Appro VS-2401 User manual

Before trying to connect or operate this product, please read this manual completely.
INSTALLATION &
OPERATION MANUAL
H.264 Video Server

Table Of Contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .............................................................................3
1. PRODUCT FEATURES.............................................................................4
1.1 PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................4
1.2 PRODUCT FEATURES ...........................................................................5
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE FRONT/REAR VIEW.........................................6
2.1 FRONT PANEL......................................................................................6
2.2 REAR PANEL........................................................................................7
2.3THE DI/DO SCHEMATIC .......................................................................8
2.4THE USB FUNCTION ............................................................................9
3. INSTALLATION ......................................................................................10
3.1 CONNECTING WITHA CAMERA ..................................................10
3.2 UPDATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE.................................................10
4. Network Configuration..........................................................................12
4.1 CABLE CONNECTIONS........................................................................12
4.2 CONFIGURE YOUR VIDEO SERVER NETWORK SETTINGS......................12
4.2.1 Enable DHCP Function ...................................................................................................12
4.2.2 Set IPAddress..................................................................................................................13
4.3 TCP/IP COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE.................................................14
4.4 TCP/IP INSTALLATION .......................................................................16
4.5TCP/IP CONFIGURATION SETTING.......................................................17
4.6 CONNECTION TESTING.......................................................................18
5. Operating Instructions for Image Software and Network..................20
5.1 MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER ......................................................21
5.1.1 Connecting the Video Server..........................................................................................21
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5.1.2 Live Video.......................................................................................................................22
5.1.3 Setup ...............................................................................................................................26
6. ADVANCED OPERATION......................................................................75
7. SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................79
APPENDIX 1. –How to run Video Server UPnP.......................................80
APPENDIX 2. –Register as a DDNS member ..........................................91
APPENDIX 3. –Table of MPEG4 Bit Rates for the Video Server............95
APPENDIX 4. –PoE Installation Method ..................................................96
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
All the following safety and operational instructions to prevent harm or injury to the operator(s) or
other persons should be read carefully before the unit is activated.
 To prevent fire or shock hazard, avoid exposing this unit to rain or moisture.
 Do not block ventilation openings.
 Do not place anything on top of the unit that might spill or fall into it.
 Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Please refer all servicing to
your distributor / retailer.
 Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols for cleaning.
 To prevent fire or electric shock, do not overload wall outlets or extension cords.
 This unit must be grounded to reduce the risk of electric shocks.
 Indoor use only.
CAUTION
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BYAN INCORRECT TYPE.
DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING
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1. PRODUCT FEATURES
1.1 Product Instructions
The Video Server Encoder is a versatile solution that allows you to make the most of your existing
analog surveillance infrastructure. The Video Server is a standalone system with a built-in video
encoder that converts an analog camera into a full-featured IP-based system. The Video Server
can be remotely accessed and controlled using a Web browser over an Intranet or the Internet.
The Video Server’s Video Encoder makes it possible to integrate a pre-existing analog
surveillance infrastructure into a fully-functional IP surveillance system. The Video Server is an
ideal choice for banks, airports, factories, government buildings, prisons, and traffic surveillance
applications - any location where surveillance equipment is already installed and functioning.
This video server adapts Texas Instrument's (TI's) newest digital media processor -- the
TMS320DM 365 for efficient image operation, while also offering simultaneous triple-codec
( H.264 / MPEG-4 / MJPEG ) video compressions with the highest resolution of Full D1, at 30 / 25
frames per second in the NTSC / PAL systems, respectively. In addition, users based on different
bandwidths can choose multi-profile video streaming at different resolutions.
The video server provides stable, reliable and convenient network surveillance. It safely
downloads automatic video codec and other components, and lets you set up the control
settings very easily. It provides UPnP features as well. Its USB interface is for basic network
setting and updating. The SD card slot supports alarm and event recording and updating.
Furthermore, this encoder board comes with the Power over Ethernet (PoE) function, and its
RS-485 interface can be connected with all kinds of Pelco-D PTZ cameras.
Alarm handling features provide alerts in the event of loss of video or loss of network connection.
Motion alarms with configurable detection areas allow for effective surveillance and help to
mitigate the need for constant human supervision. A buffer system allows the server to capture
images to the built-in SD card slot before and after an event occurs.
We have launched this triple-codec video server for the more advanced digital surveillance
solutions demanded by our clients. We believe this unit is the right answer to your Network
surveillance problems. You will find it practical, precise and indispensable.
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1.2 Product Features
1. Real-time synchronization of the video and audio functions.
2. Digitally transform existing hardware.
3. Simultaneous H.264 / MPEG-4 / MJPEG video compression formats.
4. Manages, records, and views video with ease.
5. Simplifies surveillance with advanced alarms and events.
6. The installation of a codec or execution file is not necessary. The device will
automatically send the codec or any component to a PC if the latter requires it.
7. PoE function (Power over Ethernet/ IEEE 802.3af).
8. Built-in website server and network connection.
9. Built-in SD card slot for copying images to an SD card.( support jpeg/ avi file )
10. USB interface for setup.
11. Multi-zone motion detection for your channel.
12. Supports 10 users with 3 levels of authority.
13. Live images for viewing in any network - connected PC.
14. Operation-status record log.
15. Audio function included (two-way audio).
16. MDIX protocol recognizing both the normal and crossover cables, either of which can
connect up with a video server.
17. 1-channel video-in to connect to every kind of analog camera.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE FRONT/REAR VIEW
2.1 Front Panel
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1. Plug Inlet: A DC 12V inlet that connects to an external power supply.
2. ETHERNET 10/100 Connector: This is a standard RJ-45 connector for 10/100 Mbps
Ethernet networks. PoE (Power over Ethernet) function: Provides power to the device via the
same cable as used for the network connection.
3. SD indicator: The green light indicates the SD card cannot be removed.
4. SD/ SDHC CARD slot: This is used for updating system software and archiving / accessing
critical images.
5. USB port: The user can use a USB device cable to connect the Video Server to the USB port
on the PC.
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2.2 Rear Panel
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1. AUDIO IN: The connector is used to connect the audio output from other devices to the
Video Server.
2. AUDIO OUT: Provides the Video Server’s audio signal to a speaker or stereo.
3. Video in connectors: The BNC connector is used to connect to the video output from the
camera.
4. ALARM I/O: This is an 8-PIN connector including the DIGITAL IN/OUT and RS-485 items
for connecting with external devices.
5. RESET: Recover to factory default.
6. POWER indicator: Indicates the power status of the unit.
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2.3 The DI/DO Schematic
DI Receives signals from a reed switch, vibration sensor, or any other
external security device.
DO Connects to an alarm or buzzer.
485+/485- Connects to an RS-485 interface for controlling auxiliary equipment
such as an external camera enclosure for pan, tilt, and zoom
functionality.
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2.4 The USB function
By connecting the Video Server with a PC via the USB connector, the Video Server can provide
two different functions.
1. Insert an SD card: As a card reader.
Insert an SD card into the Video Server, then connect to the PC. You might transfer files
between the SD card and the PC. Once you've connected your Video Server to your computer,
the Windows system will detect the connection and ask you what you want to do with your SD
card.
In other words, if the user connects the Video Server with an SD card and the PC via the USB
connector, the Video Server can be used as a normal card reader.
2. Remove an SD card: As a configuring tool.
Before using the USB configuration setting page, please remember to remove the SD card or
your PC will read the SD card and won’t show this window.
DHCP ON
DHCP OFF
(default)
Network
Setting
NOTE: After changing the settings, please click the “Apply” button. All of the options
will be effective after removing the USB connector.
NOTE: After the IP address has been changed and/ or reset, please unplug the network
cable, then plug it once again to make sure the network connection is in normal
mode.
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3. INSTALLATION
Please follow the instructions and the diagram below to set up the system.
NOTE: The Video Server is linked by its Video Out connection via a BNC connector to a
monitor's Video In connection. If this connection is there, you can see some
information on the monitor screen, such as the Video Server factory default Static
IP address (192.168.1.168). But the Video Server Static IP address can only
appear if there is a connection between the Video Server and another device. If
there is no such connection, the Video Server factory default Static IP address
will not appear on the monitor screen.
3.1 CONNECTING WITH A CAMERA
Digital or analog camer
a
To camera BNC connector
3.2 UPDATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
If the system software of the Video Server needs to be upgraded, please take the following steps
to safely process it.
Important: Before carrying out the following procedures, please ensure the SD card is
working and the file of the system firmware is intact
1. Create a directory named UPGRADE (upper-case or lower-case letters are no difference) in the
SD card if it does not exist.
2. Copy the file of UPDATE.BIN to the UPGRADE -directory.
3. If the Video Server is running, please power it off first.
4. Insert the SD CARD into the Video Server.
5. Remove the Ethernet cable from the RJ-45 port and then power on the Video Server.
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6. In 5 to 10 seconds, a message reading "UPDATE PROCESSING" will show up on the screen on
a blue background; if not, please check out steps 1 to 6 carefully or else inform your technical
support while ignoring the following steps.
7. DO NOT power off the Video Server while this update process is running until the message
"UPDATE OK RESET PLEASE" appears on the screen; it might take 15 to 30 seconds to
appear.
8. If the message "UPDATE NG RESET PLEASE" appears rather than "UPDATE OK RESET
PLEASE", please write down the error messages shown on the screen and inform your
technical support, while ignoring the following steps.
9. Power off the Video Server when this update process is finished, then remove the SD card from
the Video Server.
10. Reconnect the Ethernet cable to the RJ-45 port if necessary.
11. Power ON the Video Server and it will work normally if the entire update procedure goes
correctly.
12. Verify the version of the system software.
WARNING:
 Steps 1 to 2 have to be done on a PC.
 Make sure the file of UPDATE.BIN is a correct one in step 2, or the Video Server will
not work normally after being updated.
 If the power of the Video Server is suddenly lost in step 7, please remove the SD card
first and turn on the Video Server next to test its operation. If the Video Server
remains working normally, please go back to step 3; otherwise, please inform your
technical support.
 In step 9, if the SD card is not removed and the Video Server does not get online as
well, the updating process must be repeated again after rebooting the Video Server.
 Make sure that the SD card is inserted in a correct position in step 4, or the Video
Server will suffer permanent physical damage.
 If the message "CSUM ERROR" appears in step 7, it implies a problem in the file of
UPDATE.BIN.
 Don’t interrupt the process while the unit is updating itself; proceed with an SD
card not including any system software of the unit, or else the unit will crash.
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4. Network Configuration
4.1 Cable Connections
Please follow the instructions below to connect your Video Server to a computer or a network
and to choose a proper RJ-45 cable configuration for connections.
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Physical specifications of the RJ-45 cable for Ethernet
Wire Type Cat. 5
Connector Type RJ-45
Max. Cable Length 100 m
Hub Wiring Configuration Straight Through
PC Wiring Configuration Straight Through
4.2 Configure Your Video Server Network Settings
Upon connecting with the network hardware, you need to activate the network function and
configure the proper network settings of the Video Server.
4.2.1 Enable DHCP Function
The user can use the USB function (refer to section 2.3) or the Internet Explorer (refer to section
5.1.3.3) to enable the DHCP function.

4.2.2 Set IP Address
You need to set an IP address for the unit if the LAN unit isn’t connected to a DHCP server.
Otherwise, please follow the instructions given below:
Set the IP, MASK and GATEWAY. The following is a sample setting.
IP: 192.168.1.X
MASK: 255.255.255.0
GATEWAY: 0.0.0.0
NOTE: When only one unit of the Video Server is connected to a computer or LAN, you
can freely assign an IP address for the Video Server. For example, there is a
range of Video Server IP addresses from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255. You can
pick one for use from the range of the IP. It’s not necessary to set MASK and
GATEWAY; leave the settings as default.
When a Video Server is connected to a WAN, you must acquire a unique,
permanent IP address and correctly configure the MASK and GATEWAY settings
according to your network architecture. If you have any questions regarding
those settings, please consult a qualified MIS professional or your ISP.
NOTE: When connecting to a network, each connected Video Server must be assigned a
unique IP, which must be in the same class type as your network address. IP
addresses are written as four sets of numbers separated by periods; for example,
192.168.1.1 Therefore, if the connected network is identified as Class C, for
example, the first three sets of numbers of the Video Server IP address must be
the same as in the network address. If the connected network is identified as
Class B, the first two sets of numbers of the Video Server IP address must be the
same as in the network address. If you have any questions regarding these
settings, please consult a qualified MIS professional or your ISP.
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4.3 TCP/IP Communication Software
Follow the procedure below to install the TCP/IP communication program in your computer.
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double click the Network Connections icon to enter the windows.
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1. Right-click your network connection, and then click Properties.
2. On the General tab, check if the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is included in the list. If the
TCP/IP is included, please process section 4.5. If it is not included, please follow section 4.4
to install the TCP/IP.
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4.4 TCP/IP Installation
On the General tab of the Connection Properties, under “This connection uses the following
items”, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Then click Install. Select Protocol from the network
component type then click Add. Select Microsoft TCP/IP from the network protocol then click
OK.
Click Close to return to the Network Connections window.
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4.5 TCP/IP configuration setting
Click Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.
Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
Before processing the Video Server installation in a WAN, please make sure the Internet
connection works properly. If not, please contact your ISP provider.
If you are using a DHCP server, please select Obtain an IP address automatically. Any
assigned IP address for the connected Video Servers must be in the same class type as the
server. If there is no DHCP server, please select specify an IP address enter the IP address,
subnet mask and default gateway of your choosing of your PC. This IP address must be different
from other network IP devices but in the same class type.
NOTE: The IP address of a Video Server in a network must be unique to itself as opposed
to those of the other chosen PCs, but in the same class type.
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4.6 Connection Testing
With the previous settings, follow the instructions below to ensure whether you have established
the connection successfully.
1. Click Start >All Programs > Command Prompt.
2. Enter ping XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX (the Video Server’s IP address), then enter. (See the
sample screen below).
** This is the IP address for a Video Server that is assigned for the connected Video Server.
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