Amcrest NV21 Series User manual

Network Video Recorder User Manual
Version 1.0.4
Revised November 21st, 2018

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Content
Welcome.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Important Safeguards and Warnings ............................................................................................................................................... 6
1 Overview and Features................................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.1. Overview....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2. Features........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
2 Front Panel and Rear Panel.......................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1. Front Panel........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2. Rear Panel.......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Alarm Connection ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.3.1 Alarm Port...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
2.3.2 Alarm input port ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
2.3.3 Alarm input and output port............................................................................................................................................ 15
2.3.4 Alarm relay specifications.............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.4 Audio Ports .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.5 Mouse Operation ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
3 Device Installation....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
3.1 Check Unpacked NVR......................................................................................................................................................... 19
3.2 HDD Installation................................................................................................................................................................... 19
3.3. Setting Up Cable Connections............................................................................................................................................ 21
4 Local Basic Operation................................................................................................................................................................. 26
4.1 Boot up and Shutdown......................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.1.1 Boot up .......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.2. Startup Wizard Walkthrough............................................................................................................................................... 27
4.2.1. General............................................................................................................................................................................ 31
4.2.2. Network............................................................................................................................................................................ 32
4.3 Preview................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
4.3.1 Preview Control Interface .............................................................................................................................................. 36
4.3.3 Right Click Menu ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
4.3.3.1.1. PTZ Control ........................................................................................................................................................... 39
4.3.3.1.3. Preset Setup.......................................................................................................................................................... 42
4.3.3.1.4. Tour Setup............................................................................................................................................................. 42
4.3.4. Search ............................................................................................................................................................................. 48
4.3.4.4 Picture Playback......................................................................................................................................................... 58

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4.3.4.6. Main Menu ................................................................................................................................................................. 58
4.3.4.7. Multiview .................................................................................................................................................................... 58
4.3.4.8. Tour............................................................................................................................................................................ 59
4.3.4.9. PTZ ............................................................................................................................................................................ 59
4.3.4.10. Color........................................................................................................................................................................ 59
4.3.4.11 Search....................................................................................................................................................................... 59
4.3.4.12 Alarm Status.............................................................................................................................................................. 59
4.3.4.13. Channel Info............................................................................................................................................................. 59
4.3.4.14. Remote Device......................................................................................................................................................... 60
4.3.4.15. Network.................................................................................................................................................................... 60
4.3.4.16. HDD Manager.......................................................................................................................................................... 60
4.3.4.17. USB Manager........................................................................................................................................................... 60
4.3.4.18. Upgrade.................................................................................................................................................................. 61
4.5. Main Menu Overview .......................................................................................................................................................... 61
Settings Menu............................................................................................................................................................................ 62
4.6 Camera................................................................................................................................................................................ 62
4.6.1 Remote.............................................................................................................................................................................. 62
4.6.1.1. Device Status............................................................................................................................................................ 65
4.6.1.2. Firmware................................................................................................................................................................... 66
4.6.1.3. Update.......................................................................................................................................................................... 67
4.6.2. Camera......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
4.6.3. Audio/Video ................................................................................................................................................................. 71
4.6.3.3. Overlay...................................................................................................................................................................... 73
4.6.5. Channel Name............................................................................................................................................................. 75
4.7. Network............................................................................................................................................................................... 75
4.7.1 TCP/IP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 75
4.7.2. Connection................................................................................................................................................................... 77
4.7.3. PPPoE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 79
4.7.4 DDNS............................................................................................................................................................................ 79
4.7.5 UPNP............................................................................................................................................................................. 81
4.7.8. FTP Setting.................................................................................................................................................................. 85
4.8. Event................................................................................................................................................................................... 93
4.8.1. Detect........................................................................................................................................................................... 93
4.8.2. Alarm ............................................................................................................................................................................. 104
4.8.3. Abnormality................................................................................................................................................................ 107
4.8.3.1. HDD........................................................................................................................................................................ 107

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4.9. System.............................................................................................................................................................................. 109
4.9.1 General....................................................................................................................................................................... 109
4.10.1. GUI........................................................................................................................................................................... 114
4.11. Account....................................................................................................................................................................... 116
4.11.4. Auto Maintain........................................................................................................................................................... 121
4.12. Storage........................................................................................................................................................................... 125
4.12.1 Schedule................................................................................................................................................................... 126
4.16.1.1. Record .................................................................................................................................................................. 126
4.12.4.1. HDD Setting.......................................................................................................................................................... 134
4.12.4.2. Main Stream.......................................................................................................................................................... 134
4.12.4.3. Extra Stream......................................................................................................................................................... 135
4.12.4.4. Image Storage ...................................................................................................................................................... 135
4.13. System............................................................................................................................................................................ 136
4.13.2. Record Info .............................................................................................................................................................. 138
4.13.3. BPS........................................................................................................................................................................ 139
4.14. Event............................................................................................................................................................................... 140
4.15 Network......................................................................................................................................................................... 142
4.15.1. Online Users:........................................................................................................................................................... 142
4.15.2. Net Load .................................................................................................................................................................. 142
4.15.3. Network Test................................................................................................................................................................ 143
4.16. Log.............................................................................................................................................................................. 144
Below is a description of the items listed in this field: .......................................................................................................... 145
4.16.1. Backup...................................................................................................................................................................... 146
Operation Menu....................................................................................................................................................................... 146
4.17. Search ............................................................................................................................................................................ 146
4.19 Shutdown......................................................................................................................................................................... 158
5 Web Operation.......................................................................................................................................................................... 159
5.1 General Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 159
5.1.1 Preparation.................................................................................................................................................................. 159
5.1 Local Web Access ............................................................................................................................................................. 161
5.2 Remote Web Access ......................................................................................................................................................... 162
5.2.1 UPnP/DDNS Remote Access Setup........................................................................................................................... 163
5.2.2 Port Forwarding Remote Access Setup...................................................................................................................... 164
5.3.4 Amcrest View App Setup............................................................................................................................................. 166
5.4 LAN Mode.......................................................................................................................................................................... 172
5.5 Real-time Monitor............................................................................................................................................................... 175

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5.6 PTZ.................................................................................................................................................................................... 176
5.7 Image/Alarm-out ................................................................................................................................................................ 178
5.7.1 Image........................................................................................................................................................................... 178
5.7.2 Alarm output ................................................................................................................................................................ 178
5.8 WAN Login......................................................................................................................................................................... 178
5.9 Setup ................................................................................................................................................................................. 180
5.9.1 Camera........................................................................................................................................................................ 180
5.9.2 Network....................................................................................................................................................................... 194
5.9.3 Event.......................................................................................................................................................................... 213
5.9.4 Storage........................................................................................................................................................................ 226
5.9.5 Setting......................................................................................................................................................................... 232
5.10 Information....................................................................................................................................................................... 244
5.10.2 Log................................................................................................................................................................................ 245
5.10.3 Online User................................................................................................................................................................ 246
5.11 Playback ......................................................................................................................................................................... 247
5.12 Alarm .............................................................................................................................................................................. 250
5.13 Logout............................................................................................................................................................................. 251
5.14 Un-install Web Control.................................................................................................................................................... 251
Amcrest View Web Portal Setup.................................................................................................................................................. 252
6.1. Installing the AmcrestView.com browser plugin................................................................................................................ 252
6.2. User Method ..................................................................................................................................................................... 256
7.3. Device method.................................................................................................................................................................. 263
6.4. Amcrest View Web Interface Overview............................................................................................................................. 265
FAQs/Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................................................. 268
Glossary....................................................................................................................................................................................... 273
FCC Statement............................................................................................................................................................................ 274
IC Warning Statement.................................................................................................................................................................. 275
Appendix A Toxic or Hazardous Materials or Elements............................................................................................................... 276

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing an Amcrest NVR!
This user’s manual is designed to be a reference tool for your system. It is applicable for all Amcrest
series NVRs including NV21XX series, NV41XX series, HS models, and covers all features listed with
your product.
Please open the accessory bag to check the items one by one in accordance with the included packing
list. Contact your local retailer if anything is missing or damaged.
Important Safeguards and Warnings
1. Electrical Safety
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 electric shock caused by improper handling or installation.
2. Transportation Security
Heavy stress, violent vibrations, and moisture are not allowed during transportation, storage, or installation.
3. Installation
Always keep the device upright and handle with care. Do not apply power to the device before completing
the installation. Do not place objects on the NVR.
4. Qualified Engineers Needed
All examinations and repair work should be done by qualified service engineers. We are not
liable for any problems caused by unauthorized modifications or attempted repairs to the
device.
5. Environment
The device should be installed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, flammable materials,
explosive substances, etc. This series product should be transported, stored, and used in the
specified environments:
•The function of the ITE with concerns to IEC 60950-1 is considered now likely to
require a connection to an Ethernet network with an outside power source, including
campus environments.
•If applicable, the installation instructions clearly state that the ITE is to be connected
only to designated POE networks without routing to an outside power source.

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6. Accessories
Be sure to use only the accessories recommended by the manufacturer. Before installing, please
open the package and check that all proper components are included. Contact your local retailer
if something is broken or missing in your package.
Before operating, please read the following instructions carefully.
•Installation environment.
•Keep away from extremely hot places and sources of heat.
•Avoid direct sunlight.
•Keep away from extremely humid places.
•Avoid any violent vibrations.
•Do not put other devices on the top of the device.
•Install in a well-ventilated place; do not black the vents.
Note: This document is applicable to all Amcrest model NVR systems.
1 Overview and Features
1.1. Overview
This is a high-performance network video recorder. The device supports local preview, multiple
window display, local storage of recordings, mouse, shortcut menu operations, and remote
management.
This device supports central storage, front-end storage, and client-end storage. The monitor zone in
the front-end can be setup anywhere. Working with other front-end devices such as IPC or NVS, the
device creates a strong surveillance network. This device utilizes standard network (Ethernet) cables
to connect the cameras. The existing infrastructure can be used to accomplish this avoiding the
installation of multiple wires. The device uses simple connections, is low cost, and requires little
maintenance to function.
The device can be used in many areas such as public security, water conservation, transportation,
education, etc.

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1.2. Features
Real-time Surveillance
•
•
Connect a monitor to the HDMI or VGA port to watch what is
happening in real-time. Some series may also support
TV/VGA/HDMI output at the same time.
Shortcut menus for multiple options while viewing.
•
Supports popular PTZ decoder control protocols such as,
presets, tours, and patterns.
Playback
•
•
Supports simultaneous real-time recording, searches, playback,
downloading, etc. for each channel.
Supports various playback modes; slow play, fast play, backward
play, and frame by frame play.
•
Supports time title overlays for accuracy with recorded events.
•
Supports specified zone enlargements.
User Management
•
Each group has different management rights that can be edited
freely. Every user belongs to an exclusive group.
Storage
•
From a corresponding setup (such as alarm and schedule setups)
you can backup related audio/video data on the device.
•
Supports web recording via a web user interface, local
recording, and storing files on the client end.
Alarm
•
Responds to external alarms simultaneously (within 200MS) and
based on the user’s predefined relay setup, the system can
process the alarm input and prompt the user by screen and
voice (supports prerecorded audio).
•
Supports a central alarm server setup, so that the alarm
information can remotely notify users automatically. Alarm
input can be derived from various connected peripheral devices.
•
The device also supports alerts remotely via email.
Network Monitor
•
•
Sends audio/video data compressed by the IPC or NVS through
the network to the client-end. The data is then decompressed
and displayed. Supports a max of 128 simultaneous connections.
Transmits audio/video data via HTTP, TCP, UDP, MULTICAST,
RTP/RTCP, etc.
•
Transmits some alarm data or alarm information via SNMP.

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•
Supports web access over WAN/LAN.
Window Split
•
Adopts video compression and digital processing to show
several windows in a single monitor. Supports
1/4/8/9/16/25/36-window displays during preview and
1/4/9/16-window display during playback.
Note: Window split amounts vary based on specific models.
Record
•
Supports normal/motion detection/alarm recording functions.
Saves the recorded files on an installed internal hard drive, USB
device, client-end PC, or network storage server. You can search,
or playback saved files at the local-end or via the web/USB
device
Backup
•
Supports network backup and USB 2.0 backup functions. The
recorded files can be saved on a network storage server,
peripheral USB 2.0 device, etc.
Network Management
•
•
Supervise NVR configurations and control power via Ethernet.
Supports management via a web interface.
Peripheral Equipment
Management
•
•
Supports peripheral equipment management such as protocol
setup and port connection.
Supports transparent data transmission such as RS232 (RS-422),
RS485 (RS-485).
Auxiliary
•
•
Supports switching between NTSC and PAL.
Supports real-time system resources information and running
statistics display.
•
Supports log files.
•
Local GUI output and shortcut menu operations via a USB
mouse.
•
Supports IPC or NVS remote video preview and control.
2 Front Panel and Rear Panel
This section highlights the front and rear panel of each NVR device and their functions. This section
goes by series numbers and may not pertain to your specific device.
2.1. Front Panel
2.1.1. NV1104E/NV1104E/NV4108/NV4108E/NV4108-HS/NV4416-HS model NVR systems.

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SN
Icon
Name
Function
1
USB port
To connect USB storage device, USB mouse, etc.
2
Alarm
Alarm indicator
light
When an alarm occurs, the light becomes red to
alert you.
3
REC
Record indicator
light
When the NVR is recording, the light turns red to
alert you
4
HDD
HDD abnormal
indicator light
HDD error occurs, or HDD capacity is below
specified threshold value, the light becomes
red to alert you.
5
NET
Network abnormal
indicator light
Network error occurs or there is no network
connection, the light becomes red to alert you.
6
ACT
Remote
control
indicator light
When the NVR receives a signal from the remote,
the light will blink.
7
POWER
Power indicator
When NVR is on, the light is on.
8
ESC
ESC
Go to previous menu or cancel current operation.
When playback, click it to restore real-time
monitor mode.
9
FN
Assist
One-window monitor mode click this button to
display assistant function: PTZ control and image
color.
10
Enter
ENTER
Confirm current operation
Go to default button
Go to menu
11
Power button
Power button press this button for three seconds
to boot up or shut down NVR.