‎Questions about camera functionality | SimpliSafe Support Home
 
J

Saturday, May 16th, 2020 4:51 AM

Questions about camera functionality

I am wondering how the cameras work with regard to notifications and alarms. If I was given correct information, the motion detector on the camera won't set off the alarm if triggered. But, I'm wondering if it will still record and send a notification to my phone if it detects motion but an alarm wasn't actually triggered? I want to have a camera in the garage in case anyone gets in there. But, I don't actually want a regular motion sensor because I don't actually want the alarm countdown to start every time someone pulls into the garage. But, I would still like to know if someone gains access to the garage. So, how does that work?

Another question I have is that, if I understand correctly, a camera will automatically start recording if the alarm is triggered. Is that correct? And if so, do all cameras start recording, or just the ones near where the event occurred?

Finally, is there any legal information as to whether or not the cameras are "always listening". I understand that there is a privacy shutter for video, but I'm curious if the system is always listening to audio. Like, perhaps conversation related data is being sold for advertising purposes or anything like that?

Thanks!

13 Messages

4 years ago

I can answer all these questions, Concerning functionality, I know exactly how this works; I'll explain clearly. First thing to understand is that You can adjust which alarm 'arm' mode(off, home, away) that the camera shutter will be open or closed in (when the shutter is open the camera is ready to sense motion and record when it does sense motion(one minute recording). If your using Interactive monitoring plan($24.99/mon), OR Standard monitoring($14.99/mon) With Single Cam recording($4.99/mon)=($19.99/mon total for Standard with Single cam recording)); Then the shutter is open only in Away mode by default, but you can adjust in which alarm 'arm' mode(off, home, away) that the camera shutter will be open or closed. (Maybe I over explained. I hope for no room for misunderstanding)  
NOW for your first Question's answer: 'when the alarm is in Away mode(for example) the individual camera(s) will make that one minute recording when it/they sense motion. YES, this does cause an app notification so you know to check the live feed right then, but the alarm is NOT triggered.
Next about when the alarm is triggered...[ONLY if you have Interactive monitoring plan($24.99/mon), OR Standard monitoring($14.99/mon) With Single Cam recording($4.99/mon)=($19.99/mon total for Standard with Single cam recording)]...in both Home and Away mode, when it's triggered by a sensor[specifically motion, glass break, and entry(for doors/windows)] ALL cameras will EACH make a 5 minute recording.
I don't know anything at all about "always listening". Just that when the Shutter is closed the camera does not visibly do anything until you watch it live on the app/website or until the alarm system does something.
If you have a SimpliCam or SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro you can call and ask for the email that has a list of when the automatic recordings happen and how long they record for each instance.
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