ACTi GNR-3000 User guide

GNR-3000
System Administrator’s Manual
2013/12/23
For Version 3.0.08

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
2
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 video management system section on ACTi corporate website:
http://www.acti.com/product/detail/Standalone_NVR/GNR-3000 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.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
3
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 User’s Manual from
ACTi Corporation website via http://www.acti.com/product/detail/Standalone_NVR/GNR-3000
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.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
4
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:
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.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
5
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.
Copyright
Copyright ©2003-2013 ACTi Corporation All Rights Reserved.
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.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
6
Regulatory Compliance Information
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
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 communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
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 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.
WARNING: Changes or modifications to the equipment that are not expressly approved by the
responsible party for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
European Community Compliance Statement
This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
Class B Information Technology Equipment according to European
Standard EN 55022 and EN 55024. In a domestic environment, this
product may cause radio interference in which cause the user be require
to take adequate measures.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
7
Table of Contents
1 About This Manual 2
Target Audience........................................................................................2
Content Overview.....................................................................................2
Related Documentation ...........................................................................3
Technical Support ....................................................................................3
Conventions Used in This Manual..........................................................4
2 Legal Notice 5
Disclaimer .................................................................................................5
Copyright ..................................................................................................5
Trademarks ...............................................................................................5
Regulatory Compliance Information.......................................................6
3 Table of Contents 7
4 Overview 13
Product Overview...................................................................................13
Server / Client Architecture ...................................................................14
Client PC System Requirements...........................................................15
5 Getting Started 17
What’s in the Box....................................................................................17
At a Glance..............................................................................................18
Hard Disk Installation.............................................................................19
Step 1: Remove the Tray .............................................................19
Step 2: Mount the Disk.................................................................20
Step 3: Install the Tray .................................................................20
Connect the Devices ..............................................................................21
Start the Unit...........................................................................................22
Definitions of LED Indicators ................................................................23

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
8
Turn Off the Unit .....................................................................................23
Enter Windows........................................................................................24
Adjust Screen Resolution......................................................................25
Get the Hard Disks Ready for Recording .............................................26
Windows Volume Types...............................................................26
Windows Volume Types Comparison ..........................................28
Start Creating Disk Volumes........................................................29
Observe Disk Status...............................................................................32
Live View Screen .........................................................................32
Disk Management........................................................................33
Trouble-shoot the Disk Drives 34
Reactivate the Disk......................................................................35
Check the Physical Connection ...................................................35
Reactivate the Volume.................................................................36
Volume Resynchronization...........................................................36
Repair the Mirrored Volume.........................................................36
Replace the Disk..........................................................................37
Configure the IP Address.......................................................................38
Find the IPAddress of GNR......................................................... 38
Assign a Static IPAddress to GNR..............................................39
6 Log In to the System 41
Access the NVR Server via NVR3 Workstation....................................41
Local Workstation Client Login..................................................... 42
A. Enter Account & Password 42
B. Choose the Initial Page 42
C. Language 42
D. Remember Login Information and Auto Login 42
E. Retrieve the Forgotten Password 43
Remote Workstation Client Login.................................................43
A. Server IP & Server Port 43
B. Enter Account & Password 43
C. Choose the Initial Page 43
D. Language 44
E. Remember Login Information and Auto Login 44
F. Retrieve the Forgotten Password 44
G. Server Name/Server Sites List 44

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
9
Access the NVR Server via Internet Explorer ......................................46
Accept ActiveX Controls Installation Requests 46
Log in Failure Troubleshooting.....................................................46
Condition 1: Why can’t I access NVR server via web browser? 47
Condition 2: Why can’t I install Active X controls after logging in? 48
Login............................................................................................50
A. Enter Account & Password 50
B. Change UI language 50
C. Remember Account/Password 50
D. Retrieve the Forgotten Password 50
License and Activation...........................................................................51
Online Activation ..........................................................................52
Offline Activation ..........................................................................52
Step-by-step Activation Process ..................................................53
Online Activation SOP 53
Offline Activation SOP 54
Verify Your License ......................................................................55
7 Set up the System 56
Setup Wizard...........................................................................................56
System Settings...........................................................................57
Storage ........................................................................................57
NVR Main Screen....................................................................................59
Live View......................................................................................59
Playback ......................................................................................59
Setup............................................................................................59
Add Devices............................................................................................60
Search Devices Within Local Area Network................................. 61
Search Devices Within Local Area Network with ONVIF..............62
Add Devices on WAN or Other LocalArea Networks...................63
Basic Settings Attributes 64
Device Status...............................................................................65
Status Icon Description 66
Add Non-ACTi Cameras ..............................................................67
Manage Multiple Devices.......................................................................69
Modify Basic Connection Settings................................................69
Delete Devices.............................................................................69

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
10
Copy Settings Across Devices .....................................................70
Add Video Streams from a Multi-channel Device.........................71
Configure Device Settings.....................................................................72
Configure Video Format...............................................................72
Video Settings Attributes 72
Save Storage by Setting Event Recording Frame Rate...............73
Schedule Recording 73
Event Recording 73
Event Recording with Frame Rate Adjustment 74
How to Make Use of Event Recording with Frame Rate Adjustment 74
Fine-tune the Image.....................................................................75
Video Adjustment Attributes 76
Configure Motion Settings............................................................78
Adjustment Attributes 79
Configure PTZ Device..................................................................80
Adjustment Attributes 81
How to Do Live PTZ Operation 82
Set PTZ Preset Points..................................................................84
Set PTZ Preset Tour.....................................................................85
Configure Fisheye Cameras ........................................................ 86
Schedule Recordings.............................................................................90
Configure the Recording File Properties......................................90
Attributes Explanation 90
Set the Schedule..........................................................................92
Use Time Setting Quick Buttons to Set the Time in One Click 93
Lock Specific Days 94
Copy an Existing Schedule to Others ..........................................95
View the Entire Recording Schedule............................................96
Event Management.................................................................................97
How Does NVR Handle Events....................................................97
How to Edit an Event Rule...........................................................98
Manage the Event Rules............................................................101
Delete the Event Rules 102
How to Setup SMTP Settings for Event Rules...........................102
How to Setup FTP Settings for Event Rules ..............................103
System Log...........................................................................................105
Define Search Time ...................................................................105
Choose Log Type.......................................................................106

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
11
Read the Log .............................................................................106
Export the Log............................................................................107
Storage Management...........................................................................108
Change Recordings Folder Name..............................................108
Set System Log Lifecycle...........................................................108
Set the Hard Drives and File Deletion Rule................................108
Manage User Groups/ Users ...............................................................110
Overview.................................................................................... 110
User Groups................................................................................111
Add Users.................................................................................. 113
Domain Users Management ...................................................... 115
Customize Views..................................................................................116
Step 1: Create a New View........................................................ 117
Step 2: Enter Edit Mode............................................................. 117
Step 3: Select a Layout.............................................................. 117
Step 4: Add Video Source.......................................................... 118
Step 5: Add a Map ..................................................................... 118
Step 6: Add Devices to the Map.................................................120
Step 7: Adjust the Channel Size & Layout..................................121
Step 8: Save the View................................................................121
Step 9: Set Default View............................................................121
Step 10: Set Default Hotspot Channel (Optional).......................122
Step 11: Set Fisheye Camera Mode ..........................................122
Manage the Views......................................................................123
Set View Link .............................................................................124
Set View Patrol ..........................................................................124
Tips to Enhance Live View Performance....................................126
Customize System Language..............................................................128
System Languages List..............................................................128
Display Configurations ........................................................................131
Video & Snapshot Export Configurations..........................................132
Joystick.................................................................................................133
Joystick Configurations..............................................................133
NVR System Upgrade...........................................................................134
Install the Software ....................................................................134
Workstation Installation and Upgrade................................................138
Install or Upgrade the Software..................................................138
Back Up System Data...........................................................................140
Step 1: Back up System Settings...............................................140

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
12
Step 2: Back up Recording Files Folder (Optional)....................141
Step 3: Back up Recording Files Index Folder (Optional) ..........141
Step 4: System Log (Optional)...................................................141
Restore System Data............................................................................142
Advanced Administrative Tasks..........................................................143
NVR Server Status.....................................................................143
Change Server Port ...................................................................143
Change Authentication Method..................................................144

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
13
Overview
Product Overview
GNR-3000 is a compact and reliable multi-channel standalone NVR. It contains a pre-installed
Windows operating system, and ACTi NVR 3.0 video management software along with client
software.
This unit is composed of:
Computer
A PC, with Microsoft ® Windows Embedded Standard 7 Professional operating system
pre-installed.
NVR 3.0 Server System
A video management software that allows this PC to become a server, where the system
administrator performs the administrative tasks and NVR server services (event handling,
schedule recording, media streaming, etc) take place.
NVR 3.0 Client Application
The dedicated client application of NVR3 system - NVR3 Workstation, allowing the user to
directly access NVR3 interface. A remote client can also access this system via network.
Microsoft ® Windows Embedded
Standard 7 Professional
NVR 3.0
Server
NVR 3.0
Workstation

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
14
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.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
15
Client PC System Requirements
The minimum CPU Processor spec will provide acceptable performance for systems that
use mostly MPEG4 streams.
*1 These specifications are based on following camera settings:
Single stream mode 1280x1024, 3Mbps, 18fps, MPEG-4
Dual stream mode1280x1024, 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
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_
limits_windows_7
Besides the limitation mentioned above, you may find the usable memory of your computer
PC Spec
Remote
Client
PC
Number of Live Channels (*2)
1-16
17-64
CPU
Processor
Minimum
Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4GHz
Intel i5 2.4 GHz
Recommended
Intel i5 2.4 GHz
Intel Core i7-920 2.67 GHz
RAM
4GB (*3)
Network
Ethernet (1000 Base-T recommended)
Operating System (*4)
Windows 8, Windows 7,
Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008
Display Resolution
Minimum: 1024 X 768
Browser
Internet Explorer 9 and 10

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
16
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 Please make sure your operating system is fully patched with the latest service packs.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
17
Getting Started
What’s in the Box
This product package includes the following items:
1
GNR-3000 x1
Quick Installation Guide x 1 Accessories Warranty Card x 1
Power Chord x1 Removable Hard Disk Bays x5
(Adapter type varies by region) (Stored inside the unit)
2
3
4
5
6

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
18
At a Glance
HDD Activity Indicator
HDD Bay Status
Indicator

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
19
Hard Disk Installation
For video recordings, you should install at least ONE certified 3.5-inch SATA hard disk. Be
sure to use the hard disk models ACTi tested to be compatible with GNR-3000. You may find
the certified models via http://www.acti.com/hddselector. It is strongly recommended that you
use hard disks of the same model and capacity.
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.
You can install up to four disks in to Storage Disk Bays. During the installation, please avoid
removing the System Disk Bay.
Repeat Step 1~3 to finish installing all the storage disks.
Step 1: Remove the Tray
Slide the Lock Tab up, the Hinge Tab will pop out by itself.
Pull the Hinge Tab to 90 degrees from the front, and then pull out the tray.

www.acti.com
GNR-3000 System Administrator’s Manual
20
Step 2: Mount the Disk
Mount the disk by locking it with supplied disk screws to the bottom of the tray.
Step 3: Install the Tray
Press on Lock Tab, push the tray into the bay until it stops.
Press on the Hinge Tab until it clicks into place.
Other manuals for GNR-3000
1
Table of contents
Other ACTi DVR manuals

ACTi
ACTi ENR-190 User manual

ACTi
ACTi ENR-420 User manual

ACTi
ACTi NVR 3.0 Instruction manual

ACTi
ACTi ENR-110 Use and care manual

ACTi
ACTi INR-410 User manual

ACTi
ACTi INR-413 User manual

ACTi
ACTi ENR Series User manual

ACTi
ACTi INR-100 User manual

ACTi
ACTi GNR-350 User manual

ACTi
ACTi ZNR Series User manual