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Exporting Video Evidence

Exporting Video Evidence

When you need to share video footage outside the XProtect system - for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or external investigations - the export function creates standalone video files that can be viewed on any computer.

Export Formats Available

XProtect Format

Best for: Legal evidence, court proceedings, maximum security

  • Includes: XProtect Smart Client Player for viewing

  • Security: Password protection, digital signatures, re-export prevention

  • Compatibility: Windows computers only

  • Verification: Built-in signature verification for tampering detection

Media Player Format

Best for: General sharing, presentations, wider compatibility

  • Individual files: Separate video file for each camera/time period

  • Combined files: Single video combining multiple cameras/sequences

  • Compatibility: Standard media players (VLC, Windows Media Player, etc.)

  • Formats: AVI or MKV files

Still Images

Best for: Reports, presentations, printed documentation

  • Format: JPEG images

  • Output: One image per frame for the entire time period

  • Uses: Evidence photos, incident reports, training materials

Adding Video to Export List

From Search Results

  1. Perform a search to find relevant footage

  2. Select results using blue checkboxes

  3. Click "Add to export list" in the action bar

  4. Repeat for additional footage as needed

From Playback Mode

  1. Navigate to the time period you want to export

  2. Set start and end time using timeline controls

  3. Select cameras using checkboxes

  4. Click Export > Add to export list

From Evidence Locks

  1. View evidence locks (Evidence lock > View)

  2. Select an evidence lock

  3. Click "Add to export list"

Configuring Export Settings

Access Export Settings

  1. Go to Exports tab

  2. Verify items in your export list

  3. Select at least one export format

  4. Adjust settings for each format as needed

XProtect Format Settings

  • Include Smart Client Player: ✅ (Required for viewing)

  • Prevent re-export: ✅ (Recommended for legal evidence)

  • Encrypt with password: ✅ (Recommended for sensitive content)

  • Include digital signature: ✅ (Essential for court evidence)

Media Player Format Settings

  • Export content: Video only, audio only, or both

  • Export format: AVI (older compatibility) or MKV (smaller files)

  • Include timestamps: ✅ (Shows date/time on video)

  • Reduce frame rate: Optional (smaller files, lower quality)

Combined File Settings (Multiple cameras)

  • Compression quality: Higher quality = larger files

  • Resolution: Maximum output resolution

  • Frames per second: Balance between quality and file size

Creating the Export

Basic Export Process

  1. Review export list - ensure all needed footage is included

  2. Select export formats - at least one format required

  3. Adjust export settings if needed

  4. Click "Create export"

  5. Set export name (auto-generated, but you can customize)

  6. Choose destination folder for the exported files

  7. Click "Export" to begin the process

Export Name and Destination

  • Default name: Includes current date and time

  • Custom naming: Use descriptive names like "Incident_2023-11-15_ParkingLot"

  • Destination folder: Choose accessible location (Desktop, Documents, USB drive)

  • Automatic folder creation: Non-existent folders are created automatically

Working with Privacy Masks

Adding Privacy Masks During Export

Privacy masks hide sensitive areas (faces, license plates, private information):

  1. Select a camera in your export list

  2. Click the mask button (+) to add privacy areas

  3. Drag to cover areas you want to hide

  4. Remove masks using the minus (-) button if needed

  5. Click OK to return to export list

Important Notes

  • Applies to all sequences from that camera in the current export

  • Permanent in export: Cannot be removed from exported video

  • May increase processing time and file size

  • Grid-based: System may mask slightly more area than selected

Export Process Management

During Export

  • Progress bar shows export completion status

  • Cancel option available if needed (can restore export list later)

  • Multiple formats process sequentially

  • Processing time depends on duration, cameras, and format complexity

After Export Completion

  1. Export details window shows completion status

  2. Click the link to open destination folder

  3. Test the export by opening files with appropriate player

  4. Restore export list option available for re-exporting

Viewing Exported Video

XProtect Format

  1. Navigate to export folder

  2. Double-click SmartClient-Player.exe file

  3. Enter password if export is password-protected

  4. Use built-in player for viewing and verification

Media Player Format

  1. Navigate to export folder

  2. Double-click video files (.avi or .mkv)

  3. Use any standard media player (VLC recommended)

  4. Timestamps appear on video if enabled during export

Still Images

  1. Navigate to export folder

  2. Open JPEG files with any image viewer

  3. Timestamps embedded in images if enabled

  4. Sequential naming shows time progression

Export Best Practices

Legal Evidence Exports

  • Always use XProtect format for court evidence

  • Enable password protection and digital signatures

  • Prevent re-export to maintain chain of custody

  • Document export details: who, when, why, what settings used

  • Test exports immediately after creation

General Sharing

  • Use media player format for wider compatibility

  • Include timestamps for reference

  • Choose appropriate quality balance file size vs. clarity

  • Test on target systems before final distribution

File Management

  • Use descriptive names: Include date, location, incident type

  • Organize by case/incident: Create folders for related exports

  • Document recipients: Keep records of who received exports

  • Backup important exports: Store copies in secure locations

Common Export Issues

Export Fails

  • Check permissions: Verify export rights with administrator

  • Verify destination: Ensure folder is accessible and has space

  • Reduce complexity: Try fewer cameras or shorter time periods

  • Check recording availability: Ensure footage exists for selected times

Large File Sizes

  • Use MKV format instead of AVI

  • Reduce frame rate if acceptable quality

  • Shorten time periods and export in segments

  • Lower compression quality for smaller files

  • Remove unnecessary cameras from export list

Compatibility Issues

  • XProtect format: Requires Windows computer with Player

  • Codec issues: Ensure target computer has necessary codecs

  • File corruption: Re-export if files won't open properly

  • Version compatibility: Check XProtect Player version requirements

Export Formats Comparison

Feature

XProtect Format

Media Player

Still Images

Feature

XProtect Format

Media Player

Still Images

Security

High (passwords, signatures)

Basic

None

Compatibility

Windows only

Any computer

Any computer

Legal Use

Excellent

Good

Good

File Size

Medium

Variable

Large (many files)

Ease of Sharing

Moderate

Easy

Easy

Verification

Built-in

None

Visual only

Legal Considerations

Chain of Custody

  • Document creation: Who exported, when, why

  • Track distribution: Who received copies

  • Maintain originals: Keep source footage protected

  • Version control: Track any re-exports or modifications

Court Admissibility

  • Use digital signatures: For tampering verification

  • Maintain export logs: Document all exports made

  • Preserve original timestamps: Don't alter time references

  • Follow legal requirements: Consult legal team for specific needs

Related Articles:

  • XProtect Smart Client - Evidence Locks for Legal Protection →

  • XProtect Smart Client - Managing Search Results →