "IVS".
- Add a Rule: Click the "+" button to add a new rule. Select the camera channel.
- Draw the Rule: Choose the rule type (e.g., "Tripwire"). Draw a line directly on the screen where you want to detect a crossing. For an "Intrusion" rule, you draw a polygon (zone).
- Set Direction: For a tripwire, you can often specify the direction of crossing (A->B, B->A, or both) that will trigger an alert. This is extremely useful for monitoring an entrance or exit.
- Link Actions: Ensure you link the IVS rule to an action, such as "Send Email" or "Push Notification."
- Save the Rule: Again, remember to save the IVS rule before exiting the page.
## Final Troubleshooting Steps
If your zones are still not working after following the steps above:
- Reboot the System: After saving your settings, it is always good practice to reboot your NVR/DVR or camera. This ensures that all new configurations are properly loaded into memory.
- Update Firmware: Log in to Dahua's website and check if there is a newer firmware version available for your device. Bugs in older firmware can sometimes cause issues with event detection.
- Check the Event Schedule: In the event settings, there is usually a "Schedule" or "Period" setting. Make sure that your motion detection or IVS rules are scheduled to be active during the times you need them (typically 24/7).
By carefully differentiating between standard MD and IVS rules and ensuring you save every change, you can configure your Dahua system for accurate and reliable motion detection.