What Does Deter Mode ON/OFF Mean on Vivint Cameras?
Ever heard a sudden, eerie whistle echoing from your neighbor’s yard, followed by a flash of light after dark?
That’s likely the Vivint Outdoor Camera Pro’s “Deter” feature in action, a high-tech guardian disguised as a smart security camera.
But what exactly does “deter” mean in this context? And how does it help protect your home and keep unwanted visitors away? Let's talk about it.
What does deter mean?
In plain English, to deter is to discourage someone from doing something, usually through the threat of negative consequences.
Imagine a "wet floor" sign deterring someone from running through a grocery store or a security camera deterring potential burglars.
Vivint's "Deter" feature takes this principle and elevates it to a whole new level, transforming your doorbell camera into a proactive security maestro.
What is deter on a Vivint camera pro?
On a Vivint Camera Pro, "Deter" refers to the camera's built-in Smart Deter feature — a proactive security tool designed to discourage suspicious activity before it escalates.
Think of Vivint’s Deter mode as a three-act security performance, carefully choreographed to prompt any intruder to reconsider their actions.
When Deter mode is turned ON, the camera takes center stage, using the following features to defend your property:
Loud alarm
When someone is detected within a designated zone and lingers for too long, the camera will emit a loud pre-recorded warning message or a piercing siren sound.
This sudden burst of noise is intended to startle the individual and make them think twice about continuing their activity.
Bright LED ring
Alongside the audio alarm, the camera's built-in LED ring will also brightly illuminate, instantly drawing attention to the intruder's presence and potentially revealing them to nearby neighbors or authorities.
Records their every move
Even if the initial deterrents fail, the camera diligently captures footage of the entire performance.
This recorded evidence plays like a haunting encore, providing valuable information for authorities or insurance claims, should the curtain fall on a crime.
What does deter off mean on Vivint camera?
On a Vivint camera, such as the Doorbell Camera Pro or Outdoor Camera Pro, "Deter Off" means you’ve disabled the proactive security feature that automatically warns potential intruders with sounds (like a whistle or alarm) and lights (flashing LED ring) when it detects a person lingering.
In other words, the camera’s Smart Deter system is turned off, stopping deterrent alerts and actions.
Turning it "On" activates this deterrent feature, making the camera actively scare away trespassers. Turning it "Off" stops these automatic warnings, though the camera will still record video.
What "Deter Off" Means:
- No Automatic Warnings: The camera will not play sounds or flash lights to scare people away when it detects movement.
- Stops Notifications (Sometimes): You may receive fewer notifications if you’ve adjusted alert settings to only notify for specific detections, but the deterrent feature itself is paused.
- Still Records: The camera continues recording video and may still send alerts for recordings even when deterrence is disabled.
When You Might Use "Deter Off":
- Too Many Notifications: Useful if you’re getting frequent alerts from pets or familiar people and want fewer interruptions.
- Privacy: Ideal when you’re at home and don’t want sounds or flashing lights activating for every passerby.
- Specific Times: You can set schedules in the Vivint app so deterrence is active only at certain times or when the system is armed.
To re-enable the feature, go back to the camera settings in the Vivint app and select "Turn deter on". You can then choose a schedule or set it to "Always" so the camera actively protects your property.
Benefits of smart deter:
Prevents crime before it happens: By actively deterring intrusion attempts, the camera can potentially help avoid break-ins, vandalism, and other unwanted activity.
Reduces dependence on footage: While recorded footage can be valuable, Smart Deter aims to stop situations from escalating to the point where recording becomes necessary.
Offers additional peace of mind: Knowing that your camera is actively discouraging potential intruders can provide an extra layer of security and comfort.
Adjust the "deter" settings for your Vivint Doorbell Camera
Ready to turn your doorbell into a crime-fighting powerhouse?
Here's how to adjust the "Deter" settings on your Vivint Smart Home app, like a skilled stagehand controlling the props:
- Navigate to the "Cameras" section. It's like finding your instrument in the orchestra pit.
- Tap the settings gear icon. Your backstage pass to the technical controls.
- Select your Outdoor Camera Pro. It's time to spotlight your star performer.
- Dive into the "Smart Deter" options. This is where you orchestrate the security symphony.
Schedule:
Choose when your camera plays vigilante (always, never, or specific days/times). Think of it as setting the show's run dates.
You can customize the times and days when Smart Deter is active, ensuring it only engages during vulnerable periods, like at night or when you're away.
Tone:
Opt for a friendly chime, a sharp whistle, or even a prerecorded "you're being recorded" message.
Different pre-recorded messages or siren sounds are available to choose from, allowing you to personalize the deterrent effect. Choose the sound that best suits your security needs.
Linger duration:
Set the time threshold for someone to be considered "loitering" and trigger the deter sequence. This determines how long they have to stay on stage before the spotlight hits them.
You can also define specific areas within the camera's field of view where Smart Deter should trigger, avoiding unnecessary activation by passing vehicles or animals.
Remember, "deter" is just one aspect of the Vivint Camera Pro's overall security functionality. It works alongside features like motion detection, smart locks, two-way audio, and real-time alerts to provide a comprehensive security solution for your home.
I hope this explanation clarifies how "deter" functions on your Vivint Camera Pro. Thanks for reading!