Basic Video Search
This guide covers how to perform basic searches for recorded video footage in XProtect Smart Client. Perfect for finding general incidents or reviewing activity during specific time periods.
Step-by-Step: Basic Video Search
1. Set Your Time Period
Click the Search tab in XProtect Smart Client
Click the dropdown arrow next to the time period selector
Choose from predefined options:
Last 2 hours
Last 6 hours
Last 12 hours
Last 24 hours
Yesterday
Last 7 days
Custom interval... (for specific date/time ranges)
2. Select Cameras
In the Selected cameras section:
Option A: Use the Search Function
Type in the search box to find specific cameras or views by name
Select the cameras you want to include
Option B: Browse the Camera Tree
Expand the camera tree structure
Select individual cameras by checking their boxes
Tip: To add all cameras in a view, select the view name instead of individual cameras
3. Choose What to Search For
Click Search for and select your search category:
Video sequences - All recorded footage (most common for general searches)
Motion - Only footage where movement was detected
Bookmarks - Previously saved incidents
As soon as you add cameras, the search runs automatically.
4. Review Your Results
Search results appear as thumbnail images with:
Camera name and location
Date and time information
Duration of the video sequence
Working with Search Results
Preview Video
Click on any search result thumbnail
Click the play button in the preview area to watch the footage
Use playback controls to navigate through the video
View Full Screen
Double-click any search result to open it in full-screen mode
Double-click again to return to the search results view
Navigate Results Using the Timeline
Look for white markers on the search timeline - these show where results are located
Click on markers to jump to specific results
Hover over markers to see time and camera information
Smart Search for Motion
When searching for motion, you can specify exactly where to look for movement:
Select Motion as your search category
Click "0 cameras selected" under the Motion filter
Choose a camera from the list
In the red preview area, click and drag to unmask areas where you want to detect motion
You can unmask multiple areas on the same camera
Use the sensitivity slider to adjust how much motion triggers a result
Quick Actions on Results
Once you have search results, hover over any thumbnail and click the blue checkbox to select it. This reveals action buttons to:
Export footage for sharing or evidence
Bookmark important incidents
Take snapshots of key moments
Open in new window for detailed review
Common Search Scenarios
Finding Activity at the Front Door
Set time period to "Last 24 hours"
Select cameras covering the entrance area
Choose "Motion" to find when people entered/exited
Use smart search to focus on the door area specifically
Reviewing Yesterday's Activity
Set time period to "Yesterday"
Select all relevant cameras for your area
Choose "Video sequences" for complete coverage
Browse results chronologically
Looking for Bookmarked Incidents
Set an appropriate time range
Select relevant cameras
Choose "Bookmarks" to see previously saved incidents
Filter by keywords if you remember details about the bookmark
Important Notes
Larger time spans (like "Last 7 days") with many cameras may take longer to search
Search runs automatically as you add cameras - no need to click a "Search" button
Motion detection sensitivity is configured by your system administrator, but you can adjust it during smart search
Gray gaps in the timeline mean no recordings are available for those time periods