Dahua G4-HDE Series User manual

G4-HDE Series DVR Quick Start
Guide

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Table of Contents
1Welcome....................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Important Safeguards and Warnings ................................................................ 2
1.1.1 Electrical safety........................................................................................ 2
1.1.2 Shipping instructions ............................................................................... 2
1.1.3 Installation ................................................................................................ 2
1.1.4 DVR Repairs ............................................................................................ 2
1.1.5 Environment ............................................................................................. 2
1.1.6 Accessories.............................................................................................. 2
2Hardware Installation................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Inspect the DVR Packaging and Check Contents ........................................... 3
2.2 HDD Installation .................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Front Panel .......................................................................................................... 4
2.4 Rear Panel........................................................................................................... 5
2.5 Connection Samples........................................................................................... 7
2.5 Alarm Input and Output Connection.................................................................. 7
2.5.1 Alarm Input and Output Details.............................................................. 7
2.5.2 Alarm Input Port....................................................................................... 8
2.5.3 Alarm Output Port.................................................................................... 8
3Overview of Navigation and Controls ........................................................................ 9
3.1 Login, Logout & Main Menu ............................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Login ......................................................................................................... 9
3.1.2 Main Menu ............................................................................................... 9
3.1.3 Logout..................................................................................................... 10
3.1.4 Auto Resume after Power Failure........................................................ 10
3.2 Recording Operation......................................................................................... 11
3.2.1 Live Viewing........................................................................................... 11
3.2.2 Status Icons ........................................................................................... 11
3.3 Recording Setup (Schedule)............................................................................ 11
3.3.1 Schedule Menu...................................................................................... 11
3.3.2 Manual Record Menu............................................................................ 12
3.3.3 Encode ................................................................................................... 13
3.3.4 Snapshot ................................................................................................ 14
3.3.5 Snapshot Image Storage ...................................................................... 15
3.3.6 Search and Playback ............................................................................ 15
3.3.7 Basic Operation ..................................................................................... 16
3.4 Network Setup................................................................................................... 18
3.5 Pan/Tilt/Zoom .................................................................................................... 19
3.5.1 PTZ setup............................................................................................... 19
3.5.2 PTZ operation ........................................................................................ 19
4Web Client Operation................................................................................................ 22
4.1 Network Connection ......................................................................................... 22
4.2 Login................................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Main Window..................................................................................................... 23

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1 Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the G4-HDE series DVR! This quick start guide will help you to
become familiar with our DVR in a very short time. Topics include hardware installation, cable
connections, web operations and general operation information such as system setup, record,
search, backup, alarm setup and PTZ operation. Before installation and operation, please read
the following safeguards and warnings carefully.
1.1 Important Safeguards and Warnings
1.1.1 Electrical safety
All installations and operations should conform to your local electrical safety codes. We assume
no liability or responsibility for fires or electrical shock caused by improper handling or installation.
1.1.2 Shipping instructions
When shipping, please use the original packaging and padding, this will protect the DVR under
most circumstances.
1.1.3 Installation
Always handle electronic devices with care. Do not apply power to the DVR before completing
the installation. Do not place objects on the DVR
1.1.4 DVR Repairs
Examination and repair work should be done by qualified service engineers. Unauthorized
modifications or repairs may void any warranty agreements. We are not liable for any problems
caused by unauthorized modifications or repairs.
1.1.5 Environment
The DVR should be installed in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Please ensure that
the DVR has sufficient ventilation.
1.1.6 Accessories
Be sure to use accessories recommended by the manufacturer. Before installation, open the
accessory kit and check that all of the components are included. Contact your vendor ASAP if
any components are missing.

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2 Hardware Installation
2.1 Inspect the DVR Packaging and Check Contents
Upon receiving your DVR please check for any visible damage to the external packaging. If the
external packaging is damaged, please document the damage and report to the shipping agent.
The protective materials used in packaging of the DVR can protect against most accidental
damage during shipping and should be saved. Immediately after opening the box, please check
the items included in the accessory kit against the packing list. Finally, remove the DVR from the
packaging materials.
2.2 HDD Installation
If your DVR was ordered with a hard disk drive (HDD) preinstalled, please skip this step. The
G4-HDE series DVR may contain only one SATA HDD. If installing or upgrading, please use a
HDD of 7200rpm or higher. Please refer to the User’s Manual for recommended HDD brands
and models.
Please follow the instructions below to install/upgrade the HDD.
1. Remove the screws
connecting
the cover.
2. Remove cover. 3. Loosely connect four screws to
the
bottom of the
HDD
.
4. Mount the HDD using the
four holes in the chassis.
5. Turn the DVR over.
6. Tighten the screws attaching
the HDD to the chassis.
7. Connect the SATA cable and
power cable.
8. Replace the cover.

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2.3 Front Panel
The front panel is shown as in Figure 1-1.
Figure 2-1
Please refer to the following table for front panel information.
Name Icon Function
Power button
Press and hold for three to five seconds to boot up or shut
down DVR.
Shift Shift When entering data, press to switch between numeric, upper
case, lower case and special characters.
Activate current control, modify setup, and then move up and
down
Increase or decrease number.
Assist function such as PTZ menu.
In text mode, input number 1 or 4.
Up (1)
Down (4) 
Shift currently activated control.
In playback mode, click these buttons to control the playback
bar.
Left (2)
Right (3) 
In text mode, input number 2 or 3.
Return to previous menu, or cancel current operation.
ESC ESC When in playback mode, click to restore real-time monitor
mode.
Select current operation
Go to default button
Enter ENTER
Go to menu
Record REC Manually start or stop recording. Use with direction keys
or numeric keys to select the recording channel.
In playback mode cycle through slow play speeds
Slow play (8) In text mode, input number 8
One-window monitor mode, click this button to display
assistant function: PTZ control and image color.
In PTZ menu, shift PTZ control menu.
Function Fn
In numeric or text entry, delete the previous character

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In motion detection setup, work with Fn and direction keys to
realize setup
In text mode, click to switch between numeric, upper case,
lower case and special characters
In playback mode, cycle through playback speeds
Fast forward
(7) In text mode, input number 7
In playback mode, skip to previous file
Play previous
(0)
In text mode, input number 0
In playback or pause mode, click for reverse playback
In reverse playback, click to pause playback
Reverse/
Pause (6) 
In text mode, input number 6
In playback mode, skip to next file
In menu or setup mode, go to the next field
Play Next (9)

In text mode, input number 9
In playback mode, click to pause
In pause mode, click to resume playback
Play/Pause
(5) 
In text mode, input number 5
USB port Used for connection of USB storage device or USB mouse.
Network
abnormal
indication
Net Lit when network error occurs or if there is no network
connection.
HDD
abnormal
indication
HDD Lit when HDD error occurs or HDD capacity is below
specified threshold value.
Record light Alarm Lit when system is recording.
IR Receiver IR Receives signal from the remote control.
2.4 Rear Panel
The 4-ch rear panel is shown as below. See Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2

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The 8-ch rear panel is shown as below. See Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3
The 16-ch real panel is shown as below. See Figure 2-4.
Figure 2-4
Please refer to the following table for detail information.
1 Analog video input
2 Audio input
3 Composite (BNC) video output
4 Audio output
5 Ethernet port
6 USB port
7 HDMI video port
8 RS-232 port
9 VGA video output
10 Alarm input, alarm output, RS-485 port
11 Power input port
12 Power switch
When connecting to the Ethernet port, use a straight through cable to connect to a switch or
router or use a crossover cable to connect directly to a PC.

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2.5 Connection Samples
Please refer to Figure 2-5 for connection samples.
Figure 2-5
2.5 Alarm Input and Output Connection
There are two alarm input types for you to select: normal open (NO) and normal close (NC).
2.5.1 Alarm Input and Output Details
Figure 2-6
RS-485 A(+) B(-)
Connection port

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Refer to the following table and Figure 2-7 for alarm input and output information.
Parameter Grounding Alarm
Ground line
Alarm Input 1, 2, …, 8. It becomes valid in low voltage.
1 - NO C
2 - NO C
3 - NO C
Three NO (Normally Open) outputs.
Relay Output 1,2,3,4: NO and C (Normally Open and Com)
5: NO, C and NC (Normally Open, Com, Normally Closed)
6: Ctrl 12V (This is used to reset the sensor)
485 A/B RS-485 communication port. Used to control devices such as PTZ.
Please parallel connect 120Ωbetween A/B cables if there are too
many PTZ decoders.
2.5.2 Alarm Input Port
Please refer to the following for more information.
4/8/16-ch grounding alarm inputs. (Normal open or Normal close type)
Please parallel connect COM end and GND end of the alarm detector (Provide external
power to the alarm detector).
Please parallel connect the Ground of the DVR and the ground of the alarm detector.
Please connect the NC port of the alarm sensor to the DVR alarm input(ALARM)
Use the same ground with that of DVR if you use external power to the alarm device.
Figure 2-7
2.5.3 Alarm Output Port
3 ways relay alarm output (NO contact). Provides external power to external alarm
device.
To avoid overloading, please read relay parameters sheet in the User’s Manual
carefully.
RS-485 A/B are for the positive (A) and negative (B) leads for PTZ control.

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3 Overview of Navigation and Controls
Before operation, please make sure you have properly installed the HDDs and all cable
connections.
3.1 Login, Logout & Main Menu
3.1.1 Login
After the DVR has booted up, the default video display is in multiple-window mode. Press Enter
or left click the mouse to bring up the login interface. See Figure 3-1.
By default, the DVR has four accounts:
Username: admin Password: admin (administrator, local and network)
Username: 888888 Password: 888888 (administrator, local only)
Username: 666666 Passwords: 666666 (Unprivileged user who can only monitor,
playback, backup and etc.)
Username: default Password: default (hidden user)
You can use a USB mouse, front panel or remote control to input. When using the mouse input
method left click the button to switch between numeric, upper case, lower case and
special characters.
Note: For security reason, please modify password after you first login.
Three account login failures within 30 minutes will result in a system alarm and five account login
failures within 30 minutes will result in an account lock. Unlocking an account requires a system
reboot.
Figure 3-1
3.1.2 Main Menu
After logging in, the system main menu is shown as below. See Figure 3-2. There are a total of
six icons: Search, Info, Setting, Backup, Advanced and Shutdown. You can move the cursor to
highlight the icon and press Enter or left click the mouse to enter the sub-menu.

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Figure 3-2
3.1.3 Logout
There are two ways for you to log out. The first one is from the Shutdown menu option. In the
main menu, click the shutdown icon. The Shutdown interface will be shown as below. See
Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3
There are several options to choose from. See Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4
The other way to log out is to press and hold the power button on the front panel for at least 3
seconds, this will stop all system operations. You may then click the power button on the front
panel to turn off the DVR. Please note, before replacing the HDD, shut down the DVR and
unplug the power cable.
3.1.4 Auto Resume after Power Failure
By default, the DVR will automatically write video files to disk and resume previous working
status after a power failure.

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3.2 Recording Operation
3.2.1 Live Viewing
After powering the DVR on, the system will be in live viewing mode by default. The system date,
time and channel names will be displayed by default. If you want to change system date and
time, you can refer to general settings (Main Menu -> Setting -> General). If you want to modify
the channel names, please refer to the display settings (Main Menu -> Setting -> Display)
3.2.2 Status Icons
The live preview screen may display the following icons for each channel.
3.3 Recording Setup (Schedule)
Note: You need to have proper rights to implement the following operations. Please
make sure the HDDs have been properly installed.
When the DVR is first booted up, it is in the default 24-hour continuous record mode. You can set
the recording types and periods in the Schedule menu.
3.3.1 Schedule Menu
From the main menu highlight the Schedule icon and press Enter or left click the mouse to
go to the Schedule menu. See Figure 3-5. The following is a list of configurable values:
Channel: Each input channel may be configured individually. Please select the channel
number to configure or select “ALL”if you want to configure all channels identically.
This field will display channel 1 by default.
Week day: Each day of the week may be configured individually. There are eight
options: Sunday through Saturday and “ALL”. This field will display the current day of
the week by default.
Recording This channel is being recorded
Channel locked Viewing of this channel has been disabled
for the default user
Motion detection Motion has been detected on this channel
Video loss No video input detected for this channel

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Pre-record: This value sets the amount of time to pre-record before a motion-detection
or alarm event. Valid values are from 1 to 30 seconds depending on the bit stream.
The default value is 4.
Redundancy: This option is unsupported on the G4-HDE series DVR.
Snapshot: This option is unsupported on the G4-HDE series DVR.
Period 1 –Period 6: Up to 6 recording periods may be defined for each day. The sum
of the defined periods should equal 24 hours and periods should not overlap. The
default is one defined period of 24 hours (00:00 –24:00).
Record types: There are three recording types: regular (continuous), motion detection
(MD) and Alarm. The default is regular (continuous) recording for Period 1 (00:00 –
24:00).
Highlight the icon to select the corresponding function. After completing the setup click
the save button and the system will return to the previous menu. At the bottom of the
Schedule menu, a color bar is shown for your reference. A green bar represents regular
(continuous) recording, yellow represents motion detection recording and red represents
alarm recording.
You may copy your defined parameters to another channel or weekday by pressing the Copy
button, selecting the destination channel or weekday and then pressing the Paste button.
Any modifications made on the Schedule menu will be abandoned unless the Save button is
pressed.
Figure 3-5
3.3.2 Manual Record Menu
Right click the mouse and select Record or select Advanced -> Manual Record to go to the
Manual Record menu. The selections from this menu are the highest priority for recording.
There are three status options: Schedule, Manual and Stop. Highlight the icon to select the
option for the corresponding channel. See
Figure 3-6. The following is a description of the configurable options:

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Manual: The selected channels will begin regular (continuous) recording after the OK
button is pressed.
Schedule: The selected channels will begin recording according to the configuration
defined in the scheduled recording setup (Main Menu -> Setting -> Schedule).
Stop: The selected channels will stop recording until this is changed to Schedule or
Manual.
Figure 3-6
3.3.3 Encode
The Encode menu interface is shown in Figure 3-7. The following is a list of configurable
values:
Channel: Select the channel you want to configure, the default is channel 1.
Compression: Non-configurable, the default is H.264.
Resolution: The G4-HDE series DVR supports various resolutions that you can select
from the dropdown list. Supported resolutions are D1/CIF/QCIF. Please note that the
resolution options may vary based upon channel number.
Frame Rate(FPS): You may select the value for Frames Per Second. Frames per
second values may vary based upon channel number and resolution.
Bit Rate Type: The G4-HDE series DVR supports two bit-rate types: CBR and VBR.
CBR stands for Constant Bit Rate which means the DVR will always use this bit rate
without regard to the video image. VBR stands for Variable Bit Rate which means that
the DVR will adjust the bit rate according to the video image, e.g. more motion or a
more complex image will utilize a higher bit rate. If VBR mode is selected, you can set
the video quality.
Quality: There are six levels ranging from 1 to 6. The sixth level has the highest image
quality. This option will only be displayed if VBR is chosen for Bit Rate Type.
Bit Rate(Kb/S): The bit rate is defined as the maximum amount of information or detail,
which is stored per unit of time of a recording. A higher bit rate will allow a better
image to be produced but will use more resources such as HDD storage and network
bandwidth.
Audio/Video: You can enable audio for the main stream or video/audio for the extra
(sub) stream. Video for the main stream is always enabled by default and is not
configurable. For extra stream, enable the video first and then enable audio.
Overlay: The overlay menu will allow you to create masks to block out portions of the
image for privacy and also to define the location of the time and date and channel
name labels on recorded video.

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Snapshot: The Snapshot menu contains four items: Mode, Image Size, Image Quality
and Snapshot Frequency. Please refer to section 3.3.4 for more information.
Figure 3-7
3.3.4 Snapshot
Snapshots are only used in conjunction with the FTP or Email functions and are not stored
on the DVR. In the Encode menu click the Snapshot button to configure the snapshot mode,
image size, image quality and frequency.
3.3.4.1 Timing Mode: Timing mode will create a snapshot at a configurable interval. In the
General menu configure the upload interval to define how often snapshots are
uploaded to the FTP server. In the Schedule menu, enable the snapshot function.
Please refer to the following figure for examples. See Figure 3-8.
Figure 3-8
3.3.4.2 Activation Mode: Activation mode will create snapshots based upon motion detection
or alarm events. In the General interface configure the upload interval to define
how often snapshots are uploaded to the FTP server. In the Detect menu enable
the snapshot function for specified channels. In the Alarm menu enable the
snapshot function for specified channels. Please refer to the following figure for
examples. See Figure 2-9.

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Figure 3-9
3.3.4.3 Priority: Activation snapshots have a higher priority than scheduled snapshots. If you
have enabled both types, the DVR will perform the activation snapshot when an
alarm or motion detection event occurs, otherwise the system will perform the
scheduled snapshots.
3.3.5 Snapshot Image Storage
In the Network menu, you must configure FTP server information in order to store snapshots.
You must enable the FTP function and then click the save button after entering the
configuration information. See Figure 3-10. Please refer to the User’s Manual included on
the resource CD for detailed information. After enabling the scheduled snapshot or
activation snapshot (Chapter 3.3.4) the system can upload image files to the FTP server.
Figure 3-10
3.3.6 Search and Playback
To open the playback window click the search button from the main menu. The playback
interface is shown below. See Figure 3-11. There are three file types to search for:
* R: regular (continuous) recording file
* A: external alarm triggered recording file.
* M: motion detection triggered recording file
The G4-HDE series DVR supports up to 4 concurrent playback windows.
Input the FTP server information
here.
Formatted: Bullets and Numbering

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Figure 3-11
Please refer to the following table for more information.
3.3.7 Basic Operation
There are multiple search parameters: video type, channel number and time. The DVR can
display a maximum of 128 results for one search. Use the page up/down button if there is
more than one page.
3.3.7.1 Normal Playback
Select the file name from the search results in the file list portion of the screen and press the
enter button or double click on the file name to view file content.
Number Function
1 Play
2 Reverse
3 Stop
4 Slow play
5 Fast play
6 Previous frame
7 Next frame
8 Volume
9 Previous file
10 Next channel
11 Next file
12 Previous channel
13 Search
14 Backup

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3.3.7.2 Playback Starting from Exact Time
To begin playback from an exact time, Input the time (h/m/s) in the search parameters
column and then click the play button.
3.3.7.3 Synchronized playback function when playback
During the playback process click on one of the numeral keys above the search results list,
the system will switch to the corresponding channel video of the same time.
3.3.7.4 Digital zoom
When the system is in full-screen playback mode, use your mouse on the screen to select a
section and then left click mouse for digital zoom. You can right click mouse to exit.
3.3.7.5 File backup
The DVR supports backup operations from the search results screen. Place a check mark (√)
in the box to the left of the file name(s) in the search results list. Next, click backup button
(Button 14 in Figure 3-11) to proceed to the backup menu.
3.3.7.6 Slow playback and fast playback
Refer to the following table for slow and fast playback functions.
Button Illustration Remarks
Fast play button 
In playback mode, click this button to
switch between the 4 available fast
playback speeds such and normal
playback mode.
Slow play button ►
In playback mode, click this button to
switch between the 4 available slow
playback speeds and normal playback
mode.
Frame rate may
vary due to
different versions.
Play/Pause ►In slow playback mode, click this button
to switch between play/pause modes.
Previous/Next In playback mode, you can click and 
to view the previous or next video in
current channel.
3.3.7.7 Reverse playback and frame by frame playback
Button Illustration Remarks
Reverse play:
button in
playback
interface.
In normal playback mode, left click reverse
play button, the system will begin reverse
playback.
Click the reverse play button again to go to
pause mode.
When system is in
reverse play or
frame by frame
playback mode, you
can click play button
►to go to normal

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Manual playback
frame by frame.
Click pause button in normal playback mode,
you can use │and │ to view frame by
frame.
playback.
Note: All of the operations here such as playback speed, channel, time and progress are
related to the DVR hardware version. Some series DVRs do not support some all listed
functions or playback speeds.
3.4 Network Setup
To configure network information, select Network from Main Menu -> Settings. The following
information can be configured: See Figure 3-12.
IP address: Enter the IP address for the DVR.
DHCP: Used to acquire IP address information automatically. Use of DHCP to acquire
a dynamic IP address is not recommended.
TCP port: Default TCP communications port value is 37777.
UDP port: Default UDP communications port value is 37778.
HTTP port: Default HTTP (TCP) communications port value is 80.
Max connection: The DVR can support a maximum of 10 concurrent user connections.
0 means there is no connection limit.
Transfer mode: Select the priority between fluency/video qualities.
Network download: The DVR will process network uploaded data first if you enable this
function.
Advanced setting: Please refer to the User’s Manual included in the resource CD for
detailed information on these items.
After entering network information click the save button. You will be returned to the previous
menu.
Figure 3-12

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3.5 Pan/Tilt/Zoom
Please note the following regarding pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) setup and operation:
Slight differences may be found in the user interface, due to various protocols.
RS-485 cables must be connected to the “A” (positive) and “B” (negative) ports of the alarm
block in order to have PTZ control.
Configuration information should be configured on the PTZ prior to configuring your DVR.
In order to control a PTZ with the DVR, switch the camera monitor channel to full screen
mode for the appropriate window.
3.5.1 PTZ setup
The PTZ setup includes the following items. Please select channel first. See Figure 3-13.
Protocol: Select corresponding PTZ protocol such as PELCOD.
Address: Input corresponding PTZ address.
Baud rate: Select the baud rate.
Data bit: Select the number of data bits. Default value is 8.
Stop bit: Select the number of stop bits. Default value is 1.
Parity: Select the parity. There are three choices: none/odd/even. Default value is none.
Figure 3-13
After configuring all items click the Save button. You will be returned to the previous menu.
3.5.2 PTZ operation
In single window display mode right click the mouse, click the “Fn” Button on the front panel
or click the “Fn” key on the remote control to open the menu. The interface is shown as in
Figure 3-14.