GE DVSR xU User manual

GE
Security
P/N DVSR-xU_EN • REV2-23 • ISS 04MAR09
DVSR xU
User manual

Copyright © 2009 GE Security, Inc.
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Intended use Use this product only for the purpose it was designed for; refer to the data sheet and user
documentation for details. For the latest product information, contact your local supplier or visit
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European Union directives 1999/5/EC (R&TTE directive): Hereby, GE Security declares that this device is in compliance with
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Contact information For contact information see our Web site: www.gesecurity.eu.

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Content
1. Product overview ......................................................................................................................1
Product description ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Unpacking the DVSR xU and its accessories.............................................................................................................................. 1
Installation environment...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. DVSR xU installation .................................................................................................................3
Connecting the devices ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Connecting alarm inputs and outputs........................................................................................................................................... 4
Connecting the DVSR xU to a PC...................................................................................................................................................... 4
Turning on the DVSR xU........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3. Controlling the DVSR xU ..........................................................................................................6
Using the front panel ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Using the IR remote control................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Using the mouse....................................................................................................................................................................................10
Using the Web browser ......................................................................................................................................................................11
4. Basic operations..................................................................................................................... 12
Login using PINs.....................................................................................................................................................................................12
Description of live mode.....................................................................................................................................................................12
Selecting live view .................................................................................................................................................................................14
Manual recording ..................................................................................................................................................................................15
Searching and playing back recorded video............................................................................................................................16
Archiving recorded files......................................................................................................................................................................19
Controlling a PTZ camera ..................................................................................................................................................................24
Overview of the menu structure.....................................................................................................................................................26
Turning off the DVSR xU .....................................................................................................................................................................29
5. Display settings...................................................................................................................... 30
Configuring the display settings.....................................................................................................................................................31
6. Camera settings..................................................................................................................... 36
Configuring camera settings............................................................................................................................................................37
7. Recording settings................................................................................................................. 49
Configuring the recording settings ...............................................................................................................................................49
8. Network settings.................................................................................................................... 56
Configuring the network settings...................................................................................................................................................57
9. Alarm settings ........................................................................................................................ 63
Alarm relay outputs..............................................................................................................................................................................63
Configuring the alarm settings .......................................................................................................................................................64
10. PTZ settings............................................................................................................................. 69
Description of preset, preset tour, and shadow tour options...........................................................................................70
Configuring the PTZ protocols of GE Security cameras.......................................................................................................70
Configuring the PTZ settings ............................................................................................................................................................71

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11. User settings ........................................................................................................................... 76
Overview of users and PINs..............................................................................................................................................................77
Configuring the user settings...........................................................................................................................................................78
12. System settings...................................................................................................................... 82
Capturing text insertions....................................................................................................................................................................83
Configuring the system settings.....................................................................................................................................................85
13. Troubleshooting and support.............................................................................................. 94
Troubleshooting your system..........................................................................................................................................................94
Contacting technical support ..........................................................................................................................................................95
Appendix 1: Specifications ............................................................................................................. 96
DVSR xU Menu Map........................................................................................................................ 100

DVSR xU User Manual 1
1. Product overview
Product description
The second generation of DVSR uses H.264, the latest video compression standard. This standard
offers 25 frames per channel per second at CIF resolution. This compression technology delivers
compact but excellent quality images.
The DVSR xU offers 4, 8 or 16 channels of analog recording, all up to 4CIF resolution (704 x 576). The
dual streaming functionality allows the user to set up different settings for recording and streaming
video. DVSR xU supports both variable bit rate and variable frame rate. The dual streaming
functionality allows the user to set up different settings for recording and streaming video. DVSR xU
incorporates Triplex functionality for simultaneous transmitting, viewing live video, and recording.
The DVSR xU series embedded digital video recorder is a digital surveillance product. It uses an
embedded microcontroller DVSR xU (MCU) and an embedded real-time operating system (RTOS),
combining the most advanced technology in the information industry, such as video and audio
encoding/decoding, hard disk recording, and TCP/IP. The firmware is burned into the flash, making it
more stable and reliable.
DVSR xU series has the features of both a digital video recorder (DVR) and a digital video server (DVS).
It can be used as a standalone device but also to build a powerful surveillance network, such as
widely used in the banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, and transportation sectors.
Unpacking the DVSR xU and its accessories
When you receive the product check the package and contents for damage, and that all the items
are included. There is an item list in the package. If any of the items are damaged or missing, please
contact your local supplier.

2DVSR xU User Manual
Figure 1: Items shipped with product
AC mains cable
QuickStart Guide
IR remote
control
AAA batteries USB mouse USB extension cable RS-232 cable CD with
documentation &
utilities
Installation environment
Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. Ensure that the location planned for the installation of the unit is well ventilated.
Regularly clean the unit by gently brushing it.
Temperature: Consider the DVSR xU’s operating temperature (-10 to 50°C) and non-condensing
humidity specifications (10 to 90%) before choosing an installation location. Extremes of heat or cold
beyond the specified operating temperature limits may cause the DVSR xU to fail. Do not install the
DVSR xU on top of other hot equipment. Leave space between rack mounted DVSR xUs.
Moisture: Do not use the unit near water. Moisture can damage the internal components. To reduce
the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit near to rain or moisture.
Chassis: Other equipment may be placed on top of the DVSR xU if it weighs less than 16 kg.
WARNING: Before installing the DVSR, please ensure that the power to the DVSR is switched off.

DVSR xU User Manual 3
2. DVSR xU installation
This section describes how to connect the DVSR xU unit.
Connecting the devices
Figure 2 shows the back panel connections and describes each connector. There are variations
between the different model types.
Figure 2: DVSR16 xU back panel connections
Required connections
A. Connect up to 16 cameras to the standard BNC video inputs.
Note: If a camera is incorrectly connected to the DVSR xU, the monitor shows a Video Loss message. Check the
connection and reconnect the camera if necessary.
B. Connect monitor A (main) to the output VIDEO OUT. Connect the audio output () to AUDIO OUT if required. You can
use either analog or VGA output. Both outputs will display the same video information.
Optional connections
C. Connect a spot monitor (Mon B) to the DVSR xU. Connect the monitor video to VIDEO OUT. Connect the monitor audio
(if used) to AUDIO OUT ().
D. Connect up to 16 audio signals to the standard BNC audio inputs (315 mV).
E. For future use.
F. Connect the VGA display (max. 1024 × 768 @ 60 Hz).
G. Connect an ATM or optional ProBridge using the supplied RS-232 cable.
H. Connect the network devices.
I. Connect the USB mouse (supplied).
J. Connect the E-SATA for archive and storage expansion.

4 DVSR xU User Manual
K. Terminate the line using this RS-485 switch. The default setting is OFF.
L. Connect the external data and alarm input/output (I/O) cable. See Figure 3 on page 4 for more information.
M. Connect the DVSR xU to ground.
Power connection
N. Connect the power cord to the DVSR xU. Be sure all devices are connected and turned on before you turn on the
DVSR xU.
Connecting alarm inputs and outputs
Figure 3: Connecting the external data and alarm I/O cable
: Not used
RS-485 T+ T-: Connect PTZ camera data
Alarm output port:
1-G to 4-G: 4 relay ports
Alarm input port:
G: Common ground)
1 to 16: Alarm inputs, NO/NC supported
Connecting the DVSR xU to a PC
Use a RS-232 cable to connect the unit to a PC. Figure 4 describes the pin connections to use when
connecting the serial port of the DVSR to a device using a DB9 connector such as on a PC.
Figure 4: The pin connections of a RS-232 cable
DVSR xU PC
Pin configuration

DVSR xU User Manual 5
Turning on the DVSR xU
The DVSR xU is delivered with preconfigured settings. You only need to connect the cameras and the
monitors. After powering up, the DVSR xU will start to record immediately.
Note: The default video standard is PAL. For information on changing the standard, see section To select the
video standard on page 32.
The DVSR xU is equipped with a universal power supply that will auto-sense 100/240 V, 60/50 Hz.
Turn on the connected equipment. When you turn on the DVSR xU it automatically displays all
connected cameras. The DVSR xU shows the number of HDDs installed then displays live views from
each connected camera. It automatically begins recording.
To get the unit into operation quickly
1. Connect all the devices required to the back panel of the DVSR xU. See Figure 2 on page 3.
2. Turn on the unit. The unit automatically carries out a diagnostic test of the devices. The video
images then appear onscreen.
3. To modify the preconfigured settings, press the Menu button on the front panel to access the
main menu. The login dialog screen appears.
4. Enter the default administrator user ID and PIN. The main screen appears.
User ID = Administrator
PIN = 3477
5. Modify the DVSR xU parameters as required in the submenus.
6. When customization is complete, press Esc to exit menu mode and return to live mode.

6 DVSR xU User Manual
3. Controlling the DVSR xU
There are four ways to control the DVSR xU menu options:
Front panel control
IR remote control
Mouse control
Web browser control
These options are described in the following sections.

DVSR xU User Manual 7
Using the front panel
The buttons on the front panel control all functions. The LED indicators light up or flash to alert you to
various conditions. See Figure 5.
Figure 5: Description of the DVSR xU front panel
Buttons Description
A. Function MENU Main menu button. Opens the programming menus.
ESC ESC button. Cancels the current operation and returns to the previous menu.
PLAY
Playback button. Opens the Search menu to search for recorded video files.
REC
Record button. Opens the manual record menu.
The privileged user can then start, select, deselect, or stop manual recording for each video
channel.
EDIT
Edit button. A multifunctional button. Its function depends on the current usage of the unit.
PTZ
PTZ button. Activates the PTZ control of the selected camera, if PTZ is supported.
A
Input method button. In an alphanumeric window, toggles through the different character
types. In live mode, activates or deactivates the status bar.
PREV
Preview button.
- Cycle through the multiscreen displays. Inactive cameras display NO VIDEO SIGNAL..
- Switch from Cycles through the multiscreen displays. Inactive cameras display No Video
Signal.
- Switches from any menu to return to viewing live video.
INFO
System information button. Information. For future use.
VOIP
VOIP button. Toggles between monitors A and B.
B. Direction
controls
- Arrow buttons move the cursor in the programming menus to select and change settings.
- If the PTZ option is activated, the arrows control the PTZ camera.
- Control the playback video.
C. POWER Power switch. Press the button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the DVSR xU. You will be asked for
your PIN.
D. Alphanumeric Select video channels.
Select full-screen display for the selected channel.
Enter text and numbers in programming submenus.

8 DVSR xU User Manual
LED Description
E. Channels Green indicates recording.
Red indicates remote viewing.
Orange indicates both recording and remote viewing.
F. Status Status: Green indicates that the unit is linked to an IR remote control.
HDD: Red indicates that the DVSR xU is accessing the HDD.
TX/RX: Flashing green indicates data transmission.
Modem: Green indicates that the unit is currently connected to a network.
Alarm: Steady red indicates an alarm.
Link: Green indicates that the unit is linked to a network.
G. IR remote
receiver
This is the receiver for the IR remote control.
C. Power Steady green indicates DVSR xU is operational.
Red indicates manual shutdown.
No light indicates that there is no power.
To silence the audible button feedback
At any time press and hold down the MENU button for at least five seconds. The audible button
feedback will activate or deactivate depending on the current status. Press ESC to return to the live
viewing screen.

DVSR xU User Manual 9
Using the IR remote control
The IR remote control operation is similar to front panel operation.
Figure 6: Description of the IR remote control
No. Name Description
A. POWER Turn the DVSR on/off.
B. DVSR# Enable/Disable the IR remote control
C. Alphanumeric
buttons
Same as the alphanumeric button on the front
panel
D. EDIT Same as the EDIT button on the front panel
E. A Same as the Abutton on the front panel
F. INFO Same as the INFO button on the front panel
G. ESC Same as the ESC button on the front panel
H. PTZ Same as the PTZ button on the front panel
I. MENU Same as the MENU button on the front panel
J. OK
Same as the , , , buttons and the
Enter button on the front panel
K. Lens control IRIS, FOCUS ZOOM for lens control
L. REC Same as the REC button on the front panel
M. PLAY Same as the PLAY button on the front panel
N. VOIP/MON Same as the VOIP button on the front panel
O. PREV Same as the PREV button on the front panel
P. SHOT Same as the REC-SHOT button on the front panel
Q. AUTO Same as the PLAY-AUTO button on the front panel
R. Reserved
To insert batteries into the IR remote control
1. Remove the battery cover on the remote control.
2. Insert the batteries. Observe the correct battery polarity (+ and -).
3. Replace the battery cover.
To connect the remote control to the DVSR xU:
1. Press the DVSR# button on the remote control.
2. Enter the device ID. The DVSR xU default ID is 1.
Note: See page 31 on how to change the device ID.
3. Press OK. The Status LED will light up on the DVSR xU front panel.
To switch off the IR remote control
1. When IR remote control STATUS LED on the DVSR front panel is lit, press the DVSR# button. The
STATUS LED switches off and the IR control cannot be used to operate the DVSR.

10 DVSR xU User Manual
To switch off the DVSR with the remote control
1. When IR remote control STATUS LED on the DVSR front panel is lit, press the POWER button for
several seconds. The DVSR will be switched off.
When the IR remote control does not function properly
Check the battery polarities
Check that the batteries are sufficiently charged
Check that the IR remote control sensor is not masked
If the problem persists, please contact your local supplier.
Using the mouse
Use the USB mouse provided with the DVSR xU. It can carry out the same operations as the front
panel and remote control.
Connect the mouse to the DVSR by simply plugging the mouse USB connector into the USB port on
the back of the DVSR xU. The mouse is immediately operational.
To use it in live view
1. Scroll forwards and backwards between cameras: When in full-screen view use the scroll button
on the mouse to scroll forwards and backwards through the cameras.
Toggle between full-screen and multiview: When in multiview double-click the left button of the
mouse on a camera to open it in full-screen view. Double-click again to return to multiview.
To access the mouse control menu
1. In live view right-click the mouse to open its control menu. It has eight menu options, which are
listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Mouse control menu
Menu option Description
Menu Jump to the main menu.
Camera Select a specific individual camera.
Multi Screen Select multiview. The multiview selection presented depends on the number of
cameras connected to the DVSR.
PTZ Control Control a PTZ camera. See Table 4 on page 25 for the description of the PTZ control
icons.
Right-click the mouse to get the following options:
• Channel: Select the camera to control
• Preset: Select a preset number to use
• Exit: Return to live view
Instant Replay Get an instant replay of the last five minutes recorded from all cameras in either full-
screen view or multiview. See section To playback a recorded file on page 18 for more
information.
During the playback, right-click the mouse to jump to the Playback menu.
Search Jump to the Playback menu. See Fig 12 on page 17. Select for recordings with specific
criteria, such as particular camera, type of event, time, and text.
Right click mouse to return to live view.

DVSR xU User Manual 11
Menu option Description
Manual Record Manual Record menu screen appears. See Fig 11 on page 16.
Status Bar Toggle onscreen status bar on/off.
Swap Monitor Toggle between monitors A and B.
Using the Web browser
The DVSR xU Browser lets you easily view, record, and playback video as well as manage all aspects of the
system from any Internet location. It has easy-to-use controls that give you quick access to the functions you
require. See Figure 7 below for the layout.
Figure 7: DVSR xU Browser layout (Live view shown)
A. Viewer: View live and recorded video.
B. Navigation bar: Access live and playback video. Explore the DVSR xU internal log, and carry out comprehensive
remote maintenance.
C. Navigator: Access all DVSR xU cameras.
D. Viewer controller: View or edit the properties of the currently selected objects in the Navigator.
E. Camera controller: Control PTZ cameras or edit properties of the currently selected cameras.
To access the DVSR xU Browser
Open Internet Explorer and type the IP address assigned to the DVSR xU. In the Login screen enter the
user ID and PIN.
User ID = Administrator
PIN = 3477

12 DVSR xU User Manual
4. Basic operations
This chapter describes the everyday usage of the DVSR xU. It explains:
Login using PINs
Live mode
Full and multiscreen mode
Manual recording
Searching and playing back video
Archiving recorded files
Controlling a PTZ camera
Overview of the menu structure
Turning off the DVRS xU
Login using PINs
Use PINs to limit access to the DVSR xU. Only authorized users should be able to modify menu
settings or carry out certain tasks. See section User settings on page 76 for information on managing
users.
Note: You will hear an audible warning when an incorrect user name or PIN is entered. After three
incorrect entries, the unit returns to live mode.
Description of live mode
In live mode, you watch live video from a camera. Live mode is the normal operating mode of the unit.
From live mode you can switch to playback mode or to the system menu.
The way the monitors display video depends on how you set up the system.
In live mode, the DVSR xU displays the status of each video channel at the bottom of the screen. See
Figure 8. The number of channels displayed (4, 8, or 16) depends on the DVSR xU model.

DVSR xU User Manual 13
Figure 8: Example of live mode with recording status displayed (for 16 cameras)
If the letter is grey letter, the monitor is inactive
Caution: DVSR xU has no camera autodetection mode. The unit records a channel even if no camera
is connected to it. A black picture with the message "Video Loss" is displayed when the channel is
selected in either live mode or playback mode.
The color of the camera numbers displayed in the status bar represents the channel status. It is
consequently easy to see the current status of each channel during live mode. The status color code
is described in Table 2.
Table 2 Description of the status color code
Icon Icon color Status description
1 Blue No video signal
1 Yellow Camera tampered
1 Grey Camera disabled
1 Green Real time recording
1 Orange Motion detection
1 Red External alarm
The status bar can be set to appear by default. See section To setup the status bar on page 32.

14 DVSR xU User Manual
To activate/deactivate the onscreen status bar
Front panel/remote control Press the A button on the front panel to activate or deactivate the status bar.
Mouse Right-click the mouse and select Status Bar from the menu.
Figure 9: Activate or deactivate the status bar
Selecting live view
You can select from which monitor to display the camera views in live mode as well to display full or
multiview screens on the monitor.
To select between monitor A and B
Front panel/remote control Press the VOIP button to select between monitor A and B.
Mouse Right-click the mouse and select Swap Monitor from the menu shown.
To view a full screen display
Front panel/
remote control
DVSR xU with 4 or 8
cameras:
Press the number button that corresponds to the camera number.
For example, press button 2 to preview camera number 2.
DVSR xU with 16
cameras
Press the two number buttons that correspond to the camera
number. For example, press buttons 0 2 to preview camera
number 2, and press buttons 1 2 to preview camera number 12.
Mouse Right-click the mouse and select Camera from the menu shown. Select the camera you need.

DVSR xU User Manual 15
To view a multiscreen display
Front panel/remote control Press the PREV button to switch to multiscreen live viewing. If the multiscreen
display does not include all the cameras you want to see, keep pressing the PREV
button to increase the number of screens displayed.
Mouse Right-click the mouse and select Multi Screen from the menu. Select the desired
display layout.
Figure 10: Change the number of screens on view
To manually cycle through live views
Front panel/remote control Press the EDIT button to manually step through the live views. You can set the auto
multiscreen mode in the Display menu. See section To change live view layout on
page 33 for further information.
Mouse Use the mouse wheel to scroll forwards and backwards through the live views.
Figure 11: Manually cycle through live views
Manual recording
When a channel is recording its corresponding LED on the front panel is green. This green LED is also
repeated in the manual record menu. You can start or stop a channel recording by pressing the REC
button and entering into the Manual Record menu.
Figure 12: What the options mean in the Manual Record menu
When the status of the camera number is:
• Green indicates the channel is recording
• Red indicates remote viewing
• Orange indicates both recording and remote viewing
• Grey the channel is not recording
Start/Stop options:
• indicates recording is enabled

16 DVSR xU User Manual
To manually start or stop a recording
1. Press the REC button on the front panel of the DVSR or the IR remote control, or right-click the
mouse, and select Manual Record. Enter your user name and PIN, if requested.
Note: You must have Record rights to change the manual recording status. See section To add or modify
user operational rights on page 79 for more information.
The manual record screen appears, listing all the channels. The Camera status line shows which
channels are currently recording. See Figure 13.
Figure 13: The manual record menu with 16 channels (13 recording)
2. On the Start/Stop line press Enter or left-click the mouse to activate () a channel that is not
recording. Press or click again to de-activate.
The channel status LED on the front panel and the camera number in the status bar on screen
turn green. The Start/Stop button in the Manual Record screen displays a “”.
Recording now starts from the selected channel.
3. Select the next channel from which you want to start or stop recording.
4. If you want all channels to start recording, select Start All. All the channel status LEDs on the front
panel and the onscreen camera numbers in the status bar turn green.
Select Stop All to switch off all channels.
5. Press the ESC button or right-click the mouse to save changes and return to the live mode.
Searching and playing back recorded video
You can search for and playback recorded video. You must be in live mode to playback video. You can
search recorded videos by several different options, such as:
Manually, motion detection, or alarm recorded files
Start and end time of recording
Text (from an ATM, for example)