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