Night Owl VDP2 Series User manual

VDP2 SERIES
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USER’S MANUAL
VDP2 Series
DVR Component Model #: DVR-VDP2-81
Firmware Version: 20210201
Camera Component Model #: CM-DP2BK-B

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Thank you for choosing Night Owl Security
By purchasing a Night Owl product, you receive a one (1) year warranty covering manufacturing
defects in material and workmanship. In addition to warranty and technical support benets, you
have access to our vast library of free instructional How to Videos. For all Support Videos, go to www.
youtube.com/nightowlsp to access Night Owl’s YouTube page.
Camera Compatibility
Night Owl’s VDP2 Series DVRs are compatible with the following cameras:
VDP2
CM-DP2L-BU
CM-TA2L-BU
CM-C2OXL-BU
CM-DP2BK-B
NOTE: Not all features will work with all compatible cameras. You must use preferred cam-
eras to access all features.
This system is designed to work with CL2 UL Rated cabling or better. If the camera’s video quality,
either day or night, is degraded, you may need to change the cable run from the camera to the DVR.
Please see the warranty section of this manual for exclusions and additional details. Not all features
and capabilities are shared across all models. You may see features which are not applicable. Addition-
ally, this manual contains screen images that may not exactly match those on your TV/Monitor/Smart
Device.
THIS MANUAL WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME IT WAS COMPLETED. DUE TO OUR ONGOING EFFORT
TO CONSTANTLY IMPROVE OUR PRODUCTS, FUNCTIONS MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED OR CHANGED.
System Requirements
Please be sure that your PC/MAC® complies with the following specications:
• PC Operating System: Windows®10 and above
• MAC Operating System: MAC OS X®10.9 and above
• Please be sure that your mobile device complies with the following specications:
• Android™: 8.0 and above
• iOS®:12.4 and above

Table of Contents
iii
Table of Contents
FCC Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . 1
Initial Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Step 1. Verify Your Package Contents . . . . . 2
Step 2. Download the Night Owl Protect App and Create
Your Account . . . . . . . . . . 5
Step 3. Connect Your System . . . . . . . 6
Step 4. Set Up Your DVR . . . . . . . . 7
Connected to the Internet . . . . . . 7
Disconnected from the Internet . . . . 10
Step 5. Install the Cameras . . . . . . . . 14
Live View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
View Live (All Channels) . . . . . . . . . 16
Right-Click Menu From Live View . . . . . . 17
Light Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Facial Capture Menu . . . . . . . . . . 19
Event Playback . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Backing Up / Exporting Videos . . . . 23
Formatting a USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive . 23
Video Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Menu Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
General Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Display . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Network . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cameras Menu . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . 32
Record Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Event Settings . . . . . . . . . 34
Scheduling . . . . . . . . . . 38
Device Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
HDD . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
System Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
General . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Info . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Log . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Advanced Menu . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Maintain . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Events . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Auto Upgrade . . . . . . . . . 46
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . 50
User Information . . . . . . . . . . 52

FCC Warnings
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Compliance Statement
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against frequency interference in residen-
tial installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed or used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio commu-
nication. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on. The user is encouraged to try and correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION
The Federal Communications Commission warns the user that changes or modications
to the unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
iv

Safety Instructions
Use the provided power adapter.
Do not use this product with a power source that applies more than the specied voltage.
Never insert metal into the DVR case or its openings.
Inserting metal into the DVR case may cause electric shock.
Do not operate in wet or dusty areas.
Avoid placing the DVR in areas such as a damp basement or dusty attic.
Do not expose the DVR to rain or use near water.
If the DVR accidentally gets wet, unplug it and contact technical support immediately.
Keep product surfaces clean and dry.
To clean the outside case of the DVR, use a lightly dampened cloth. Do not use cleaning solutions or
solvents.
Do not install near any heat sources.
Do not install the DVR near any heat sources such as stoves, heat registers, radiators, or electronics
(including ampliers) that produce heat.
Unplug the DVR when moving it.
Make sure that the DVR is unplugged before you move it. When moving this device, be sure to handle
it with care.
Make sure there is good air circulation around the DVR.
This DVR uses an internal hard drive, that generates heat during operation for video storage. Do not
block the vents on the DVR as these vents reduce the generated heat while the system is running.
Place this product in a well-ventilated area.
Do not attempt to remove the top cover.
If you observe any abnormal operation, unplug the DVR immediately and contact technical support. Do
not attempt to open the DVR to diagnose the cause of the problem. Removing the cover will void your
warranty.
Handle the DVR carefully.
If you drop the DVR on any hard surface, it may damage the device. If the DVR doesn’t work properly
due to physical damage, contact an authorized dealer for repair.
It is recommended to use your DVR with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Connecting your DVR and cameras to a UPS allows continuous operation even during power outages.
The run-time duration will depend on the rating of the UPS used.
CAUTION
You may be subjected to severe electrical shock if you remove the cover of the DVR.
1

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Initial Setup
Night Owl strongly recommends that you complete the following sections in the order
that they are listed to quickly and easily set up your system:
• Step 1. Verify Your Package Contents
• Step 2. Download the Night Owl Protect App and Create Your Account
• Step 3. Connect Your System
• Step 4. Set Up Your DVR
• Step 5. Install the Cameras
Step 1. Verify Your Package Contents
Before you begin to install your system, ensure you can identify all of the parts listed in
this section. Images may vary slightly based on your model number.
USB
Mouse (x1)
6 ft. HDMI (x1) 6 ft. Ethernet (x1)
Power Splitter(s)
(1 per 4 cameras)
Monitor Router
Mounting
Hardware
60 ft. Video/Power Cables
(1 cable per camera)
DVR Power
Adapter (x1)
Camera Power
Adapter(s)
(1 per 4 cameras)
Camera(s)DVR
RESET LAN1 LAN2 LAN3 LAN4 WAN
Items Not Included
NOTE: For best results use Night Owl accessories. Third party accessories or products under
a different brand may not work as well.
NOTE: Internet access is
STRONGLY recommended
for this initial setup. A TV
or monitor with a minimum
1080p HD resolution and
an HDMI input is required
for the initial setup.

FRONT VIEW
REAR VIEW
1 2 3
4
5
DVR Component Description
1. Video In: Connect your BNC wired cameras to one of these ports.
NOTE: The DVR automatically detects the camera. Before turning the DVR on, make
sure the cameras are connected to the DVR and a power source.
2. HDMI (Recommended): Connect your TV or monitor to this HDMI port using an HDMI
cable.
3. USB Ports: Connect a USB mouse or a USB ash drive to this USB port for video backup.
NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT two USB mice or two USB ash drives to the DVR.
4. LAN (Strongly Recommended): Connect your DVR to the Internet using an Ethernet cable.
5. Power Input: Connect the DVR power adapter to this port to power the DVR.
NOTE: Connect and test all cameras locally before you install in their nal location to
ensure that all components function properly.
3

4
Mouse Description
Live Viewing:
Double-click the left button on any camera view in split-screen mode to bring it to full
screen display. Double-click again to return to split-screen mode. Right-click to show the
Tool Bar at the bottom of the screen. Left click on the Tool Bar or Menu to access the
device’s features.
In Setup:
Left-click to make a selection. Right-click to cancel setup or return to the previous
screen.
To Enter Values:
Move the cursor to a blank eld and click the mouse. A virtual keyboard will appear
which supports numbers, letters, and symbols. The Shift function will access symbols in
addition to upper case letters.

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Step 2. Download the Night Owl Protect App and Create Your
Account
IMPORTANT: Night Owl STRONGLY recommends that you create an account via the
Night Owl Protect App. This app is the preferred method for password
resets since you cannot reset your password from the DVR. You can choose
not to use the app later if you wish.
1. Download the Night Owl Protect App from the Apple App or Google Play Store. If you
already have a Night Owl Protect account and connected device, proceed to Step 3 –
Connect Your System.
2. Follow the prompts on the Night Owl Protect App to create your account. For security
purposes, a verication code will be sent to your phone to verify the account being
created.
3. Finish creating your account and create a personal PIN number that you will enter upon
each login to the app. For more information on the Night Owl Protect App, click here:
https://support.nightowlsp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360044127354-Night-Owl-Protect-
Mobile-App-CMS
4. When nished, proceed to Step 3 – Connect Your System to begin connecting the
components of your system.

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Step 3. Connect Your System
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Connect the red female power leads of the video / power
cables to the male power splitter ends.
POWER SPLITTER
CONNECTORS
POWER CABLE
CONNECTORS
1
Plug one end of the included HDMI cable into the
HDMI port on the back of the DVR.
HDMI
9
Connect the power splitter to the camera power
adapter and plug the adapter into a surge
protector or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
CAMERA POWER
ADAPTER
POWER
SPLITTER
SURGE PROTECTOR
(NOT INCLUDED)
Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a port
on the back of your router or modem.
ETHERNET
ROUTER
(NOT INCLUDED)
5
RESET LAN1 LAN2 LAN3 LAN4WAN
2
Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into the back
of your TV or Monitor.
HDMI
NOTE: To view cameras, TV or Monitor must be
tuned to the same input the HDMI is plugged into.
STOP: BEFORE installing, connect and test each
camera locally to confirm they function properly.
PWR
HDD
6
Connect the end of the camera’s cable to the end
of a video / power cable labeled TO CAMERA ONLY.
VIDEO / POWER CABLEFROM CAMERA
To CAMERA
To C
A
6
Plug the USB mouse into the USB port on the back
of the DVR.
3
USB
Plug one end of the included Ethernet cable into
the LAN port on the back of the DVR.
4
ETHERNET
NOTE: Night Owl recommends connecting to the
Internet for the best user experience.
SURGE PROTECTOR
(NOT INCLUDED)
Plug the DVR power adapter into a surge
protector or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Some systems beep upon booting up.
NOTE: Make sure the UPS or
surge protector is switched ON.
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7
Connect the video / power cable labeled TO
DVR ONLY to an open video input on the DVR.
NOTE: Make sure you twist
and lock BNC connectors.
10
Connect the DVR power adapter to the Power Input
on the rear of the DVR.
POWER

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Step 4. Set Up Your DVR
IMPORTANT: Night Owl STRONGLY recommends that you have the DVR connected to the
Internet for initial setup. This connection allows the DVR to easily download
the latest rmware and run through the Set Up Wizard quickly. You can dis-
connect your DVR from the Internet after your system is setup and running, if
you wish. Note that if you do disconnect from the Internet, you will not receive
automatic rmware updates that include system upgrades and you will be un-
able to get help from our Technical Support Team without the latest rmware
running.
If you still do not wish to connect to the Internet, follow the steps in Disconnected from the Internet.
Connected to the Internet (Strongly Recommended Method)
1. Once your DVR is connected to a power source, the DVR immediately begins to boot up
and checks for the latest rmware. This process may take several minutes.
2. Click Continue on the Your Firmware is up to Date screen.
3. Select your preferred language and click Continue.

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4. Set your Time Zone and click Continue.
If your recorder is connected to the Internet, Sync Time should be automatically
selected and will work to keep your system’s date and time up to date automatically.
5. Select your monitor resolution and then click Continue.
6. Click Agree & Continue at the Data & Privacy screen.

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7. If you have already created an account using the Night Owl Protect App, click Already
have an account and login using your Username and Password.
If you have not set up an account, it is STRONGLY encouraged that you do that now
following Step 2 – Download the Night Owl Protect App and Create Your Account
above. Alternatively, you can set up your account on the Night Owl website at
www.no-protect.com.
8. After you have successfully logged in, the system prompts you to test your cameras. Click
Start.

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9. Verify that you can see your cameras and click Continue.
10. Click Complete Setup. Your DVR goes to the Live View screen. Proceed to Step 5 - Install
the Cameras.
Disconnected from the Internet
IMPORTANT: Night Owl STRONGLY RECOMMENDS connecting the DVR to the Internet for
this initial setup.
Please note the following limitations if you choose to NOT connect the DVR to the
Internet:
• You must manually update the DVR rmware to the latest version to receive Technical
Phone Support. Go to https://support.nightowlsp.com/ and type “VDP2” (see
the support label on your DVR to conrm) in the search eld to access the latest
rmware. Follow the instructions that are provided with the download.
• You cannot view your system remotely on a Smart Device.
• Resetting your password is a much longer process to ensure security.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN THIS PROCEDURE:
You must have a USB ash drive or External Hard Drive that is formatted to FAT32. Refer
to the Format a USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive section of the Back Up/Export
Videos chapter for further instructions.
1. Plug your DVR into a power source.
2. After ensuring you have a formatted USB ash drive or External Hard Drive, click I do not
want to connect to the Internet.
3. At the STOP prompt, after reading the advisory message, click I still don’t want to
connect it.

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4. Select your preferred language and click Continue.
5. Select your Time Zone and then use the scroll to select the current date and time. Then
click Continue.
6. Select your monitor resolution and then click Continue.
7. Click Agree & Continue at the Data & Privacy screen.
8. Go to www.no-protect.com to register the DVR. Use the information found on the DVR’s
support sticker to complete registration.
9. After the DVR is registered, click Continue.

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10. Create a local password:
– The default username is “admin”.
– Create a password (any alphanumeric combo with a minimum of 6 - 20
characters; MUST include a number, a lowercase letter, and an uppercase letter).
– Click Continue.
11. Click I still do not want to connect. Alternatively, you can click Connect to connect to the
Internet and follow the steps in the Connected to the Internet section above.

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12. Click Start to complete the camera compatibility test.
13. Verify that you can see your cameras and click Continue.
14. Click Complete Setup.
15. Go to https://support.nightowlsp.com/ and type “VDP2” (see the support label on your
DVR to conrm) in the search eld to access the latest rmware. Follow the instructions
that are provided with the download.
16. Proceed to Step 5 – Install the Cameras.

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Step 5. Install the Cameras
IMPORTANT: Before you begin this step, if you have not already done so, ensure all cameras
work before nal installation.
Plan Your Installation
When planning your installation, keep the following pointers in mind:
Distance: The further the camera is from the DVR or monitor, the higher the chances of
signal degradation. Locate the camera’s power supply as close to the camera as possible
when the distance exceeds 200 ft. as the power level will drop over extended distances,
resulting in video degradation.
Electrical Interference: Do NOT place the cameras near high voltage wires or other
sources of electrical interference. Electrical interference degrades the quality of the
signal.
Outside Elements: Avoid direct exposure to weather. Do not place the camera where
rain or snow will hit the lens directly. Do not place the camera so that the sun or bright
light shines directly into the lens. Your camera is weatherproof, but it will not work when
submerged in water. Ensure that all power and video connections are not directly exposed
to water and are protected from the elements.
Mounting Surface: Ensure your mounting surface holds at least four times the camera’s
total weight.
Camera Angles: Use the Live View on your DVR to verify that your camera will be at an
ideal angle before permanently installing.
Install the Cameras
1. Use the holes in the base of each camera as a template to mark the screw positions on
the surface where you plan to mount the camera.
2. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the included screw anchors, drill into the mounting
surface using the guide marks.

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3. Insert the screw anchors. Line up the camera base holes with the screw anchors, insert
the screws through the base, and tighten to secure the camera in place. Ensure you
feed the camera wire through the indent in the base as indicated by the green star in the
following illustration.
Add Additional Cameras
You can add additional cameras to your system at any time by following steps 6 - 9 in
Step 3 – Connect Your System and repeating the steps in this section.
Night Owl’s VDP2 Series DVRs are compatible with the following cameras:
VDP2
CM-DP2L-BU
CM-TA2L-BU
CM-C2OXL-BU
CM-DP2BK-B
Congratulations
You are ready to start using your system! Refer to the Live View chapter of this manual
for more information on how Night Owl works and how to utilize all of its monitoring
features.

Live View (All Channels)
Live View is the default screen you see when viewing all channels on your DVR. You can customize the
Live View by selecting a Quad, Eight, or Nine channel configuration.
In Quad and Nine view mode, double clicking on a channel displays the camera image in full screen;
double click the full screen channel to revert to multiple channel view.
In Eight view mode, double click on a channel to display in the larger screen within the Eight view
screen; double clicking the larger screen turns that channel into full screen view. Double click again to
revert to Eight view mode.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
J
K
L
I
H
Date and Time: Current date and time of the system.
Channel Name: On screen display of channel name.
DVR Status Recording Icon: Indicates that your DVR is currently recording video from this camera.
Speaker Icon: Allows you to enable or disable audio from an audio enabled camera. *Audio is not available on
all models.
Motion Detection Icon: Indicates that an alarm event such as motion detection, video loss or tampering has
occurred.
Refresh Icon: Auto detects the camera. By double clicking on this icon, you can change the format from CVI to
AHD to TVI. This would allow the DVR to have different types of cameras connected at once.
Question Mark: Shown when there is no signal to that particular channel.
Night Owl Logo: Indicates that the video transmission protocols are working properly.
Facial Detection Icon: Indicates the camera has captured a face using Facial Capture Technology.
Light Control Icon: Status of the camera's spotlight (not all camera models have a spotlight).
Human Detection Icon: Indicates the camera is currently detecting human motion.
Video Loss Icon: Indicates that the specic channel has lost the feed from the corresponding camera. This may
be caused by a disconnected/damaged cable, the camera may have lost power, or the camera may have been de-
registered from the channel. This also appears if you do not have a camera connected to the channel.
A
H
BCAM01
C D E F GI K JL
Live View
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