AlienDVR Megahero User manual

...Quick Start Guide
4, 8 & 16ch alien MegaHero Models
QS-MEGAHERO
Vol 1 / Version 1
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Everyone loves a Hero!
NEW IP
Postcode -
Free dynamic
DNS as
standard
3 in 1 CCTV Technology:
Analogue •HD-TVI •IP

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Introduction
The alien MegaHero is a hybrid DVR (Digital Video Recorder)
that allows users to view, record & playback CCTV footage from
analogue, HD-TVI and IP cameras.
It has FREE software and phone apps for linking to a Router so
that your CCTV cameras can be viewed over the Internet and even
on your mobile!
The MegaHero is really easy to set up thanks to its built-in help
menus to get you up and running as quickly as possible, it even
has an Autoport feature that congures your Router for you. The
new IP Postcode service gives you a FREE dynamic DNS which
means you can connect to the Internet without having to fork out
for a static IP address too.
Timed relays and the Kontrol & Kommand function allow you
to control lights, gates, loudspeakers and many other 3rd party
devices over the Internet using your MegaHero as the
control device.
Plus Instant Detective Video Analytics allow you to quickly search
through hours of recorded footage in just seconds to nd the event
you want so no more watching hours of pointless recordings.
With intelligent operating system and client software that allows
endless possibilities for the user, the alien MegaHero really has
“all the features but none of the price”.
Available in 4, 8 or 16 channel models
MegaHero DVRs are designed for installation by
a professional CCTV installer, for further support,
please contact:

3The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Contents
Introduction 2
FAQ - Fast Answers Here 4
Front Panel 6
Rear Connections 8
System Setup Diagram 10
Step By Step Setup 11
Ways To Control The MegaHero 12
Main Menu 14
Power Up & Shutdown 15
Live View 16
Smart Setup 18
Playback Submenu 21
Playback Toolbar 22
Tools Submenu 24
Setup Submenu 25
Video Submenu 26
Schedule Submenu 27
Drives Submenu 28
Instant Submenu 29
Backup Submenu 30
How To 31
Instant Detective - Explained 46
Software Solutions 47
Other Products To Consider 50
Specication 56
FAQ Overleaf

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FAQ
What is the default username & password?
The default username for your alien MegaHero is ‘admin’
and the default password is‘555555’.
1How do I set it up to record?
By default the DVR will automatically record 24/7, however,
there are multiple ways to set the DVR to record. The simplest
way is to do it during‘Smart Setup’ on page 18. For recording
in ‘Live View’ see page 16. To setup a recording schedule see
page 27. Finally for instant recording see page 29.
6
How do I add HD-TVI and IP cameras to the DVR?
HD-TVI cameras are simply connected to one of the BNC
inputs. IP cameras need to be setup on the same network as
the DVR. They can then be added to the DVR during Smart
Setup (see page 20) or through the Video menu (see page 26)
5
How do I back up an incident for the Police?
It is easy to back up recorded footage onto a USB drive either
at the DVR itself or using AlienVision software on your PC
(locally or remotely). Find out ‘How To - Backup Recorded
Footage’ on page 41-42.
8
How long can I record for?
Recording times depend on the Hard Drive you have tted
and some of the record settings on the DVR. It is easy to
record for over a month on an alienDVR but to calculate your
exact drive requirements, try using the HD Calculator tool at
aliendvr.com.
7
How do I change the default admin password?
The easiest way to change the default admin password is
during ‘Smart Setup’ on page 18. It can also be changed in
the ‘Setup’ menu under the ‘User’ tab page 25.
2
Where is my AlienVision licence key?
You will nd this on the AlienVision software CD itself.
3
How many PCs can I activate with my CCTV
licence key?
You can activate up to 5 PCs with your licence. Additional
licences can be purchased via your installer or through
resellers on the aliendvr.com site.
4
The following questions are some of the most commonly
asked when setting up and operating an alien DVR. Hopefully
the answers given on these pages and information supplied
throughout this quick start guide can resolve any problems
you may have.

5
The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
FAQ
Can I add alarm inputs to my alienDVR?
Yes you can add alarm inputs such as PIRs, door contacts,
break beams or any NO/NC relay to trigger an alarm. For
wiring information, please refer to our ‘How To - Add Alarm
Inputs To Your MegaHero DVR’guide on page 43.
9
Can I control other devices using my alienDVR?
Yes even over the Internet, the Hero can control 3rd party
equipment such as lights, sirens, gates and the popular
VoiceO loudspeaker. The Kontrol & Kommand timed relay
allows for control of up to 248 dierent devices. Find out ‘How
To - Control 3rd Party Equipment’ on pages 44-45.
11
What do I need to view my CCTV footage over
the Internet?
You’ll need a network cable (straight patch not crossover)
and a router. See ‘How To - Network Your DVR’ on page 32.
13
How do I set up my Router for port forwarding?
The MegaHero has an Autoport feature which sets up port
forwarding for you on compatible routers.
Find out ‘How To -
Congure Your Router Using UPnP’ on page 33 .
To manually set up port forwarding you will need to refer to
the MegaHero instruction manual which can be found on the
CD which accompanied the DVR.
For more information on setting up port forwarding see
online Tip 58 for Netgear routers or Tip 216 for BT routers.
15
Do I need a static IP address?
No, alien DVRs come with free dynamic DNS as standard
so this will save you the cost and hassle of setting up a static
IP. Find out ‘How To - Congure AlienDDNS’ on pages 34-35.
14
What is Instant Detective & how does it work?
Instant Detective is a great video analytics tool that lets
you fast search through already recorded footage to see if
movement occurred in a certain area on your camera screen.
Find out how it works on page 46.
10
Can I get a phone app to view my CCTV footage?
Yes alienDVR have both Android, iPhone and iPad apps so you
can view your CCTV footage from anywhere in the world. Find
out ‘How To - Setup The Mobile App’ on pages 38-39.
12
Can I install a bigger Hard Drive?
Most alienDVRs take a minimum of a 6TB drive and some
models take more than one drive. Find out‘How To - Install A
3.5” SATA Hard Drive’ on page 40 of this guide.
16

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Front Panel
No. Name Function / Description
1 POWER Power indicator turns green when powered on.
2 STATUS Green when controlled by an IR remote or IR remote and keyboard together.
Red when the SHIFT button is used. (6)
Orange:
A. When controlled by IR remote and keyboard at the same time and the SHIFT button is used.
B. When controlled by IR remote and the SHIFT button is used.
3 TX/RX Indicator blinks green when network connection is running.
4 USB INTERFACE USB for mouse or memory stick.
5 1/MENU Enter number “1” / MENU - Access the main menu interface.
2/ABC/F1 Enter number “2” / Enter letters “A,B,C” / F1 - Selects all items on the list /
Zooms out (zoom-) the PTZ camera / Switches between main and spot video output.
3/DEF/F2 Enter number “3” / Enter letters “D,E,F” / F2 - Zooms in (zoom+) the PTZ camera /
Cycles through tab pages.
1
2
3
4
5 6 7
8
MegaHero Front Panel (4ch Shown)

7
The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Front Panel
No. Name Function / Description
5 4/GHI/ESC Enter number “4” / Enter letters “G,H,I” / ESC - Exit and back to the previous menu.
5/JKL/EDIT Enter number “5” / Enter letters “J,K,L” / EDIT - Delete characters before cursor /
Select the check-box and ON/OFF switch / Start/stop record clipping in playback.
6/MNO/PLAY Enter number “6” / Enter letters “M,N,O” / PLAY - Direct access to playback interface in playback.
7/PQRS/REC Enter number “7” / Enter letters “P,Q,R,S” / REC - Manual record, direct access to manual record interface,
manually enable/disable record.
8/TUV/PTZ Enter number “8” / Enter letters “T,U,V” / PTZ - Access PTZ control interface.
9/WXYZ/PREV Enter number “9” / Enter letters “W,X,Y,Z” / PREV - Multi-camera display in live view /
In Tag playback interface, this button can be used to delete the selected tag.
0/A Enter number “0” / A- Switch between input methods (upper and lower-case, symbols and numeric) /
In Playback mode, this button can be used to add the default tag.
6 SHIFT Switch between number/letter input and functional control. e.g. Play, Esc.
7 DIRECTIONS Navigate between dierent elds and items in menus.
Mode Function
All Playback Modes Up and Down buttons used to speed up and slow down recorded video.
All-Day Playback Left/Right button selects the recorded video of next/previous day.
Playback By Normal Video Search Left/Right button selects the next/previous recorded le.
Live View Mode Directional buttons cycle through channels.
PTZ Control Mode Controls the movement of the PTZ camera.
ENTER Conrm selection in any menu. It can also be used to tick check-box elds.
Play or pause the video in playback mode.
ENTER button will advance the video by a single frame in single frame playback mode.
Stops/starts auto switch in Auto-switch mode.
8 IR RECEIVER Receiver for IR remote.

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Rear Connections - 4ch & 8ch
No. Name Function / Description
1 RS232 Connector for RS232 devices such as the VoiceO (see pg53).
2 VIDEO IN BNC connectors for analogue & HD-TVI video input.
3 USB Interface Connects USB mouse or USB ash memory devices.
4 HDMI HDMI video output.
5 Alarm In/Out Connection for alarm inputs and 1 alarm output.
6VGA DB15 connector for VGA output. Display local video output and menu.
7 AUDIO IN RCA/Phono connector for audio input.
8 AUDIO OUT RCA/Phono connector for audio output.
9 LAN Interface Connector for LAN (Local Area Network). Also used for connecting IP cameras.
10 RS485 Interface Connector for RS485 devices. Connect the D+ and D- terminals to T+and T- of PTZ receiver respectively.
11 12V 12VDC power supply.
12 GND Ground (needs to be connected when DVR starts up).
13 POWER Switch for turning the device on/o.
1 2
3 4 6 8 9 1110 12
713 5
MegaHero 8ch Rear Connections

9
The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Rear Connections - 16ch
No. Name Function / Description
1 VIDEO IN 16 BNC connectors for analogue & HD-TVI video input.
2 RS232 Connector for RS232 devices such as the VoiceO (see pg53).
3 AUDIO IN RCA/Phono connector for audio input.
4 LAN Interface Connector for LAN (Local Area Network). Also used for connecting IP cameras.
5 POWER Switch for turning the device on/o.
6 USB Interface Connects USB mouse or USB ash memory devices.
7 HDMI HDMI video output.
8VGA DB15 connector for VGA output. Display local video output and menu.
9 AUDIO OUT RCA/Phono connector for audio output.
10 RS485 Interface Connector for RS485 devices. Connect the D+ and D- terminals to T+ and T- of PTZ receiver respectively.
11 12V 12VDC power supply.
12 Alarm In/Out Connection for 16 alarm inputs and 4 alarm outputs.
13 GND Ground (needs to be connected when DVR starts up).
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 11 12 1310
MegaHero 16ch Rear Connections

10
Smart Setup
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System Setup & Connection Diagram
VGA
NiteDevil Dome
CAM220
All-In-One 2MP IP
IP-CAM842
VoiceO
Audio Alarm Unit
VOX200
22” HDMI
Monitor
LCD822
alienPAD Keyboard
PTZ790
HDMI
Alarm
Outputs
RS232
RS485
USB Mouse
(Supplied)
IR Remote
(Supplied)
K&K Module
Timed Relay
Module REL008
KitVault
DVR Enclosure
CCT245
USB Backup
Trigger up to 9999 sounds.
Deter, Welcome, Warn &
Inform
BNC, VGA &
HDMI outputs
Up to 31 alienDVRs &
255 PTZ cameras can be
controlled from just one
alienPAD keyboard!
Use Kontrol & Kommand
modules to take control of
3rd party equipment easily
through the MegaHero.
Control:
For timed
relays use...
The KitVault keeps your Hero
locked, cool and secure.
Heating - ON 7am
- OFF 9am
Power - ON 6am
- OFF 5pm
Sirens
Lights
Gates
Cameras 1 - 16
(Depending on model)
Up to 18 IP Cameras
(Depending
on model)
KitVault
FREE
AlienVision
software with
every DVR
TIP
270
TIP
276
TIP
258
Remote Connect from laptops,
iPhones,iPads & Android devices.
More tips as aliendvr.com
Up to 18 IP Cameras
(
Depending
on model
Audio Add-on
CCT619
HD-TVI IR Eyeball
SEE810G
PIRs
CCT865
Record audio with
Lip Sync Quality!
The MegaHero has Alarm
Inputs for each channel.
Cameras 1 - 16
(Depending
on model)

11
The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Step By Step First Time Setup
Connect Your Monitor
Connect and turn on your monitor. Connecting the
monitor after the DVR is powered up could lead to
the monitor not being recognised by the DVR.
1
Note - Do not turn on the DVR until Step 3! Program Using Smart Setup
When the DVR reboots the‘Smart Setup’ menu will
be displayed. In this menu you can quickly congure
a lot of the key settings for the DVR. page 18-20
5
Advanced Programming
Now is a good time to set alarm triggers and
schedules. This is the most eective way to capture
footage. Setting dierent alarm types and recording
schedules lets you choose when and what to record.
This is done via the ‘Setup’, ‘ Video’ and ‘Schedule’
options on the Main menu. page 25-27
6
Network And Remote Monitoring
Networking your DVR allows you to backup footage
using client software, receive email notications,
view real-time video, playback footage and control
the DVR using a PC, mobile or tablet. Step by step
guides on networking, remote monitoring, DDNS
and port forwarding can be found in the‘How To’
section of the Main menu. page 31-45
7
Connect Your Cameras
We recommended that cameras are connected and
powered prior to the DVR being turned on. Ideally IP
cameras should be networked before you setup the DVR.
2
Power Up The DVR
Once your monitors and cameras are connected
power up the DVR.
3
Live View
The DVR will start up in ‘Live View’ mode page 16-17.
Right click the mouse to display the Main menu. You will
be asked to enter the Admin password (555555). From
the Main menu enter the ‘Setup’ menu and check ‘Smart
Setup’. Click ‘Apply’ and reboot the DVR by returning to
the Main Menu, selecting ‘Turn O’ then ‘Reboot’.
4

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Ways To Control Your MegaHero - By mouse
Icon Function / Description
Symbols
Lower-case/Upper-case
Space
Enter
Backspace
Exit
Name Action Function / Description
Left-Click Single
Click
Back to the Main menu.
Menu: Select and enter.
Click &
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.
Right-Click Single
Click
Live view: Show menu.
Menu: Exit current menu to upper level menu.
Scroll-Wheel Scrolling
Up
Live view: Previous screen.
Right-click Menu: Previous item.
Scrolling
Down
Live view: Next screen.
Right-click Menu: Next item.
USB 3 Button Mouse (Supplied)
On Screen Soft Keypad
The simplest way to program and set up your MegaHero is
using a mouse, the on screen keypad and the BlueDisc menu.
We recommend you connect the mouse to the rear USB port
of the DVR, leaving the front USB port free for fast backing up
of footage.

13The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Ways To Control Your MegaHero - By IR Remote Control
2
3
5
1
4
6
9
7
10
8
No. Button Name Function / Description
1POWER
Power on/o the device.
2 DEV Enables/Disables Remote Control.
3
Alphanumeric
Buttons:
Switch to the corresponding channel in Live view or PTZ
Control mode.
Input numbers and characters in Edit mode.
Switch between dierent channels in All-day Playback mode.
4MENU MENU Back to the Main menu (after successful login).
5
ESC
ESC
Back to the previous menu.
Press for arming/disarming the DVR in Live View mode.
6REC REC
Enter the Manual Record settings menu.
In PTZ control settings, press the REC button and then you can
call a PTZ pre-set by pressing a Numeric buttons.
7
PLAY
PLAY Entering the All-day Playback menu.
8DIRECTION/
ENTER
Navigate between dierent elds and items in menus.
In Playback mode, the Up and Down button are used to speed up
and slow down the playing of recorded video.
Left/Right buttons used for 30s reverse/30s forward during playback.
Cycle through channels in Live view mode.
9PTZ PTZ Enter the PTZ Control mode.
10
PREV
PREV Switch between single screen and multi-screen mode.

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Main Menu
BlueDisc Menu System
Main Menu - BlueDisc Menu System
Every MegaHero has our ultra easy to use BlueDisc menu
system. With its clear and simple layout, it’s easy to navigate
and nd all the features the MegaHero has to oer.
This quick start guide gives you a brief overview of the
BlueDisc menu and each submenu. For more in depth
information about the Hero’s menu system and settings,
please refer to the full MegaHero instruction manual supplied
on the CD with the DVR.
•
Power Up & Shutdown pg15
•Live View pg16-17
•Smart Setup pg18-20
•Playback pg21
•Playback Toolbar pg22-23
•Tools pg24
•Setup pg25
•Video pg26
•Schedule pg27
•Drives pg28
•Instant pg29
•Backup pg30
•How To pg31
3 clicks completes most actions!

15The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Proper startup and shutdown procedures are crucial for
extending the life of the device. The hard drive spins at
around 7000rpm, cutting power to the DVR stops the hard
drive instantly which can cause damage. When shut down
correctly the hard drive slows down gradually to prevent this.
Power Up
With the DVR plugged into the mains socket,
power the DVR using the switch on the rear.
The power LED on the front of the DVR should show green
indicating the device is getting power.
Shutdown
To power down the DVR, enter the‘Turn O’ menu. Click
the ‘Shutdown’button then click the‘Yes’ button. When
instructed, turn o the Power switch on the rear of the device.
From the Turn O menu you can also Logout or Reboot
the DVR.
Shutdown Interface
Default Admin Password: 555555
New Password Reminder
If you decide to change the default password, please feel
free to use this box to write down a password reminder to
jog your memory.
Prevent loss of your recorded footage caused by
power cuts by tting a UPS with your DVR.
Power Up & Shutdown

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Live View
Live View Interface
Quick Setting Toolbar
Live View Icons
In the live view mode, there are icons at the top right of the
screen for each channel showing the status of the record and
alarm for each channel. This enables you to conrm when the
unit is triggering an alarm/motion and whether the unit is
recording for that channel.
Live view shows you the video image for each camera in
real time. The device automatically enters Live View mode
when powered up. It is also at the very top of the menu
hierarchy, thus pressing the ‘ESC’ button a number of times
(depending on which menu you’re on) always brings you to
the Live View mode.
Icon Function / Description
Alarm (video loss, tampering, motion detection or
sensor alarm)
Record (manual record, schedule record,
motion detection or alarm triggered record)
Alarm & Record
Quick Setting Toolbar
On the screen of each channel, there is a quick setting
toolbar which shows when you left-click the mouse on
the camera.

17
The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Live View
Icon
Description Manual Record Instant Playback Mute Audio PTZ Control Digital Zoom Image Settings Close
Live View Menu
In Live View mode, right click the mouse button on the window to see the Live View Menu.
Quick Setting Toolbar Explained
In Live View mode, left click the mouse button on any channel to see the Quick Setting Toolbar.
Name Function / Description
Menu Goes back to the main menu.
Single Screen Switch to the single full screen by choosing a channel number from the dropdown list.
Multi-screen Adjust the screen layout by choosing from the dropdown list.
Previous Screen Switch to the previous screen.
Next Screen Switch to the next screen.
Start/Stop Autoswitch Enable/disable the auto sequencing of the screens.
Start Recording Start all-day normal recording or motion detection recording for all channels.
Add IP Camera Enter dialogue box to add/ delete IP cameras to/from DVR.
Quick Settings Set the video output mode to Standard, Bright, Gentle or Vivid.
Playback Enter playback interface. See page 23 for more information.
PTZ Control Displays on-screen PTZ controls.

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Smart Setup
Smart Setup is a quick and easy way to congure some of the key
settings on the MegaHero. This is a useful tool when using the DVR
for the rst time.
To enable Smart Setup, start the device and from the Main menu
enter the ‘Set Up’ Menu (page 25). Check ‘Smart Setup’ in the
general tab, click ‘Apply’. Now go back to Main menu and enter the
‘Turn O’ menu. From here click ‘Reboot’ to restart the DVR. Upon
restart the DVR will enter Smart Setup.
Settings which can be congured during Smart Setup:
Resolution
Quickly set the output resolution of the DVR. For a monitor we
recommend 1280 x 1024. For a TV we recommend 1920 x 1080 (1080p).
Admin Password
As all our DVRs come with the same admin password, it is highly
recommended that you set your own unique admin password.
Doing this during Smart Setup ensures you DVR is secure right from
the get go. (See Admin Password Setup on the left.)
Time & Date
It is vitally important to set the DVR to the correct time and date.
The wrong time and/or date will cause schedules to start and
Recommended Monitor Resolution
Admin Password Setup
Time & Date Setup
Default Admin Password: 555555

19
The full instruction manual can be found on the CD which accompanied the DVR.
Smart Setup
Network Setup
Advanced Network Conguration
stop at the wrong time. This could lead to important incidents not
being recorded.
The correct time and date also helps identify when an incident occurred.
Network Setup
Setting your DVR up on a network will allow you to remotely monitor
the DVR from a PC, tablet or mobile phone once port forwarding has
been congured. We would recommend that you attain advice from
a network professional if you intend to remotely monitor your DVR,
however advice and guidance is available at aliendvr.com.
Advanced Network Conguration
If you intend to remotely monitor you DVR via the web or one of our
apps you must rst setup port forwarding and (if required) DDNS.
If your router supports UPnP you can simply tick ‘Enable UPnP’ and
the DVR will automatically congure port forwarding for you.
Port Settings
Server: 8240 HTTP: 80 RTSP: 1240
Key information for your DDNS account can also be entered at this
point. Full a full step by step guide on how to congure AlienDDNS
see page 34-35.

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Smart Setup
Hard Drive Management
IP Settings
Record Settings
Hard Drive Management
MegaHero DVRs purchased with a hard drive option do not need
formatting. If you intend to use your own hard drives they must be
formatted, otherwise they will not be recognised by the DVR.
IP Settings
Any compatible IP cameras on the same network as the MegaHero
will be displayed in the available IP camera list. You can then add IP
cameras to the DVR by checking the corresponding check box and
clicking ‘Add’.
Record Settings
The last window in Smart Setup is Record Settings. Here each
camera can be set to start recording normally, or set to start
recording when motion is detected. To speed things up settings
can be copied from one camera and applied to others. For more
information on setting up scheduled recordings see page 27.