Night Owl THD301 Series User manual

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What’s in the Box
Package Contents
3MP DVR Camera(s)
60 ft. Video/Power Cables
(1 cable per camera)
Power Splitter(s)
USB Mouse (x1)
6 ft. HDMI (x1)
DVR Power Adapter (x1) Camera Power Adapter(s) 6 ft. Ethernet (x1)
Safety Sticker (x3)
Mounting Hardware
Video Inputs: Allows for the connection of up to 8 BNC cameras.
Video Outputs: Allows the DVR to be connected to a TV or monitor
for video viewing.
Audio Inputs & Outputs: RCA ports allow the connection of an audio-
enabled camera or self-powered microphone and an external speaker
to the DVR. (audio enabled camera, microphone and speaker not
included)
LAN & USB Ports: LAN allows for Internet access via Ethernet cable.
USB ports allow for mouse control and external storage.
Power Input: 12V port for electrical power.
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C
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BCD E
DVR Specifications
Items Not Included
RouterMonitor
Disclaimer: The exact components of your system, images and quantities may
vary depending on your model number. While these may vary, this QSG will
address the setup and initial configuration of your DVR and cameras.

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Connecting Your System
Power cable
connectors
Router Not
Included
Power splitter
connectors
FROM Camera TO Camera
HDMI
ETHERNET ETHERNET
Make sure you twist and
lock BNC connectors! Ensure you are using
the correct power adapter.
The DVR power adapter
is labeled TO DVR ONLY
The Camera power adapter
is labeled TO CAMERA ONLY
Power
splitter
Camera Power
Adapter
Surge
Protector not
included
Plug one end of the included
HDMI cable into the HDMI
port on the back of the DVR.
Plug one end of the included
Ethernet cable into the LAN
port on the back of the DVR.
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C
Connect the ends of the cable
attached to the camera to the
ends of a video/power cable
labeled TO CAMERA ONLY.
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Plug the other end of the HDMI
cable into the back of your
TV or monitor.
To ensure all cameras are
functioning properly, please
test each one locally before
installing them.
Connect the red female power
leads of the video/power cables
to the male power splitter ends.
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Plug the other end of the Ethernet
cable into a numbered port on
the back of your router.
Connect the power splitter to
the camera power adapter and
plug the adapter into a surge
protector or Uninterruptible
Power Supply (UPS).
Connect the DVR power adapter
to the Power Input on the rear of
the DVR.
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Connect the BNC connector of
the video/power cable labeled
TO DVR ONLY to an open
video input on the DVR.
Plug the DVR power adapter into a
surge protector or Uninterruptible
Power Supply (UPS).
FK
Surge
Protector not
included

When you reach the ‘Channel Settings’ screen, you will want to have
installed the cameras in their final position. Please make sure you
have mounted cameras at least 7ft. above the ground and angled them
slightly down.
At this stage of the Startup Wizard, you will be instructed on adjusting
the camera sensitivity and setting the Motion Detection Area. Having
your cameras in their final position will be key.
So, if you would like to detect motion for the front door to your home,
place the camera to the side of the entrance.
The infrared sensor
works best for
‘side to side’
movement across
the cameras field
of view as opposed
to movement
directly to or away
from the camera
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On the ‘Password Creation’ screen, please note the following:
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Write your
password here:
Admin Account Creation
By default, the username will be ‘admin’. It must
remain ‘admin’ upon your initial account configuration.
However, you may add additional users at a later time.
Recovery Email Address
Please ensure you provide a valid email address in
case your ever forget your account information.
Remember Your Password
Night Owl strongly recommends writing down your
password within the Quick Setup Guide. You will need
it every time you log into your DVR and to remotely
view on a Smart Device.
Important… Please Read
1When you power on the DVR
you will be prompted with the
following screen. Please follow
the instructions to complete the
Startup Wizard.
Startup Wizard
This is the last screen you
will see when you have
successfully completed the
Startup Wizard.
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NOTE: For additional configuration of your DVR, please refer to the
owner’s manual located on our support page at www.NightOwlSP.com.
Booting Up for the First Time
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Using Night Owl X
Download Night Owl X from the
App Store or Google Play Store
and install the application on
your device.
To begin adding a new device, first select the
yellow plus sign within the Device menu.
If your Smart Device and DVR are on the same
network, the Smart Auto Detection will auto
find your DVR. If this method is not available,
please use the QR Code Setup.
To use the QR Code Setup, select Setup device
by QR Code and hover your Smart Device
camera lens over the QR Code located on the
top right corner of your DVR.
Click the link in the email
that was sent to you after
you created your account
to confirm your email
address.
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Download and Install Application
A
Create an account by entering an
email address for your username
and entering a password that is
between 6-20 characters long.
B
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B
C
C
A device can be added to the Night Owl X App by using the application’s
Smart Auto Detection or through a QR Code Setup. With Smart Auto
Detection, your DVR will automatically be detected by the Night Owl X
software, therefore making connecting easy! To use this preferred method,
ensure that your Smart Device and DVR are both on the same network.
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A
Adding Device and Login
Ethernet Cable
WIFI

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Using Night Owl X
You will now be required to enter the login
information for your DVR to add it. The DVR
username is admin by default.
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The password will be the same password you created during
the Startup Wizard and should be stored on page 5 of this
QSG. Please note: this is the password of your DVR, NOT
the password used to login to the Night Owl X App. You
must key the DVR password verbatim to add it to the app.
admin is case sensitive
(all lowercase).
Notifications
Manage custom
Push Notifications.
Live View
Displays real-time
footage of your
system
Playback
View recordings &
images and save them
to your phone’s album.
Settings
Display connected devices,
change view layout, view
favorites, manage accounts
and access help section.
App Overview

The XHD Series CMS Software allows you to view your Night Owl Security
system remotely from a PC or Mac®. Additionally, you can playback recorded
video, save video and images directly to your PC or Mac®, configure
numerous settings such as channel names and set record preferences.
Go to www.NightOwlSP.com
Click on the Support tab
Enter your model number in the search bar
Select either the PC or Mac®version of the software and download
To download the CMS Software:
XHD Series CMS Software
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Access your DVR
from any computer, anywhere!
Live View
Viewing live video,
controlling PTZ
functionality and
setting image
parameters.
Playback
View system
recordings and images
and save them directly
to your PC or Mac®.
Device Manager
Add and configure
available DVRs and
cameras on your
network.
Using XHD Series CMS Software
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1. Please visit www.NightOwlSP.com
2. Click the Support tab
3. Enter your product’s model number
in the search bar
4. Access the support material needed
For system manuals, troubleshooting guides,
FAQs, video tutorials and more:
We offer 24/7 bi-lingual
(English & Spanish)
technical support 365
days a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions Helpful Links and Support
1. Does my DVR have to be connected to the Internet?
Your DVR does not require an Internet connection for basic operation, but you
will need to connect the DVR to your router in order to remotely view your
system on a PC/Mac®or Smart Device.
2. Does my DVR have to be connected to a TV or monitor?
No, your DVR doesn’t need to be connected to a TV or monitor to view or capture
recordings. You can view your system using the XHD Series CMS Software
on a PC/Mac®or by downloading the Night Owl X app on your Smart Device.
3. Are my cameras weatherproof?
Yes, your cameras are weatherproof and will endure minimal moisture and
dirt/debris. However, Night Owl strongly recommends placing all outdoor
cameras under an eave or awning to help shield them from overexposure to
the elements, which could reduce your camera’s lifespan.
4. Why does my camera stop working at night?
It is possible that your camera is not receiving enough power for the LEDs
needed for Night Vision. Try plugging that camera directly into the camera
power adapter (bypassing the splitter) to see if the LEDs turn on. If they do, you
may need to purchase an additional camera power adapter for that camera.
5. Why is the Night Owl X app not accepting my password?
The Night Owl X app will require two passwords to configure: one password
will be used to login to the app itself and the second will be the admin
password of your DVR. In order to add a device to the app, you will need to
enter the DVR’s admin password. Please refer to pages 5 and 7 of this QSG.
6. Why can’t I connect using the Night Owl X app or XHD Series CMS Software?
If you are having trouble connecting using our mobile app or client software,
A) your Night Owl system may not be connected to a router, B) the latest
firmware or client software may not be installed on your computer or mobile
device or, C) the password may have been entered incorrectly or, D) You
may need to restart your DVR and try again.
FAQs
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