How does my alarm system work?
The alarm system may be armed in the "Away" or "Stay" mode. Once the system is activated, each monitored zone has the ability to recognize a violation. Once a zone has been violated, the alarm system then dials out to AVS and transmits the message through a telephone line or a wireless network. Once the signal is received, the alarm system will wait to send another message if another zone is tripped. Entering the code and turning off the system will end this process.
Why does my keypad display "not ready"?
Your keypad is informing you that the alarm system is not ready to turn on (arm). Common reasons for this are that a door or window is not completely closed, a motion detector may be sensing movement, or a previous alarm has not been cleared out of the memory. Correct the condition and the alarm system will be ready to arm.
Why is my motion sensor providing false detections?
A motion detector may activate falsely due to improper installation of the device above a heater or furnace. Movement of objects such as balloons, blinds, and curtains within the range of a motion detector may also trigger an alarm activation. The motion detector may require relocation or adjustment by an AVS technician, please call 972-331-1065 for a service call.
Why does my alarm system take so long to notify AVS?
The alarm system provides a delay period for the user. This delay period allows the user to disarm the system in order to prevent false alarm activation. The delay period can range from 30 seconds up to 3 minutes. This delay is a new law passed in order to reduce false alarms.
Why is my system not communicating correctly?
An alarm system may lose communications for several reasons. The telephone line the system communicates through may be inoperable or equipment on the alarm system may not be functioning properly. Operational malfunctions within your phone company or AVS may also be possible reasons for communications failure.
I have call waiting on my phone line. Can that affect my service?
No. The AVS system is designed to seize your phone line in order to call the AVS Customer Monitoring Center. It will then release the line in order for the Customer Monitoring Center to notify you that an alarm signal was received.
What if my system isn't working right?
AVS will be happy to investigate any problems you're having with your equipment. Just call 972-331-1065 for any service-related issues.
What should I do if my technician does not show up as scheduled?
Your time is important and our technicians strive to arrive promptly as scheduled. If we miss an appointment and have not contacted you, please call 972-331-1065 and someone will be able to assist you further.
If I move, will I have to pay again to put a security system in my new house?
If you've already enjoyed AVS services for at least two years, AVS will provide you with a $100.00 discount on the installation of your new service at your new home.
Can I extend my warranty?
Yes. AVS offers a special Extended Limited Warranty/Quality Service Plan (QSP) which will cover the repair or replacement costs of the equipment for just a few dollars each month. To get the Quality Service Plan for your AVS system, call 972-331-1065.
How do I change the people listed on my call list?
Just call the AVS Customer Monitoring Center at 972-331-1065 with your changes. Have your personal identification code ready in order to make your changes. Make sure to tell everyone on your call list what to do in case they receive a call from AVS.
My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut it off. I expected a call from AVS, but no one called. Why not?
The system allows a brief period for you to turn off your system before an alarm signal is sent to the Customer Monitoring Center. This gives you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.
What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad?
If you hold down the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad for 1 to 3 seconds, an alarm is transmitted to the AVS Customer Monitoring Center, and emergency services are dispatched immediately. An alarm received in this manner cannot be canceled.
If I lose electric power, will my alarm system still work?
Yes. In case of a power loss, the back-up battery will activate to maintain your alarm protection for several hours. In the event your battery is low, a low-battery signal will be sent to your Customer Monitoring Center so you can be notified.
If I have an emergency, should I call AVS first?
No. If you have an emergency, call 911 first. If you are unable to call 911, then depress the panic or fire alarm button on your touchpad, and AVS will request emergency services.
Am I responsible for testing my system regularly?
Yes. It is your responsibility to make sure that your system is in good working order. AVS regularly initiates a communications performance test. It's easy to test your system; just refer to your owner handbook or call 972-331-1065 and follow the simple instructions. If you find that a part of your system is not working properly, call AVS at 972-331-1065 to request repair service.
Will VOIP work with my security system?
In some cases yes, currently Time Warner Cable is the only company approved in Dallas/Fort Worth area. Please call 972-331-1065 to get more information of any other approved providers.
What is CCTV?
Closed Circuit Television is a television system that operates on a closed loop basis. CCTV pictures are only available to those directly connected to the loop, consisting of a cable that transmits the picture from the camera to a monitor.
What is the difference between a DVR and a VCR?
A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system records high resolution digital images to a hard disk drive (HDD) and eliminates the requirement of maintaining VHS tapes. Since the video images are stored digitally, the image quality will not degrade overtime, as a VHS tape does when recorded over multiple times. The time-saving search capabilities of a DVR will enable the user to locate the desired video clips via user defined parameters (camera, time, date, etc.) versus the fast forward and rewind functions of a VCR. A DVR can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet. Via this you are able to view your cameras live or view the recorded videos from a remote location.
Can I view my cameras from home or anywhere else?
Yes you can. This requires your DVR to be connected to internet and you must have internet whereever you wish to view your cameras from. With most systems you will be required to use a Static IP address, however, with AVS systems, you can utilize your current internet without having to upgrade to Static IP address.
What is a varifocal lens?
A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied. This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens. Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature, which is responsible for automatically adjusting due to different lighting situations.
What is a fixed lens?
A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low light situations.
What is CCD?
CCD is used in professional cameras because of its high resolution quality and its ability to record in low-light situations. CCD is basically a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which makes up an image. It's usually measured in inches with 1/3" CCD being the standard. They are higher priced but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.
What are OSD cameras?
OSD (On Screen Display) cameras have a menu system within the camera assembly that can be accessed in order to set functions such as Iris levels, AGC on/off and most features of standard and advanced cameras, examples of these cameras are License Plate Capture cameras.
What type of illumination can I use with color cameras?
Only lighting within the visible wavelength should be used with color cameras. Tungsten Halogen (white) is often the recommended source of lighting.
What is a Internet Protocol (IP) Camera?
The terms IP camera, network camera and Internet camera all refer to the same camera. IP camera is a camera, computer processor and web server in one device. This combination of technologies makes it possible to capture images, compress them, analyze their content and transmit them over an IP network. IP camera has its own IP address and is connected directly to a network and may record its video onto a Netwrok Video Recorder (NVR).
What is a megapixel camera?
What is a difference between a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and a Network Video Recorder (NVR)?
A DVR is used for analog cameras, an analog camera uses coax cables to transfer the video signal to the DVR to be recorded. Usually DVRs only support analog cameras only, however, AVS uses "hybird" DVRs, meaning you may connect up to 8 analog cameras and up to 8 IP cameras.
A NVR is used for IP/Megapixel cameras, an IP or megapixel camera uses CAT5 or CAT6 wiring to transmit its signal to the NVR to be recorded. An NVR is the first step into a fully digital security or surveillance system. With an NVR, you may have unlimited storage capability. Your video storage could also include Network Attached Storage (NAS).
Alarm System Terms
To be added.
CCTV Term
CCD - Charge Coupled Device
The CCD image sensor offers superior image performance and flexibility at the expense of system size. System Size is greater when compared to CMOS. CCD image sensors feature better light sensitivity when directly compared to CMOS image sensors. As a result, the higher light sensitivity translates into better images in low light conditions. However, bright objects can cause the CCD image sensor to "Bleed" causing vertical stripes on screen. This side effect is referred to as the "Smear" effect. The CCD image sensor remains the more popular of the two technologies because of the higher picture quality level. However, for entry level applications and when cost is a concern, the CMOS image sensor is the preferred choice. CCD image sensors should be used in applications demanding the highest image quality achievable. Most security cameras sold by AVS use CCD chips.
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)
CCTV systems usually involve analog cameras that connect to a television system or recorder. The signals are not publicaly distributed but are limited to a small area such as a store, office building, warehouse or school.
CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
The CMOS image sensor offers integration of added circuitry on a single chip, lower power usage (up to ~1/10 the usage) and a more compact design at the expense of image quality and flexibility. As a result of this, CMOS image sensors are cheaper to manufacture and are usually sold at a lower cost. Also, the smaller system size allows for smaller cameras to be designed. In recent years the gap in image quality between CCD and CMOS image sensors has narrowed greatly. But, when the highest image quality is required, the CCD image sensor is still regarded as the preferred choice. CMOS image sensors are currently limited in low light conditions. With low light conditions the CMOS image sensor can produce either a very dark image or a very noisy image. CMOS image sensors are more susceptible to noise which can create interference or distortion in the image. CMOS image sensors should be used for high-volume, space-constrained applications where obtaining the highest image quality possible is not necessarily vital to the application. Most hidden/spy security cameras sold by AVS use CMOS chips.
DDNS - Dynamic Domain Naming System
Dynamic DNS is a service allowing users to alias their dynamic IP address to a static domain name. Most network cameras have DDNS as a configuration option. Once configured, the camera will update the static domain name with the current IP address of your Internet connection. This allows for easy access to your camera without needing to check your Dynamic IP address. This service is less expensive than having a static IP address and is more flexible. DDNS is offered by AVS to all customers at no additional cost therefore reducing the need for static IP address and saving money every month on the cost of static IP address as well as DDNS subscription cost.
MJPEG (Motion JPEG)
A network camera/video server using MJPEG video compression captures individual images at rates of up to a maximum of 30 individual frames per second. The captured images are presented in succession, thus producing a stream of video. This is referred to as Motion JPEG with each image frame being an entire JPEG compressed image. The result of compressing all information on each frame is high picture quality but it requires more information to be transmitted and stored. Thus, when compared with MPEG4, bandwidth usage is greatly increased with MJPEG, as is the disk space required for storage.
MPEG4
With MPEG4, only changes to each image on successive frames are actually transmitted, not the complete image. The result of sending only image changes is both reduced bandwidth usage and storage space required, however MPEG4 has a lower image quality when directly compared to MJPEG. IP Network Cameras and Video Servers featuring MPEG4 can capture audio as well as images, with the audio and video being fully synchronized.
Motion Detection
Network Cameras equipped with motion detection can identify motion or change in the live video. The sensitivity can be set by the user in the configuration settings of the camera. Some network cameras can also email and FTP images or video showing the motion detected.