ACTi NVR 3 V3.0.09 Installation Guide

Download

NVR 3.0

System Administrator’s Manual

2014/10/23

For Version 3.0.09

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NVR 3.0 System Administrator’s Manual

About This Manual

Target Audience

This manual is intended for System Administrators who are responsible for installing and setting up ACTi NVR 3.0 surveillance system. The reader is expected to know the fundamentals of IP surveillance system integration and to own the administrative privileges to achieve all the tasks.

You may also check http://www.acti.com/downloadcenter for updates or release information about this software and document.

Content Overview

This manual provides information needed for planning the installation, installing, setting up the system and configuring the video streaming devices. Its main content consists of the following three sections:

Getting Started provides the preparatory knowledge you should study before starting

installation, such as system requirements, license registration and backup/restore procedures.

Log in to the System explains how to log in to the system right after a successful

installation.

System Setup gives instructions on the tasks such as adding devices to the system,

configuring the device settings, scheduling the recordings, managing events, managing storage, managing groups/users and setting up Live View. For each major task, you will be given a brief introduction of operation principles, step-by-step instructions, and a simple method to check if you have done it correctly.

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Tool

Installation Documentation

Plug-in for Lenel OnGuard

Plug-in for Lenel OnGuard Installation Guide

Related Documentation

Since this manual focuses on how to accomplish the tasks for system installation and configurations, there is very limited information about operation-wise directions for End Users who will be operating NVR server system. To obtain the instructions on use of NVR applications such as monitoring and playback, please download the latest ACTi NVR 3.0 User’s Manual from ACTi Corporation website via http://www.acti.com/downloadcenter

Technical Support

If you have any questions during system installation, please feel free to contact our engineers via our Customer Help Desk platform http://www.acti.com/CHD.

System Integration

NVR 3.0 is supported by other products via integration tools. Please follow the instructions in the installation guide to complete the installation and system configuration.

You can find both the tool and its installation documentation on

http://www.acti.com/downloadcenter

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Important Notice

Tip

The content within this box is a tip. A tip gives you an alternative method to easily or quickly achieve an objective, usually for specific conditions.

The content within this box is an important notice. This notice is important for you to get certain functions to work properly, or to prevent from certain potential problems that may damage your system. Make sure you read this notice and follow the instructions.

Note

The content within this box is a note. A note is some necessary information you need to know about the action you are currently taking, like what will happen after you follow or don’t follow certain procedure.

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following are typographic conventions used in this manual:  Bold: Bold typeface is used for a keyword, major functions of NVR, or a title of a

section/column.

 Italic: Italic typeface is used for a filename or location path.  Underlined: Underlined typeface is used for a document name or hyperlink.  “Bold”: Bold interface enclosed in double quotation marks indicates the name of a button, a

menu or a choice item.

Some notices are placed within the following boxes; each type of the box indicates different purposes or levels of importance for system:

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Legal Notice

Disclaimer

 The information contained in this document is intended for general information purposes.

ACTi Corporation shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages arising from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual.

 The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

 The English version of this document is the official one for all purposes. All the translated

versions are provided as a convenience. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translations of any other languages are not legally binding.

Trademarks

 ACTi Connecting Vision and its logo are registered trademarks of ACTi

Corporation.

 Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

All other product or company names mentioned in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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NVR 3.0 System Administrator’s Manual

Table of Contents

1 About This Manual 2

Target Audience ..................................................................................... 2

Content Overview .................................................................................. 2

Related Documentation ......................................................................... 3

Technical Support ................................................................................... 3

System Integration ................................................................................. 3

Conventions Used in This Manual .......................................................... 4

2 Legal Notice 5

Disclaimer ............................................................................................... 5

Trademarks ............................................................................................. 5

3 Table of Contents 6

4 Overview 12

ACTi NVR Server / Client Architecture .................................................. 12

5 System Installation Check List 13

6 Getting Started 15

System Requirements ........................................................................... 15

Pre-requisites ........................................................................................ 17

1. Suitable System Specifications ............................................... 17

2. Uninstall Previous ACTi NVR 2.x Server ................................ 17

3. More than 40 GB Space on Storage Drive ............................. 17

4. Turn Off Windows UAC Function ............................................ 17

Disable UAC in Windows 7 17

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Server Installation ................................................................................ 19

Install the Software....................................................................... 19

Workstation Installation ...................................................................... 22

Install the Software....................................................................... 22

License and Activation ......................................................................... 24

Online Activation .......................................................................... 25

Offline Activation .......................................................................... 25

Step-by-step Activation Process .................................................. 26

Online Activation SOP 26 Offline Activation SOP 27

Verify Your License ....................................................................... 28

7 Log In to the System 29

Access NVR Server via Internet Explorer .............................................. 29

From Server Computer Using Local Client ................................... 29

From Remote Client Computer .................................................... 29

Accept ActiveX Controls Installation Requests ............................ 29

Condition 1: Why can’t I access NVR server via browser? 30 Condition 2: Why can’t I install Active X controls after logging in? 31

A. Enter Account & Password 33 B. Change UI language 33 C. Remember Account/Password 33 D. Retrieve the Forgotten Password 33

Access NVR Server via NVR3 Workstation ............................................ 34

Local Workstation Client Login ..................................................... 35

A. Enter Account & Password 35 B. Choose the Initial Page 35 C. Language 35 D. Remember Login Information and Auto Login 35 E. Retrieve the Forgotten Password 36

Remote Workstation Client Login ................................................. 36

A. Server IP & Server Port 36 B. Enter Account & Password 36 C. Choose the Initial Page 36 D. Language 37

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E. Remember Login Information and Auto Login 37 F. Retrieve the Forgotten Password 37 G. Server Name/Server Sites List 37

8 Set up the System 39

Setup Wizard ........................................................................................ 39

System Settings ........................................................................... 40

Storage ........................................................................................ 40

NVR Main Screen .................................................................................. 42

Live View ...................................................................................... 42

Playback....................................................................................... 42

Setup............................................................................................ 42

Add Devices .......................................................................................... 43

Search Devices Within Local Area Network ................................. 44

Search Devices Within Local Area Network with ONVIF .............. 45

Add Devices on WAN or Other Local Area Networks ................... 46

Basic Settings Attributes 47

Device Status ............................................................................... 49

Status Icon Description 49

Add Non-ACTi Cameras .............................................................. 50

Manage Multiple Devices ..................................................................... 52

Modify Basic Connection Settings ................................................ 52

Delete Devices ............................................................................. 52

Copy Settings Across Devices ..................................................... 53

Add Video Streams from a Multi-channel Device ......................... 54

Configure Device Settings .................................................................... 55

Configure Video Format ............................................................... 55

Video Settings Attributes 55

Save Storage by Setting Event Recording Frame Rate ................ 56

Schedule Recording 56 Event Recording 56 Event Recording with Frame Rate Adjustment 57 How to Make Use of Event Recording with Frame Rate Adjustment 57

Fine-tune the Image ..................................................................... 58

Video Adjustment Attributes 59

Configure Motion Settings ............................................................ 61

Adjustment Attributes 62

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Configure Storage Card Settings ................................................. 63

Configure PTZ Device .................................................................. 64

Adjustment Attributes 65 How to Do Live PTZ Operation 66

Set PTZ Preset Points .................................................................. 68

Set PTZ Preset Tour ..................................................................... 69

Configure Fisheye Cameras ......................................................... 70

Schedule Recordings ............................................................................ 74

Configure the Recording File Properties ...................................... 74

Attributes Explanation 74

Set the Schedule .......................................................................... 76

Use Time Setting Quick Buttons to Set the Time in One Click 77 Lock Specific Days 78

Copy an Existing Schedule to Others ........................................... 79

View the Entire Recording Schedule ............................................ 80

Event Management .............................................................................. 81

How Does NVR Handle Events .................................................... 81

How to Edit an Event Rule ........................................................... 82

Manage the Event Rules .............................................................. 85

Delete the Event Rules 86

How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules ............................. 86

How to Setup FTP Settings for Event Rules ................................. 87

System Log ........................................................................................... 89

Define Search Time ..................................................................... 89

Choose Log Type ......................................................................... 90

Read the Log ............................................................................... 90

Export the Log ............................................................................. 91

Storage Management .......................................................................... 92

Change Recordings Folder Name ................................................ 92

Set System Log Lifecycle ............................................................. 92

Set Hard Drives for the Recorded Files Deletion Rule ................. 92

Manage User Groups/ Users ................................................................. 94

Overview ...................................................................................... 94

User Groups ................................................................................. 95

Add Users ................................ ................................ .................... 97

Domain Users Management ........................................................ 99

Customize Views ................................................................................ 100

Step 1: Create a New View ........................................................ 101

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Step 2: Enter Edit Mode ............................................................. 101

Step 3: Select a Layout .............................................................. 101

Step 4: Add Video Source .......................................................... 102

Step 5: Add a Map ..................................................................... 102

Step 6: Add Devices to the Map ................................................. 104

Step 7: Adjust the Channel Size & Layout .................................. 105

Step 8: Save the View ................................................................ 105

Step 9: Set Default View ............................................................. 105

Step 10: Set Default Hotspot Channel (Optional) ....................... 106

Step 11: Set Fisheye Camera Mode .......................................... 106

Manage the Views ...................................................................... 107

Set View Link ............................................................................. 108

Set View Patrol ........................................................................... 108

Tips to Enhance Live View Performance .................................... 110

Let Windows Automatically Start with NVR Live View ................ 111

Customize System Language .............................................................. 112

System Languages List .............................................................. 112

Display Configurations ....................................................................... 115

Video & Snapshot Export Configurations .......................................... 116

Joystick ............................................................................................... 117

Joystick Configurations .............................................................. 117

Un-install Server Software ................................................................. 118

Step 1: Remove NVR 3.0 Server Program ................................. 118

Step 2: Remove NVR 3.0 Server Program Folder (Optional) ..... 119

Step 3: Remove the Recordings Folder (Optional) ..................... 119

Back Up System Data.......................................................................... 120

Step 1: Back up System Settings ............................................... 120

Step 2: Back up Recording Files Folder (Optional) .................... 121

Step 3: Back up Recording Files Index Folder (Optional) ........... 121

Step 4: System Log (Optional) ................................................... 121

Restore System Data .......................................................................... 122

System Migration ............................................................................... 123

Migrate from NVR 2.3 to NVR 3.0 .............................................. 123

NVR 2.3 to NVR 3.0 Server Data Compatibilities 123

Migrate NVR 3.0 Server to Another Computer ........................... 124

Advanced Administrative Tasks .......................................................... 125

NVR Server Status ..................................................................... 125

Change Server Port ................................................................... 125

Change Authentication Method .................................................. 126

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Switch to Redundancy Server ............................................................. 127

License Registration................................................................... 127

Set up Redundancy Server ........................................................ 130

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Overview

ACTi NVR 3.0 (hereafter referred to as NVR 3.0) is a Windows-based software that provides distributed network video surveillance solution with full functionality. This software supports centralized management, scheduled recording, real-time monitoring and recording of up to 100 ACTi video streaming devices from local or remote network, with rule-based services to trigger multiple schedules and events.

ACTi NVR Server / Client Architecture

NVR 3.0 is a typical web-based server/client system. In a video surveillance system architecture, the Server serves as a video management service provider, aimed to run 24/7 offering non-stop services for clients. A Client makes requests of monitoring video streams or playback recordings to Server, which can reside on the same computer with server program (as from local) or on another computer (as from remote). Server starts automatically as soon as the Server computer (where it is installed) boots up, and operates in the background without requiring login by administrator. It would provide services over the TCP/IP network to multiple Clients upon request through HTTP Protocol.

There are two types of Clients in NVR 3.0 system: Web Client and Workstation Client. A user, connecting from whether web browser or workstation, will enjoy the same user interface and NVR functions.  Web Client: the web version of interface to access NVR server without need of installing any

client program to become a client. Logging in the NVR server is as simple as visiting a website through IE browser.

 Workstation Client: the client application making accessing NVR server free from the use

of browser .The workstation includes a set of programs that provide interface between users and the NVR server.

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Pre-installation

Item

Task

Description

Reference

Prepare software license

NVR 3.0 comes with 16-channel free license. For additional channels, please purchase the license from your system supplier and get the license information ready before activation.

License and Activation on page 24

Prepare the server computer

Make sure the computer’s hardware spec, operating system and IE browser version are compatible with software requirements.

System Requirements on page 15

Assign a fixed IP for server computer

The server computer should have a fixed IP to be used by NVR 3.0 server.

Set up Active Directory (Optional)

To add users through the Active Directory service, please make sure an Active Directory server is available on your domain.

Installation

Item

Task

Description

Reference

Install NVR 3.0 server software

Follow the instructions to install the software on server computer.

Server Installation on page 19

Check if the installation is successful

http://localhost in browser’s URL bar).

Activate the license (When required number of channels exceeds

16)

Activate your license key to get your required number of channels ready for adding devices.

Configuring the Devices

Item

Task

Description

Reference

Get the devices connected and ready for use

Finish the installation and basic settings of all devices (IP address, usernames, passwords), and attach all external hardware devices (alarms or sensors) if necessary.

Connect external devices with the NVR Client PC

Attach necessary external hardware peripherals such as a joystick or a microphone to the client computer.

Joystick on page 117

System Setup

Item

Task

Description

Reference

Configure the Storage Settings

Activate the disks for recordings and make sure the total size is sufficient, and how many days the recordings are kept on disk.

Storage Management on page 92

Add devices to NVR server

Add devices and configure camera settings: camera name, video/motion/PTZ settings.

Add Devices on page 43; Configure Device Settings on page 54

System Installation Check List

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Configure Recording Schedule

By default, each device will start 7/24 schedule recording as soon as it is added.

Set recording schedule for each device.

Schedule Recordings on page 70

Configure E-mail & FTP settings

Complete the E-mail or FTP settings and test if NVR server succeeds in sending e-mails and uploading files. This step is necessary if you will use these functions for Event Handling.

How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules on page 86 ; How to Setup FTP Settings for Event Rules on page 87

Configure Event rules

Set the event rules.

How to Edit an Event Rule on page 82

Create Users Accounts & Groups

Configure User Group permissions and create required User Accounts.

Manage User Groups/ Users on page 94

Live View Setup

Item

Task

Description

Reference

Create Views for Users

Customize and save views for Live View screen.

Customize Views on page 100

Back up System Settings

Item

Task

Description

Reference

Create backup of system settings

Create a backup file of current system settings for future re-installation or in case of critical system failure.

Back Up System Data on page 120

Post-installation Validation

Item

Description

Reference

Live Preview basic operations

Make sure if user is able to see the live view with saved layouts and perform basic operations (e.g. PTZ controls or instant playback).

User’s Manual

Schedule Recording

Make sure the disk is recording normally according to the schedule.

Event Handling

Check if the expected actions (e.g. recording, alarms or e-mail notification, etc) are correctly triggered by events.

User Access

Make sure User can access NVR with right account/password, and perform operations based on given user rights.

Playback

Make sure user can perform playback and video search, and the export function can generate viewable files to designated folder.

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PC Spec

Server + Local Client PC

Server PC Only

Remote Client

Number of Live

Channels

(

*2)

1-16

17-64

1-16

17-64

CPU Processor

Minimum

Intel Core 2

Quad 2.4GHz

Intel i5

2.4 GHz

Intel Core 2

Quad 2.4GHz

Intel Core 2

Quad 2.4GHz

Intel i5

2.4 GHz

Recommended

Intel i5

2.4 GHz

Intel Core i7-920

2.67 GHz

Intel i5

2.4 GHz

Intel i5

2.4 GHz

Intel Core i7-920

2.67 GHz

RAM

4GB

(

*3)

Network Ethernet (1000 Base-T recommended)

Hard Disk

(

*4)

Space

Minimum 40 GB (*5)

Operating System

(

*6)

Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008

Display Resolution

Minimum: 1024 X 768

Browser

Internet Explorer 8, 9 ,10 and 11

Getting Started

System Requirements

The Minimum CPU Processor spec will provide acceptable performance for systems that use mostly MPEG4 streams. Surveillance systems that use 4 or more H.264 streams should satisfy Minimum CPU Processor spec for good performance. To quickly validate the PC spec you need, you may check with PC Selector - http://www.acti.com/pcselector

*1 These specifications are based on following camera settings: Single stream mode 1280x1024, 3Mbps, 18fps, MPEG-4

Dual stream mode1280x1024, 3Mbps, 18fps, H.264 (recording);

640x480, Quality: 100, 18fps, MJPEG (live view).

*2 Live view for multiple channels requires good hardware for smooth performance. For more

channels or heavy use of high resolution streaming, it is good to adopt computers with more advanced specifications than the requirements we suggest.

*3 Please use 64-bit system if your computer has more than 4GB RAM. Windows operating

system has limits on memory and address space regardless of the real or virtual memory available on a particular computer. Take Windows 7 Professional for example, the maximum physical memory for a 32-bit(X86) system can address is 3.5 GB even though 16 GB of RAM has been installed on this computer. Therefore, if you consider increasing the

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computer’s multi-tasking capability by adding more RAM, you will need a 64-bit version of Windows to take advantage of it all.

Please visit the link below for more memory limitations on various Windows platforms.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778%28VS.85%29.aspx#physical_memory_l imits_windows_7

Besides the limitation mentioned above, you may find the usable memory of your computer

displayed here:  Computer  Properties is still less than actual installed memory.

This is a common symptoms of all Windows platforms, please find explanations and

solutions in this Windows official support document

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978610/en-us and http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/taking-the-mystery-out-of-64-bit-windows

*4 Supports local hard drives and iSCSI NAS. For detailed information on how to use iSCSI

NAS with NVR3, please refer to our article on Using iSCSI NAS with NVR.

*5 The required free space of the disk drive where NVR is installed should be at least 40 GB at

all times; however, the actual necessary space depends on number of devices, recording and event rules settings. To get an approximate value, you may use the software tool

Bandwidth & Storage Calculator - http://www.acti.com/storagecalculator. It is also

recommended to use a separate disk for video recordings.

*6 Please make sure your operating system is fully patched with the latest service packs.

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Pre-requisites

These prerequisites below are necessary before installation:

1. Suitable System Specifications

Ensure that the server computer meets the minimum system requirements, and that the server computer has C Drive.

2. Uninstall Previous ACTi NVR 2.x Server

NVR 3.0 server and NVR 2.x server cannot co-exist on the same server computer. You can find instructions on System Migration on page 123 for how to perform a NVR system migration.

3. More than 40 GB Space on Storage Drive

Please make at least 20 GB memory space on the storage disk drive. You may choose different disk drive on Setup pageStorage tab.

4. Turn Off Windows UAC Function

UAC (User Access Control) is a security setting that restricts access in Microsoft Windows. You must disable UAC before installing NVR in Windows Vista and Windows 7, for the installation of application components and certain program features would be interrupted by this security rule. You may disable UAC through Windows control panel.

If you are using Windows 8, please enable the built-in Administrator account and log in with this identity, or add this NVR site to IE browser’s trusted sites ( please follow the solution provided for Condition 2: Why can’t I install Active X controls after logging in? on page 30 to do so).

Disable UAC in Windows 7

1. Go to Windows Control Panel, type “UAC” in search box.

2. Click “Change User Account Control settings”

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3. Move the slider to “Never notify position”, and then click “OK”. You will have to

restart the computer for this change to take place.

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Server Installation

The server program installation is as easy as 1-2-3 by following the installation wizard’s instructions. The server would start its service right after installation completes, without the need to restart the server computer.

Install the Software

1. Execute the install shield application .

2. Follow the onscreen instructions of Install Shield Wizard, accept the license

agreement and proceed.

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When selecting Setup Type, the default “Complete” will have the program installed on default C drive, you may select “Custom” to choose another program location.

3. The IP Port Checker will pop up to confirm the NVR port number with you. The installation program will use 80 as default. You may enter another available port

number in “Listen Port” field and click “Apply”.

You may just click “Apply” if you are not sure whether this port has been taken or not.

If the port is being used by another service, you will be asked to input another available port number.

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Important Notice

If the server computer has already installed previous ACTi NVR server 2.x versions, please remove the main program and patches from Windows Control Panel before installing ACTi NVR 3.0; or you should choose another computer as ACTI NVR 3.0 server computer.

Note

If IIS Web Server has been installed on the computer and you are asked to restart the computer during installation process, please

1. Choose to restart right away.

2. After the computer reboots, this install shield will continue to complete the

installation.

4. As the server port is confirmed, the installation process is done, click “Finish”.

5. After the installation completes, connect to http://localhost:port number with Internet

Explorer browser, you will see NVR Login page.

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Workstation Installation

NVR Workstation includes a set of programs that provide interface between users and the NVR server. It may be installed on the same PC as the NVR server, or they may be installed separately and connect to NVR Server via network.

Install the Software

1. Execute the install shield application .

2. Follow the onscreen instructions of Install Shield Wizard, accept the license

agreement and proceed.

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3. Double-click the shortcut on desktop to execute the application.

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License and Activation

In NVR3 system, your required number of channels should be licensed and activated before connecting the devices. The License Key, provided by ACTi sales representative once your purchase of license is carried out, will be used to activate the license. After the license activation, the channels on NVR server will automatically become available.

Aside from ACTi brand devices, NVR 3.0 system is also able to support other vendors’ devices as well as all devices that support ONVIF. All ACTi brand devices and non-ACTi brand devices are licensed by different license types:

- Standard License: ACTi brand devices

- CDP License: Other vendors’ devices

(For more information about non-ACTi cameras supported by NVR3, please refer to

http://www.acti.com/3rdpartycamera)

Please note:

 The license is cumulative and perpetual.  The license is not version-specific, upgrading software version will not influence the

existing license you have CDP-licensed channels (for non-ACTi brand cameras) and standard-licensed channels (for ACTi devices) are counted separately.

 Any device added through ONVIF (either ACTi or non-ACTi devices) will also need to

be licensed. The license type used will solely be based on the brand of the device.

 The maximum number of devices (ACTi brand + non-ACTi brands) that can be

managed by NVR 3.0 server is 100.

 After activating CDP license, please follow the instructions in Add Non-ACTi Cameras

on page 50 to manually add those non-ACTi cameras to NVR system.

License activation is the process of unlocking the channels on NVR product with the received

License Key. License Key is a serial number delivered as a printed card or an E-mail after the purchase is carried out.

During license activation, your License Key is matched against the MAC address of the Network Interface Card (NIC) on NVR server computer. Once this license key is used by the computer with given MAC, it cannot be activated with another MAC. This matching record will be stored on the ACTi license data server. If your computer has more than one network cards, NVR server will detect them and provide you a dropdown list to select from.

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Purchase licenses from ACTi, get the

On another computer, access ACTi website to activate the licenses using the

Load the

into NVR server

Purchase licenses from ACTi, get the

On NVR server, input the

to activate the

license directly.

NVR server

Computer

(Internet access)

NVR server

(Internet access)

Note

Although certain fisheye camera view modes (e.g. Quad mode) display multiple regions in a view, they are still counted as one single channel in terms of licensing.

There are two ways to activate the licenses depending on your NVR server network condition:

Online Activation and Offline Activation.

Online Activation

If your NVR server computer has Internet access, choose online activation.

Offline Activation

Offline activation does not require Internet access for NVR server. It is used when NVR is located in network not connected to public Internet (e.g. in a military base). You will need to get an activation file from another computer and transfer it to NVR server computer.

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Step-by-step Activation Process

Based on the network conditions of your site, follow Online Activation SOP or Offline Activation

SOP to activate your license.

Online Activation SOP

Step 1

: Membership ID in ACTi Member

Center is required for activation. Register

one for free at http://member.acti.com/

Step 2

: Log in NVR server, go to Setup pageSystem tabLicense“Online Registration”. Select the MAC Address, enter your License Key, ACTi member Account and Password, and then click “Apply”. NVR server will connect to the license data server via Internet to register the license key, and unlock the channels.

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Offline Activation SOP

Step 1

: Membership ID in ACTi Member Center is required for activation. Register one for free at

http://member.acti.com/

Step 2

: Access http://www.acti.com/support/LicenseMgt/NVR3_registration.asp, enter the License Key and the MAC address of NVR server computer, click “Submit”. An E-mail with activation code file (.lic) will be sent to your registered E-mail account.

Step 3

: Log in NVR server from local or via web client. Go to Setup page System tab  License  “Offline Registration” click “Import” and upload the license file(.lic). Click “Apply” to activate this license.

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Important Notice

The license data will be erased once NVR 3.0 server is uninstalled. Be sure to retain your license key information in a safe place because you may need to reinstall the software. After the software is uninstalled, you should contact ACTi Customer Help Desk http://www.acti.com/CHD to clear the original registration data in our data server, and then you may activate the license again.

Tip

1. Click Windows Start, in the run box on Start menu, input “cmd”.

2. Execute the cmd program, and input the command “ipconfig /all” or “getmac”

3. The MAC address will be referred to as the Physical Address, made up of 12 characters e.g. 00-1E-65-FE-8E-98

Activated Standard License

Activated CDP License

Important

Verify Your License

Once your license is successfully activated, the license information will be shown on License page.

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Access NVR Server via Internet Explorer

From Server Computer Using Local Client

Open Internet Expolrer. If your computer is where NVR 3.0 is installed, type http://localhost/ or the computer’s ip address in URL box.

From Remote Client Computer

A remote client refers to any client using a computer over WAN or LAN other than server computer. If you are connecting to a NVR 3.0 server as a remote client, please type server computer’s ip (e.g. local network ip: http://172.16.26.217 within LAN ;public IP

http://220.228.146.21 or domain name http://nvr.acti.com over WAN ) in URL box.

Remember to append a colon and the port number after the hostname or IP address.

Accept ActiveX Controls Installation Requests

NVR3.0 interface requires the add-on ActiveX Control components, please make sure browser’s security settings allow ActiveX controls to be downloaded and installed. When your browser asks if you allow ACTi Corporation’s add-on components to run, please allow them.

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Once you confront with problems accessing NVR server, refer to the possible conditions below and follow the instruction to solve your issues.

Condition 1: Why can’t I access NVR server via browser?

After typing in the correct NVR server IP, if you cannot access NVR Login page, you may get the below browser screens:

Cause 1: Server is not ready Solution: It may happen when you just started the server computer or the server installation

has just finished, please wait a few seconds and connect again.

Cause 2: Server is not able to respond to your request because the NVR port you set (default is 80) has been seized by another service running on the server computer. This may happen when that service is executed right before NVR server starts its services. Solution: Please check if there is another service using the same port with NVR server right now, and release this port for NVR 3.0 server. The steps below are how to find the service:

1. Please click on "Windows Start" (Windows-Logo) , then enter "cmd.exe" in the run

box and execute it.

2. Input the command “netstat -a -o -b”. You will be provided with the ports in use and the

services using them. Find the Local Address that has taken port 80, and the PID number.

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3. Press down “ctrl”+ “alt” + “Delete” keys to bring up Windows Task Manager. Select

“View”, and then “Select columns”, and enable the “PID (Process Identifier)” to appear

on search results. Please also make sure “Show process from all users” is enabled.

4. On Task Manager Process tab, locate the PID number of the service using port 80. The

service name is shown under “Image Name” column.

Condition 2: Why can’t I install Active X controls after logging in?

ActiveX Control components are essential for NVR server to present user interface. The message below will show if these controls were not installed. Please try refresh this browser first, this is to make IE pop up the prompts again.

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Cause 1: Your Internet Explorer browser version does not support NVR 3.0. Solution: Make sure your browser is 32-bit version. Cause 2: Your browser restricts the installation of add-on components. Solution: Internet Explorer security settings may restrict the installation of add-on components.

To ensure NVR server is always accessible from your web client regardless of any change in browser’s overall Internet security settings, you may add NVR server site to Internet Explorer’s Trusted sites. These sites are which you consider safe and wish to visit with low security restrictions while maintaining higher security for the rest of the Internet.

1. On IE browser, click Tools  Safety and make sure ActiveX Filtering is unchecked.

2. On IE browser, go to Tools Internet OptionsSecurity tab, select “Trusted sites”, set

the security level to “Medium High”, and then click “Sites”.

3. Add http://localhost or server IP to the zone, and clear the box “Require server

verification (https:) for all sites in this zone”.

4. Back on Security tab, click “Apply” to apply the changes. This will allow ActiveX and

scripting to be available for the chosen sites but not for the Internet as a whole.

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B D C

The e-mail address input in Forgot Password window should match

the one under your User account saved in NVR server.

C. Remember Account/Password

A. Enter Account & Password

Account (non case-sensitive):

Admin (default)

Password (case-sensitive):

123456 (default)

B. Change UI language

To change UI language, select the desired language from “Language” dropdown list.

To have the server remember your Login Account and Password for future, check

“Remember Account/Password”. Click “Don’t Remember” will clear your input text and reset

to default.

To directly enter the main page every time you log in from this PC in the future

Check “Remember Account/Password” then “Auto Login” to skip the Login

page. If your computer may be accessed by someone without proper authority, please DO NOT use either of these functions.

To cancel auto-login, on title bar, click  “Logout” to return to login page, and this function is cancelled.

D. Retrieve the Forgotten Password

NVR can send the password of the User’s account to the saved e-mail address. To have Users be able to use this service, please make sure (1) the SMTP settings have been configured (refer to How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules on page 86) and (2) a valid e-mail address has previously been saved in Setup page  Users tab  User list.

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Access NVR Server via NVR3 Workstation

NVR3 Workstation includes a set of programs that provide the interface between users and the NVR server. You can install this software on the remote client

computer in order to access the NVR server via network. You can download this software on ACTi website at http://www.acti.com/product/downoadcenter , and it is wrapped together with the NVR 3.0 system software. For the instructions on the installation of this software on the client computer, please refer to Workstation Installation on page 22.

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A B C D E

Local Workstation Client Login

Local Workstation Client refers to the user who runs NVR3 Workstation on the NVR server to log in to the NVR system. The login process is described as follows.

A. Enter Account & Password

Account (non case-sensitive)

Admin (default)

Password (case-sensitive)

123456 (default)

B. Choose the Initial Page

The user interface consists of three main module screens, Live View, Playback and Setup. You may choose one where you would like to enter after login. Default is Live

View screen.

C. Language

Choose a UI language from the dropdown list.

D. Remember Login Information and Auto Login

To have NVR3 Workstation remember the Account, Password, Initial Page and UI Language, simply check “Remember login info”. Click “Don’t Remember” will clear your input text and reset to default. If the NVR server or remote client computer may be accessed by someone else, you might consider not to use this function.

To automatically login to the NVR system, please check both

“Remember login info” and “Auto Login” to skip the Login page. If the NVR server or remote client computer may be accessed by someone else, you might consider not to use this function.

To cancel auto-login, on title bar, click  “Logout” to return to login page, and this function will be cancelled.

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F G B

The email address input in Forgot Password window should match

the one under your User account saved in the NVR server.

E. Retrieve the Forgotten Password

The NVR server can send the password of the User’s account to the saved email address. To have users be able to use this service, please make sure (1) the SMTP settings have been configured (refer to How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules on page 86) and (2) a valid email address has previously been saved in Setup page  Users tab  User list.

Remote Workstation Client Login

Remote Workstation Client refers to the user who runs NVR3 Workstation on a computer

rather than the NVR server, and tries to reach the NVR server via network. The login process is described as follows.

A. Server IP & Server Port

In Server IP field, please input the LAN or WAN IP address of the NVR server.

In Server Port field, key in the port number. The default value is 80.

B. Enter Account & Password

Account (non case-sensitive)

Admin (default)

Password (case-sensitive)

123456 (default)

C. Choose the Initial Page

The user interface consists of three main module screens, Live View, Playback and Setup. You may choose one where you would like to enter after login. Default is Live View screen.

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D. Language

Choose a UI language from the dropdown list.

E. Remember Login Information and Auto Login

To automatically login to the NVR system, please check both

“Remember login info” and “Auto Login” to skip the Login page. If the NVR server or remote client computer may be accessed by someone else, you might consider not to use this function.

To cancel auto-login, on title bar, click  “Logout” to return to login page, and this function will be cancelled.

F. Retrieve the Forgotten Password

Please refer to E. Retrieve the Forgotten Password on page 36

G. Server Name/Server Sites List

NVR3 Workstation can remember multiple server sites and their login settings and show the site lists on Login window. To add a new site:

1. Click in the Server Name box and input the

server site name.

2. Fill in the other fields. If you disable the

“Remember login info”, then only the Server Name, Server IP and Server Port

of this server site will be remembered.

3. Click “Save”.

4. After a server site is

saved, it will be shown on Server Name dropdown list. You may click on its name to enter its Login window or to delete it from the list.

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5. You can export the saved server sites, or import it to another Workstation client computer.

Access the NVR server via NVR3 Workstation, go to Setup page  System tab  Workstation.

A. Export current server sites list

Click “Browse” to select a folder to save the list, and then click “Export”. This file will be

saved as an *.xml file.

B. Import a server site list

Click “Browse” to select the *.xml file, and then click “Import”. The server sites will appear in Server Name dropdown list on Login window of your next login.

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Set up the System

This chapter will guide you through everything you need to know in System Setup procedure from first time connection with ACTi NVR 3.0 server to general system configuration.

Setup Wizard

Once you connect to ACTi NVR 3.0 for the first time, Setup Wizard will guide you through the initial setup process. You may click “Previous” or “Next” button located on the lower right at any time. This will skip the current step so that you may come back to it later. All the settings in the Setup Wizard are available in the Setup page.

To skip this wizard, click the bubble “Done” on top right corner.

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System Settings

You can adjust the E-mail & SMTP settings, FTP settings for event rules now or later. For more details about the settings, please refer to How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules on page 86 and How to Setup FTP Settings for Event Rules on page 87.

Storage

On NVR server, you may choose which disk drives to store the recording files, and decide how much memory space is left for all computer applications to run. You must configure the Drive and Reserve Space for recording. Reserve Space is the space on the drive that will not be used to save recording files, the deletion of earliest recording files will be performed if available space has decreased to reach below Reserve Space configuration; you may choose one or multiple disk drives in Disk Drive List to save the recordings. If you skip this step, Drive C will be the default drive. For more details about the settings, please refer to Storage Management on page 92.

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Licensing

This is the license management section. On lower right part of the screen shows number of channels allowed under your current license. Each NVR server has a license for 16 channels which is already activated. You can click “Next” to next setting if you do not want to add new license for now. For more details about the settings, please refer to License and Activation on page 24.

The End of Setup Wizard

Click “Done” to complete Setup Wizard, the previous configuration steps you have gone through are available in Setup page.

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In this module, you can see live view from cameras, perform PTZ operations with mouse or Joystick, view system log, receive alerts on the event panel, setup view layouts, perform manual recording or take a snapshot.

You may search and view playback of multiple channels synchronously. Snapshots or video segments can be taken from playback files. Recorded files can also be exported to AVI format here.

This module includes user setup, device setup, event setup, schedule setup and system-wide settings.

NVR Main Screen

You will enter the live view screen after Setup Wizard. On the right are link buttons to three NVR major functions: (1) Live view, (2) Playback and (3) Setup. You can click the orange button to enter the function page.

Live View

Playback

Setup

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Device List

Add Devices

Cameras or video encoders are the fundamental building blocks of surveillance systems. To manage cameras from NVR3, you have to add camera devices into NVR3 system first. In this section, we will guide you through how to add or delete devices on the NVR3 system.

To start adding new devices, please follow these steps:

1. On Setup pageHome screen, click “Device”.

2. On Devices page, the Device List is currently empty, and you need to add some video

sources to it. Now click “Add Device”.

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Account/Password text box

IP filter (for multiple networks)

“Refresh” button

Available / Total Licensed Channels

Column title

Search result

“Apply” button

Available / Total Licensed Channels

3. There are three ways to add devices into the

system, Search Devices, Search ONVIF Devices, and Add Device Manually.

● Use Search Devices to auto search ACTi cameras located in the same subnet as your NVR server.

● Use Search ONVIF Devices to find devices that support ONVIF in the same subnet as your NVR server.

● If your cameras / video encoders are located outside of a local subnet or over WAN, add them to your NVR server by using the Add Device Manually button. You will need to know the IP address of the device to add it manually.

Search Devices Within Local Area Network

1. Select “Search Devices”. Once the search is completed, a list of the devices in your LAN

will be shown. Click on the title header to sort by that column. Click on the header again to sort in reverse order. For faster search, you may type a specific IP address or a part of the IP address in IP Filter as a filter and click to narrow down the search result.

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Account/Password text box

“Search” button

IP filter ( for multiple networks)

Available / Total Licensed Channels

Column title

Search result

“Apply” button

B C D

E F G

2. Select the row of the camera you wish to add to the system and repeat this step until you

have checked all the devices you need. Please note that the list of devices is shown regardless of the account name and password. You can choose to add all shown devices. For those with different account and password, you will be prompted to fill in the correct credentials to in order access the video feed. To perform the search using different credentials, fill in the new Account and Password and click the “Refresh” button .

3. Click “Apply” to add selected devices into NVR system.

Search Devices Within Local Area Network with ONVIF

1. After selecting “Search ONVIF Devices”, fill in the account name and password for the

device you want to add.

2. Click the “Search” button . Once the search is completed, a list of available devices

will be shown. You may click on the title header to sort by that column. Click the header again to sort in the reverse order. For faster search, you may type a specific IP address or a part of the IP address in IP Filter as a filter, and click to narrow down the search result.

3. Select the row of the camera you wish to add to the system and repeat this step until you

have checked all the devices you need.

4. Click “Apply” to add selected devices into NVR system.

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Important Notice

1. For certain non-ACTi devices, you may need to configure the ONVIF user credentials of the camera by accessing its Web Configuration page and managing the ONVIF Users List.

2. Functions supported for devices added through ONVIF are live streaming and adjustments to video image settings.

Add Devices on WAN or Other Local Area Networks

1. After selecting “Add Device Manually”, the camera settings page will appear as below. The most important settings are (1) Media Type, (2) Protocol, (3) IP Address, (4) HTTP Port, and (5) User Name & Password. Please fill in these required fields for NVR to

communicate with the device.

If the device you wish to add supports ONVIF, you can select ONVIF for Media Type, and the settings page will appear as below. The most important settings are (1) Media Type, (2) Camera IP, (3) HTTP Port, and (4) User Name & Password. Please fill in these required fields for NVR to communicate with the device.

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Field Name

Description

Media Type

Select the media type of the camera, choosing either “Standard” or “ONVIF”. To connect with a camera using ONVIF, please make sure

the camera device supports ONVIF.

Device Name

Enter the name of the camera, which will be shown in the Device list on the left in Live View. This name should be descriptive so that you know where the camera is located.

Protocol

Select a streaming protocol to connect the camera with.

Important Notice

If any of the required fields is incorrect, NVR will not be able to connect the device. When you have any device connection problem, please check these settings. However, at this point, you may skip filling in the Device Name, Brand, Model, and Stream Mode configuration.

2. Click “Get Device Settings” to have NVR contact the device and get the live view. Once connected to the device, NVR will get all the device properties such like Brand, Model,

Device Serial Number, Firmware Version. If the device supports dual stream, Stream Mode selection field will be revealed, and you may select a different streaming mode and

configure relative options. You may click “Cancel” button on the top to abort setting this device or “Apply” to save it.

3. To directly access the device configurator webpage, simply click “Web Configurator” on

the top right to open it. Certain detailed settings can only be accessed through the web configurator and not through NVR.

Basic Settings Attributes

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IP address

Enter the camera’s IP address or host name.

Brand

Select the manufacturer of device.

Model

Select the device model of the IP cameras / video servers. In most cases, this is automatically filled in after you perform Get Device

Setting for ACTi cameras.

Stream Mode*1

Select one of the streaming modes this device supports.

Channel No. *2

The channel ID you set for a stream of a multi-streaming device.

HTTP Port

Enter the HTTP port for IP cameras/ video servers. Most cameras use the default port number - 80.

User Name

Enter the user name to access the camera.

Password

Enter the password to access the camera.

Default Live View Stream*3

Choose the streaming id for Live View.

Recording Stream*3

Choose the streaming id for Recording.

Connection Timeout(0~99 secs)

Enter length of time allowed for a device to respond to NVR. If the response is to late as to exceed this time, NVR will consider this device “disconnected”. We recommend you to set different values for different types of connection. The default setting is 5 seconds. For devices located over the WAN, you may wish to increase this value to allow for occasional Internet lags.

Note

Current NVR version does not support ePTZ operation of 6VGA streaming mode. Please define 6 VGA views through camera web configurator.

Available when NVR is connected to a multi-streaming device.

Available when NVR is connected to a device that is concurrently in multi-streaming mode (Dual

Stream mode excluded).

Available when NVR is connected to a multi-streaming device in Dual Stream mode.

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Icon

Status Description

NVR server cannot retrieve video streaming. This may be that a video server is not connected with cameras, or that the streaming is blocked by the firewall between the device and NVR server. Please (1) ensure the device side is well connected and can output video normally,(2) check the firewall and port forwarding settings.

This device’s settings have been modified but not saved yet. If you leave these modifications unsaved, they will not take effect by next time the server starts. Please always remember to save upon every change.

NVR cannot build up connection with this device. Please check the device connection settings (including IP Address, Port number, Account Name and Password); or increase the “Connection Timeout” to allow more time for the device to respond.

This device is currently connected, video is being transmitted and no recording is proceeding.

This device is currently connected, and video is being recorded either manually or according to the schedule.

Device Status

To validate if you have successfully added a device to NVR system, simply check the Device List on the left of Setup Devices tab to see if the device name appears in the tree. Point your mouse cursor over the device icon will bring up an information box containing the device’s IP Address, HTTP Port,

Protocol and device type.

Status Icon Description

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Add Non-ACTi Cameras

In this section, we will guide you through how to add devices to NVR3 system.

After the required CDP license is activated, please:

1. Use the utility provided by camera manufacturer to confirm the camera properties: (1) Protocol, (2) IP Address, (3) HTTP Port, and (4) User Name & Password.

2. Log in to NVR, go to Setup page “Device” tab, click “Add Device”, and select “Add Device Manually”.

3. After selecting “Add Device Manually”, the camera settings page will appear as below.

Please fill in the eight marked fields shown below that are required to communicate with the device - Media Type, Protocol, IP Address, Brand, Model, HTTP Port, User Name, and Password, and then click “Apply”.

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If the device you wish to add supports ONVIF, you can select “ONVIF” for Media Type, and the settings page will appear as below. Please fill in the five marked fields shown below that are required to communicate with the device - Media Type, Camera IP, HTTP

Port, User Name, and Password, and then click “Apply”.

4. By applying the settings, the NVR server will get the video stream, and the camera will have been successfully added to the NVR system. You may click Video, PTZ, or Preset Tour (available for camera with pan/tilt/zoom capabilities) tabs to configure other

properties.

5. To directly access the device configurator webpage, simply click “Web Configurator” on

top left to open it. Certain advanced settings are only available through the web configurator and not through NVR.

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Tip

NVR will sync with devices upon connecting to them. To make sure the settings on NVR side are prior

to and always overwrite those on device sides, please check “Auto save NVR settings into devices upon connection”.

Manage Multiple Devices

After adding several devices to the system, you may get an overview of all devices on Setup pageDevice tab; this is where you may use certain fast and convenient approaches to manage a number of devices. In this section, we will guide you through how to quickly add or delete multiple devices.

Modify Basic Connection Settings

Go to Setup page  Devices tab, and click All Devices in Device List to get the devices overview in right column. Each basic connection setting field including Name, IP Address, HTTP Port, User Name and Password, is editable. Simply click in the field to modify it directly.

Every time you modify a property without saving it, an icon will appear next to the device in Device List. You may click “Reset” to retrieve the settings you saved last time once you want to abort current modificaiton.

After changing any field, please remember to click “Apply” before you leave

this page.

Delete Devices

You may delete a single, multiple or all devices on All Devices List. The logs and video files of the devices will be kept until deleted by server storage deletion rule. Select the device(s) you wish to delete, click “Delete” button and confirm the deletion. If you want to delete all the existing devices, simply click on upper right to select them all at once. To validate if you have successfully deleted a device on NVR system, simply check the Device List on the left of Setup page  Devices tab to see if the device name is removed from the tree.

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Copy Settings Across Devices

When setting a large number of devices, many settings will resemble other ones, and it is sometimes tiresome to repeat every setting again and again. You can use the Copy function to save the hassle of needless repetition.

1. On All Device List, select the source device whose settings are to be copied from. You can select only one device to be the source.

2. Click “Copy” to bring up the copy setting window.

3. On the window, below the source device name are the settings you may choose to copy, including Basic settings, PTZ

Settings and Video Settings.

4. Click “Apply”, the settings will be written

to target devices.

5. To add a new device with the same settings, choose “Add New Device” in

Target Device area, and then click “Apply” to go to a new device page. Each field on this

page has already been filled with the source device’s properties. You may continue to

modify the Device Name, IP Address, get the live view by clicking “Get Device Settings”, and then click “Apply” to add this device to Device List.

6. There are a few differences of the copied items between two target device types:

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Target Type Settings

New Device

Existing Device

Basic

All

All except Device Name, IP Address, HTTP Port, RTSP

Port, User Name and Password

Video

All except Motion Settings, Video Adjustment

PTZ

All except PTZ Preset Points and Commands

Note

1. You can only choose either “Add New Device” or existing devices as target.

2. To add new devices by copying from an existing one, the user’s group should be permitted

with this right. To check the access rights, please go to Setup pageUsers pageUser Groups, select the user group, and enable the “Device Setup” -“Add New Device” under NVR Permissions.

Settings Copied to Target Devices

Tip

Saving CPU loading with Your Dual Streaming devices

The device supporting dual-streaming function can output two video streams of different value. You may make the live view stream smaller in size with lesser frame rate to save decoding CPU power and bandwidth. Meanwhile the recording stream can be larger and have more FPS so that you have clear images when you need to retrieve evidence. For settings in both streams of devices with dual stream functionality, please refer to section Configure Video Format on page 55

Add Video Streams from a Multi-channel Device

There are devices that output more than one video streams to NVR. For example, a video encoder converts a number of analog video signals into the same amount of IP video streams; certain high megapixel cameras such as ACTi KCM-5111, supports outputting multiple VGA streams cropped from a single high-resolution video source. These multiple streams coming from a single device are managed as different cameras by NVR server. To add these streams as multiple channels for you to view and record, please:

1. Select the desired stream mode in “Stream Mode” field on Setup page Devices tabBasic tab.

2. The “Channel No.” column will display for you to input the

stream ID (the same with your setting in device’s web

configurator).

3. After configuration, click “Apply”.

4. Go to All Devices page, duplicate this device to a new

channel, repeat this step until all the channels you need are added.

5. Individually modify the Channel No value of the channels.

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Field Name

Description

TV Standard

Default is NTSC

Stream Mode*1

Select one of the streaming modes this device supports

Mounting Type*2

Select the mounting position

Installation Angle*3

Input the angle for a device mounted on the wall

Video encoder

Select one of the codec this device supports

Resolution

Select one of the resolutions this device supports

Video Quality*4

Select your desired video quality of the image

Frame Rate(fps)

Select the (Frames Per Second) this device supports.

Maximum Bitrate

This puts a hard cap on the maximum bit rate allowed in any given second of streaming. Assigning a limited bit rate may cause a few dropped frames when the stream data overflows the allowed bit rate.

Configure Device Settings

After adding a device to NVR, you may continue to configure its video, motion detection, PTZ or preset tour settings on Setup pageDevices tab. In this section, we will guide you through how to configure these settings and their corresponding functions.

Configure Video Format

Go to Setup page Device tab, select a device from Device List, and then go to Video tab to configure the video format of the stream output from this device. If the device is currently in Dual Stream mode, you may switch the stream in live view window by click on the switch below and configure individual settings for Media 1 and Media 2.

Video Settings Attributes

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Bitrate*5

This is the target bitrate that the camera will attempt to provide when you have selected “Unlimited” for Maximum Bitrate. The actual value will fluctuate slightly based on scene changes.

No Recording No Recording

30 FPS 30 FPS

30 FPS

Non- event Event Non-event

30 FPS

Available when NVR is connected to a multi-streaming device.

Available when NVR is connected to a hemispheric device.

Available when NVR is connected to a hemispheric device whose Mount Type is set to “Wall”.

Available when “Video Encoder” is selected as MJPEG.

Available when “Maximum Bitrate” is selected as “Unlimited”.

Save Storage by Setting Event Recording Frame Rate

Video surveillance system is aimed to preserve as much evidence as possible, and you may want to have a view be recorded 24/7 to capture every important moment; however, the general recording methods provided by most network recording systems- event and schedule recording, will either consume too much storage or have risk in missing important scenes. The “Set Frame Rate for Event Recording Mode” function record everything at economical storage usage by automatically adjusting video frame rate during event recording period.

Schedule Recording

Continuous recording promises no loss of video evidence; however, large data storage is required because this video is always recorded at the high frame rate you set for device.

Event Recording

This mode is storage-efficient because recording would stop during the non-event moments; while certain vital video evidences may be missed if the triggering device fails to take

effect.

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Frame Rate Setting

Event Recording

Non-Event: 0 FPS

Event: 30 FPS

1 FPS 1 FPS

30 FPS

Non- event Event Non-event

Event Recording with Frame Rate Adjustment

Keeps recording all the way without losing any single moment; lower frame rate can be set for non-event recording, which consumes only a little storage.

How to Make Use of Event Recording with Frame Rate Adjustment

To make use of Event recording with Frame Rate Adjustment function, you may configure the Frame Rate settings on Setup page Device tabVideo tab. The Frame Rate (fps) you set will always be applied to live view and schedule recording. Once Set Frame Rate for Event Recording Mode is checked, you may configure advanced settings for event recording. If the device is in Dual stream mode, you will only need to configure these settings of the

Recording Stream.

Scenario A:

Suppose you wish all the videos are recorded at very high frame rate. With sufficient storage, you may not need this function. Set the video Frame Rate that will apply to all the recordings. In this way, NVR 3.0 will not record non-event during event recording period.

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Frame Rate Setting

Event Recording

Non-event:1 FPS

Event: 30 FPS

Scenario B: Suppose you wish the system to record 24/7, the non-event recording to be kept at very low frame rate. Please set the event and schedule recordings at different frame rate, you will need to enable “Set Frame Rate for Event Recording Mode”, and set the “Non-event Frame Rate”

and “Active Event Frame Rate”.

Fine-tune the Image

When monitoring your cameras, it is essential to make the images as similar to the real scene as possible. The default settings of the camera are usually sufficient for most environments, but you may also make adjustments in case it is required to do so. For devices that support the configuration of properties related to image, day/night mode, or exposure/white balance settings, you may directly modify them and save your changes to the device using the NVR 3.0 system. The options available may vary depending on the device.

To start, on Device Video tab, click “Video Adjustment”. Each field is only available when the device opens this property for modification. If the device is in Dual Stream mode, the video you get in this window will always be Stream 1.

1. At first, synchronize with the device to get the current settings by clicking “Get Video Adjustment”.

2. After retrieving the settings from the device, the fields available for modification (depends

on models) will be enabled. Select the desired value for the field.

3. Click “Apply”.

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Field Category

Field Name

Description

Image

Video Flipping/ Video Mirroring

Check this box to flip the video vertically and horizontally to achieve a 180-degree rotation effect.

Brightness

Select the Brightness value (0-100). The higher the value, the brighter the image.

Contrast

Select the Contrast value (0-100). The higher the value, the more obvious the separation between light and dark.

Saturation

Select the Saturation value (0-100). The higher the value, the more intense the color will appear; the lower the value, the more grayed-out the color will appear.

Hue

Select the Hue value (0-100). “Hue” is the term used to refer to the pure spectrum colors. Adjust this value to find the color closest to the real scene.

Digital Noise Reduction

Turn the Digital Noise Reduction ON or OFF. When turned on, the noise in the video (especially in low light) is reduced and the image will look smoother and clearer.

Wide Dynamic Range

Select the WDR level from the following options: Disabled, low, medium, high, highest. Note: WDR is disabled and will not appear if Exposure Mode is set to “Manual”.

Day/Night

Day/ Night Mode

Select one of three modes: Auto: The camera will automatically switch between day mode (color) and night mode (black/white) under exposure level defined by “Threshold”. Day: The camera will always stay in the day (color) mode, regardless of exposure level. Night: The camera will always stay in night (black/white) mode regardless of exposure level.

Threshold

The scale from 0-100 allows you to define the exposure level at which the day and night mode switch will happen. A higher value would require a darker environment to trigger a day to night switch and vice versa.

Exposure/ White Balance

Exposure Mode

Select between “Auto” or “Manual” exposure mode. In

Auto mode, the intelligent system of the camera will find the best possible exposure settings. In Manual mode, you can manually adjust the White Balance, Exposure Gain, Shutter Speed, and Line frequency.

Video Adjustment Attributes

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Exposure/ White Balance

White Balance

Select between “Auto” or “Manual” White Balance

mode. White balance refers to the device’s ability to

accurately define “true white” color. In Auto mode, the

camera will attempt to recognize the “true white” color

and adjust the image accordingly. In Manual mode, you can configure the White Balance by adjusting the R Gain and B Gain value manually.

R Gain

The scale from 1-255 allows you to define the R Gain level of the video frame. A higher value would adjust the image to have more red color value.

B Gain

The scale from 1-255 allows you to define the B Gain level of the video frame. A higher value would adjust the image to have more blue color value.

AE Reference Target

The scale from 1-255 allows you to define the Auto exposure reference target. A higher value will brighten the overall scene, although it may increase the amount of noise at night.

Exposure Gain

The scale from 1-255 allows you to define the Exposure Gain level of the video frame. A higher value would make the video frame brighter.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed allows you to choose the speed of auto shutter.

IRIS Control

IRIS control allows you to configure the size for the opening of the iris

Line Frequency

Select between 50Hz or 60Hz to match with the frequency of artificial light source of a given country.

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To move the entire frame Place the mouse cursor over the title bar, and drag to move.

To adjust the region dimension

Place the mouse cursor over the downright corner, and drag to resize.

To disable this detection region

Place the mouse cursor over the upper right corner, and click the “X” to close this frame.

Configure Motion Settings

To make use of the motion and PIR detection functions supported by your devices, you need to configure the detection regions and settings. Once a motion is detected, NVR 3.0 can trigger events and recording, bring up instant pop-up windows and show the detected area on live view.

Before configuring motion detection settings, first make sure you can connect properly to the IP camera / video server and get device settings. On Device tabVideo tab, and click “Motion

Detection” to start.

1. Click “Get Motion Settings” to retrieve the live view. For Dual Mode, the video you get in this window will always be Stream 1

2. Click “Motion Setup” to enable the property fields.

3. There are three motion regions for you to set. To enable one, check it in the MD box, a red

frame will appear in the view. You may start setting the detection area by adjusting this red frame on the view. Simply use your mouse to move and resize the frame.

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Field Name

Description

Sensitivity(1-100)

Determines how sensitive the camera reacts to the movement. The higher the sensitivity level is, the smaller motion will trigger the alarm, but may give false alarms. Default is 70.

Timer(0-300 secs)

The interval before the next motion detection can be triggered again. Default is 1 second.

Threshold (%)

The threshold level of this motion detection region. The lower threshold level is, smaller portion of the region would be considered as motions, which is more easily to be triggered, but may give more false alarms.

Note

1. If you have changed the motion detection settings via the web configurator, please remember to come back to NVR and press “Get Device Settings”, then “Apply” to save to NVR. This is to ensure that the settings in NVR are always in sync with the device.

2. If a motion region is set, once a movement is detected in this region, in live view: (1) the red region frame will blink, and (2) a new alert entry will be generated in the event list.

3. PIR detection is available only for models with this function.

4. When the setting is finished, click “Apply” to save, then “Close” to exit this page. To check or modify the regions you set, please go through clicking “Get Motion Settings”, Motion Setup” and then “Motion Enable” buttons, the saved regions are already selected on the

list, select one to proceed.

Adjustment Attributes

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Note

Before you enable “Redundant Recording when Disconnected” function, please do the

following (1) upgrade the camera firmware to 6.07 or later version, and then (2) format the SD card either on camera firmware interface or on NVR interface.

Configure Storage Card Settings

Certain camera models come with the internal storage feature. Via NVR interface, you can observe the storage card’s memory status, and configure related settings.

1. Make sure the SD card is installed properly in the camera.

2. On Setup page  Device tab, select the device form Device List. Click “Storage”.

3. On Storage window, click “Get Storage Setting” to sync with the SD card.

You can enable “Redundant Recording when Disconnected” function to have this

SD card take over the recording service for this channel when this device is disconnected with NVR server. The video recorded on SD card during the disconnection period will automatically be restored back to NVR server upon the recovery of the connection. Click “Apply” to save the setting.

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ACTi Pan/Tilt/Zoom devices

Vendor

Protocol

Baud rate

Parity

Address

IP Zoom Camera/ IP PTZ Camera

V V V

IP Speed Dome / IP Camera

mounted on Scanner/ Analog PTZ

camera attached to Video Server

V V V V V

Configure PTZ Device

PTZ devices can do panning, tilting and zooming automatically or through manipulation. The PTZ-related applications are broadly supported by NVR 3.0. For example, you may control the movements of a PTZ camera with user interface panel controls or a joystick; the device can be programmed to execute a continuous tour or triggered by events to go to a preset position. Once an ACTi PTZ device is added to the system, NVR 3.0 will use the default settings of the device model and enable PTZ functions, so that you may immediately start PTZ operations.

If you have previously changed the communication parameters of PTZ devices, please make sure these parameters on NVR side and device side match.

The list below shows PTZ devices supported by ACTi solutions and the required settings. When you configure PTZ protocol properties for ACTi Pan/Tilt/Zoom devices, please make sure the required settings are correct.

To start matching up the parameters, please follow the procedures below:

1. If the device is a speed dome camera or an analog camera attached to video server,

configure the parameters on physical device according to the product’s installation

instructions.

2. On the device’s (camera or video server)web configurator, configure the parameters to match the setting on physical device, and test the PTZ operations to make sure the device is properly set to be connected

3. In NVR 3.0 server, go to Setup page Devices tab, select the device from Device List, and click PTZ tab. In PTZ Protocol section, fill in the communication parameters.

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Adjustment Attributes

Field Name

Description

Vendor

Vendor is the provider of Protocol. The selectable vendors would vary depending on different device models.

Protocol

Protocol is a set of rules to define the communication format between the device and controller. Different protocols are provided for selection according to the Vendor you choose.

Parity

Parity is the data validation mechanism for analog devices that use serial port interface to send or receive data. When choosing parity mode other than "none", the data packets will be validated for possible data losses so that failed command could be re-sent if necessary. Please refer to the parity setting of the analog device and choose exactly the same parity setting also in NVR. When

setting up ACTi Zoom, PTZ or Speed Dome cameras using “ACTi” protocol, you may ignore the parity setting.

Available parity modes are:

Parity mode name

in NVR

Serial data,

represented by given

amount of bits

Parity mode

(none, odd, even)

Number of stop

bits

8N1

8O1

8E1

8N2

8O2

8E2

7N2

7O2

7E2

Baud rate

Baud rate defines the data speed through serial port interface – the rate value represents the number of symbols that can be transmitted within 1 second. Please refer to the baud rate setting of the analog device and choose exactly the same baud rate setting also in NVR. When setting up ACTi Zoom, PTZ or

Speed Dome cameras using “ACTi” protocol, you may ignore the baud rate setting.

Address ID

Address ID represents the identity of the device, only analog devices or speed dome cameras require this configuration. Please refer to the Address ID of the device and choose exactly the same baud rate setting also in NVR 3.0. Available value is from 1~99. By default, ACTi devices will use “1” as Address ID, it is suggested not to change it.

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Live Preview

Important Notice

Note that the functions supported for devices connected using ONVIF are live streaming and adjustments to video image settings.

How to Do Live PTZ Operation

To configure PTZ settings, you need to view the live streaming while manipulating the PTZ controls simultaneously in this window.

There are two kinds of PTZ navigation:

Optical PTZ Navigation

1. Get the live view from Live Preview window:

Make sure the “Enable PTZ” is checked, a red crosshair will appear on the Live Preview

window, if the device is in Dual Stream mode, this window will always shows the stream set for live view. You may click on to switch between the streams.

2. Use the mouse to do the following PTZ operations:

●To execute optical Panning and Tilting, click anywhere on the live window to allow the

camera to move in that direction. The length of the direction indicator is proportional to the Pan and Tilt speed. The farther you place the cursor from the center, the faster the Pan/Tilt movement.

●To execute optical Zoom in or Zoom out, scroll the mouse wheel forward to zoom in;

scroll the mouse wheel backward to zoom out.

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8 directional buttons

Zoom in / Zoom out

Focus in / Focus out

Widen / Narrow the Aperture

Zoom in

Zoom out

Pan/Tilt

Note

1. The zoom buttons are only applicable for those devices supporting optical zooming.

2. The focus buttons are only applicable for devices with controllable zoom lens, e.g.

KCM5211. Please remember to turn off the autofocus mode on device firmware before using these buttons.

3. The device should be equipped with DC-Iris or P-iris and has been switched to manual iris mode before you use the buttons for widening or narrowing aperture.

3. Use panel controls to operate PTZ movements: Click a button on the panel to start, the red crosshair will appear in the view.

Digital PTZ Navigation

Digital PTZ allows you to zoom into part of the video and enlarge it to display on screen. This PTZ function is applied to every camera model in NVR 3.0 system.

1. Get the live view from Live Preview window:

Make sure the “Enable PTZ” is unchecked.

2. Click and drag a highlight rectangle over any channel, and the area highlighted will be

displayed in the full live video window. In this mode, a picture-in-picture view will show in the lower right of live view window. A red rectangle will mark the currently enlarged view area within the full size video. You may click and drag the red rectangle to see another area.

3. To go back to the original full video view, just right-click on the minimized Picture in Picture

view.

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Cancel Zoom area

Draw Zoom area

Picture-in-Picture area

Set PTZ Preset Points

With PTZ devices, you may define a view by where to look (through panning and tilting) and how close (through zooming) to zoom. Once these views have been saved in NVR server as preset points, the device can always point to this view upon the event triggering or user’s command.

1. Go to Setup page Devices tab, select the device from Device List, and click PTZ tab.

2. By PTZ operation, control the device to point at your desired view, and adjust the zoom

level (if available). In PTZ Preset Point section, click a preset point name field to start

editing the name, then click “+” to set this point. After finishing setting your desired preset points, click “Apply”. You may review the points you set by clicking “” to go to the point, or “X” to delete it. You may modify an existing point with following procedure: 1. Select it 2.

Define a new view 3. Click the “+” to set it 4. Click “Apply” to save it.

3. After the preset points are set, they are available on Live View page PTZ control panel.

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Preset Point 1

Preset Point 2

Preset Point 3

Set PTZ Command

If your speed dome or PTZ device has a special function not supported in the standard protocol, you may input it in PTZ Command list and execute it. Ex: Activate the wiper to clean the window of the PTZ.

1. To add a PTZ action command, go to Setup page 

Devices tab, select the device from Device List, on PTZ tab, check the “Enable PTZ”.

2. In “PTZ Command” area, click in a command entry;

input the name, command and then click “Apply” to save it. You may also click “” to execute it or “X” to clear it.

Set PTZ Preset Tour

Preset Tour is a preconfigured PTZ sequence that directs the camera to cycle through multiple preset points, including where to look and how long to look at each location. With this preset tour, your PTZ device can perform an automatic patrol to scan through your cared areas. For example, a Preset Tour should include two or more preset points. Once a tour is initiated, the device will automatically point to the preset points based on the sequence and stay at that view according to the duration you set.

Before setting up Preset Tours, please make sure you have configured PTZ settings and set PTZ Preset Points. To start setting the Preset Tour:

1. Go to Setup page Devices tab, select the device from Device List, and click Preset

Tour tab.

2. In the “Tour List”, as there is currently no existing tour, click “Add New Tour” to add one.

The default tour name is “Preset Tour 1”.

3. In the “Preset Points of a Tour” area, click “Add Preset Point” to add the number of

points for this tour. The number of points may outnumber the actual preset points you set, for the same preset point might be gone through more than one time in a single tour. For each point, click in the “Preset Point” field to bring up the dropdown list, and select one preset point and define the dwell time which represents the time the device would stay in a certain view. Finally, click “Apply” to save the tour.

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1 3 2

Note

The preset points and tour set in NVR 3.0 are independent from those you set on device. If you have already defined certain preset points or tour on device, they will not be brought to NVR system. On the other hand, the settings on NVR 3.0 will not write to the devices.

4. After a tour is saved, it is available on Live View pagePTZ control panel.

Configure Fisheye Cameras

With hemispherical lenses, fisheye cameras generate images at up to 360-degree width, which can cover all four corners of a room or both sides of a long aisle. As the original image captured by wide-angle lens is much distorted, to suit most monitoring purposes, the Dewarping process is required to alter the uneven lines and shapes before the images are displayed. Nowadays, the fisheye cameras come in two types in terms of the image-correction capability:  Fisheye Cameras with in-camera dewarping function The dewarping takes place in camera before the video is output to NVR server. Since the

image correction counts on the camera itself, NVR server will not bear much extra loading, which benefits the system requiring many of these fisheye cameras (e.g. ACTi KCM-3911,

KCM-7911)  Fisheye Cameras without dewarping function These fisheye cameras output only original global images, relying on software algorithm

processing provided by NVR sever to correct the images. They are suitable for a system with

limited bandwidth, for NVR server processes and responds to User’s ePTZ manipulation or

demands for changing view modes immediately, without waiting for camera side to deliver a

new frame (e.g. ACTi E96).

NVR 3.0 makes it possible to integrate both kinds of fisheye cameras into your system with the following advantages:

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Full support for all types of dewarped video stream output from fisheye cameras with

in-camera dewarping capability.

NVR’s software algorithm can perfectly corrects the original fisheye images, generating 6

specific fisheye view modes from User’s usual perspective.

 Based on user’s instant request for changing view mode or PTZ view point, NVR server will

process the original fisheye image and respond to the client individually. In this way, what a

client sees on Live View will not affect playback, recording, as well as another concurrent

connection. The virtualized ePTZ manipulation also allows User to dynamically explore any region of

interest within the hemispheric view like operating a genuine PTZ device.

To make use of NVR’s dewarping features for your fisheye cameras, please

1. Adjust Video Quality Settings After the fisheye camera is successfully added, go to Setup page Devices tab, select the device and then Video tab, make sure you set the Stream Mode as “FISHEYE” for a hemispheric camera ( KCM-3911, KCM-7911) .This is to make sure this hemispheric camera is outputting fisheye original video stream as a mini fisheye dome camera does.

2. Adjust Fisheye Display Settings Select your Mounting Type, and then Default Fisheye Mode. For a Fisheye Mode containing panorama view, you may want to configure the Default Rotate X (width of view) and Default Rotate Y (height of view) configurations.

You may adjust the dewarped area by clicking “Image Calibration”. In the edit mode, move or resize the red ring to define the dewarped area, and then click “Set” to save the setting.

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Fisheye Mode

Description

PTZ Navigation

Original View

The very raw fisheye view

Digital PTZ

Dewarping

One large user-defined cropped area

ePTZ

Panorama

360-degree panorama view for ceiling mount 180-degree panorama view for wall mount

Digital PTZ

Double

Panorama

Two 180-degree panorama views

Digital PTZ

Panorama

/Focus

One panorama view Two small user-defined cropped regions

ePTZ

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Quad

Four small user-defined cropped regions

ePTZ

3. After the configuration is done, remember to click “Apply” to save the settings.

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Field Name

Description

Pre-event Recording Buffer (sec):

The NVR server keeps a short cache of video received from the devices. If an event is triggered, the NVR server will automatically store the pre-event buffer along with the recording of the event itself. Available choices are 0, 3, 5 seconds.

Schedule Recordings

Unlike the traditional analog surveillance system, the IP surveillance system provides a target-oriented recording schedule for devices; the view of each device can be recorded based on your required time segments and event types. For example, you may have a camera installed on the office ceiling do continuous recording during work hours, and record only upon the triggers (incidents that detected by system) at night. In this way, the system does not waste disk space storing meaningless parts, and you save lots of effort browsing playback for specific events.

For the device’s recording schedule, NVR 3.0 supports Schedule recording and Event recording modes, which are set up on a week-based timetable; the event-handling schedule can also be configured on it. This section describes how to setup the recording schedule for the IP cameras / video servers.

Configure the Recording File Properties

Before setting the recording schedule, you may define (1) where the recordings are stored, (2) how long an event recording is and (3) how long a recording file will be kept in the system.

1. To set the saved recordings folder, go to Setup pageStorage tab, make sure you have

assigned the disk drives to store recorded files. For related recording settings, please refer to Storage Management on page 92.

2. To define how long an event recording is and the recording’s lifecycle, go to Setup

pageSchedule tab, and select the device from Device List, and then a week schedule will appear on the right. Configure the recording file related settings. The settings below will make an event recording as long as 5+30 seconds, which will be kept on server for 30 days.

Attributes Explanation

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Post-event Recording Buffer (sec):

This will determine how long after the event is triggered should be included in the event recording file. Available choices are 10, 30, 60,

120, 180, and 300 seconds.

Keep Recording Files for (1-999 days):

The NVR server will keep recording file of specific device for the number of days you set here. The default value is 30, and if you want to modify it, please check the box to start configuring it. Available value is among 1~999 days.

Specific Storage

You can assign a dedicated storage disk for a camera. By enabling this option and assigning a specific disk, the video footages will be recorded only to this selected disk rather than those you select on Setup page Storage tab. Please remember to configure the storage-related settings for this specific disk on Setup page Storage tab after you enable this option.

Tip

How to make proper storage arrangement

In NVR 3.0 system, there are two file-deleting mechanisms you can use based on different needs. If both rules are set, the threshold reached earlier will execute the deletion first.

1. “Keep Recording Files for (1-999 days)” – Set this rule if you have more concern in

how long the recordings are kept, especially when you don’t want the old recordings to

stay longer in the system than a certain period.

2. “Reserve space” in the Disk Drive List on Setup page Storage tab - If the disk space is more critical in your system, please give an approximate value here, the system will always reserve this amount of space to store the newer recordings.

Given that you set the Reserve space as 30G, while Keeping Recording Files setting is 5 days, certain recording file will be deleted when it has been kept on disk for 5 days, despite that there is still plenty of available disk space. Before setting up the rules, you can make use of a handy storage calculator provided by ACTi to find out the estimated storage your system requires on ACTi corporate website:

http://www.acti.com/project_planner

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Time Track

Time Setting Quick Buttons

Recording Mode Bar

Set the Schedule

Here you can configure camera’s recording schedule on 7 days / 24 hours basis. The schedule is split into segments of 20-minute-length. By default, once a device is added to the system, its schedule is automatically set to full time schedule recording and event handling. You should configure it according to your system plan. Go to Setup-Schedule tab, on Schedule Setting panel:

1. Select the recording mode from “Recording Mode Bar” :Continuous recording that channel

: Records a period of the detected motion event. Please make sure you

have configured the motion settings on Setup page  Device tab beforehand.

:Event handling is activated.

(Please refer to How to Edit an Event Rule on page 82 for Event Rules settings)

: Clear the setting + : Continuous recording + event handling + : Event recording + event handling

2. Click and drag over the “Time Track” to set time period.

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Use Time Setting Quick Buttons to Set the Time in One Click

Select the recording mode, then click one of these buttons to apply the mostly-used time settings. Click to apply schedule for all day.

Click to apply schedule from 06:00 to 18:00 every day, with the settings for the rest of the time track being cleared.

Click to apply schedule from 18:00 to 06:00 every day, with the settings for the rest of the time track being cleared.

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Click to clear all schedule setting in this device.

Lock Specific Days

Clicking the day of the week will lock/unlock that day from schedule setting. You can shield schedule on a certain day from being changed by changes in other weekdays. You may easily set just the weekdays or the same time over the same week this way. To do this:

1. Click the days to shield them.

2. As you drag any settings over the time track, it will not apply to those shielded days.

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Copy an Existing Schedule to Others

With plenty of devices in your system, it happens that you want to apply the same schedule to multiple devices. After creating a schedule for one device, you can copy it to other cameras.

1. Go to Setup page Schedule tab, on Device List, select the device you want to copy

schedule settings from.

2. Click the “Copy” button.

3. On popup window, select target devices you want to copy schedule settings to.

4. Click the “Apply” button.

To check the result, go to Schedule tab, click All Devices on Device List.

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Icon

Recording Function Description

Schedule recording. During this period, device view will be recorded continuously.

Event handling. During this schedule, the event rules you set are active.

Schedule recording and Event handling are both active during this period.

Event recording. During this period, only detected events (e.g. Motion/PIR ) will be recorded .

Event recording and Event handling are both active during this period

View the Entire Recording Schedule

On Setup page Schedule tab, click All Devices on Device List, an overview of all device schedules will be listed on the right.

The below list explains the status of different bar patterns:

How to Know if the Recording is Proceeding?

As the recording is taking place, you can observe the status on the All Device list. There will be an icon appearing in front of the device. In Playback, you can drag the playback bar to current time position to check the latest recording.

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Trigger Type

Event Rule

Response Type

Event Management

When something happens on camera site, such as someone walks by, the door opens or closes, a fire breaks out or the sun goes down – these are all Events. Events which occur in the environment or were preprogrammed in the camera may be used as Triggers. Triggers cause the device to react with Responses. The link between trigger and response is governed by Event Rules. Event rules become active or inactive based upon a weekly Schedule. Each event rule detects one specific trigger and may initiate multiple responses. An example rule would be for NVR to send e-mail to alert the supervisor (Response 1) and trigger alarm (Response 2) when motion detection from camera is triggered (Trigger) during the event handing active period (Schedule).

How Does NVR Handle Events

In NVR 3.0, each device can be involved in several event rules. As different device models possess various capabilities, the supported event trigger types would vary. For example, a PIR built-in camera can execute a PIR-triggered event rule, while this option is not provided to other models without this feature; similarly, the supported response types would vary by device models, like Goto-preset behavior can only be executed by PTZ devices. The below chart shows NVR server supported Trigger types and Response types. Once a device is added to NVR server, the server would create empty rules with compatible trigger types for you to configure.

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NVR 3.0 System Administrator’s Manual

How to Edit an Event Rule

1. Go to Setup page  Event tab. All the editable event rules are listed in the device ID

order.

2. Select a device from the Device List on the left. Based on the trigger types this device

supports, the corresponding events rules are listed accordingly on the right. In this example, this selected camera model supports three motion detection regions, and hence three MD trigger event rules are available.

3. Highlight the rule you wish to edit. Click in the “Event Name” column to edit the event

name, and then double-click the “Response” column to edit the response action.

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Action Items

Function Description

This kind of action will focus your attention on the channel when triggered. Pop-up: Brings up event pop-up instant playback window of selected channel upon trigger. You may also define the display duration of video on the window. Hot-spot: Displays video in Hot-Spot window (red flashing frame) upon event. You may also define display duration of video on the Hot-spot window. Switch View: The current Live View will be switched to another one for a while. To enable this option, you will need to customize and save Views on Live View screen first. You may also define duration of the temporary View. Only Public Views are selectable for Switch View event rule.

Hot-spot and Switch View responses cannot be executed at the same time.

Upon being triggered, specific camera can make PTZ movements like going to specific PTZ presets as responses. You may set both the start / end point and the duration. This action is only available when you have set the preset points.

Makes NVR play beep sound or an audio file for a number of repetitions.

On NVR3 Workstation client computer, you can upload a WAV file or an MP3 file as the alert sound, and set how many times this audio file is played when the event occurs. (This NVR server has to be already on Server Site list, refer to Error! eference source not found. on page 37 for how to save a server site). Please note that Beep and Audio file responses cannot be executed at the same time.

You can enable multiple responses by first checking the box(es) to enable the items:

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Set the DO to become ON or OFF upon trigger, only the devices supporting DO functions can be the target devices.

Enable NVR to execute a certain command upon this event. You can use it

to integrate NVR’s event handling with

other programs. Enter the path of the command to be executed upon event.

Enable NVR to upload snapshots to a FTP site upon this event. The default FTP settings can be set in advance in Setup pageSystem tabSettings  FTP Settings. You may set another FTP destination here for this single event. Please also make sure the FTP server setting is correct and the folder access rights are properly configured.

Enable NVR to send e-mail notification via SMTP server. The default SMTP and sender’s e-mail settings can be set in advance in

Setup page System tabSettings  E-mail& SMTP Settings.

1. Type one or more recipients’ e-mail

addresses in “To” column (if more than one, please separate them by “;”

symbol) or click the icon to select recipients from existing NVR User list. The E-mail address should be set in advance (in Setup pageUsers tabUsers) for an NVR User so that it can be selected in this list.

2. Edit the e-mail subject and content.

3. Choose to attach a snapshot or not.

If event trigger type is Video Recovery or Network Recovery, this function is disabled.

4. After configuring the actions, click “Apply” to save this response.

5. Go to Setup pageSchedule tab and set the Event Handling schedule for this device.

Event responses will only be triggered when the trigger time falls within either the Event Handling recording or the Event Handling with Schedule recording period.

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Note

1. Sending e-mail, Uploading snapshot to FTP and Executing command actions are executed on the server computer, not from the client computer.

2. There must be video stream from device when the event happens for event responses to work.

3. Internet Explorer browser may become unstable due to frequent pop-up instant

playback windows, please avoid setting the “Pop-up” action as the event rule for a

device which is too frequently triggered. The next server version v3.1 will improve the program efficiency with Internet Explorer browser.

6. To check if this rule is successfully set, please make sure you have properly configured the involved (1) trigging side settings like Motion Detection Regions or DI, (2) response side settings like PTZ Preset Points, SMTP Server and E-mail Recipients, FTP Server or DO. Then set the Event Handling schedule for current time and trigger this rule.

Manage the Event Rules

Event List panel gives an overview on event rules set on the NVR server. Go to Setup page  Event tab  select All Devices on the left. As the entire available rules of all devices are listed

here, you may want to sort out some of them from the long list.

View the Event Rules

To sort by Device name, Trigger type or Event Name, click the titles to list the entries in ascending or descending alphabetic order.

To filter out the configured events, select from the “All Triggers” dropdown list; or filter by the event type by selecting from the “All Events” dropdown list.

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23 4

Delete the Event Rules

On Event List, select the rules you wish to delete, and then click “Delete” to clear this rule.

How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules

NVR 3.0 supports e-mail notification for Event Handling sent through an SMTP server. You can specify the e-mail and server settings here.

1. Go to Setup pageSystem tabSettings  E-mail& SMTP Settings.

2. Fill in each of the following fields.

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Field Name

Description

Server

Input the sender’s SMTP server address. Only alphabets, numbers, and the symbols (.), (_), (-) are valid.

SMTP Port

Set the SMTP port, allowed value is from 1~65535, default is 25.

Account

Input the name of the SMTP server account. Only alphabets, numbers, and the symbols (@), (.), (_), (-) are valid.

Password

Input the password of the SMTP server account. Only alphabets and numbers are valid.

Security

Certain webmail providers provide the SSL/TLS-encrypted SMTP connections to secure your data when sending/receiving e-mails. Please check if the SMTP connection settings you use (especially the SMTP Port) now require to enable either SSL or TLS.

Sender Name

Input the name or title of the sender. You may input a name different from the account name.

Sender Mail

Input the sender’s e-mail address, which should the same account you set for SMTP server.

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3. As all necessary information is filled in, click “Send Test Mail” to try sending an e-mail according to your settings, and then log in to your SMTP server to check incoming e-mails. If the test mail is sent successfully, NVR server is ready to send out e-mails.

4. As the settings are confirmed, click “Apply” to save.

How to Setup FTP Settings for Event Rules

NVR 3.0 supports uploading snapshots to FTP servers for Event Handling. You can specify the e-mail and server settings here.

1. Go to Setup pageSystem tabSettings  FTP Settings.

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Field Name

Description

Server

Input the FTP server address. Only alphabets, numbers, and the symbols (.), (_), (-) are valid

Port

Set the FTP port, allowed value is from 1~65535, default is 21.

Account

Input the name of the FTP server account. Only alphabets, numbers, and the symbols (@), (.), (_), (-) are valid.

Password

Input the password of the FTP server account. Only alphabets and numbers are valid.

Mode

The FTP works in two very different manners, Active mode and Passive mode. If your FTP server is behind the firewall or a NAT router, you have to use

“Passive” mode.

Remote Folder

Input the upload path of the file. Default will be “/” to represent the root folder.

2. Fill in each of the following fields.

3. As all necessary information is filled in, click “Test FTP Connection” to test the connection.

If NVR server pops up a “Testing FTP connection was successful” message, NVR server is ready to upload to this FTP.

4. As the settings are confirmed, click “Apply” to save. The FTP settings here will be default for every event rule.

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System Log

The activities performed by logged-in Users are recorded on server as System Log. With the access permission, a user may view, search and export this record for analysis or investigation. This section will provide the instructions on how to read and search data in the system log.

“System Log” is one of the resident buttons on top of NVR server user interface, click it to enter search window.

Define Search Time

You need to first define the time of the logs you would like to search for. On Search Time bar, define the date and time. Default is your current client time.

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Choose Log Type

You may filter the logs by Type, User Account, and Device by selecting from dropdown list, then click “Search”. By default, all types are selected.

Read the Log

The search result will show 1000 records before and after your query time. You may click the pagination buttons to navigate earlier or later records. If there is an icon on the right top corner of an entry, click it to view the full description content.

A log entry contains several kinds of information including Date Time, Type, User Account, Device and Description. Check Type and Description fields to know what the user has done

or what happened to the whole system. In Type field shows what major functions user engaged in, in Description field narrates how the change was done (in green font color, uppercase) and the result (in white font color).

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Type

Description

User Operation

Setup System

Recording Configure, Storage System Setting

Setup Users

User – Add,Delete,Modify User Groups – Add, Delete, Modify

Setup Schedule

Modify

Setup Event

Modify

System Status

Server start up, disk is full, disk is not found, disk is available

Request Log

Time, source ip address, /SYS/SystemMgmt/xxxxx ,200

Note

If the pagination button appears to be disabled, that means no more records found on NVR server. By default, the server will keep the logs for 30 days. If you wish to adjust the period, please go to Setup page  Storage tab, in Recording Settings section, key in the value in this field:

The following user behaviors are recorded in NVR server:

Export the Log

Click “Export” button to export the log as .csv file. You can specify the time duration, engaged User Account and devices of the logs, and click “Apply”.

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Storage Management

This section describes how to manage storage space in NVR. Please note that this section only deals with the overall storage rules, and not storage of individual channels.

Please note that as NVR continuously writes and deletes file from the disk drive, using a removable disk may risk losing recording when device is removed while being accessed. Go to Setup pageStorage tab.

Change Recordings Folder Name

In “Recording Settings” section, you may change the name of video recordings folder. The video files are saved in a folder named “Recordings” under hard drive root directory. You may change the name here.

Set System Log Lifecycle

System Log is the record of User activities and events that took place on the server. In “Recording Settings” section, you may set how long this record is kept on the server. Default is 30 days.

Set Hard Drives for the Recorded Files Deletion Rule

1. On Disk Drive List displays the detected hard drives in your server computer. You may

select the storage location of the recording files and set the deletion threshold. By default, NVR server will select C drive as storage location.

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Item

Description

Free Space (GB)

Currently available space of the chosen disk drive.

Total Space (GB)

The total volume of the chosen disk drive.

Reserve Space (GB)

This is the amount of space to be reserved for the whole computer system. Once the free space is used up as to reach the limit of reserve space, the system will delete the earliest recordings. The

“Reserve Space” should always be smaller than “Free Space”

2. After selecting the disk drive, please set the deletion rule. There are two ways to delete

recordings, when both are active, NVR server will start to delete old files when any of the criteria below is met: (1) Keep the recordings for a number of days, and delete files older than this period by 1 GB at a time. Please go to Setup page Schedule tab to set it. (2) Keep recordings until the disk is almost full, and then delete the earliest recording files by 1 GB at a time. NVR server will delete old files when available space is lower than Reserve Space you set in Disk Drive List.

When setting the deletion rule, please input a number in Reserve Space which should be smaller than your current Free Space.

3. When finish settings, click “Apply”.

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Setup

Jeremy, Gate Guard

Gate Group (User)

Sam, Security Head

Security Group (User)

Monitor

Sean, Manager

Administrator Group

Playback

Monitor

Manage User Groups/ Users

The User Groups/Users page allows you to (1) manage the access permissions of different user groups, (2) add users to or delete them from user groups, (3) and assign users to specific user group. This chapter will take you through these settings.

Access Permissions

In NVR 3.0, the access permissions are managed by User Groups. User Groups defines what functions and devices are allowed for each user. Different User Groups will have different access rights in terms of permitted operations with each device like Live View, Playback, and NVR server management operations like Device Setup, Schedule Setup, Event Setup and System Setup. For example, an Administrator User is allowed for all the operations in NVR, while a standard User may only be permitted to do Live View and Playback with limited devices.

The chart below displays different employees as NVR Users and their access rights in this system:

Overview

Go to Setup page Users tab. There are two sections to manage User Groups and Users individually.

User Groups: To setup user groups and its permissions for device and functionalities. Users: To manage user accounts and configure user information.

ACTi NVR 3.0 has integrated Microsoft Active Directory® service to provide network administrators a more convenient choice for user management. Active Directory is a directory service built in Microsoft Server products to manage user identities and privileges within the

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domain network. As ACTi NVR 3.0 runs on a server computer logged on to the same domain with Active Directory server, you can import a user account or a group from those concurrently existing in Active Directory into NVR server. In this way, the user identification is processed by Active Directory centrally; there is no need for NVR administrator to maintain user accounts as long as they are under management of Active Directory service.

User Groups

You can specify access permissions to each device for a whole user group. This user grouping can save you significant amount of works if you have multiple users performing similar tasks and acting as similar roles.

There are already two default User groups

 Administrator: With full permissions in the NVR.  User: With the permissions to watch all camera live view and playback.

You can create a new user group on NVR server or import an existing group from the Active Directory database within your domain.

1. Select , click “Add” and then choose the group type:

Add a new user group:

Insert ID, group Name and group Description, your input in the Name field will be the name of this User group. Click “Apply” to finish.

 Import a domain group as a User group: Choose an existing user group from your domain, and click “Apply” to finish.

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Live View page Playback page Setup page

Domain users added as a whole group

The domain users within that group will all be added to NVR server at the same time. To view the whole users within this group, please select and enable the “Show users in domain groups.” The account information of these domain users, unlike those user accounts you add one by one to NVR server, are not editable on Users page.

2. Assign NVR Permissions for created group. This will define what functions this User group is allowed to access. By default, a new User group will initially be allowed to access only Live View page and Playback page, but without any permission to any device setting, so you will have to assign the device permissions later.

3. Assign Device Permissions for created group. This will define which devices this User group is allowed to access. If this User group is allowed to access all newly-added devices, check “New Device Default” and edit the permissions, these default settings will be applied to any device added in the future.

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You may copy the Device Permissions Settings to other devices. Click “Copy” under Device Permissions tab to bring up the target device menu, check the target devices, and click

“Apply”.

Click “Apply” on the top to save the settings.

Add Users

To create a user account with on NVR server.

1. Select , and click Add button.

2. Select User Type as Customized User or Domain User.

Customized User: an account created and managed on NVR server only. You will input an account name, its password and e-mail address for this User. Domain User: an account that already exists in Active Directory database within the domain. Since this is an existing account in your domain, you will have to select this account from Account dropdown list.

3. Insert user account, name, password, and the account mail (For Customized User).

4. Assign this created user account to a specific user group.

5. After you click “Apply”, this new user will be added to the list on the top.

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Note

Account /Password Rules

1. Account and Password fields allow alphabets, numbers, and symbols except the

following: / \ [ ] : ; | = , + * ? < > "

2. In Account field, for alphabets, the input will be recognized as lowercase letters. Space is only allowed between characters; the space in the beginning or at the end will be deleted as it is saved.

3. The Password field is case-sensitive, and the space is allowed.

Note

Admin is the default user account and belongs to “Administrator” user group. Hence, the user Admin and the group Administrator cannot be deleted; it possesses full permissions to all devices and NVR settings.

Note

NVR server provides a procedure to help Users who have forgotten the password retrieving the original information, which relies solely on the “e-mail address” authentication. It is strongly recommended that you input an e-mail address that this User has access to when you establish the User account. To update the e-mail address of an account, go to Setup page Users tab  edit “E-mail” of an selected User account; the Users can also update the e-mail addresses themselves after logging in to NVR on Live View page   Update Profile

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ACTi NVR 3 V3.0.09 Installation Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual