Why does the Bridge have physical alarm inputs?

These zone inputs allow the Bridge to create video alarm alerts from any physical trigger source. From zones on an alarm panel to relays from machinery and electronic gates or other equipment, the alarm zone inputs allow the Bridge to create a video alarm notification from any trigger.

Can the Bridge create alarm signals from camera analytics?

Yes, the Bridge can create video arm events, mobile app push notifications, and alarm signals from cameras with analytics. This allows camera analytics to be an alarm detection zone and trigger a video event and alarm signal to the central station.

How long are the MP4 video events created by the Bridge?

Each event is typically 20 seconds long, with 10 seconds of pre-trigger and 10 seconds of post-trigger. However, security dealers can modify and extend the length of the MP4 video file up to 10 seconds of pre-trigger and 60 seconds of post-trigger, giving them up to 70 seconds of alarm video.

Is the Bridge POE powered?

The current models of the Bridge only support 12v DC input. CHeKT is manufacturing new Bridge units to support POE and 12 volts of DC power.   

Can the Bridge be Armed & Disarmed by a traditional alarm panel?

Yes, the Bridge can be armed by wiring a programmable output from an alarm panel. When this output is programmed, the alarm panel will arm and disarm the Bridge.

The Bridge has an Arming Input that can be programmed to arm and disarm the Bridge based on voltage changes ranging from 0 to 12 volts. So any external voltage trigger, whether that be an electronic voltage timer or other sources, can arm and disarm the Bridge.

Can the Bridge be Armed indepent of an alarm panel?

Yes, a Bridge can also be armed and disarmed by customers using the CHeKT mobile app.

Can the Bridge have an arming schedule?

Security companies and customers can define an arming and disarming schedule.

Can the Bridge arm and disarm an onsite alarm panel?

Yes, by programming one of the relay outputs on the Bridge as a momentary trigger, the output can be wired into an alarm panel key switch zone and then the customer can arm and disarm an onsite alarm panel with the CHeKT mobile app.

What's the purpose of arming and disarming the Bridge?

By arming and disarming the Bridge, the customer can control when they want an alert to be sent to them or to the alarm monitoring center. This ensures that a monitored response only occurs when the customer needs a video security system.

Can the Bridge work with any cameras?

The Bridge works with thousands of camera brands. The cameras or network recorder must support either ONVIF API or a video streaming URL that the Bridge can connect to on the local network.

Can the Bridge connect to NVRs or DVRs?

Yes, the Bridge can authenticate to most NVR and DVR systems. When the NVR DVR supports the ONVIF API service, the Bridge will authenticate to the NVR/DVR and pull the video streams through that appliance. For DVRs at NVRs that do not support on ONVIF, as long as they support RTSP streaming, the Bridge can pull video from those devices.

Can the Bridge create video alarm events from wireless zones?

Yes, this is done one of two ways, by using a programmable relay output module that triggers the Bridge when the wireless zone opens or by using a supported alarm monitoring center. The monitoring station software can provide live access to the associated camera and create an on-demand event from a wireless zone alarm without an onsite relay.

Does the Bridge support audible voice and talk-down commands?

Yes, the Bridge supports both live audio speech and preloaded audible voice commands, allowing the customer or the alarm monitoring center to issue these commands on demand.

Is there a mobile app for the Bridge?

Yes, a CHeKT mobile app for the Bridge allows customers to view live video, receive notifications from video alarm events, arm and disarm their site, activate relays, control PTZ cameras, engage two-way audio cameras, and use the site audio broadcasting talk-down service.

Can the audible commands be programmed automatically?

Yes, audible commands can be programmed as part of an Automation Rule. This allows audible commands to be automatically issued based on an alarm or event trigger. Various rules allow the security company to define when and what creates the audible command.

What is the purpose of the relay outputs of the Bridge?

The relay outputs on the Bridge allow an installing company to wire a relay into any external device controlled by a switch. The alarm monitoring center and the customer mobile app can control these relays remotely. For example, the relays could be used to turn on lights, open a gate, or as a remote switch for a piece of machinery.

Can the relay outputs be programmed automatically?

Yes, the relays can be programmed as part of an Automation Rule. This allows the relays to be automatically controlled based on an alarm or event trigger. Various rules allow the security company to define when and what creates the relay condition.

Does the Bridge support multiple networks?

Yes. The CKB416 Bridge has two ethernet ports and the CKB308 & CKB312 only one ethernet port. However, a USB to Ethernet adaptor can be added to the CKB308 and CKB312.

Can the Bridge Ethernet port be programmed with a sub-interface?

Yes, the Bridge Ethernet ports can be programmed with up to two sub-interfaces. The primary interface is set as DHCP by default and can be set to a static IP address. The secondary interface is always static but disabled by default.

Can the Bridge create video alarm events from API commands?

Yes, the Bridge supports local API integration from an external source. This API trigger will create the video event notification and alarm signal experience.

Can the Bridge work with any onsite AI server systems?

Yes, by utilizing the local API, a local AI server can trigger a video event alert as the source for events at alarm signal notifications.

Can the Bridge create video events that only go to my customers?

Yes, you can program the Bridge to only alert the customer using the CHeKT mobile app. The customer can arm and disarm their system and receive event notifications. They can control relays and use the audible talk-down service. If needed, the security company can also configure automated rules and arming schedules for the customer.

How does the Bridge work with a standard alarm system?

By utilizing the Bridge's arming input and zone inputs, the Bridge will supervise any of the alarm system zones. By utilizing the arming input of the Bridge, the Bridge will arm and disarm with the alarm panel. When the alarm panel is armed and a zone is opened on the alarm panel, the alarm panel will send an alarm signal to the central station, and the Bridge will create a video alarm event. These two pieces of information are merged at the central station, providing the alarm monitoring center with real-time video monitoring.

How does the Bridge work with wireless zones on my alarm panel for alarm monitoring?

With wireless zones, a security company can either use an output module to trip inputs on the Bridge to create the video events, or they can utilize the alarm panel integration and automation software at the monitoring center. With integrated alarm monitoring software, when a wireless zone is received, the automation platform will automatically create the video event and provide the operator with live video access to the site.

How does the Bridge work without an alarm panel?

The Bridge itself is a video alarm communicator that is armed and disarmed based upon a schedule or the customer using a mobile app. Video alarm events can be created with wired sensors into the zone inputs of the Bridge,  using the video analytics of cameras or a local API event trigger. The Bridge will transmit video alarm signals to the associated alarm monitoring center. When an alarm signal is sent, the monitoring center will have instant access to the video alarm event and live video from the site.

Can the zone inputs on the Bridge be used to create video alarm alerts from non-security devices?

Yes, the zone inputs can be used with various equipment or devices, like gates, environmental sensors, machinery, and anything that can create an open/closed circuit. Any physical trigger will generate an associated video event notification.

For my Central station or the customer to view video, does the Bridge need to be port forwarded at the router?

No, the Bridge or any video equipment on site need to be port forward for these features to work.

Does the Bridge transmit video securely?

Yes, all video transmitted from the Bridge is transmitted using encrypted video transmission.

Does my alarm monitoring center take connections from the check video solution?

It is very likely that they do, however, you should confirm with your monitoring center. If your monitoring center has not been familiarized with CHeKT or is uncertain, contact us, and we can help. The CHeKT solution is integrated with nearly every alarm monitoring automation software, so integrating with an alarm monitoring center is simple.

Is adding video alarm monitoring expensive?

Adding video alarm monitoring services varies depending on the application and situations where you're adding video alarm monitoring. When adding a Bridge to an existing alarm panel with existing zones, the costs are considered an enhanced upgrade. This is because the alarm signal rate will not increase. Adding a Bridge to accounts makes the alarm monitoring process more efficient by providing operators with video details, aiding and an enhanced response for verifying alarms.

When an alarm occurs, can a customer see the event?

Yes, customers can receive an event as a push notification to the CHeKT mobile app.

When an alarm occurs, can the monitoring center push the video to my customer requesting and dispatch?

Yes, the monitoring center can push the video to your customer and request the customer engage in the decision-making process. With this service, customers can either disregard the alarm or request a dispatch on the alarm.

What type of audio devices does the Bridge work with?

The Bridge can use either analog audio systems or IP speakers. The Bridge itself has an audio output. This is a 3.5 mm jack or 1/8 in jack that can be connected to any analog amplifier, allowing the Bridge to use the audio function of an onsite amplifier or intercom system. The Bridge can also connect to supported IP speakers. There are several IP speaker brands that the Bridge is integrated with.

Can the Bridge use speakers on IP cameras?

Yes. However, many IP camera manufacturers in the market have not quality-tested their IP audio integration with ONVIF backchannel audio standardization. CHeKT is actively working with many of these manufacturers to improve their audio support of the ONVIF backchannel audio service. It's currently best practice to test your IP camera and speaker to see if they are functioning properly.

Can the Bridge be installed by the consumer?

No, the CHeKT solution is sold through security integrators and alarm companies. If you're interested in the CHeKT, we recommend you contact your local alarm company or visit this site to find a certified alarm company near you.

Does the Bridge have to be monitored by an alarm center?

No, the Bridge does not have to be professionally monitored by an alarm monitoring center. All event alerts and notifications can go direct to the consumer using the CHeKT mobile app.

Can a customer manage more than one location with the check mobile app?

Yes, the customer can manage many sites with their CHeKT and mobile app. This allows customers with small businesses and a home to manage all of their video security systems in one app.

Does the Bridge allow remote video guard tours?

Yes, using the Video Guard Tour scheduling rule, security companies can initial a live video tour at the remote monitoring center. During this schedule, the monitoring center will have access to all live video cameras, access to the relays for onsite controls of systems, access to the audio talk-down services, and the ability to create on-demand video events.

When the Bridge has an alarm trigger, what does the professional alarm monitoring center have access to?

When an alarm occurs, whether paired with an alarm panel or the Bridge used as a standalone video system, the monitoring center has live access to all cameras paired to the Bridge. The center also has access to any events created and the ability to push the event to the consumer to request a dispatch or cancel. That monitoring center can also access the relays for onsite control, the audio talk-down service, and the ability to create additional on-demand event videos.

Does the bridge work with any existing IP doorbell cameras?

Yes, if the doorbell is an ONVIF doorbell, then it will currently work. However, this is uncommon in the IP camera doorbell space. So we are currently in conversations with several doorbell manufacturers to improve this level of integration.

Does CHeKT support two-way audio full duplex?

Yes, as long as the camera supports two-way audio, the CHeKT platform from the customer app and the monitoring center can engage in two-way audio.

Does the Bridge work with any onsite AI servers or cloud-based AI engines in the market?

Yes, many AI plaforms have integrated with CHeKT open API's for video alarm creation. CHeKT is actively working with several of the industry's AI services.

Are event videos created by the Bridge stored onsite or in the cloud?

When an event is triggered by any source like analytics, an API, analog input or others, the Bridge will upload the MP4 video event to the CHeKT cloud for storage.

If the site's internet is down, how does the Bridge handle event uploading?

The Bridge will retain events triggered while offline and then upload the events once the internet is restored.

How long are events stored in the CHeKT cloud?

All events are stored for 1 year in the CHeKT cloud.  Depending on the dealer plan determine the access level.  Standard dealers can access events for 30 days, Professional Dealers can access events for 90 days, and Premium dealers can access events for 1 year.

What cloud service does CHeKT use to store events?

All video events from CHeKT are stored with AWS.

Does CHeKT support global regions for event storage for customers in countries outside of the United States?

Yes, CHeKT has AWS storage services in AWS regions across the globe to maximize speed and local video storage regulations.