Swann DVR4-5500 User Manual
Advanced security made easy™
19” All-in-One
Digital Video Recorder
DVR4-5500™
Operating Instructions
SW349-DA9
www.swannsecurity.com
SR349-DA9-60010-290509
DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
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UUTTIIOON
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
CAUTION:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Only operate this apparatus from the type of power source indicated on the label.
The company shall not be liable for any damages arising out of any improper use,
even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
FCC WARNING STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation
Firmware: 1142-1039-
1013-1026-0A-0000
Video Viewer: 0114
Graphic Symbol Explanation
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presenc e of uninsulate d “dangerous voltage” with in the product ’s enclosure
that may be of suffi cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to p ersons.
This exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
All lead-free products offered by the company comply with the requirements of the
European law on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, which means
our manufacture processes and products are strictly “lead-free” and without the hazardous
substances cited in the directive.
The crossed-out wheeled bin mark symbolizes that within the European Union the product
must be collected separately at the product end-of-life. This applies to your product and any
peripherals marked with this symbol. Do not dispose of these products as unsorted
municipal waste. Contact your local dealer for procedures for recycling this equipment.
Version
This apparatus is manufactured to comply with the radio interference requirements.
MPEG4 Licensin g
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE MPEG-4 VISUAL PATENT PORTFOLIO LI CENSE FOR
THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE OF A CONSUMER FOR (i) ENCODING VIDEO IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE MPEG-4 VIS UAL ST ANDA RD (“ M PEG- 4 VID EO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODING MPEG-4
VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL
ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OB TAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED BY MPEG LA TO PROVIDE
MPEG-4 VIDEO. NO LICENS E IS GRANTED OR SHAL L BE IMPLIED FOR ANY O THER USE. ADDITI ONAL
INFORMATION INCLUDING THAT RELATING TO PROMOTIONAL INTERNAL AND COMMERCIAL USES
AND LICENSING MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, LLC. SEE HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM.
GPL Licensing
This product contains codes which are developed by Third-Party-Companies
and which are subject to the GNU General Public License (“GPL”) or the GNU
Lesser Public Licence (“LGPL”).
The GPL Code used in this product is released without warranty and is subject
to the copyright of the corresponding author. Further source codes which are
subject to the GPL-licenses, are available upon request.
We are pleased to provide our modifications to the Linux Kernel, as well as a
few new commands, and some tools to get you into the code. The codes are
provided on the FTP site, and please download them from the following site or
you can refer to your distributor:
ftp://ftp.dvrtw.com.tw/GPL/AV074/
Disclaimer
We reserve the right to revise or remove any content in this manual at any time. We do not warrant or assume
any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this manual. For the actual
display & operation, please refer to your DVR in hand. The content of this manual is subject to change without
notice. The product & company names mentioned herein may be the registered trademarks or tradenames of
their respective owners.
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this Swann DVR4-5500™ LCD Digital Video Recorder. This stand-alone unit is
highly adaptable, and more than capable of providing a simple security solution for both home and business security
needs.
A high resolution, in-built LCD display as well as networking features makes this unit entirely self-sufficient, and does
not require attachment to a television, external monitor or computer.
This DVR is capable of simultaneously monitoring and recording up to four separate video sources simultaneously.
However, if you have fewer cameras, this will not interfere with the operation of the DVR in any way.
The default keylock code for the DVR is “0000” (four zeros).
The default username for remote access (via LAN or Internet) is “admin”.
The default password for remote access (via LAN or Internet) is “admin”.
it is strongly suggested that these passwords be changed as soon as possible.
See the relevant sections for information on how to change your passwords.
Default Password Infor m ation
To prevent unauthorised access to your system,
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
MANUAL CONTENTS
Part 1: Setting up the DVR Hardware…………………………………………………………. 5
Part 2: Configuring the DVR Software……………………………………………………………………….6
Part 3: Basic Functions………………………………………………………………………… 8
Part 4: Advanced Operations…………………………………………………………………... 11
Part 5: Networking……………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Part 6: Remotely Accessing your DVR……………………………………………………….. 18
Appendices
Appendix 1: Technical Specifications……………………………………………………………………………………… 24
Appendix 2: Compatible USB Flash Drive List ……………………………………………… …… ……… ………… …… 24
Appendix 3: Compatible SATA HDD List………………………………………………………………………………….. 25
Appendix 4: Removing the DVR Module………………………………………………………………………………….. 25
Appendix 5: Replacing the SATA HDD……………………………………………………………………………………. 25
Warranty Terms & Conditions……………………………………………………………………………………………. 26
1.1 Layout of the DVR…………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
1.2 Connecting Cameras to the DVR………………………………………………………………………….. 5
1.3 VGA Connection……………………………………………………………………………………………... 5
1.4 Connecting Power to the DVR…………………………………………………………………………….. 5
2.1 Layout of the IR Remote……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
2.2 Setting the Date and Time………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
2.3 Setting the Password………………………………………………………………………………………... 7
3.1 Overview of the Interface…………………………………………………………………………………… 8
3.2 Locking / Unlocking the DVR (Keylock)…………………………………………………………………… 8
3.3 Recording…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
3.3.1 Timer Recording……………………………………………………………………………….. 8
3.3.2 Motion Recording……………………………………………………………………………… 9
3.3.3 Manual Recording……………………………………………………………………………... 9
3.3.4 Additional Recording Options………………………………………………………………... 9
3.4 Playback……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
3.4.1 Finding an Event…………………………………………………………………… …………. 10
3.4.2 Controls for Playback…………………………………………………………………………. 10
3.5 Upgrading Firmware………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
4.1 Quicksearch………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
4.2 Configuring the Record Settings…………………………………………………………………………… 11
4.2.1 Basic Settings.…………………………………………………..…………………………….. 11
4.2.2 Advanced Settings…………………………………………………………………………….. 12
4.3 Programming the Timer…………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
4.4 Advanced Motion Detection Settings……………………………………………………………………… 13
4.5 Advanced System Information……………………………………………………………………………... 13
4.6 Backing up Events…………………………………………………………………………………………... 13
4.6.1 …to a USB Flash Drive……………………………………………………………………….. 13
4.6.2 …to your PC…………………………………………………… ……………………………… 14
5.1 Connecting the DVR to your Network……………………………………………………………………... 15
5.2 Configuring the DVR………………………………………………………………………………………… 16
5.2.1 Networks with DHCP……………………………………………………………… ………….. 16
5.2.2 Networks with STATIC IP…………………………………………………………………….. 16
5.2.3 PPPoE…………………………………………………………………… ……… ………… ….. 16
5.3 Configuring your Network for Remote Viewing…………………………………………………………… 17
5.3.1 Port Forwarding……………………………………………………………………………….. 17
5.3.2 Your PUBLIC IP Address………………………………………………… ………………….. 17
6.1 Finding your DVR via the Network or Internet……………………………………………………………. 18
6.2 Using the Video Viewer Software……………………………………………………………… ………….. 18
6.2.1 Installation……………………………………………………………………………………… 18
6.2.2 Connecting to your DVR…………………………………………… ………………………… 18
6.2.3 Using the Video Viewer Interface……………………………………………………………. 19
6.2.4 The Miscellaneous Control Window………………………………………………………… 200
6.2.5 The Record Settings Window………………………………………………………………... 200
6.2.6 Playing Back Footage………………………………………………………………………… 211
6.2.7 Backing up Footage via the Network……………………………………………………….. 211
6.3 Accessing the DVR without Video Viewer………………………………………………………………… 222
6.3.1 …via Internet Explorer………………………………………………………………………… 222
6.3.2 …via QuickTime……………………………………………………………………………….. 23
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
Part 1: Setting up the DVR Hardware
1.1 Layout of Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
AC POW ER: Using the supplied power lead, connect this to a wall socket, using an extension lead if required. Uses
IEC13/14 connectors (this is the same plug that most desktop computers use).
VGA PORT: For the DVR to be connected to the LCD screen. A small VGA cable runs from the back of the LCD
screen, this should be plugged into the VGA connector.
LAN: Used to connect the DVR to a local area network. Use a standard networking cable if your network is
connected to a multi-port router or network switch/hub. Use a cross-over cable to connect the unit directly to a
computer. It uses standard Ethernet (cat5 or higher) networking cables (not included).
AUDIO IN : Connect to an active audio source, either built into a camera or a separate device. Requires a “line-level”
signal, connects using a standard RCA connector.
VIDEO IN: Connect your cameras to these inputs, in the order you would like to see them when you monitor multiple
channels (input 1 is shown in the top left of the screen in multi-view mode, and 4 in the bottom right). You can, if
required, send video signals into these inputs from any compatible video device.
USB: Can be connected to a USB mass storage device (such as a USB flash drive). You can easily backup recorded
images directly to the USB device without connecting the DVR to a computer. Also, you can use a USB device to
update the firmware for the DVR.
NOTE: The USB flash drive must be formatted with a “FAT32” file structure. See 4: Upgrading Firmware for
more information on how to do this.
1.2 Connecting Cameras to the DVR
The DVR will automatically detect what sort of cameras you have attached to it when it is turned on. Thus, it is
important that all cameras are attached correctly before the DVR is turned on! To attach your cameras correctly:
1. Place your cameras in the desired locations.
2. Ensure that your cameras are supplied power, using the correct power supplies.
3. Attach the video cable from the camera to the DVR. The cameras will have either an RCA or coaxial cable,
and a BNC connector. To use the BNC connector correctly, push into the video input and twist to lock into
position. If your cameras have an RCA connector, use an RCA to BNC adaptor.
4. If the camera is a model which monitors audio, attach the audio cable to the RCA connector marked “Audio
IN”.
NOTE: The DVR has only one audio input. This means you should select the audio that you are recording carefully –
it’s usually worth testing all available audio sources and choosing the one that gives the best results. If you really
need to record multiple audio sources simultaneously, consider using an external audio mixing console to record
multiple sources. This is optional and purchased separately.
1.3 Check VGA Connection
Though they are one unit, the LCD screen has a small VGA cable extending from the back of the monitor. This
should be attached to the VGA connector immediately to its right. Check that this is the case and re-attach the cable
if it has come loose in transport. This cable and connector are located outside the unit to allow for the connection of
other screens to the DVR (if required).
1.4 Connecting Power to the DVR
Using the supplied power cable (an IEC13 cable), attach to the AC POWER connection on the DVR. Plug the other
end of the cable into a wall socket. If there are no wall sockets nearby, use an extension cable. The DVR will turn
itself on as soon as power is connected.
SUGGESTION: To ensure t he continual operation of the DVR during power failures, consider using a UPS
(Uninterruptible Power Supply). Doing so is optional and they are available separately.
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
Part 2: Configuring the DVR Software
Before we can start recording video, we need to take a moment to configure some of the settings on the DVR. We
need to set the DATE & TIME, and then assign a PASSWORD for you. To do this, we need to use the infrared
remote control which came with the DVR – here’s a quick overview of the remote and what the assortment of buttons
on it do. Don’t be intimidated by the mass of buttons – most of them operate in a very similar way to the remote
control on a DVD player or VCR, and many of them you’ll probably never need to touch.
2.1 Layout of the Infrared Remote Control
POWER: Turns the DVR and screen on and off.
Press once to enter “power-saving” mode, turning OFF the monitor, leaving the DVR
ON. Press and hold to turn OFF the DVR. If the DVR is recording, it will ask you to
confirm the shutdown procedure. Press once when DVR is OFF to turn it ON again.
NUMERICAL PAD: 0 – 9
Press to switch channel, much like a TV. They can also be used to enter DVR
password. In PTZ mode, used with the Goto key to access pre-set options.
LDC adj.:
Adjust Screen Settings
Press once to enter the LCD screen configuration menu. Changes made here will
affect viewing conditions on screen, but will not alter the way that the DVR records
images. The screen icon above will be shown whilst in LCD Adjustme nt M ode.
Menu: Enter the main menu
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Press once to enter the menu, and once to exit the menu again. Whilst you are in a
submenu, this button will take you back to the main menu.
: Multi-camera Monitoring
Toggles the number of video inputs displayed onscreen at once. As this DVR has only
four video inputs, the additional buttons for nine or sixteen cameras have been
SEQ
disabled.
SEQ: Sequential Viewing Mode
Press once to cycle between active video inputs. Video channels which are inactive or
have been assigned “covert” will not be displayed. Press again to stop cycling.
Arrow Keys: Basic Navigation
When in the menu, navigates between available options. Up and down arrows change
settings once they are highlighted.
When in viewing mode, up and down change the channel, just like a regular TV.
Enter:
When in the menu, press to select an item or enter a sub-menu.
LIST:
Press once to see a list of recorded events, divided into categories.
Playback Keys: PLAY, REW (Rewind), FF (Fast-Forward), STOP, SLOW, PAUSE
Controls the playback of recorded videos. They operate in the same way as a regular
VCR or DVD player.
Snap: Capture a Still Image (Snapshot)
Used to take still images from the video, which are saved directly to an attached USB
flash drive. (A USB device must be attached for this function to work correctly.)
Audio: Toggle Audio Monitoring Mode
Live monitoring mode: You will be able to overhear any audio the system is
recording live.
No audio icon displayed: Audio is recorded, but not heard in the live window.
Zoom: Increase/Decrease Digital Zoom
Enlarges the image on the selected channel. Will not operate when the viewing mode
is set to “default”. Will not change what the camera sees and records, just enlarges the
displayed image.
Additional Buttons:
You might notice that there are several buttons on the remote not discussed here. This
is not an omission on the part of the manual, but a function of the DVR remote. The
remote control is designed to function with several DVR models. As such, the remote
does have buttons which do not directly relate to your DVR. Don’t worry about these\
buttons – they will not do anything when pressed.
IR LED
POWER
DVR / PC
4
7
LCD adj.
Home
Stop
Auto
Preset Speed Goto
Zoom Focus
5
8
0
Snap
Audio
DVR / PTZ
Menu
Pause Slow Stop
Zoom
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
2.2 Setting the Date and Time
Once you have powered on the DVR for the first time, and it has finished initialising, we can now set the DATE AND
TIME. To do this:
1. Press the MENU button.
2. You may be asked for your password. The default password is “0000”. This can be entered by using the
numerical keypad, or by using the up and down keys to select “0” and pressing
3. Using the up and down arrows, navigate to the DATE settings on the first page of the main menu.
4. Use the left and right arrows to select the attribute you want to change, and the up and down arrows to
IMPORTANT
recorded data will be out of order, and you will not be able to locate specific events via the ‘TIMESEARCH’ function.
In some cases, data loss may occur. If you accidentally change the DATE AND TIME settings whilst recording, it is
recommended that you clear all data off the hard drive and then start recording again.
change their value. In this way, update the date and time settings.
: Update the DATE AND TIME before you start recording – do not change it afterwards! If you do, the
four times.
2.3 Setting the Password
It is important to set a unique password to restrict unauthorized access to the DVR. To do this:
1. Open the MENU. You may need to enter the default password (“0000”) to do this.
2. Scroll down until you come to the SYSTEM INFO submenu, scroll right and select PASSWORD.
3. It will ask you for your old password (“0000”) and then let you enter a new password. Be careful when
Some tips on selecting a password:
Why?
password unlocks the DVR once this has happened. You can change this in the SYSTEM INFO menu.
entering your new password, if you make a mistake you could accidentally lock yourself out.
1. A password can be any four digit long combination of the numbers 0 – 9 and the letters “a” and “b”.
2. It is important to choose something that you’ll remember, but not something so obvious that potential
security risks might guess it.
3. Using the two optional letters (a or b) will improve the strength of your password, but will take longer to
enter each time the DVR asks you, as the remote control does not have keys for letters. They can only be
selected by using the up and down arrows to change the input character.
The DVR will automatically lock itself after a certain time of inactivity. The default is 30 seconds – your
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
Part 3: Basic Functions
3.1 Overview of the Interface: The Live Monitoring Layout
This section will cover everything you need to start monitoring your cameras and recording footage. It is worth taking
some time to experiment with the basic functions of the DVR, so that you understand the features and limitations of
your particular setup.
First of all: here’s what you’ll see when you first turn your DVR on, and an explanation of what some of the icons
you’ll see mean.
Icon Description Icon Description Icon Description Icon Description
Locked
Audio channel
unselected
Timer
recording
Unlocked
Digital zoom
mode
Motion
1st live audio
channel
Digital zoom
unselected
Recording
1st playback
audio channel
HDD overwrite
LCD adjustment
3.2 Locking / Unlocking the DVR (KEYLOCK)
To prevent unauthorised access to your DVR, the unit automatically locks itself after a short interval of inactivity. To
unlock the unit, it is necessary to enter your password. The time until the DVR locks can be adjusted in the SYSTEM
INFO submenu. It can be set to 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes or never. It is strongly suggested that, if the DVR is
in a non-secure location, that the auto-lock feature be left ON.
3.3 Recording
When the DVR is recording, it will display the recording icon ( ). If this icon does not appear when the DVR should
be recording, check that your recording settings are correct and that the connection between the DVR and the harddrive is in place.
There are two main ways that the DVR can be configured to record. The first is to record based on a programmed
schedule: this is referred to as TIMER RECORDING. The alternative, and often preferred method, is MOTION
RECORDING. In addition, both of these settings can be overridden by the option to manually start and stop
recordings.
3.3.1 Timer Recording
To set the unit up for TIMER RECORDING:
1. Open the menu.
2. Select RECORD TIMER. It’s next to the TIMER (
3. Then, using the arrow buttons, set the RECORD TIMER setting to ON.
4. Whilst ON is highlighted, hit
5. Using the arrow buttons and the
The timer icon (
that the DVR will record for. The DVR will record at all times that you highlight.
) will appear on screen whenever the TIMER RECORDING function triggers the DVR to record.
. This will open the Timer control window.
button, you can select what hours per day, and which days per week,
) icon.
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DVR4-5500™ Operating Instructions
3.3.2 Motion Recording
This is a little more complex than TIMER RECORDING, but has some distinct advantages. Basically, MOTION
RECORDING will allow you to configure the DVR to record only when something is happening in front of the camera.
This means that the hard drive will not be filled up with hours and hours of nothing happening! This is a great mode to
select if, for example, you use the DVR to record images of a location during times that it is unoccupied.
To enable MOTION RECORDING:
1. Open the menu, and scroll down to AD VANCED CONGFIG.
2. Select RECORD from the submenu.
3. Set EVENT RECORD ENABLE to ON.
4. W hilst the DVR is detecting motion, the motion (
3.3.3 Manual Recording
Of course, you can just make the DVR record whenever you want! To do this, use the manual override.
Tips and Tricks:
will fill up the hard drive very quickly. Make sure you really want to do this before you enable it! Under most
circumstances, TIMER RECORDING or MOTION DETECTION are more useful settings.
3.3.4 Some More Recording Options
By carefully configuring the DVR, there is no limit to how automated your recording setup can be. You might have
already noticed the DETECTION TIMER setting in the QUICK START menu. By correctly configuring the motion
detection settings, and programming your schedule into the DETECTION TIMER window, you will be able to
configure the system so that your hard drive space will last weeks to months at a time.
By combining the RECORD TIMER with the DETECTION TIMER, you can create a customised recording criteria that
will suit whatever requirements your situation requires. For example, if you want to use the DVR to monitor a
warehouse after business hours, you could easily configure the DVR to not record during the day, and then to record
on motion at night. Alternatively, say you are monitoring a convenience store during busy hours to record incidents
for use as evidence at a later date. You could configure the system to automatically record at whatever times these
incidents are likely to occur – or even the whole time your store is open. There is no limit to how autonomously the
system can run, leaving you free to concentrate on the important things.
IMPORTANT
previous footage. It will not tell you about this – it is an automatic function to ensure the DVR can record new
events as they occur. If you want to keep an eye on the remaining space, it is always listed in the upper right
corner of the screen. The DVR will overwrite the oldest footage first – that is, the earliest recorded events will
be deleted (in 8GB chunks at a time) to make room for new events to be recorded.
to let you know about it.
1. Open the menu, and scroll down to the ADVANCED CONFIG.
2. Select the RECORD option.
3. Switch the MANUAL RECORD ENABLE option to ON.
4. The DVR will now record any active video signal until the MANUAL RECORD ENABLE option is turned
OFF.
Recording everything (and the manual override will record everything) that your cameras pick up
: If the hard dri ve is about to run out of space, the DVR wil l automatically start recording over
) icon will light up next to the appropriate video channel
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