Sylvania SY164 User manual

4-CHANNEL DVR
Instruction Manual
English Version 1.0
Copyright (c) 2005 Strategic Vista International Inc.
MODEL:
SY164

ii
Important Safety Information
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO A QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
Thank you for purchasing the 4 channel DVR from Strategic Vista.
The DVR coverts analog video into digital format and records them on to a hard disk drive depending on the system purchased.
Digital video allows you to quickly access and search for a specific time segment or event which has been recorded. The DVR
supports 2 Hard Drive units with a maximum capacity of 250 GB per hard drive.
To learn more about this system or to find out more about our available products, please visit out website
http://www.sylvaniasecurity.com
THE GRAPHIC SYMBOLS WITH SUPPLEMENTAL MARKINGS
ARE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SYSTEM

iii
Important Safeguards
Installation
1. Read and Follow Instructions - All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before the video
product is operated. Follow all operating instructions.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - Comply with all warnings on the video
product and in the operating instructions.
4. Polarization - This video product is equipped with a
polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the
power outlet only one way.
This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into
the outlet, try reversing the plug.
If the plug still fails to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet.
To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized plug
with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless
the blades can be fully inserted without the blade
exposure. If you need an extension cord, use a polarized
cord.
5. Power Sources - This video product should be operated
only from the type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your location, consult your video dealer or local
power company. For video products intended to operate
frombatterypower,orother sources, refer to the operating
instructions.
6. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets of extension
cords as this can result in the risk of fire or electric shock.
Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed power
cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation, and broken
plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire
hazard. Periodically examine the cord, and if its
appearance indicates damage or deteriorated insulation,
have it replaced by your service technician.
7. Power-Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the video
product.
8. Ventilation - Slots and openings in the case are provided
for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the video
product and to protect it from overheating. These
openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the video equipment
on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This video
product should never be placed near or over a radiator or
heat register. This video product should not be placed in
a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the video product
manufacturer’s instructions have been followed.
9. Attachments - Do not use attachments unless
recommended by the video product manufacturer as they
may cause a hazard.
10. Water and Moisture - Do not use this video product
near water. For example, near a bath tub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a
swimming pool and the like.
Caution: Maintain electrical safety. Powerline operated
equipment or accessories connected to this unit should
bear the UL listing mark of CSA certification mark on the
accessory itself and should not be modified so as to defeat
the safety features. This will help avoid any potential
hazard from electrical shock or fire. If in doubt, contact
qualified service personnel.
11. Accessories - Do not place this video equipment on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, or table.
The video equipment may fall, causing
serious damage to the video product.
Use this video product only with a cart,
stand, tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer or
sold with the video product. Any
mounting of the product should follow
the manufacturer’s instructions and use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
12. Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be
located in the vicinity of overhead power lines, other
electrical light or power circuits, or where it can fall into
such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep
from touching or approaching such power lines or circuits
as contact with them might be fatal. Installing an outdoor
antenna can be hazardous and should be left to a
professional installer.
Important Safeguards
In addition to the careful attention devoted to quality standards in the manufacture process of your video product, safety is a major
factor in the design of every instrument. However, safety is your responsibility too. This sheet lists important information that will
help to assure your enjoyment and proper use of the video product and accessory equipment. Please read them carefully before
operating and using your video product.

iv
Important Safeguards
Service
13. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this video
equipment yourself as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer
all servicing to qualified service personnel.
14. Conditions Requiring Service - Unplug this video
product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following
conditions.
A. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
B. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the video product.
C. If the video product has been exposed to rain or
water.
D. If the video product does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions. Adjust only those
controlsthatarecoveredbytheoperatinginstructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the video product to its
normal operation.
E. If the video product has been dropped or the cabinet
has been damaged.
F. When the video product exhibits a distinct change
in performance. This indicates a need for service.
15. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are
required, have the service technician verify that the
replacements used have the same safety characteristics
as the original parts. Use of replacements specified by
the video product manufacturer can prevent fire, electric
shock or other hazards.
16. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs
to this video product, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks recommended by the manufacturer to
determine that the video product is in safe operating
condition.
17. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be
mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
18. Heat - The product should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Use
19. Cleaning - Unplug the video product from the wall outlet
before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
20. Product and Cart Combination - Video and cart
combination should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the video
product and car combination to overturn.
21. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects for any
kind into this video product through openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or “short-out” parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind on the video product.
22. Lightning - For added protection for this video product
during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and
unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This
will prevent damage to the video product due to lightning
and power line surges.

v
FCC CLASS B NOTICE
FCC CLASS B NOTICE
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception (which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off), the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and 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 or television technician for assistance
STRAGETIC VISTA INTERNATIONAL INC.
http://www.sylvaniasecurity.com
NOTE
This equipment has been certified and found to comply with the limits regulated by FCC, EMC, and LVD. Therefore, it is designated
to provide reasonable protection against interference and will not cause interference with other appliance usage.
However, it is imperative that the user follows this manuals guidelines to avoid improper usage which may result in damage to the
unit, electrical shock and fire hazard injury
In order to improve the feature functions and quality of this product, the specifications are subject to change without notice from
time to time.

vi
General Precautions
General Precautions
1. All warnings and instructions of this manual should be followed
2. Remove the plug from the outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid aerosol detergents. Use a water dampened cloth for cleaning
3. Do not use this unit in humid or wet places
4. Keep enough space around the unit for ventilation. Slots and openings in the storage cabinet should not be blocked
5. Do not try to retrieve the Hard Drive data by PC
DVR Features
The enclosed DVR unit includes the following features and functions
 Modified MPEG (5~20 KB/frame) video compression format
 Recording Frame Rate at
30 fps (NTSC) -- Quad Mode
7.5 fps (NTSC) -- Each Mode
 Display Resolution: 720x480 (NTSC) Full Screen
 Video output composite BNC
 4 camera inputs (4 BNC)
 On Screen Display and Real Time Clock functions
 Alarm terminal block (integrated)
 Video loss detected on each channel. Alarm history stores and records up to 256 events
 Quad or Full Screen viewing and recording options
 Recording rate of up to 30 fps
 3 Recording modes: Manual, Alarm, and Schedule
 Playback speed at 4 times faster
 Supports up to 250 GB per Hard Drive
 Quick search by date/time and alarm
 Security password protection

7
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Getting Started - Component List ........................................................................................... 9
SY164 - DVR Front Panel ...............................................................................................10 - 11
SY164 - DVR Back Panel .......................................................................................................12
Remote Control ..................................................................................................................... 13
Optional Accessories ............................................................................................................14
Getting Started ..................................................................................................................... 15
Connecting AC Power .......................................................................................................................................................15
Operating the DVR ............................................................................................................................................................15
Installing the Hard Drive .......................................................................................................16
Remove the Cartridge Casing from the DVR ....................................................................................................................16
Remove the Cover from the Cartridge Casing ..................................................................................................................16
Connect the Hard Drive into the Cartridge Casing. ..........................................................................................................17
Secure the Hard Drive in the Casing (optional) ................................................................................................................17
Slide the top Cover over the Cartridge Casing .................................................................................................................17
Reinsert the Cartridge Casing into the DVR .....................................................................................................................18
Lock the Cabinet ...............................................................................................................................................................18
Internal Hard Drive ................................................................................................................19
Install the Internal Hard Drive ..........................................................................................................................................19
Detect the disk capacity of the DVR ................................................................................................................................20
Key Lock ................................................................................................................................ 20
Optional Camera Installation ................................................................................................20
Connecting The Monitor .......................................................................................................21
Connecting the SY164 to a monitor (slave) ......................................................................................................................21
Connecting the SY164 to a Sylvania Observation System ..............................................................................................22
Main Menu Control ...............................................................................................................23
Time / Date .......................................................................................................................................................................24
Schedule Setting ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 - 25
Sensor Alarm ....................................................................................................................................................................26
Record Setting ..................................................................................................................................................................26
Camera Options ................................................................................................................................................................27
Event Log ..........................................................................................................................................................................28
Advanced .................................................................................................................................................................. 28 - 29
System Info .......................................................................................................................................................................30
Operation .............................................................................................................................. 31
Camera Select (1-4) ..........................................................................................................................................................31
Recording ..........................................................................................................................................................................31
Search Menu ............................................................................................................................................................ 32 - 34
Playback Menu .................................................................................................................................................................35
Technical Specifications - Appendix 1 .................................................................................36
Recording Time (in hours) - Appendix #2 ..............................................................................37
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................38 - 39

8

9
Getting Started - Component List
Getting Started - Component List
The SY164 system includes the following components:
CHECK YOUR PACKAGE TO CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COMPLETE
SYSTEM, INCLUDING ALL COMPONENTS SHOWN ABOVE.
4 cables, 4 RCA-RCA
8 BNC to BCNC Adapters
Cartridge Keys
(2)
Power Adapter and Cord (DC
12V, 4.5A)
Hard Drive Screws
(only used when installing an additional
Hard Drive)
Hard Drive
(installed in the Hard
Drive cartridge)
4 channel DVR (Model SY164)

10
SY164 - DVR Front Panel
SY164 - DVR Front Panel
1. REMOVABLE HARD DRIVE CARTRIDGE- Removable 80GB Hard Drive installed (Max. capacity of 250
GB per hard drive)
2. UP BUTTON - Allows you to scroll up in the Menu mode
3. SELECT BUTTON - Allows you to select a Sub-Menu option and change a selection
4. DOWN BUTTON - Allows you to scroll down in the Menu mode
5. QUAD BUTTON - Switches from a full screen mode to a QUAD screen mode on the monitor
6. PAUSE - During playback, use this button to Pause the video
7. STOP - Use this button to stop recording or playback
8. POWER BUTTON - Press the "POWER" button to turn the DVR "ON", and press and hold for approximately
2 seconds to turn the DVR "OFF".
123
4567
910
11 12 13 14
8

11
SY164 - DVR Front Panel
9. LED (LIGHT) INDICATORS - Represents the status of operation
POWER: LED comes on when there's power to the unit
ALARM: LED will turn ON when an ALARM event is detected. The LED will be ON for
the duration until any key is pressed (to acknowledge the ALARM). Please refer to page
26 for ALARM SETUP information.
Hard Drive: Blinks when the Hard Drive is being accessed (via recording or playback)
REC / Hard Drive FULL: Green LED comes ON when recording is in progress.
Hard Drive Full: Red LED comes ON when Hard Drive is full
10. CAMERA SELECT - (1-4) - Press the Camera Select Buttons (1-4) to select the channel to be displayed in
full screen
11. REC - Initiates manual recording
12. MENU - Press the MENU to enter the main menu. Please refer to page 23 for more information on the
Menu options
13. PLAY - Pressing this button brings up the Search menu, which allows you to quickly find recordings and
access video playback. You can select recordings from a list, or search by Time/Date event. For more
information on Playback / Search options, please refer to page 35
14. SHUTTLE RING - REV/ PAUSE/ FF - This shuttle ring has three functions:
REV: During playback, turn this button counterclockwise to rewind 10 seconds back
PAUSE: Pauses video during playback
FF: During playback, turn this button clockwise to Fast Forward the video 4X the speed
FF 1: 2 x Forward Speed
FF 2: 3 x Forward Speed
FF 3: 4 x Forward Speed
NOTE: If you perform a REV to FF function, during the 1st FF the playback will pause and
the FF function will activate during the 2nd FF.

12
SY164 - DVR Back Panel
SY164 - DVR Back Panel
1. ALARM IN - These terminals are used to connect external motion sensors, door/window contacts, etc.
Available terminal range: SEN1 - SEN 4
2. VIDEO INPUT (1-4) - Connect to video a source, such as camera (BNC Connection). The video outputs from
the desired cameras to these inputs
3. MAIN POWER SWITCH - ON/OFF Main power switch for DVR
4. ALARM OUT - This alarm output can be connected to an alarm output relay to trigger devices with a N/O
(Normally open) circuit
5. VIDEO OUTPUT - Connect the RCA output to display the DVR's Menu and Video Playback
6. POWER INPUT - Connect the supplied 12V power adapter to this input
123
456

13
Remote Control
Remote Control
Listed below is a quick reference for use of the Remote Control. For more details on specific remote control
features, refer to the Front Panel features.
REC - Initiates recording
QUAD - Displays Quad
screen
POWER - Turns DVR power
ON/OFF
1-4 - Allows user to select
individual cameras
- Displays Quad screen
PLAY - Access playback
search mode
SEL - Set and select a
Sub-Menu / Change a
selection
MENU - Access main menu
- Rewinds video in
playback mode
- Stops video playback
- Fast forwards video
in playback mode
- Pauses video

14
Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories
The following accessories are available to add to your existing system
Specialty Cameras Time Lapse VCR Sunshade Housing
Select from a wide as-
sortment of specialty
cameras (dome, weath-
erproof, bullet, water-
proof, etc.,) to suit
individual needs.
Used to record key events.
Select from a 40 hour real
time or 1280 hour time lapse
VCR
Protects observation
camera from the sun.
Selected models only.
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ACCESSORY ITEMS AND ORDERING INFORMATION, PLEASE
VISIT US ON THE WEB AT
http://www.sylvaniasecurity.com

15
Getting Started
Getting Started
1. Connecting AC Power
• Connect the AC power cord and plug it into an electrical outlet.
• The power LED and Hard Drive LED will illuminate GREEN.
• The message seen on the monitor will say
‘Hard Drive Checking….. Master Hard Drive
Slave Hard Drive Not Detected.
• It will then go to a Quad Screen and show a camera loss (if there are no cameras connected). The screen
will display “LOSS” respectively as shown below.
2. Operating the DVR
Before operating the DVR press the MENU button and set the systems “time” first (refer to page 23).
NOTE:
• If the Hard Drive is not installed correctly or not installed, the “Hard Drive not found” message will
appear for 3 seconds and then return to a 4 CH display mode.
• If the keys on the DVR are locked, the default master password is 111111 to disable the key lock.
• Hard Drive LED’s - Flashing green LED indicates that the Hard Drive is being detected. A steady Green
LED indicates that the Hard Drive is in use

16
Installing the Hard Drive
Installing the Hard Drive
The Hard Drive serves the same purpose in a DVR as a video cassette does in a VCR. Please follow the steps
carefully in order to ensure proper installation.
The compartment located on the front panel of the DVR is the removable Cartridge Casing in which you
insert the Hard Drive. The various parts of the Cartridge Casing are labeled for your reference.
1. Remove the Cartridge Casing from the DVR.
• Lift the Handle and pull towards you. The Cartridge Casing will slide out of the DVR.
2. Remove the Cover from the Cartridge Casing
• Un-clip the release latch with the word “OPEN” printed beside it by gently pushing on the latch.
• Slide the cover off to where it locks or catches the stopper and lift the Cartridge Casing to remove it.
Keyhole
LED Indicator Lights
(Power Indicator and
Hard Drive access
Handle
NOTE:
You may find that the cartridge casing is locked. In this case, skip ahead to step 7 to find instructions
on unlocking the cabinet, then return to Step 2
Release Latch
Slide Cover

17
Installing the Hard Drive
3. Connect the Hard Drive into the Cartridge Casing.
• Take the Hard Disk Drive and Connect the two cables from the back of the Cartridge Casing to the Hard
Drive.
• The cables should be pushed in firmly, but not forcibly.
• The 4 Pin connection is the DC Power cable, and the wider cable is the standard Hard Drive IDE type
connection.
4. Secure the Hard Drive in the Casing (optional)
• Use screws and tighten them, positioning the Hard Drive into place. This step is optional, but it is
recommended.
5. Slide the top Cover over the Cartridge Casing
• Slide the Cover forward over the
Cartridge Case. Ensure it is secured in
place over the release latch.
Cable Connection
Position Hard Drive
and secure with pro-
vided screws
Cover
Hard Drive posi-

18
Installing the Hard Drive
6. Reinsert the Cartridge Casing into the DVR
• Fully insert the Cartridge Case into the DVR.
7. Lock the Cabinet
• Lock the cabinet by turning the key clockwise.
Locked
Unlocked
NOTE:
If you do not lock the cabinet, the DVR system will not function properly Refer to the DVR Front Panel
(Removable Hard Drive Cartridge) on page 10 for lock location.

19
Internal Hard Drive
Internal Hard Drive
The SY164 is a four channel DVR and supports up to two Hard Drive’s with a maximum capacity of 250 GB
each.
If you are purchasing the DVR with a hard disk drive, the drive may be installed in the internal Hard Drive bay
located on the bottom side of the DVR.
• The internal Hard Drive bay is located in the bottom panel of the DVR as referenced above.
• The internal Hard Drive bay is accessible from the bottom panel of the DVR by removing 4 screws from the
internal Hard Drive bay cover.
• Installing the Hard Drive in the internal compartment allows you to add more storage capacity by installing
an additional Hard drive in the removable Hard Drive bay on the front panel.
Install the Internal Hard Drive
On the bottom of the DVR there is a place for the Internal Hard Drive. Remove the screws and install the
Internal Hard Drive and reassemble the screws once complete.
Internal Hard Drive Bay
Accessible through bottom
panel
Removable Hard
Drive Bay
NOTE:
MAKE SURE TO SET THE HARD DRIVE SET TO SLAVE MODE, THEN ACTIVATE THE SLAVE MODE IN
THE MENU AND RE-START THE DVR
DVR Bottom
DVR Top

20
Detect the disk capacity of the DVR
Detect the disk capacity of the DVR
• Connect the DVR to a monitor (refer to the monitor connections section)
• Turn the DVR unit on.
• Check the screen for the following words which show that the DVR is initializing:
• Check the upper right hand corner of the screen for the disk capacity.
Key Lock
For advanced security, you can “Lock” the buttons on your DVR. Key-Lock prevents other people from using
the system.
• To enable Keylock: Press the SELECT key three times to enable the Key Lock.
• To disable Keylock: Press any key and enter your password (master or user password) (Default master
password: 111111, default user password:222222).
Optional Camera Installation
Optional Camera Installation (camera not included with system)
• Connect the camera to the CAMERA INPUT on the rear panel of the system
HDD checking…
Master hard drive