Home Security Blog

We have a quick bit of news today. Certain commercial-grade Alarm.com Security Cameras will receive an automatic firmware update in the coming weeks. Models receiving the update include the ADC-VC726, ADC-VC736, ADC-VC826, and ADC-VC836. No special action is needed to receive the update.

At this time, Alarm.com has not provided much information regarding the update. All we know is that the update is for Firmware Version V5.5.82.210318 and that it includes multiple stability enhancements. Only the aforementioned commercial-grade security cameras from Alarm.com are set to receive the update. These are all Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras that only use hardwired ethernet for network connectivity, and they do not support WIFI connectivity. Although these are commercial-grade cameras designed for commercial or industrial use, they can certainly be used in residential settings as well.

Alarm.com has stated that these cameras will be automatically updated in the coming weeks. The update will occur as part of an automated overnight firmware upgrade process. Again, no special action is required to receive the update. Just make sure that your camera is powered on and connected to the network, and Alarm.com should take care of the reset.

Since this update is only for stability enhancements, it is very likely that you will not receive any direct notification that the update has been performed. However, you can easily check the installed firmware for your camera by accessing Alarm.com through a compatible web browser, logging into your account, clicking Video on the left-hand side, choosing Settings at the top, then choosing the first option of Video Device Info. From there, select the camera (Video Device) you want to view from the dropdown menu and note the Current Firmware Version. This can be seen in the following picture.

As we said, we don't know much about the firmware update that will be coming, and we only have "within the coming weeks" as a general timeframe. But still, feel free to leave your thoughts or start a discussion in the comments down below. We would love to hear what you think, And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more news coming soon!

Welcome to a special Tuesday edition of an Alarm Grid Video Recap! We normally do these on Mondays, but we pushed this one back a day due to the time-sensitive nature of yesterday's post. Make sure to go and check that one out if you use the Nest Thermostat integration for Alarm.com.

As for today's video recap, it's mostly just business as usual. We have three (3) new videos today, all of which feature the 2GIG Edge. This innovative and feature-rich security system has certainly kept us busy and given us a lot to explore and share with you. We have even received some comments from users on YouTube asking us to cover specific 2GIG Edge features and functions. If you have anything that you would like to see from Alarm Grid, then make sure to leave a comment on this post down below. There's a great chance that you will see it in a future Alarm Grid video!

We know that you're on the EDGE of your seat waiting to see these new 2GIG EDGE videos, so let's get started! Here are the latest tutorial videos from Alarm Grid:

2GIG Edge: Clearing a Tamper Error

I show you how to clear a tamper error trouble condition from the 2GIG Edge. A tamper error occurs when the panel's internal tamper switch is not held down probably. This is usually the result of the panel being opened. When the issue occurs, a trouble notification will appear as a yellow circle with number inside it. Also, the panel will begin emitting a soft beeping sound. Once you properly close the panel so that the tamper switch is pressed down, the trouble notification will go away, and the beeping will cease.

2GIG Edge: Adding a Z Wave Device

I show you how to pair a Z-Wave device with a 2GIG Edge. Inside every 2GIG Edge is a Z-Wave Plus V2 700-Series Controller. This allows users to enroll a wide selection of Z-Wave peripherals, such as smart lights, door locks, programmable thermostats, and more. Z-Wave devices can be controlled locally at the panel, plus remotely from Alarm.com if the system is monitored with a plan that includes automation services. You can also create customized Alarm.com Smart Scenes to have your Z-Wave activate automatically.

2GIG Edge: Removing a Z Wave Device

I show you how to clear a device from the Z-Wave network using the 2GIG Edge. When you remove, or clear, a Z-Wave device, you are wiping out all its Z-Wave network data. This will allow the device to pair with a new Z-wave controller or hub. A user will typically remove a Z-Wave device if they no longer intend on using it. However, a user should also perform the clearing process before attempting to pair a device. This will ensure that no residual Z-Wave network data remains lingering inside the device.

We have an important update for all Google Nest Thermostat users who have integrated their Nest devices with Alarm.com. Any user who hasn't moved their Nest device over to a Google account by June 1st will have their Alarm.com/Nest integration reset. Take action now to avoid this!

According to Alarm.com, Google sent out a notice to all users still using Works With Nest accounts back in March 2020. The notice informed users that they needed to switch their Works With Nest accounts over to Google accounts. Now, Alarm.com is preparing to enforce this mandate, as they will reset the Alarm.com/Nest integration for any user who has not switched over to a Google account by June 1st. If this affects you, then you should take action immediately in order to avoid having your Nest integration reset. Alarm Grid previously covered the Nest integration for Alarm.com in late January 2020 when the integration was reintroduced. You can revisit that prior blog post here.

Fortunately, switching your Works With Nest account to a Google account is very easy. If you received an email from Google about this issue, you can click the option Switch to Google from within it to begin the migration. Otherwise, start by making sure you have the latest available version of the Nest App. Open the Nest App on your Android or iOS device. Once you are in the app, press the settings icon, which looks like a gear. Then choose the option for "Migrate to a Google Account". There will be important information that you should review. After reading, press the "Continue with Google" button. You can then select the Google account you want to use. If you use other Google Assistant and/or Google Home products, then it is recommended that you use the same Google account with your Nest Thermostat as you use with your other Google devices. You will also be given the option to create a new Google account if you do not have one already. After you have selected your account, press "Allow" to give the Nest App permission to access data from your Google account. If you have Works With Nest connections and/or the Google Home App, then extra steps may be presented to disconnect those connections and combine your homes into a unified Google Nest Home. Works With Nest connections cannot be used with a Google Account. From there, review the information, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish.

After you have finished moving over to a Google account, you may need to re-link your Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com. This can be done through the Alarm.com website. Login to Alarm.com using a compatible web browser, and then choose Settings on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Devices, then Add Device, then Thermostat, then Google Nest Thermostat, and then Begin Installation. You will need to provide the Google account information associated with your Nest Thermostat. This is the same account you used when migrating from Works With Nest to Google. It will likely take a few minutes for the integration process to complete. If you are having trouble, you should reach out to your monitoring provider for further assistance. Alarm Grid customers can email support@alarmgrid.com for help. We respond to emails during our regular business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Have you had a good experience using a Google Nest Thermostat with Alarm.com? Do you have any thoughts on the Alarm.com/Nest integration? Is there anything you particularly like or dislike about the integration or the Nest Thermostat in general? Let us know in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system news coming soon!

In a previous Beta Firmware Version available to industry insiders, Resideo introduced the ability to live-stream SkyBell Doorbell Cameras from the Honeywell Home ROA7PLUS and Resideo PROA7PLUSC. The new upcoming feature will likely be made available to the general public very soon.

We have known about the camera streaming capabilities for the PROA7PLUS for quite some time, but we had yet to see what form the feature would take. That changes with this beta release, as we now have our first glimpse at the feature. Users can live-stream any Total Connect 2.0 compatible SkyBell device right from their PROA7PLUS or PROA7PLUSC. Compatible doorbell cameras include the round Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM and the slimline Honeywell SkyBell DBCAM-TRIM. The round model has since been discontinued, but the slimline model remains available for purchase from the Alarm Grid website.

In addition to streaming from a compatible panel, the system will also display a message whenever someone is at your door and rings the SkyBell device. The camera streaming also includes audio streaming, and you can engage in a two-way voice conversation with the person at your door. This is thanks to the integrated microphone included in the ProSeries Security Systems. This is great for telling your friend that you will unlock the door for them, or for telling a solicitor that you're not interested. The possibilities will be endless!

And not only is this feature available for the PROA7PLUS and PROA7PLUSC, you can also stream from the compatible touchscreen keypads, those being the Honeywell Home PROWLTOUCH Keypad and the Resideo PROWLTOUCHC Keypad. The touchscreen keypads support all of the same capabilities as the panels in this aspect, including doorbell camera streaming, audio streaming, and two-way voice. Remember that you must have WIFI capability enabled on the panel to integrate the touchscreen keypads as well as the Skybell.

One very important note about the SkyBell streaming feature is that it is only going to be supported by the "PLUS" versions of the ProSeries Panels, those being the PROA7PLUS and the PROA7PLUSC. It is our understanding that the PROA7 and PROA7C will not support the feature. If you were trying to decide between a "PLUS" and a "non-PLUS" version of a ProSeries System, well this is yet another reason to spring for one of the higher-end versions!

Although the feature has not been released to the public quite yet, we still have a general idea of how SkyBell Camera streaming will be implemented. First, you must have the system monitored and set up for service with Total Connect 2.0. You will then need to link your SkyBell device with your Total Connect 2.0 account. If you intend on buying a new SkyBell Camera for this purpose, then make sure that you are getting one of the Honeywell models for use with Total Connect 2.0. A user should never attempt to pair an Alarm.com SkyBell device with TC2 or with the native SkyBell App. After you link your ProSeries System with TC2, there will be a new Cameras option inside the main system menu. It is there that you can choose to stream a SkyBell Camera linked with your TC2 account. The device should show up after the doorbell camera has been successfully integrated with your TC2 account, and the panel has properly refreshed with the AlarmNet Servers.

We know that many Alarm Grid users will certainly take advantage of this feature once it is released. To ensure that you can get started with SkyBell Camera streaming as soon as it becomes available, make sure that you are monitored ahead of time. All TC2 users are entitled to have up to five (5) SkyBell devices linked with their accounts. You don't even need a true video monitoring plan to get started. More information on the subject can be found in this FAQ. If you're interested in signing up for monitoring service, and you haven't decided on a service provider as of yet, then you could consider one of Alarm Grid's monitoring plans. If you have questions, reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that we check and reply to emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F.

Are you excited about SkyBell Doorbell Camera streaming for the PROA7PLUS, PROA7PLUSC? We're sorry to tease you with a feature that hasn't seen its official release quite yet, but we figured that it would be okay to build up some hype. With the SkyBell Camera Streaming and Local End-User Programming for the ProSeries Panels both in Beta Development, it's fair to expect the features to be fully released any time now. We will provide updates in the Alarm Grid Blog regarding any major releases. For now, make sure to comment down below to share your thoughts on this upcoming feature. Also feel free to let us know about any security system coverage you would like to see us focus on in the future. That's it for today's blog, stay tuned for more Alarm Grid content coming soon!

Qolsys has released information regarding an issue affecting IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.5.4 and Firmware Version 2.5.5. The issue affects the Z-Wave Home Automation functionality for IQ2 Systems on those firmware versions. The issue can be fixed by upgrading the system to 2.6.0.

According to Qolsys TSB# 210511, which can be viewed here, Z-Wave devices paired with an IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System on Firmware Version 2.5.4 or Firmware Version 2.5.5 may occasionally buffer and repeatedly send the same command to the device every thirty (30) minutes. Although it's possible that any Z-Wave device could demonstrate this behavior, Qolsys says that it is most likely to affect the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Opener.

Fortunately, Qolsys also adds that the issue can be easily corrected by upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0. If you haven't already, make sure to upgrade to Firmware Version 2.6.0 so that all of your programmed Z-Wave devices work as intended. More information on IQ Panel 2 Firmware Version 2.6.0, including what comes with the update and how to perform the update, can be found in this helpful blog post.

Alarm Grid will provide a future update if we learn anything more from Qolsys. But for now, it can be assumed that upgrading to Firmware Version 2.6.0 will resolve the issue. Remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more updates coming soon!

A new alarm panel hitting the market often means an old one is discontinued. That is the case here today, as the 2GIG GC3e has been formally discontinued by Nortek Control. The GC3e has been replaced by the 2GIG Edge, which is available in both an AT&T variant and a Verizon variant.

As we look back on the 2GIG GC3e, we gotta admit that the panel was in an unfavorable position from the start. The system was a direct replacement to the 2GIG GC3, as it retained largely the same user interface, and its design only received a minor refresh. The big new addition with the GC3e was its ability to support 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors. Along with the 2GIG GC2e, this marked the first time that 2GIG Alarm Panels could support encrypted sensors.

Unfortunately, 2GIG was late to the party, as other security systems like the Honeywell Lyric and Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus already had encrypted sensor support, not to mention a wide selection of sensors to choose from. Coupled with the fact that Qolsys continued to release new features for the IQ2+, and Resideo (formerly Honeywell) had the PROA7PLUS on the way, it quickly became clear that 2GIG would need to do better in order to keep up.

Thus began development on the 2GIG Edge. We first learned about the system in October of last year. With a bold new website and heavy promotion, hype around the Edge grew quickly. But this also brought questions in the back of our minds - what would happen to the GC2e and the GC3e? These panels had been on the market for less than two (2) years. Would 2GIG really abandon them so quickly? Well, today we have the verdict. The 2GIG GC2e stays, and the 2GIG GC3e heads off to the old alarm system graveyard in the sky.

First released in late July 2019, the 2GIG GC3e became known for its strong build quality and stark similarities to its GC3 predecessor. But it had a hard time competing with fellow Alarm.com Security System, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Buyers continued to flock to the IQ2+, which offered Automatic Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition. Those features could not be easily added to the GC3e, so 2GIG decided to cut their losses and add those features into a new alarm panel, the 2GIG Edge. 2GIG even one-upped Qolsys by making it so that the Edge's Facial Recognition feature can be used for disarming the system!

With the Edge firmly in place as 2GIG's new flagship panel, and the 2GIG GC2e set as their "budget-friendly" option, some wondered if the 2GIG GC3e might be kept in production as a sort of "middle-of-the-road" offering. But nope, apparently, three panels is too many at 2GIG, and it's the GC3e biting the dust. And now, less than two years after hitting the market, and barely more than two years removed from its unveiling at ISC West 2019, we are saying goodbye to the 2GIG GC3e. It wasn't a long ride, but it was a good one.

If you have an existing 2GIG GC3e, then don't worry! The system will continue to be supported for alarm monitoring and service with the Alarm.com platform. Given the system's great build quality, it's fair to expect that existing GC3e Panels already out in the field will likely stay in service for quite some time, probably for the duration of LTE cellular networks. And speaking of LTE communication, Alarm Grid is continuing to offer LTE communicators for the 2GIG GC3 and 2GIG GC3e. These are the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 (AT&T LTE) and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (Verizon LTE). If you need to get your GC3 updated, or your GC3e monitored, then either one of these modules is an excellent option. They're super easy to install, and they provide ultra-reliable cellular connectivity for the peace of mind that you deserve.

Meanwhile, the 2GIG GC2e will remain in production as the company's budget panel. However, we don't usually recommend that system for alarm monitoring, as it has no internet connectivity option to serve as an additional communication path, and it is relatively bare-bones in terms of features. But it is still an available option, and many users find that the GC2e is a strong offering as a replacement for the 2GIG GC2 or as a non-monitored system serving as a local noisemaker.

But for our top 2GIG pick, it should come as no surprise that we are recommending the new 2GIG Edge Alarm System. With its great features like 7-inch touchscreen controller, Facial Recognition, optional Automatic Bluetooth Disarming, Smart Area Partitioning support, 700-Series Z-Wave Plus V2 Smart Home Automation, and being dual-path ready right out of the box, we are proud to say that this system is available now on the Alarm Grid website. While we might miss the 2GIG GC3e, the 2GIG Edge certainly fills the void. Time will tell how the Edge fares against other competing systems like the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus and Honeywell Home PROA7PLUS.

What do you think of the 2GIG GC3e? Will you miss the system? Are you surprised to see 2GIG discontinue the system after less than two years? Did you ever get to try the system out for yourself? Share your thoughts and experiences in a comment down below. We would love to hear what you have to say. And remember to stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security system content coming soon. We promise, we don't discontinue systems every day, but when we do, we always make sure to say a proper goodbye. Farewell 2GIG GC3e!

If you have Alarm.com Video Surveillance service, then you likely know that the lineup of compatible security cameras is quite deep. It can be a bit daunting to decide which camera is best for you. Today, we're going to present our list of our Top 5 Best Alarm.com Cameras for use at home.

Keep in mind that we're not presenting any "commercial" cameras on the list. Only residential cameras will be considered. You can usually tell the difference based on the name. The Alarm.com Commercial Cameras will have a "VC" somewhere in the title, whereas the Alarm.com Residential Cameras only have a "V" in the title. We also considered Alarm.com Doorbell Cameras for this list, and those can be identified by having "VDB" for "Video Door Bell", in the name. Other than that, there's really not much else to think about. These are just the residential cameras that we think are most useful. We also want to mention that every camera on this list is compatible with Alarm.com Video Analytics, to at least some degree. If you aren't familiar with Alarm.com Video Analytics, we recommend checking out this FAQ to learn more. With that out of the way, let's get started!

5. Alarm.com ADC-V515 Budget Indoor Camera

The ADC-V515 is often seen as the "budget version" for another camera higher on this list. But despite being a low-cost option, the ADC-V515 still packs some impressive features. It offers 1080p recording capabilities, IR night vision of up to 15 feet, a 110° viewing angle, a nice 3.19mm F2.2 lens, and WIFI connectivity (2.4 GHz networks only). If that weren't enough, the ADC-V515 even offers High Dynamic Range (HDR) to make recordings appear deeper and more luminous. The camera might feel a bit more "flimsy" compared with the other models on this list, but still, it has the strong quality to keep your home safe for a very long time. This is a great starter camera for those who want to get into video surveillance, without breaking the bank.

Best For: Anyone needing a great indoor-only camera on a budget.

4. Alarm.com ADC-V622-WELL Wellness Camera

While it's specifically designed for monitoring an elderly or mobility challenged loved one and helping them live independently, the ADC-V622-WELL, also called the Alarm.com Wellcam, actually boasts some excellent security capabilities as well. This is a camera tower that can be easily mounted to a wall or conveniently placed on a table or desk. In addition to its 1080p recording quality, 1.62mm F2.3 lens, and IR night vision of up to 15 feet, the Wellcam is perhaps best known for its "press to call" feature and its two-way audio capability. This is also the only camera on this list that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which is usually reserved for commercial cameras. However, you might feel a bit silly buying this camera for strictly security purposes, as the packaging really emphasizes the "wellness" aspect.

Best For: Anyone needing to monitor a family member to help them live independently.

3. Alarm.com ADC-VDB770 Doorbell Camera

When it comes to doorbell cameras, Alarm.com has no shortage of options. But few would argue that the ADC-VDB770 isn't the single best doorbell camera offering from Alarm.com. In fact, many would say that it's the single best video doorbell on the market, period. This incredible device offers resolution of up to 1440x1920 Full HD, a Field of View of 150° Vertical and 115° Horizontal, IR night vision of up to 15 feet, and two-way voice for communicating with whomever is at your door. If that weren't enough, the doorbell camera even offers HDR recording, a feature normally reserved for traditional HD cameras. It is worth mentioning that unlike the other cameras on this list that support the full range of Alarm.com Video Analytics, the ADC-VDB770 only supports limited range of Video Analytics, in which only one (1) Ground Zone rule can be configured. But for a video doorbell, that's usually all you will need. Best of all, while this camera still counts towards your total ADC camera limit, you can actually use a single video doorbell device like the ADC-VDB770, on your Alarm.com account, even if you don't have a traditional video monitoring plan. This makes the device fantastic for monitoring your home's primary entrance, without needing to upgrade to a higher-cost monitoring plan.

Best For: Those wanting a top-of-the-line doorbell camera to integrate with Alarm.com.

2. Alarm.com ADC-V523 Premium Indoor Camera

When we said earlier that the ADC-V515 was the "budget" version of another camera on this list, the ADC-V523 is that camera. This is considered the standard "go-to" camera for use with Alarm.com. Any residential user who is just looking for a great, all-around camera for general use should absolutely consider the ADC-V523. It is basically everything that the ADC-V515 offers, but better. The lens is boosted to 3.0mm F2.0, the viewing angle has been increased to 117°, and you can connect with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WIFI networks. Even the build quality is improved, as the ADC-V523 has a heavier feel to it, and you can quickly identify that this is the premium offering from Alarm.com. Also returning to the ADC-V523 is the 1080p Full HD recording quality and HDR recording for deeper-looking footage. The only weakness with regard to this camera is that it cannot be used outside. It's for indoor use only.

Best For: Anyone needing the very best residential Alarm.com Camera for strictly indoor use.

1. Alarm.com ADC-V723 Premium Outdoor Camera

The ADC-V723 eliminates the most glaring drawback of the ADC-V523, as our top Alarm.com Camera pick can be used both indoors and outdoors. For the most part, the ADC-V723 offers the same specifications as the ADC-V523, but there are a few improvements. Returning to the ADC-V723 from the ADC-V523 is the 3.0mm F2.0 Lens, the 117° Viewing Angle, Full HD recording with HDR for more luminous footage, and the full suite of Alarm.com Video Analytics. But the ADC-V723 offers a few unique upgrades in its own right. This camera introduces ingress protection (IP66) for keeping out the harsh outside elements. It also offers further IR night vision of up to 40 feet, so that individuals standing even further away can still be properly identified in nighttime recordings. It's safe to say that the ADC-V723 is basically the same as the ADC-V523, only better. But the "upgrades" really only come in handy if you need an outdoor camera. If you intend on keeping the ADC-V723 tucked inside, then you may as well just get the ADC-V523. When used indoors though, the two cameras have to be considered equal. In this case, we have to give the ADC-V723 the edge for its ability to function as an outdoor camera.

Best For: Anyone needing the very best outdoor camera for use with Alarm.com.

Do you agree with our list? Do you have any of these cameras at your house? Maybe some of these cameras are on your wish list? Let us know in a comment down below. Remember that you need an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance, such as an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan or Video-Only Plan, to get started with most of these cameras. The only exception is the ADC-VDB770, as you can add a single compatible video doorbell device to an existing Alarm.com account, without a true video surveillance plan. If you need help getting started with any of these cameras, please email our team at suppor@alarmgrid.com. We're here to check incoming emails from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Also don't forget to comment down below, and stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more content coming real soon!

We're back with another video recap! And this is a rather special video recap, because I have a guest joining me this time! It's someone you have never seen in Alarm Grid videos before, and we hope to have this person back and doing more videos soon. Five (5) new videos await! Let's go!

Alarm com Mobile App: Setting Up Multi System Access

I show you how you can set up multiple system access in Alarm.com. With this feature, you can access Alarm.com using a single username and password to control multiple security systems. There will be a dropdown menu in Alarm.com that you can use to navigate between the different systems linked with your account. This feature is excellent if you own multiple properties, or if you're a business owner with multiple locations. Now you can control all your systems from a single login!

2GIG Edge: Resetting the Master Code

In her triumphant Alarm Grid video debut, Aja shows you how to reset the Master Code on a 2GIG Edge Security System. The Master Code on a 2GIG Edge is used for arming and disarming and changing Master-level settings. The code should almost always be changed for security purposes. To change the Master Code, you can access the Users Menu and manually change the code. Additionally, if you perform a Factory Default of the Users Settings, then the Master Code will revert back to its default of 1111.

2GIG Edge: Resetting the Installer Code

I teach you how to reset the Installer Code on your 2GIG Edge Alarm System. The Installer Code on a 2GIG Edge is used for getting into deep-level programming. We recommend keeping the Installer Code at its default of 1561 so that you do not become locked out of programming. Keeping the Installer Code at the 1561 default does not represent a security risk because you cannot disarm the system with the Installer Code. If you ever forget the default code, you can always look it up later.

2GIG Edge: Factory Resetting

I show you how to factory reset your 2GIG Edge Alarm Panel. In order to perform a factory reset, also called a factory default, you need the system's Installer Code. This is because you must access the Installer Toolbox on the panel. Inside the Installer Toolbox is the Restore Defaults Menu. You can choose from multiple types of defaults to perform. The options include Sensors & Zones, Console, Users, Z-Wave Network, IP Cameras. You cannot "undo" a default after one has been performed.

2GIG Edge: Adding a User Code

I show you how to set up an additional user code on the 2GIG Edge Security Panel. The 2GIG Edge supports up to 100 different user codes. With this feature, you can give everyone who uses the system regularly their very own personalized user code. When you set up a code, you will be asked to provide the numeric code that will be used for disarming the system. If you have slots open for Automatic Bluetooth Disarming and Facial Recognition using personalized Facial Biometrics, then you can also set up those features when you create the new user.

We have a quick post for you today, as we just wanted to tell you about the new "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature for Alarm.com. With this feature, you can prevent certain users from accessing security camera footage. The feature is available to all ADC users with added cameras.

As you likely know by now, the deep lineup of Alarm.com Security Cameras is quite impressive. But what if you want to make it so that certain users are unable to view security camera footage through Alarm.com, while still being able to access the Alarm.com platform for other tasks, such as arming/disarming and controlling automation devices? That is now possible thanks to the "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature! You can easily set up the feature through the Alarm.com website using a compatible web browser.

Once the feature has been set up, access to live and recorded camera footage will be restricted for any designated users. It is also possible to restrict access on a camera by camera basis, so that a user can view one or more cameras, while access for one or more other cameras is restricted. The feature can really come in handy in a number of different situations. For example, if you have children or teens in your household, and you want them to be able to arm/disarm from the Alarm.com Mobile App, but you don't want them to view the feed for the camera in the master bedroom, then this is a great option. Another scenario could be that you have employees with access to the Alarm.com account for your business, and you don't want them to view the camera in your private office.

To get started, visit the Alarm.com website, and log in to your customer account. Make sure you are using login credentials with Admin access for the Alarm.com account. Once you are logged in, select Users on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Logins on the upper bar. Then press the blue "Add A Login" button in the bottom-right corner. You will then follow the steps to create a new login. This will include providing a valid email address, a login name, and setting the language preference. Then press the blue Save button in the bottom-right.

From there, you will be taken to the Manage Login Permissions page. Under "Permission", click the box for Limited Device Access. Make sure to check any boxes for functions that you want the new login to have access to. For example, by checking the box for Remote Arming and choosing the name of the system from the selectable box, you are giving the login the ability to arm/disarm the system from the Alarm.com Mobile App or website. To restrict camera access, do not check the box next to Video Cameras. Alternatively, if you only want to restrict access to certain cameras, then you can check the box next to Video Cameras, and only choose cameras from the dropdown menu that you want to allow the user to view.

Additionally, if you ever want to change the restrictions (i.e. add/remove camera access), then you can simply access the Manage Logins page on the Alarm.com website, click on the underlined login name for the user whose permissions you want to adjust, make the appropriate changes, and press Save in the bottom-right corner. Please note that this feature can only be applied to a single-system login. Group logins cannot be given access to video devices on a per-device basis.

It's nice to see Alarm.com adding a new feature like this. Sure, it's something relatively small, but it's a nice touch that can really come in handy. It's also cool how you can customize access so that certain cameras remain visible, but other cameras, perhaps ones in more private areas (e.g. Master Bedroom, personal offices, etc.), are restricted for access.

If you have any interest in the feature, then we encourage you to test it out. Then after trying it out, leave a comment down below sharing your experience. We would love to hear what you have to say about this new feature. The comments section down below is also a good place to ask any questions you might have.

Or if you have yet to get started with video surveillance from Alarm.com, then we would love to help you out. We offer Alarm.com Video Surveillance on our Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full) and our Video-Only Plan. Don't forget to check out our monitoring page for information on all our available plans. You can also send an email to support@alarmgrid.com to get the ball rolling on new monitoring service a bit more quickly. We check emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. As always, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Alarm.com has sent the ADC-POE-INJ PoE Injector to the big storage closet in the sky. That's our way of saying that the product has been discontinued. Alarm.com has not named an official replacement for the product. But you should be able to use most PoE Injector devices with ADC Cameras.

Before we get into the significance of the ADC-POE-INJ being discontinued, we should give a quick lesson on what exactly Power over Ethernet (PoE) refers to. Basically, PoE allows a device, in this case a compatible Alarm.com Camera, to receive both power and network connectivity from a single hardwired ethernet connection. That way, you won't need to run both a network wire and a power wire to the device. When it comes to the Alarm.com Cameras, most of their cameras designed for commercial use (with a VC in the SKU or name) support PoE, while most of their residential cameras do not support PoE.

Normally, if you are using an internet network router that supports PoE, then no PoE injector is needed. You will just connect the ethernet wire from the PoE-supported router to the PoE-compatible device. By doing this, both power and network connectivity will be supplied. But if you are using a router or network switch that doesn't already provide power, then you can add a PoE injector to add (inject) electrical power into the ethernet connection. That's where a device like the ADC-POE-INJ really comes in handy. The Alarm.com ADC-POE-INJ has served as the recommended PoE injector for use with PoE-compatible Alarm.com Cameras for quite some time. Now with the product discontinued, users must find another option.

Alarm.com has not yet named a replacement for the discontinued ADC-POE-INJ, nor do they have another option that they officially recommend. But the good news is that most PoE injectors on the market should work fine. If you need a PoE injector for setting up a network of PoE-compatible cameras, then you should be able find one online or at most computer or office supply stores. And we will make sure to let you know if we learn of a good replacement from Alarm.com or another reputable source.

Of course, if you come across a used ADC-POE-INJ, then it should still work just fine. But you are unlikely to find any new models with the product officially discontinued. If you had any prior experience using the ADC-POE-INJ, then please let us know about your personal thoughts on the product down below. Did you find that it was an easy PoE injector to use, or did it present some difficulties? We would love to hear what you have to say. Stay tuned to the Alarm Grid Blog for more security news and updates coming real soon!