Alien MEGA204 User manual

ALIEN MEGA/MAX USER MANUAL
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ALIEN
Digital Video Recorders
Models
MEGA204 MEGA208 MEGA216
MAX316 MAX416
Version 007 Last Revised 17/6/2015

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Preventive and Cautionary Tips
Before connecting and operating your DVR, please note the following:
•Ensure unit is installed in a well-ventilated, dust-free environment.
•Unit is designed for indoor use only.
•Keep all liquids away from the DVR.
•Ensure environmental conditions meet factory specifications.
•Use the DVR in conjunction with an UPS if possible.
•Power down the unit before connecting and disconnecting accessories and
peripherals.
This symbol on the products and/or
accompanying documents means that used
electronic equipment must not be mixed with
general household waste. For treatment,
recovery and recycling please return this unit to
your trade supplier or local designated
connection point as defined by your local
council.

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Product Key Features
General
Connects to HD-TVI and analogue cameras;
Connects to IP cameras;
Each channel supports dual-stream. Main stream supports up to 1080P
resolution and sub-stream supports up to WD1 resolution;
Independent configuration for each channel, including resolution, frame rate,
bit rate, image quality, etc.
Encoding for both video stream and video & audio stream; audio and video
synchronisation during composite stream encoding;
Watermark technology;
Local Monitoring
HDMI(1)/VGA output at up to 1920*1080 resolution;
1/4/6/8/9/16/25/36 screen live view is supported, and the display sequence of
screens is adjustable;
Live view screen can be switched in group and manual mode, with automatic
sequencing for live view mode also provided, allowing adjustment of interval
time;
Quick setting menu is provided for live view;
The selected live view channel can be coverted;
Motion detection, video-tampering detection, video exception alarm, video
loss alarm functions;
Privacy mask;
Several PTZ protocols supported; PTZ presets, patrol and pattern;
Zooming in/out by clicking the mouse and PTZ movement dragging mouse;
HDD Management
For MEGA204,MEGA208, MEGA216 only 1 SATA hard disk can be
connected;
For MAX316, 4x SATA hard disks without DVD writer but 2 with and 1
eSATA disk can be connected;
For MAX416, 8x SATA hard disks without DVD writer but 4 with and 1
eSATA disk can be connected.
(Each hard drive disk with a maximum of 4TB storage capacity.)
8 network disks (8 x NAS disks, or 7x NAS disks +1 IP SAN disk) can be
connected;
Support eSATA disks for recording or backup;
Support S.M.A.R.T. and bad sector detection;
Support HDD sleeping function;
HDD property: redundancy, read-only, read/write (R/W);
HDD group management;

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HDD quota management; different capacity can be assigned to different
channels;
Recording and Playback
Holiday recording schedule configuration;
Cycle and non-cycle recording modes;
Normal and event video encoding parameters;
Multiple recording types: manual, continuous, alarm, motion, motion or alarm,
motion & alarm and VCA;
8 recording time periods with separated recording types;
Pre-record and post-record for motion detection triggered recording, and
pre-record time for schedule and manual recording;
Searching record files by events (alarm input/motion detection);
Customisation of tags, searching and playing back by tags;
Locking and unlocking of record files;
Local redundant recording;
Searching and playing back record files by camera number, recording type,
start time, end time, etc.;
Instant Detective playback to go through less effective information;
Zooming in for any area when playback;
Reverse playback of multi-channel;
Supports pause, fast forward, slow forward, skip forward, and skip backward
when playback, locating by dragging the mouse on the progress bar;
4/8/16/24 channel synchronous playback at 1080P.
Backup
Export data by a USB, SATA or eSATA device;
Export video clips when playback;
Management and maintenance of backup devices.
Alarm and Exception
Configurable arming time of alarm input/output;
Alarm for video loss, motion detection, video tampering, abnormal signal,
video input/recording resolution mismatch, illegal login, network disconnected,
IP conflict, record exception, HDD error, and HDD full, etc.;
Alarm triggers full screen monitoring, audio alarm, notifying surveillance
center, sending email and alarm output;
VCA (Video Content Analysis) detection alarm (line crossing detection and
intrusion detection) is supported;
Automatic restore when system is abnormal.
Other Local Functions
Manual and automatic video quality diagnostics;

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Users can operate by mouse and remote control;
Three-level user management; admin user can create many operating accounts
and define their operating permissions which include the permissions to access
any channel;
Completeness of operation, alarm, exceptions and log writing and searching;
Manually triggering and clearing alarms;
Importing and exporting of configuration files;
Getting cameras type information automatically.
Network Functions
1 network adaptor for 10M/100M network interface for MEGA204 and
MEGA208, 1 network adaptor for 10M/100M/1000M network interface for
MEGA216 and MAX316, 2 network adaptors for 10M/100M/1000M network
interfaces for MAX416 with three working modes : multi-address, load
balance and network fault tolerance;
IPv6 is supported;
TCP/IP protocol, PPPoE, DHCP, DNS, DDNS, NTP, SMTP, UPnP™ and
HTTPS are supported;
TCP, UDP and RTP for unicast;
Auto/Manual port mapping by UPnPTM
Remote search, playback, download, locking and unlocking the record files,
and downloading files broken transfer resume;
Remote parameters setup; remote import/export of device parameters;
Remote viewing of the device status, system logs and alarm status;
Remote keyboard operation;
Remote locking and unlocking of control panel and mouse;
Remote HDD formatting and program upgrading;
Remote system restart and shutdown;
Support upgrading via remote FTP server;
RS-232, RS-485 transparent channel transmission;
Alarm and exception information can be sent to the remote host;
Remotely start/stop recording;
Remotely start/stop alarm output;
Remote PTZ control;
Remote JPEG capture;
Two-way audio and voice broadcasting;
Embedded WEB server.

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Table of Contents
Preventative and Cautionary Tips ......................................................................................................................2
Product Key Features.........................................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………6
Chapter 1 Introduction........................................................................................................................10
1.1 Front Panels............................................................................................................................................10
1.1.1 Front Panel of MEGA204……………………………………………………………………10
1.1.2 Front Panel of MEGA208……………………………………………………………………12
1.1.3 Front Panel of MEGA216……………………………………………………………………14
1.1.4 Front Panel of MAX316……………………………………………………………………16
1.1.5 Front Panel of MAX416……………………………………………………………………19
1.2 IR Remote Control Operations...............................................................................................................22
1.3 USB Mouse Operation ...........................................................................................................................24
1.4 Input Method Description.......................................................................................................................25
1.5 Rear Panel ..............................................................................................................................................26
1.5.1 MEGA204/MEGA208/MEGA216…………………………………………………………………26
1.5.2 MAX316…………………………………………………………………………………………..27
1.5.3 MAX416…………………………………………………………………………………………..28
Chapter 2 Getting Started...................................................................................................................29
2.1 Starting Up and Shutting Down the DVR...............................................................................................29
2.2 Using the Wizard for Basic Configuration..............................................................................................31
2.3 Adding and Connecting the IP Cameras.................................................................................................35
2.3.1 Adding the Online IP Cameras ............................................................................................35
2.3.2 Editing the Connected IP Cameras and Configuring Customised Protocols........................38
Chapter 3 Live View ............................................................................................................................40
3.1 Introduction to Live View.......................................................................................................................40
3.2 Operations in Live View Mode...............................................................................................................40
3.2.1 Front Panel Operation..........................................................................................................41
3.2.2 Using the Mouse in Live View ............................................................................................41
3.2.3 Main/Aux Output Switching................................................................................................42
3.2.4 Quick Setting Toolbar in Live View Mode..........................................................................43
3.3 Channel-zero Encoding ..........................................................................................................................45
3.4 Adjusting Live View Settings.................................................................................................................46
3.5 Manual Video Quality Diagnostics.........................................................................................................48
3.6 User Logout............................................................................................................................................49
Chapter 4 PTZ Controls......................................................................................................................50
4.1 Configuring PTZ Settings.......................................................................................................................50
4.2 Setting PTZ Presets, Patrols & Patterns..................................................................................................51
4.2.1 Customising Presets.............................................................................................................51
4.2.2 Calling Presets .....................................................................................................................52
4.2.3 Customising Patrols.............................................................................................................52
4.2.4 Calling Patrols .....................................................................................................................53

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4.2.5 Customising Patterns ...........................................................................................................54
4.2.6 Calling Patterns....................................................................................................................55
4.2.7 Customising Auto Scans......................................................................................................55
4.2.8 Calling Auto Scans ..............................................................................................................56
4.2.9 One-touch Park....................................................................................................................57
4.3 PTZ Control Panel..................................................................................................................................58
Chapter 5 Recording Settings..............................................................................................................59
5.1 Configuring Recording Parameters ........................................................................................................59
5.2 Configuring Record Schedule.................................................................................................................62
5.3 Configuring Motion Detection .............................................................................................................65
5.4 Configuring Alarm Triggered Record.....................................................................................................67
5.5 Configuring VCA (Video Content Analysis) Record..............................................................................69
5.6 Configuring Manual Record...................................................................................................................71
5.7 Configuring Holiday Record ..................................................................................................................72
5.8 Configuring Redundant Recording.........................................................................................................74
5.9 Configuring HDD Group for Recording.................................................................................................76
5.10 File Protection ........................................................................................................................................77
Chapter 6 Playback..............................................................................................................................79
6.1 Playing Back Recorded Files..................................................................................................................79
6.1.1 Playing Back by Channel.....................................................................................................79
6.1.2 Playing Back by Time..........................................................................................................81
6.1.3 Playing Back by Event Search.............................................................................................82
6.1.4 Playing Back by Tag............................................................................................................84
6.1.5 Playing Back by Instant Detective Search ...........................................................................87
6.1.6 Playing Back by System Logs .............................................................................................89
6.1.7 Playing Back External File ..................................................................................................90
6.2 Auxiliary Functions of Playback ............................................................................................................91
6.2.1 Playing Back Frame by Frame.............................................................................................91
6.2.2 Digital Zoom........................................................................................................................91
6.2.3 Reverse Playback of Multi-channel .....................................................................................92
Chapter 7 Backup ................................................................................................................................93
7.1 Backing up Record Files.........................................................................................................................93
7.1.1 Backing up by Normal Video Search...................................................................................93
7.1.2 Backing up by Event Search................................................................................................96
7.1.3 Backing up Video Clips.......................................................................................................99
7.2 Managing Backup Devices...................................................................................................................101
Chapter 8 Alarm Settings..................................................................................................................103
8.1 Setting Motion Detection Triggering....................................................................................................103
8.2 Setting Sensor Alarms ..........................................................................................................................105
8.3 Detecting Video Loss............................................................................................................................107
8.4 Detecting Video Tampering..................................................................................................................108
8.5 Detecting VCAAlarm .......................................................................................................................... 110
8.6 Setting All-day Video Quality Diagnostics........................................................................................... 113
8.7 Handling Exceptions ............................................................................................................................ 115

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8.8 Setting Alarm Response Actions .......................................................................................................... 116
8.9 Triggering or Clearing Alarm Output Manually................................................................................... 117
Chapter 9 Network Settings ..............................................................................................................119
9.1 Configuring General Settings ............................................................................................................... 119
9.2 Configuring Advanced Settings............................................................................................................121
9.2.1 Configuring DDNS..............................................................................................................121
9.2.2 Configuring PPPoE Settings..............................................................................................123
9.2.3 Configuring NTP Server....................................................................................................124
9.2.4 Configuring SNMP............................................................................................................124
9.2.5 Configuring NAT...............................................................................................................125
9.2.6 Configuring More Settings.................................................................................................127
9.2.7 Configuring HTTPS Port...................................................................................................128
9.2.8 Configuring Email .............................................................................................................130
9.3 Checking Network Traffic....................................................................................................................131
9.4 Configuring Network Detection ...........................................................................................................132
9.4.1 Testing Network Delay and Packet Loss ...........................................................................132
9.4.2 Exporting Network Packet.................................................................................................133
9.4.3 Checking Network Status ..................................................................................................133
9.4.4 Checking Network Statistics..............................................................................................134
9.5 Networking your DVR ……………………………………………………………………………135
Chapter 10 HDD Management............................................................................................................141
10.1 Initialising HDDs..................................................................................................................................141
10.2 Managing Network HDD .....................................................................................................................142
10.3 Managing eSATA .................................................................................................................................144
10.4 Managing HDD Group.........................................................................................................................145
10.4.1 Setting HDD Groups..........................................................................................................145
10.4.2 Setting HDD Property........................................................................................................146
10.5 Checking HDD Status ..........................................................................................................................148
10.6Checking S.M.A.R.T Information ........................................................................................................149
10.7Detecting Bad Sector............................................................................................................................150
10.8Configuring HDD Error Alarms ...........................................................................................................151
10.9 Configuring Privacy Mask....................................................................................................................151
10.10Configuring Video Parameters..............................................................................................................153
10.11Configuring OSD Settings......................................................................................................................154
Chapter 11 DVR Management and Maintenance .............................................................................156
11.1 Viewing System Information................................................................................................................156
11.2 Searching and Exporting Log Files ......................................................................................................156
11.3 Importing/Exporting IP Camera Info....................................................................................................158
11.4 Importing/Exporting Configuration Files.............................................................................................159
11.5 Upgrading System................................................................................................................................160
11.5.1 Upgrading by Local Backup Device..................................................................................160
11.5.2 Upgrading by FTP .............................................................................................................160
11.6 Restoring Default Settings....................................................................................................................161

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Chapter 12 Others................................................................................................................................162
12.1 Configuring RS-232 Serial Port............................................................................................................162
12.2Configuring General Settings ...............................................................................................................162
12.3 Configuring DST Settings ....................................................................................................................163
12.4 Configuring More Settings...................................................................................................................164
12.5 Managing User Accounts......................................................................................................................165
12.5.1 Adding a User....................................................................................................................165
12.5.2 Deleting a User ..................................................................................................................167
12.5.3 Editing a User ....................................................................................................................168
Chapter 13 Glossary .............................................................................................................................170
Chapter 14 Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................171
Chapter 15 Record Timings ……………………………………………………………………………173
15.1 Record Timings for 4 channels - MEGA204 …………………………………………………………...173
15.2 Record Timings for 8 channels - MEGA208 …………………………………………………………...175
15.3 Record Timings for 16 channels - MEGA216/316/416 ……………………………………………… 177

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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Front Panels
Figure 1.1.1 Front Panel of MEGA204
No.
Name
Function Description
1
POWER
Power indicator turns yellow when the device s running.
STATUS
Status indicator blinks red when data is being read from or
written to HDD, and turns yellow when the SHIFT function is
pressed.
Tx/Rx
Tx/Rx indictor blinks yellow when network connection is
functioning properly.
2
Composite
Keys
SHIFT
Switch between the numeric or letter input and functions of the
composite keys.
1/MENU
Enter numeral “1”;
Access the main menu interface.
2/ABC/F1
Enter numeral “2”;
Enter letters “ABC”;
The F1 button when used in a list field will select all items in
the list.
In PTZ Control mode, it will turn on/off PTZ light and when
the image is zoomed in, the key is used to zoom out.
In live view or playback mode, the F1 button can be used to
switch between main and spot video output.
3/DEF/F2
Enter numeral “3”;
Enter letters “DEF”;
The F2 button is used to change the tab pages.
In PTZ control mode, it zooms in the image.
4/GHI/ESC
Enter numeral “4”;
Enter letters “GHI”;
Exit and back to the previous menu.
5/JKL/EDIT
Enter numeral “5”;
Enter letters “JKL”;
Delete characters before cursor;
Check the checkbox and select the ON/OFF switch;
Start/stop record clipping in playback.
6/MNO/PLAY
Enter numeral “6”;
1
2
3
5
4