AOV Security Camera: How Always-On Video Works

AOV (Always On Video) is a security camera technology that records 24/7 at a variable frame rate. It records continuously, but at the same time, it saves power and storage by recording for a longer duration on battery power.

Let’s understand what an AOV security camera is. We will take a look at its amazing features, benefits, and applications. We will also explain how it is different from a common battery-powered security camera.

Key Takeaways:

• AOV security cameras record at a low frame rate in idle mode, and they switch to a high frame rate when activity is detected.
• They rely on battery and solar power and last for a long time because of low power consumption.
• The camera doesn't miss moments because recording is continuous without gaps, ensuring optimal security.
• It is a wire-free option ideal for solar-powered monitoring.

What Is an AOV Security Camera?

AOV stands for Always-on Video. An AOV security camera is a battery/solar-powered security camera that records continuously.

Even if there is no object around, it does not stop recording. It remains powered on and active and does not go into sleep or standby mode due to power constraints.

It captures every moment. But the best part is that it saves storage and battery despite continuous recording. It offers longer performance compared to normal battery-powered cameras.

How Do AOV Security Cameras Work?

Low-Frame-Rate Recording

In idle mode, when there is no activity or object, AOV security cameras reduce the frame rate. They record one or several frames per second to save storage without missing any instant.

Event Recording

During an event, the camera automatically detects the presence of an object. It increases its frame rate to the normal value and records the event smoothly.

Battery/Solar Power

The camera has a built-in battery that lasts for a long time. Secondly, the battery recharges automatically through the connected solar panel. Thus, it works on its own and does not require frequent maintenance.

Benefits of AOV Security Cameras

Fewer Gaps in Recorded Footage

Event-only security cameras stop recording in idle mode, which creates gaps in the recordings. AOV cameras do not stop recording. They only reduce the frame rate. Thus, there are fewer or no gaps in the recorded footage. You can watch recorded videos continuously without any missing periods.

Fewer False Alerts

Often, event-only security cameras miss event details and record when the object is nearby. Secondly, they send false alerts by detecting wind, leaves, and objects that don’t matter.

AOV cameras use improved object detection through an advanced PIR sensor or AI recognition. Therefore, they can detect and smartly identify what the object is. They know whether there is a person, animal, or vehicle. This reduces false alerts and shares notifications of instances that actually matter.

Lower Power Consumption

Full-frame 24/7 recording consumes too much battery power and storage, which is why it can’t last longer. In contrast, an AOV camera records fewer frames when there is no activity, and it consumes minimal battery. It only captures at a high frame rate when there is an object around. That’s why it can last for months on a single recharge.

Better for Solar-Powered Monitoring

Normal security cameras do not last as long because of high energy consumption, and their solar panels don’t provide enough energy during winter. AOV cameras consume much less battery because of a low frame rate. They charge the battery automatically using a small solar panel. That said, they do not require wired power or frequent recharging.

Where Are AOV Security Cameras Most Useful?

Construction Sites: Using AOV cameras, contractors and owners can keep an eye on the construction site all day. It records every moment, whether it's day or night.

Agricultural Properties: People can monitor their farms, orchards, or remote properties from anywhere. The AOV camera records continuously and recharges on its own.

Off-grid Houses/Cabins: AOV cameras can be placed on off-grid houses and cabins. They recharge through the solar panel and work continuously. They ensure security without needing frequent maintenance.

Parking Lots: In parking lots, AOV cameras work very well as they continuously record and don’t miss any moment. They capture every vehicle and record the video without any gaps.

Wildlife Monitoring: AOV cameras can also be used for wildlife monitoring. They can instantly detect animals from a distance. They capture every moment of wildlife activity.

AOV Camera vs. Traditional Battery Security Camera: What's the Difference?

The primary difference is recording behavior. Traditional battery cameras only record when motion is detected. In contrast, AOV (Always-On Vision) cameras record continuously at a reduced frame rate and switch to full frame rate when they detect activity.

An Alternative to AOV Cameras: Reolink Altas Series

Reolink Altas series solves the issues of common battery-powered security cameras without even lowering the frame rate like AOV cameras. They are an excellent alternative for robust security.

Best for 360° Continuous Monitoring – Reolink Altas PT Ultra

Altas PT Ultra is a battery/solar-powered security camera with a 500-day long-lasting battery life in motion detection mode. It can also continuously record videos and recharge automatically through the solar panel. The notable feature is the 10s pre-recording mode, which starts recording the video before motion is detected. Thus, it never misses an important moment.

It’s a pan-and-tilt camera that captures 360° in 4K resolution. It automatically tracks the motion of objects and sends real-time alerts. The ColorX night vision also saves battery and records true colors, even in low-light conditions. It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 security camera, which ensures reliable and fast performance.

Best for Extended Continuous Recording – Reolink Altas

Reolink Altas is a compact bullet camera with solar compatibility. It offers a 540-day battery life in motion detection mode and can record continuously for 8 days. It also has a pre-recording mode to record videos for up to 14 days on a single charge. The battery performs well even in extreme cold and offers uninterrupted security.

The camera records videos in 2K resolution. It’s equipped with ColorX night vision to record true colors in low-light conditions. The advanced AI detection distinguishes between people, animals, and vehicles and sends real-time accurate alerts. Its IP66 rating makes it suitable for outdoor use and working in harsh weather conditions.

FAQs

Does an AOV camera record 24/7?

AOV cameras record 24/7, but they reduce the frame rate when there is no object or activity. Thus, they do not stop recording in any case. They switch to high frame rates when motion is detected.

What is the difference between AOV and PIR cameras?

AOV cameras record continuously. When they an object or activity, they record at a normal frame rate. But when there is no one around, they reduce the frame rate to 1. PIR cameras sense the motion of an object and start recording the video. And when there is no activity, they go into standby mode and stop recording.

Does an AOV security camera need Wi-Fi?

Most AOV security cameras use 4G LTE for internet access. They do not need Wi-Fi. However, you can also find AOV cameras that rely on a Wi-Fi network.

Does AOV use more battery?

No, AOV cameras save battery by reducing the frame rate in idle mode. Their battery lasts longer than normal cameras.

Conclusion

AOV security cameras solve the issues of common battery-powered security cameras. They record continuously by adjusting the frame rate to save power and storage. Their battery lasts longer, and they do not miss any important moments. They are solar-powered and can retain videos for a longer period. For these reasons, they are a highlight in the modern security industry. We have shared the features, benefits, and applications of AOV cameras, as well as better alternatives, to help you select the right security camera.