JVC VN-A1U - Network Encoder User manual

VN-A1U
NETWORK ENCODER
INSTRUCTIONS
LHT0007-001A
Thank you for purchasing the JVC VN-A1U.
To gain maximum benefit from this product, read this
instruction manual carefully before use and retain it for future
reference.
The serial number is very important for maintaining quality of
your product. At the time of purchase, check to see that the
serial number is correctly printed on the bottom of the unit
and that the serial numbers on the unit and warranty match.

2
1. Read all of these instructions.
2. Save these instructions for later use.
3. All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should
be adhered to.
4. Unplug this appliance system from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth
for cleaning.
5. Do not use attachments not recommended by the appliance manu-
facturer as they may cause hazards.
6. Do not use this appliance near water – for example, near a bath-
tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or
near a swimming pool, etc.
7. Do not place this appliance on an unstable
cart, stand, or table. The appliance may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or adult, and
serious damage to the appliance.
Use only with a cart or stand recommended
by the manufacturer, or sold with the appli-
ance. Wall or shelf mounting should follow
the manufacturer's instructions, and should
use a mounting kit approved by the manu-
facturer.
An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the
appliance and cart combination to overturn.
8. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are pro-
vided for ventilation, and to insure reliable operation of the appli-
ance and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not
be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by
placing the appliance on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
This appliance should never be placed near or over a radiator or
heat register. This appliance should not be placed in a built-in in-
stallation such as a bookcase unless proper ventilation is provided.
9. This appliance should be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the
type of power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local
power company. For appliance designed to operate from battery
power, refer to the operating instructions.
10. This appliance system is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type
plug (a plug having a third (grounding) pin). This plug will only fit
into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electri-
cian to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety pur-
pose of the grounding plug.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
PORTABLE CART WARNING
(symbol provided by RETAC)
S3126A

3
11. For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it form the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning
and power-line surges.
12. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
appliance where the cord will be abused by persons walking on it.
13. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the appliance.
14. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result
in fire or electric shock.
15. Never push objects of any kind into this appliance through cabinet
slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the appliance.
16. Do not attempt to service this appliance yourself as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
17. Unplug this appliance from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
b. If liquid has been spilled into the appliance.
c. If the appliance has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the appliance does not operate normally by following the op-
erating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered
by the operating instructions as improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often require extensive
work by a qualified technician to restore the appliance to nor-
mal operation.
e. If the appliance has been dropped or the cabinet has been dam-
aged.
f. When the appliance exhibits a distinct change in performance –
this indicates a need for service.
18. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service techni-
cian has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that
have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
19. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this appliance, ask
the service technician to perform routine safety checks to deter-
mine that the appliance is in safe operating condition.

4
CAUTION:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK. DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE.REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol, within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclo-
sure that may be of sufficient magni-
tude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equi-
lateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important op-
erating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accom-
panying the appliance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
Information for USA
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Changes or modifications not approved by
JVC could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Due to design modifications, data
given in this instruction book are
subject to possible change
without prior notice.
AVERTISSEMENT:
POUR EVITER LES RISQUES
D’INCENDIE OU D’ELECTRO-
CUTION, NE PAS EXPOSER
L’APPAREIL A L’HUMIDITE OU A
LA PLUIE.
Safety Precautions
INFORMATION (FOR CANADA)
RENSEIGNEMENT (POUR CANADA)
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
This Class A digital apparatus
complies with Canadian ICES-
003.
Cet appareil numérique de la
Class A est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada.

5
Keep away from moisture
Fire or electrical shock can result from the presence of mois-
ture.
Spillage can occur from objects containing water (flower
vases, flower pots, cups, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
and should not be placed on top of this device.
Do not touch
Do not touch lines (antenna wires, phone lines, etc.) con-
nected to this device or power plugs during a thunder storm
because this can result in electrical shock.
When installing this device, maintain a space of 10cm or
more between this device and the wall. Also keep other de-
vices at a distance to ensure good radiation. Internal heat
can result in fire.
WARNING
Warning
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may
cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to
take adequate measures.

6
PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE AND PROPER USE
This symbol informs you of the presence of the contents that
demands caution (including danger and warning). Specifically
prohibited contents (caution against electric shock in case of the left
symbol) are illustrated in the symbol.
This symbol informs you of prohibited actions. Specifically prohibited
contents (prohibition of disassembly in case of the left symbol) are
illustrated in the symbol and its vicinity.
This symbol informs you of the contents that forces you to take some
action or gives you some guidelines or instructions. Specific contents
of instructions (unplug the power cord from the outlet in case of the
left symbol) are illustrated.
Regarding Symbol Indications
Examples of Symbol Indications
WARNING
This represents the contents in which the probabilities
for death or serious injury are assumed if this symbol
indication is ignored and the product is erroneously
handled.
This represents the contents in which the probabilities
for injury to be inflicted are assumed and the contents
in which material damages to be sustained are
assumed if this symbol indication is ignored and the
product is erroneously handled.
Numerous symbols are employed as indication in the precautions for safety,
precautions for handling, and in the indication to the products. These are designed to
prevent in advance any possible infliction of injury on you and other individuals and
the damage of properties through the proper use of the product. The symbols and
meanings are shown below. Grasp the contents of the symbols completely before
reading this manual.
CAUTION
Always observe the following to ensure correct and safe usage of this device.
Read Safety Precautions thoroughly before using this device. The safety precautions
contain important information and should always be observed.
After reading, store in a readily available location for future reference.
To ensure safety

7
Do not install this device in locations such as the following.
To avoid the possibility of fire or electrical shock, do not install this
device in locations such as the following.
•Where there is excessive humidity or dust.
Do not install where there is excessive humidity or dust.
Avoid locations with oil smoke or steam.
•Locations where temperatures are high.
Do not install in locations where temperatures are extremely high
due to direct contact with sunlight or proximity to a heater.
Do not connect or disconnect the power cord or plug with wet
hands because this can result in electrical shock.
Do not place heavy objects on top of this device.
Loss of balance could cause falling and result in injury or damage.
Do not stand on this device.
This could cause overturning and result in injury or damage. Use
special caution with children.
Use only the specified accessories.
Use only the accessories specified in the instruction manual with this
device. The use of other accessories can result in fire or electrical shock.
Have your local dealer perform an internal inspection once
every three years.
Accumulated dust inside this device can eventually result in fire or
malfunction if not removed periodically. It is more effective to have
this inspection performed before the rainy season and when humidity
is high. Consult your local dealer concerning the inspection fee.
About CD-ROM handling
Do not bend or fold CD-ROMs.
The power IN jack is exposed, so use caution to avoid shorting with metal
objects, etc., when connecting and disconnecting the power cable.
Do not allow children with the carton and bags used for packing because
this could result in suffocation.
Cautions

8
Cautions
•This instruction manual may not be reproduced in part or in its entirety.
•Use caution to avoid infringing the copyrights of others during use.
•Please note that this company does not assume any responsibility in the
case of any possible errors that may be found in this instruction manual.
•The contents of this instruction manual are subject to change without notice.
•When this product is discarded, always observe all applicable laws and
regulations.
Trademarks
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation of the U.S. in the U.S. and other countries.
The marks ™, ©, ®, etc., are not used in this instruction manual.
Any other company names and product names mentioned in this
instruction manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the
respective companies.
Before Recording or Saving Important Images
•Due to provisions of the copyright law, images recorded and saved from
TV broadcasts and recorded tapes, etc., and recorded and saved images
of printed materials such as posters, etc., cannot be used for any purpose
other than personal enjoyment without the express written permission of
the copyright holder.
•When recording important images, always make test shots beforehand to
make sure that recording and display are correct. Also use caution
concerning available hard disk capacity.
•Please note that compensation will not be paid in the case that normal
recording and playback are not possible due to problems with this product
or with the computer software, etc.

9
CONTENTS
Warnings, Cautions and Others .............................................................................. 2
About Upgrades .................................................................................................... 10
Package Contents ................................................................................................ 10
Operating Environment ......................................................................................... 11
To ensure correct usage ................................................................................. 12
VN-A1U Setup ...................................................................................................... 13
Before starting setup ...................................................................................... 13
Names of VN-A1U parts ................................................................................. 14
Setup .............................................................................................................. 16
Controller Software Operation .............................................................................. 41
Starting connection and changing connection points ..................................... 41
Controller 1 ..................................................................................................... 42
Controller 2 ..................................................................................................... 43
Controller 3 ..................................................................................................... 44
Creating a new connection points .................................................................. 44
Deleting connection points ............................................................................. 45
Image quality adjustment ............................................................................... 46
Setting the frame rate ..................................................................................... 47
Changing resolution and inverting the image ................................................. 48
Alarm setting .................................................................................................. 49
Time stamp setting ......................................................................................... 51
Changing property .......................................................................................... 53
Recording function ......................................................................................... 54
Playback function ........................................................................................... 55
Local recording playback ................................................................................ 56
Playback picture screen ................................................................................. 57
Snapshot function .......................................................................................... 57
Motion detection standby ............................................................................... 60
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 61
Specifications ....................................................................................................... 63

10
About Upgrades
䡵New versions of the software (VN-A1U) can be acquired via Internet.
Download the software from the following.
Home page: http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/english/pro/vnetworks/
Package Contents
This product includes all of the following items. If any item should be missing,
please contact your local dealer.
●VN-A1U main unit
●CD-ROM
{V.Networks Controller, Instructions manual (This document)}
●Read Me First

11
Operating Environment
The environment described below is necessary for operation of the VN-A1U.
A PC running Microsoft Windows 98, Me, XP Home, NT (Service Pack5 or
higher), 2000 Professional (Service Pack1 or higher) or XP Professional.
●CPU Pentium II 300 MHz or higher
(Pentium III 500 MHz or higher is recommended)
●Memory capacity 64 MB or more
(128 MB or more is recommended)
●HDD space 20 MB or more
●
Display and video card 640 x 480 pixels or more, High Color
(1024 x 768 pixels or more, True Color is
recommended)
●
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX LAN board, connection cables
●Others Internet Explorer Ver. 4.01 or higher
LAN environment
●10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX networks mutually connected by hubs, etc.,
that conform to IEEE 802.3 or IEEE802.3u.
●The VN-A1U and a PC can be connected directly by using a cross
cable. (Although rare, the use of cross cables is not possible with
some LAN boards.)
●When used with 100 BASE-TX, please use a CAT-5 cable.
CAUTION
When the basic software requires higher environments than described as
operating environmnts for this software in INSTRUCTIONS, please follow
these requirements firstly.

12
To ensure correct usage
● To save electricity, be sure to turn off the power to the system when not in use.
●This product is for indoor use. It cannot be used outside.
●The product cannot be used and should not be installed in the following
locations.
• Locations subject to rain or water.
• Locations with hot air or oil vapors, such as in kitchens, etc.
• Locations where the allowed ambient operating temperature
(0° C – 40° C) is exceeded.
• Locations with radiation, x-rays or where strong electrical or magnetic
waves are generated.
• Locations with vibrations.
• Locations with much dust.
●Insufficient dissipation of heat from the unit may cause damage.
Never block or obstruct the ventilation around the unit.
●Use caution to avoid catching on the sensor insert button of the alarm
input/output jack. In case this happens and disconnection from the alarm
input/output jack occurs, return to the original location and use there.
●Cleaning
• Turn OFF the power before cleaning.
●The date and time setups are backed up by a lithium battery, which is
built into the unit. When the backup becomes unavailable, the lithium
battery should be replaced. Please contact the person in charge of
professional camera at your nearest JVC-authorized service agent.

13
VN-A1U Setup
Before starting setup
It is necessary to set an IP address for each VN-A1U unit. Use the following
procedure for the setup of each unit. (If the power is not turned on, the
installation of multiple VN-A1U can be performed at one time.)
1.Install the VN-A1U
* In case of installation in a location where the power cannot easily be
turned on, complete steps 2 - 5 before step 1.
2.Connect the VN-A1U to the network.
(The power to the VN-A1U should be ON.)
3.Set the VN-A1U IP address.
* When setting the VN-A1U IP address, be sure to contact the network
administrator for assignment or approval. When installing the second
and following units, reboot the PC and then return to step 2.
4.Enable the VN-A1U IP address.
(Turn the VN-A1U power off and then on again.)
5.Register the connection point.
* This registers the VN-A1U IP address data in the PC.

14
1Status indicator
Blinks in green during normal operation.
2Network indicator
No connection status : Lighting in red
10 Mbit/s linked status : Lighting in orange
10 Mbit/s communicating status : Blinking in orange
100 Mbit/s linked status : Lighting in green
100 Mbit/s communicating status : Blinking in green
3Remote indicator
Lights in green when the unit is capable of being remotely controlled by
an external device through COM1 7or COM2 8.
Turned off when the RS-422/485 signal from the device connected to
COM2 8can be output to the camera connected to COM1 7.
4Factory reset switch
Pressing and holding this switch for more than 2 seconds resets all settings
to the factory defaults with the exception of the clock setting.
5Composite video input
BNC connector to be connected to the composite video output connector
of the camera.
6Composite video output
BNC connector to be connected to the composite video input connector
of the monitor, switcher, etc.
Names of VN-A1U parts
1234
Front
5 7 9 11 12
10
6 8
VN-A1U NETWORK ENCODER
STATUS REMOTENETWORK
FOR EUROPE
ISOLATED POWER ONLY
CLASS 2 ONLY FOR USA
Rear

15
8COM2 port
RS-232C or RS-422/485 remote control terminals. Two remote control
modes can be selected using separate software.
•Remote mode: Enables the remote control of the externally connected
camera with RS-232C.
•Through mode: Reception of RS-422/485 control signal from a switcher
and its output to a camera externally connected to COM1.
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
910BASE-T/100BASE-TX port
0COM2 port control signal select switch
Selection of the control signal at the COM2 port from RS-232C and RS-
422/485. The factory setting is “RS-232C”.
!ALARM INPUT/OUTPUT terminals
@Power supply terminals
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
7COM1 port
RS-422/485 remote control terminals. Remotely controlling the externally
connected camera is possible using separate software.
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Content
When RS-422/485 is selected
RX+
RX–
TX–
TX+
GND
NC
NC
NC
NC
When RS-232C is selected
NC
RD
TD
High
GND
NC
High
CTS
NC
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Signal
RX+
RX–
TX–
TX+
NC
NC
NC
NC
NC
For details on the COM1
and COM2 ports software,
please contact the person
in charge of professional
cameras at your nearest
JVC-authorized service
agent.

16
1. Connecting to the network
•Turn on the power of only one VN-A1U unit.
When network connection is completed and the power is turned on, the
VN-A1U unit will be connected to the network at the following IP address.
Factory default IP address: 192. 168. 0. 2
* Use a straight cable when connect-
ing to a HUB. Use a cross cable when
connecting directly to a PC.
●About the power supply connection cable
•Length: Should be 30 m (98 feet) or less.
•Recommended cable type: UL1007, UL1015 or equivalent
cable with a power capacity higher or equivalent to an AWG#20.
Setup
10 BASE-T
CAT-5 Cable
Power supply (DC 12 V or
AC 24 V 50 Hz/60 Hz)
FOR EUROPE
ISOLATED POWER ONLY
CLASS 2 ONLY FOR USA
–
+
Power Supply
CAUTION
When shipped from the factory, the IP address of all VN-A1U units is set to
192.168.0.2 Consequently, if multiple units are installed in the same LAN
environment and the power is turned ON at the same time, duplication of IP
addresses will occur and correct access will not be possible. Always turn the
power on for only one unit at a time. Once duplication of IP addresses has occurred
(and after confirming that only one VN-A1U exists in the same LAN environment),
wait a while (10 minutes or longer), or turn off the power of all the network devices
on the same LAN environment, before turning the power ON again. If this is not
done, it may not be possible to access the VN-A1U.

17
2. Alarm IN/OUT connection
Connect external devices to the ALARM INPUT/OUTPUT as shown below.
OUTPUT
INPUT
12GCOM OUT
External
device
IN
External
device
OUT 1
External
device
OUT 2
ALARMALARM
●Cable connection and disconnection
Press the sensor insert button when connecting and disconnecting
cables. After connecting or disconnecting, make sure the sensor
insert button returns to its original position.
●About the alarm IN/OUT connection cables
•Length: use cables with a length of 50 m(164 feet) or less.
•Recommended model: UL1007, UL1015 or equivalent cable with
wire equivalent to AWG #22 - AWG #18.
CAUTION
External noise may affect the alarm working properly even with a cable length of
50m or less. In such cases, it is necessary to either change to the use of shielded
cable to prevent influence by noise or to change the wiring route to avoid passing
close to the source of the noise.

18
●Summary of alarm input/output functions
Sensor device
Alarm device
Alarm input Alarm output
Interlocked alarm
triggered by alarm
input
VN-A1U
1.2
G
G
OUT
OUT
COM COM
GND
GND
IN
3.3 V 0.6 mA
MAX.300 mA MAX.12 V
Interface condition of ALARM INPUT terminals
Non-voltage relay “a”contact input
or non-contact semiconductor “a”contact input
or NPN open-collector input.
Active low level, latch/momentary (500 ms or more)
Circuit current at Low level: 0.6 mA. Applied voltage at High level: 3.3 V.
Sensor devices
Infrared sensor, door sensor, metal sensor, manual switch, etc.
Interface condition of ALARM OUTPUT terminals
NPN open-collector output or equivalent (The output logic is set by the
Controller.)
Allowable input voltage: 12 V DC or less
Allowable current drain: 300 mA or less
Momentary (2 to 5000 ms) output (The time period is set by the Controller.)
Examples of alarm devices
Alarm, indicator, lamp, buzzer, etc.
* The types of relay contact mechanisms are expressed as “a”contact, “b”
contact, “c”contact, etc.
“a”contact: The contact is normally Open and is Closed when an event
occurs.
“b”contact: The contact is normally Closed and is Open when an event
occurs.
“c”contact: The contact status is inverted every time an event occurs.

19
●Alarm input interface circuits
Sensor device interface
circuit (Example 1)
Sensor device interface
circuit (Example 2)
VN-A1U
OUT
GND
OUT
GND
3.3 V 0.6 mA
DC 3.3 V
R
R
GND GND
1.2
G
PULL UP
Relay, switch, etc.
Alarm input
equivalent
circuit
Recommended connection cable
Length : 50 meters (194 feet) or less
Recommended cable type :
UL1007, UL1015 or
equivalent cable, which is
equivalent to a wire
specification of between
AWG#22 and AWG#18.

20
●Examples of alarm output interface
Alarm output
equivalent
circuit
Alarm device interface
circuit (Example 1)
Alarm device interface
circuit (Example 2)
Alarm device interface
circuit (Example 3)
L level
L level
H level
At Low
level
At High
level
H level
Output time (2 to 5000 ms)
VN-A1U
OUT
COM COM
COM
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
IN
IN
COM
GND
IN
MAX.300 mA MAX.12 V
DC 12 V
R
DC 12 V
R
DC 12 V
R
GND
GND
Buzzer, lamp,
LED, etc.
Buzzer lamp,
LED, etc.
Recommended connection cable
Length : 50 meters (194 feet) or less
Recommended cable type :
UL1007, UL1015 or
equivalent, which is
equivalent to a wire
specification of between
AWG#22 and AWG#18.
* Alarm setup menu of the V.NETWORKS Setup Tool
When an alarm device with a similar structure to the
interface circuits shown here is connected, the
OUTPUT signal level of the VN-A1U varies as shown
below according to the output port setup.