How to Set Your Recorder for Continuous or Motion Recording
Tags: recording settings, continuous recording, motion-activated recording, DVR configuration, NVR configuration, recording schedule, storage management, security camera setup, recording modes, video surveillance settings, recording preferences, security system customization, recording options, surveillance system setup, recording configuration, security footage management, recording schedule setup, motion detection recording, continuous video capture, security system settings
Security cameras offer flexibility in how they record footage, allowing you to choose between continuous recording or motion-activated recording. Each option has its benefits: continuous recording ensures you never miss a moment, while motion-activated recording helps save storage space and makes reviewing footage easier. Knowing how to adjust these settings gives you greater control over your security system and helps tailor it to your specific needs.
Step-by-Step Guide
Things to Prepare
Since the settings are in the recorder's interface, you will need:
- TV or Monitor - This must be connected to the HDMI or VGA port of your recorder to see its interface.
- USB Mouse - This will let you navigate through the settings.
Enable the Channel to Record
Access the Menu and go to Record. Click the Record tab and under Record Enable column, check the box of the channel that you want to record.
NOTE: It is best to leave Stream Mode in DualStream so it records both Mainstream and Substream. More about this in What is the Difference Between Mainstream and Substream
Set a Schedule
Click Record Schedule at the top to set which day and what time a specific channel should record and what type of recording it should do.
- Choose a specific channel - You will need to individually set a channel on how and when will it record. There is a Copy button that you can use if you want to apply the same settings to other channels.
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Select the type of recording - Normal for continuous recording and Detection for motion recording.
- Some recorders have a different label for motion recording, but it is always colored yellow.
- Battery-operated cameras and/or recorders with only a microSD won't have Normal in this section. Visit Why Is There No Option for Continuous Recording to learn more.
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Set a Schedule - click a cell (each box is equivalent to 30min) or click and drag to highlight and set multiple cells on when the recorder starts recording.
The sample image below shows that CH1 is set to record 24/7 when a motion is detected. Make everything in green only means that CH1 will start and continuously record 24/7 despite not sensing any movements. - Save the Settings - Click Apply to save the settings.
If you have set it to record when there's motion, there are other settings you may need to configure which you can see here: How Settings and Surroundings Impact Motion Detection
Once done, that's it! Your recorder should be ready to record. When you exit the Menu and check each camera's live feed, you should the following icons:
| Icons | Function |
|---|---|
| The camera is being recorded (either manually or based on schedule). | |
| The camera detected a movement. | |
| The PIR sensor detected a heat source or infrared radiation which could be outside the camera's field-of-view. |
In the event that you see this icon, then there is a problem with the storage which needs to be fixed since this is where the clips will be stored. Follow this troubleshooting guide to resolve the issue: No hard drive or hard disk found
| Icons | Function |
|---|---|
| This indicates that your DVR fails to detect a storage device. |