Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about VisuDock Live OCR: the free trial, your cameras, privacy, alerts and subscriptions.
🚀 Getting started
What is VisuDock Live OCR?
It is a Windows desktop application that reads license plates (ANPR / number plate recognition) and on-screen text from your cameras. It keeps a vehicle register, raises alerts on matches, and runs entirely on your own PC.
What do I need to run it?
A Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, and one or more cameras (or a video file, an image folder, or your screen) to point it at. No cloud account and no subscription are needed to start the free trial.
How long does setup take?
A few minutes. Install the app, add a camera, choose Text OCR or License Plates, draw a scan box around the gate or sign, and press Start. The documentation walks through each step.
📷 Cameras and video
Which cameras does it work with?
RTSP and ONVIF IP cameras and NVRs (one click can scan your network for ONVIF devices), webcams, HLS and MJPEG streams, image folders, video files and screen capture.
How many cameras can I run at once?
Up to 6 cameras at the same time. A live grid view shows every camera, and each camera has its own scan box and an entry or exit gate role.
My camera is H.265 / HEVC and the picture will not play. Why?
H.265 streams usually cannot be played by the app. Switch the camera, or its sub-stream, to H.264 in the camera's own settings. This is the most common setup issue.
🎯 Recognition and accuracy
How accurate is the license plate recognition?
It depends on camera position, angle, lighting, plate size in the frame, and image quality. You can set an accuracy level so only confident readings are used, and choose how many matching reads are needed before a plate is logged. The free trial lets you test it on your own cameras before you pay.
Can I limit recognition to just the gate area?
Yes. Draw a scan box over the gate or sign. Only that area is read, which is faster and produces fewer false readings.
Can I match specific plates or words?
Yes. You can keep a plate blacklist, and in Text OCR you can match keywords and patterns (regex). Matches raise an alert.
Why is a real plate being skipped?
The accuracy level is probably set too high, or the plate is too small in the frame. Lower the accuracy level, zoom or move the camera, or draw a tighter scan box. See Troubleshooting.
🔒 Privacy and your data
Does my video leave my computer?
No. Recognition runs on your own PC, so it even keeps working on a private network with no internet. No video, images, plate numbers or scanned text are uploaded to us. See the Privacy Policy.
Where are my records and photos stored?
In a folder on your own PC (by default Documents\VisuDock). You choose whether to save a photo with each record, and how long records are kept (7, 15 or 30 days) before they are deleted automatically.
What does the app send to your license service?
Only a hashed identifier of your PC, the app version and your license status. No camera data of any kind.
🔔 Alerts and the vehicle register
How can I be alerted?
Sound, a desktop notification, email (Gmail) and Telegram. When a blacklisted plate appears, the app can also save a short evidence clip.
What is the vehicle register?
A daily log of plates with the time, camera, direction (entry or exit) and a photo of each record. It has search, CSV export, repeat filtering, and automatic deletion after your chosen retention period.
Why is the same vehicle logged only once?
By default a vehicle that stays in view is not logged again for a cooldown period (5 minutes by default). You can change this in the register's advanced settings.
💳 Trial, pricing and billing
Does the app need an internet connection?
Only for licence validation. Recognition runs entirely on your own PC and keeps working with no internet, which is why it works on a private network. The app checks in online at least once every 48 hours, and scanning pauses if it cannot validate for longer than that. Your saved records stay on your PC and can still be exported.
How does the free trial work?
You get 30 days free from first use, with no card needed. When the trial ends, scanning stops until you subscribe. Your saved records stay on your PC and can still be exported.
How much does it cost after the trial?
$9 per month or $89 per year (which saves you $31). See the pricing page.
Who processes my payment?
Orders and payments are handled by Paddle.com, our Merchant of Record, who also handles taxes and refunds. We never see your full card number.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Every payment, including renewals, is covered by a 14-day money-back guarantee. See the Refund Policy.
How do I cancel?
Use the cancellation link in your Paddle receipt email, or email us and we will cancel it for you. You keep access until the end of the period you already paid for.
🖥️ Installing and running
Windows shows a warning when I install it. Why?
Windows SmartScreen can show a message for newer software that does not yet have a large download history. If you downloaded the installer from visudock.com, choose More info and then Run anyway.
Is VisuDock Live OCR for public roads?
No. It is for lawful use on private property, residential gates and authorized checkpoints under your control. It must not be used to track plates of general public traffic. See Terms of Service.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you are looking for? Reach out and we will be happy to help.