Software for reviewing security footage?

[Autarchist]

I've set up my Panasonic digital camcorder on a tripod by the window pointed at my car outside so I can see if tweakers are snooping around my car or trying to lift the cover off at night.

That said, 8 hours of footage is a LOT to review, even with fast forwarding.

The video files are mpeg format, and 99% of the footage looks like a still shot, with the occasional cat walking by or car headlights passing through. I'm curious if there is a program out there that can scan the footage for those frames which have noticeable "movement" of some sort so I can review those portions specifically. Something like that would give me great intel on what kind of activity is taking place at night. A camera with "motion detection" would be nice, but I'm trying to work with what I've already got for now.

Anything like that out there?

[IntoForever]

Is there an option to only record movement?

[Autarchist]

Is there an option to only record movement?

No, it's just a real basic handheld camcorder with minimal features.

[hdvss]

Easiest way is to just load it up on a PC and use a video viewer that allows fast forward or has a jog control. If you have to review multiple files, connect them together in an editor, then review them as fewer files.

Unless there is damage on the vehicle or other property, it's probably not worth the time to review the footage.

[steadyrock]

That sounds like a chore to do on a daily basis. Are you that paranoid about people looking at your car? Your time to spend how you see fit, I guess. If it were me, I would either invest in a higher end DVR and camera setup that can record when there is motion (and similarly timestamp the footage, and other niceties) or go low-tech and sprinkle flour around on the ground. That way you know if someone was walking around it, and whether it's worth your time to review the footage for that day.

Or just set up an automated taser/pepper spray cannon on in-ground pressure switches with sirens and a thing to throw a net over the bad guy and hoist him up in a tree.

[Autarchist]

It would only be a chore if I need to fast-forward through 8 hours of footage. Fast-forwarding through 10-15 minutes of cats walking by wouldn't.

I live in a gated condominium complex. I've come out in the morning to my car being half uncovered, the alarm has been set off a number of times, etc. Pretty much every car in the complex that doesn't have an alarm has been broken into, some several times. Even if there is an alarm whoever it is has no problems "testing" the door handles and such.

The thing is that I am pretty sure I know who it is. Other residents and I have been collecting evidence on this guy, and some footage of him snooping around my car or lifting the cover could actually be valuable. As it stands right now I might be installing my own surveillance system soon as the HOA has been pretty unresponsive to the problem.

That's all a side note, though. Regardless of what my motivations are, the fact is I'm interested in a software application like I described. Figured if something exists then calgunners would know of it.

[steadyrock]

In that case, I still vote for the net contraption. You can probably find some inspiration reading old episodes of Spy vs Spy. BTW, if you find a source for those old-timey cannonball looking round bombs with the fuse coming out the top, hook me up. Thanks.

[Autarchist]

In that case, I still vote for the net contraption. You can probably find some inspiration reading old episodes of Spy vs Spy. BTW, if you find a source for those old-timey cannonball looking round bombs with the fuse coming out the top, hook me up. Thanks.

As awesome as that would be, the people who call themselves "government" don't like it when people protect themselves and their property. They have no problem sending armed men to kidnap you, lock you in a cage, and destroy you financially if you dare try to intervene with the theft of your property. Monopolies hate competition.