ALIBI ALI-DVR3004H User manual

ALI-DVR3000H Series
960H Digital Video Recorder
User Manual
Products: ALI-DVR3004H, ALI-DVR3008H, ALI-DVR3016H
ALI-DVR3000H Series DVR
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING YOUR SYSTEM, and always follow the instructions for safety
and proper use. Save this manual for future reference.
ALI-DVR30xxH_SM
1/22/2014

ii
CAUTION
Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Operate this device only in environments where the temperature or
humidity is within the recommended range. Operation at extreme temperatures or in very high or low humidity levels
may cause electric shock and shorten the life of the product.
CAUTION
FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, use only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer or
peripheral devices. Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class “A” digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
LEGAL NOTICE
Observint Technologies (Observint) products are designed to meet safety and performance standards with the use of
specic Observint authorized accessories. Observint disclaims liability associated with the use of non-Observint
authorized accessories.
The recording, transmission, or broadcast of any person’s voice without their consent or a court order is strictly
prohibited by law.
Observint makes no representations concerning the legality of certain product applications such as the making,
transmission, or recording of video and/or audio signals of others without their knowledge and/or consent. We
encourage you to check and comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations before
engaging in any form of surveillance or any transmission of radio frequencies.
Alibi and the Alibi logo are trademarks of Observint.
Microsoft, Windows, and Internet Explorer are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and/or other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to
Google Permissions. Apple, iPhone,iPod touch, and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks
and names or their products. Observint disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than
its own.
No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the express written
permission of Observint, Inc.
© 2014 by Observint Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
11000 N. Mopac Expressway, Building 300, Austin, TX 78759
For Sales and Support, contact your distributor.

iiiALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Regulatory information
FCC information
FCC compliance: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
FCC conditions
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Perchlorate Material
Special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. This notice is required by California Code of
Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 33: Best Management Practices for Perchlorate Materials. This device includes a battery
which contains perchlorate material.
Power Cord Requirements
The connector that plugs into the wall outlet must be a grounding-type male plug designed for use in your region. It must have
certication marks showing certication by an agency in your region. The connector that plugs into the AC receptacle on the power
supply must be an IEC 320, sheet C13, female connector. See the following website for more information:
http://kropla.com/electric2.htm.
Preventive and Cautionary Tips
Before connecting and operating your device, please be advised of the following tips:
• Ensure unit is installed in a well-ventilated, dust-free environment.
• Unit is designed for indoor use only.
• Keep all liquids away from the device.
• Ensure environmental conditions meet factory specications.
• Ensure unit is properly secured to a rack or shelf. Major shocks or jolts to the unit as a result of dropping it may cause damage
to the sensitive electronics within the unit.
• Use the device in conjunction with an UPS if possible.
• Power down the unit before connecting and disconnecting accessories and peripherals.

iv
• A factory recommended HDD should be used for this device.
• Improper use or replacement of the battery may result in hazard of explosion. Replace with the same or equivalent type only.
Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions provided by the battery manufacturer.
Safety Instructions
Read these instructions and keep them in a safe place for future reference.
• Please refer all work related to the installation of this product to qualied service personnel or system installers.
• Do not operate the appliance beyond its specied temperature, humidity or power source ratings.
• Place the unit on a at surface not prone to vibration or impact.
• Use the appliance at temperatures between 14 °F ~ 131 °F (-10 °C ~ +55 °C) and relative humidity below 90%. The input
power source for this appliance is between 90 ~ 264 Vac, 47 ~ 63 Hz.
• Install the unit away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers and stoves.
• Installation of the unit near consumer electronics devices, such as stereo receiver/ampliers and televisions, is permitted as
long as the air surrounding the terminal does not exceed the above mentioned temperature range.
• Handle hard disk drives with care.
—It is possible to damage hard drives if they are moved while their motors are still running. To allow the hard drive to spin
down and park its heads, wait at least 10 seconds after disconnecting power before moving the unit.
—To avoid shock and vibration damage to the internal hard drive, do not move the unit while it is plugged in.
—Protect hard disk drives from static electricity.
—Do not stack hard disk drives or keep them upright.
—Do not use an electric or magnetic screwdriver to install hard disk drives.
• Do not place the unit in an enclosed area where the cooling vents are blocked or impede the ow of air through the ventilation
openings.
• Protect the power cord from being stepped on or pinched particularly at plugs and the points where they exit from the
apparatus.
• Do not drop metallic parts through slots. This could permanently damage the appliance. Turn the power o immediately and
contact qualied service personnel for service.
• Handle the appliance with care. Do not drop or shake, as this may damage the device.
• Do not expose the appliance to water or moisture, nor try to operate it in wet areas. Do not install the unit in an area where
condensation occurs. Do not operate with wet hands. Take immediate action if the appliance becomes wet. Turn the power o
and refer servicing to qualied service personnel. Moisture may damage the appliance and also cause electric shock.
• Do not use strong or abrasive detergents when cleaning the surfaces of this product. When dirt is hard to remove, use a mild
detergent and wipe gently.
• Do not overload outlets and extension cords. Electric shock or re may result.
• Save your system conguration.
• Distributing, copying, disassembling, reverse compiling, reverse engineering, and exporting, in violation of export laws, the
software provided with this product is expressly prohibited.

vALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 Systems Overview...................................................................1
1.1 DVR Controls, connectors and indicators .................................................3
1.1.1 Remote control..................................................................5
1.1.2 Mouse control...................................................................6
1.1.3 Soft keyboard ...................................................................7
SECTION 2 Installing the System ................................................................8
2.1 Getting Started: Unpacking the Equipment ..............................................8
2.2 DVR installation general guidelines.....................................................8
2.2.1 Installing an HDD in the DVR ......................................................8
2.2.2 Placement......................................................................9
2.3 Install the DVR and monitor ...........................................................9
2.4 Camera installation .................................................................10
2.4.1 General Guidelines..............................................................10
2.4.2 Install cameras.................................................................11
2.5 Connecting it together – initial system setup ...........................................11
2.5.1 Using the Wizard for basic conguration setup ......................................12
2.6 Using the Menu system ..............................................................19
2.6.1 Using the Camera menu .........................................................19
2.7 Conguring HDD settings ............................................................21
2.7.1 Checking HDD status ............................................................21
2.7.2 Managing Network Storage ......................................................21
2.7.3 Conguring the HDD ............................................................24
2.7.4 Conguring HDD Group mode ....................................................24
2.7.5 HDD Detect ....................................................................26
2.8 Conguring Exception Alarms.........................................................28
SECTION 3 Startup, Shutdown, Reboot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.1 Starting Up, Shutting Down and Rebooting the DVR......................................30
3.1.1 Startup .......................................................................30
3.1.2 Shutdown .....................................................................30
3.1.3 Rebooting the DVR .............................................................31
SECTION 4 LiveView Interface .................................................................32
4.1 Quick Setting Toolbar ................................................................33
4.2 LiveView pop-up menu..............................................................34

vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.2.1 Live View settings ..............................................................35
SECTION 5 Record, Playback and Video Backup...................................................37
5.1 Conguring record settings...........................................................38
5.1.1 Setting camera encoding parameters..............................................38
5.1.2 Conguring Record schedule .....................................................39
5.1.3 Conguring Motion Detection Recording...........................................42
5.1.4 Manual record .................................................................45
5.1.5 Conguring Holiday recording ....................................................46
5.1.6 Conguring HDD Group for Recording..............................................47
5.1.7 Files Protection.................................................................48
5.2 Playback...........................................................................50
5.2.1 Playing back video by channel....................................................50
5.2.2 Playing back a motion event .....................................................54
5.2.3 Playback by Tag ................................................................56
5.2.4 Playback from System Logs ......................................................59
5.2.5 Auxiliary Functions - Playback frame by frame......................................61
5.2.6 Auxiliary Functions - Reverse Playback of Multi-channel..............................61
5.2.7 Digital Zoom...................................................................62
5.3 Backing up Record Files - Export.......................................................63
5.3.1 Quick Export ...................................................................63
5.3.2 Export by video search ..........................................................64
5.3.3 Export by Event Search ..........................................................67
5.3.4 Exporting Video Clips during playback .............................................69
SECTION 6 Managing User Accounts ............................................................74
6.1 Adding a user account ...............................................................74
6.2 Deleting a user account ..............................................................77
6.3 Editing a user account ...............................................................77
SECTION 7 Network Settings ..................................................................79
7.1 Conguring General Settings .........................................................79
7.1.1 Conguring DDNS ..............................................................79
7.1.2 Conguring NTP Server..........................................................81
7.1.3 Conguring Multicast ...........................................................82
7.1.4 Conguring RTSP ...............................................................83
7.1.5 Conguring Server and HTTP Ports ................................................83
7.1.6 Conguring Email ..............................................................84

viiALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
7.1.7 Conguring UPnP™ .............................................................86
SECTION 8 System Maintenance ...............................................................87
8.1 System Information .................................................................87
8.2 Log Information ....................................................................87
8.2.1 Log Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
8.2.2 Log Export.....................................................................90
8.3 Import / Export system conguration ..................................................91
8.4 Upgrade Firmware ..................................................................93
8.5 Default ............................................................................94
8.6 Net Detect .........................................................................95
8.6.1 Checking Network Trac ........................................................95
8.6.2 Testing Network Delay and Packet Loss ............................................96
8.6.3 Exporting Network Packet .......................................................96
8.6.4 Checking the network status .....................................................97
8.6.5 Checking Network Statistics ......................................................99
SECTION 9 Remote Access....................................................................100
9.1 Remote login......................................................................100
9.2 Remote LiveView screen ............................................................103
9.3 Remote Playback screen ............................................................104
9.4 Remote Log screen .................................................................106
9.5 Remote Conguration screen ........................................................106
SECTION 10 Cleaning.........................................................................108
SECTION 11 Specications ....................................................................109
APPENDIX A Glossary .........................................................................110
APPENDIX B FAQ .............................................................................111
APPENDIX C HDD Installation ..................................................................113
C.1 DVR compatible HDDs ..............................................................113
C.2 HDD Installation ...................................................................113

viii
NOTES

1ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
SECTION 1
Systems Overview
Congratulations on purchasing your new ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H Digital Video Recorder security system! Your system includes
the following key features:
General
• H.264 video compression with high reliability and superior denition.
• Each channel supports dual-stream.
• Main stream supports encoding at up to 4CIF resolution and sub-stream encoding at CIF/QCIF resolution.
• Independent conguration for each channel, including resolution, frame rate, bit rate, image quality, etc.
• The quality of the input and output video is congurable.
• Normal and event recording parameters congurable for per individual camera.
• Encoding for both audio/video composite stream and video stream; audio and video synchronization during composite stream
encoding.
• Watermark technology.
Local Monitoring
• Simultaneous HDMI, VGA and CVBS outputs.
• HDMI/VGA output at up to 1920 × 1080p resolution.
• 1 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 9 / 16-division live view is supported, and the display sequence of screens is adjustable.
• Live view screen can be switched in group, and manual switch and automatic cycle view is also provided, the interval of
automatic cycle can be adjusted.
• Quick setting menu is provided for live view.
• The selected live view channel can be shielded.
• Motion detection, video tampering detection and video loss alarm functions.
• Privacy mask.
• Multiple PTZ protocols supported; setting and calling of PTZ preset, patrol and pattern.
• Zooming in by clicking the mouse and PTZ tracing by dragging mouse.
HDD Management
• 1 SATA hard disk can be connected, with a maximum of 4TB storage capacity.
• HDD quota management; dierent capacity can be assigned to dierent channels.
• HDD group management.
• Support HDD standby function.
• 8 network disks (8 NAS disks, or 7 NAS disks+1 IP SAN disk) can be connected.
• HDD property: redundancy, read-only, read/write (R/W).

2
Recording and Playback
• Holiday recording schedule conguration.
• Normal and event video encoding parameters.
• Multiple recording types: manual, normal and motion.
• 8 recording time periods with separated recording types.
• Pre-record and post-record for motion detection for recording, and pre-record time for schedule and manual recording.
• Searching record les by event.
• Customization of tags, searching and playing back by tags.
• Locking and unlocking record les.
• Searching and playing back record les by channel number, recording type, start time, end time, etc.
• Smart search for the selected area in the video.
• Zooming in when playback.
• Reverse playback.
• Supports pause, slow forward, fast forward, skip forward, and skip backward when playback.
• Up to 4 / 8 / 16 channel synchronous playback.
Backup
• Export video data to USB device.
• Export video clips during playback.
• Management and maintenance of backup devices.
Alarm and Exception
• Alarm for video loss, motion detection, tampering, video input/output standard mismatch, illegal login, network
disconnected, IP coniction, HDD error, and HDD full, etc.
• Alarm event triggers full screen monitoring, audio alarm, notifying surveillance center and sending email.
• Automatic restore when system is abnormal.
Other Local Functions
• Operable by mouse or remote control.
• Three-level user management; admin user can create accounts and dene their operating permissions, including access to
camera channel.
• Operation, exceptions and log recording and search.
• Export and import DVR conguration.
Network Functions
• 1 self-adaptive 10Mbps / 100Mbps network interface.
• IPv6 is supported.
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW

3ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
• TCP/IP protocol, PPPoE, DHCP, DNS, DDNS, NTP, SADP, SMTP, UPnP™, RTSP, iSCSI are supported.
• TCP, UDP and RTP for unicast.
• Remote search, playback, download, locking and unlocking the record les, and downloading les broken transfer resume.
• Remote parameters setup; remote import/export of device parameters.
• Remote viewing of the device status, system logs and alarm status.
• Remote locking and unlocking of control panel and mouse.
• Remote HDD formatting and program upgrading.
• Remote system restart.
• Alarm event and exception information can be sent to the remote host.
• Remotely start/stop recording.
• Upgrade by remote FTP server.
• Two-way audio and voice broadcasting.
• Embedded WEB server.
1.1 DVR Controls, connectors and indicators
Your new security system is easy to use and easy to setup. This section includes the function and use of the components included
with a DVR system. For installation instructions, refer to Section 2. Advanced control and conguration procedures are included in
Sections 3 through 9.
DVR Front Panel
USB Interface
IR ReceiverPower LED
Status TX / RX
ALI-DVR3000H series front panel
Item Usage
Power LED Indicator turns green when DVR is powered up.
Status STATUS indicator lights in red when HDD is reading/writing.
TX / RX LED indicator blinks green when network connection is functioning properly.
IR Receiver Sensor for the remote control.
USB Interface This port can be used for a USB mouse or USB ash memory devices.

4
DVR Backpanels
5
1
97
3
116
2
108
4
12
ALI-DVR3004H backpanel
5
1
97
3
116
2
108
4
12
ALI-DVR3008H backpanel
5
1
97
3
116
2
108
4
12
ALI-DVR3016H backpanel
Item Description
1 VIDEO IN BNC connectors for camera video channels in. Number of channels is dependent on the model of the DVR.
2 Monitor Out (CVBS) BNC connector for CVBS video monitor.
3AUDIO IN RCA connector for audio in cable.
4ON / OFF switch Switch for powering the DVR on and o
5USB This port can be used for a USB mouse or USB memory device such as a ash drive or DVD burner. An additional USB
port is located on the front panel.
6HDMI Connector HDMI monitor cable.
7VGA Connector VGA monitor cable.
8AUDIO OUT RCA connector for audio out cable.
9LAN RJ-45 connector for Ethernet drop cable.
10 RS-485 terminations Connector for RS-485 devices. Connect the D+ and D- terminals to T+ and T- of PTZ receiver respectively.
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW

5ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Item Description
11 12 Vdc Plug for 12 Vdc power adapter.
12 GND terminal Ground terminal post.
1.1.1 Remote control
The enter key on the remote control or the front panel has the same function as a mouse left click. The IR Range of the remote
control is 10 meters. The buttons on the remote control correspond with the buttons on the front panel.
23
18
9
17
7 5
6 4
11141518 16
1213 10
Item Name Function
1POWER Power on/o the device.
2DEV Enables/Disables Remote Control.
3Alphanumeric Buttons Switching to the corresponding channel in Live view or PTZ Control mode.
Inputting numbers and characters in Edit mode.
Switching between dierent channels in All-day Playback mode.
4EDIT Button Editing text elds. When editing text elds, it will also function as a Backspace button to delete the charac-
ter in front of the cursor. On checkbox elds, pressing the EDIT button will tick the checkbox.
In Playback mode, it can be used to generate video clips for backup.
5 A Button Switching between input methods (upper and lowercase alphabet, symbols and numeric input).
6REC Button Entering the Manual Record settings menu.
In PTZ control settings, press the REC button and then you can call a PTZ preset by pressing Numeric button.
7PLAY Button Playback, for direct access to playback interface.
8 INFO Button Reserved.
9VOIP button Selecting all items on the list;
In live view or playback mode, it can be used to switch between main and spot video output
10 MENU button Press the button will help you return to the Main menu (after successful login).
Press and hold the button for 5 seconds to turn o audible key beep.
11 PREV button Switch between single screen and multi-screen mode.

6
Item Name Function
12 DIRECTION/ENTER buttons Navigating between dierent elds and items in menus.
In Playback mode, the UP and DOWN button are used to speed up and slow down recorded video.
The LEFT and RIGHT buttons select the next and previous day of recordings.
In LIVE view mode, these buttons can be used to cycle through channels.
13 PTZ button Enter the PTZ Control mode.
14 ESC button Return to the previous menu.
Press for Arming/disarming the device in Live View mode.
15 RESERVED Reserved for future usage.
16 F1 button Selecting all items on the list when used in a list eld.
In PTZ Control mode, it will turn on/o PTZ light.
17 PTZ Control buttons Buttons to adjust the iris, focus and zoom of a PTZ camera.
18 F2 button Cycle through tab pages.
1.1.2 Mouse control
A standard 3-button (left/right/scroll-wheel) USB mouse can also be used with this DVR. To use a USB mouse:
1. Plug USB mouse into the either the front panel or backpanel USB connector of the DVR.
2. The mouse will be automatically detected. If the mouse is not detected, the mouse may not be compatible with the DVR.
Please refer to the recommended device list from your provider.
The operation of the mouse:
Action Eect
Right click Live view: Show menu.
Menu: Exit current menu to upper level menu.
Left click
Single click: Live view: Select channel and show the quick set menu.
Menu: Select and enter.
Double click: Live view: Switch between single-screen and multi-screen.
Click and drag: PTZ control: pan, tilt and zoom.
Tamper-proof, privacy mask and motion detection: Select target area.
Digital zoom-in: Drag and select target area.
Live view: Drag channel/time bar
Scroll wheel
Scroll up: Live view: Previous screen.
Menu: Previous item.
Scroll down: Live view: Next screen.
Menu: Next item.
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW

7ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
SECTION 1: SYSTEM OVERVIEW
1.1.3 Soft keyboard
An on-screen QUERTY keyboard appears when you click in a eld that accepts a text entry, such as a password or name. The
keyboard is shown in the following picture. Some control keys toggle their function when they are clicked.
Uppercase /
Lowercase
Backspace
Symbols /
Numbers
Escape / Exit
Soft keyboard

8
SECTION 2
Installing the System
2.1 Getting Started: Unpacking the Equipment
What’s in the box
Your system includes:
• ALI-DVR3000H Series DVR
• Remote Control
• USB mouse
• 6 foot Ethernet cable
• 6 foot HDMI cable
• Power adapter and cable for DVR
Remove the equipment from its packaging and place it on a at, clean surface. Inspect each item. If any visible damage is present,
contact your supplier for a replacement. Verify that your order is complete.
What you need
Although each security system installation is dierent, most require the following items not included with your system
components:
• VGA or HDMI compatible computer monitor
• IP cameras and cables compatible with the DVR
• Tools to install the cameras and route power and video cables
• Fasteners to attach the cameras to the mounting surfaces
• A display device to connect to the DVR. The DVR will connect directly to a VGA video monitor or an HDMI monitor (HDMI cable
is provided). The display device is usually needed only for system setup. It can be disconnected when the DVR is networked for
access across a LAN or Internet.
• Uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This device is used to ensure system stability during voltage surges, sags, and outages. If a
UPS is not available, a power strip with strong surge protection is highly recommended.
2.2 DVR installation general guidelines
2.2.1 Installing an HDD in the DVR
If you purchased your DVR without an internal HDD, you must install one for the DVR to function properly. Follow the procedure in
“APPENDIX C HDD Installation” on page 113. If your DVR has an HDD, skip this procedure and continue installing the system with
step “2.2.2 Placement” on page 9.
SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM

9ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM
2.2.2 Placement
Your monitoring and recording equipment is the core device for constant surveillance and the reliable capture of video evidence.
Observint Technologies strongly suggest that it be installed in a secure location with access limited to authorized personnel.
DVRs and monitors generate heat and should be placed in a clean and well ventilated area. A high temperature environment will
reduce the life span and reliability of the equipment. Additionally, the DVR is not weatherproof, so avoid exposure to liquids and
excessive dust. Do not place objects along the sides of the DVR that will block airow through the unit.
Uninterruptible power supplies
It is strongly suggested that power to the system be routed through an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). These devices will keep
your security system running through most power outages, in addition to providing excellent surge and sag protection. The UPS
should support the DVR and all cameras to ensure normal operation during abnormal power conditions.
Proximity to other cameras and the local LAN
Your DVR connects to cameras through coaxial cables, and to an Ethernet network for remote access. The coaxial cables must be
short enough to provide a good signal level to the DVR from your cameras. Connectorized coaxial cables with a power and audio
leads are usually available in lengths up to 100 ft from your supplier. Ethernet drop cables can be up to 330 ft (100 m) in length. All
cables attach to the backpanel of the DVR (see below). A front panel USB port is also provided for a USB mouse or USB ash memory
device.
Camera input
LAN RS-485 Power
adapter
connector
ON / OFF switchMonitor Out (HDMI, VGA) Audio IN / OUT
USB
2.3 Install the DVR and monitor
For the following steps, refer to the back panel photo above for the location of connectors.
1. Place the DVR in a location that is secure, well ventilated and clean. The DVR should be positioned such that the back panel
connectors are accessible and the ventilation holes on the sides are not blocked.
2. Install and setup your monitor in accordance with the instructions provided with the monitor. Do not power it on at this time.
3. Cable the HDMI or VGA connector to your monitor’s VGA or HDMI input. The HDMI interface provides the best performance.

10
4. Plug the mouse into the USB connector on the front or back of the DVR.
5. If you plan to access your DVR remotely, or congure your DVR to transmit alerts, email, etc. to external servers, plug a
drop cable from your local area network (LAN) into the RJ-45 LAN connector on the back of the DVR. (By default, the DVR
automatically acquires network settings using DHCP.)
6. Connect the power cord to the power connector on the back panel of the DVR, and then into a UPS (preferred) or surge
protector.
NOTE Do not power on the DVR at this time.
2.4 Camera installation
Always refer to the documentation provided with the camera for installation instructions. The general guidelines provided below
include information about installing security cameras that is often not found in manufacturer’s documentation. Installing your
cameras with consideration of these guidelines can help improve the performance and reliability of your system.
2.4.1 General Guidelines
Camera placement
Plan your camera installation carefully. Identify the locations where cameras will provide the best coverage, considering:
• Distance from the DVR – for best performance, your cameras must provide an optimal video signal (and audio signal, if
used) to your DVR. For most installations, a length of good quality coaxial cable can be up to 100 ft. The inherent signal loss in
longer cables may degrade quality.
• Field of view – Cameras should be positioned so they can eectively view the entire area that must be monitored, and in a
location where it is dicult to tamper with them.
• Lighting – Light shining directly on the camera lens or bright reections from shiny objects in the eld of view can diminish
video quality and camera performance. Mount the camera in a shaded area, if possible, or where light shining on or reected
onto the lens can be minimized.
• Ease of installation – It must be possible to install the camera at the location, considering mounting hardware
requirements, mounting surface, contamination, etc.
• Environmental specications – Check the specications of your cameras to ensure the location where they will be
installed is within the environmental constraints of the camera.
SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM

11ALI-DVR3000H Series 960H DVR User Manual
About weatherproof cameras
Weatherproof cameras can be mounted in any open area, such as on a telephone pole or on the side of a building. For best results,
we recommend you mount your cameras in a sheltered area, such as under the eave or roof of a building, if possible.
Weatherproof cameras compatible with your DVR may have cables attached to the camera body and not routed through the camera
base. If these cameras are installed in a moist environment, a drip loop should be constructed in the drop cable such that moisture
will tend to ow away from the camera and drop cable connectors.
Drip Loop
Drop
Cable
NOTE Cable connectors are not weatherproof.
LAN/power cables can be run almost anywhere, and are frequently routed through attics or above drop/acoustic ceilings because
of the ease of installation. For added security, we recommend that you run your cables in areas with limited access to prevent
tampering. Avoid running the cable near high voltage appliances such as uorescent lighting. Electrical noise and magnetic elds
produced by these devices may aect video and communication signal quality.
2.4.2 Install cameras
Install your security cameras as needed to support your security requirements. Always refer to the documentation provided with the
camera for installation instructions.
2.5 Connecting it together – initial system setup
1. Plug the coaxial cables from the cameras into the BNC camera input connectors on the back of the DVR.
2. Power on the DVR using the power on / o (I / O) switch on the back panel.
3. Power on the monitor.
NOTE Some monitors have multiple inputs such including VGA ,HDMI, BNC, etc. If you are using this kind of monitor, congure your
monitor to display the input connected to your DVR (HDMI or VGA).
4. Power on your cameras.
SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM

12
2.5.1 Using the Wizard for basic conguration setup
When the DVR is powered on, an Alibi logo splash screen appears within 2 minutes.
1. After the initial Alibi loading window (see above), a monitor resolution selection screen may appear. The DVR will oer the
optimal resolution for your monitor, but you can select another resolution if you prefer. At this screen, select the preferred
resolution, then click Next, or allow the setup Wizard to open.
2. The Setup Wizard can assist you in making important conguration settings in DVR. Click Next button on the Wizard window
to open the Login window.
SECTION 2: INSTALLING THE SYSTEM