Frequently Asked Questions: Security Camera
This post was originally published on May 29, 2014. It was updated on January 31, 2020 with new product information.
If video surveillance is already part of your home security system or you’re looking to add security cameras to home, you might have some questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Frontpoint’s video surveillance cameras. It’s time to find out how video surveillance can take your peace of mind to a new level.
What is the purpose of security cameras in a home alarm system?
Video security lets you keep an active eye on your home, family, and pets. Best of all, you can do this at any time, from anywhere.
Frontpoint customers can use their cameras to monitor the inside and outside activity of their home. Customers also gain access to video streams where they can view a live feed on their computer or mobile device. They can also set up their system to receive notifications any time the cameras are motion-activated.
What types of home security cameras does Frontpoint offer?
We offer four different security cameras, each of which is, of course, compatible with Frontpoint systems:
Each has unique capabilities that make it ideal for different scenarios. You can find more information about Frontpoint’s cameras and other equipment in our Frontpoint Support Center.
Wireless Indoor Camera
The Frontpoint Indoor Camera allows users to keep an active eye on their homes from anywhere. It has a viewing range up to 50 feet and a 113° field of view, and it features night vision up to 20 feet so you can see recordings in the dark. As with all of our cameras, the Indoor Camera includes motion detection so it will become activated when something moves nearby. A broadband network is required to allow the camera to connect wirelessly. The video is encrypted to maintain your privacy.
The Frontpoint Premium Indoor Camera films HD video in a sleek, modern package. It has Bluetooth speakers and an echo-canceling microphone so you can communicate with those inside your home from anywhere using the Frontpoint app. The lens offers a 180° angle view, with pan-and-tilt capabilities and an advanced zoom. This video stream is also encrypted.
Wireless Outdoor Camera
The Frontpoint Outdoor Camera provides video surveillance of the exterior areas of your property. It is weatherproof and withstands below-freezing temperatures (all the way down to -4°F!), or up to 122°F. It can also leverage night vision to record in the dark up to 40 feet away. The camera comes with a 10-foot power cord to make installation easy. As always, the video feed is encrypted so you can keep an eye on your home privately.
Wireless Doorbell Camera
The Frontpoint Doorbell Camera lets you view those knocking on your front door whether you are home or not. Advanced motion sensors will alert you if there’s movement around the door, even if no one rings the bell, and night vision capabilities are standard. It also features two-way audio so you can talk to someone safely from inside your home without opening the door. Our Doorbell Camera can withstand temperatures from -40°F to 140°F.
Who can see the video from my Frontpoint security camera?
Frontpoint takes your privacy seriously. We use bank-grade encryption on all video feeds to ensure it, and the monitoring and viewing of a security camera are limited to your account users.
How long does the camera record once it’s triggered?
All Frontpoint cameras will record the video feed for varying lengths of time depending on how the camera motion sensor was triggered.
Video motion-activated cameras will record for 10–40 seconds. This may occur, for example, when someone walks in front of the camera.
System-triggered cameras will record for 50–60 seconds. This may happen at a certain time, as dictated by your system.
Alarm-triggered cameras will record for up to 15 minutes. This will happen when your home security alarm is activated.
All of these recording settings can be customized.
What type of monitoring do I need to use video surveillance?
Frontpoint’s video surveillance services are accessed with the Ultimate Monitoring package. In addition to capabilities like live streaming and video clip storage, Ultimate Monitoring users gain access to all the features found in the Protection Monitoring package and the Interactive Monitoring package, such as:
- Geo-services
- Smash-proof protection
- Smart lock control
- Remote access and control
For more on home security cameras, read our blog: Can Home Security Cameras be Hacked? How is My Privacy Protected?
Can I DIY install Frontpoint’s cameras?
All of Frontpoint's cameras are very easy to install because we provide an easy setup guide in your camera’s box, perfectly tailored to your setup situation. Our goal is to make camera installation as easy as possible. And if you need assistance, just jump on the phone with one of our Customer Care installation experts who will be glad to walk you through the process.
For both indoor cameras, all you need to do is plug the camera in, sync it to your wireless network and then place it in the ideal position. You do not need to mount your indoor cameras, but we include mounting kits if you wish to do so.
Similarly, the outdoor camera does not require mounting in order to work, but it’s highly recommended. This puts it out of harm’s way while protecting your outdoor areas. To mount it, you will need a drill and the provided mounting kit so you can suspend the camera from an overhead location.
The doorbell camera does require mounting. A mounting kit is provided with the product.
What security cameras are compatible with Frontpoint security?
Frontpoint home security systems are not compatible with third-party security cameras, aside from our own camera manufacturer. This means that third-party cameras (like Dropcam or others) will not work with the Frontpoint alarm system.
The only cameras compatible with a Frontpoint home security system are those made by our partner, Alarm.com. We recommend Frontpoint customers purchase their security cameras directly through Frontpoint instead of through Alarm.com because of the ease of installation. When you get your camera directly from us, your devices arrive at your door already pre-programmed for your exact system, making DIY installation quick and easy. While it is possible to purchase a Frontpoint-compatible camera through Alarm.com, setup will be much more complex because you will have to manually program it yourself.
Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.