Amcrest AMDV4M4 User manual

Amcrest AMDV4M4
4MP UltraHD 4CH HDCVI DVR
User Manual

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Version 2.0.10
Revised April 12th, 2018
Contents
Welcome................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Important Security Warning .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Important Safeguards and Warnings................................................................................................................................. 5
1. Features and Specification............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Overview.................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Overview and Controls .................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Front Panel............................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.3 Device Connection Example..................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Remote Control...................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Mouse Control ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
3. Connection and Installation......................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Check Hardware..................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Hard Drive Installation ........................................................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Connection Port Information................................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 DVR Assembly Guide.............................................................................................................................................. 20
4. Overview of Navigation and Controls.......................................................................................................................... 24
4.1 Startup and Shut down .......................................................................................................................................... 24
4.2 Startup Wizard ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3 Live View ................................................................................................................................................................ 29
4.4 Right-Click Menu.................................................................................................................................................... 31
4.5 Navigation Bar........................................................................................................................................................ 38
4.6 USB Device Auto Popup ......................................................................................................................................... 40
4.7 Main Menu............................................................................................................................................................. 41
4.8 Main Menu: Operation .......................................................................................................................................... 42
4.9 Main Menu: Information ....................................................................................................................................... 51
4.10 Main Menu: Settings............................................................................................................................................ 58
5 Web Operation ........................................................................................................................................................... 115
5.1 Local Web Access................................................................................................................................................. 115
5.2 Remote Web Access ............................................................................................................................................ 116
5.3 Web Access Interface........................................................................................................................................... 119

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5.4 Web Access Settings Menu.................................................................................................................................. 125
5.5 Web Access Information Menu ........................................................................................................................... 127
5.6 Log Out................................................................................................................................................................. 129
6. FAQs/Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................... 129
Appendix A: Compatible Backup Device List.................................................................................................................. 133
Appendix B: Compatible CD/DVD Device List ................................................................................................................ 139
Appendix C: Compatible Display List.............................................................................................................................. 139
Appendix D: Compatible Switch List .............................................................................................................................. 140
Appendix E: Compatible Wireless Mouse List................................................................................................................ 141
Appendix F: Toxic or Hazardous Materials or Elements ................................................................................................ 141

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing our Amcrest HDCVI DVR!
This user manual is designed to be a reference tool for the installation and operation of your HDCVI DVR system.
Here you can find information about the DVR’s features and functions, as well as information to aid in troubleshooting.
Many of the setup and installation sections below have corresponding videos on YouTube
To access the setup videos, please go to http://amcrest.com/videos
NOTE: This user manual is applicable to all 4, 8 and 16 channel Amcerst HDCVI DVRs, including any S2, S3, and S4
models.
Important Security Warning
To keep your Amcrest camera secure and prevent unauthorized access, please make sure to follow the steps below:
•Always make sure that your camera has the latest firmware as listed on
www.amcrest.com/firmware
•Never use the default password for your camera. Always ensure that your password
is at least 8-10 characters long and contains a combination of lowercase characters,
uppercase characters as well as numbers.
For access to the quick start guide and other support information, go to http://amcrest.com/support
To contact Amcrest support, please do one of the following:
•Visit http://amcrest.com/contacts and use the email form
•Call Amcrest Support using one of the following numbers Toll Free: [phone]
International Callers (Outside of US): [phone]
USA: 888-212-7538
Canada: 437-888-0177
UK: 203-769-2757
•Email Amcrest Customer Support [e-mail]

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Important Safeguards and Warnings
1．Electrical Safety
All installation and operation should conform to your local electrical safety codes.
The product must be grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock.
We assume no liability or responsibility for any fires or electrical shock caused by improper handling or installation.
2．Transportation Security
Heavy stress, violent vibrations, and excess moisture should not occur during transportation, storage, and installation of
the device.
3．Installation
Handle the device with care. Keep the device right side up.
Do not apply power to the DVR before completing installation.
Do not place objects on top of the DVR.
4．Repair Professionals
All the examination and repair work should be done by qualified service engineers.
We are not liable for any problems caused by unauthorized modifications or user-attempted repair.
5．Environment
The DVR should be installed and kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, flammable materials, explosive
substances, etc.
This product should be transported, stored, and used only in the specified environments as stated above.
6. Accessories
Be sure to use only the accessories recommended by manufacturer.
Before installation, please open the package and check to ensure that all the components are present.
Contact the retailer that you purchased from, or Amcrest directly if anything is broken or missing in the package.
NOTE: This user manual is applicable to all 4, 8 and 16 channel Amcerst HDCVI DVRs, including any S2, S3, and S4
models.
1. Features and Specification
1.1 Overview
The Amcrest HDCVI is an excellent digital surveillance product designed for the security field. The DVR uses a Linux
based OS to maintain reliable operation. It’s easy to use and can be set up in a relatively small amount of time. It has
various functions such as recording, playback, and monitoring functionality and it synchronizes audio and video by
default.
This HDCVI DVR adopts a high-quality design to achieve high levels of reliability and security. It can be configured to
work locally, as well as on a network. With the provided professional surveillance software (PSS) tool, as well as many
built-in tools on the DVR’s OS, this device can also help monitor and track network usage by the device itself.

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By using industry standard cables and the latest technology, the DVR can be used with a variety of different cameras
(Analog, HDCVI, or IP, etc) and can work with most standard security system cable setups. This product can be used in a
variety of locations such as banks, residential neighborhoods or homes, factories, warehouses, transportation
(trucking), and more.
1.2 Features
The Amcrest HDCVI has the following features:
•Real-time Monitoring
The HDCVI has an analog output port, VGA port, and an HDMI port. You can use a variety of monitors to
display the DVR’s interface, and the DVR can support VGA and HDMI output at the same time.
•Storage Functionality
The DVR can record multiple video and audio streams to the built-in hard drive to allow for playback of any
recorded media.
•Compression Format
By utilizing advanced compression, the DVR can support multiple channels of audio and video, decoding audio
and video from each channel to maintain video and audio synchronization.
•Backup Function
The DVR supports backup of recorded media and settings via the USB port. A variety of devices can be used for
backup purposes, such as a flash drive, portable HDD, or even a CD/DVD burner.
•Advanced Playback Function
This device supports independent real-time recording for each channel and can support search, fast forwarded
playback, recorded searches, and downloading of videos and screenshots. The DVR can also playback in slow
motion, backwards, and frame by frame as needed. When recording, the DVR shows a date/time overlay to
ensure accurate viewing of events when they occurred. Lastly, the DVR can support video enlargement of
certain zones within a stream.
•Network Operation
The DVR has built-in tools to allow for remote network real-time monitoring, remote recording of searches,
and remote PTZ control.
•Alarm Activation Function
On the back of the DVR there are ports for installation and connection of alarm outputs to enable alarm or
light activation based on activity within the video stream. The alarm input and output circuits are protected to
ensure device safety.
•Communication Port
By including an RS485 port, the device can support PTZ decoding, as well as various other decoding protocols
to allow PTZ control of the attached cameras.
•Intelligent Operation
The DVR supports a variety of mouse and keyboard devices to enable easy use of the device. There is also a
feature that allows for the saving of settings on the device.

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•Advanced Network Protocol Support
The DVR is UPnP compatible, and includes functionality for use with PPPoE, and DDNS protocols to allow
remote and local connection with a large variety of network hardware.
Note: There may be slight differences in functionality due to the existence of different product series.
2. Overview and Controls
This section provides information about the physical design and controls for the HDCVI DVR. Please refer to the
diagrams below to become acquainted with the DVR and its physical features.
2.1 Front Panel
2.1.1 4-Channel Front Panel

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2.2 Rear Panel
2.2.2 General 720p/1080p 4-Channel System
Note: This is for example purposes only, the diagram represents a 4 Channel system however, is applicable to all units
provided in the description.
The 4-channel system rear panel is as shown below.
Please refer to the following table for detailed information:
SN
Icon
Name
Note
1
A
RS485（RS-485）
communication port
RS485_A port. It is the cable A. You can
connect to the control devices such as
speed dome PTZ.
RS485_B. It is the cable B. You can
connect to the control devices such as
speed dome PTZ.
B
2
Power Input port
Input 12V DC.
3
Network port
100M Ethernet port
4
VGA
VGA video output port
VGA video output port. Output analog
video signal. Can connect to the monitor
to view analog video output.
5
VIDEO IN
Video input port
Connect to analog camera, video input
signal.
6
Audio
OUT
Audio output port
Connect to video output device such as
sound box.
7
Audio IN
Audio input port
Connect to audio input device such as
microphone.

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8
HDMI
High definition media
interface
High definition audio and video signal
output port. It transmits uncompressed
high definition video and multiple-channel
data to the HDMI port of the display
device.
9
USB 2.0 port
Connect to USB storage device, mouse,
burning DVD-ROM etc.
10
GND
Ground end.
2.3 Device Connection Example
The below diagram provides an example of the variety of devices the DVR can interface and connect with.

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2.4 Remote Control
The diagram below shows the remote control that comes with the Amcrest HDCVI System.
Serial Number
Name
Function
1
Power button
Click it to boot up or shut down the device.
2
Address
Click it to input device number, so that you can control
it.
3
Forward
Various forward speeds and normal speed playback.
4
Slow play
Multiple slow play speeds or normal playback.
5
Next record
In playback mode, playback the next video.
6
Previous record
In playback mode, playback the previous video.
7
Play/Pause
In pause mode, click this button to start normal
playback.
In normal playback click this button to pause playback.