When a prespecified object is detected in the alarm zone, a digital alarm signal is sent via the Internet to the monitoring center or you can self monitor and have the video clips sent to an email address with a 10 second full color video clip, including pre-alarm video, camera ID, time, type of alarm (person/vehicle), and site ID. Upon viewing the video clip, the operator can quickly determine whether people or vehicles have entered the alarm zone and verify or nullify the alarm. The alarm clip can be viewed using the CheckVideo Software Service1 or can be integrated with the central station automation software interface. The CheckVideo appliance can be used to augment an existing video recording system.