Videoswitch Vi400 User manual

Vi400 Digital Recorder
User Manual
Models covered by this manual
Hard Drive Capacity 16 Cameras
160 Gbytes Vi400-G160-16e
250 Gbytes Vi400-G250-16e
400 Gbytes V400-G400-16e
Document Reference Date Firmware
Vi603b.doc 11/07/2005 Vi011A34
Videosw itch
Ocean House Telephone [phone]
Redfields Industrial Park Fax [phone]
Redfields Lane Email [e-mail]
Church Crookham Web www.videoswitch.co.uk
Hants GU52 0RD

Vi603c.doc

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Contents:
1 Start Here ..................................................................1
1.1 Connecting Up .......................................................................................................................2
1.2 Setting Date/Time ..................................................................................................................3
1.3 Recording...............................................................................................................................4
1.4 Routine Checks......................................................................................................................4
1.5 Care of the Hard Drive...........................................................................................................4
1.6 Critical Alerts..........................................................................................................................5
2 LIVE ...........................................................................6
2.1 Viewing Full Screen Images ..................................................................................................6
2.2 Quad Display..........................................................................................................................6
2.3 Multi-Screen...........................................................................................................................7
2.4 Spot monitor...........................................................................................................................7
3 FIND...........................................................................8
3.1 FIND-1 Date/Time..................................................................................................................8
3.2 FIND-2 Sweep........................................................................................................................9
3.3 FIND-3 Event List.................................................................................................................10
3.4 FIND-4 Incidents..................................................................................................................11
4 PLAY........................................................................12
5 BURN.......................................................................14
5.1 BURN-1 Edit Incident...........................................................................................................14
5.2 BURN-2 Multiple Incidents...................................................................................................15
6 PSW (Passwords)...................................................16
6.1 Log-On.................................................................................................................................16
6.2 Log-Off.................................................................................................................................17
7 FN (Functions)........................................................18
7.1 List of Functions...................................................................................................................19
8 INFO.........................................................................20
8.1 INFO-1 Configuration...........................................................................................................20
8.2 INFO-2 Status......................................................................................................................20
8.3 INFO-3 Drives......................................................................................................................20
8.4 INFO-4 Record.....................................................................................................................20
8.5 INFO-5 Play .........................................................................................................................20
9 MENU.......................................................................21
9.1 Date/Time.............................................................................................................................22
9.1.1 Date/Time ........................................................................................................................22
9.1.2 Summer/Winter Time.......................................................................................................23
9.2 Record..................................................................................................................................23
9.2.1 Days.................................................................................................................................23
9.2.2 Cameras ..........................................................................................................................24
9.2.3 Quality..............................................................................................................................24
9.2.3.1 Image Size Control.........................................................................................24
9.2.3.2 Audio Sensitivity.............................................................................................24
9.2.4 Timers..............................................................................................................................25
9.2.4.1 Weekday ........................................................................................................25
9.2.4.2 Weekend........................................................................................................25
9.3 Display .................................................................................................................................26
9.3.1 Keypad Brightness...........................................................................................................26

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9.3.2 Auto Seq Dwell - Main .....................................................................................................26
9.3.3 Auto Seq Dwell - Spot......................................................................................................26
9.3.4 Camera Titles...................................................................................................................27
9.3.5 Text Alignment.................................................................................................................27
9.3.6 Time Date Alignment Alignment ......................................................................................28
9.4 Alarms..................................................................................................................................28
9.4.1 Activity Detection .............................................................................................................28
9.4.2 Critical Alerts....................................................................................................................28
9.4.2.1 Cameras.........................................................................................................28
9.4.3 Clear Event List................................................................................................................28
9.4.4 Alarm Timers....................................................................................................................28
9.4.4.1 Weekday ........................................................................................................28
9.4.4.2 Weekend........................................................................................................29
9.4.5 Activity Timers..................................................................................................................29
9.4.5.1 Weekday ........................................................................................................29
9.4.5.2 Weekend........................................................................................................29
9.4.6 Pull-Up Monitor................................................................................................................29
9.5 Network................................................................................................................................30
9.5.1 IP Address .......................................................................................................................30
9.5.2 Port ..................................................................................................................................30
9.5.3 Sub-Net mask ..................................................................................................................30
9.5.4 Gateway...........................................................................................................................30
9.5.5 PSTN Rings.....................................................................................................................30
9.6 Configuration........................................................................................................................31
9.6.1 Passwords .......................................................................................................................31
9.6.1.1 Logged-Off Access Rights..............................................................................31
9.6.1.2 User 1.............................................................................................................31
9.6.1.2.1 User 1 Password 31
9.6.1.2.2 User 1 Access Rights 32
9.6.1.3 User 2.............................................................................................................32
9.6.1.3.1 User 2 Password 32
9.6.1.3.2 User 2 Access Rights 32
9.6.1.4 User 3.............................................................................................................32
9.6.1.4.1 User 3 Password 32
9.6.1.4.2 User 3 Access Rights 32
9.6.1.5 User 4.............................................................................................................32
9.6.1.5.1 User 4 Password 32
9.6.1.5.2 User 4 Access Rights 32
9.6.2 Camera Inputs .................................................................................................................32
9.6.2.1 Brightness ......................................................................................................32
9.6.2.2 Colour Boost...................................................................................................33
9.6.3 Covert Cameras...............................................................................................................34
9.6.4 Camera Inputs .................................................................................................................34
9.6.4.1 Record Brightness..........................................................................................34
9.6.4.2 Record Colour Boost......................................................................................34
9.6.5 Record Audio...................................................................................................................34
9.6.6 Restore Factory Config....................................................................................................35
9.6.7 Erase Hard Drive .............................................................................................................35
9.6.8 Multi-Unit Configuration ...................................................................................................36
9.6.8.1 Unit Number ...................................................................................................36
9.6.8.2 Number of Linked unit....................................................................................36
10 Audio .......................................................................37

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11 Ethernet...................................................................38
11.1 Ethernet connection to a PC................................................................................................38
11.2 Ethernet connection to a LAN network ................................................................................38
11.3 Ethernet connection to an ADSL router...............................................................................38
12 Remote Keyboard...................................................39
13 Dial-Up Access .......................................................40
13.1 Vi-PSTN...............................................................................................................................40
13.2 Vi-ISDN and Vi-ISDN/TA .....................................................................................................40
13.3 Connecting a Dial-up Adaptor..............................................................................................40
14 Technical Data........................................................41
14.1 Power-On Reset ..................................................................................................................41
14.2 Accessories Included...........................................................................................................41
14.3 Changing the Hard Drive .....................................................................................................41
14.4 Connector Pin-Outs .............................................................................................................42
14.4.1 Alarms..............................................................................................................................42
14.4.2 Relays..............................................................................................................................43
14.4.3 Remote Keyboards..........................................................................................................44
14.4.4 PSTN/ISDN Modem.........................................................................................................45
14.5 Specifications.......................................................................................................................46
14.5.1 Storage ............................................................................................................................46
14.5.2 Digital recording/Replay...................................................................................................46
14.5.3 Display.............................................................................................................................46
14.5.4 Control and Interface .......................................................................................................46
14.5.5 Remote Viewing...............................................................................................................47
14.5.6 Power, Physical & Environmental....................................................................................47
14.5.7 Upgrades .........................................................................................................................47
14.5.8 CE Marking......................................................................................................................48
14.5.9 Ventilation........................................................................................................................48
14.5.10 Safety...............................................................................................................................48
15 Warranty Fax-Back.................................................50

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1Start Here
Please fill in the warranty fax-back form on page 50 and return it to Videoswitch
The Vi400 is designed to be easy to use whilst offering high quality digital video recording
and playback, primarily for CCTV security applications.
The video images from all connected cameras are continuously recorded onto the built-in
hard disc. When the disc is full, the Vi400 keeps on recording, overwriting the oldest
images.
Images are retained for a specified user programmable number of days, typically 14 or 31.
All images recorded within the period will be available for replay. Older image are no longer
available.
Several methods are provided for finding the recorded images you want quickly.
The built-in CD writer allows a selected part of the recorded information to be written onto a
CD, typically to back-up an incident for use as evidence by the Police.
The recording process continues all the time, even when playing back or writing to CD.
An optional dial-up module allows images to be viewed on a PC (with a modem) via a
telephone line.
Audio and ethernet are standard features.

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1.1 Connecting Up
For a standard digital recording system you will need
 The Vi400 recorder
 Some cameras with lenses
 A video monitor (with S-video or BNC composite video input).
 BNC cables
ETHERNET
RELAYS/DOMES
ALARM
INPUTS
ISDN/PSTN
RS232 PORT
MAINS
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
MAINS
POWER
INPUT
MICROPHONE
INPUT
LINE
INPUT
LINE
OUTPUT
CAMERA
INPUT 16
CAMERA
INPUT 1
SPOT
MONITOR
MAIN
MONITOR
(BNC)
LOOP TO MAIN
KEYBOARD OF
NEXT UNIT
LOOP TO
SPOTKEYBOARD
OF NEXT UNIT
MAIN
MONITOR
(S-VIDEO)
IBM
KEYBOARD GPS
RECEIVER
NOT
USED
NOT
USED
NOT
USED
MAIN
KEYBOARD
SPOT
KEYBOARD
 Connect the monitor output (MAIN) of the Vi400 to a Video Monitor using a BNC or S-
Video cable (supplied).
 Make sure that the monitor termination is switched on (i.e. to 75 Ohms)
 Connect a camera to Camera Input 1 on the Vi400 using a BNC cable
 Connect further cameras to Inputs 2,3,4 etc
 Make sure that the voltage select switch is set to suit the mains supply. The setting
required in UK and Europe is normally 230Vac.
 Connect the mains power using the mains cable provided

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1.2 Setting Date/Time
For proper operation of the Vi400 Digital Recorder it is essential that the date and
time are set correctly.
If the system clock has an invalid date or time when the Vi400 is powered up (or at any time
during operation), the date and time setting window will be automatically displayed
If this occurs, use the number keys to enter the date and time.
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
The arrow keys may be used to move the cursor to different positions if only some digits
need changing:
Í
Í
Press OK to finish:
OK
If you need to adjust the time and date at any other time, refer to section 9.1. Note that the
time is automatically adjusted forwards or backwards by an hour at the appropriate dates to
take account of British Summertime so no user action is required.
The format for the date and time is DD/MM/YY HH:MM:SS
where:
xDD is the day of the month (00 to 31),
xMM is the month (01 to 12),
xYY is the year (e.g. 04 for the year 2004),
xHH is the hour in 24-hour format (00 to 23),
xMM is the number of minutes past the hour (00 to
59) and
xSS is the number of seconds past the minute (00 to
59).

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1.3 Recording
The Vi400 Digital Recorder should now be fully operational and recording images from all
cameras. The default image retention period is 31 days unless set otherwise in the menu
(see section 9.2.1).
1.4 Routine Checks
If the Vi400 is not recording, the message RECORDING STOPPED will be displayed on
the video monitor. This should only happen if there is no video, if no hard drive is fitted or if it
is faulty, or if record timers have been set to disable recording.
Although the system is intended for continuous un-attended operation, it is recommended
that the user regularly check that images from all cameras replay correctly. Any
potential problems with the cameras or recording system will then be detected as soon a
possible, rather than continuing un-noticed until a critical incident needs to be recalled from
the system.
Similarly, when a CD has been created you should check that it plays back correctly,
before the images on the hard drive in the Vi400 become over-written. The CD may be
checked by either by playing it on the Vi400 or on a PC.
1.5 Care of the Hard Drive
The hard drive is a delicate mechanical item that should be handled with care. Before
moving a Vi400 that has been powered up, remove power and wait for 30 seconds for the
drive to stop spinning. This is a precaution to avoid possible damage to the hard drive.

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1.6 Critical Alerts
The Vi400 constantly monitors the hard drive, camera inputs and system so that detected
fault conditions will be reported to the user as soon as possible by means of a “critical alert”
message on the screen. Alerts are also added to the event list.
xFailTest This alert indicates that the self-test has failed – try the following
oPress the INFO key to call up the “FIND-2 Status” screen.
The positions of any solid blocks displayed on the “Self Test” row
indicate various fault conditions.
oEnter the menu, change any setting and return to LIVE mode so
that settings are saved.
oSwitch off the Vi400, wait 10 seconds and switch on again.
oTry a power-on reset
oIf the problem persists, contact your supplier.
xHD1 Fail This alert indicates that the hard drive is not working.
oCheck that the drive drawer is correctly fitted
oCheck the lock in the drive drawer is turned full counter-
clockwise
oCheck the DISC ACTIVITY LED is flickering
oCheck that the red DISC POWER led it lit.
xHD1 SMART This alert indicates that the hard drive may stop working soon
oThe SMART monitoring detects imminent failure of a hard drive,
so if this warning occurs, the drive should be changed at the
earliest opportunity.
To cancel a critical alert, press the FIND key several times until the “FIND-3 Event”
screen is displayed.
FIND
The time of alert will be displayed on the list (see section 3) and the alert will be cancelled.
Note that if the alert condition persists, the alert message will re-appear.

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2LIVE
Press this key to view live images on the main monitor.
LIVE
This key may be pressed at any time to exit from any other screen.
2.1 Viewing Full Screen Images
Select full screen views of different cameras on the main monitor by pressing the NUMBER
keys:
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
To step forwards or backwards through the cameras displayed on the main monitor, press
one of these keys:
DEC
INC
2.2 Quad Display
Select quad display on the main monitor by pressing the QUAD key. Cameras 1, 2, 3 and 4
will be displayed together.
Press again to see cameras 5, 6, 7 and 8. Successive presses will select the next set of
four camera images.
Press a number key to revert to full screen display of one camera.
To select cameras 1 to 9 either press the required
number and wait a moment for the camera to select,
Alternative, enter 01, 02, 03 etc.
To select cameras 10 to 16, enter the number 10 to
16;
If you select a camera number above 16, this will
select cameras on other linked Vi400’s if they are
present.

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2.3 Multi-Screen
Select 9-camera Multi-Screen display on the main monitor by pressing the
MULTISCREEN key. Press again to display a 16-camera multi-screen image.
Press a number key to revert to full screen display of one camera.
2.4 Spot monitor
To step forwards or backwards through the cameras displayed on the spot monitor, press
one of these keys:
BACK
DEF

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3FIND
If there is a CD in the CD drive with previously stored images on it, the Vi400 will
replay from the CD. Otherwise, the Vi400 will replay from the built-in hard drive.
3.1 FIND-1 Date/Time
This mode finds images by date and time. Press
this key to enter the Date/Time search mode:
FIND
Use the NUMBER keys to enter
any date and time for which there
is still video available.
1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
Scroll through dates and times using the ARROW
keys:
Í
Í
Í
Í
When you have found what you want, use the play keys to view the video:
Note that as any digit of the date
and time is changed, the
corresponding image is
immediately found on the hard
drive and displayed.
This is the “active search”
facility.
The format for the date and time is DD/MM/YY
HH:MM:SS where:
xDD is the day of the month (00 to 31),
xMM is the month (01 to 12),
xYY is the year (e.g. 04 for the year 2004),
xHH is the hour in 24-hour format (00 to 23),
xMM is the number of minutes past the hour
(00 to 59) and
xSS is the number of seconds past the
minute (00 to 59).
Sometimes it is useful to press the
DEF key when in search mode, to call
up the latest available recorded
images

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3.2 FIND-2 Sweep
An alternative to the date/time search is the sweep facility. Press this key until the sweep
mode is displayed:
FIND
Use these keys to scan through the whole
range of recorded images:
Í
Í
To quickly step between start, middle and end, press this key:
DEF
When you have found what you want, use the play keys to view the video:
To step in finer time increments, press the
BACK key to access the fine mode.
Note that the slider changes from a solid
block to a diamond.
Press again to cancel.

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3.3 FIND-3 Event List
When activity detection or alarm contacts are being used, events will be created in the event
list. This screen allows you to quickly find an event and play the video associated with it.
Press the FIND key until the FIND-3 screen is displayed:
FIND
Use the up/down keys to scroll through events
and the left/right keys to select different pages
of events.
Í
Í
Í
Í
Press this key to go to the latest event:
DEF
When you have found what you want, use the play keys to view the video:
Up to 480 events can be recorded
before older ones are over-written.
As events are highlighted, the
corresponding image will be
immediately recalled and displayed.
System events and critical alerts also
appear in the event list.
Entering the EVENT screen clears
any critical alert conditions. If a critical
alert problem still exists, new alert
events will be created.

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3.4 FIND-4 Incidents
If one or more incidents have been set (refer to BURN, section 5) they can be selected and
replayed via this screen. This is particularly relevant when playing a CD.
Press the FIND key until the FIND-4 screen is displayed:
FIND
To select the incident you wish to replay, use these keys:
Í
Í
To play the incident forwards from the start, press the “play forward” key:
To play the incident backwards from the end, press the “play backwards” key:
When playing from a CD, all the
stored video is within one or more
incidents. This screen allows you to
select which incident to play.

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4PLAY
xIf there is a CD in the CD drive with previously stored images on it, the Vi400
will replay from the CD. If the CD has more than one incident, use the FIND-4
screen to select each incident (see section 3.4).
xIf there is no CD in the CD drive, the Vi400 will replay from the built-in hard
drive.
Having found what you want using the FIND key,
you can use these keys to move forwards and
backwards through the recorded video images.
The function of each key is:
Step backwards one image
Step forwards one image
Play backwards (press again to increase speed)
Play forwards (press again to increase speed)
Pause at currently displayed image
When unit is in playback mode you can also using the function menu 15 zoom command to
zoom in on a specific area of replay.
View different cameras by pressing the NUMBER keys:
Press the forward or reverse play
keys repeatedly to increase the
replay speed.

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1
4
7
2
5
8
0
3
6
9

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5BURN
To burn a section of video recording to CD you must go to the middle the video that you
wish to backup, using the FIND and PLAY facilities as described in sections 3 and 4. Then
do the following:
5.1 BURN-1 Edit Incident
Call up the BURN-1 screen by pressing this key.
BURN
Create an “incident” by pressing this key.
DEF
Change the duration of the incident as
required using the left/right keys:
Í
Í
Press the “Open CD drawer” button on the CD drive and place a new CD-R in the CD drive.
Press the “Open CD drawer” button again to close the drawer.
Start writing to CD by pressing this key:
OK
Note that you can only write incidents to a
blank CD. When an important incident has
been written to a CD, always check that the
CD plays back correctly, either by playing it
on the VI400 or on a PC.
If there is a CD in the CD drive
that is not blank, the BURN
screen will not be displayed.
The start and end times can also be
individually adjusted by using the UP and
DOWN arrow keys to highlight the start or
end times, and the LEFT and RIGHT keys
to adjust the time.
Alternatively if you highlight the start time
and press BACK it will be set to the current
play image. Similarly if you highlight the end
time and press BACK it will be set to the
current play image.

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5.2 BURN-2 Multiple Incidents
Up to 10 incidents may be set before burning to CD. Use the BURN-2 screen to manage
multiple incidents and the BURN-1 screen to edit individual incidents.
Use the BURN key to switch between the BURN-1 and BURN-2 screens:
BURN
While in the BURN-2 screen, use these keys to highlight an incident:
Í
Í
Use these key to select whether you wish to include the highlighted incident when you burn
to CD:
Í
Í
Use the BURN key to return to the BURN-1 screen to set a new incident or to alter the
length or times of an incident.
BURN
While in the BURN-2 screen, start writing all selected incidents to CD by pressing this key:
OK
Note that you can only write incidents to a
blank CD. When an important incident has
been written to a CD, always check that the
CD plays back correctly, either by playing it
on the VI400 or on a PC.