SecuritySpy

SecuritySpy is a video surveillance application for macOS that manages multiple video sources. The software captures, records, and monitors streams from IP and analog cameras via capture hardware. The motion detection feature activates recordings based on visual activity. The inclusion of a built-in web server enables remote access to live streams and recordings from browsers and mobile devices.

★★★★★

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• IP Camera Compatibility. SecuritySpy connects to network cameras using standard ONVIF, RTSP, and MJPEG protocols. Configuration requires the IP address, port, and credentials for each device. The software supports video streams at resolutions ranging from VGA to 4K, adjusting the processing load according to system capabilities.
• Analog Camera Support. The software operates with analog CCTV cameras by using USB or PCIe video capture devices. These converters digitize the composite video signal for processing. This feature allows for modernizing legacy surveillance systems while maintaining existing coaxial cabling infrastructure.
• Advanced Motion Detection. The algorithm analyzes the pixels of each video frame to identify significant changes. Sensitivity parameters, mask area, and trigger threshold are configurable per camera. Detection can trigger recordings, notifications, and external actions via system scripts.
• Scheduled and Event-Based Recording. SecuritySpy records video continuously according to predefined schedules or exclusively during motion detection events. Recording modes include continuous loop, overwriting old files, and retention based on available storage space. Each camera has independent recording settings.
• Built-in Web Server. An integrated HTTP server streams live and recorded video to web browsers. It supports secure access via HTTPS and authentication with username and password. Users view multiple cameras simultaneously in an adaptive interface that works on computers and mobile devices.
• PTZ Camera Control. Provides complete control over cameras with Pan, Tilt, and Zoom capabilities via supported protocols. The interface includes direction buttons, zoom controls, and preset positions. PTZ movements can be automated through scheduled sequences or triggered by detection events.
• Notifications and Alerts. The software generates immediate alerts via push notifications for iOS/macOS, emails with attached snapshots, and execution of AppleScript or Shell scripts. Filters prevent excessive notifications by configuring cooldown periods and specific activation schedules.
• Storage and Archive Management. Recordings are saved in a proprietary file format optimized to maintain time and event metadata. A database system indexes all recordings to allow quick searches by date, time, and camera. Automatic backups transfer files to network drives or cloud services.
• Multi-Screen Monitoring. SecuritySpy supports viewing on multiple monitors connected to the Mac, distributing camera groups across different screens. Full-screen mode hides interface elements for dedicated viewing. Display layouts are customizable and savable.
• HomeKit Secure Video Integration. When used with compatible cameras, the software can act as a bridge to Apple's HomeKit platform. This allows viewing streams and recordings within the Apple Home app, with secure person, animal, and package detection processing performed on the local device.
• Camera Time Synchronization. Maintains precise time synchronization between all system cameras and the host computer using the NTP protocol. This feature is essential for correlating events across multiple surveillance angles and creating accurate forensic timelines.
• Real-Time Video Encoding. Performs transcoding of video streams to adjust the codec, resolution, or bitrate before storage or remote retransmission. Reduces bandwidth requirements for mobile access and optimizes storage space usage without losing original source quality.
• Two-Way Audio Support. Captures audio from cameras with built-in microphones and transmits audio to cameras with speakers. Enables communication via IP intercoms. Audio levels are configurable, and audio can be recorded simultaneously with video or triggered by separate events.
• Automation via AppleScript. Exposes a comprehensive scripting interface that allows controlling all software functions via AppleScript. Scripts can start recordings, change camera settings, export files, and react to system events, integrating SecuritySpy with other macOS automation workflows.
• State Machine Mode. Implements preconfigured operational profiles that change automatically based on time of day, event detection, or manual activation. Each profile modifies settings such as recording quality, motion sensitivity, and notification destinations, adapting system behavior to different security contexts.

SecuritySpy was created by Ben Software, a development company founded by programmer Ben Bird. Development of the application began in 2004. The software is written primarily in the Objective-C programming language, with low-level components in C and C++. The architecture uses Apple's Cocoa and Core Media frameworks for the user interface and video processing.

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