Videofied: Avoid false alarms with video verified, motion detectors

The downside to motion detectors is that they’re kind of stupid.

Motion detectors don’t know the difference between a cat and a masked man with a baseball bat. While it’s true that we can adjust the sensitivity on some motion detectors, they usually aren’t reliable for discerning between a legitimate alarm and a false alarm.

Why this is bad:

If a detector device can’t provide accurate intrusion information, your system will report a lot of false alarms. False alarms quickly get expensive, both in terms of money spent on false alarm fines and time spent investigating each false alarm.

Video cameras

At the opposite end of the spectrum, some systems rely on video cameras to verify intrusions.

• Video provides the best coverage. Pointing in the right place, a professionally monitored camera can tell whether an intrusion alarm is a legitimate break in or just that cat walking past.
• Camera systems can be expensive to install in many locations. If you’re only trying to verify a break-in to begin dispatching police, a full camera system might be overkill.

Why this is bad:

Wasting money and manpower watching too many cameras can eat up your security budget. You might miss opportunities for wider coverage with a system that requires less resources per detector.

Videofied: The high tech compromise

Videofied technology combines the simplicity of a motion detector with the verification power of video. Instead of sending a binary signal – motion or no motion – Videofied includes a low resolution video from a camera attached to the motion detector.

• Videofied only records in bursts of a few seconds. Traditional surveillance cameras run and even record all the time when armed, wasting resources on footage no one needs.
• Videofied sends the short clip immediately. Traditional video footage isn’t seen until after an intrusion takes place.
• Videofied devices are wireless too. They can be installed in locations where typical cameras would be difficult to install.

Why this is good:

Videofied technology provides the easiest way to verify a motion alarm. It sends just enough information to make a decision on whether or not to dispatch police. Videofied’s simple, 10-second clip blows away motion detectors for verification and can even outperform video cameras with how easy they are to install.

Videofied costs a bit more than motion detectors up front, but the extra expense will pay for itself in avoiding false alarm fines.

Videofied isn’t perfect for every application. It’s the perfect upgrade, though, when a fleet of motion detectors won’t work because of false alarms.

This is another example of the kind of technology Sonitrol employs. It’s not the cheap pack you can get on Ebay. It’s professional equipment that will keep you facilities secure without false alarm headaches.