Appendix C — Glossary
Alarm Actions
The assigned responses for the dome camera when inputs change from normal to abnormal
states. The dome may run a Preset, Pattern, or have no assigned action for each of the four
dome inputs. The dome may also send alarm states to the host controller for processing. See
also Input and Normal Input State.
Areas
Programmed start and end points of the dome's field of view around its pan axis.
Each area is a part of a circular viewing area that extends around the dome. The areas can be
different sizes. Up to 16 areas can be programmed for the dome.
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
Allows for the amplification of the video signal in scenes with minimal ambient light. Many low-
light scenes result in picture noise. As gain is increased, the picture noise is also amplified.
When AGC is enabled, the value of the gain setting is based on feedback from the camera.
When AGC is disabled, the camera uses the value set for the manual gain setting. The trade-off
between picture level and noise may be adjusted when AGC is disabled.
On-screen Menu
The text overlay menu system used for setting dome features. The utility is accessed using a
keystroke combination. The utility provides settings for camera functions, zoom, alarms, text
display, and password protection.
Flip
Allows the dome to automatically turn 180 degrees when the camera tilts to its lower limit and
stays in that position for a brief delay. When the dome flips (rotates), the camera starts moving
upward as long as the tilt control is kept in the down position. Once the control is released, the
tilt control returns to its normal operational mode. The flip feature is useful when you need to
track someone who walks directly beneath the dome and continues on the other side.
Home Position
The default position to which the dome camera returns after an assigned period of inactivity
passes. The default position may be a Preset, Tour, Pattern, or No Action.
Input Alarm
A connection point on the dome camera that enables the system to monitor Input Devices. There
are four inputs available for the dome camera.
Input Devices
External devices that provide information about the condition of system components that
connect to the inputs on the dome camera. Typical input devices include door contacts, motion
detectors and smoke detectors.