Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Laview Camera?
Laview cameras are packed with powerful features designed to provide comprehensive security. However, many users only scratch the surface of what their cameras can do, often because the most useful settings are tucked away in sub-menus. If you feel like your camera's functionality is limited or basic, this guide will help you unlock its full potential.
Are You Using the Right Laview App?
Laview has had different applications over the years. Using the latest and most appropriate app for your specific camera model is essential. The most current app is typically the LaView app, which consolidates features for modern devices. If you are using an older app like LaView Connect or LaView Net, you might be missing out on newer functionalities. Check the app store and your camera's documentation to ensure you have the correct one installed.
The Importance of Firmware Updates
Your camera's firmware is its internal software. Laview regularly releases firmware updates that can fix bugs, improve performance, and, most importantly, add new features.
To check for an update:
- Open your Laview app and select the camera you want to check.
- Go to the camera's Settings menu (usually a gear icon).
- Look for an option like "Device Information" or "Firmware Update."
- The app will check for a new version. If one is found, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
Exploring Hidden Menus and Advanced Settings
Many of the best features aren't on the main screen. Take some time to explore the camera's settings menu thoroughly.
### Customising Motion Detection
Don't settle for generic motion alerts. Dive into the "Detection Alarm" or "Motion Settings" to find:
- Activity Zones: This is one of the most powerful features. Instead of monitoring the entire scene, you can draw specific boxes around areas you care about, like a doorway or a driveway. This drastically reduces false alarms from things like trees swaying or cars driving by.
- Sensitivity Level: Adjust the motion sensitivity. If you get too many alerts, lower it. If it's missing events, raise it.
- Humanoid Detection: Many Laview cameras have AI-powered human detection. Enabling this will ensure you are only alerted when the camera identifies the shape of a person, ignoring animals, shadows, and other irrelevant motion.
### Optimising Your Recordings
Go into the "Storage Settings" or "Recording Schedule" menu.
- Recording Mode: You can often choose between recording 24/7 or only recording when motion is detected. Recording only on motion saves significant storage space and makes it much easier to find important events.
- Video Quality: You can adjust the resolution and frame rate. If you need to conserve storage space or have a slow internet connection, you can lower the quality from HD to SD.
Understanding Subscription-Based Features
It's important to recognise that some of the most advanced features are often part of a paid Laview subscription plan. These can include:
- Extended Cloud Storage: The free plan may only offer a few hours or days of storage, while a subscription provides a longer history (e.g., 30 or 60 days).
- Advanced AI Detection: Features like package detection, vehicle detection, or pet detection are often premium, cloud-based services.
- Sharing with More Users: The number of family members you can share camera access with may be limited on a free plan.
By taking the time to update your app and firmware and explore every option in the settings menu, you can transform your Laview camera from a simple monitoring device into a highly customised and intelligent security tool.