Vivotek ND8401 User manual

VIVOTEK
User's Manual - 1
Rev. 1.6.1.11
Rev. 1.0
User’s Manual
ND8401 Network Video Recorder
VAST inside • HD Local Display •
Full Integration with VIVOTEK Cameras
Rev. 1.2

VIVOTEK
2 - User's Manual
Table of Contents
Revision History ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Chapter One Hardware Installation and Initial Conguration ...................................................................................... 9
Introducing ND8401 Network Video Recorder ....................................................................................................... 9
Special Features ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Physical Description ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Hardware Installation............................................................................................................................................ 11
Network Deployment ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Initial Conguration............................................................................................................................................... 15
Ready to Use........................................................................................................................................................ 18
NVR Desktop Elements........................................................................................................................................ 21
Control Center............................................................................................................................................... 21
Menu Bar....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Alarm Sound ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Chapter Two NVR LiveClient Conguration .............................................................................................................. 23
VAST LiveClient Functionality .............................................................................................................................. 24
VAST Server.............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Activating the VAST Server .................................................................................................................................. 25
How to Stop/Reboot the Server............................................................................................................................ 25
LiveClient Conguration ............................................................................................................................................ 26
Opening the LiveClient Interface and Logging in ................................................................................................ 26
LiveClient User Interface ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Menu Bar....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Status Panel.................................................................................................................................................. 27
Quick Access Bar .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Live Video Monitoring Window...................................................................................................................... 28
Hierarchical Management Tree ..................................................................................................................... 29
Camera Control Panel................................................................................................................................... 30
Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) Control Panel........................................................................................................ 30
Two Way Audio Control Panel................................................................................................................ 31
Event Window .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Instant Playback (on Remote LiveClient) ...................................................................................................... 33
Instant Replay (on Remote LiveClient) ......................................................................................................... 33
Audio Control ................................................................................................................................................ 35
How to Manage Devices (Cameras) .................................................................................................................... 36
Insert Cameras.............................................................................................................................................. 36
Enable SVC .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Update Devices............................................................................................................................................. 43
Delete Devices from the Station.................................................................................................................... 44
Batch Insert Cameras ................................................................................................................................... 45
Camera Conguration ................................................................................................................................... 49
View Live Videos ........................................................................................................................................... 52

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User's Manual - 3
Dual / Multiple Streams.......................................................................................................................... 52
Fisheye Display Modes.......................................................................................................................... 52
Refresh................................................................................................................................................... 57
Streaming Server ................................................................................................................................... 57
Get Public IP .......................................................................................................................................... 57
Camera Settings .................................................................................................................................... 58
Remove Live Video from the Video Monitoring Window ............................................................................... 58
How to Change the VAST LiveClient Layout........................................................................................................ 59
Changing the Layout of the Live Video Monitoring Window.......................................................................... 59
Switch Video Channels .......................................................................................................................... 59
Congure Layout Mode.......................................................................................................................... 59
Rotating Video Pages ............................................................................................................................ 60
Edit Layout ............................................................................................................................................. 60
Maximize the Live Video Monitoring Window................................................................................................ 62
How to Manage Stations ...................................................................................................................................... 64
Relay Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 64
How to Manage User Accounts ............................................................................................................................ 65
The Default User Roles and Permissions of User Accounts ......................................................................... 65
Manage a User Account................................................................................................................................ 67
Add a New User Account ....................................................................................................................... 67
Permission of the User Account .................................................................................................................... 68
Delete the User Account ............................................................................................................................... 69
How to Set up Association Management.............................................................................................................. 70
Association Management.............................................................................................................................. 70
How to Set up Event Management....................................................................................................................... 72
Event Management ....................................................................................................................................... 73
How to Congure the Station General Settings.................................................................................................... 80
Server Settings.............................................................................................................................................. 80
Log Settings .................................................................................................................................................. 80
Reboot Settings............................................................................................................................................. 81
How to Congure Station Network Settings ......................................................................................................... 82
Port Settings.................................................................................................................................................. 82
UPnP Settings............................................................................................................................................... 82
Proxy Settings ............................................................................................................................................... 82
Web Access Settings..................................................................................................................................... 82
How to Edit Recording Stoage ............................................................................................................................. 83
Recording Storage Settings .......................................................................................................................... 83
Default Storage Group Settings ............................................................................................................. 84
Add New Storage Group(s).................................................................................................................... 87
How to Edit Recording Schedules........................................................................................................................ 88
Edit Schedule List ......................................................................................................................................... 89
Add Schedules....................................................................................................................................... 89
Rename Schedules................................................................................................................................ 89
Delete Schedules................................................................................................................................... 89
Load/Save Schedule Templates............................................................................................................. 90

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4 - User's Manual
Edit Camera List............................................................................................................................................ 91
Edit Time Frame List ..................................................................................................................................... 92
Add New Time Frames........................................................................................................................... 93
Recording Settings................................................................................................................................. 94
The Concept of Repeat Frequency ............................................................................................................... 95
Repeat Frequency: Daily Setting ........................................................................................................... 96
Repeat Frequency: Weekly Setting (Day-based)................................................................................... 99
Repeat Frequency: Monthly Setting (Day-based)................................................................................ 102
Repeat Frequency: Yearly Setting (Day-based)................................................................................... 104
How to Manually Begin /Stop Recording............................................................................................................ 106
How to Edit Scheduled Backup Settings ............................................................................................................ 107
Select Backup Source................................................................................................................................. 107
Setup Backup Schedule.............................................................................................................................. 108
Select Backup Target .................................................................................................................................. 108
Other Options.............................................................................................................................................. 108
How to Congure Station Server Settings.......................................................................................................... 109
DDNS Settings ............................................................................................................................................ 109
Network Storage Server Settings.................................................................................................................110
SMTP Settings .............................................................................................................................................111
How to Use the Talk Panel ..................................................................................................................................112
Add a Camera to the Talk Panel...................................................................................................................112
Remove a Camera from the Talk Panel .......................................................................................................114
How to Congure E-map Settings .......................................................................................................................115
Upload an E-map .........................................................................................................................................115
E-map Settings Page (View Mode) ..............................................................................................................116
Quick Access Bar..................................................................................................................................117
Status Panel..........................................................................................................................................117
E-map Settings Page (Edit Mode)................................................................................................................118
Device Management ....................................................................................................................................119
Live View Dialog Settings............................................................................................................................ 120
Open Live View Dialog......................................................................................................................... 120
Send to Single View............................................................................................................................. 120
E-map Link .................................................................................................................................................. 121
How to Congure Client Settings ....................................................................................................................... 124
Snapshot Settings ....................................................................................................................................... 124
Taking a Snapshot................................................................................................................................ 125
Recording Settings...................................................................................................................................... 126
Type 1: Record to EXE ........................................................................................................................ 126
Type 2: Record to 3GP......................................................................................................................... 126
Type 3: Record to AVI .......................................................................................................................... 127
Built-in Media Player--EXE................................................................................................................... 130
View Settings............................................................................................................................................... 132
Display Location................................................................................................................................... 132
Date and Time Format ......................................................................................................................... 133
Video Display Mode ............................................................................................................................. 133
Font Settings........................................................................................................................................ 133

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User's Manual - 5
General Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 134
System Settings ................................................................................................................................... 134
Event Settings...................................................................................................................................... 135
Rotation Settings.................................................................................................................................. 135
Display Settings ................................................................................................................................... 136
Joystick Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 138
Enable Joystick .................................................................................................................................... 138
Proxy Settings ............................................................................................................................................. 142
How to Use PiP (Picture-in-Picture) ................................................................................................................... 143
Enable PiP................................................................................................................................................... 143
Global View.......................................................................................................................................... 143
ROI (Region of Interest)....................................................................................................................... 144
Digital Zoom In..................................................................................................................................... 144
Snapshot Zoomed In Image................................................................................................................. 144
PiP Settings.......................................................................................................................................... 144
How to Congure Video Enhancement .............................................................................................................. 145
Basic Image Adjustment.............................................................................................................................. 145
Defog........................................................................................................................................................... 147
Apply a Preset Defog Prole................................................................................................................ 147
Create a New Defog Prole ................................................................................................................. 148
How to Search for a Device on the Hierarchical Device Tree ............................................................................ 150
How to Lock LiveClient for Security Concerns ................................................................................................... 151
How to Log out from the VAST Server ............................................................................................................... 151
How to Exit VAST LiveClient .............................................................................................................................. 151
Lauch Playback ................................................................................................................................................. 152
Second View ...................................................................................................................................................... 152
Chapter Three NVR Playback Conguration........................................................................................................... 153
Activating VAST Playback and Logging in to a Server....................................................................................... 153
VAST Playback User Interface ........................................................................................................................... 155
Menu Bar..................................................................................................................................................... 155
Status Panel................................................................................................................................................ 155
Quick Access Bar ........................................................................................................................................ 156
Recorded Video Playback Window ............................................................................................................. 156
Query Panel-- Browsing Page..................................................................................................................... 157
Query Panel--Time Search Page ................................................................................................................ 158
Audio Control .............................................................................................................................................. 159
How to Change the Playback Layout ................................................................................................................. 160
Changing the Layout of the Recorded Video Playback Window................................................................. 160
Switch Video Channels ........................................................................................................................ 160
Layout Mode ........................................................................................................................................ 160
Maximize the Recorded Video Playback Window....................................................................................... 161
How to Backup Recorded Video ........................................................................................................................ 163
How to Search for a Video Clip Taken at a Specic Time .................................................................................. 169
How to Add a Bookmark..................................................................................................................................... 170
How to Search for Events................................................................................................................................... 171
Select Event Category ................................................................................................................................ 172

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6 - User's Manual
Event Category- All Events .................................................................................................................. 172
Event Category- All Motion Events....................................................................................................... 172
Event Category- All IVA events ............................................................................................................ 173
Event Category- All DI Events.............................................................................................................. 173
Event Category- Named DI Events...................................................................................................... 174
Start Event Search ...................................................................................................................................... 175
Backup the Event Videos ............................................................................................................................ 176
How to Search for a Bookmark .......................................................................................................................... 177
How to Search Logs ........................................................................................................................................... 178
Select Log Category/Log Type/Log Level ................................................................................................... 179
Search All Local Logs........................................................................................................................... 180
Search Login History............................................................................................................................ 180
Search Login Activities......................................................................................................................... 181
How to Congure Client Settings ....................................................................................................................... 183
Snapshot Settings ....................................................................................................................................... 183
Export Settings............................................................................................................................................ 183
View Settings............................................................................................................................................... 185
Proxy Settings ............................................................................................................................................. 185
General Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 185
System Settings ................................................................................................................................... 185
Display Settings ................................................................................................................................... 185
How to Congure Video Enhancement .............................................................................................................. 185
How to Search for a Device on the Hierarchical Management Tree .................................................................. 185
How to Lock VAST Playback for Security Concerns .......................................................................................... 186
How to Log out from the VAST Server ............................................................................................................... 186
How to Exit VAST Playback................................................................................................................................ 186
Chapter Four Auxiliary Utilities ................................................................................................................................ 187
Service ............................................................................................................................................................... 188
Import and Export Utility ..................................................................................................................................... 188
Installation Wizard 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 190
Shepherd............................................................................................................................................................ 191
Upgrade ............................................................................................................................................................. 193
File Manager ...................................................................................................................................................... 194
Keyboard ............................................................................................................................................................ 194
Disk Status ......................................................................................................................................................... 195
Network Status ................................................................................................................................................... 196
System Status .................................................................................................................................................... 197
Appendix A Rebuilding a RAID Volume ................................................................................................................... 198
Appendix B ONVIF Support..................................................................................................................................... 200

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User's Manual - 7
Revision History
Rev. 1.0: Initial release.
Rev. 1.1a: Corrected description of the functions on e-map's right-click menu.
Rev. 1.1b:
• Added short description for the Auto stream size feature.
• Added the Bookmark function.
• Added description for the Instant Replay function (on a remote client).
Rev. 1.2:
• Added Appendix B ONVIF Support.
• Added the description for CPU and memory usage indicators.
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
■ ND8401
■ Power cord
■ Software CD
■ Warranty Card
■ Quick Installation Guide
■ Screws and bezel keys

VIVOTEK
8 - User's Manual
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.
The operating system and VAST server are installed on an IDE ash mounted on the main board. There
is no need to install software.
NOTE:

VIVOTEK
User's Manual - 9
Chapter One Hardware Installation and
Initial Configuration
Introducing ND8401 Network Video Recorder
VIVOTEK ND8401 is a 16-CH Network Video Recorder designed for sophisticated recording ap-
plications. The unit is equipped with an Intel Dual-core Atom Processor with maximum recording
throughput at a robust 96 Mbps. RAID 0/1/5/10 is supported with four HDDs, with an external
eSATA port for additional expansion. Like VIVOTEK NVR ND8301, a local display output port
is available with full HD resolution (1920x1080), eliminating the need for a separate PC to view
video from the unit. Setup of parameters such as IP address, HDD to logical volumes, and basic
camera configuration can easily be performed with the setup wizard, making the ND8401 the
easiest NVR to use yet. When connecting ND8401 to more than one of the same model of VI-
VOTEK camera, the “Shepherd” program can be used to duplicate the configuration to multiple
cameras.
VIVOTEK’s professional software VAST is installed in ND8401 with performance tuning, al-
lowing for simple and effective management of a surveillance system using the LiveClient and
Playback programs. As VIVOTEK’s camera features are fully integrated into VAST, cutting-edge
technologies such as Activity Adaptive Recording can be utilized to conserve bandwidth and
optimize recording. A CMS server running VAST software can also directly control the ND8401,
and compatibility with the iViewer application allows for remote access to the ND8401 on hand-
held devices. By integrating all of the components together using VIVOTEK’s ND8401, network
cameras, VAST and iViewer software, users can realize a fully-featured and robust next-genera-
tion surveillance system.
Special Features
 Intelligent PiP Function -- Digital Zoom In Mode
Convenient Remote Access via Client/Server Architecture
Effective & Reliable Event Trigger Management
Real-time 16-channel Live Viewing and single channel (VGA) Playback
Multiple Simultaneous Streams for Different Media Platforms
Activity Adaptive Streaming for Dramatically Reducing Bandwidth and Storage Space
Extremely Versatile Settings for Recording Storage and Recording Schedule Management
 Role-based User Management to Enhance Security Operations
Efficient Data Backup, Search, and Export
Intelligent PTZ/ E-PTZ Remote Camera Control
Overall Device Management through Intuitive E-map Feature
Supports Two Way Audio
Supports Auto Stream Size
Supports SVC adaptive frame rate setting
* The number of linked devices will depend on the license purchased along with the system.
* The ability to extend devices is also subject to the network bandwidth and computer performance.

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10 - User's Manual
Physical Description
Front View
Rear View
IMPORTANT:
It is important to leave a clearance of 15cm
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 both sides of
the chassis.
To ensure normal operation, maintain ambi-
ent airow. Do not block the airow around
chassis such as placing the system in a
closed cabinet.
Disk 1
Disk 2
HDD LED
Power
button & LED
Reset button
Disk 3
Disk 4
USB ports
15cm
5cm
5cm
0
1
RS-232
(reserved)
LAN - WAN
VGA
USB combo eSATA
MIC-In
Line Out
Line In
Power Switch
Fan exhaust
outlet
Power Socket