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How to Configure Video Motion Detection (VMD) on Alarm.com Cameras
Video Motion Detection (VMD) uses software to detect changes in brightness and color of pixels within a video feed. When configured correctly, VMD is an effective way to capture motion, generate video clips, and send timely notifications without requiring a dedicated motion sensor.
Configure Existing VMD Settings
Using the Customer Website
- Log into the Customer Website.
- Click Video → Settings.
- Select the camera from the Video Device dropdown menu.
- Click Video Motion Detection.
- For each VMD window:
- Select a VMD window number.
- Drag across the preview to draw a detection area.
- Choose Sensitivity and Target Size from the dropdown menus.
- Click Save. Each window must be saved individually.
Using the MobileTech App
Note: VMD settings cannot be configured for '25, '26, and '36 series cameras.
- Log into MobileTech and open the customer account.
- Tap Equipment → Video Devices → select the device.
- Tap Configure Video Device → Configure VMD.
- Send a communication test from the panel to enable access.
- Draw VMD windows and set Sensitivity and Target Size.
- Tap Save for each window.
Create New VMD Recording Rules
- Log into the Customer Website.
- Click Video → Recording Rules → + Add New Rule.
- Select Video Motion Detection (VMD).
- Name the rule and select the desired video device.
- (Optional) Select VMD windows to trigger recordings.
- Set a schedule for when the rule should run.
- Choose the Minimum Delay Between Clips.
- (Optional) Enable At-Home settings to prevent unnecessary recordings:
- Do not record when Disarmed.
- Do not record when Armed Stay.
- Do not record when Geo-Device is inside the Home Geo-Fence.
- Add notification recipients.
- Click Save Rule.
View VMD Settings in Partner Portal
- Log into the Partner Portal and select the customer account.
- Click Equipment → Video Devices.
- Choose the camera from the dropdown to view VMD window details.
Note: VMD windows are not visible for '25, '26, and '36 series cameras in Partner Portal.
VMD Best Practices
Testing Windows
When configuring, windows turn orange in the preview when motion is detected (not supported on all camera series). Adjust size, target, or sensitivity if detection is inconsistent.
Window Placement
- Draw long, narrow boxes like tripwires rather than covering large areas.
- Avoid areas with constant motion (trees, reflections, shadows).
- Do not overlap VMD windows—this can cause false triggers.
Indoor Cameras
Use thin, non-overlapping boxes in key pathways.
Outdoor Cameras
Focus on narrow, intentional areas. Avoid spanning the entire view or areas prone to environmental movement.
Target Size
Target size determines the percentage of a window that must show movement to trigger recording.
- If a person fills ~20% of the window, set the target size to 30%.
- Too large = smaller objects won’t trigger.
- Too small = false triggers (e.g., moving leaves).
Sensitivity
Controls how much image change is needed to trigger. Start at 7 and adjust as needed. If set to 10, window placement or size may need adjustment.
At-Home Settings
Prevent unwanted clips by pausing rules when the system is disarmed, in stay mode, or a Geo-Device is inside the fence. (Applies to partition 1 only.)
Alternatives to VMD
- Video Analytics: Advanced detection for people, cars, and animals with fewer false triggers. See Video Analytics setup.
- Digital Input Trigger: Some cameras support hardwired motion sensors via I/O trigger ports (ADC-V510, V610PT, V700X, VS1, V520, V520IR, V720, V720W, V721W, V722W, VS420).
Need More Help?
Visit our Support Center, browse User Guide Documents, or Contact True Protection. For advanced monitoring options, see our Video Surveillance solutions.
FAQs
Why is my VMD triggering too often?
Adjust sensitivity, target size, or window placement. Avoid areas with frequent environmental motion.
Why is my camera not recording when there’s motion?
Ensure VMD windows are properly drawn, sensitivity is not too low, and target size is appropriate for the subject.
Do all cameras support VMD configuration in MobileTech?
No. Some series (‘25, ‘26, ‘36) must be configured via the Customer Website instead.
