Motion detector software is a critical component for many surveillance systems, but the reality of using motion detection on most Network Video Recorders (NVRs) is far from ideal. Despite being a standard feature, motion detection software on budget-friendly NVRs often fails to live up to expectations. In theory, motion detection is supposed to save storage space by recording only when movement is detected, but in practice, it tends to be more trouble than it's worth. The majority of budget NVRs feature motion detection algorithms that are either too simplistic or poorly optimized, leading to constant false alarms. These devices are typically unable to accurately differentiate between real movement and minor changes in the environment, such as light changes, leaves blowing, or even camera glitches. As a result, users find themselves bombarded with alerts for non-events. In frustration, many users abandon motion detection altogether and switch their NVRs to continuous recording mode, which, while more reliable, significantly increases the storage requirements. Continuous recording may seem like a simple workaround, but it defeats the purpose of motion detection in the first place, as it negates the advantage of only recording when necessary. Unfortunately, the subpar motion detection algorithms on these budget NVRs are to blame. Instead of refining and improving these systems, many manufacturers continue to use outdated motion detection technology that is not equipped to handle the complexities of modern surveillance needs. Users often realize that relying on these basic motion detectors can lead to significant waste of storage and time, with recordings filled with irrelevant footage. Even when the motion detection feature is enabled, the constant false positives make it difficult for users to rely on the system for accurate event detection. More sophisticated motion detection algorithms, such as those based on artificial intelligence, are often only found in higher-end NVRs, leaving users with budget devices stuck with unreliable motion detection software. Therefore, while motion detection is a nice feature on paper, it's often rendered useless on most budget NVRs due to the poor quality of the underlying software and hardware. Users seeking reliable motion detection often end up reverting to continuous recording, which may cost more in terms of storage and make it harder to track significant events.