Defining and Managing Event Subscriptions

Beginning in version 23.6, Orchid Fusion/Hybrid VMS Administrators have the ability to define Event Subscriptions. Event Subscriptions use the power of ONVIF camera events and external systems to detect activity that may require attention. In very simple terms, the Orchid Recorder subscribes to a data point so that it receives an update when the data point has news to share. When the update is received, the Orchid Recorder will log an event, complete with the video that coincides with the event (if configured to do so).

There are two types of subscriptions: ONVIF and External. An ONVIF subscription uses one of the camera’s event “topics” as the trigger. (These are available on cameras that support ONVIF metadata streams.) Available topics will vary by camera but may include things like device errors, motion detection, and temperature changes. So, if a camera has an event topic called Video Source/MotionAlarm, you could create a subscription that alerts you when that camera detects motion.

An External subscription uses input from outside of the VMS (such as an alarm system or access control system). Using webhooks, the Orchid Recorder will be configured to receive event information from the external system each time the event occurs in the external system. So, let’s say you have an access control system with card readers at each of your building entrances. Using this feature, you can create a subscription for each card reader. Then, every time someone swipes their card, the external system will send event information to Orchid, and a new event will appear in the list for that card reader.

While Orchid Recorder is currently capable of handling these External events, they will require a varying amount of additional configuration. Some external systems will be able to send data directly to Orchid in one of three supported formats. Other external systems, however, may require additional software to convert their data into an acceptable format for Orchid. (All of this additional work should be performed by your system administrator or integrator.)

*In order to use the Events feature, Orchid Recorder and Orchid Fusion/Hybrid must both be running software version 23.6 or higher.

*The use of Event Subscriptions is optional, but recommended by IPConfigure, because it can help to identify important video quickly.

For information on viewing the actual list of events, please refer to the Orchid Fusion/Hybrid VMS User Guide.