SEON TH8 Operator's manual

TH8
Digital Video Recorder
© 2019 Safe Fleet | All rights reserved
Part #: 700-1123 R4
Installation and Conguration Guide

© 2019 Safe Fleet | All rights reserved | Part #: 700-1123 R4
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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide
—  —

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide Contents
Section 1 — Installation pg. 5
Installing the DVR
Installing the Signals Harness
Installing the Expansion Harness
Installing the SD Card
Hardware Installation Checklist
Firmware Updates
Copying DVR Conguration
Section 2 — Operation pg. 19
DVR Front Panel Features
DVR Back Panel Features
Video System Status
Tagging Video for Review
Accessing On-screen Display
Using On-screen Keyboards
Working with Video
Health Check
Section 3 —
Basic Conguration pg. 32
Setting Up the DVR
Adding TH4C Camera Feeds
Adding an IP Camera
Adding an RTSP Device
Time/Date Menu
Title/Display Menu
Camera Settings
Signals
Alarms
Section 4 — Advanced
Conguration pg. 51
Recording Settings
Network Settings
Advanced Network Settings
VMS Servers
G Sensor
Speed Settings
GPS Fencing
User Levels
System Settings
Program Update
Monitor Settings
Wake on Input, Digital Output
Contents

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide Introduction
Introduction
This Guide provides information for Installers, System Technicians, and Vehicle Operators working with the
TH8 DVR system:
Installers
Explore the TH8 DVR system components, physical and electrical installation, and system-level settings,
including camera and DVR conguration. You'll also learn to test system functionality and interoperability with
other equipment, how to clone DVR conguration, and performing rmware updates.
DVR systems must be installed by a professional installer with the appropriate experience and
equipment.
NOTE: Professional Installation 
System Technicians
Help troubleshoot and maintain the mobile surveillance system using a monitor plugged into the DVR front
panel, remove and replace hard drives, access video, and set up cameras and recording options.

Vehicle Operators
Learn how to ag an event so incident video can be easily located, and understand the system status indicator,
so you'll know when the DVR is recording.
Support
The Safe Fleet Community provides more information about our products and services, including videos,
tutorials, user guides, installation guides and specication sheets.
https://community.seon.com
Customer Service Contact Information
Technical Support 1-844-899-7366
General Enquiries 1.877.630.7366
Email [email protected]

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide 
Installation
Installing the DVR ........................................................................................................6
Tools and Equipment ...................................................................................................................6
Physical Location..........................................................................................................................6
Installation Requirements ...........................................................................................................7
Physical Installation......................................................................................................................7
Installing the Signals Harness ....................................................................................9
Installing the Expansion Harness (optional)............................................................ 10
Installing the SD Card (optional)............................................................................... 11
Hardware Installation Checklist................................................................................ 12
Firmware Updates ..................................................................................................... 13
Firmware Version........................................................................................................................13
To install a rmware update: ....................................................................................................13
Copying DVR Conguration....................................................................................... 14
Copying DVR Settings................................................................................................................14
Applying DVR Settings ...............................................................................................................15

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide 
Installing the DVR
Tools and Equipment
The DVR system must be installed by a professional installer. A professional installer has the experience and
equipment to install and congure this DVR system to run properly.
Check that you have all the system components and inspect the units for any scratches or damage before
installing.
Keys (included in package contents):
• DVR keys for securing the removable hard drive
• Front cover keys for securing the removable front cover
Conguration equipment:
• Local on-screen conguration requires a portable video monitor and a mouse (contact Customer
Service for more information)
• Conguration from a browser (vMax Web) requires a laptop and an Ethernet cable
Physical Location
The DVR is secured with a security front cover and a cable cover. The cable cover allows wiring to enter from
the underside of the back of the unit.
The DVR is designed for horizontal installation, on top of the mounting plate (see the diagram on page 8),
but may be installed vertically if required. Do NOT install the DVR upside down.
WARNING: Risk of Heat or Moisture Damage 
Do not install the DVR in a location where the unit is exposed to excessive heat or moisture.
Installation close to extreme heat or moisture voids the product warranty.
Route wiring and cables away from sharp edges that might damage the insulation. Avoid sharp bends in
the cable.
Contact Technical Support before attaching the DVR to other equipment in the vehicle.
Before installing the DVR, keep in mind that a well-ventilated location and sufcient clearance around the unit
are key factors for performance and maintainability. The following table provides information on installation
requirements.

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Ventilated
Location
Install the DVR away from any sort of heat outlet, heater, or AC blower. Do not operate the DVR
in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way. The DVR requires air circulation to maintain
optimum operation temperature and provide best performance. Do not expose the DVR to
moisture.
Mount to
secure
surfaces
only
Do not mount the DVR to a plastic panel or other surface that is subject to constant vibration.
Mounting
orientation
We strongly recommend mounting the DVR in a horizontal orientation (on top of the mounting
tray); however, to accommodate space restrictions, vertical mounting is acceptable. Do NOT
install the DVR upside-down.
Clearance
around the
DVR
Allow sufcient clearance of at least six (6) inches in front of the DVR and two (2) inches to
each side for removal of the security front cover and easy access to the hard drive and USB
ports. Allow sufcient clearance behind the DVR for camera cables, mounting cables, Ethernet
cables, and power cables.
Mounting
cables
The radius for the mounting cables will be dictated by the cable cover. The rearmost surface of
the cable cover will be about 3 inches from the back of the DVR to allow camera cables to bend
over each other.
Ethernet
cables
Avoid right angle bends in the Ethernet cables.
Power
cables
Provide enough slack on the power cable to prevent any force from being exerted on the
connectors. A single 4-inch diameter loop is sufcient.
Physical Installation
The DVR typically ships with the locking front cover, mounting plate, and cable cover off, but in the shipping
box. The hard disk drive is in a separate box in the system shipping kit.
To install the DVR:
1. Select an appropriate mounting location and
orientation (horizontal or vertical).
2. Insert a hard drive in the DVR.
3. Insert the key into the hard drive lock and rotate
a quarter turn to lock the drive.
Hard drive lock
DVR hard drive
WARNING: Safety and Electrical Systems 
It is your responsibility to avoid damaging safety or electrical systems.
Installation Requirements

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4. Use the mounting plate to mark the desired
position of the DVR and drill the four mounting
holes.
5. Fasten the mounting plate to the mounting
surface with the four self-drilling screws.
6. Slide the rear bottom edge of the DVR into the
spring tab on the back edge of the mounting
tray.
7. Attach the front bottom edge to the front of the
DVR using the two pan-head Phillips screws.
8. Connect the necessary cables and components.
For more information, see "DVR Front Panel
Features" on page 20 and "DVR Back Panel
Features" on page 21.
9. Attach the cable cover to the DVR using the
thumb screws provided.
10. When DVR installation is complete, attach the
front door by hooking the door along the top
edge and turning the key to the locked position.
Pan head screws
Spring tab
Mounting plate
Mounting holes
Cable cover
Locking front cover
(reversible)
Door lock

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Installing the Signals Harness
About
This topic describes installing the Signals Harness, which connects the DVR to Signal inputs, and to the
optional Event/Diagnostic button and Wake on Input trigger: for more information on each of these features
see:
• "Signals" on page 47
• "Tagging Video for Review" on page 24
• "Wake on Input, Digital Output" on page 75
Before you begin...
It is your responsibility to avoid damaging safety or electrical systems.
Ensure you read and understand "Installation Requirements" on page 7.
To install the Signals Harness
Connect the 2x6 Microt to the SIGNALS
socket on the DVR.
• Connect the 5 signal input wires,
as shown in the in the Installation
Diagram in the 
on the Safe Fleet Community.
• Connect the 1x5 Microt to the
Adapter harness for the Event/
Diagnostic button ().
• Remove the 1x3 Microt and connect
the green and black wires to a Wake
on Input trigger () as shown
in the Installation Diagram in the 
 on the Safe Fleet
Community.
The Signals harness is Part # WT1.
To DVR SIGNALS socket
(2 x 6)
To Wake on Input
trigger - 
(1 x 3)
To Event/Diagnostic
button - 
(1 x 5)
To Signal
inputs (5 wires)

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Installing the Expansion Harness (optional)
About
This topic describes installing the optional Expansion Harness, which can connect the DVR to Student Tracking
and Rear Vision systems, and provides a digital output to trigger other devices when an Alarm is detected (for
more information, see "Alarms" on page 49).
Before you begin...
It is your responsibility to avoid damaging safety or electrical systems.
Ensure you read and understand "Installation Requirements" on page 7.
To install the Expansion Harness
Connect the 2x4 Microt connector to the
EXPANSION socket on the DVR.
• Connect the 4-pin to the Student
Tracking harness ().
• Connect the 2-pin to the Rear Vision
System harness ().
• Connect the Digital Out black and
blue wires () as shown in
the Installation Diagram in the 
 on the Safe Fleet
Community.
The Expansion Harness is Part #060-1059

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Installing the SD Card (optional)
About
This topic describes installing the optional SD card, a secondary storage device used to record the DVR's low
resolution (and low frame rate) stream, providing backup storage for the DVR's internal media. The amount of
backup storage available from the card is determined by the card's capacity.
Only the lower resolution "Record 2" video stream is stored on the SD card. Access to the recording on the SD
card is only possible through vMax View, since the card is intended for backup purposes.
To install the SD card:
TIP: Repeat Record setting controls "looping" 
The Conguration Record Repeat Record setting determines what happens when storage media
(including the SD card and internal drives) become full. The default is to loop (record over the oldest video).
For more information, see "Recording Settings - Menu Options" on page 53.
1. On the front of the DVR, remove the screw
holding the SD card cover plate, and remove the
plate.
2. Remove the adhesive plastic shipping strip
covering the SD card slot.
3. Insert a Seon-approved SD card into the slot until
it clicks.
4. Replace the SD card slot cover plate.
SD card slot cover

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Hardware Installation Checklist
√Harnesses (camera, recorder, and accessories)
Ensure cables and harnesses are properly secured.
Check that sharp metal edges are not touching cables or harnesses.
Ensure connections are solid (no shorts).
√Cameras
Ensure tight mounting.
Examine the internal harness connections and ensure they are solid.
Ensure the lid is properly seated on the gasket and secured tightly.
Check camera(s) eld of view.
√DVR
Ensure tight mounting.
Check that all connections are tight.
√System
Install fuses.
Plug portable video monitor into DVR, and power up the DVR from the vehicle ignition.
Congure the DVR to required specications locally using the mouse and monitor, or remotely
by accessing vMax Web via WiFi or Ethernet using a PC.
For more information, see "Basic DVR Conguration" on page 34.
Conrm the LAN, HDD, and PWR status indicators on the DVR front panel work properly.
Conrm that all cameras and audio sources operate properly.
Test audio/video record and playback.
Reformat the hard drives by navigating to Main Menu  Conguration System  Program
Update Format.
A warning message tells you all data will be erased. Click Yes. When the process completes
and a message appears, click OK. Exit the Conguration setting menu, and system setup is
complete.
Fasten and lock the front cover. Secure the cable cover on the DVR using the screws provided.

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide 
About
Firmware controls how DVR features operate, including the Playback and Conguration menu displays.
Technical Support may direct you to install a rmware update when new features are added or specic issues
are addressed.
This topic describes how to use the On-screen Display to install a rmware update from a thumb drive in the
USB port on the DVR's front panel.
The current rmware version appears in the top-right
corner of every Conguration menu.
For instructions on opening the Conguration menus,
see "Accessing the On-screen Display" on page 25.
IMPORTANT: Firmware Updates 
Only install rmware updates as directed by Technical Support
Firmware Updates
Before you begin...
Contact Technical Support to obtain the latest rmware update for your DVR. Copy the update le to a USB
storage device formatted by a Windows-based computer using the FAT le format.
TIP: Using the Web Interface to Install Firmware 
You can also connect to the DVR with a Web Browser to install DVR rmware updates from a le stored on
another device.
For more information, see "Web Browser access:" on page 33.
Firmware Version

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide 
To install a rmware update:
1. Power-up the DVR using the vehicle ignition.
2. Insert the USB memory device with the new
rmware version into the USB port on the DVR.
3. After the DVR starts up, right-click in the On-
screen Display and select
Conguration  System Program Update.
4. In the Program Update tab, click Update.
A conrmation window appears.
5. Click Yes to proceed or No to cancel.
Yes starts the rmware update, and a progress
bar displays the percentage complete.
6. Once the update is nished, the DVR
automatically restarts to allow verication of a
successful update.
7. Remove the USB memory device.
Do not crank the vehicle power or remove power
while updating DVR rmware.
Equipment damage may result.
WARNING: Do not crank the vehicle 
After restarting, the DVR may take up to 3
minutes to load and complete the upgrade.
NOTE: Wait until the DVR nishes loading 

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Copying DVR Conguration
About
Copying DVR conguration saves a lot of time and effort, and ensures consistent conguration when installing
and maintaining DVRs in a eet.
This topic explains how to use the On-screen Display to copy setup details from a thumb drive in the USB port
on the DVR's front panel and apply them to other DVRs.
Before you begin...
Ensure the DVR you're copying conguration from is set up for any specic vehicle type and mobile
surveillance requirements:
• Camera names/channels
• Recording parameters
• Alarm and Signal assignments
• System preferences
• Networking details
For more information, see "Setting up the DVR" on page 33.
This procedure requires physical access to the DVR you want to copy settings from, a portable video monitor,
a USB mouse, and a USB storage device formatted by a Windows computer using the FAT. You should have
a general understanding of mobile surveillance system components, and experience with Windows-based
computers and storage media.
TIP: Using the Web Interface to Copy Conguration 
You can also connect to the DVR with a Web Browser to copy conguration les stored on another device.
For more information, see "Web Browser access:" on page 33.
What are Conguration Files?
A conguration le preserves a particular DVR setup, so you can apply the settings to other DVRs in a single
operation. You create a named conguration le, which contains all a DVR's current Conguration menu
settings. If you need more than one system setup for your eet (for example, a specic number of cameras
and viewpoints for different vehicle congurations), build a separate conguration le for each situation.
You can load a conguration le onto DVRs during installation or when changes are required, and all settings
are applied automatically.

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To create a conguration le:
1. Insert the USB storage device in the USB port on
the DVR's front panel. For more information, see
"DVR Front Panel Features" on page 20.
2. Access the OSD (On-Screen Display). For details,
see "Accessing the On-screen Display" on page
25.
3. Right-click anywhere in the OSD view to access
the Main Menu.
4. Select Conguration System
Program Update.
5. In the Store Current Conguration to: pull-down
menu, select USB Device.
6. Click the File Name eld and use the on-screen
keyboard to change the conguration le name
(maximum 4 characters).
Best practice is to choose a name that
references the eet and/or conguration type
(e.g. "SB5C" for a school bus with 5 cameras).
7. Click Store.
In the conrmation that appears, click Yes.
8. Click OK.
The conguration le is created on the USB
device.
Applying DVR Settings
For new DVR installations, apply predened settings from a conguration le on a USB memory stick.
Once a DVR is set up, you can also upload a new conguration le by connecting to the DVR over a network
(see "Web Browser access:" on page 33), or via the Commander application if the DVR is equipped with
wireless capabilities. Commander can also perform batch updates on multiple DVRs. For more information,
please see the  on the Safe Fleet Community.
Copying DVR Settings

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1. Power up the DVR using the vehicle ignition.
2. Connect the portable video monitor and USB
mouse.
3. Insert a USB storage device containing a
conguration le into the USB port on the DVR.
4. From the On-Screen Display, right-click anywhere
in Live view to display the Main Menu.
5. Select Conguration System
Program Update.
6. Use the Load Conguration menu to select the
desired le.


.
7. From the Include Network pull-down menu,
select whether or not to overwrite DVR network
settings:
• No keeps existing DVR network settings
• Yes overwrites DVR network settings with
conguration from the le.
8. Click Load, then select Yes in the conrmation
dialog to proceed.
9. Click Back in the Program Update and System
Settings tabs to return to the Conguration
Menu.
10. Remove the USB memory device.
11. Conrm that the new conguration settings have
been applied.
To copy conguration to a DVR from a USB storage device:
Open the Conguration menu and verify all Time/Date settings.
Also be sure to update vehicle-specic conguration, including:
• Title/Display Main Title - generally contains the bus #/vehicle ID where the DVR is installed
• Network conguration ()
• Alarm/Signal G Sensor calibration ()
For more information, see "Setting up the DVR" on page 33.
IMPORTANT: Time/Date and Vehicle-specic Conguration 
NOTE: Include Network Setting 
If you have questions about
whether to overwrite DVR network
settings, please contact Technical
Support.

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—  —

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide 
Operation
DVR Front Panel Features ......................................................................................... 18
DVR Back Panel Features.......................................................................................... 19
Video System Status ................................................................................................. 20
Event/Diagnostic Button ..........................................................................................................20
Tagging Video for Review.......................................................................................... 22
Accessing the On-screen Display ............................................................................. 23
Video Conguration, Playback, and Archiving.......................................................................23
Using the On-screen Display.....................................................................................................23
Live View.......................................................................................................................................23
On-Screen Display Fields...........................................................................................................24
Using On-screen Keyboards...................................................................................... 25
Entering Data ...............................................................................................................................25
Working with Video.................................................................................................... 26
Playing Back and Copying Video .............................................................................................26
Playback Toolbar Icons..............................................................................................................27
Searching Video ..........................................................................................................................28
Health Check.............................................................................................................. 29
Information Display ....................................................................................................................29

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TH8 Installation and Conguration Guide 
DVR Front Panel Features
1. DVR Drive lock - requires the DVR drive key to
unlock and remove the DVR drive.
2. DVR Drive - for playback, remove the drive and
use the HDD Dock connected to a PC.
3. Status Lights:
• POWER - illuminates when the DVR is
powered on
•  when the DVR cannot
power up due to temperature limitations
•  when the DVR cannot
power up due to voltage limitations
• HDD - illuminates when the DVR is accessing
the drive
• LAN - illuminates when there is network
activity on the Local Area Network
connection
4. LAN Port - RJ-45 Ethernet connector for a laptop,
Smart-Reach Mobile wireless equipment, or
other accessories
5. Mouse Port - connection for USB mouse
6. USB Port - supports USB devices used to:
• copy video and audio information
• export video clips
• update DVR rmware
• import/export conguration data and
archives
7. AUDIO - RCA jack for audio output
8. VIDEO - RCA jack for video output (playback and
live viewing with a portable monitor)
9. SD Card Slot Cover - SD card for recording low
resolution ("R2") backup video stream
10. TEMP POWER
• powers on the DVR for ve minutes if held
for more than 5 seconds
• powers down the DVR if held for more than
5 seconds in temporary power mode or in
shutdown sequence with ignition off