AI metadata AI & detection
Descriptive tags the system attaches to recorded video.
AI metadata is information such as the presence of a person or vehicle, stored alongside video. It makes searching and filtering faster. What metadata is created depends on the camera and recorder.
Bitrate Recording & storage
The amount of data per second used to carry video.
Bitrate is measured in megabits per second and affects image quality, storage use and network load. A higher bitrate generally preserves more detail but fills hard drives faster. Setting bitrate sensibly is part of balancing quality against storage and bandwidth.
Bullet, dome and turret cameras Cameras
Three common camera body styles.
Bullet cameras are long and visible, which is useful for range and as a deterrent. Domes are compact and tend to resist tampering. Turret cameras, also called eyeball cameras, are small, easy to aim and can reduce infrared glare. The best style depends on location and mounting.
Cat6 cabling Networking
A common network cable standard used to connect IP cameras.
Cat6 cable carries data and PoE power from the switch or recorder to the camera. Quality, termination and distance affect reliability. PoE runs are generally limited to around the standard Ethernet length, so longer runs need extra switches.
Device sharing Dahua & DMSS
Letting other people access your system through the app.
In DMSS, device sharing lets the owner give family members or staff access to selected cameras and features. It avoids sharing a single login. Review shared access periodically and remove people who no longer need it.
DMSS Dahua & DMSS
Dahua's mobile app for viewing and managing Dahua security systems.
DMSS stands for Dahua Mobile Security Surveillance. It connects a smartphone or tablet to a Dahua system for live viewing, playback, event notifications and device management. On compatible systems it can also handle alarm control and video intercom. Features available depend on the cameras and recorder.
DVR Recording & storage
Digital Video Recorder: records analogue-style cameras over coaxial cable.
A DVR digitises video from analogue or similar coaxial cameras and records it to a hard drive. It is common in older installations. Newer systems tend to use IP cameras and NVRs, which offer more flexibility and, on compatible equipment, more AI features.
Event clip Recording & storage
A short recording linked to a detected event.
An event clip is the portion of video around an alert, such as a person entering a zone. It lets you review what happened without scrubbing through hours of footage. Clips can often be exported for sharing, subject to privacy rules.
False alarm AI & detection
An alert that was triggered by something that is not a real concern.
False alarms come from insects, spider webs, rain, shadows, headlights, animals and swaying plants. Too many train people to ignore alerts. Better placement, settings and, on compatible systems, human detection can reduce them but not eliminate them.
Field of view Cameras
How much of the scene a camera can see.
Field of view is the angle or area captured by the lens. A wide view covers more ground but with less detail on distant subjects, while a narrow view shows less area in more detail. Choosing it is a trade-off between coverage and detail.
Focal length Cameras
The lens measurement that sets how wide or narrow the view is.
Focal length is given in millimetres. A smaller number gives a wider view, and a larger number zooms in on distant subjects. It is one of the main choices when matching a camera to a doorway, driveway or yard.
Frame rate Cameras
How many images per second a camera records.
Frame rate is measured in frames per second. A higher rate gives smoother motion and helps capture fast events, but uses more storage. Many everyday scenes are recorded at a moderate rate to balance clarity and capacity.
H.264 Recording & storage
A widely used video compression format.
H.264 compresses video so it uses less storage and bandwidth. It is supported by most cameras, recorders and apps. H.265 generally compresses more efficiently, but H.264 remains common for compatibility.
H.265 Recording & storage
A newer compression format that can use less storage than H.264.
H.265 can deliver similar quality at lower bitrates than H.264, which can reduce storage needs. Both the camera and recorder need to support it, and older devices or apps may not. Savings depend on the scene and settings.
Human detection AI & detection
AI that identifies people rather than any movement.
On compatible systems, human detection analyses the picture to recognise a person. This can reduce alerts caused by trees, rain, shadows and animals. It is not perfect, and accuracy depends on the camera, recorder, angle and lighting.
IK10 Cameras
A rating for resistance to impact.
IK ratings measure how well an enclosure withstands physical impact. IK10 is the highest level and is often cited for vandal-resistant domes. It does not make a camera unbreakable, and mounting height and fixings also matter.
Intelligent video search AI & detection
Tools that help locate people, vehicles or events in recorded footage.
Instead of watching hours of video, intelligent video search uses AI metadata to narrow results to relevant events. On compatible Dahua systems this can save time during review. Higher-end systems may support more advanced searching, depending on equipment.
Intrusion zone AI & detection
A marked area in the picture that triggers an alert when someone enters it.
An intrusion zone is a virtual area drawn on the camera view. On compatible systems, an alert is raised when a person or other selected target enters it, often during set hours. Good zone placement matters for reducing unwanted alerts.
IP camera Cameras
A camera that sends digital video over a network.
An IP camera connects by network cable or wifi and streams digital video to a recorder or app. Many models are powered over the same cable using PoE. Resolution, lens, night vision and AI features vary by model.
IP66 Cameras
A rating for dust-tight and water-jet-resistant equipment.
IP ratings describe protection against dust and water. IP66 means dust-tight and resistant to powerful water jets, which suits many outdoor cameras. Ratings test the enclosure, not the cable joins, so installation quality still matters.
IR illumination Cameras
Infrared light built into a camera for seeing in the dark.
Infrared LEDs light a scene with light people cannot see, so the camera can record in black and white at night. Range varies by model. Insects, spider webs, rain and nearby walls can reflect infrared and cause glare or false alerts.
Motion detection AI & detection
Basic detection of changes in the picture.
Motion detection notices pixels changing between frames. It cannot tell what moved, so wind, rain and insects can trigger it. Entry-level systems may offer motion detection only, while compatible AI systems can be more selective.
Multi-site Dahua & DMSS
Managing cameras at more than one property from one place.
Multi-site setups let an owner view several locations through the same app. This suits businesses with multiple premises and owners with several properties. Each site still needs its own recorder and reliable connection.
NVR Recording & storage
Network Video Recorder: records IP cameras to a hard drive.
An NVR receives video from IP cameras over a network and stores it on surveillance hard drives. It manages many cameras, provides playback and, on supported systems, runs or assists with AI analytics. It is also the usual link between the system and a remote viewing app.
ONVIF Networking
An industry standard that helps cameras and recorders from different makers work together.
ONVIF defines common ways for network video devices to communicate, such as discovery, video streaming and basic control. It can allow a camera from one maker to work with a recorder from another. Compatibility is often partial, and advanced features such as AI events may not carry across.
P2P remote access Networking
A way of connecting a phone to a device through a relay service without opening ports on the router.
In general, peer-to-peer or relay-style remote access has the device make an outbound connection to a service, and the app connects through that service. This avoids the need to open ports in the router. Security still depends on strong passwords, updated firmware and who has access.
Pixels per metre Cameras
A measure of how many pixels cover each metre of the scene.
Pixels per metre, often shortened to PPM, describes image detail at the subject's distance. Higher values make it easier to identify people or read details. Installers use it to match camera, lens and distance to the goal, such as detecting a person versus recognising a face.
Playback Recording & storage
Viewing recorded footage.
Playback lets you review past video by time or event on the recorder or in an app. Searching by event, where supported, speeds up review. Playback depends on footage still being within the retention period.
PoE Networking
Power over Ethernet: power and data on one network cable.
PoE lets a single network cable carry both the data and the electrical power a camera needs. It simplifies installation because no separate power point is needed at the camera. Cable length and total power available from the switch or recorder are limited.
PoE switch Networking
A network switch that supplies power to cameras through the cable.
A PoE switch connects cameras to the network and powers them through the same cable. It has a total power budget shared by all connected devices, so a switch must be sized for the cameras it serves. Many recorders also have built-in PoE ports.
Port forwarding Networking
A router setting that exposes a device to the internet, and best avoided for cameras.
Port forwarding opens a path from the internet directly to a device on your network. For cameras and recorders it increases the risk of unauthorised access. Secure alternatives, such as app-based remote access or a VPN, are generally preferred.
Privacy Act Law & privacy
Commonwealth law governing how some organisations handle personal information.
The Privacy Act 1988 applies to government agencies and many larger businesses, and to some smaller ones in particular situations. Video of identifiable people can count as personal information. This is general information, not legal advice, so ask an adviser whether it applies to you.
PTZ Cameras
Pan-tilt-zoom: a camera that can move and zoom.
A PTZ camera can rotate, tilt and zoom, either by hand or on a programmed route. It can cover a large area but only looks at one part at a time. Many sites use fixed cameras for coverage and a PTZ for detail.
Push notification Dahua & DMSS
A message sent to your phone when a selected event occurs.
Push notifications from an app such as DMSS can alert you to events like a detected person. They depend on the phone's settings and an internet connection. Choosing which events trigger alerts helps avoid notification overload.
RAID Recording & storage
A way of combining several hard drives for capacity or redundancy.
RAID arrangements can let a recorder keep working if one drive fails, depending on the type used. It is found in larger recorders. It protects against drive failure but is not a substitute for backups of critical footage.
Resolution Cameras
The number of pixels in the picture, such as 4MP or 8MP.
Resolution describes how much detail a camera can capture. More pixels allow finer detail and more digital zoom, but also more storage and bandwidth use. Lens quality, lighting and placement affect real-world results as much as resolution.
Retention Recording & storage
How long recordings are kept before being overwritten.
Retention depends on storage size, number of cameras, bitrate and recording mode. Recorders usually overwrite the oldest footage once the drive is full. Some businesses have policies or legal considerations that affect how long they keep recordings.
RTSP Networking
A protocol used to stream live video from a camera or recorder.
RTSP is a standard way for software to request a live video stream from a device. Installers and integrators use it to connect cameras to other software. It is a technical tool and should not be exposed directly to the internet.
Signage Law & privacy
Signs notifying people that cameras are in use.
Signs at entries tell visitors and staff that surveillance is in operation. Requirements and best practice differ by state and situation, and notifying staff matters in workplaces. This is general information, not legal advice.
Starlight / low-light Cameras
Camera sensors and processing designed to produce a clearer picture in very dim conditions.
Low-light or starlight-style cameras are built to capture more usable detail in poor light, sometimes in colour. The term is a marketing and technical descriptor, and results depend on the model and the available light. Some added lighting often helps more than any sensor.
Surveillance devices Act Law & privacy
State and territory laws that regulate listening, optical and tracking devices.
Each state and territory has its own surveillance devices legislation, and workplaces may have extra rules. In general, audio recording is treated more strictly than video, and cameras should not capture private areas such as toilets or a neighbour's yard. This is general information, not legal advice, so check your state's rules.
Surveillance hard drive Recording & storage
A hard drive designed for continuous video recording.
Surveillance-rated drives are built for constant writing and long running hours, unlike many desktop drives. They are the usual storage in an NVR. Size is chosen based on cameras, quality and retention.
Tripwire / line crossing AI & detection
A virtual line that triggers an alert when crossed.
A tripwire is a line drawn across a doorway, driveway or gate. On compatible systems, the camera alerts when a person or vehicle crosses it, sometimes in a chosen direction. It suits entrances more than wide open areas.
UPS Recording & storage
Uninterruptible power supply: a battery that keeps equipment running briefly.
A UPS keeps a recorder and network switch running through short power interruptions and allows a clean shutdown if the outage is longer. It also helps protect hard drives. It does not keep a system running through long outages.
Varifocal Cameras
A lens whose zoom and focus can be adjusted after installation.
A varifocal lens lets an installer fine-tune the view to suit the location, rather than being locked to one fixed focal length. It is useful where the right framing is hard to predict in advance. Motorised versions can be adjusted without climbing a ladder.
Vehicle detection AI & detection
AI that recognises vehicles and can create alerts or searchable events.
Compatible systems can identify vehicles and use that to trigger alerts or label events for later search. It is useful at gates and driveways. Availability and accuracy depend on the selected camera and recorder.
Video intercom Dahua & DMSS
A door station that lets you see and speak to visitors, including from a phone.
A video intercom pairs a door camera and speaker with an indoor monitor or the DMSS app. On compatible systems it allows two-way communication with visitors from anywhere. It is separate from standard recording cameras, though they can work together.
VLAN Networking
A way to separate network traffic into isolated groups.
A virtual LAN lets cameras and recorders sit on their own logical network, apart from computers and guest devices. This limits what each group can reach and can improve security and performance. It needs network equipment that supports it.
VPN Networking
An encrypted tunnel that connects you securely to a private network.
A virtual private network lets a remote user reach devices on a home or business network as if they were on site, without exposing those devices directly. It is used in some professional setups. It requires correct configuration and maintenance.
WDR Cameras
Wide Dynamic Range: helps cameras handle bright and dark areas together.
WDR combines or adjusts exposure so that scenes with strong contrast, such as a doorway against bright sunlight, keep detail in both the light and dark parts. It helps with backlit entries and windows. Performance varies by camera.
Turn the knowledge into a working system.
AI Camera Systems supplies, installs, configures and supports Dahua AI cameras, NVRs and the DMSS app for homes and businesses across Australia.