Security Cameras Posts

We first told you about the First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera in our ISC West blog earlier this year. The VX5 debuted at the trade show. However, it's still not available for purchase. That's pretty routine, announcing a product that nobody can get yet. But, here's what we know about it so far.

For one thing, it looks like that ⬆. It is attractive and unobtrusive. This is an indoor camera that can be mounted to the ceiling, wall, or can sit on any flat stable surface. It requires a wired connection to power, but is otherwise wireless. Using Total Connect 2.0, live video and clips can be viewed from any location where the user has access to either a cellular or WIFI connection to the internet.

Advanced Event Detection

The VX5 Indoor Camera offers advanced event detection using state-of-the-art AI. It can tell the difference between a person, animal, or vehicle, and can alert you to the same. This AI capability will no doubt pay dividends down the road, and I can foresee new features being added that also capitalize on it.

Offers Video and Audio Capabilities

The VX5 is capable of 2MP resolution, which gives sharp, detailed images in both day and night vision situations. The ability to both hear and communicate with anyone in the camera's vicinity allows the user to engage with those being viewed. This can be used as a deterrent if you catch a person (or animal) lurking in an area where they don't belong.

Automated Privacy Mode

Privacy is on everyone's mind these days. The VX5 offers both a manual privacy setting, as well as automated privacy settings. Privacy Mode can be selected from the Total Connect 2.0 app or by pushing a button on the camera itself. Privacy Mode prevents the camera from recording any video or audio. When integrated with one of the PROSeries security panels, the privacy shield will come on automatically when the system is disarmed and turn off when the system is armed.

Remote Access Using Total Connect 2.0

The new First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera leverages the user's Total Connect 2.0 subscription, giving remote access and notification capability to any of the VX cameras associated with the account. For Alarm Grid customers, a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) will support up to eight (8) VX cameras with 30-days of recording capability. If you need more than eight (8) cameras, you can add a Video-Monitoring Plan, which doubles this support.

In Summary:

The First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera is a much-needed addition to Resideo's Total Connect 2.0 camera lineup. It offers a fresh look and modern features that consumers want in a camera. They're taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach so far, so let's hope this camera performs in the way we expect.

This camera is still considered to be in the Beta stage of development. That means:

• It could still be a while before it's released.
• Anything we've been told about it so far could be changed before it's released.

One thing that's not likely to change is how it looks, so the picture above should be accurate. As for everything else, we'll just have to wait patiently for it to be released then hopefully, we'll see.

We first told you about the First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera in our ISC West blog earlier this year. The VX5 debuted at the trade show. However, it's still not available for purchase. That's pretty routine, announcing a product that nobody can get yet. But, here's what we know about it so far.

For one thing, it looks like that ⬆. It is attractive and unobtrusive. This is an indoor camera that can be mounted to the ceiling, wall, or can sit on any flat stable surface. It requires a wired connection to power, but is otherwise wireless. Using Total Connect 2.0, live video and clips can be viewed from any location where the user has access to either a cellular or WIFI connection to the internet.

Advanced Event Detection

The VX5 Indoor Camera offers advanced event detection using state-of-the-art AI. It can tell the difference between a person, animal, or vehicle, and can alert you to the same. This AI capability will no doubt pay dividends down the road, and I can foresee new features being added that also capitalize on it.

Offers Video and Audio Capabilities

The VX5 is capable of 2MP resolution, which gives sharp, detailed images in both day and night vision situations. The ability to both hear and communicate with anyone in the camera's vicinity allows the user to engage with those being viewed. This can be used as a deterrent if you catch a person (or animal) lurking in an area where they don't belong.

Automated Privacy Mode

Privacy is on everyone's mind these days. The VX5 offers both a manual privacy setting, as well as automated privacy settings. Privacy Mode can be selected from the Total Connect 2.0 app or by pushing a button on the camera itself. Privacy Mode prevents the camera from recording any video or audio. When integrated with one of the PROSeries security panels, the privacy shield will come on automatically when the system is disarmed and turn off when the system is armed.

Remote Access Using Total Connect 2.0

The new First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera leverages the user's Total Connect 2.0 subscription, giving remote access and notification capability to any of the VX cameras associated with the account. For Alarm Grid customers, a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) will support up to eight (8) VX cameras with 30-days of recording capability. If you need more than eight (8) cameras, you can add a Video-Monitoring Plan, which doubles this support.

In Summary:

The First Alert® VX5 Indoor Camera is a much-needed addition to Resideo's Total Connect 2.0 camera lineup. It offers a fresh look and modern features that consumers want in a camera. They're taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach so far, so let's hope this camera performs in the way we expect.

This camera is still considered to be in the Beta stage of development. That means:

• It could still be a while before it's released.
• Anything we've been told about it so far could be changed before it's released.

One thing that's not likely to change is how it looks, so the picture above should be accurate. As for everything else, we'll just have to wait patiently for it to be released then hopefully, we'll see.

Resideo has reported that they are working to resolve an issue where Legacy IP Cameras (Non-HD) are sending notifications on motion activation, but without the actual video clip attached. The legacy, standard-definition cameras normally send a 10-second clip along with the notification.

Until this issue is corrected, Total Connect 2.0 users who have older, Standard-Definition IP Cameras from Honeywell can log into their TC2 account and view or download the video clips from there, once a notification has been received. Resideo is aware of this issue and plans to push an update in the next couple of weeks to resolve it. The legacy IP cameras include the IPCAM-WI, IPCAM-WI2, IPCAM-WL, IPCAM-PT, IPCAM-PT2, and IPCAM-WO.

When the Standard-Definition cameras are working properly a video clip triggered by motion detection via video analytics sends a notification as a text, email, or push notification. The user will actually receive the video clip within that notification and can view it or download it without ever logging into Total Connect 2.0.

Unlike the standard-definition, legacy IP Cameras from Honeywell, the newer High Definition cameras such as the IPCAM-WIC1, IPCAM-WIC2, IPCAM-WOC1, or IPCAM-WOC2 have never sent a video clip attachment along with new event notification messages. Instead, the user has always been required to log into TC2 once they received the notification and then view or download the supplied clip. HD IPCAM clips are 30-seconds, not 10-seconds in length. This, coupled with the increased data usage required by a higher definition clip, may be why the notifications for these cameras no longer include the actual clip.

According to the information we received, Resideo had a planned update nearly ready to go for Total Connect 2.0 when this issue came to light. The plan was to implement this update in early June. Now that the SD camera notification issue has been discovered, the fix for it will be included in the planned update. We expect this fix, along with the rest of the update within the first couple of weeks of June. Aside from this issue, we don't yet know what other fixes or new features this update may entail.

Are you affected by this issue? Are you still using the Honeywell legacy cameras? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Is this type of issue something that would make you consider upgrading to newer cameras, maybe even a new system? Reach out and start a conversation, we always look forward to hearing from you!

Resideo has reported that they are working to resolve an issue where Legacy IP Cameras (Non-HD) are sending notifications on motion activation, but without the actual video clip attached. The legacy, standard-definition cameras normally send a 10-second clip along with the notification.

Until this issue is corrected, Total Connect 2.0 users who have older, Standard-Definition IP Cameras from Honeywell can log into their TC2 account and view or download the video clips from there, once a notification has been received. Resideo is aware of this issue and plans to push an update in the next couple of weeks to resolve it. The legacy IP cameras include the IPCAM-WI, IPCAM-WI2, IPCAM-WL, IPCAM-PT, IPCAM-PT2, and IPCAM-WO.

When the Standard-Definition cameras are working properly a video clip triggered by motion detection via video analytics sends a notification as a text, email, or push notification. The user will actually receive the video clip within that notification and can view it or download it without ever logging into Total Connect 2.0.

Unlike the standard-definition, legacy IP Cameras from Honeywell, the newer High Definition cameras such as the IPCAM-WIC1, IPCAM-WIC2, IPCAM-WOC1, or IPCAM-WOC2 have never sent a video clip attachment along with new event notification messages. Instead, the user has always been required to log into TC2 once they received the notification and then view or download the supplied clip. HD IPCAM clips are 30-seconds, not 10-seconds in length. This, coupled with the increased data usage required by a higher definition clip, may be why the notifications for these cameras no longer include the actual clip.

According to the information we received, Resideo had a planned update nearly ready to go for Total Connect 2.0 when this issue came to light. The plan was to implement this update in early June. Now that the SD camera notification issue has been discovered, the fix for it will be included in the planned update. We expect this fix, along with the rest of the update within the first couple of weeks of June. Aside from this issue, we don't yet know what other fixes or new features this update may entail.

Are you affected by this issue? Are you still using the Honeywell legacy cameras? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Is this type of issue something that would make you consider upgrading to newer cameras, maybe even a new system? Reach out and start a conversation, we always look forward to hearing from you!

Recently Alarm.com announced the release of several new cameras for their Pro Series Video Camera collection. With a dome, bullet, and turret option available, there is sure to be an Alarm.com camera to meet your needs. All offer 1080P resolution, are Indoor/Outdoor, with many more features.

Alarm.com ADC-VC847PF:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC847PF is a 1080P, Indoor/Outdoor Varifocal Dome Camera. A unique feature of nearly all of these new cameras is that they offer a motorized varifocal lens. This feature allows the user to remotely adjust the cameras field of view (FoV) as well as focus, without sacrificing video quality. The VC847PF comes with the option of installing with a white or dark gray (shown above) mounting base. It has an IP66 rating, which means it is waterproof and dust-tight, perfect for use outdoors or in industrial environments.

The ADC-VC847PF supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). This is not a WIFI capable camera, it must have a wired connection to a network. But, with PoE, you can run both network and power through a single Cat5e cable. Some routers and/or switches support PoE, but others do not. If your current networking equipment doesn't support PoE, you can use a PoE injector instead. The power requirement is 12 VDC ± 10% or PoE (IEEE 802.3af), 10 W.

This camera supports 24/7 recording using a compatible Micro SD card (not included, 32GB Minimum Capacity, 512GB Maximum) a Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR126), or both. This is in addition to any clips that are uploaded to Alarm.com cloud storage. It supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), an IR night vision range of ~95' (30m) and many more features. You can see the full specifications in the Data Sheet or by clicking the product link above.

Alarm.com ADC-VC838PF:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC838PF 1080P Indoor/Outdoor Varifocal Turret Camera has many of the same features of the VC847PF, but in a turret style. It too has a motorized varifocal lens which allows remote adjustment of FoV and focus by the end-user. The VC838PF is a PoE camera, using a single Cat5e cable to carry both ethernet and power to the camera. The power requirements are listed as 12VDC ± 10% or PoE (IEEE 802.3af). The IEEE 802.3af standard is an intelligent standard. This means that the devices that use it actually communicate with one another about power. The device receiving power tells the device supplying power how much is required.

The ADC-VC838PF also supports HDR, and has excellent IR night vision, with a range of ~95' (30m). It offers image adjustments of Flip, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, and Exposure. It also supports 24/7 recording using either a compatible Micro SD card (Minimum Capacity 32GB, Maximum Capacity 512GB), Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR126),or both. This is in addition to uploaded clips to Alarm.com cloud storage. You can read the full specifications in the Data Sheet, or by clicking the product link above.

Alarm.com ADC-VC827P:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC827P is the only one in this group of cameras that doesn't have a motorized varifocal lens. That means there is no remote FoV or focal adjustment capability on this camera. It is a 1080P, Indoor/Outdoor Dome Camera, just like the ADC-VC847PF, and aside from the varifocal lens, their specs are nearly identical. The angle adjustments available on this model are Pan: 0° to 350°; Tilt: 0° to 55°; Rotation: 0° to 180°. The VC827P supports PoE (no WIFI) and the power requirements are listed as 12VDC ± 10% or PoE (IEEE 802.3af), 9.5 W. With its IP66 rating, it is waterproof and dust-tight and like the ADC-VC847PF it comes with a white (shown above) or dark gray mounting base. You can read the full specifications in the Data Sheet, or by clicking the product link above.

Alarm.com ADC-VC728PF:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC728PF is a 1080P Indoor/Outdoor Varifocal Bullet Camera. As you may have gathered by now, when the model number of the camera ends in PF, the camera includes the motorized varifocal lens feature. That is true in this case. Traditionally, bullet cameras have been somewhat unsightly. They often have a metal shroud covering them to protect them from damage. The damage in question could be anything from vandalism to sunlight. They get their name because of their long profile. They are also sometimes called lipstick cameras.

The ADC-VC728PF is an attractive version of a bullet camera. Its dimensions are 6.8" L x 3.0" W x 3.0" H (17.4cm L x 7.5cm W x 7.5cm H). It's almost small enough that it doesn't qualify as a bullet camera. But then, what would you call it? This camera has all the same great features of the rest of the cameras in this list. It has an Ingress Protection rating of IP66, so it's waterproof and dust-tight. The remote varifocal adjustments available are focal length, manual focus adjustment, and autofocus. It supports 24/7 recording via a compatible Micro SD card (32GB Minimum, 512GB Maximum), Alarm.com Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR126) or both. And this is in addition to any clips that are uploaded to the Alarm.com cloud.

This is a PoE camera, so it does not support WIFI, only a wired ethernet connection. It also uses the PoE IEEE 802.3af standard, and the power requirements are 12 VDC ± 10% if using a PoE injector. The VC728PF weighs just 19.1 Oz. (540g). For full specifications, you can read the Data Sheet, or click the product link above.

In addition to the cameras above, we've also added two accessories used for mounting the cameras. These mounting bases act as adapters, adapting the camera's base to fit a standard, third-party mounting base. The ADC-VACC-MNT130 fits the ADC-VC847PF and the ADC-VC838PF. The ADC-VACC-MNT110 fits the ADC-VC827P, ADC-VC728PF, and the ADC-V724 1080P Outdoor WIFI Camera w/2-Way Audio.

What do you think about the new camera offerings from Alarm.com? Their camera hardware, as well as their video service offerings just continue to improve. We think it's very impressive. Drop a comment down below and let us know how you feel about them, or anything else security related you might have a burning desire to discuss. We always look forward to hearing from you!.

Recently Alarm.com announced the release of several new cameras for their Pro Series Video Camera collection. With a dome, bullet, and turret option available, there is sure to be an Alarm.com camera to meet your needs. All offer 1080P resolution, are Indoor/Outdoor, with many more features.

Alarm.com ADC-VC847PF:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC847PF is a 1080P, Indoor/Outdoor Varifocal Dome Camera. A unique feature of nearly all of these new cameras is that they offer a motorized varifocal lens. This feature allows the user to remotely adjust the cameras field of view (FoV) as well as focus, without sacrificing video quality. The VC847PF comes with the option of installing with a white or dark gray (shown above) mounting base. It has an IP66 rating, which means it is waterproof and dust-tight, perfect for use outdoors or in industrial environments.

The ADC-VC847PF supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). This is not a WIFI capable camera, it must have a wired connection to a network. But, with PoE, you can run both network and power through a single Cat5e cable. Some routers and/or switches support PoE, but others do not. If your current networking equipment doesn't support PoE, you can use a PoE injector instead. The power requirement is 12 VDC ± 10% or PoE (IEEE 802.3af), 10 W.

This camera supports 24/7 recording using a compatible Micro SD card (not included, 32GB Minimum Capacity, 512GB Maximum) a Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR126), or both. This is in addition to any clips that are uploaded to Alarm.com cloud storage. It supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), an IR night vision range of ~95' (30m) and many more features. You can see the full specifications in the Data Sheet or by clicking the product link above.

Alarm.com ADC-VC838PF:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC838PF 1080P Indoor/Outdoor Varifocal Turret Camera has many of the same features of the VC847PF, but in a turret style. It too has a motorized varifocal lens which allows remote adjustment of FoV and focus by the end-user. The VC838PF is a PoE camera, using a single Cat5e cable to carry both ethernet and power to the camera. The power requirements are listed as 12VDC ± 10% or PoE (IEEE 802.3af). The IEEE 802.3af standard is an intelligent standard. This means that the devices that use it actually communicate with one another about power. The device receiving power tells the device supplying power how much is required.

The ADC-VC838PF also supports HDR, and has excellent IR night vision, with a range of ~95' (30m). It offers image adjustments of Flip, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, and Exposure. It also supports 24/7 recording using either a compatible Micro SD card (Minimum Capacity 32GB, Maximum Capacity 512GB), Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR126),or both. This is in addition to uploaded clips to Alarm.com cloud storage. You can read the full specifications in the Data Sheet, or by clicking the product link above.

Alarm.com ADC-VC827P:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC827P is the only one in this group of cameras that doesn't have a motorized varifocal lens. That means there is no remote FoV or focal adjustment capability on this camera. It is a 1080P, Indoor/Outdoor Dome Camera, just like the ADC-VC847PF, and aside from the varifocal lens, their specs are nearly identical. The angle adjustments available on this model are Pan: 0° to 350°; Tilt: 0° to 55°; Rotation: 0° to 180°. The VC827P supports PoE (no WIFI) and the power requirements are listed as 12VDC ± 10% or PoE (IEEE 802.3af), 9.5 W. With its IP66 rating, it is waterproof and dust-tight and like the ADC-VC847PF it comes with a white (shown above) or dark gray mounting base. You can read the full specifications in the Data Sheet, or by clicking the product link above.

Alarm.com ADC-VC728PF:

The Alarm.com ADC-VC728PF is a 1080P Indoor/Outdoor Varifocal Bullet Camera. As you may have gathered by now, when the model number of the camera ends in PF, the camera includes the motorized varifocal lens feature. That is true in this case. Traditionally, bullet cameras have been somewhat unsightly. They often have a metal shroud covering them to protect them from damage. The damage in question could be anything from vandalism to sunlight. They get their name because of their long profile. They are also sometimes called lipstick cameras.

The ADC-VC728PF is an attractive version of a bullet camera. Its dimensions are 6.8" L x 3.0" W x 3.0" H (17.4cm L x 7.5cm W x 7.5cm H). It's almost small enough that it doesn't qualify as a bullet camera. But then, what would you call it? This camera has all the same great features of the rest of the cameras in this list. It has an Ingress Protection rating of IP66, so it's waterproof and dust-tight. The remote varifocal adjustments available are focal length, manual focus adjustment, and autofocus. It supports 24/7 recording via a compatible Micro SD card (32GB Minimum, 512GB Maximum), Alarm.com Commercial Stream Video Recorder (CSVR126) or both. And this is in addition to any clips that are uploaded to the Alarm.com cloud.

This is a PoE camera, so it does not support WIFI, only a wired ethernet connection. It also uses the PoE IEEE 802.3af standard, and the power requirements are 12 VDC ± 10% if using a PoE injector. The VC728PF weighs just 19.1 Oz. (540g). For full specifications, you can read the Data Sheet, or click the product link above.

In addition to the cameras above, we've also added two accessories used for mounting the cameras. These mounting bases act as adapters, adapting the camera's base to fit a standard, third-party mounting base. The ADC-VACC-MNT130 fits the ADC-VC847PF and the ADC-VC838PF. The ADC-VACC-MNT110 fits the ADC-VC827P, ADC-VC728PF, and the ADC-V724 1080P Outdoor WIFI Camera w/2-Way Audio.

What do you think about the new camera offerings from Alarm.com? Their camera hardware, as well as their video service offerings just continue to improve. We think it's very impressive. Drop a comment down below and let us know how you feel about them, or anything else security related you might have a burning desire to discuss. We always look forward to hearing from you!.

In October Alarm Grid received a limited supply of the new IPCAM-WOC2, which sold out quickly. Since that time, Total Connect has been without an outdoor camera option. We're happy to announce that the Resideo IPCAM-WOC2 is back in stock, ready to ship. If you've been waiting, wait no more.

As we reported in October, the IPCAM-WOC2 is the updated replacement for the discontinued IPCAM-WOC1. The two items look almost identical, with the IPCAM-WOC2 having an internal BlueTooth Antenna, as opposed to an external one on the wire dongle. The reset switch has also been redesigned to be slightly easier to reach once the camera is mounted.

In October, we had ten (10) of these cameras available, and they sold out pretty quickly. Since then, we've been waiting for this, and many other items' stock to be replenished, and today we got the word that the Total Connect 2.0 outdoor camera option is available once again. Hopefully, this will be the first of many items to have their stock replenished.

The IPCAM-WOC2 is an outdoor camera with an IP66 rated housing. It captures video in 1080p HD and can connect to a 2.4 GHz WIFI network. It has a 117.0° diagonal field of view, which provides excellent coverage. It has superior night vision capabilities compared to the IPCAM-WOC1, and also supports audio analytics with intelligent sound detection. It supports a MicroSD card for backup storage in the event the network connection goes down, and comes with a 16 GB card included.

As with the other Resideo HD cameras supported by Total Connect 2.0, the IPCAM-WOC2 uses a QR Code generated on a smart device in order to be associated with the proper Total Connect 2.0 account. For this reason, it is best to configure the camera with the account prior to actually mounting it in its final location. Doing so may prevent a few extra trips up and down a ladder. Pairing the camera with the account prior to installation also allows you to verify the installation location and viewing angle before you permanently tighten everything down in the installation.

What do you think about the IPCAM-WOC2 and its availability? Have you been waiting impatiently to purchase a Total Connect 2.0 compatible outdoor camera? Is there some other product you're waiting for? Leave a comment below and let us know. We always look forward to hearing from you.

In October Alarm Grid received a limited supply of the new IPCAM-WOC2, which sold out quickly. Since that time, Total Connect has been without an outdoor camera option. We're happy to announce that the Resideo IPCAM-WOC2 is back in stock, ready to ship. If you've been waiting, wait no more.

As we reported in October, the IPCAM-WOC2 is the updated replacement for the discontinued IPCAM-WOC1. The two items look almost identical, with the IPCAM-WOC2 having an internal BlueTooth Antenna, as opposed to an external one on the wire dongle. The reset switch has also been redesigned to be slightly easier to reach once the camera is mounted.

In October, we had ten (10) of these cameras available, and they sold out pretty quickly. Since then, we've been waiting for this, and many other items' stock to be replenished, and today we got the word that the Total Connect 2.0 outdoor camera option is available once again. Hopefully, this will be the first of many items to have their stock replenished.

The IPCAM-WOC2 is an outdoor camera with an IP66 rated housing. It captures video in 1080p HD and can connect to a 2.4 GHz WIFI network. It has a 117.0° diagonal field of view, which provides excellent coverage. It has superior night vision capabilities compared to the IPCAM-WOC1, and also supports audio analytics with intelligent sound detection. It supports a MicroSD card for backup storage in the event the network connection goes down, and comes with a 16 GB card included.

As with the other Resideo HD cameras supported by Total Connect 2.0, the IPCAM-WOC2 uses a QR Code generated on a smart device in order to be associated with the proper Total Connect 2.0 account. For this reason, it is best to configure the camera with the account prior to actually mounting it in its final location. Doing so may prevent a few extra trips up and down a ladder. Pairing the camera with the account prior to installation also allows you to verify the installation location and viewing angle before you permanently tighten everything down in the installation.

What do you think about the IPCAM-WOC2 and its availability? Have you been waiting impatiently to purchase a Total Connect 2.0 compatible outdoor camera? Is there some other product you're waiting for? Leave a comment below and let us know. We always look forward to hearing from you.

Beginning on December 6, and continuing through December 31, 2021 Alarm Grid customers who subscribe to Alarm.com video service can capture a picture of Santa Clause as he visits their home. Not all cameras have the ability to capture images of Santa, but Alarm.com has a few cameras that do.

The following cameras offered by Alarm.com are capable of capturing Santa's image:

• ADC-V515
• ADC-V520
• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V523
• ADC-V622/ADC-V622-WELL
• ADC-VC726
• ADC-VC736
• ADC-VC826
• ADC-VC836
• ADC-V722W
• ADC-V723
• ADC-V724

Any Alarm Grid customer with one of the cameras listed above and a monitoring plan that includes video has the ability to take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the big man in action. There are limits to this technology, though. The only way you can see Santa is through a still image captured within a screenshot. He moves so quickly, you can't possibly catch him in an actual video clip.

The ability to grab an image of Santa is only available through the Alarm.com Customer App, not through the web page. In order to support this feature, iOS users must be on version 4.17 and higher of the app, while Android users must be on version 4.15.1 and higher. The Alarm.com app is available as a free download through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

To use this feature, log into the app using the proper credentials, completing any two-factor authentication that you may have setup. Once you're logged in, click on the menu icon in the upper left (≡) then tap Video from the list of menu items. Select the live video feed of any of the compatible cameras listed above that you may have associated with your account. Click the Santa icon available near the top of the live stream:

This is when the magic happens! The first time you click on the icon, a pop-up window will show you how to capture the proper image for your situation. For cameras and images in full light, Santa may appear in color. If the image is captured at night, then Santa may appear in black and white. Once you have the image, you can either choose to share it, download it, or both.

It's that simple! This magic "Santa Filter" is only available until the end of December. After that, we'll have to wait until next year to see if this particular Holiday Magic will be available again then. Alarm Grid customers with a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or with a Stand-alone video plan can take advantage of this opportunity.

Beginning on December 6, and continuing through December 31, 2021 Alarm Grid customers who subscribe to Alarm.com video service can capture a picture of Santa Clause as he visits their home. Not all cameras have the ability to capture images of Santa, but Alarm.com has a few cameras that do.

The following cameras offered by Alarm.com are capable of capturing Santa's image:

• ADC-V515
• ADC-V520
• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V523
• ADC-V622/ADC-V622-WELL
• ADC-VC726
• ADC-VC736
• ADC-VC826
• ADC-VC836
• ADC-V722W
• ADC-V723
• ADC-V724

Any Alarm Grid customer with one of the cameras listed above and a monitoring plan that includes video has the ability to take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the big man in action. There are limits to this technology, though. The only way you can see Santa is through a still image captured within a screenshot. He moves so quickly, you can't possibly catch him in an actual video clip.

The ability to grab an image of Santa is only available through the Alarm.com Customer App, not through the web page. In order to support this feature, iOS users must be on version 4.17 and higher of the app, while Android users must be on version 4.15.1 and higher. The Alarm.com app is available as a free download through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

To use this feature, log into the app using the proper credentials, completing any two-factor authentication that you may have setup. Once you're logged in, click on the menu icon in the upper left (≡) then tap Video from the list of menu items. Select the live video feed of any of the compatible cameras listed above that you may have associated with your account. Click the Santa icon available near the top of the live stream:

This is when the magic happens! The first time you click on the icon, a pop-up window will show you how to capture the proper image for your situation. For cameras and images in full light, Santa may appear in color. If the image is captured at night, then Santa may appear in black and white. Once you have the image, you can either choose to share it, download it, or both.

It's that simple! This magic "Santa Filter" is only available until the end of December. After that, we'll have to wait until next year to see if this particular Holiday Magic will be available again then. Alarm Grid customers with a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or with a Stand-alone video plan can take advantage of this opportunity.