Multi-Camera SD Video Playback and Recording

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The Multi-Camera SD Video Playback and Recording feature allows customers to transfer microSD cards between cameras on the same customer account without losing existing recordings. This can be especially useful in multiple situations, like viewing recorded footage after a camera is damaged or needs replacing.

Important: Customers can set up a new Onboard Recording schedule, but recordings from the previous camera could be lost during the automatic roll over process.

Features

When a microSD card is inserted into a compatible camera, it is automatically formatted and encrypted.
Once encrypted, the cards can be moved between cameras on the same customer account, but they cannot be viewed on other devices like laptops or digital cameras.
The card can be removed from a camera and placed back in that same camera at a later date as long as it is not reformatted for other use.
A 24/7 Onboard Recording rule is also automatically created upon successful installation, and the customer can edit it at any time.
Old recordings are automatically deleted as new recordings are made.

Compatibility requirements

A compatible Alarm.com camera on firmware version 0.8.2.048+:
- ADC-V515 on firmware version 0.0.5.549+
- ADC-V516
- ADC-V523/523X
- ADC-V530
- ADC-V723/723X
- ADC-V724/724X
- ADC-V729/V729AC/VC729P
- ADC-V730/VC730P
- ADC-VC727P
- ADC-VC728PF
- ADC-VC7398PA
- ADC-VC827P
- ADC-VC8295P
- ADC-VC838PF
- ADC-VC847PF
- ADC-VC8498P
- ADC-VC8498PA
- ADC-VDB770
- ADC-VDB775
Important: The ADC-VDB770 only supports this feature when the microSD card is transferred to another ADC-VDB770. If a microSD card is transferred to or from a ADC-VDB770 and any other camera model, the existing recordings will not be viewable and the microSD card will need to be reformatted in order to re-use it in the new camera. For more information, proceed to the MicroSD card swap compatibility calculator.
A video service package with the Onboard Recording with Smart View add-on
An Onboard Recording schedule
A compatible microSD card
- For more information about compatible microSD cards, see Onboard Recording (SD card) with Smart View for video devices.

Transferring a microSD card to a new camera Best Practices

Install and enroll the new camera to the customer account without the microSD card inserted. After it has been installed and enrolled, insert the microSD card and manually create an Onboard Recording schedule for that camera.
When the microSD card is moved to a new camera, there is an initial setup based on the size of the recordings. Do not try to view the Onboard 24/7 timeline immediately after inserting the card.
If recordings are enabled in the new camera, the old recordings will be overwritten when the SD card is full.
Avoid moving the SD card to multiple cameras within a customer account unless required.
When transferring a microSD card between cameras that have Onboard Recording with audio enabled, it is recommended to transfer to another device of the same model.

MicroSD card swap compatibility calculator

Select the camera you are transferring FROM and the camera you are transferring TO to see compatibility information.

Transfer FROM device

Transfer TO device

Configure Onboard Recording schedules

Onboard Recording schedules can be created and configured using the Partner MobileTech app, Alarm.com customer website and Alarm.com app.

Note: This rule may automatically be created during camera installation if an SD card is detected in the camera.

To create an Onboard Recording rule using the Alarm.com customer website:

Verify that the SD card is inserted into the camera.
Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
Click Video.
Click Recording Rules.
Click Local Recordings.
Click Add New Schedule.
Click Onboard.
Using the Record from this camera dropdown menu, select the desired device.
Using the Recording quality slider, select the desired quality.
In Time Frame, click to select either At all times or Only during the following times.
- If Only during the following times is selected:
  1. Click to select the desired days to record.
  2. Using the Starting at and Ending at dropdown menus, select the time period to record in hours.
For additional configuration options, click to expand Advanced Options.
- To limit the number of days that recordings are kept:
  1. Click the Retention Time toggle switch to enable a limit.
  2. Using the dropdown menu, select the desired number of days to limit the recordings to.
Click Save.

To create an Onboard Recording rule using the Alarm.com app:

Verify that the SD card is inserted into the camera.
Log in to the Alarm.com app.
Tap .
Tap .
Tap Recording Rules.
Tap Local.
Tap Add.
Tap Onboard if there are multiple options to choose from.
Using the Record from this camera dropdown menu, select the desired device.
Using the Recording Quality slider, select the desired quality.
In Time Frame, click to select either At all times or Only during the following times.
- If Only during the following times is selected:
  1. Tap to select the desired days to record.
  2. Using the Starting at and Ending at dropdown menus, select the time period to record in hours.
For additional configuration options, click to expand Advanced Options.
- To limit the number of days that recordings are kept:
  1. Tap the Retention Time toggle switch to enable a limit.
  2. Using the dropdown menu, select the desired number of days to limit the recordings to.
Tap Save.