Amcrest AMDVTENL8 User manual

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Amcrest 1080p-Lite
AMDVTENL8
DVR User Manual

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Version 1.0.2
Revised March 13th, 2018
Contents
1. Features and Specification............................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.2 Features ................................................................................................................................................. 11
1.3 Specifications .................................................................................................................................................12
1.3.1 General HDCVI Specifications .....................................................................................................................12
2. Overview and Controls .................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Front Panel................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.1 Front Panel ........................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.1 General 1080p 8-Channel System ........................................................................................................ 14
2.3 Device Connection Example ........................................................................................................................ 15
2.4 Remote Control ........................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5 Mouse Control ............................................................................................................................................. 17
3. Connection and Installation .............................................................................................................................19
3.1 Check Hardware .......................................................................................................................................... 19
3.2 Hard Drive Installation ................................................................................................................................. 19
3.3 Connection Port Information .......................................................................................................................20
3.3.1 Power Supply Connection .................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2 Video Input/Output Connections ......................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2.1 Video Input Connection Information ...........................................................................................20
3.3.2.2 Video Output Connection Information ........................................................................................ 21
3.3.3 Audio Input/Output Connections ..........................................................................................................21
3.3.3.1 Audio Input Connection Information ...........................................................................................21
3.3.3.2 Audio Output Connection Information ........................................................................................21
3.3.4 Alarm Input/Output Connections ..........................................................................................................22
3.3.4.1 Alarm Input Connection Information ...........................................................................................22
3.3.4.2 Alarm Output Connection Information.........................................................................................22
3.3.4.3 Connecting a PTZ Decoder ...........................................................................................................22
3.3.4.4 Alarm Input/Output Details ..........................................................................................................23
3.3.4.5 Alarm Input Ports .........................................................................................................................23
3.3.4.6 Alarm Output Ports ......................................................................................................................24
3.3.5 RS485 Port .............................................................................................................................................24
3.3.6 USB Port ............................................................................................................................................... 25
3.4 DVR Assembly Guide.................................................................................................................................... 25
4. Overview of Navigation and Controls ..............................................................................................................33

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4.1 Startup and Shutdown .................................................................................................................................33
4.1.1 Startup ..................................................................................................................................................33
4.1.2 Shutdown ..............................................................................................................................................33
4.1.3 Auto Resume Feature ............................................................................................................................33
4.1.4 Button Battery Replacement .................................................................................................................34
4.2 Startup Wizard .............................................................................................................................................34
4.2.1 Default Account Usernames and Passwords .........................................................................................34
4.3 Live View ......................................................................................................................................................38
4.4 Right-Click Menu ..........................................................................................................................................40
4.4.1 Video Viewing Options ..........................................................................................................................40
4.4.2 Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Control .................................................................................................................40
4.4.2.1 Preset ...........................................................................................................................................43
4.4.2.2 Tour ..............................................................................................................................................43
4.4.2.3 Pattern .........................................................................................................................................44
4.4.2.4 Border ..........................................................................................................................................44
4.4.2.5 Rotate ..........................................................................................................................................44
4.4.2.6 Flip ...............................................................................................................................................45
4.4.2.7 Reset ............................................................................................................................................45
4.4.2.8 Aux On/Off ...................................................................................................................................45
4.4.3 Color Settings ........................................................................................................................................45
4.4.4 Search ....................................................................................................................................................47
4.4.5 Manual Recording .................................................................................................................................47
4.5 Navigation Bar ..............................................................................................................................................47
4.5.1 Main Menu ............................................................................................................................................47
4.5.2 Video Viewing Options ..........................................................................................................................47
4.5.3 Favorites ................................................................................................................................................47
4.5.4 Color Settings ........................................................................................................................................47
4.5.5 Search ....................................................................................................................................................48
4.5.6 Alarm Status ..........................................................................................................................................48
4.5.7 USB Manager .........................................................................................................................................48
4.5.8 HDD Manager ........................................................................................................................................48
4.5.9 Network .................................................................................................................................................48
4.5.10 PTZ .........................................................................................................................................................48
4.5.11 Tour .......................................................................................................................................................48
4.5.12 Channel Info ..........................................................................................................................................49
4.6 USB Device Auto Popup ...............................................................................................................................49
4.7 Main Menu ...................................................................................................................................................50
4.8 Main Menu: Operation .................................................................................................................................51

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4.8.1 Search ....................................................................................................................................................51
4.8.1.1 Smart Search ................................................................................................................................54
4.8.1.2 Precise Playback by Time .............................................................................................................55
4.8.1.3 Marked Playback...........................................................................................................................56
4.8.2 Backup ...................................................................................................................................................57
4.8.3 Shutdown ..............................................................................................................................................59
4.9 Main Menu: Information ..............................................................................................................................60
4.9.1 System Information ...............................................................................................................................60
4.9.1.1 HDD Information ..........................................................................................................................60
4.9.1.2 Record Info ...................................................................................................................................61
4.9.1.3 BPS ...............................................................................................................................................62
4.9.1.4 Version ........................................................................................................................................ 62
4.9.2 Event .................................................................................................................................................... 63
4.9.3 Network ............................................................................................................................................... 63
4.9.3.1 Online Users ................................................................................................................................ 63
4.9.3.2 Network Load ...............................................................................................................................65
4.9.3.3 Network Test ............................................................................................................................... 65
4.9.4 Log ........................................................................................................................................................ 67
4.10 Main Menu: Settings.................................................................................................................................... 68
4.10.1 Camera ................................................................................................................................................. 68
4.10.1.1 Image Settings ............................................................................................................................. 68
4.10.1.2 Encode ......................................................................................................................................... 69
4.10.1.3 Channel Name ............................................................................................................................. 71
4.10.1.4 Channel Type ............................................................................................................................... 72
4.10.2 Network ................................................................................................................................................ 72
4.10.2.1 TCP/IP .......................................................................................................................................... 72
4.10.2.2 Connection .................................................................................................................................. 75
4.10.2.3 PPPoE .......................................................................................................................................... 76
4.10.2.4 DDNS ........................................................................................................................................... 76
4.10.2.5 IP Filter ........................................................................................................................................ 78
4.10.2.6 Email ........................................................................................................................................... 79
4.10.2.7 FTP .............................................................................................................................................. 80
4.10.2.8 UPnP ........................................................................................................................................... 81
4.10.2.9 SNMP .......................................................................................................................................... 83
4.10.2.10 Multicast .................................................................................................................................... 84
4.10.2.11 Register ...................................................................................................................................... 85
4.10.2.12 Alarm Center ..............................................................................................................................86
4.10.2.13 P2P ............................................................................................................................................. 87

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4.10.3 Event ................................................................................................................................................... 88
4.10.3.1 Detect ........................................................................................................................................ 88
4.10.3.2 Abnormality ............................................................................................................................... 99
4.10.4 System ................................................................................................................................................ 101
4.10.4.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 101
4.10.4.2 Display ....................................................................................................................................... 105
4.10.4.3 Pan/Tilt/Zoom ........................................................................................................................... 108
4.10.4.4 Text Overlay .............................................................................................................................. 109
4.10.4.5 Account ..................................................................................................................................... 110
4.10.4.6 Auto Maintain ........................................................................................................................... 114
4.10.4.7 Config Backup ............................................................................................................................ 115
4.10.4.8 Default ....................................................................................................................................... 116
4.10.4.9 Update ....................................................................................................................................... 117
4.10.5 Storage ............................................................................................................................................... 118
4.10.5.1 Schedule .................................................................................................................................... 118
4.10.5.2 HDD Manage ............................................................................................................................. 122
4.10.5.3 Record ....................................................................................................................................... 123
4.10.5.4 HDD Detect ................................................................................................................................ 124
5Web Operation ................................................................................................................................................... 126
5.1 Local Web Access ..................................................................................................................................... 126
5.2 Remote Web Access ................................................................................................................................. 127
5.2.1 UPnP/DDNS Remote Access Setup ...................................................................................................... 127
5.2.2 Port Forwarding Remote Access Setup................................................................................................ 128
5.3 Web Access Interface ............................................................................................................................... 130
5.3.1 LAN Live View Interface ....................................................................................................................... 130
5.3.2 WAN Live View Interface ..................................................................................................................... 131
5.3.3 Playback Interface................................................................................................................................ 132
5.3.4 Alarm Interface ................................................................................................................................... 135
5.4 Web Access Settings Menu ...................................................................................................................... 136
5.4.1 Camera Settings ...................................................................................................................................136
5.4.1.1 Image Settings ............................................................................................................................ 136
5.4.1.2 Encode Settings .......................................................................................................................... 137
5.4.1.3 Channel Name ............................................................................................................................ 140
5.4.2 Network ............................................................................................................................................... 141
5.4.2.1 TCP/IP ......................................................................................................................................... 141
5.4.2.2 Connection ................................................................................................................................. 143
5.4.2.3 PPPoE ......................................................................................................................................... 143

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5.4.2.4 DDNS .......................................................................................................................................... 144
5.4.2.5 IP Filter ........................................................................................................................................145
5.4.2.6 Email .......................................................................................................................................... 146
5.4.2.7 FTP ............................................................................................................................................. 147
5.4.2.8 UPnP .......................................................................................................................................... 148
5.4.2.9 SNMP ......................................................................................................................................... 149
5.4.2.10 Multicast .................................................................................................................................... 150
5.4.2.11 Register ...................................................................................................................................... 151
5.4.2.12 Alarm Center .............................................................................................................................. 151
5.4.2.13 HTTPS ......................................................................................................................................... 152
5.4.3 Event .................................................................................................................................................... 153
5.4.3.1 Detect ......................................................................................................................................... 153
5.4.3.2 Abnormality ................................................................................................................................ 159
5.4.4 Storage ................................................................................................................................................. 161
5.4.4.1 Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... 161
5.4.4.2 HDD Manage/Local Storage ........................................................................................................ 166
5.4.4.3 Record ......................................................................................................................................... 167
5.4.5 System .................................................................................................................................................. 168
5.4.5.1 General ........................................................................................................................................ 168
5.4.5.2 Display.......................................................................................................................................... 171
5.4.5.3 Pan/Tilt/Zoom ............................................................................................................................. 174
5.4.5.4 Text Overlay ................................................................................................................................ 175
5.4.5.5 Account ....................................................................................................................................... 176
5.4.5.7 Config Backup ................................................................................................................................ 179
5.4.5.8 Default ........................................................................................................................................... 180
5.4.5.9 Upgrade ......................................................................................................................................... 180
5.5 Web Access Information Menu .................................................................................................................181
5.5.1 Version ................................................................................................................................................. 181
5.5.2 Log ........................................................................................................................................................ 181
5.5.3 Online Users ......................................................................................................................................... 182
5.6 Log Out.......................................................................................................................................................183
6. FAQs/Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................................184
Appendix A: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Capacity Calculation ......................................................................................188
Appendix B: Compatible Backup Device List ..........................................................................................................189
Appendix C: Compatible CD/DVD Device List .........................................................................................................194
Appendix D: Compatible Display List .....................................................................................................................195
Appendix E: Compatible Switch List .......................................................................................................................196

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing our Amcrest 1080p-Lite 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
Important Security Warning
In order 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 sup[email protected]
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.

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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.

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1. Features and Specification
1.1 Overview
The Amcrest 1080p-Lite is an excellent digital surveillance product designed for the security field. The DVR
uses a Linux based OS in order 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 in order 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.
By using industry standard cables and tribrid functionality, the DVR can be used with a variety of different
cameras (Analog, HDCVI, or IP) 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 1080p-Lite 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 is able to 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.

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•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.
•Advanced Network Protocol Support
The DVR is UPnP compatible, and also includes functionality for use with PPPoE, and DDNS protocols in
order 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.

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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 Front Panel
Please refer to the following table for front panel button information:
SN
Icon
Name
Function
1
NET
Network
abnormality
indicator light
When a network error occurs or there is no network connection, this light turns
red.
2
PWR
Power indicator
When DVR is on, this light remains on.
4
HDD
HDD abnormal
indicator light
When an HDD error occurs, or the HDD capacity is below the specified threshold
value, this light turns red.
2.2 Rear Panel
2.2.2 General 720p/1080p 8-Channel System
The 8-channel system rear panel is as shown below.
Please refer to the following table for detailed information:

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SN
Icon
Name
Note
1
Power Input port
Input 12V DC.
2
Network port
100M Ethernet port
3
USB 2.0 ports
Connect to USB storage device, mouse,
burning DVD-ROM etc.
4
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.
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VGA
VGA video output port
VGA video output port. Output analog
video signal. Can connect to the monitor
to view ananlog video output.
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VIDEO IN
Video input port
Connect to analog camera, video input
signal.
7
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.
NOTE: This is only an example and does not pertain to all 1080p-Lite DVR systems.

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2.4 Remote Control
The diagram below shows the remote control that comes with the Amcrest 1080p-Lite 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.

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Play/Pause
In pause mode, click this button to start normal
playback.
In normal playback click this button to pause playback.
In real-time monitor mode, click this button to enter
video search menu.
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Reverse/pause
Reverse playback pause mode, click this button to start
normal playback.
In reverse playback click this button to pause playback.
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Cancel
Go back to previous menu or cancel current operation
(close upper interface or control)
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Record
Start or stop record manually
In record interface, work with the direction buttons to
select the record channel.
Click this button for at least 1.5 seconds and the
system will go to the Manual Record interface.
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Direction keys
Switch current activated control, go left or right. In
playback mode, click up/down button to switch
playback channel. In 1-window playback mode,
click left/right button to control playback speed.
Aux function (such as switch the PTZ menu,
enable/disable reuse button)
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Confirm /menu key
Go to default button
Go to the menu
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Multiple-window switch
Switch between multiple-window and one-window.
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Auxiliary key
In 1-ch monitor mode: pop up assistant function
control and Video color.
Switch the PTZ control menu in PTZ control interface.
In motion detection interface, working with direction
keys to complete setup.
In text mode, click it to delete character.
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0-9 number key
Input password, channel or switch channel.
Shift is the button to switch the input method.
2.5 Mouse Control
The following table details the different uses for a computer mouse in regards to the DVR’s controls.

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Left click
mouse
System pops up password input dialogue box if you have not logged in. In
real-time monitor mode, you can go to the main menu.
When you have selected one menu item, left click mouse to view menu content.
Implement the control operation.
Modify checkbox or motion detection status.
Click combo box to pop up drop down list
In the input box, you can select input methods. Left click the corresponding button on the
panel and you can input numeral/English character (small/capitalized). Here, ← stands for
backspace button. ＿stands for the space button.
In English input mode: _ stands for input a backspace icon and ← stands for deleting the
previous character.
Double left
click mouse
Implement special control operation such as double click one item in the file list to playback
the video.
In multiple-window mode, double left click one channel to view in full-window.
Double left click current video again to go back to previous multiple-window mode.
Right click
mouse
In real-time monitor mode, pops up shortcut menu: one-window, four-window, nine
window and sixteen-window, Pan/Tilt/Zoom, color setting, search, record, alarm input,
alarm output, main menu.
Among which, Pan/Tilt/Zoom and color setting applies for current selected channel. If
you are in multiple-window mode, system automatically switches to the corresponding
channel.
Exit current menu without saving the modification.
In numeral input box: Increase or decrease numeral value.

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Press middle
button
Switch the items in the check box.
Page up or page down
Move mouse
Select current control or move control
Drag mouse
Select motion detection zone
Select privacy mask zone.
3. Connection and Installation
3.1 Check Hardware
When you receive the DVR system in the packaging, unpack it, and check all sides of the DVR to see if there is
any physical damage. The protective materials used for the packaging of the DVR 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 DVR unit, check specifically that the label on the bottom of the DVR is not damaged. The serial number
of the unit is usually needed to provide support.
Please check that all required items for your DVR are present and accounted for. To check what is included
with your purchase, go to http://amcrest.com/hdcvi-security-camera-systems.html/ and find the product
you purchased, then scroll down and click the “What’s Included” tab. If any item is missing, please contact us
as soon as possible so we can send you the missing component.
3.2 Hard Drive Installation
You can refer to the Appendix for recommended HDD brands and models. Please use a HDD of 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.
1. Loosen the screws of 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.

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4. Turn the device upside down
and then turn the screws in
firmly in the chassis.
5. Attach the HDD firmly.
6. Connect the HDD cable and
power cable.
7. Put the cover on in
accordance with the clip and
then place the upper cover back
on.
8. Secure the screws in the rear
panel and the side panel.
Note:
•An HDD is included with the DVR by default.
•To connect the HDD, connect the HDD data cable and the power cable before attaching the HDD in the
device.
•To remove the front cover, push the clip first, and then slide the cover off.
3.3 Connection Port Information
3.3.1 Power Supply Connection

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Please check to make sure the input voltage is correct, and the power button is in the off position when
connecting the power supply.
We recommend you use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to guarantee steady operation of the DVR, as
well as to elongate the life span of the DVR and other peripheral equipment such as attached cameras and
other accessories.
3.3.2 Video Input/Output Connections
3.3.2.1 Video Input Connection Information
The video input interface is BNC.
The input video format includes: PAL/NTSC BNC (1.0VBP- P, B75Ω)
The video signal should comply with your national standards.
The input video signal should have high SNR, low distortion; low interference, natural color and suitable
brightness.
To guarantee the stability and reliability of the camera signal, the camera should be installed in a cool, dry
place away from direct sunlight, flammable materials, explosive substances, etc.
The camera and the DVR should have the same grounding to ensure the normal operation of the camera.
Guarantee stability and reliability of the transmission line
Please use high quality, well shielded BNC cable. Please select suitable BNC model according to the transmission
distance.
If the distance is too long, you should use twisted pair cable. You can add video compensation devices or use
optical fiber to ensure video quality.
You should keep the video signal away from the strong electromagnetic interference, especially power lines.
Keep connection lugs closely contacted.
The signal line and shielded wire should be fixed firmly and in well connection. Avoid dry joint, lap welding, and
oxidation.
3.3.2.2 Video Output Connection Information
Video output includes a BNC (PAL/NTSC1.0VP-P，75Ω）output, a VGA output, and a HDMI output. The system
supports BNC, VGA and HDMI output at the same time.
When you are using pc monitor, please pay attention to the following points:
•To defer aging, do not allow the pc monitor to run for a long time.
•Regular demagnetization will keep your device in proper working condition. Keep it
away from strong electromagnetic interference devices.