DVTEL 7701EA User manual

7700 Series
User Manual

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© 2004 DVTel, Inc. All rights reserved.
By providing this document, DVTel, Inc. is not making any representations regarding the correctness or
completeness of its contents and reserves the right to alter this document at any time without notice.
Published by:
DVTel Inc.
65 Challenger Rd.
Ridgefield Park
NJ, 07660
USA
www.dvtel.com
Publication date: December 09, 2004

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Table of Contents
Preface 5
About this User Guide 5
Symbols and Notation 5
Intended use 5
Support 5
Safety Information 6
Electrical shock hazard 6
Installation and operation 6
Maintenance and repair 6
Product Description 7
Supplied Components 7
System Requirements for Unit Setup 7
Overview of functions 7
Installation 10
Installing the unit 10
Connections 10
Switching on/off 11
Setup using terminal software 12
Configuration using a Web Browser 14
Establishing the connection 14
Choosing the configuration mode 16
Configuration with the Installation Wizard 16
Configuration with the Configurator 17
Configuring the Transmitter 19
Basics 19
Unit identification 19
Password settings 19
Language selection 20
Date and time 20
Time server 20
Camera name 21
Display stamping 21
MPEG-4 Encoder configuration 22
Video input settings 24
Audio configuration 24
Alarm sources 24
Alarm connections 25
Motion detector 26
Relay action / Relay operation 28
COM1 serial data port / COM1 interface settings 29
Network settings 30
Multicast settings 32
Version information 33

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Video Viewer configuration 34
Software update 35
Function test 36
Configuring the Receiver 37
Basics 37
Unit identification 37
Password settings 37
Language selection 38
Date and time 38
Time server 38
Monitor settings 39
Audio configuration 39
Alarm sources 39
Alarm connections 40
Relay action / Relay operation 41
COM1 serial data port / COM1 interface settings 42
Network settings 43
Version information 44
Software update 45
Function test 46
Transmitter Operation 47
The Video Viewer 47
Panoramic view 48
Saving snapshots 48
Recording video sequences 49
Receiver Operation 50
The Decoder connection page 50
Connection between the receiver and transmitter 50
Maintenance and Upgrades 51
Testing the network connection 51
Device reset 51
Repairs 51
Appendix 52
Troubleshooting 52
LEDs 53
RS232/485 interface 53
Glossary 54
7700 Series unit Specifications 55
Index 57

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Preface 1
About this User Guide
This manual contains instructions for installing, configuring and using the DVTel 7700 Series of video servers.
The series contains an encoder (7701EA) and a decoder (7701DA). Throughout this manual, these units may
also be referred to, respectively, as transmitters and receivers, or, generically, as 7700 Series units.
Symbols and Notation
The following symbols and notations are used throughout this document:
Warning!
This symbol indicates that failure to follow the safety instructions described may endanger users and
cause damage to the unit or to other equipment.
Note
This symbol indicates tips and information for easier, more convenient use of the unit.
Intended use
The 7700 Series is used to transmit and receive digitized video, audio, and data. Its units may be used with
the Latitude NVMS software or for creating point-to-point connections between analog video cameras and
monitors. Since the units contain an internal web server, the encoder may also be used as a simple stand-
alone video monitoring application. The units can be integrated with external alarm devices.
Support
If you encounter any problems after reading this manual, contact your local distributor or DVTel representative.
You can also browse the Technical Support Knowledge Base, located in the Support section of our website,
for solutions to many of the most common problems.
DVTel technical support personnel is available for help with all DVTel hardware and software products.
To reach technical support
On the Web: Support tab on www.dvtel.com
By phone: (888) DVTel 77, Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 6 PM EST
By email: t[email protected]

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Safety Information 2
Electrical shock hazard
•Never attempt to connect the unit to any power source other than the type for which it was intended.
•Use only the power supply provided.
•Never open the casing!
•If a fault occurs, disconnect the power supply unit from the mains supply and from all other devices.
•Install the unit and power it on only in dry, weather-protected areas.
•If safe operation of the unit cannot be guaranteed, remove it from service. This might happen if:
– there is visible damage to the unit or power cables
– the unit no longer works properly
– the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture
– foreign matter has infiltrated the unit
– the unit has been stored in improper conditions
– the unit has been exposed to a high level of stress during transport
In such cases, contact DVTel Technical Support.
Installation and operation
•Always comply with relevant electrical guidelines.
•Before installing or operating the unit, make sure you have read and understood the documentation for all
other equipment connected to it (e.g. cameras, analog monitors, etc.).
•Follow the installation and operating procedures described in this manual. Failure to do so may result in
personal injuries, property damage or damage to the equipment.
Maintenance and repair
•Never open the casing of the 7700 Series unit. It does not contain parts that you can repair or replace.
•Never open the housing of the power supply unit. The power supply unit does not contain parts that you can
repair or replace.
•Ensure that all maintenance or repair work is performed exclusively by qualified personnel (electrical
technicians).

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Product Description 3
Supplied Components
•A network video server, model 7701EA or 7701DA, with a terminal block for connecting power and external
devices.
•A 12V DC external power supply (North America only), unless one of the following optional power supplies
are ordered:
– A 200W power brick with one or more wiring harnesses.
– A Power over Ethernet (PoE) kit.
•A CD with software and product documentation
System Requirements for Unit Setup
•A computer with Microsoft Windows 98/2000/XP operating system and network access
•Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 5.5 or higher) or a free serial port and terminal software
Note
Make sure your graphic card is set to 16 or 32 bit color depth and Microsoft's Virtual Machine is installed
on your computer.
Overview of functions
Network Video Server
The 7700 encoder and decoder are ultra-compact network video servers. Their primary functions are encoding
or decoding video, audio and control data, converting them from analog to digital formats and vice versa. Due
to the units’ small size, they can easily be integrated into small enclosure, and since all transmission between
video servers, or between video servers and external computers, is IP based, the units can take advantage of
existing network infrastructure at the site in which they are installed.
The 7700 Series contains a transmitter (encoder) and receiver (decoder). Point-to-point and point-to-multi-
point connections can be configured between the two types of units. Video, audio and data from encoders can
also be decoded by a computer equipped with Latitude NVMS or the 7700 Series’ configuration software.
Video Encoding
The 7700 Series units use the MPEG-4 video compression standard. MPEG-4 enables data transfer at narrow
bandwidth – via Internet for example.
Dual Encoding
Dual encoding allows for incoming video and audio to be encoded simultaneously into two different streams
with different quality settings.
Multicasting
In suitably configured networks, the multicast function enables simultaneous, real time video transmission to
multiple receivers. This functionality requires that the network on which the 7700 Series units reside support
the UDP and IGMP protocols.

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Remote Control
The 7700 Series units can be used to remotely control external devices, such as PTZ cameras, by transmitting
control data via its bidirectional serial interface. This interface can also be used to transmit transparent data.
Configuration
The 7700 Series units can be configured using a browser via a local area network (Intranet) or the Internet.
Firmware updates can be delivered the same way.
Recording and Playback
You can save the video streams encoded by the 7701EA as MPEG-4 files on any hard drive connected to your
computer. The video sequences can be replayed using the provided software.
Snapshots
Individual video frames (snapshots) can be converted to JPEG images by the 7700 Series units, and stored
on hard drives or displayed in separate browser windows.
Backup
Video sequences can easily be backed up using the provided software.
Summary
The main functions of the 7700 Series unit are:
•Video, audio and data transmission over IP data networks
•Simultaneous dual encoding with two independently defined profiles
•Multicast function for simultaneous picture transmission to multiple receivers
•Analog BNC composite video input FBAS (PAL/NTSC) (transmitter)
•Analog BNC composite video output FBAS (PAL/NTSC) (receiver)
•A bidirectional audio input/output (mono)
•Video and audio encoding using the MPEG-4/G.711 standard
•Integrated Ethernet interface (10/100 Base-T)
•A transparent bidirectional data channel using a serial interface, type RS232/485
•Remote control of all built-in functions via TCP/IP
•
Password protection to prevent unauthorized connection or configuration changes
•Relay input for an external sensor (such as a door contact)
•Relay output for switching external devices (such as lights or audible alarms)
•Event-driven, automatic connection (for example when switching on and when alarms are activated)
•Fast, convenient configuration using a Web browser
•Firmware update using flash memory
•Convenient upload of configuration data

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7700 Series Unit Casing Description
1BNC jack: Video In (transmitter) or Video Out (receiver), for connecting a video source or an analog video
monitor
2 RS232/485 5-pin terminal block: for communication with external devices and configuration via terminal
software
32-pin terminal block: for powering the unit, particularly with a power brick and a wiring harness. The unit
can also be powered through the 10-pin block. Do not power the unit through both terminal blocks at the
same time.
4Reset button for restoring the unit to factory default settings
510-pin terminal block for audio, alarms, relay and power supply. The unit can also be powered via the 2-
pin block. Do not power the unit through both terminal blocks at the same time.
6Operating status LED (yellow) - lights up when the device is ready for operation
7Network connection LED (green) - lights up when the device is connected to the network
8Data transfer LED - flashes yellow when data is transmitted over the network
9RJ45 jack for connecting to the network
1 3
4 5
2
6 7 89

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Installation 4
Installing the unit
With its ultra-compact dimensions, the 7700 Series unit is particularly well suited for installation in cabinets.
Warning!
The unit is intended for use indoors or in a protective enclosure. Select a suitable location for installation
where the equipment is not subject to extreme temperatures or humidity. The ambient temperature must
lie between 0 and +50 °C. The relative humidity should not exceed 80%.
The unit generates heat during operation. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation and also that there
is enough clearance between the unit and heat-sensitive objects or equipment.
Make sure the following conditions for installation are complied with:
•Do not mount the unit close to heaters or other heat sources. Avoid locations subject to direct sunlight.
•Allow sufficient space for running cables.
•Ensure that the unit has adequate ventilation.
•Use only appropriate cables shielded against electromagnetic interference.
•Position all cables so that they are protected from damage, and provide strain relief where needed.
Connections
Camera/monitor
The 7701EA encoder connects to a video camera while the 7701DA connects to an analog monitor. All NTSC
or PAL devices are supported.
– Connect the camera or another video source using a video cable (75 Ohms, BNC plug) to the Video In BNC
jack of the transmitter.
or
– Connect the video monitor using a video cable (75 Ohms, BNC plug) to the Video Out BNC jack of the
receiver.
Data interface
The bidirectional RS232/485 data interface can be used to control external devices, such as PTZ cameras, via
the 7700 Series unit. The connection supports the RS232, RS422 and RS485 communication standards.
Warning!
Make use of the device documentation when installing and operating a device that you want to control
using the system. It contains important safety instructions and information about authorized use.
Note
A video connection is necessary to transmit transparent data.

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Network
You can connect the 7700 Series unit directly to a 10/100 Base-T network or via a hub. Use a standard UTP
Category 5 cable with RJ45 connectors.
– Connect the unit to the network using the Ethernet jack.
Alarm inputs
The 7700 Series unit has two alarm inputs on the orange terminal block. The alarm inputs are used to transfer
signals from external alarm devices, such as door contacts or sensors. Given the appropriate configuration, an
alarm device can, for example, trigger automatic connection between an encoder and a decoder in a remote
location. A voltage free normally open contact or switch can be used as an actuator.
Note
It is preferable to use an actuator with a bounce-free contact system.
– Connect the leads to the appropriate terminals on the orange terminal block and check that the connection
is secure.
Relay output
The 7700 Series unit has a relay output for switching external devices, such as lights or audible alarms. This
relay output can be activated manually if there is an active connection with the 7700 Series unit. Moreover, the
output can be configured to activate audible alarms or other devices as a response to an alarm signal. The
relay output is also located on the orange terminal block.
Warning!
The maximum rating of the relay contact is 30 V and 1 A.
– Connect the leads to the appropriate terminals on the orange terminal block and check that the connection
is secure.
Microphone/loudspeaker
The connection for the microphone/loudspeaker is also on the orange terminal block.
The bidirectional audio signals are transmitted simultaneously with the video signals. This can be used, for
example, to operate a loudspeaker or door intercom at the target location.
– Connect a line level audio source to the appropriate terminals on the orange terminal block of the transmitter
and check that the connection is secure.
– Connect a loudspeaker to the appropriate terminals on the orange terminal block of the receiver and check
that the connection is secure.
Switching on/off
Power Connection
The 7700 Series unit can be connected to power from two different locations on the casing.
– Connect one wire to the +terminal and one wire to the -terminal of the terminal block.
– When using a power brick with a wiring harness, connect one of the harness’s 2-block output connectors to
the corresponding power input on the opposite side of the 7700 unit casing as the orange terminal block.
Warning!
Take appropriate measures to ensure that the power supply is protected against voltage surges, spikes,
and brownouts.

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Warning!
Do not connect the 7700 Series unit to a power source until all the other connections have been made.
Once the video server is connected to a power source, its status LED light will flash red for a few seconds. The
unit is ready for operation as soon as the light turns steady yellow.
If the network connection is in order, the yellow "network connection" LED will also light up. The flashing orange
"data transmission" LED indicates data traffic on the network.
Setup using terminal software
Data terminal
You can use a data terminal software, such as HyperTerminal, which comes with Windows, to configure 7700
Series units.
Note
Information on installing and using HyperTerminal can be found in the user guides or online help for
Microsoft Windows.
– Before working with the terminal program, disconnect the 7700 Series unit from the data network.
– Connect the 5-block terminal block on the 7700 Series unit to an available serial port on your computer. You
will need a cable that is stripped on one end and terminates with a DB9 serial connector on the other. See
the Appendix for a pin-correspondence table between the terminal block and DB9 connector.
Configuring the terminal
To establish communication between the terminal program and the 7700 Series unit, the transmission
parameters must be correctly defined. Set the following values in the terminal program:
•19,200 bps
•8 data bits
•No parity check
•1 stop bit
•No protocol
Command entry
After the connection has been established, you must log on to the 7700 Series unit. You can then access the
main menu. You can call up additional submenus and functions using the on-screen commands.
•If necessary, turn off the local echo so that entered values are not repeated on the screen display.
•Enter only one command at a time.
•After entering a value (such as an IP address), re-check the entry before pressing the Enter key to send the
data to the 7700 Series unit.
Assigning an IP address
To operate the 7700 Series unit on your network, you must assign it an IP address that is recognized by the
network.
The following default address has been pre-set at the factory:
Transmitter: 192.168.0.1
Receiver: 192.168.0.2

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– Start up a terminal program such as HyperTerminal.
– Enter the user name service. The main menu will be displayed.
– Enter I to open the IP menu.
– Enter i. The current IP address will be displayed, and you will be requested to enter a new IP address.
– Enter the desired IP address and press Enter. The new IP address will be displayed and becomes effective
following a restart.
Additional parameters
Using the terminal program, you can check other basic parameters and modify them where necessary. Use
the on-screen commands displayed in the various submenus for this purpose.

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Configuration using a Web Browser 5
Establishing the connection
The integrated HTTP server allows the unit to be configured over a local area network using a Web browser.
This option offers considerably more possibilities and is more convenient than configuration using terminal
software. It also allows live video images to be displayed.
Note
Before the computer can decode live video images, the appropriate, special ActiveX Controls must be
installed. The controls can be found in the installation CD under “firmware\DVTELACX.exe”. Make sure
your Internet Explorer Intranet ActiveX settings (under Tools>Internet Options>Security>Local
Intranet) are all set to Enable or Prompt.
Note
Before using the web interface to configure or view video from your encoder, download and install the
latest version of the Java Virtual Machine from http://www.java.com.
System requirements
•A computer with Microsoft Windows 98/2000/XP operating system and network access
•Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 5.5 or higher)
•Monitor resolution of 1024 × 768 pixels or greater
Note
Make sure the graphic card is set to 16 or 32 bit color depth and Microsoft's Virtual Machine is installed
on your computer.
MPEG decoder installation
If no video images are displayed when you click the MPEG-4 link, it may be necessary to install a current
MPEG decoder. This software is available for download from DVTel’s website.
Establishing the connection
The 7700 Series unit must be assigned a valid IP address for your network before it can be operated in the
network environment. In other words, you must assign the encoder/decoder an adress that makes it visible to
any computer that will be used to access it.
The 7700 Series units come with the following factory-default IP Addresses:
7701EA (encoder): 192.168.0.1
7701DA (decoder): 192.168.0.2
– Make sure the unit, with its default settings, is visible by your computer. Depending on your network’s
architecture, this may necessitate changing your computer’s IP address temporarily.
– Start the Web Browser.
– Enter the default IP address of the unit as the URL (i.e. http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.0.2). The 7700
Series unit home page will be shown in the browser.

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If the unit is a transmitter, the home page will be the Video Viewer (which shows the live video image, if a
camera is connected to the encoder).
The Connection page will be displayed as the home page for a receiver. It shows a snapshot from the video
source for the transmitter currently connected, and the unit searches the network automatically for available
transmitters.
Note
If a connection cannot be established, the unit selected may already be communicating with another
remote station. Depending upon the network configuration and the individual units, a transmitter can
serve up to five receivers simultaneously.
7700 Series unit password protection
If the encoder/decoder is password-protected against unauthorized access, a dialog box requesting a user
name and password will appear first.
Note
The settings of a password-protected 7700 Series unit can be changed only by the Service user.

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– Enter the user name and password in the appropriate fields.
– Click OK. If the password is correct, the 7700 Series unit home page will open.
Choosing the configuration mode
There are two options for configuring a 7700 Series unit or checking its current setup:
•The Installation Wizard
•The Configurator
All settings are stored in the 7700 Series unit memory, and they are preserved even if the power is interrupted.
Use of the Installation Wizard is recommended for initial setup. It takes you step by step through the necessary
settings. It prevents critical settings for correct operation being overlooked. Moreover, each step offers brief
instructions that help with installation.
Using the Configurator is recommended only for experienced users and system administrators. All unit
parameters can be accessed in this mode. Operations that affect the basic functionality of the unit (such as
software updates) can only be performed in Expert Mode.
Note
Depending on whether the unit is a transmitter or a receiver, different home pages will be displayed. (For
the transmitter, see page 15. For the receiver, see page 15).
– Click the Settings link in the top of the Video Viewer (the home page) and choose your desired configuration
mode from the top of the page.
Configuration with the Installation Wizard
The Installation Wizard is used for step-by-step configuration of the 7700 Series unit. It will lead you through a
series of screens where you can input the necessary settings. The settings only become effective once the
entire process is completed. When working with the Installation Wizard, you can switch to another window at
any time.
The last screen of the Installation Wizard offers the option of launching the Application Wizard. The Application
Wizard helps you to configure the Video Viewer. It is used in a manner similar as the Installation Wizard.
Starting the Installation Wizard
The Installation Wizard can be launched from the Settings page.
– Click the Wizard link in the top part of the window. A new page will appear.
– Click the button in the Installation wizard field.
– Click Start to launch the wizard.

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General procedure
The screens for the Installation Wizard will be shown in sequence, allowing you to work quickly and easily. The
upper part of the window always contains information about the settings options. The current settings are
shown in the lower part of the window. You can change settings by entering the desired value in a text field or
choosing it from a list. The navigation buttons for the Installation Wizard are at the bottom of the window. You
can switch between pages of the Wizard at any time.
– Read the information provided.
– Make the desired settings changes.
– Click Next>> to proceed to the next screen.
or
– Click <<Back to return to the previous screen.
or
– Click Cancel to end the wizard without changing the settings.
Finishing the configuration
After you have gone through all the wizard’s screens, the changes must be transmitted to the unit and saved.
Click Finish in the last screen of the Installation Wizard to complete this process.
Warning!
All settings changes will become effective only after you have ended the configuration by clicking Finish
in the last screen.
– Go to the last screen of the Installation Wizard if necessary.
– Click Finish to finalize the configuration. All settings will be transmitted to the 7700 Series unit and become
effective forthwith.
Configuration with the Configurator
The Configurator allows all parameters of the 7700 Series unit to be changed. You can view the current
settings by opening one of the configuration pages. The settings can be changed by entering new values or
by selecting predefined values from drop-down menus.

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The basic use of the configuration pages is described below. Separate descriptions of the individual
configuration pages and customizable parameters for transmitters and receivers can be found in Kapitel 6 and
Kapitel 7 of this user guide.
Navigation
You can switch to the Configurator from the Settings page.
– Click the Configurator link. The initial page will be opened.
– Click one of the links on the left of the window. Other subordinate links will be shown.
– Click one of the links. The corresponding page will be opened.
Making changes
Each configuration page shows the current settings. You can change the settings by entering new values or
by selecting from predefined lists. After each change, click Set to save the change.
Warning!
Save each change with the associated Set button. When Set is clicked, only the changes in the relevant
(blue-bordered) field are saved. Changes in all other fields are ignored.

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Configuring the Transmitter 6
Basics
Below is a detailed overview of the various 7700 Series encoder settings that can be configured with the web-
based Configurator. Other configuration options are described in chapter 5 of this user guide.
The configurations described in this chapter should not be performed if you will be using the 7700 Series units
with Latitude NVMS, as it will override them. Use the Latitude AdminCenter instead.
Unit identification
The unit can be assigned a name and an ID to facilitate identification.
Password settings
A 7700 Series unit unit is generally protected by a password to prevent unauthorized access.
User name:
The transmitter operates with three user names: Service, User and Live.
When logged in under the user name Service, you can use all the functions offered by the unit and change all
its settings.
When logged in under User, you can operate the encoder and devices connected to it, but you cannot change
the configuration.
The user Live can only view live video.
Password:
You can define and change the password for each user if you are logged in under Service or if the unit is not
protected by a password. You can change only one password at a time. In order to change the password for
another authorization level, you must reload this configuration page.

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Language selection
Use this section to change the interface language.
Date and time
If a number of 7700 Series units are part of a larger system, it is important that the internal clocks of all units
be synchronized.
Date format:
Choose the desired date format:
(Europe: DD.MM.YYYY; USA: MM.DD.YYYY; Japan: YYYY/MM/DD).
Unit date:
Enter the date in this field. Since the system time is controlled by the internal clock, it is not necessary to enter
the day of week.
Unit time:
Enter the current time here or click the Synchr. PC button to copy the system time from your computer.
Time server
The 7700 Series unit can receive a time signal from a time server (NTP server) and use it to set its internal
clock. The device calls up the time signal automatically every two hours.
Time zone:
Select the time zone that applies to your system.
Time server IP address:
Enter the IP address of the chosen NTP server in this field.