Amcrest NV2104 User manual

Network Video Recorder
User Manual
Version 1.0.5
Revised November 23rd, 2020

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Contents
Welcome...................................................................................................................................4
Important Safeguards and Warnings .......................................................................................4
Hardware Setup......................................................................................................................10
Audio Ports.............................................................................................................................14
Device Installation ..................................................................................................................15
Video Wall...............................................................................................................................30
Web Operation .......................................................................................................................39
Main Menu..............................................................................................................................40
Camera...................................................................................................................................41
Remote Device.......................................................................................................................41
Image......................................................................................................................................44
Encode....................................................................................................................................46
PTZ.........................................................................................................................................55
Network...................................................................................................................................56
TCP/IP....................................................................................................................................56
Connection .............................................................................................................................57
PPPoE....................................................................................................................................60
DDNS......................................................................................................................................61
UPNP......................................................................................................................................62
Email.......................................................................................................................................63
Multicast..................................................................................................................................65
Register ..................................................................................................................................66
Switch.....................................................................................................................................67
P2P.........................................................................................................................................67
Amcrest View Pro Setup ........................................................................................................68
Storage...................................................................................................................................71
Basic.......................................................................................................................................71
Schedule.................................................................................................................................71
HDD Manager.........................................................................................................................75
Record....................................................................................................................................75
Advanced................................................................................................................................76
FTP.........................................................................................................................................78
System....................................................................................................................................80
General...................................................................................................................................80

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Security...................................................................................................................................83
Account...................................................................................................................................84
User........................................................................................................................................85
Group......................................................................................................................................86
ONVIF User............................................................................................................................87
Password Reset .....................................................................................................................88
Live.........................................................................................................................................89
Playback.................................................................................................................................90
Alarm ......................................................................................................................................94
Alarm Info...............................................................................................................................94
Alarm Input.............................................................................................................................95
Alarm Output ..........................................................................................................................97
Video Detection......................................................................................................................98
Audio Detect.........................................................................................................................105
Abnormality...........................................................................................................................107
Operation..............................................................................................................................111
Log........................................................................................................................................111
Information............................................................................................................................112
Network.................................................................................................................................114
System Maintain...................................................................................................................115
Back Up................................................................................................................................117
Display..................................................................................................................................119
Audio.....................................................................................................................................122
Remote Web Access............................................................................................................123
FAQs/Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................126
FCC Statement.....................................................................................................................130
IC Warning Statement..........................................................................................................131
Appendix A: Toxic or Hazardous Materials or Elements .....................................................131

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing an Amcrest NVR!
This user’s manual is designed as a reference tool only and is applicable to all Amcrest 2000, 4000, and
5000 Series model NVRs. Please note, some features and options may vary model to model.
Important Safeguards and Warnings
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.
Transportation Security
Heavy stress, violent vibrations, and moisture are not allowed during transportation, storage, or
installation.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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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.
Front Panel
The front panel of the NVR may differ model to model. Below is a representation of the front panel for
all applicable NVR devices.
Applicable for the NV2104/NV2104E/NV2108/ NV2116/NV2108E/NV4108E-HS/NV4116E-HS
Icon
Name
Function
NET
Network abnormality indicator
light
When a network error occurs or there is no network
connection, this light turns red.
PWR
Power indicator
When NVR is on, this light remains on.
HDD
HDD abnormal indicator light
When an HDD error occurs, or the HDD capacity is
below the specified threshold value, this light turns
red.
Older model NVR systems.
SN
Icon
Name
Function
1
USB port
To connect USB storage device, USB mouse, etc.
2
Alarm
Alarm indicator
When an alarm occurs, the light becomes red.
3
REC
Record indicator
When the NVR is recording, the light turns red.
4
HDD
HDD abnormal
indicator light
HDD error occurs, or HDD capacity is below specified
threshold value, the light becomes red to alert you.

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5
NET
Network abnormal
indicator
Network error occurs or there is no network
connection, the light becomes red to alert you.
6
ACT
Remote control
indicator
When the NVR receives a signal from the remote,
the light will blink.
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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.
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Enter
ENTER
Confirm current operation
Go to default button
Go to menu
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Power button
Power button press this button for three seconds
to boot up or shut down NVR.
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, 
Up
Down
Activate current control, modify setup, and then
move up and down.
Increase/decrease numeral.
Assistant function such as PTZ menu.
, 
Left
Right
Shift current activated control.
When playback, click these buttons to control
playback bar.
Applicable for the NV4432-HS/NV4432E-HS/NV4432E model NVR systems.
Name
Icon
Function
CD Drive
Use this button to open/close the built-in CD drive (if applicable)
Power button
Power button press this button for three seconds to boot up or
shut down NVR.
Shift
Shift
In textbox, click this button to switch between numeral, English
(Small/Capitalized), donation etc.
Up/1 Down/4
、
Activate current control, modify setup, and then move up and
down.
Increase/decrease numeral.
Assistant function such as PTZ menu.

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In text mode, input number 1/4 (English character G/H/I)
Left/2 Right/3

Shift current activated control.
ESC
ESC
Go to previous menu or cancel current operation.
When playback, click it to restore real-time monitor mode.
Applicable for Amcrest 52XXX Series NVRs
Button
Icon
Description
Power Button
Press and hold this button for five seconds to shut off or power on the
NVR. Use the switch on the back of the NVR to initially power the device.
USB
Front panel USB 2.0 Port.
Up/1,
Down/4
Activate current control, modify setup, move up and down in a menu
Increase/decrease numeric functions.
Tilt camera up and down using PTZ menu (if applicable).
Left/2,
Right/3
Move left or right in a menu.
When viewing playback, use these buttons to scan forwards or
backwards.
Enter
OK
Confirm a current operation
Go to default button
Go to menu
Escape
ESC
Go to previous menu or cancel a current operation.
When using playback, used to restore real-time monitor mode.
Record
REC
Manually stop/start a recording. Use the directional keys or numeric keys
to select the recording channel.
Shift
SHIFT
I In a textbox, click this button to switch between numeric characters or
provide capitalization to a word, etc.
Play/Pause/5
Click this button to pause or resume playback. In text mode, input number
5.
Reverse
Playback/
Pause/6
During playback or pause mode, click this button to reverse playback.
In reverse playback, click this button to pause. In text mode, input number
6.
Fast Forward/7
Various fast speeds and normal playback. In text mode, input
number 7

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Slow Motion/8
Multiple slow play speeds or normal playback. In text mode, input
number 8.
Next/9
In playback mode, press to playback the next video. In menu setup, go
downward in a dropdown list. In text mode, input number 9.
Previous/0
In playback mode, press this button to playback the previous video. In
text mode, input number 0.
Function
FN
One-window monitor mode, click this button to display assistant
function: PTZ control and image color.
Backspace function: in numeric control or text control, press and hold for
2 seconds to delete the previous character before the cursor.
In motion detection setup, working with FN and direction keys to
realize setup.
In text mode, press this button to switch between numeric,
capitalization, etc.
Rear Panel
The rear panel of the NVR may differ model to model. Below is a representation of the rear panel of all
applicable NVR devices.
NVXXXX-Series is shown below.
NV4432 Series is shown below.
Port Name
Connection
Function
USB2.0 port
USB2.0 port. Connect a mouse, USB storage device, USB burner, etc.
Network port
10M/100Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet port. Connects to the network.

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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. HDMI version is
1.4.
VGA
VGA video
output port
VGA video output port. Outputs analog video signal. This connects to
the monitor to view analog video.
GND
Ground end
Power input
port
Power socket.
For NVXXX series, inputs DC 12V/2A.
For NV4432 series, inputs DC 48V/1.25A.
MIC IN
Audio input
port
Bidirectional talk input port. This is used to receive the analog audio
signal from the devices such as a microphone.
MIC OUT
Audio
output port
Audio output port. This is used to output the analog audio signal to
devices such as an amplifier.
Bidirectional talk output.
Audio output on 1-window video monitoring.
Audio output on 1-window video playback.
PoE PORT
PoE port
Built-in switch. Supports PoE.
For PoE series products, you can use this port to provide power to
the network cameras.
NV52XXX Series without PoE ports
NV52XXX-Series with POE ports is shown below.
USB 2.0 port
USB 2.0 port. Connect a mouse, USB storage device, etc.
Network port
10M/100Mbps self-adaptive Ethernet port.
HDMI
HDMI Output
High definition audio and video signal output port.

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VGA
VGA video
output port
VGA video output port. Outputs analog video signal. This connects
to the monitor to view analog video.
GND
Ground end
Power Port
DC12V, DC48V Depending on model.
MIC IN
Audio input port
Bidirectional talk input port. This is used to receive the analog
audio signal from the device such as a microphone.
MIC Out
Audio output
port
Audio output port. This is used to output the analog audio signal
to devices such as an external RCA speaker.
Bidirectional talk output.
Audio output on 1-window video monitoring.
Audio output on 1-window video playback.
PoE Ports
PoE ports
Built-in switch on certain compatible devices.
For PoE series products, you can use this port to provide power to
a PoE camera.
Hardware Setup
Before setting up the NVR, you will need the following items. These items may not be included:
A computer monitor or TV with either an HDMI or VGA input
A power strip with room for 4 large power plugs
A hard drive for storing video recordings.
A USB flash drive formatted to FAT 32 for importing/exporting configure or image files.
It is recommended to connect all components before mounting any of the cameras. This is to ensure all
components are working properly before they are physically installed. If any components are not
functioning, please contact Amcrest Support: https://amcrest.com/contacts
There will be two parts to this section:
A hard drive must be installed to record or save any footage. If no hard drive is installed, you can only
view the cameras from the NVR. If a microSD card is installed in the camera you can still view the
recordings from the microSD card using the Amcrest View Pro application and accessing the camera
directly, however, no recordings will be retained to the NVR if a hard drive is not installed.
Hard drive installation
A hard drive can be installed if you want to record and save data to the NVR. Having a hard drive allows
you to configure and use the recording functionality of the NVR to store and view events.
Most NVRs have connections for only one hard drive however some models have the option for multiple
hard drives inside the case. A hard drive used in these NVRs must be no larger than 10TB (Terabytes). To
install your hard drive, the following is needed:

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A medium sized (regular) Phillips-head screwdriver - not included
A hard drive - not included
Four hard drive fastening screws - included
Note: Before installing the hard drive, make sure the NVR is powered off with the power cable
disconnected.
1. Loosen the screws on the
upper cover and side panel.
2. Attach four screws on the
hard drive (HDD). Do not fully
tighten, only tighten about 3
times.
3. place the HDD in accordance
with the four holes on the
bottom of the casing.
4. Turn the NVR upside down
and place the screws in firmly.
5. Tighten the HDD screws
firmly to the bottom of the
NVR.
6. Connect the HDD cable and
power cables to the
motherboard.
For further assistance on how to install the hard drive, feel free to contact us at:
https://amcrest.com/contacts
Setting Up the Cables
The following instructions will show you how to set up the cables for the NVR, cameras (PoE and Wi-Fi),
as well as a monitor or TV screen.
To set up the cable connections, there are 5 major steps:
7. Place the cover back onto the
NVR in accordance with the clip
and place the upper cover back
onto the device.
8. Secure the screws on the
rear and side panels.

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1. Connect a monitor or TV screen to your NVR. The NVR is compatible with any monitor or screen that
uses a VGA or HDMI connection. For purposes of this guide, we will use a VGA connection. Take a VGA
cable, and connect one end to the VGA port on your monitor/screen and the other end to the VGA port
on the back panel of your NVR.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to your router.
Then, connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on the back of the NVR.
3. Connect the cameras to power.
For PoE NVRs/cameras: connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port attached to the camera.
Then, connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a PoE port on the NVR.
Note: PoE cameras can either be powered with a PoE connection or with a standard power adapter (sold
separately). If the NVR does not have PoE ports, connect the PoE camera to a PoE compatible router or
switch that is on the same network as the NVR.
For non-PoE NVRs/cameras: Connect the power adapter to the power port attached to the camera.
Then, plug the adapter into a wall outlet or power strip.
4. Connect the NVR’s power adapter into the power port on the back of the NVR.
Note: If your NVR has a 3-prong power cord, connect the input of the cord into the power input of the
NVR.
5. Finally, connect the other end of the power cable into a wall outlet or power strip to turn on the NVR.
Some models may feature a power switch on the back which may need to be turned on to power the
device.
Alarm Connection
Alarm connections may not be applicable to all model NVRs. This section is only for NVRs with a
built-in alarm port connection.
Alarm Port
The alarm port is shown as below. See Figure 2-6. The following figure is based on the 78 series.

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Figure 2-6
Icon
Function
1, 2
ALARM1, ALARM2. The alarm becomes activated in the low level.
NO C
NO activation output. (On-off button).
＋12V
Rated current output. Current is 500mA.
Ground
Note
Different models support different alarm input ports. Please refer to the specifications sheet for detailed
information.
Slight differences may be found on the alarm port layout.
Alarm input port
Connect the positive end (+) of the alarm input device to the alarm input port (ALARM IN 1~2) of the NVR.
Note
When connecting the ground port of the alarm device to the NVR, you can use any of the GND ports
( ).
When there is peripheral power supplying the alarm device, ensure it is grounded on the NVR.
Alarm input and output port
There is peripheral power supplying to the external alarm device.

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An overload may result in NVR damage. Please refer to the following relay specifications for detailed
information.
Alarm relay specifications
Contact Material
Silver
Rating
(Resistance Load)
Rated switch capacity
30VDC 2A, 125VAC 1A
Maximum switch power
125VA 160W
Maximum switch voltage
250VAC, 220VDC
Maximum switch current
1A
Insulation
Between contacts with same polarity
1000VAC 1minute
Between contacts with different polarity
1000VAC 1minute
Between contacts and winding
1000VAC 1minute
Surge voltage
Between contacts with same polarity
1500V (10×160us)
Length of open time
3ms max
Length of close time
3ms max
Longevity
Mechanical
50×106 MIN (3Hz)
Electrical
200×103 MIN (0.5Hz)
Temperature
-40ºC ~+70ºC
Audio Ports
Device-end to PC-end
Device Connection
Connect an RCA microphone to the “Audio In” port on the back of the device. If using an audio out device,
such as an RCA speaker, plug the speaker into the “Audio Out” port on the back of the device.
Most audio codecs will use ACC as a default audio codec. To adjust audio settings, log into your NVR and
access the Encode menu for the specific device and click on “More Setting” (Camera > Encode > More
Setting). Verify the codec and settings are correct and click Save to save the audio settings.

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Mouse Operation
Please refer to the following sheet for mouse operation instructions.
Left mouse
click
When you have selected one menu item, left mouse click to view the menu
content.
Modify a checkbox or motion detection status.
Click a combo box to show the dropdown list
In an input box, you can select different input methods. Left click the
corresponding button on the panel to input a numeral/English character
(small/capitalized). Here ← stands for backspace. ＿stands for space.
In English input mode: _ stands for inputting a space icon and ← stands for
deleting the previous character.
In numeral input mode: _ stands for clear and ← stands for deleting the previous
numeral.
Double left
Implement special control operations such as double click one item in the file list
to playback the video.
mouse
click
In multiple-window mode, double left click one channel to view in full-screen.
Double left click the current video again to go back to previous multiple-window
mode.
Right click
mouse
In real-time monitor mode, this pops up a shortcut menu.
Exit the current menu without saving any modifications.
Scroll middle
button
In a numeral input box: Increase or decrease the numeral value.
Switch the items in the check box.
Page up or page down
Move mouse
Select current control or move control
Drag mouse
Select the motion detection zone
Select the privacy mask zone
Device Installation
After applying power to the NVR, the system will turn on. Allow the NVR to finish loading. The
Device Initialization screen will appear. Select your location, language, and video standard then
click Next to continue.
Select your time zone as well as current date and time. Click Next to continue.

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Enter Password
Create a new admin password for your NVR. The password for your device should be between 8
and 32 characters. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols are recommended when
setting up your password.
Note: Please do not use special symbols like ‘ ‘ ; : &
Once you have entered a new password for your device, confirm the password in the next field.
Lastly, you will be asked to enter a prompt question for your account. This is useful if you have
forgotten your password and would like an easier way of recovering your password. Please use
a prompt question that will help you remember the password for your device.
After you have completed this section, click Next to continue.
Unlock Pattern
This is an optional security measure for your device. To set an unlock pattern, use your mouse
to draw a design that you will remember. Draw the pattern again to confirm. If you do not want
to assign an unlock pattern, you can click ‘Skip’to skip this process.

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

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Once this section is complete, click on the Save button to save your information to the device.
Startup Wizard Walkthrough
The first page of the Startup Wizard will appear which allows you to setup any General, Network,
Remote Devices, and Record Control Settings for the NVR.
Before proceeding please note, most Amcrest products are H.265 compatible. H.265 provides a
more advanced technology than H.264 and allows the device to reduce file sizes which in turn
helps to reduce required bandwidth without sacrificing frames per second (FPS) or resolution.
However, for maximum compatibility when accessing your device in a web browser, or other
third-party applications, our H.265 compatible products will come factory default to H.264.
For optimal performance, the device's compression can be upgraded to H.265 during the camera
registration process.
To begin the startup wizard, click Next.
General
The first screen that appears in the startup wizard is the GENERAL menu. The General menu
allows you to edit the name of the NVR, display number of devices, languages, etc.

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Once you are satisfied with the settings on this screen click Next to continue.
Date & Time
The Date & Time settings screen is used to set the date and time for your NVR. If you want to
utilize daylight savings time, click on the DST enable toggle switch. This should be enabled by
default. Click Next to continue.

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Note: Make sure to toggle the NTP toggle switch to the off position if you do not want to sync
your device to an NTP server.
Holiday
This screen allows the user to set and modify holiday settings which allows the NVR to record or
send snapshots based on specific schedules set by the user. Please note, a holiday record /
snapshot setup has a higher priority than an ordinary date record/snapshot setup plan. Below is
a screenshot of the Holiday settings screen:
To add a holiday schedule to your NVR, click on the Add Holidays button. This will take you to
an “Add Holidays” screen. Name the holiday you would like to add and select a mode, range,
start time, and end time. If you would like to add more holidays, click on the Add More toggle
switch, and repeat the process. Click Add to add the holiday(s). Click Next to continue.
Network
The next screen that appears will be the Network, or TCP/IP screen. Unless you have a specific
reason to change these settings, it is best to leave them as they are. Please note, the IP address
for the NVR will be the address used to access your NVR’s web user interface on a laptop or
PC.