Uniview Motion Detection: Setup & Troubleshooting Guide

A Complete Guide to Uniview Motion Detection: Setup and Troubleshooting

Uniview (UNV) security systems offer powerful and sophisticated motion detection features that go far beyond simple pixel changes. Properly configuring these settings is the key to creating a reliable security system that records important events and alerts you to genuine threats, without bombarding you with false alarms. This guide will cover how to set up, fine-tune, and troubleshoot motion detection on your Uniview NVR or IP camera.

## Basic Motion Detection vs. Smart Events (VCA)

Uniview systems offer two primary types of motion detection:

1. Basic Motion Detection: This is the traditional method. The system looks for changes in pixels within a defined area. While it works, it's prone to false alarms from things like rain, shadows, insects, and moving trees.
2. Smart Events (VCA): VCA stands for Video Content Analysis. These are AI-powered "smart" events that are far more accurate. They are designed to analyse the behaviour and type of object causing the motion. The most common VCAs are:
   • Intrusion Detection: Triggers an alert when a person or vehicle enters and remains in a predefined virtual zone (e.g., your driveway or garden).
   • Line Crossing Detection: Triggers an alert when an object crosses a virtual line you draw on the screen. Perfect for monitoring a fence line or entryway.

Pro Tip: For the best results and fewest false alarms, always use VCA events instead of basic motion detection whenever possible.

## How to Set Up Motion Detection (Intrusion Detection Example)

Here is a step-by-step guide to configuring a reliable Intrusion Detection event. The process is very similar for Line Crossing.

1. Log In: Access your NVR's interface directly with a monitor and mouse, or by typing its IP address into a web browser.
2. Navigate to Event Settings: Go to Setup > Smart Event. On some newer interfaces, this may be under AI / VCA.
3. Select Your Camera and Event Type: Choose the camera you want to configure from the dropdown list. Select 'Intrusion Detection'.
4. Draw the Detection Zone: Check the 'Enable' box. You will see an option to 'Draw Area'. Use your mouse to draw a four-point box around the specific area you want to protect. Be precise. Do not include public footpaths, roads, or neighbours' property.
5. Set Parameters:
   • Threshold: This is how long an object must be inside the zone before an alarm is triggered. A setting of 1-3 seconds is usually good to prevent alerts from someone quickly passing through.
   • Sensitivity: This determines how much of the object needs to be in the zone to trigger. A medium setting (around 50) is a good starting point.
   • Object Size: You can set minimum and maximum sizes to help the system ignore small animals or irrelevant large objects like passing lorries.
6. Set the Schedule: Go to the 'Arming Schedule' tab. Draw on the timetable to select the hours and days you want this rule to be active. For example, you might only want it active overnight.
7. Configure Linkage Actions (Crucial Step): Go to the 'Linkage Action' tab. This tells the NVR what to do when the event is triggered.
   • Record: Check the box next to the camera(s) you want to start recording.
   • Buzzer: The NVR will beep.
   • Push Notification: Check 'Trigger APP Alarm Output' to send a push notification to your phone via the EZView app.

## Troubleshooting Common Motion Detection Problems

• Not Recording on Motion:
  • Check Linkage Action: The most common reason. Ensure 'Record' is checked in the linkage action for your event.
  • Check Schedule: Make sure your event is scheduled to be active at the time the motion occurred.
  • Check Record Settings: Go to Storage > Schedule. Make sure the recording schedule is set to 'Event' and not 'Continuous'.
• Too Many False Alerts:
  • Switch to VCA: If you're using basic motion, switch to Intrusion or Line Crossing.
  • Refine Your Zone: Make your detection area smaller and more specific. Exclude any moving foliage or areas with changing shadows.
  • Adjust Sensitivity: Lower the sensitivity and increase the 'Threshold' time.
• No Push Notifications on EZView App:
  • Enable in NVR: In the 'Linkage Action' tab, you must check the box for 'Trigger APP Alarm Output'.
  • Enable in App: In the EZView app itself, go to the notification settings and ensure alerts are enabled for your device.
  • Check Network: Ensure your NVR has a stable connection to the internet.

By using Uniview's powerful VCA features and carefully configuring your zones and schedules, you can build a highly effective and reliable security monitoring system.