Q-See QS218 User manual

H.264 Network Embedded DVR
8 Channel CIF Resolution Digital Video Recorder
USER MANUAL
Model #:
QS218
www.q-see.com
Rev 5/11/2010

CONTACT US Model Number: QS218
Please contact a Q-See support representative first for any additional information you need help with regarding
product features, specifications or setup assistance.
Please contact us using the following methods with questions about your Q-See product.
Q-See Products
8015 E. Crystal Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92807
Email:
Customer Service
[e-mail]
Technical Support
[e-mail]
Online live web chat visit:
www.q-see.com
Telephone:
Customer Service
1.877.998.3440 x 538
Technical Support
1.877.998.3440 x 539
Fax:
1.714.998.3509

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Model #: QS218
1. Electrical Safety
All installation and operation should conform to your local electrical safety codes.
We assume no liability or responsibility for any fires or electrical shock caused by improper handling or installation.
2. Transportation Security
Avoid heavy stress, violent vibrations or contact with water during transportation, storage and installation of this
system.
3. Installation
Keep upright. Handle with care.
Do not provide power to the combo DVR prior to completing installation.
Do not place objects on the combo DVR.
4. Qualified Service Technicians
Any examination and repair work should be done only be a qualified service engineer.
We are not liable for any problems caused by unauthorized modifications or attempted repairs.
5. Environment
This product works in a temperature range of 50°F to 122°F (-10°C -50°C).
This combo DVR should be installed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and flammable or explosive
substances, etc.
6. Accessories
Make sure to only use accessories recommended by Q-See.
Before installation, check the package to verify that all the components are included.
Contact your local retailer ASAP if something is broken in your package.
CAUTION!
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK!

WARRANTY INFORMATION Model #: QS218
Thank You for Choosing a Q-See Product!
All of our products are backed by a conditional service warranty covering all hardware for 12 months from the date of
purchase. Additionally, our products also come with a free exchange policy that covers all manufacturing defects for
one month from the date of purchase. Permanent upgrading service is provided for the software.
Liability Exclusions:
Any product malfunction or abnormalities in operation or damage caused by the following reasons are not within the
free service scope of our company:
(1) Equipment damage caused by improper operation.
(2) Improper equipment operation environment and conditions (e.g., improper power, extreme environmental
temperatures, humidity, lightning and sudden surges of electricity).
(3) Damage caused by acts of nature (e.g., earthquake, fire, etc).
(4) Equipment damage caused by the maintenance of personnel not authorized by Q-See.
(5) Product sold over 12 months ago.
In order to fulfill the terms of your warranty, you must complete the registration process after purchasing our product.
To do this, simply fill out the User’s Information Card below and fax or mail it in to us at the information listed below.
You can also register the product by going to the www.q-see.com website and clicking on the Register link.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION Model #: QS218
Customer Information Card
User’s Name
Mr./Mrs.
Company Name
Postal Address
Postal code
Phone Number
E-mail
Model Number of Product
Serial Number of Product
Purchase Date
Distributor
The material in this document is the intellectual property of Q-See.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, transmitted, or published in any form or by any
means without our company’s expressed written consent.
1. Our products are under continual improvement and we reserve the right to make changes without
notice. No guarantee is given as to the correctness of its contents.
2. We do not accept any responsibility for any harm caused by using our product.
3.
The product picture may differ from the actual product, which is only for your reference. The
accessories may be different according to the region you purchased our product. For more
information on specific accessories, please contact your local distributor.
Copyright Reserved

PRODUCT REGISTRATION Model #: QS218
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................1
1.1 MAIN FEATURES .........................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 PRODUCT FEATURES.................................................................................................................................................1
1.3 PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................1
2. DVR INSTALLATION GUIDE ...........................................................................................................2
2.1 FRONT PANEL .............................................................................................................................................................2
2.2 REAR PANEL................................................................................................................................................................3
2.3 CONNECTION DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................................................4
2.4 HARD DRIVE INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................................5
3. DEVICE OPERATION.......................................................................................................................6
3.1 MOUSE OPERATION...................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 REMOTE CONTROL ....................................................................................................................................................7
3.3 USING THE SUB-MENU...............................................................................................................................................8
3.4 PLAYBACK....................................................................................................................................................................9
3.5 SYSTEM OPERATION................................................................................................................................................10
3.5.1 USER LOGIN .......................................................................................................................................................10
3.5.2 USING THE MAIN MENU ....................................................................................................................................12
1. SEARCH............................................................................................................................................................13
2. BACKUP............................................................................................................................................................15
3. RECORD MODE ...............................................................................................................................................18
4. HDD MANAGEMENT........................................................................................................................................22
5. BASIC................................................................................................................................................................23
6. LANGUAGE.......................................................................................................................................................23
7. DATE/TIME........................................................................................................................................................24
8. PASSWORD......................................................................................................................................................25

PRODUCT REGISTRATION Model #: QS218
9. DISPLAY............................................................................................................................................................26
10 VIDEO/AUDIO...................................................................................................................................................27
11. ADVANCED.......................................................................................................................................................28
12. ALARM ..............................................................................................................................................................28
13. SYSTEM INFO ..................................................................................................................................................30
14. MOTION DETECT.............................................................................................................................................30
15. MOBILE.............................................................................................................................................................31
16. SYSTEM............................................................................................................................................................32
17. PTZ....................................................................................................................................................................33
18. REMOTE ACCESS............................................................................................................................................34
18.1 PORT FORWARDING...................................................................................................................................40
4. REMOTE SURVEILLANCE SOFTWARE.......................................................................................43
4.1 FEATURES........................................................................................................................................................43
4.2 REMOTE SURVEILLANCE MAIN SCREEN.....................................................................................................44
4.3 LIVE VIEWING ..................................................................................................................................................45
4.3.1 RECORDING.....................................................................................................................................................45
4.3.2 SUB-MENU........................................................................................................................................................46
4.3.3 PTZ CONTROL .................................................................................................................................................46
4.3.4 SCREEN CAPTURES.......................................................................................................................................47
4.3.5 PLAYBACK........................................................................................................................................................47
4.3.6 REMOTE SETUP ..............................................................................................................................................50
5. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................54
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.............................................................................................56
7. TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................................59

INTRODUCTION Model #: QS218
1 | Page
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 MAIN FEATURES
8 channel CIF resolution digital video recorder. It has local recording, playback, supports triple code remote network
surveillance, data backup, parameter setting, motion detection and USB mouse.
1.2 PRODUCT FEATURES
H.264 compression
Two USB ports, USB 2.0 for data backup, USB 1.1 for mouse operation.
Supports 3.5” SATA HDD up to 1TB.
Special file system for security.
16 bit color translucent user-friendly GUI, with notes for selected menu items
Optimized four channel simultaneously playback
Double level user management
Supports live view, parameter setting, playback and copying video via network.
1.3 PACKAGE CONTENTS
8 Channel H.264 DVR
Power Supply for DVR
Mouse
Remote Control
Ethernet Cable
RCA to BNCAdapter for Video to TV
Product Manual
Software CD

DVR INSTALLATION Model #: QS218
2 | Page
2. DVR INSTALLATION GUIDE
2.1 FRONT PANEL
1. THE FUNCTIONS OF BUTTONS AND CONNECTORS ON FRONT PANEL
Item
Number
Name/Symbol Description
1 STANDBY Press to set the system in standby mode.
2 IR SENSOR IR Receiver for remote control.
3 LED INDICATORS Shows status of hard drive, recording, alarm, HDD full and network.
4
CHANNEL/NUMBERS/
PLAYBACK
Press buttons 1-8 to view the selected channel full-screen; press buttons 1-0 to input
passwords and user IDs.
5 MENU
EXIT
Press to open/close the main menu.
6 NAVIGATION/OK
OK
In menus, press to confirm selections; in PTZ mode, press to change
the navigation buttons to control a connected PTZ camera (not
included)
▲
Press to move cursor up; in PTZ mode, press to pan camera up.
▼
Press to move cursor down; in PTZ mode, press to pan camera down.
◄
Press to move cursor left; in PTZ mode, press to pan camera left.
►
Press to move cursor right; in PTZ mode, press to pan camera right.
7
Connect a USB flash drive to the top port for data backup and firmware upgrades
connect a USB mouse to the bottom port.
8
DURING PLAYBACK
PRESS:
Increase reverse playback speed 1X, 2X, 4X.
Press to freeze playback to one frame, then press again to advance
frame-by-frame.
Press to start playback
Press to slow playback speed by 1/2, 1/4, 1/8.
Press to increase forward playback speed 1X, 2X, 4X.

DVR INSTALLATION Model #: QS218
3 | Page
2.2 REAR PANEL
8-CHANNEL MODEL
Connectors on Rear Panel
Item
Number
Physical Connector Connector Description
1
DC 19V/3.42A Power Connection
2 VIDEO OUT Video output for connecting TV (BNC)
3 VIDEO IN Video input for connecting analog video signal input (BNC)
4 AUDIO IN Audio input for connecting audio signal
5
ALARM INPUT 8 I/O Alarm input
ALARM OUTPUT I/O Output for alarm
RS485 RS485 for connecting PTZ
RS232 Debugging port
+12V Power supply for DC relay, the current is 100MA (to prevent short circuits)
6 NETWORK For connecting Ethernet cable
7 VGA OUTPUT To connect to VGA monitor
8 AUDIO OUTPUT For connection to amplified speaker
9 FAN Please check the fan periodically and replace if needed

DVR INSTALLATION Model #: QS218
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2.3 CONNECTION DIAGRAM

DVR INSTALLATION Model #: QS218
5 | Page
2.4 HARD DRIVE INSTALLATION
Caution:
When working with devices such as hard drives or DVRs that are sensitive to static electricity, make sure you use a
static-free workstation. Any electrostatic energy coming in contact with the hard drive or DVR can damage it
permanently.
Please install the hard drive following these steps:
1）Open the cover of the DVR and you will see 4 screw holes as shown below:
2）Connect HDD cables as shown below:
3）Attach HDD to base of DVR as indicated below with the screws provided.
4）After installing HDD into DVR close cover.
Notice: New installed HDD needs to be formatted before recording.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
6 | Page
3. DEVICE OPERATION
3.1 MOUSE OPERATION
The mouse is the primary input device for navigating system menus.
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all system functions described in this manual are achieved through mouse input.
To use a mouse with the system:
1) Connect a USB mouse to the USB MOUSE port on front panel of the DVR.
NOTE: Only the top USB port on the front panel is designed for data backup to a USB flash drive. Do not connect
a USB flash drive to the bottom USB port on the front panel; it is only used by a USB mouse.
Figure 3.1.1 Connect a USB mouse to the bottom USB port on the front panel
2) Use the mouse buttons to perform the following:
•Left-Button: Click to select a menu option;
during live viewing in split-screen, double-click
on a channel to view the selected channel in
full-screen.; double-click the channel again to
return to split-screen view
•Right-Button: Click to open the Sub-Menu
•Scroll-Wheel: No function.
Fig 3.1.2 Mouse button operation
In device operation, the enter key on remote control has the same function as left click of the mouse.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
7 | Page
3.2 REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control is the secondary input device
For navigating the system’s menus.
To use the remote control:
1. STANDBY: Press to turn standby mode ON/OFF.
2. LOGIN/LOCK: If "Security" has been enabled in the
Setup menu, press to open the user password login
screen.
3. Number/Channel buttons: While in menus,
press buttons 0~9 to enter values; during live
viewing, press to view channels full-screen.
4. : Press to switch between quad and
full-screen displays.
5. MENU: Opens the main menu.
6. PTZ: Press to open the PTZ control window.
7. EXIT: Close menu windows.
8. Navigation/OK:
/CH+: Move cursor in menus up; Channel Up.
/FWD: Move cursor in menus to the right; during
playback, increase forward playback speed (5X, 15X,
60X).
/REW: Move cursor in menus left; during playback
increase reverse playback speed (5X, 15X, 60X)
/CH-: Move cursor in menus down; Channel down.
OK: In menus, press to confirm selections; during
playback and preview, press to view system
information
9. +/ - : In menus, press to adjust values.
10. RECORD: Press to start manual recording.
11. STOP: Press to stop manual recording.
12. EXTRA: For future use.
13. Playback controls:
•: Increase reverse playback speed 1X, 2X, 4X
•: Press to start playback
•: Press to increase forward playback speed 1X, 2X, 4X
•: Press to slow playback speed by 1/2, 1/4, 1/8
•: Press to freeze playback to one frame, then press again to advance frame-by-frame
TIP: When using the remote control to
enter password and camera titles, select
the field using the navigation buttons,
press ENTER, and then press the number
buttons.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
8 | Page
3.3 USING THE SUB-MENU
Mouse Only
When using the mouse, use the Sub-Menu to access several system options, including the Main Menu and PTZ
control.
To open the Sub-Menu:
1) Right-click anywhere onscreen. The Sub-Menu opens.
Figure 3.3.1
2) Select one of the following options:
•MAIN MENU: Opens the main system menu
•KEYLOCK: Activates password to enter the menu
•CHN SWITCH: Select type of split-screen display
•VIDEO SEARCH: Open the Search Menu to view recorded video
•PTZ: Opens the PTZ control menu
•MUTE: Mute listen-in audio on the system
•MANUAL REC: Start manual recording
•STOP REC: Stop manual recording
•ROTATION: Start full screen display of channels 1-4.
3) To close the Sub-Menu, click anywhere on screen.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
9 | Page
3.4 PLAYBACK
View recorded video on the system through the Search Menu.
To begin playback:
Figure 3.4.1
1) Right-click anywhere onscreen and select VIDEO SEARCH. The Search Menu opens.
NOTE: When you first open the Search Menu, it displays the current month and date.
2) Click PLAY to playback the last minute of recorded video (Quick Search). OR
3) Under CHN select a specific channel or select ALL.
4) Under DATE, enter a date using the Virtual Keyboard (mouse only).
Figure 3.4.2
5) Click SEARCH. Recorded events on the system appear in red (alarm events-includes both alarm and motion
events) and green (normal recording).
6) Click a date in the Month Grid to search for video files.
7) Click a time block in the Hour Grid to view the video. Playback begins. DVR can playback 1 channel full
screen.
8) Move the mouse slightly to display the onscreen playback controls. You can also use the playback control
buttons on the remote control or front panel of the system.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
10 | Page
Onscreen Playback Controls
To use the onscreen playback controls:3
1) Click the VCR-like controls to play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and slow down playback.
2) Drag the slider to adjust the volume (audio capable camera required for this function, not included). Select
the box to mute the audio.
3) Click X to quit playback and return to the Search menu.
Figure 3.4.3
3.5 SYSTEM OPERATION
3.5.1 USER LOGIN
1. STARTING THE SYSTEM
To power the system ON/OFF:
Connect the power cable to the DC 19V port on the rear panel. At startup, the system performs a basic system check
and runs an initial loading sequence.After a few moments, the system loads a live display view.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
11 | Page
Standby Mode
The system can also be put into Standby Mode. Power will remain to the system but will not be recording.
To start/stop Standby mode:
1) Press and hold the POWER button on the front panel or remote control until the prompt closes. The system
enters standby mode.
2) Press and hold the POWER button on the front panel or remote control until the system beeps. The system
will begin powering up.
Password
IMPORTANT!:By default, passwords are disabled on the system. You do not need to enter a password when
accessing any system menus. However, for security purposes, it is highly recommended to enable passwords on the
system using the Password Menu.
NOTE:
1) If there is no hard drive in DVR, or the DVR cannot read the hard drive, or the hard drive is not formatted, it
will display an【H】in the video preview interface.
2) You must format the hard drive in the DVR before using. To do so, follow these steps: menu > HDD
management > format.After formatting, the system will restart.
2. SYSTEM LOGIN
To open the Main Menu:
Right-click anywhere onscreen to open the Sub-Menu and select MAIN MENU (mouse only), or press the
MENU/EXIT button on the remote control or front panel of the system.
NOTE: If passwords are enabled on the system, you need to select your Device ID and enter the 6-digit numerical
password to open the Main Menu.
Figure 3.5.1

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
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3.5.2 USING THE MAIN MENU
Figure 3.5.2
1) SEARCH: Search for recorded video on the system.
2) RECORD: Configure recording parameters (quality, resolution), set record modes, and enable/disable
audio recording.*
3) HDD: Display hard drive status and format the internal hard drive of the system.
4) BASIC: Open the Basic Setup Menu, which lets you set the system language, date and time, Device
IDs and passwords, and configure audio and video settings.
5) ADVANCE: Opens the Advanced Setup Menu, which lets you view system info, configure alarm, PTZ,
mobile, and network settings.
6) EXIT: Closes the Main Menu.
7) Displays information about the contents of the selected Main Menu icon.
*Audio capable cameras or powered microphones (not included) are required for audio recording on the system.

DEVICE OPERATION Model #: QS218
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1. SEARCH
Search and playback recorded video on your system.
Figure 3.5.3
NOTE: When you first open the Search menu, it will display the current month and date.
To perform a Quick Search:
Open the Search menu and click PLAY. The last minute of recorded playback begins.
To perform a Date & Time search:
1) Under CHN, select individual channels or select ALL.
2) Under DATE, click the field and enter the desired date using the Virtual Keyboard and then click SEARCH.
The system searches for data.
3) Under RECORD STATE, the system shows recorded events in a Month Grid and a Time Grid. The selected
day of the month will be outlined in Green or Red. Green=normal recording; Red=alarm recording (includes
both alarm and motion events).
4) Click a date in the month grid to view recorded video files for that selected date in the hour grid.
Figure 3.5.4
5) During playback, use the onscreen controls or the playback buttons on the remote control or front panel to
control playback.