Swann dvr8-4600 Manual

1
The Setup Wizard
• Create a Password
• General Configuration
• Configure your Email
• Internet Time
• Daylight Savings
• Live View Mode
• Live View Icons & Controls
• Menu Layout
QW4_84600040615E | © Swann 2015

4
This step is really easy. You just have to give your DVR a new password.
Password: Enter a password. The password has to be a minimum of 6 char-
acters and can contain a mixture of numbers and letters.
Confirm Password: Enter your password again to confirm.
Enable Password: Each time you access the main menu, you will be prompt-
ed for your DVR’s password. Click the checkbox if you would like to disable or
enable this feature.
• Click “Next” to continue.
Create a Password 1
2
You can use the on-screen
keyboard to input text,
characters and numbers.
Please note, if “Enable Password” is disabled, your password is
still required when using the SwannView Link mobile app and
Windows software to access the DVR remotely (see SwannView
Link quick start guide for more information).
Welcome to the Set-
up Wizard! The Setup
Wizard automatically
runs the first time you
start your DVR and will
guide you through all
the important settings
you need to get up and
working. Please be pa-
tient as it can take a
moment for the wizard
to appear after turning
on your DVR.

73
Language - Select a language you would like the system menu to be dis-
played in. In addition to the default English selection, both French and
Spanish languages are available.
Video Standard - Select the correct video standard for your country.
USA, Canada and some Latin American countries is NTSC. UK and Aus-
tralia is PAL.
Resolution - Select a resolution that is suitable for your display. 1920 x
1080 resolution will give you the best display quality.
Time Zone - Select a time zone relevant to your region.
Menu Date Format - Select a preferred display format.
Device Name - Give your DVR a relevant name.
UID & QR Code - This is a unique ID number for your DVR. You will use
this later when configuring the SwannView Link mobile app and Win-
dows software (see SwannView Link quick start guide for more infor-
mation).
• Click “Next” to continue.
General Configuration 2

24
Configure your Email 3
1. Populate each field as shown in the above screenshot (the emails
shown are examples only, don’t use these).
2. Click “Test” to verify that the information you’ve entered is correct
then click “OK”.
3. After a successful email test, click “Send UID” to receive an email
containing your DVR’s UID so you can use it to access from SwannView
Link on your mobile device or computer.
• Click “Next” to continue.
If you receive an error message, check that you have input your
email address and password correctly and check your cables and
connections.
You can configure an
email account so that
your DVR sends you
email alerts when
events occur. We rec-
ommend using Gmail.
To create an account
go to (www.gmail.com)
and then input the de-
tails here.

55
1. Click the “Sync” button to automatically synchronize your DVR’s in-
ternal clock with the time server instantly.
2. A message will appear on-screen stating sync time has been suc-
cessful. Click “OK” to continue.
• Click “Next” to continue.
If the DVR fails to sync with the time server, check your cables and
connections.
Internet Time 4
The NTP (Network
Time Protocol) func-
tion allows the DVR
to automatically sync
its clock with an In-
ternet Time Service.
This gives it the ability
to constantly have an
accurate time setting
and is the best method
to maintain accuracy.

86
If Daylight Savings does not apply to your locale, skip this step and click
“Finish” to complete the Setup Wizard.
1. Click the checkbox to enable. This allows you to configure your DVR
to automatically adjust its time for Daylight Savings in your time zone.
2. You can set when daylight saving time starts and ends, for example, 2
a.m. on the first Sunday of a particular month. Adjust accordingly.
• Click “Finish” to complete the Setup Wizard.
Daylight Savings 5
This allows you to con-
figure your DVR to au-
tomatically adjust its
time for Daylight Sav-
ings in your time zone.
You can set when day-
light saving time starts
and ends, for exam-
ple, 2 a.m. on the first
Sunday of a particular
month.

37
Live View is the default display mode for the DVR. Each camera connected will be displayed on-screen. You can check the status or operation of your
DVR and cameras using the icons and Menu Bar on the Live View screen. Right-click the mouse to access the Menu Bar.
Live View Mode 6
Double-click a live
video channel to
view full screen.
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Camera1 Camera2
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Status Icons
Menu Bar
Camera Toolbar

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Live View Icons & Controls 7
1. Click this to open the Menu.
2. Single camera view.
3. Four camera view.
4. Eight camera view (8 channel only).
5. Nine camera view (8 channel only).
6. Click this to view the next screen when
the DVR is in single or four camera view.
7. Click this to enable picture-in-picture
when viewing multiple cameras. When en-
abled, one camera will be displayed full
screen while the other camera will be dis-
played in a small window.
8. Click this to do a manual recording.
9. Click this to start the Setup Wizard.
This indicates that the channel
displaying this message, has lost
the feed from its camera.
This icon will appear on-screen when
there is an error or notification.
Accessing the shutdown menu
gives you the option of locking your
DVR, shutting down your DVR or
rebooting your DVR. Please note,
the “Enable Password” option in
the Setup Wizard must be enabled
for the locking option to work.
Status Icons
The motion icon indicates that the DVR is
detecting motion from the camera.
This indicates that the camera is cur-
rently recording. Whether it was sched-
uled, initiated manually or triggered by
motion, the icon will be the same.
The audio icon indicates that the camera
is selected for live audio.
The Camera Toolbar provides quick access
to video playback, enabling live audio and
the ability to change image settings.
The availability of the buttons on the
Camera Toolbar may vary depending on
the model you have purchased.
Menu Bar
This indicates that the camera records at
1080P high definition resolution.

99
Menu Layout 8
The various actions and options
that are available, are categorised
on the left-hand side of the Menu.
Clicking each category will reveal a
number of tabs or sub-categories
that can be changed from their de-
fault value.
Some options may have additional
menus that can be accessed.
To exit or access the
previous menu, right-
click the mouse
For a comprehensive explanation on the
various options and functions available,
please download the user manual
available at our website.

10
General Configuration
Confused on which location to install your cameras? The cameras included with your security system can be
installed in a number of different locations. Camera location can depend on the following -
1. Distance from the camera to the DVR.
2. Environmental conditions.
3. Lighting conditions.
4. The area that you would like to monitor.
When you position cameras correctly, you can eliminate the need for additional cameras to cover your target
area and maximise the efficiency of your security system. On the flip side, if you position cameras incorrectly,
it can lead to blind spots or to have objects that are not visible or too far for the cameras to view in detail. Keep
these points in mind to get the most out of your security system.
Mount cameras at an elevated position - Mounting your cameras at an elevated position, can keep your cam-
eras out of range of vandals or would be burglars. It also allows your camera to have a high vantage point in-
creasing its viewing area.
Cover your target area - When placing cameras, make sure you provide ample coverage, but not in excess.
For example, if you are trying to cover a backyard gate, don’t zoom in to only have the gate in frame. Position
the camera to cover part of your backyard so you capture as much area as possible without sacrificing video
quality.

1311
Front of House and Driveway
To monitor the front of the house, whether it is the front garden, driveway or the entrance to your garage, it is
recommended to install the camera where the roof meets the walls of the house, as illustrated below. This will shelter
the camera from the elements, have a better field of view, and less likely to be vandalized.
You may need to install multiple cameras if you want to focus
on specific areas that you would like to monitor, for example,
one for the driveway, the other on the garage entrance.
Install the camera
where the roof meets
the walls of the house.
Have a look at the image(s) on the DVR
first before installing the cameras
permanently.

1612
Front of House and Driveway
This camera will focus
on the garage entrance.
This camera will
focus on the driveway
entrance.

1113
Front Door
It has been found that most burglars will enter your home through the front door, so it is very important that you install
a camera here. It is recommended to install the camera either above the door or to the side space permitting. Mount
the camera in an elevated position so it is out of range of vandals or would be burglars. Placing the camera at a slight
angle will allow you to see who is approaching your front door as well as giving you the ability to have facial recognition.
Place the camera at a slight angle.
Most burglars will knock on the front door
first to see if anyone is at home.
Have a look at the image(s) on the DVR
first before installing the cameras
permanently.

14
Backyard and Side Entrance
Your backyard is mostly filled with a shed with lawn and garden tools, recreational equipment and children’s toys. It’s
a good idea to install a camera so that you have an entire overview of the backyard. Like the cameras installed at the
front of the house, it is recommended to install the camera where the roof meets the wall of the house. If you have a
side gate or more than one entrance to the backyard, you may want to have an additional camera focused to that area.
This will focus on the side
entrance.
This will focus on the entire
backyard.
Have a look at the image(s) on the DVR
first before installing the cameras
permanently.

1715
Indoors
It’s recommended that you place cameras inside the house that have high traffic areas such as entry and exit points
(front door), hallways and staircases (if applicable). Other ideal locations are next to windows and rooms that have high
priced valuables such as electronics, antiques and jewellery.
Have a look at the image(s) on the DVR
first before installing the cameras
permanently.

1216
Camera Field of View
The Field of View produced by a camera is the area that the camera can see. It is an important factor to consider as it
determines not just what the camera can see, but also the level of detail that is visible at a given distance. Cameras
with a smaller lens, also known as a wide-angle lens, produce a greater Field of View than cameras with a larger lens.
This means that the camera can see a large area but the objects will appear smaller within the scene area. This is
useful if you want to monitor an entire room or a yard. Cameras with a larger lens also known as narrow-angle have a
smaller Field of View. They can see a limited area, but objects will appear larger within the scene area. This is useful if
you want to monitor a specific target such as a doorway or entrance.
Fixed Lens vs. Varifocal Lens
A Fixed Lens is where the camera’s focal length
(Field of View) is permanently set and cannot be
adjusted by the user.
A Varifocal Lens is where the camera’s lens can
be manually adjusted by the user. This allows for
greater flexibility to optimize the camera picture for
your specific needs.
Wide Angle
Fixed Lens
3.6mm
Narrow Angle
Fixed Lens
6.0mm

1517
Lighting and Environment Tips
Lighting
• For best results do not point the camera towards a light source.
• Pointing the camera towards a glass window intending to see outside may result in a poor image because of glare
and lighting conditions inside and outside.
• Don’t place the camera in a shaded area that is looking into a well-lit area as this will result in a poor display. The
light to the sensor located at the front of the camera needs to be the same as the light at the focal target for best
results.
• As the camera uses infrared LEDs to see at night, it’s recommended to clean the lens from time to time if the picture
degrades.
Environment
• Make sure the power connections are not directly exposed to water or moisture and shielded from other outdoor
elements.
• Weatherproof only means that the camera can be exposed to weather such as rain and snow. Weatherproof cameras
cannot be submerged under water.
• Do not expose the camera where rain and snow will hit the lens directly.
• Cameras geared for cold weather may work in extreme conditions as low as -25° as the camera produces heat
when plugged in.

18
Camera Cables
When installing cameras outside, it is recommended to install the provided data & power cable away from the elements
so it prevents them from deteriorating over time. Whilst cabling, avoid areas that have a high amount of electrical
equipment where electrical interference is expected. This can create all types of interference to the video picture. Also
avoid sharp bends, which can affect cable impedance and cause interference to the video picture. If you’re using cable
ties, do not over tighten them and avoid using a staple gun to secure as this can potentially damage the cable. There
may be circumstances where you have to join multiple cables together. Go to your hardware store, purchase some
electrical tape and use this to seal the connection(s) between each cable. This will prevent moisture and dust forming
on the connection(s).
Summary
1. Protect the cable from the elements to avoid deterioration.
2. Avoid electrical equipment where electrical interference is expected.
3. Avoid sharp bends and do not bend the cable greater than 90 degrees.
4. Do not over tighten when using cable ties.
5. Avoid using a staple gun to secure the cable to a wall.
6. Do not stretch or apply force greater than 25lbs/11kgs.
7. Use electrical tape to seal the connection(s) when joining multiple cables together.