PTZ control priority
Last modified: Thursday February 26, 2026.
When users, alarms, and camera tours simultaneously try to access the same pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, Alta Video determines control as follows.
User vs. new user
If a user has manual control of a camera and a new user attempts to take over, the new user sees the message PTZ is currently under control by another user. The new user cannot take control until the camera receives no movement instructions from the current user for five seconds .
User vs. new alarm
If a user is manually controlling a camera and another alarm attempts to move it, the user sees the message A new alarm requires this camera. The user is given the option to allow the camera to go to the alarm position or decline the request. If the user declines, the rule does not execute its PTZ move action.
Alarm vs. new user
If an alarm is controlling a camera and a user attempts to take manual control, the user sees the message Currently in use by an alarm. The user can either let the alarm keep control or click Take control with joystick to override the alarm.
Alarm vs. new alarm
If an alarm is controlling a camera and a second alarm is triggered, control passes to the new rule after the camera receives no movement instructions from the first alarm for five seconds .
Tours vs. new users or alarms
Manual users and alarms gain instant control over a camera that is currently running a PTZ tour. After the user or alarm has finished and the camera has been inactive for its configured idle period, control transfers back to the PTZ tour.
For more information, see:
