Swann DVR16-2600 User Manual
Advanced security made easy
16 Channel H.264 Digital Video Recorder
™
plug&playsecurity
™
DVR16-2600™
Operating Instructions
www.swannsecurity.com
MR6C250810E
Before You Begin
FCC Verification:
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
These devices comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. These devices may not cause harmful interference, and
2. These devices must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Prohibition against eavesdropping
Except for the operations of law enforcement officers conducted under lawful authority, no person
shall use, either directly or indirectly, a device operated pursuant to the provisions of this Part for the
purpose of overhearing or recording the private conversations of others unless such use is authorized
by all of the parties engaging in the conversation.
WARNING: Modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
• Make sure product is fixed correctly and stable if fastened in place
• Do not operate if wires and terminals are exposed
• Do not cover vents on the side or back of the DVR and allow adequate space for ventilation
DEFAULT PASSWORD INFORMATION
To ensure your privacy, this DVR is password protected.
• To unlock the DVR for the first time, the default password is “123456”.
• To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend changing the password as soon as
possible. Choose something that you’ll remember, but that others would be unlikely to guess.
• If you do manage to lock yourself out of the DVR, you’ll need to contact us at the Swann Technical
Support Telephone Helpdesk - the number is on the back cover.
2
Table of Contents
Before You Begin 2
Table of Contents 3
Overview 4
Important Information & Package Contents 5
Layout of the Front Panel 6
Layout of the Rear Panel 7
Layout of Remote Control 8
Connecting Cameras 9
Navigating the Menus 10 - 11
Starting the DVR 12
The Main Menu 13
The Camera (Display Setup) Menu 14
The Record Setup Menu 15
The Record Schedule 16
The Network Menu 17
Video Search, File List & USB Backup 18
Backup 19
Playback 20
Playing Backed-up Footage on a PC 21
Device Management & HDD Menu 22
HDD Menu (ctd.) & PTZ Menu 23
The Alarm Menu 24
Auto Email Setup 25
Mobile Devices & Motion Detection Menus 26
Motion Detection Configuration 27
System Setup and Date & Time Menus 28
Password and Video Setup Menus 29
Language, Info and Maintenance Menus 30
PTZ Controls 31
Remote Access 32 - 33
Remote Access via Internet Expolorer 34
Remote Access via a Mobile Device 35
Changing or installing a Hard Drive 36
Troubleshooting 37
Technical Specifications 38
Warranty Information 39
Technical Support Rear Cover
3
Overview
Congratulations on your purchase of the DVR16-2600!
You’ve chosen a versatile, powerful and great value security monitoring and recording solution for your
home or business. Let’s just take a moment to talk about some of the great features that the DVR162600 offers and some of the things to think about before installing the system.
16 Channel Monitoring and Recording
The DVR16-2600 can monitor and record sixteen channels simultaneously. You can configure the
recording modes for each of the sixteen channels quite independently. For example, you could have
eight channels recording on a schedule, six recording constantly and two armed to record on motion.
Or any other combination you can think of!
Powerful H.264 Compression
The advanced video codec used by the DVR16-2600, called H.264, offers high quality video files at
a fraction of the size of older video codecs such as MPEG-2 or similar. Basically, this means you can
store more footage on the DVR’s hard drive, and that the quality of that footage can be significantly
higher than many older video formats. H.264 has been engineered to provide the highest level of data
compression possible (saving space on your hard drive) whilst maintaining a high image quality.
Powerful Networking and Remote Access Features
The DVR16-2600 features an Ethernet port, which can be used to connect the DVR to your local area
network (LAN). With the addition of a high-speed Internet service, this allows you to remotely access
the DVR from any high-speed Internet terminal on Earth! If that isn’t convenient enough, the DVR also
features mobile device support, allowing you to connect to it from a device running Microsoft Windows
®,
Mobile
Symbian S60 (3rd/5th editions), Android, Blackberry or the increasingly popular iPhone.
Multiple Monitor Connections
Not only does the DVR16-2600 come with multiple video out ports (allowing you to connect it to two
televisions at once) it also comes with a VGA output, allowing you to connect the DVR to a computer
monitor. The VGA connection allows for a much higher quality picture than traditional composite video
connections, boasting resolutions of up to 1600 x 1200 pixels. Oh, and there’s an HDMI output so the
DVR can interface with the latest TVs and monitors with up to 1080 lines of resolution.
Installation Tips & Tricks
One of the most important things to decide early on is where you’re going to install the DVR. There are
several considerations to make, and some of them conflict with one another.
• Your DVR needs to be located in a central location to allow you maximum options when placing
your cameras. This is true whether your cameras are connected via cables or wirelessly - one way,
you’ll have to physically install cabling, and wireless systems still have a limited range.
• On the other hand, your DVR should be installed somewhere secure. If the DVR is too accessible
it could be sabotaged or removed by an intruder.
• Ideally, assuming that you wish to use most features this DVR offers, it should be installed close
to a network access point. There is, however, no problem using a long network cable - a Cat
5e Ethernet cable up to approximately three hundred feet (about 90m) should work. Different
network cable standards will offer a longer or shorter range.
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Important Information
• Do not expose the DVR to moisture. Water is the arch-enemy of electrical components and
also poses a high risk of electric shock.
• Avoid dusty locations. Dust has a tendency to build up inside the DVR case, leading to a high
risk of failure or even fire.
• Only install the DVR in a well ventilated space. The circuitry and hard drive in the DVR
produces a significant amount of heat, and this heat needs a way out.
• Do not open the DVR case except to install/swap the hard drive inside. There are no user
serviceable parts inside.
• Never open the case whilst the DVR is plugged in, and never turn the DVR on whilst the
case is open.
• Use only the supplied power adapter. Other adapters may cause damage to the DVR or cause
a fire.
• Do not cut or modify any cable for any reason. Doing so will void your warranty, as well as
pose a great risk of fire or electrical shock.
• Don’t expose the DVR to sudden bumps or shocks (for example, being dropped). The DVR is
as robust as possible, but many of the internal components are quite fragile.
• Remember that the DVR is, in all likelihood, going to be left on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Keep this in mind when choosing a location for installation.
To ensure your privacy, this DVR is password protected.
• To unlock the DVR for the first time, the default password is “123456”.
• To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend changing the password as soon as
possible. Choose something that you’ll remember, but that others would be unlikely to guess.
• If you do manage to lock yourself out of the DVR, you’ll need to contact us at the Swann Technical
Support Telephone Helpdesk - the number is on the back cover.
IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
DEFAULT PASSWORD INFORMATION
The DVR displays the menu on only one output at a time. This means you’ll see the menus on either
the MAIN VIDEO OUTPUT (a TV) or through the VGA/HDMI output (PC monitor/high definition TV).
If the DVR is not displaying the menu on the screen you have connected,
press and hold the SELECT button until the DVR beeps to swap displays.
DVR16-2600™ Unit
Remote Control
Operating Instructions
Audio Input Adaptor
Power Adapter with Cable
Not seeing any menus?
Package Contents
Software CD
Network cable
USB Mouse
RCA Video Cable
Security Stickers (4 Pack)
If you are missing any of these
components, contact Swann
Communications for assistance.
5
Layout of the Front Panel
1 2 3 6 85 7 94
1110
1) Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when
the DVR is connected to power and switched on.
2) Infrared Sensor: Monitors signals coming
from the infrared remote control. If this sensor is
blocked or obstructed, then the functionality of
the remote will be impaired.
3) Hard Drive Indicator: Lights up when the hard
drive is active. It will flash rapidly when recording
or searching (in time with the read/write cycles).
4 & 5) CH- / CH+ (1 ~ 8): Moves back or forward
through first eight available channels in either
live-viewing mode or playback. To access channels
between 9 and 16, use buttons 6 & 7.
6 & 7) CH- / CH+ (9 ~ 16): As 4 & 5, except will
access the latter eight channels.
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12 13 14 15
12) Pause: During playback, will pause the current
recording and leave a still-frame on screen. In
live-viewing mode, this will activate the autosequence mode, where the display automatically
cycles through the available camera signals (this
must be correctly configured and enabled to
function correctly).
13) Play: If pressed in live-viewing mode, this will
take you directly into playback mode, and begin
playing the most recent recording. In playback
mode, use it to resume playback after pausing or
stopping a recording.
14) Fast-Forward: During playback, this will
speed up the footage. Press multiple times
to increase the speed of the playback. When
navigating through menus, this button will move
the cursor to the right.
16 17 18 19
20
8) Display Mode: Enters split-screen multi-view.
The whole screen is split into multiple sections,
each displaying the images from one camera.
Press multiple times to cycle through the range
of options.
9) PTZ: Opens the Pan, Tilt, Zoom pop-up menu.
This is used to control PTZ capable camera
systems, and will not affect standard cameras.
10) Menu/ESC: One of the primary controls for
navigating through the menus. When in liveviewing mode, it will enter the main menu. When
pressed in the main menu, it will return the DVR
to live-viewing mode. Finally, when in a submenu,
this button will return you to the main menu.
11) Rewind: During playback, this will reverse
the footage. Press multiple times to increase the
speed of the reversing. When navigating through
menus, this button will move the cursor to the
left.
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15) Stop: In playback mode, pressing this button
will stop playback.
16) Record: Press to immediately start recording.
This acts as a manual override to the schedule
and motion recording modes. For a channel to be
recorded in this mode (or any other) it must listed
as ‘active’ in the Camera Setup and Record Setup
menus.
17 ~ 19) Arrows: Move the cursor in the selected
direction in the menus.
20) Select: The equivalent of Enter/Return on a
computer keyboard. Use this button to (as the
name suggests) select an option in the menus, or
to confirm an entry.
Layout of the Rear Panel
21 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
121110
1) CH1 ~ CH16 (Video Inputs): These are the
sixteen camera inputs, labelled as per their
channel in the DVR’s interface. Thus, plug the
camera you want to be associated with Channel
1 into the port marked CH1 and so on.
2) Video Outputs: This sends a composite video
signal out of the DVR. Each of the two ports can
be connected to separate monitors. The output
marked MAIN will show the main DVR interface
(all channels accessible plus menus, unless you’ve
configured the DVR to use the HDMI / VGA as the
main output). The SPOT output is for connection
to a secondary monitor, to display select channels
or events as they happen.
3) Audio Inputs (CH1 ~ CH4): Four labelled
audio inputs. These will accept standard line-level
signals (<1V) and can be assigned to channels
later. To connect more audio devices, use the
serial adapter (see “10”).
4) Audio Output: Two mono audio output
channels. These output a standard ‘line-level’
signal, and can easily be connected to the audio
inputs on a television or stand-alone audio device.
The top output is the MAIN audio out, the lower
one is the SPOT audio output.
5) HDMI Output: For connection to an HDMI
compatible monitor or television. This will display
the same image as the MAIN video output, but at
a higher resolution.
6) VGA Output: For connection to a VGA
monitor. This will display the same image as the
MAIN video output at a selectable resolution up
to UXGA resolution(1600 x 1200).
7 Above) USB Mouse Port: For connecting the
included USB mouse (other standard USB mice will
also work). This port will not accept a USB flash
drive – this port will work with a mouse only.
7 Below) USB Backup Port: For connecting a
USB flash drive for the purposes of backing up
footage.
8) Alarm/Sensor/RS485 Connections: For
connecting external sensors, alarms or external
devices to the DVR. The most often used ports
are located on the upper left: this is the RS485
port, used primarily to connect PTZ (pan, tilt,
zoom) devices.
9) Power Connection: For supplying power to
the DVR. Use only the supplied power adaptor,
and do NOT change or modify it in any way.
Modifications to your power supply radically
increases the risk of electrocution or fire, and will
immediately void your warranty.
10) Audio Inputs (CH5 ~ CH16): An additional
12 audio inputs. These require use of the included
serial port adapter, but otherwise work in the
same manner as the primary audio inputs.
11) LAN Port: To connect an Ethernet cable,
allowing the DVR to be connected to a local area
network. This network, in turn, can be used to
give the DVR a connection to the Internet.
12) Power Switch: Turns the DVR on (I) or off (O).
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Layout of Remote Control
1) REC: Initiates manual recording.
2) SEARCH: Opens the Video Search menu.
3) 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 (Viewing Modes): Changes
how many channels are displayed on the screen
at a time. You can choose from 4 (2x2), 9 (3x3)
or all 16 (4x4). Press the button multiple times to
cycle which channels are displayed.
4) 0 ~ 9 (Numerical Buttons): You can use
these buttons to enter or select numerical values.
In live viewing mode, they are shortcuts to the
associated channel.
5) AUTO: Starts or stops the auto-rotate
function.
6) DISPLAY MODE: Cycles through all available
viewing modes and layouts.
7) UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT (Arrow Buttons):
Used to navigate through menus, enter
information, change channels and operate PTZ
devices.
8) ENTER (aka Select): Selects an item, confirms
a choice or ends a process.
9) MENU / ESC: Opens the Main Menu, or goes
back one step from a submenu.
10) MUTE: Toggles MUTE on or off. While muted,
the DVR will record audio, but not send it to the
television (or other audio output device).
11) PIP (Picture In Picture): Initiates picture
in picture mode. Press multiple times to cycle
through PIP options. Press MENU / ESC to exit PIP
mode.
12) Playback Controls: Operates the playback
interface of the DVR. They operate in much the
same way as the controls on a DVD player.
13) PTZ Controls: For controlling a Pan, Tilt,
Zoom device. The features that you can control
depends on the make and model of the PTZ
device you have.
14) LOCK: Locks the DVR. You’ll need a passcode
to unlock it again.
1
3
5
6
9
11
13
2
4
7
8
10
12
14
8
Connecting Cameras
1
Note: Cameras and
accessories are
optional, and may not
be included.
4
1. Connect the power and BNC ends of the
security camera to an extension cable.
Ensure these connections are secure, and
shielded from weather, moisture or other
hazards. Though Swann cameras use low
voltage DC power supplies, there is still the
possibility of short circuits if water gets into
the power plug or socket.
2. If you have multiple cameras which share a
power adapter, connect the DC end on the
extension cables to the 4 way power splitter
plugs. If you’ve got a dedicated power
supply for each camera, skip this step.
3. Connect the camera power supply to the
other end of the cable or power splitter, as
applicable.
4. Connect the BNC end of the extension
cables to the camera connections on the
back of the DVR unit (CH1 ~ CH16).
5. Repeat steps 1 ~ 4 for each camera.
6
(Optional)
2 (Optional)
3
8
7
6. If your camera has a microphone, connect
the audio out to one of the audio input
channels. If you have more than four
microphones, you’ll need to use the serial
adapter cable.
7. Connect the DVR power supply plug into
the power supply socket on the back of
the DVR. Ensure you use the right power
supply. Although most cameras also use a
12V power supply (though some do not - be
careful!) they don’t supply enough current to
run the DVR and the installed hard drive(s).
8. Plug in the camera power adapter and the
DVR power adapter to mains power outlets.
Avoid using multiple double-adapters or
power boards - if possible, use a single
outlet for each power adapter.
9. Connect a monitor or television. Use the
HDMI output for compatible televisions, or
the MAIN Video Output for older televisions.
The VGA output will connect to a computer
monitor. (Not pictured above)
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Navigating the Menus
Main Menu
Camera
Recording
Networking
Rec. Search
Device
System
Color Setup
The DVR displays the menu on only one output at
the screen you have connected, press and hold the
Search
PlayBack
Date & Time Set
User Password
Video Settings
Language
IMPORTANT:
a time. If the DVR is not displaying the menu on
SELECT button to swap displays.
BackupFile Details
HDD Management
Alarm Config
PTZ Settings
Mobile
Motion Area Setup
Auto Email
System Information
System Maintenance
There are two main ways to navigate through the menus on the DVR. One way is to use the buttons
on the front panel of the DVR and/or the remote control. The other way is to use the included USB
mouse.
Front Panel / Remote Control
For an explanation of the functions of the buttons on the DVR
and the remote control, see pages 6 and 8, respectively. Many
of the controls operate in a similar manner to controls on a DVD
player or similar. However, due to the specific and multi-channel
nature of the DVR, the functionality of some buttons may not be
immediately obvious.
USB Mouse
When a USB mouse is attached to the DVR, it allows for easy
navigation and operation of the menus. In this capacity, the mouse
functions in a very similar manner to the mouse attached to a
computer. The left mouse button is used to select, confirm choices
and otherwise interact with the menu system. The right mouse
button opens the pop-up menu (when pressed in live-viewing
The pop-up menu, accessed by
right-clicking the mouse in live-
viewing mode.
mode) or exits a menu (when pressed whilst in the menu system).
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IMPORTANT - Remembering to Apply Your Changes
When you’re using the menus to change settings or values, none of your changes will be saved until
you choose the “Apply” option, which is usually located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
Always select the APPLY button before leaving a menu
if you want to save the changes that you have made.
There are two reasons why the “Apply” button needs to expressly selected. For one, it helps prevent
accidental modification of the DVR’s settings while you’re navigating other menus or similar. Secondly,
the DVR only checks and loads the settings you’ve modified when the apply button is pressed. This
is important to prevent the DVR operating erratically or performing an unintended operation whilst
settings are in the process of being modified.
Using the On-Screen Keyboard
As the DVR doesn’t have a keyboard, when you have to enter
text the DVR will present you an on-screen ‘keyboard’. This will
automatically appear when you select a text field which allows
you to enter a value.
If you want to change the type of characters being entered,
click the ABC button on the right of the keyboard - this will
cycle through the modes available. You can enter letters,
numbers or symbols, each with their own mini-keyboard.
Getting Started
If you’ve just unpacked your DVR and are not sure where to begin setting up your system, here’s a quick
rundown of the most important things that need to be set up.
• Test your system. Before installing cables into walls, it’s a great idea to plug everything in and
make sure it all works. This is particularly true if you’re using additional cameras to any that came
with the DVR (this DVR is available stand-alone or in a kit with cameras). We do our very best to
ensure that the equipment reaching you is of the highest quality and will work out of the box, but
accidents do occur in shipping and sometimes components can fail. Better to find out now than
once everything is screwed in place!
• Then, once the DVR is on and working, the first thing to do is to set your password (see page
29 for details on how to do it).
• Set the Date and Time (page 28 for details) to ensure that, once you start recording, you are
able to index and search the recorded footage easily. Also, if using the DVR’s footage in any legal
proceedings, then having an accurate date and time on your footage becomes quite crucial.
• Check your hardware - specifically, and most importantly, the hard drive (see pages 22 & 23).
This is where all your footage will be stored, so it’s quite important to ensure that it is functioning
correctly.
• Setup your recording modes and/or schedule (pages 15 - 16) to make sure that the DVR will
record what you want it to, and at the right time.
• OPTIONAL (Advanced Users): Configure your network settings (pages 17 & 32 - 39).
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Starting the DVR
Once the DVR has been connected to power, switch
it on by using the power switch on the rear panel.
The DVR takes approximately 45 seconds to boot
up, during which time the image to the right will be
displayed.
The default mode of the DVR is live-viewing mode. This is the mode which monitors the images coming
from your cameras in real-time, and allows you to configure your recording and channel options. The
DVR automatically starts in live-viewing mode, with multi-view enabled.
The first thing you’ll probably open in the pop-up menu. To access the pop-up menu, right-click
anywhere on the live-viewing screen, or press the MENU / ESC button on the front panel of the DVR, or
on the remote control. The pop-up menu lets you quickly access the following functions:
Main Menu: Opens the Main Menu of the DVR. See page 13.
Multi-pics: Opens a sub menu, allowing you to select from the
different display modes available.
PTZ: Opens the Pan, Tilt, Zoom controls. The same function can
be accessed by pressing the PTZ button on the remote control
or front panel.
PIP (Picture In Picture): Accesses a list of available PIP modes.
You can also access and cycle through these modes using the PIP
button on the remote control.
Rec Search: Opens the Record Search menu, as detailed on page 18.
Mute On/Off: Turns the audio on or off. This performs the same
function as the MUTE button on the remote control.
Manual Rec: Instantly engages manual recording.
Start Rotate: Initiates the automatic display rotation. Channels will be displayed sequentially on an
automatic loop. To set the rotate time, use the Video Setup menu (see page 29).
Start Cruise: This will initiate the cruise mode for PTZ devices. You’ll need to have configured your PTZ
device using the PTZ Configuration menu (page 23) and then programmed a series of preset points
(page 31) to use as a series of cruise movements.
GUI to LCD or GUI to TV: Switches which output will display the menus. You can send the menus
to the monitor connected to the VGA or HDMI outputs (referred to as the “LCD”) or through the
composite video output (referred to as the “TV”). The actual device you use doesn’t matter (so an LCD
TV connected to the main video output would still be a “TV”, or a CRT display connected to the VGA
is still an “LCD”).
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