Swann H.264 User Manual

Name: Swann H.264
Brand: Swann
SKU: 1340240
Rating: 5 (1 reviews)

5 (1)

English

4 or 8 Channel

H.264 DVR

M41250_1260_1450H050213E

Introduction

English

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:

•These devices may not cause harmful interference, and

•These devices must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

All jurisdictions have specific laws and regulations relating to the use of cameras. Before using any camera for any purpose, it is the buyer’s responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and regulations that prohibit or limit the use of cameras and to comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

FCC Regulation (for USA): 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 supports password protection.

The default, all-access username is “admin”. If the DVR asks you to log in before you’ve set a password, enter admin as your username and leave the password blank. This will give you access to all areas of the DVR.

The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.

To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a 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.

English

Contents

Introduction
Before You Begin	2
Contents	3
Introduction	4
Connecting the DVR
Installation Guidelines	5
Front Panel of the DVR	6
The Rear Panel of the DVR	7
Connection Diagram	8
Connecting Additional Devices	9
Basic Setup
Basic DVR Operation	10
Basic Setup: General	11
Basic Setup: HDD & Networking	12
Basic Setup: DDNS & Email	13
Basic Setup: NTP & DST	14
Basic Setup: Account Configuration & Completion	15
Basic Setup: Installing MyDVR on PC	16
MyDVR: Logging In	17
MyDVR: Interface	18
MyDVR: Local Configuration	19
MyDVR: Configuration Overview	20
Remote Access From a Mobile Device	24
Operating the DVR Locally	25
Advanced Configuration
Menu Layout	26
Advanced Configuration	27
Display: Camera	28
Display: Output	29
Recording: Encode	30
Recording: Option	31
Recording: Schedule	32
Search: Playback	33

Search: Backup	34
Search: Event	35
Search: Log Search	35
The Playback Interface	36
Network: General	37
Network: Advanced	38
Network: Advanced: DDNS	39
Network: Advanced: NTP	39
Network: Advanced: IP Filter	40
Network: Network Status	40
Network: Advanced: Email Settings	41
Alarm: Motion	42
Alarm: Motion Detection Configuration	43
Alarm: Motion Detection Notes	44
Alarm: Motion Detection - Action	45
Alarm: Video Loss	45
Alarm: Exception	46
Device: HDD	47
Device: S.M.A.R.T.	47
Device: PTZ	48
System: General	50
System: User	51
System: System Information	52
System: Device State	52
System: Maintenance	53
Reference
Troubleshooting	54
Addendum: Third Party Hardware	55
Technical Specifications	56
Warranty Information	57
Notes	58
Notes	59
Helpdesk / Technical Support Details	60

Introduction

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this Swann DVR. You’ve made a fine choice for keeping a watchful eye over your home or business. Let’s take a moment to talk about some of the features this DVR offers, and how to get the most out of them.

Oh my, this is a big manual. How long will this take?

Yes, but you won’t have to read all of it - you should be up and running by page 25!

It can take a few hours to connect everything and run through the setup procedure.

The latter half of this manual is for advanced users only - the DVR is seriously configurable - the out-of-the-box settings do a great job in 90% of situations, but some users will want to get into the nitty-gritty detail, so that information is presented for those who need it.

The Basic Setup

The default settings of the DVR will cover most basic installation requirements of the DVR.

To get the most out of your hard drive, we’ve configured the DVR to record only when it detects motion - that way, you won’t fill the hard drive with video of nothing happening.

Before installing anything, connect the DVR and cameras and test your system.

We ensure everything is working properly when we ship them out, but sometimes things can be damaged in transport, and occasionally components can fail. Better to find out now, before everything is fixed in place!

Getting the DVR Setup

There are three stages to getting your DVR set up. If you want to use the default settings, you’ll only need to complete steps one and two.

Stage 1. Connecting the DVR (page 6 to page 9)

This section details what you can connect to the different inputs/outputs of the DVR.

Everyone’s setup will vary a little bit - it depends on what cameras came with the DVR (if any) and what device(s) you’ve already got.

Stage 2. Basic DVR Setup

The DVR needs a few things to be set properly before it can do its thing. Follow the instructions from page 11 to page 24 to get everything working.

3. Optional: Advanced DVR Configuration

The latter part of this manual covers advanced DVR operations.

This DVR comes with all the professional-grade capabilities you’d expect from a quality Swann product, but many advanced capabilities require detailed setup to function correctly.

If you’re not an advanced user, don’t worry. The out-of-the-box settings really do work well, and we’d only suggest changing them if you’ve got a really specific plan in mind.

You’ll need to read a page or two of this section if:

•you’ve got a PTZ capable camera - see page 48.

•you want to alter the motion detection sensitivity or the areas it applies to (page 42).

•you want to change some of the advanced options for recording quality and resolution (see page 28).

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Installation Guidelines

• 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.

Like all electronics, the circuitry and hard drive in the DVR produce 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 other 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, and pose a risk of fire or electrical shock.

• Do not expose the DVR to sudden bumps or shocks

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.

Introduction

DVR the Connecting

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Front Panel of the DVR

1 2 3

1)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.

2)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).

3) Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when the DVR is connected to power and switched on.

1)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.

2)Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when the DVR is connected to power and switched on.

2 3

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)USB 2.0 Port: For connecting USB external storage to the DVR for backup, or for applying new firmware.

1)USB 2.0 Port: For connecting USB external storage to the DVR for backup, or for applying new firmware.

2)Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when the DVR is connected to power and switched on.

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)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.

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The Rear Panel of the DVR

4-CH DVR

1)DC 12V Power Input: Where you connect the included DC 12V power adapter. Use only the supplied power adapter with the DVR, and use the power adapter only with the DVR.

2)PTZ (RS485) Port: To connect the RS485 cables to control a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) device to the DVR.

3)Audio Output: A standard line-level audio output.

4)USB 2.0 Port: For connecting a USB mouse or a USB storage device.

5)HDMI Output: The primary output of the DVR. For the highest possible video output quality, we suggest using this output.

6)VGA Output: For connecting a television or PC monitor with a VGA input.

7)Network Port: Where you can connect the DVR to a network, typically directly into the router or network switch.

8)Audio Inputs: These will accept a standard line-level signal (<1V).

9)Video Inputs 1 - 4: These are your primary video inputs. Each accepts a standard composite video signal and connects via a BNC connector. The channels are labelled by number in the same order as they will appear on your DVR’s interface.

6	8-CH DVR

1)DC 12V Power Input: Where you connect the included DC 12V power adapter. Use only the supplied power adapter with the DVR, and use the power adapter only with the DVR.

2)PTZ (RS485) Port: To connect the RS485 cables to control a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) device to the DVR.

3)Audio Output: A standard line-level audio output.

4)USB 2.0 Port: For connecting a USB mouse or a USB storage device.

5)HDMI Output: The primary output of the DVR. For the highest possible video output quality, we suggest using this output.

6)eSATA Port: To connect an external hard drive which

will act as a live recording drive in the same manner as the installed HDD.

Note: Only the 1425 & 1450 DVR models have the eSATA port available.

7)VGA Output: For connecting a television or PC monitor with a VGA input.

8)Network Port: Where you can connect the DVR to a network, typically directly into the router or network switch.

9)Audio Inputs: These will accept a standard line-level signal (<1V).

10)Video Inputs 5 - 8 (8-CH only): These are your secondary video inputs. Each accepts a standard composite video signal and connects via a BNC connector. The channels are labelled by number in the same order as they will appear on your DVR’s interface.

11)Video Inputs 1 - 4: These are your primary video inputs. Each accepts a standard composite video signal and connects via a BNC connector. The channels are labelled by number in the same order as they will appear on your DVR’s interface.

DVR the Connecting

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Connection Diagram

DVR the Connecting

Connect the DC12V Output from the power supply to the power input.

If you’ve got aTV or monitor with HDMI in, connect to the HDMI port on the DVR.

Connect the BNC outputs from your cameras into the BNC inputs on the rear of the DVR.

Connect the mouse to the USB 2.0 port.

Connect your cameras to power, using the powersplitter (if included).

Connect the power supply to a wall outlet.

Connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN port on the DVR to a spare port on your router.

If you’ve got a monitor with VGA but not HDMI, connect it to the VGA output on the DVR.

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Connecting Additional Devices

The Audio Out port can be used to connect a stereo, speakers, headphones or other external sound device.

The PTZ port (RS485) can be used to connect compatible PTZ devices, such as this Swann PTZ dome.

The Audio In ports can be used to connect audio devices to the DVR. Obviously, your microphone probably won’t look like that one - they’re often built into cameras.

DVR the Connecting

An external hard drive with a USB-compatible interface (USB 2.0 recommended) can be connected to the USB port of the DVR.

The USB port also supports USB solid-state storage, such as flash drives.

Setup Basic

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Basic DVR Operation

The USB Mouse (Recommended)	The Remote Control
The easiest way to operate the DVR is to use the included USB	Many of the controls operate in a similar manner to controls
optical mouse - we put together the look and feel of the menu	on a DVD player or similar. However, due to the specific and
system specifically for mouse-friendly navigation.	multi-channel nature of the DVR, the functionality of some
The controls are pretty easy to remember - heck, there are only	buttons may not be immediately obvious.

two buttons. It couldn’t be simpler.

Left click:

•Selects an item or confirms a choice.

Right click:

•Opens the menu bar from the live viewing screen.

•Returns one “step” from a submenu.

•Opens a context menu in some settings screens.

The Scroll Wheel:

•Can be used to adjust the values of sliders and scales when highlighted by the mouse.

Of course, you don’t have to use the mouse.

Wireless Mice: Best of Both Worlds

Many wireless mice are compatible with the DVR. The only kinds of wireless devices compatible are those that interface in the same manner as regular wired devices: typically, these will be mice which come with a dedicated USB receiver which is pre-paired to the mouse.

Combination wireless receivers (such as those that come with keyboard/mouse combinations) are usually NOT compatible with the DVR. We suggest avoiding them.

Note that Bluetooth devices are NOT compatible with the DVR. Use a wireless mouse that has a dedicated USB receiver.

Default Password Information

To ensure your privacy, this DVR supports password protection.

The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.

To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a 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.

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Basic Setup: General

The Setup Wizard will run automatically the first time you start the DVR.

The wizard will guide you through all the settings you need to get your DVR up and working, specifically:

•Choosing your Language

•Setting Video Input and Output Formats and Resolution

•Setting the Date, Time and your Time Zone

•Initializing and/or Formatting your Hard Drive

•Configuring the DVR to operate on your Network

•Setting up a Dynamic DNS for remote access

•Synchronizing the DVR’s time with an online server

•Choosing the settings for Daylight Savings Time (DST)

•Creating Username(s) and Password(s)

Note: There are still a few things you’ll really want to setup after you’ve finished with the wizard - the theory is that, once you’ve got through the set up wizard, you can install the MyDVR software on a PC connected to the same network and configure the remaining options via your computer.

General Configuration

Language: Choose the language you’d like the menu system to be displayed in.

Video Standard: Choose between NTSC (for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea and some other regions) or PAL (UK, Europe, Australia and some other areas). If this is set incorrectly, images from your cameras will be distorted, black and white, or simply not appear at all.

Resolution: How many pixels the DVR will output. Typically, you’ll want to set this to be equal to the native resolution of your monitor/television (check the manufacturer’s documentation). If your monitor’s native resolution isn’t an option, then you’ll want to use the highest resolution possible without exceeding the maximum resolution of your monitor.

Time Zone: Choose the time zone you’re in. It’s really important to select the right time zone if you’re using NTP (Network Time Protocol).

Some common time zones: In the USA, EST (Eastern Standard Time) is GMT -5:00, where PST (Pacific Standard Time) is GMT -8:00. The UK is GMT +0:00 and the East Coast of Australia is GMT +10:00.

Menu Date Format: How you’d like the date to be displayed. Choose whichever format is standard in your region.

If you need to change any of these settings later, you can find these options:

Main Menu -> System -> General

Setup Basic

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Basic Setup: HDD & Networking

HDD

Init.: Initializes the hard drive. You’ll only need to do this for drives once, assuming that it’s not already initialized. If the Mount column reads “No” then choose Init. to initialize the drive.

Label: A quick way of differentiating between hard drives. For the first setup, there will usually only be one hard drive displayed. This displays internal HDDs and those connected to the eSATA port.

Capacity: The total amount of space on the hard drive. This will typically be slightly less than the rated capacity of the hard drive as a fraction of the space is required by the file allocation table (FAT).

Format: Whether the hard drive has been formatted to operate with the DVR. When the hard drive is formatted appropriately, this will simply read “yes”. If it says anything else, such as an ominous “no”, then select the disk and choose Format.

Mount: Whether the drive has been initialized and is detected by the DVR. If the drive isn’t mounted then it needs to be initialized (see above).

Free Space: The amount of available space on the hard drive.

Network Access

We’re not going to pretend this isn’t the most complex aspect of configuring the DVR, but if your router supports DHCP and UPnP, then there’s nothing to do here.

Recommended:

Don’t change anything.

Ensure that the Network Access is set to

DHCP and that UPnP is enabled on your router - it should just work.

If your router doesn’t support DHCP:

Then you’ll need to manually assign the address of the DVR. If you’ve already setup your network, we assume you know what you’re doing. See“Addendum: Third Party Hardware” on page 55 for more information.

If your router supports DHCP but not UPnP: For local access (i.e. a PC connected to the same network) just set the Network Access to DHCP. For remote access (i.e. a device connected via the Internet), you’ll need to manually forward ports on your router. See “Addendum: Third Party Hardware” on page 55 for more information.

If you don’t know how to manually address devices and don’t have access to someone who does, you may want to consider upgrading your router - we think that DHCP and UPnP are neat features that are well worth having.

There’s heaps more information on IP Addresses, DHCP, UPnP and all manner of remote access information later in this booklet. In addition to “Addendum: Third Party Hardware” on page 55, have a look at “Network: General” on page 37 and have a word with whoever set up your network - they might be able to help you.

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Basic Setup: DDNS & Email

DDNS

A Dynamic DNS is a service which will let you assign an address to your DVR so you can access it via the Internet.

There’s more information about DDNS, how to configure it and what it means for you when remotely accessing the DVR later in this manual. Have a look at “Network: Advanced: DDNS” on page 39 for more.

DDNS Type: The DDNS server you’re using. We recommend SwannDVR - you can sign up for your free account at www. swanndvr.com.

Device Domain Name: The domain name you chose when signing up for your DDNS account.

User Name: The username you selected when you signed up for your DDNS account. If you’re using SwannDVR and followed the suggested username guidelines, this will be your email address.

Password: Enter the password you used when you signed up for your DDNS account. Confirm Password: Re-enter the password to confirm.

Test: To check if the DDNS is working, click the Test button. After a short delay, a message will be displayed on-screen, informing you whether the update was successful or not.

If the test is unsuccessful, a message will appear onscreen informing you that the “Update was Unsuccessful”. This could mean there’s a problem with your network setup, or there’s a problem with the DDNS Account Name and Password you’re using.

Before DDNS will work, you’ll need to register an account with the DDNS provider of your choice. We recommend SwannDVR, as this is a free service which we support directly. Boot up your computer and sign up at www.swanndvr.com.

If you want the DVR to send email alerts as alarm events are detected, then you’ll need to configure an outgoing email server for the DVR to use, and choose an email address for it to send to.

We recommend creating an account with Gmail (www.gmail.com) specifically for the DVR. These instructions assume you’re using a Gmail account. If you’re using a different email, see “Network: Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41 for details.

Enable SSL or TLS: Enable.

SMTP Server: Choose smtp.gmail.com.

SMTP Port: 465 (this value will selfpopulate).

Sender Address: your_email@gmail.com.

Sender Password: The password you chose for the Gmail account.

Recipient Address 1, 2, 3: Choose up to three email addresses for the DVR to send mail to.

Attach Picture: When selected, the DVR will attach a still image to better illustrate what has caused the alarm/alert state.

Interval: The minimum amount of time that must elapse after the DVR sends an email alert before it can be triggered again.

Test: The DVR will send an email immediately using the setting you’ve entered. The DVR will tell you whether the outgoing mail server responded to the request to send the email or not. If the DVR indicated the sending failed, this indicates there’s something wrong with the SMTP server details you’ve entered. If the DVR reports success but you don’t receive the email, then it’s likely there’s something amiss with the recipient email - in particular, check the Spam folder/settings.

Other: Allows for custom definition of an outgoing email server. See “Network: Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41 if you want

to use an email server other than Gmail. For advanced users ONLY.

Setup Basic

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Basic Setup: NTP & DST

NTP

NTP stands for“NetworkTime Protocol”. It’s a way for the DVR to automatically update its internal clock and ensure it’s always in sync. There’s no requirement to use NTP, but it’s easy to setup and free to use, so there’s really no reason not to.

NTP Server:The server you’d like to use for NTP. They’re all quite comparable in terms of reliability and accuracy, so unless you’ve got some kind of master plan for world domination (which is affected by the time, for some reason) then the default (pool.ntp.org) works fine.

NTP Port: The default is 123. You should only change this if you’re using a different NTP server, and you know they use a different port. If you’re using pool.ntp.org, ensure the port is 123.

Sync: Triggers the DVR to automatically synchronize its internal clock with the time server immediately. If your DVR is connected to the Internet and the network is correctly configured, this will update almost instantly.

System Time: The DVR’s current clock reading.

DST Configuration

You can configure the DVR to automatically update its internal clock when daylight saving starts and ends.

Note that using DST and NTP simultaneously can cause problems, depending on your NTP server and how DST works in your locale.

Enable: Whether the DVR will automatically adjust the time for DST or not.

Offset: The amount by which the time changes during DST. For the vast majority of locations, the offset is one hour, but exceptions to this rule exist.

Start Time / End Time: When DST begins and ends in your locale.

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Basic Setup: Account Configuration & Completion

Account Configuration

User Name: The name you’d like to use for the account. An account can be called anything you like (up to 16 characters in length) except the default Admin account, which is always called “Admin”. We suggest using this as the default all-access account for the DVR.

Password: The password you’d like to be associated with the selected account. A password can be between 1 and 8 characters in length, and consists of numbers only (no letters or symbols).

Confirm Password: Re-enter the password to ensure accuracy.

Level: The level of access that the selected account will have. There are three levels of access: Guest, User or Admin. Guests: Can view live images from the cameras, but cannot access recorded footage, nor can they alter any settings.

User: The most customizable level of access to the DVR. You’ll be able to set a User account to have as little access as a Guest account, or nearly as much power as an Admin account. User accounts will probably make up the majority of accounts registered to a DVR if there are multiple users requiring varying levels of access.

Finishing the Setup Wizard

When you choose Finish, the DVR will update and save your settings. It may reboot while doing so.

Display wizard when booting up (checkbox): While this is highlighted, the DVR will automatically run the configuration wizard when booted up. Simply click this box to de-select it, and the wizard won’t run automatically in future. You can run the wizard at any time by clicking the icon on the DVR menu tray.

If you don’t want the Setup Wizard to be displayed upon start-up in the future, uncheck the“Display wizard when booting up” checkbox.

Setup Basic

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Basic Setup: Installing MyDVR on PC

Your DVR comes with powerful remote access and interface software, called MyDVR. You can setup and configure almost all aspects of the DVR from the MyDVR interface.

The MyDVR software will allow you to:

•view images from your DVR in real-time

•playback recorded footage

•copy footage to your local PC and

•adjust settings and configure the DVR

In fact, the MyDVR software is so powerful; you don’t even need to connect a monitor to the DVR if there’s a computer on the local network that you’re running MyDVR on.

For quick and easy configuration of the DVR’s settings, recording quality and schedule, we suggest using the remote interface in MyDVR.

How to install MyDVR:

•Insert the included CD into your computer.

•Locate the file called MyDVR.exe and run this file. You may be asked by UAC (User Account Control) to allow MyDVR to “make changes” to your system. Select Allow or Continue.

•You’ll see an installation wizard. Simply follow the prompts to install the software.

•Once the MyDVR software has been installed, it should automatically detect your DVR on your network.

Minimum PC Requirements:

2.0GHz or faster CPU	(Dual-core recommended)
1GB or more RAM	(2GB recommended)
10/100Mbps Network	(1000Mbps recommended)
Internet connection	(512kbps+ recommended)
1024x768 resolution	(1280x720 recommended)

Supported Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft

Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows 8

NOTE: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Got a Mac?

Check out www.swann.com/mydvrmac

for the latest Mac-based remote access software.

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MyDVR: Logging In

If you’re logging in to the DVR for the first time via a local network, then use the following settings:

• IP: This field will self-populate when you select a DVR from the list.

• Server Port: The default is 9000. MyDVR will automatically detect the server port of the DVR.

• Username: To get full control of the DVR, use the default administrator username: admin. You can create other accounts, but the default is always called admin.

• Password: Enter the admin account password here. If you haven’t set a password yet, then leave this field blank (and we suggest that you set a password as soon as possible).

Before running MyDVR for the first time:

Ensure your DVR is connected to a network and (if accessing via the Internet) you know the Public IP Address of the DVR or the DDNS address (see “Network: Advanced: DDNS” on page 39 for more).

That your network is set to DHCP addressing or the DVR has been configured to use STATIC addressing (see “Network: General” on page 37).

That UPnP is enabled on your router (see your router’s documentation to learn more).

If you’re accessing the DVR via a LAN (local network):

•Select LAN under the heading Network Type (unless your computer has performance issues - then select WAN. See the note on multiple monitors, below/right).

•Your DVR should automatically appear in the list of compatible devices near the top of the window.

If you’re accessing the DVR via the Internet:

•Select WAN under the heading Network Type.

•If you’re using a Fixed Public IP address, choose IP Address under Register Mode, and enter the IP address into the space marked IP.

•If you’re using a DDNS hostname, choose Domain Name under Register Mode, and enter the DDNS domain name into the field labelled Domain.

•If you’re using the SwannDVR DDNS service, your address will be: yourDDNSname.swanndvr.net

•Enter the Server Port for the DVR. The default is 9000.

The DVR won’t be able to automatically detect this over the Internet - you’ll need to remember it if you’ve changed it!

•Enter your Username and Password.

•Choose Login.

Note: Multiple Monitors

The MyDVR software does not support hardware acceleration

•If your DVR does not appear, choose Scan Device in LAN. when using multiple monitors. On some systems, this can cause

	If this doesn’t work, then it indicates some kind of local	significantly reduced performance.
	network fault.	If you experience slow playback or the video is not being displayed
•	Select your DVR from the list - it will probably be the only	at all, disable all monitors but your primary one. Selecting WAN
•		mode (even over a local network) can also improve performance.
	thing there, unless you’ve got another Swann DVR.
	thing there, unless you’ve got another Swann DVR.

Default Password Information

To ensure your privacy, this DVR supports password protection.

The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.

To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a 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.

Setup Basic

English

MyDVR: Interface

Setup Basic

Preview: The default splash live-view screen of MyDVR.

The screen layout emulates the multi-channel live view screen of the DVR, showing you images coming directly from your cameras in near real-time (some delay is caused by the network/Internet connection you’re using to access the DVR).

You can select a single camera or multi-channel viewing by using the Viewing Mode buttons in the lower right corner.

Playback: Opens the Playback interface, which operates in much the same way as the playback interface on the DVR itself.

Setup (Configuration): Allows access to both the Local Config screen and Remote Configuration menus.

Local Config: Defines how MyDVR will manage and save footage and still images to your local PC.

Remote Config: Allows access to the DVR’s settings. The configurable options are very similar to those you’ll find in the DVR menus.

Main Viewing Area: Where images from your camera will be shown. Select Preview to return to this view from the Playback interface or the Config menus.

Playback / Backup Links: Quick access to playback and backup.

PTZ Controls: For controlling PTZ devices. They operate in the same way as those you’ll find on the DVR itself.

Image Controls: You can alter the brightness, contrast, saturation and hue of your images here. They operate in the same way as those in the DVR’s menu (see “Display: Camera” on page 28 for more information).

Viewing Modes: Choose between single camera viewing, four channels at once (2 x 2) or eight channels at once (3 x 3, 8CH model only).

Volume Control: Alters how loud the audio output from the DVR will be. Remember that the final output volume will also be affected by the master volume control of your operating system, as well as the levels set on speakers or amplifiers connected to your system.

CPU Loading: How hard your computer is working to decode and display images as they arrive from the DVR. If this is consistently high, you can try:

•disabling multiple monitor setups.The MyDVR application doesn’t support hardware acceleration across multiple monitors. Disabling all but your primary monitor will greatly increase performance

•reducing the quality of the video. Select WAN from the login screen instead of LAN

•reduce the number of video feeds being displayed. Select a channel and click Stop to disable the monitoring

•switch to single channel view

Need more details?

The overview of the DVR settings presented over the next few pages is just that - an overview.

The full explanation of the DVR’s menu system and configuration options are listed in detail from page 25 onwards. The DVR’s menu system is functionally very similar to the MyDVR software interface, and you’ll find more detailed information about all menu options and settings there.

The relevant page for additional information is listed next to each menu screen.

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