Amcrest A2 User manual

A2 Network Video Recorder
User Manual
Version 1.0.0.
June 15th, 2021

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Contents
Welcome................................................................................................................................................3
Device Installation..................................................................................................................................7
Web Operation.....................................................................................................................................21
Main Menu ...........................................................................................................................................26
Camera.................................................................................................................................................27
Network................................................................................................................................................32
Storage.................................................................................................................................................43
System .................................................................................................................................................47
Account ................................................................................................................................................50
Live.......................................................................................................................................................51
Search..................................................................................................................................................53
AI..........................................................................................................................................................55
Alarm....................................................................................................................................................64
Maintain................................................................................................................................................74
BackUp.................................................................................................................................................77
Display..................................................................................................................................................77
Audio....................................................................................................................................................80
FAQs/Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................80

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing an Amcrest NVR!
This user manual is designed to be a reference tool for the installation and use of your NVR. The
information provided in this manual may be subject to change without notice. At Amcrest, we want to
ensure the safety of our customers, their loved ones, homes, and businesses each product receives a full
1-year warranty and lifetime support provided directly from Amcrest. Thank you again for being a valued
Amcrest customer.
Important Safeguards and Warnings
All installations and operations of the device should conform to your local electrical safety codes. We
assume no liability or responsibility for any of the fires or electrical shocks caused by improper handling
or installation.
We are not liable for any problems caused by unauthorized modifications or attempted repair. Do not
submerge the device in water or install in areas with high levels of moisture or humidity. Handle with care,
avoid from dropping or placing the device in unsecure areas. The NVR does not have rack mount
compatibility and should be used on flat surfaces.
Overview
Amcrest NVRs use a Linux based operating system to maintain reliable operation. The AI features listed
on the NVR include, “Face Detection, IVS, People Counting, Heat Map, and SMD (Smart Motion Detection).
The features available for use in the NVR will be dependent on the type of camera used on the system as
the AI features are controlled by the camera only. This device allows the user to implement the AI
features from an Amcrest AI camera into the NVR and store the recorded events.
Check Hardware
When you receive the NVR system in the packaging, unpack it, and check all sides of the device to see if
there is any physical damage. The protective materials used for the packaging can protect most accidental
damage during transportation, but to ensure that your equipment is operating as expected, it is
recommended to inspect the product before proceeding further.
On the NVR, check that the label on the NVR is not damaged. The serial number of the unit may be needed
if requesting support and is provides a QR code for a quick means of adding the device to the Amcrest
View Pro app on your mobile device.
Front Panel
Applicable for A2 Series NVRs

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Icon
Name
Function
NET
Network Abnormality
When a network error occurs or there is no network connection,
this light turns red.
PWR
Power indicator
When the NVR is on, this light remains on.
HDD
HDD abnormal
indicator light
When an HDD error occurs, or the HDD capacity is below the
specified threshold value, this light turns red.
Rear Panel
The rear panel of the NVR may differ model to model.
Non-PoE ports
PoE Ports.
USB 2.0 port
USB 2.0 port. Connect a mouse, USB storage device, etc.
Network port
10M/100Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet port.
HDMI
HDMI Output
High-definition audio and video signal output port.
VGA
VGA video
output port
VGA video output port. Outputs analog video signal. This connects
to the monitor to view analog video.
GND
Ground end
Power Port
DC12V, DC48V Depending on model.

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MIC IN
Audio input port
Bidirectional talk input port. This is used to receive the analog
audio signal from the device such as a microphone.
MIC Out
Audio output
port
Audio output port. This is used to output the analog audio signal
to devices such as an external RCA speaker.
Bidirectional talk output.
Audio output on 1-window video monitoring.
Audio output on 1-window video playback.
PoE Ports
PoE ports
Built-in switch on certain compatible devices.
For PoE series products, you can use this port to provide power to
a PoE camera.
Connection & Setup
The following instructions will show you how to set up the cables for the NVR, cameras (PoE and Wi-Fi),
as well as a monitor or TV screen.
To set up the cable connections, there are 5 steps:
1. Connect a monitor or TV screen to your NVR. The NVR is compatible with any monitor or screen that
uses a VGA or HDMI connection. For purposes of this guide, we will use a VGA connection. Take a VGA
cable, and connect one end to the VGA port on your monitor/screen and the other end to the VGA port
on the back panel of your NVR.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to your router then connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet
port on the back of the NVR.
3.Connect the cameras to power.
For PoE NVRs/cameras: connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port attached to the camera then
connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a PoE port on the NVR.
Note: PoE cameras can either be powered with a PoE connection or with a standard power adapter (sold
separately). If the NVR does not have PoE ports, connect the PoE camera to a PoE compatible router or
switch that is on the same network as the NVR.
For non-PoE NVRs/cameras: Connect the power adapter to the power port attached to the camera.
Then, plug the adapter into a wall outlet or power strip.
4. Connect the NVR’s power adapter into the power port on the back of the NVR.
Note: If your NVR has a 3-prong power cord, connect the input of the cord into the power input of the
NVR.
5. Finally, connect the other end of the power cable into a wall outlet or power strip to turn on the NVR.
Some models may feature a power switch on the back which may need to be turned on to power the
device.

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Hard Drive Installation
Hard drives are typically sold separately, when installing a hard drive to the device, please make sure to
use a hard drive with 7200rpm or higher. Please follow the instructions below to install a hard disk drive
(HDD).
All the figures listed below are for reference only. Slight differences may be found on the front or rear
panel.
The NVR has connections for only 1 hard drive inside the case and the hard drive must be no bigger than
10TB (Terabytes).
To install your hard drive, the following is needed:
A medium sized (regular) Phillips-head screwdriver - not included
A hard drive - not included (unless you purchased a ‘kit’ that does have one included)
Four hard drive fastening screws - included
Note: Before installing the hard drive, make sure the NVR is powered off and completely disconnected
from power.
1. Loosen the screws on
the upper cover and side
panel.
2. Attach four screws in the HDD
(Turn three times.)
3. Place the HDD in accordance
with the four holes on the bottom.
4. Turn the device over
secure the screws.
5. Connect the HDD data cable
and power cable to the HDD.
6. Attach the cover onto the NVR
and secure it using the screws.
Once the hard drive is installed, turn on the NVR. If the hard drive for your NVR was not setup properly
you may hear a beeping noise. This indicates the NVR does not have the proper connection with your hard
drive.

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Factory Reset Procedures
A factory reset will revert the device back to its original factory settings. To begin the process, you will
need to remove the NVR cover. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws on the back/sides
of the NVR. Once the screws have been removed, lift the lid to expose the NVR's motherboard. Please
make sure the NVR is powered on as well to complete the process.
On the motherboard you will notice a small black button. This is the factory reset switch for your NVR:
To factory reset the NVR, press, and hold the factory reset switch for 4 –5 seconds and unplug the power
adapter. Once power is removed from the unit, press, and hold the factory reset switch for an additional
4 - 5 seconds and power plug the adapter back into the unit. Continue pressing the factory reset button
until you hear a beep and release. The device will be reset to its original factory settings.
Device Installation
After applying power to the NVR, the system will turn on. Allow the NVR to finish loading. The Device
Initialization screen will appear. Select your location, language, and video standard then click Next to
continue.
Select your time zone as well as current date and time. Click Next to continue.

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Enter Password
Create a new admin password for your NVR. The password for your device should be between 8 and 32
characters. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols are recommended when setting up your
password.
Note: Please do not use special symbols like ‘ ‘ ; : &
Once you have entered a new password for your device, confirm the password in the next field. A hint for
the password is optional but is recommended in case you forget the password. You can also disable or
enable the unlock pattern toggle switch as this feature is optional. Click Next.
Unlock Pattern
This is an optional security measure for your device. To set an unlock pattern, use your mouse to draw a
design that you will remember. Draw the pattern again to confirm. If you do not want to assign an unlock
pattern, you can click ‘Skip’to skip this process.

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If you have assigned an unlock pattern, you will need to draw the pattern again to confirm your assigned
unlock pattern.
Password Protection
Additional means of password protection and retrieval can be set up in this menu. If you would like to
reset your password using your email, make sure the email address checkbox is enabled and enter a valid
email address in the Email Address field. The email address will be retained in the system.
If you do not want to use an email address you can disable the email address option. As a secondary
means of recovering your password, you can apply security questions to your NVR. To add a question,
select a question from the drop-down menus for Question 1, Question 2, and Question 3 and enter the
answers to those questions in the Answer fields.

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Once this section is complete, click on the Next button to Save your information to the device.
Startup Wizard Walkthrough
The first page of the Startup Wizard will appear which allows you to setup any network, P2P, camera, and
hard drive (HDD) settings.
Network
Unless you have a specific reason to change these settings, it is best to leave them as they are. Please
note, the IP address for the NVR will be the address used to access your NVR’s web user interface on a
laptop or PC. It is highly recommended to make sure the IP is set as static. To set the NVR to a static IP
address, click on “Modify” and disable the DHCP toggle switch. Click Save. This will set the network mode
to Static.
Click the Test to test the overall health and status of your network connection once complete, click the
Back button to return to the previous menu. Click Next.
P2P
The next screen that appears is the P2P screen. This screen allows you to connect your NVR to your mobile
device using the Amcrest View Pro App. Ensure the P2P toggle switch is enabled and the P2P status reads