How to Calibrate Cameras for Video Analytics

Certain Alarm.com video devices require calibration before Video Analytics rules can be created. Calibration provides the camera with context about the environment, improving motion detection accuracy and performance. Users can complete calibration using the Customer app, Customer Website, or MobileTech app.

Important Notes

• Calibration involves taking five still images of a person standing in different visible locations within the camera’s field of view.
• Recalibration is required whenever the camera is moved to a new location.
• Existing Video Motion Detection (VMD) rules will be removed during calibration but can be re-added later.

Video Devices That Require Calibration

• 180º HD Camera (ADC-V622)
• 1080p Indoor Wi-Fi Camera (ADC-V523/523X)
• 1080p Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera (ADC-V723/723X)
• 1080p Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera with Two-Way Audio (ADC-V724/724X)
• Pro Series 1080p Mini-Bullet Camera (ADC-VC727P)
• Pro Series 1080p Dome PoE Camera (ADC-VC827P)
• Pro Series 1080p Dome PoE Camera with Varifocal Lens (ADC-VC847PF)
• Pro Series 4MP Bullet PoE Camera with Varifocal Lens (ADC-VC728PF)
• Pro Series 4MP Varifocal Turret Camera (ADC-VC838PF)
• 4MP Outdoor Floodlight Camera (ADC-V729/V729AC/VC729P)

Calibration Overview

Calibration improves the accuracy of Video Analytics by giving the camera spatial awareness of the monitored area. This process helps the camera understand where people may enter, exit, or move within the field of view.

Best Practices

• Ensure the full body of the person is visible in each photo.
• After each photo, move backward in the field of view instead of side-to-side.
• Use a mobile device to make moving and capturing photos easier.

Calibrate During Video Analytics Setup

Using the Customer App

1. Log into the Customer app.
2. Go to Recording Rules → Add → Video Analytics.
3. Select the video device to calibrate.
4. Confirm removal of existing VMD rules and continue.
5. Position a person in view and tap Take Photo.
6. Tap Next and repeat five times, moving further back each time.
7. Tap Submit → Done.

Using the Customer Website

1. Log into the Customer Website.
2. Click Video → Recording Rules → + Add New Rule.
3. Select Video Analytics and choose the camera to calibrate.
4. Confirm removal of existing VMD rules and continue.
5. Take five calibration photos as described above.
6. Click Submit → Done.

Calibrate an Existing Camera

Using the Customer App

1. Log into the app.
2. Select the video device.
3. Tap Video → Calibrate Video Device.
4. Capture five calibration photos and submit.

Using the MobileTech App

Follow similar steps as the Customer app to select a video device and complete the calibration process during setup.

Using the Customer Website

1. Log into the Customer Website.
2. Click Video → Settings.
3. From the Video Device dropdown, select the camera.
4. Click Video Analytics Calibration.
5. Capture and submit five calibration photos.

Video Analytics Calibration Date

The calibration date shows the most recent time calibration was completed. If the camera has not yet been calibrated, the status will display Not Yet Completed.

Need More Help?

Visit our Support Center or review User Guide Documents. For expert assistance, Contact True Protection. 

FAQs

Do I need to recalibrate if I move the camera?

Yes. Calibration must be repeated anytime a camera is relocated.

What happens to my old VMD rules?

They are removed during calibration but can be re-added after setup.