Vivotek NR8401 User manual

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User's Manual - 1
Rev. 1.6.1.11
Rev. 1.0
User’s Manual
NR8401 Network Video Recorder
16-channel • Rack-mount Enclosure •
Full Integration with VIVOTEK Cameras
Rev. 1.1

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2 - User's Manual
Table of Contents
Revision History ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter One Hardware Installation and Initial Conguration ...................................................................................... 5
Introducing NR8401 Network Video Recorder ....................................................................................................... 5
Special Features ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Safety .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Physical Description ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Hardware Installation.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Network Deployment ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Initial Conguration............................................................................................................................................... 13
Rack-mounting ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Attaching Foot Pads ............................................................................................................................................. 23
LED Indicators...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Power Up and Power Down ................................................................................................................................. 24
Chapter Two Login and Getting Started .................................................................................................................... 25
2-1. Login ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
2-2. Graphical Layout and Screen Elements - Liveview....................................................................................... 29
2-2-1. Camera List Panel .............................................................................................................................. 30
2-2-2. Layout ................................................................................................................................................. 32
2-2-3. Layout contents .................................................................................................................................. 33
2-2-4. Logo & Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 33
2-2-5. View Cell panel ................................................................................................................................... 34
Adding Cameras to View Cells...................................................................................................................... 34
2-2-6. PTZ panel ........................................................................................................................................... 43
2-2-7. Alarm panel......................................................................................................................................... 45
2-3. Graphical Layout and Screen Elements - Playback...................................................................................... 49
2-3-1. Camera List Panel .............................................................................................................................. 50
2-3-2. Playback Layout ................................................................................................................................. 51
2-3-3. Logo & Menu ...................................................................................................................................... 51
2-3-4. Playback View Cells............................................................................................................................ 52
2-3-5. Alarm Panel ........................................................................................................................................ 55
2-3-6. Calendar Panel ................................................................................................................................... 56
Chapter Three System Settings ................................................................................................................................ 57
3-1. System .......................................................................................................................................................... 58
3-1-1. System - General................................................................................................................................ 58
3-1-2. System - Upgrade............................................................................................................................... 59
3-1-3. System - Backup................................................................................................................................. 60
3-1-4. System - Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 63
UPS support........................................................................................................................................... 65
3-1-5. System - DI and DO............................................................................................................................ 66
3-2. Network ......................................................................................................................................................... 67
3-2-1. Network - General............................................................................................................................... 67

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3-2-2. Network - DDNS ................................................................................................................................. 69
3-2-3. Network - Service ............................................................................................................................... 71
3-2-4. Network - Utility................................................................................................................................... 72
3-3. Camera ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
3-3-1. Camera - General ............................................................................................................................... 73
3-3-2. Camera - Video................................................................................................................................... 79
3-3-3. Camera - Schedule............................................................................................................................. 80
3-4. Storage.......................................................................................................................................................... 82
3-4-1. Storage - Volume ................................................................................................................................ 82
3-4-2. Storage - Disk ..................................................................................................................................... 93
3-5. Security ......................................................................................................................................................... 95
3-5-1. User account....................................................................................................................................... 95
3-5-2. Access list ........................................................................................................................................... 98
3-6. Alarm ............................................................................................................................................................. 99
3-6-1. General ............................................................................................................................................... 99
3-6-2. Editing Alarms via Source, Action, and Schedule ............................................................................. 109
3-6-3. Alarm - History ...................................................................................................................................110
3-7. Logs .............................................................................................................................................................111
Chapter Four Operation............................................................................................................................................114
4-1. Liveview .......................................................................................................................................................114
4-1-1. Placing Cameras into the Layout.......................................................................................................114
4-1-2. PTZ and Other Screen Controls ........................................................................................................118
4-1-3. Audio................................................................................................................................................. 121
4-1-4. Camera Properties and Controls ...................................................................................................... 122
4-1-5. Alarm Panel ...................................................................................................................................... 123
4-1-6. Layout view Control Buttons ............................................................................................................. 124
4-2. Playback...................................................................................................................................................... 125
4-2-1. Begin Playback and Search for Past Recordings ............................................................................. 125
4-2-2. Past Alarms and Bookmarks............................................................................................................. 126
4-2-3. Synchronous Playback ..................................................................................................................... 127
4-2-4. Export media..................................................................................................................................... 128
4-2-5. Time Search...................................................................................................................................... 130
4-3. Other Functions - Using the Backup Button................................................................................................ 132
Technical Specications .......................................................................................................................................... 133
Safety and Compatibility.......................................................................................................................................... 134

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4 - User's Manual
Revision History
Rev. 1.0: Initial release.
Rev. 1.1: * Added description for the NVR DI/DO-related functions, including DI/DO connections,
Toggle DO, NVR DI as Alarm triggers, etc.
* Added description for the Alarm History.
* Added description for the Default routing interface.
* Added storage restoration rules in the backup-restore procedure.
* Added a DI/DO connection diagram.
Read Before Use
The use of surveillance devices may be prohibited by law in your country. The Network Camera
is not only a high-performance web-ready camera but can also be part of a exible surveillance
system. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the operation of such devices is legal before
installing this unit for its intended use.
It is important to first verify that all contents received are complete according to the Package
Contents listed below. Take note of the warnings in the Quick Installation Guide before the
Network Camera is installed; then carefully read and follow the instructions in the Installation
chapter to avoid damage due to faulty assembly and installation. This also ensures the product is
used properly as intended.
The Network Camera is a network device and its use should be straightforward for those who
have basic networking knowledge. It is designed for various applications including video sharing,
general security/surveillance, etc. The Configuration chapter suggests ways to best utilize the
Network Camera and ensure proper operations. For creative and professional developers, the
URL Commands of the Network Camera section serves as a helpful reference to customizing
existing homepages or integrating with the current web server.
Package Contents
■ NR8401
■ Power cord
■ Software CD
■ Warranty Card
■ Quick Installation Guide
■ Screws, Chassis ears, bezel keys, and foot pads
The operating system and management software are installed on a ash memory mounted on
the main board. Except for the plug-ins for onscreen display, there is no need to install software.
NOTE:

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User's Manual - 5
Chapter One Hardware Installation and
Initial Configuration
Introducing NR8401 Network Video Recorder
NR8401 is the 16-channel Linux embedded NVR from VIVOTEK, bringing stable and efficient
system operation under a wide range of recording/network management/system settings. The
unit supports all VIVOTEK camera models, including the latest 5-Megapixel and fisheye cam-
eras.
The NR8401 is equipped with two gigabit ethernet RJ45 ports which provide network failover/
load balance functionality to avoid the risk of recording loss. The front panel provides an easy
backup button for users to backup/restore NVR configurations, which is very useful for a rack-
mount chassis system. Up to 4 HDDs can be added to the NR8401 for a total storage capacity
of up to 16TB (4TB*4). Three removable HDD trays are available in the front of the unit, with
hot-swap functionality for easy replacement, and support the RAID 0/1/5 application for video
data protection and mirroring.
A CMS server running VAST software can also directly control the NR8401, and compatibility
with the iViewer application allows for remote access to the NR8401 on handheld devices. By
integrating all of the components together using VIVOTEK’s NR8401, network cameras, VAST,
and iViewer software, users can realize a fully-featured and robust next-generation surveillance
system.
Special Features
● Runs on embedded Linux
● 1U Rack Mount Design
● RAID 0, 1, 5 Storage Solution
● 4 x HDD Tray, for a max. capacity of 12TB
● 2 x Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet ports
● 3 x USB Port (1 x Front / 2 x Back)
● Size: 430 mm (W) x 421 mm (D) x 44 mm (H)
● 16-CH Live View & 4-CH Synchronous Playback
● H.264/ MPEG-4
● PTZ Support
● Snapshot / Export Media
● PiP Video Control
● Bookmark Design
● Fast Configuration Backup / Restore
● Compatible with VIVOTEK VAST Central Management Software*
● Full Integration with VIVOTEK Network Cameras
● VIVOTEK iViewer Support (iOS/Android)
*The VIVOTEK VAST Central Management Software is not included in the package.

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Safety
 Connect the system to an earthed main power outlet.
 Never open the housing of the power supply unit.
 Install and operate the system only in a dry, weather-proof location.
Observe the following safety factors:
• Is there visible damage to the system or power cord
• Is the system operating correctly.
• Has the system been exposed to rain or moisture
• Has the system been in a long storage under harsh conditions or exposed to
unconforming stress.
The relevant electrical engineering regulations must be complied with at all times during
installation.
Ensure that all maintenance and repair work is handled by qualified personnel such as
electrical engineers or network specialists.
 Read this manual before installing or operating the system. The documentation contains
important safety instructions about permitted uses.
The rated AC input is: 100-240V~ 3-1.5A, 60-50Hz; the max. output power: 150W
(+3.3V&+5V=85W)
If a fault occurs, disconnect the power cord from the power supply.
Do not install the system close to heaters or other heat sources. Avoid locations with direct
sunlight.
All ventilation openings must be not be blocked.
Use only the cables shipped with system or use appropriate cables that can withstand elec-
tromagnetic interference.
Symbols and Statements in this Document
i
INFORMATION: provides important messages or advices that might help prevent inconvenient
or problem situations.
NOTE: Notices provide guidance or advices that are related to the functional integrity of the
machine.
Tips: Tips are useful information that helps enhance or facilitae an installation, function, or
process.
WARNING! or IMPORTANT: These statements indicate situations that can be dangerous or
hazardous to the machine or you.
Electrical Hazard: This statement appears when high voltage electrical hazards might occur
to an operator.

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User's Manual - 7
Physical Description
Front View
Rear View
1 2 3 4 5 6
Disk 1 Disk 2
1Power button and LED
2Status LED
3HDD activity LED
4Restore Default button
5Backup button
6USB
Disk 3
Disk 4 can be installed inside the
chassis. See page 17 for information.
LAN2 LAN1
USB 1 & 2 GPIO
terminal block
Fan Outlet
Power Cord
Socket
Power Switch
Fan Outlet
1DO+ (12V) 6DI2- 11 Power button 16 GND
2DO- 7DI3+ 12 GND
3DI1+ 8 DI3- 13 RS232_TX
4DI1- 9DI4+ 14 RS232_RX
5DI2+ 10 DI4- 15 GND
DI*- (minus) stands for
Ground pins.
NOTE:

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IMPORTANT:
It is important to leave a clearance of 10cm to
the rear side of the chassis. The clearance is
required to ensure an adequate airow through
the chassis to ventilate heat. A 5cm clearance is
also required on the front of the chassis.
To ensure normal operation, maintain ambient
airow. Do not block the airow around chassis
such as placing the system in a closed cabinet.
10cm
5cm
DI-
DO+
DI+
DO-
+12
VDC
Max.
VDC
Switch
BJT transistor
DI-
DO+
DI+
DO-
+12
VDC
VDC
Switch
BJT transistor
Relay Relay
AC
Source
NO NC
AC
Device
AC
Source
AC
Device
NO NC
The digital output connection is diagrammed as follows:
The maximum load on DO pins is 50mA.

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User's Manual - 9
Hardware Installation
For a RAID volume conguration, it is recommended you use hard drives of the same model
featuring the same capacity and rotation speed. It is also preferred that these drives are running
the same version of rmware.
IMPORTANT:
SATA hard disk(s) are user-supplied. The network video recorder can readily accommodate
most of the off-the-shelf SATA hard drives.
1. Use the included bezel key to unlock the rotary bezel lock. Open the drive bay bezel by pull-
ing the door latch to the side.
2
1
Bezel Lever
Bezel Lock Door Latch
2. Install your hard disk to the drive tray. Gently put the hard disk into drive tray with its label
side facing up and the connector side facing
the inside of the chassis. Secure the hard
disk by driving screws from the bottom.

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Avoid touching the hard drive's circuit board or connector pins. Doing so can damage the hard
drive by electro-static discharge.
IMPORTANT:
3. Insert the hard drive into drive bay.
4. 4-1. Push the hard drive into bay until you feel the contact resistance.
4-2. Close the bezel lever to connect the hard drive to the back-end connector.
4-3. You should always lock the drive bezel when the drive bay is populated. This ensures the
hard drive is securely installed.
2
1
5. Repeat the process above to install more hard drives.

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User's Manual - 11
Interface Connections
LAN/WAN
Router
12
345
USB devices
DI/DO devices
Power cord
1 & 2. Connect CAT5e or better-quality Ethernet cables to cameras via a local, switched net-
work, or clients through the Internet. Refer to next page for more information.
3. Connect USB devices such as USB optical drive or UPS.
4. Connect external digital input/output devices to the GPIO teminal block.
5. Make sure the power switch on the rear panel is in the OFF (O) position. Connect the sup-
plied power cord to the power mains (100-240V AC, 50~60Hz).
Cameras and the NVR must reside in the same subnet. Otherwise, the NVR will not be able to
recruit them as a recording conguration.
NOTE:

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Network Deployment
1. Connect network cameras to the NVR’s LAN ports.
2. Internet access to the NVR is made through the TCP port 80 and RTSP streaming via port
554.
Router
Internet
Router
16x
LAN
Switch
Router / Wireless AP
Clients
1. The two LAN ports can be congured into the same or different subnets, or into a failover or
load-sharing trunk group.
2. Client computers should support IE8 browser at a minimum of 1280x960 resolution or higher.
NOTE:
1. The two LAN ports must not be managed by different DHCP servers or routers.
2. It is recommended all network cameras use static IPs. If you let a DHCP server assign IPs to
these cameras, IPs may be changed later and the NVR may not recognize them.
3. The NVR only receives H.264 and MPEG-4 video streams. If your cameras are congured to
deliver MJPEG streams, please change their video stream conguration.
4. The maximum recording bandwidth is 96Mbps using single disks or RAID0/1, and 48Mbps
using a RAID5 volume.
IMPORTANT:

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User's Manual - 13
Initial Conguration
2. From a management computer, install the IW2 utility software included in the product CD.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Start the IW2 utility. The IW2 utility will discover the NR8401 located in the same subnet.
1. Press the power switch on the rear panel to the ON (I) position. The NVR should start
immediately. To start the system again after the initial conguration, use the front panel power
button.
4. Double-click on the NR8401 entry to start a
web session with the NVR system.
5. The login page will prompt. Enter "admin"
and "admin" as user name and password for
access for the rst time. Click Login to begin
your conguration.

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6. The system will default to the LiveClient page. Click on the Settings button on the upper
right corner of the screen.
7. On the Settings page, click on Storage > Volume to access your storage volume
conguration.
8. On the Storage settings page, check if your hard drives are present and identied by your
system. Click on the Create... button.

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9. Depending on the number of hard drives you installed, a list of RAID volume congurations
will be listed. Select a conguration's check circle and the disk members of a volume, and
then click OK to continue. The initialization of a RAID volume will take several minutes.
10. The initialization process will be indicated as follows.
11. When done, the RAID volume details will be indicated on the Volume screen.
Please refer to page 82 for more information about Storage congurations.

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12. Click on Camera > General on the menu tree to open the camera settings page. Click on
the Search button to locate cameras installed in the subnet.
13. Cameras on the network will be listed. Click on the + button on the far left to enlist them into
your conguration. Click OK when done on this page. Click Save when you return to the
Camera page.
14. By default, cameras are congured to record all streaming at all time. You can change the
recording settings in Camera > Schedule.
15. Refer to the following chapters for more operation and conguration details.

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If you need to install 4 hard drives,
1. Power down the system and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open the chassis top cover by removing 4 screws from the sides, and then the hand screw at
the rear side of the chassis.
3. Remove the drive bracket by loosening 3 screws.
4. Orient the hard drive with its label side facing up and the connector side facing the front of
chassis.
5. Connect the SATA connector and SATA power.
6. Secure the hard drive to the bracket by driving screws from the sides.
NOTE:
#4 Drive Bracket
7. Install the drive bracket (along with the hard drive) back to the original location.
8. Re-install the chassis cover.

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Rack-mounting
If you need to install the NVR system into a rack cabinet,
1. Install chassis ears to the sides of chassis using the included athead screws. The rack-
mount rails are separately purchased.
2. Unpack the rack-mount rails' package, and detach the inner rails from the rail assembly.
Detach the inner rail by pressing on the release tab.
Inner rail
Release tab
If you have either a round-holed or square-holed rack, install cage nuts or clip nuts to the
desired positions on the rack posts.
The instructions below are based on the installation to a 4-post equipment rack.
IMPORTANT:

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3. Secure the inner rails to the sides of the chassis using M4 screws.
4. Secure the L-shape brackets to the front- and rear-ends of outer rails using the black round
head screws and washers. Do not completely tighten the screws yet. Adjust the length of slide
rails by extending and matching the rails between rack posts.

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Adjusting the length of rails.
5. Secure the slide rails to rack posts using 8 M5 screws.