Configure motion detection

You can instruct Watchdog to record video, sound an alarm or notify you by phone or email during motion detection. To set up motion detection, click on Setup button, and then select the Alarm tab.

  • Ignore light switch
    Webcam Watchdog won't see light switching as an intruding event if you turn this on.


  • Activate motion detection after

    • You may want to set up the delay time to avoid alarm being activated when you leave the office. Simply type in the number in "Activate motion detection after" box for the delay time.

  • Background noise
    • Different light source and camera have different background noise. You may want to change it to have the alarm work best with your light source and camera.

  • Sensitivity

    • You can adjust the camera's sensitivity to motion. Use the slider to select the level of sensitivity to motion. After activating motion detection, you can see the motion meter changes on the video window.

  • Creating motion detection areas

    • You can select multiple areas where Watchdog should watch for motion detection. To select a area, click "Add area". Click and drag the mouse to draw around the area you wish watched.

    To remove the last added area, click Clear last added area. To erase all areas, click Clear all areas.

    Show masks
    You can set a privacy mask for a camera. If you select show masks, only the select areas will be displayed and recorded in the video.

    Exclusive mode
    If there is only one small area where motion events need to be detected, you can add the area first and then click Exclusive mode.




You can instruct Webcam Watchdog to do the following when motion is detected.

  • Record the video
    Check this box if you would like Watchdog to record video while motion detected.


  • Email notification
    When motion is detected, Webcam Watchdog can alert you by emailing you the captured images. To enable email notification, simply check the box and type in your email address correctly.

    Please make sure you have set up a MAPI compatible email software like Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook or Netscape Communicator to enable Watchdog sending the emails. You can also use Watchdog to send email for you.


  • Play a sound
    If you want a sound played when motion is detected, check the Play a sound box. Click the Browse button to select a sound file. Two sample .wav files are included for your convenience.


  • Notify me by phone
    Check this box if you wish Watchdog to notify you by phone when motion is detected. You also need a voice modem.



    1. Devices for dialing: select your modem device. If you have installed a modem, but it is not listed here automatically the modem is not TAPI compatible. (In general voice modems with Lucent LTWin modem chip work fine, Motorola's voicesurfer also works well.)

    2. Playback device: You can select sound card when you play the voice file. Select Modem #0 Line Playback to have Watchdog send the voice over the phone.

    3. Voice file name: Watchdog includes 2 voice files. You can select md_male00.wav or md_female00.wav. If you wish to record your voice, you can use Windows Sound Recorder and choose 8 KHZ or 11 KHZ, 16 bits, mono.

    4. Phone number: after enter your number, you can click Dial to test. If you can't hear the voice, please make sure that your modem supports voice.