Vivotek VS2403 VS2403 VS2403 User manual

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Product name: Video Server (VS2403)
Release Date: 2008/01/29
Manual Revision: 1.3
Web site: www.vivotek.com
Email: [e-mail]
[email protected]
Made in Taiwan. © 2008 VIVOTEK INC. All rights reserved

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Before You Use
It is important to carefully examine the contents with the Chapter Package Contents
after opening the package. If there is anything missing, contact your reseller. Read the
Chapter Physical Description before assembling and operating the device and
peripherals. Understanding the physical description can prevent damage caused by
abnormal usage and reduce most problems during installation.
Basically Video Server is a network device and should be easy to use for those who
already have basic network knowledge. If there is a system error and it does not recover
easily due to erroneous configuration, read the System recovery section in Appendix
Troubleshooting to restore factory default settings and perform installation again.
Video Server has been designed for various environments and can be used to build
various applications for general security or demonstration purposes. For standard
applications, find the appropriate section in the Chapter How to Use for your application
and follow the steps to setup the system. To make best use of Video Server, read Chapter
Advanced Functions to get creative ideas and review Chapter System Configuration for
detailed explanations of system configurations. To those professional developers, the
Appendix URL Commands of Video Server will be a very helpful reference to develop a
Web-based application.
Surveillance devices may be prohibited by law in your country. Though Video Server is
not only a high performance surveillance system but also a networked video server,
ensure that the operations of such devices are legal before installing this unit for
surveillance.
Those paragraphs preceding with must be fully understood and cautioned.
Ignoring the warnings may result in serious hazards.

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Table of Contents
Before You Use.......................................................2
Package Contents...................................................5
Features and Benefits.............................................6
Physical Description ...............................................8
Front Panel ......................................................................8
Rear Panel .....................................................................10
How to Install ......................................................13
Ethernet Environment......................................................14
How to Use...........................................................17
Authentication................................................................18
Installing Plug-in.............................................................19
Main Page......................................................................20
System Configuration...........................................23
Introduction...................................................................23
Definitions of Configuration ..............................................24
Advanced Functions .............................................39
Capture Up-to-date Still Images........................................39
Get Continuous Images ...................................................40
Download Event-triggered Snapshots.................................41
Uploading Snapshots Periodically ......................................43
Customize Graphics in Homepage .....................................44
Command Script for Complex Applications..........................45
URL for External Device Control ........................................48
URL of System Maintenance .............................................50
Configure System via FTP ................................................51
Telnet Commands ...........................................................54
Appendix ..............................................................56
A. Troubleshooting ..........................................................56

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B. Frequently Asked Questions..........................................58
C. Upgrade System Firmware ...........................................61
D. URL Commands of Video Server....................................62
E. Settings of Supported PTZ Cameras...............................77
F. Camera Control Cable...................................................78
G. Time Zone Table .........................................................79
H. Technical Specifications ...............................................82

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Package Contents
If any of the following items are missing, please contact your reseller.
Video Server VS2403
Power adapter
Two I/O terminal connectors
Camera control cable
Mounting kit
Software CD
Quick installation guide
Warranty card

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Features and Benefits
Video Server is a high-performance networking video multiplexer. With powerful VLIW
DSP core and fully optimized algorithm, it can compress and transmit the high quality
real-time video through standard TCP/IP inter-network. In addition to meet the basic
needs of video feed, many advanced features are added to help building applications of
surveillance or web attraction. The state-of-art design well compromises among stable,
robust, simple-to-use and flexibility.
☆ Real-time motion-JPEG compression
Four video inputs can be efficiently compressed into packets of JPEG images without
delay. Optimal compression engine makes the equivalently excellent image with much
smaller size. There is no more sacrifice in remote monitoring and storage. Five levels of
compression ratio and four sizes of image resolutions are easy to meet your
requirement.
☆ Robust system operation
Industrial real-time operating system prevents from malicious hackers and virus that
threat Windows or Linux systems. The on-board watchdog eternally monitors the system
operations for dead-proof.
☆ Easy Web access via standard browser
You don’t have to install any software to access Video Server. The embedded Web server
makes users can access Video Server anywhere over Internet with any popular Web
browser. As long as you are connected to network, you can cast your eyes on your
precious property.
☆ Password protection of system access
Password level protection is provided by the system to prevent from malicious intruders
from network. Once the password of administrator is entered, any user will need
password authentication to access Video Server. Each user can have individual access
right to view video or control external devices.
☆ Accessible list for specific client
Administrator can use accessible list to filter the clients by IP address. It can let the video
stream be showed in the approvable clients.

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☆ Privacy mask
Each video channel supports five privacy mask windows. By setting the privacy windows,
no one can see the protected areas. It is flexible for setting the camera.
☆ Built-in motion detection
No more external sensors are required. Each video channel can be setup to detect any
motion with customized settings. By tuning the object size and sensitivity, it is more
reliable to fit into your environment. With this built-in facility, you can easily setup a
security system in your home or office.
☆ Weekly schedule for automatic surveillance
The user-defined time period will repeat weekly to check any security settings and
accordingly sending notification or drive external devices. It is easy to install in SOHO,
retail shop and home as a security system.
☆ Flexible I/O control for external devices
There are four opto-isolated sensor inputs and four relay outputs to control external
devices. System integrators can easily replace the current analog systems to build an
advanced security system.
☆ Bundled powerful surveillance software
To extend the capabilities of Video Server, a powerful surveillance program is included in
the package and totally free to use. Users can easily utilize the existing PC to be a digital
video recorder. Schedule or one-click recording keep every important moment in your
local hard disk; reliable motion detection and instant warning make you sharp for every
conditions. Quick and simple search and playback let you easily find the moment you
want to inspect more carefully and output to AVI files for another copy.
☆ Remote system upgrade
To achieve the promise we made to support our valuable customers in life-time, the most
up-to-date firmware is always put on our web site to add new functions or solve known
bugs. A free upgrade wizard is included to facilitate the job.
☆ Developer’s technical support
The high-performance Video Server can be integrated into many applications under
perfect control of budget. The complete programming interface and standard JPEG
format can ease and speed developers’ task. More creative ideas can be found on our
Web site.

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Physical Description
Front Panel
Status LED’s
NET SYS
Tx/Rx
Power
Link
10/100
LED1
(Heartbeat)
Full duplex
LED2
(Status)
Each time Video Server starts up, it will perform power-on-self-test, abbreviated as POST,
to examine every hardware module. As soon as the administrator plugs in the power
connector both LED’s under the power LED will flash one by one until the diagnosis is
done. If the result is good, both status LED’s will turn off for a while and then follows the
pattern below. If any module fails, refer to the Appendix A for the error pattern and
follow the trouble-shooting procedures. If the system still cannot operate normally,
please contact your reseller for technical service.

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Item LED status Description
LED1 and LED2 blink alternately by 150ms During the test
LED1 blinks one time and LED2 blinks 3 times TM1302 test fail
Power-On-Self-Test
LED1 blinks one time and LED2 blinks 4 times RTL8100BL test
fail
LED1 off, LED2 off Network failNetwork LED1 blink every 0.5 second, LED2 off Network normal,
Heartbeat
Camera control LED2 blink every 1 second Get the control
message
BNC video inputs
Video Server allows up to four cameras attached at the same time. To ensure video
modulation type being detected correctly, cameras should be attached sequentially from
“VIDEO1” to “VIDEO4” and powered on before Video Server is powered on.
DIP switches “1” to “4”
There are four DIP switches numbered from “1” to “4” in the front panel regarding of
each video input. They are used to enable the 75-ohm resistance of video impedance.
They should be kept ON if the video input is terminated in the Video Server or left in high
impedance for looping.
Auxiliary button “RESET”
There is a button located at the left of “VIDEO4” in the front panel. Refer to the Appendix
Troubleshooting for the detailed usage of system recovery.

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Rear Panel
Ethernet 10/100 socket
Connect to an Ethernet network with a UTP category 5 cable of length shorter than 100
meters according to the standard.
COM port
This RS232 serial port is dedicated to control the PTZ cameras attached to COM port.
General I/O terminal block
Video Server provides a very flexible general I/O interface to combine with the user’s
security devices such as sensors, alarms, lighting or door locks. Two green connectors
are included in the package to connect the external devices. The general I/O terminal
block has 26 pins for device control. These pins can be divided into three categories
based on their functions, including power source, RS485 and digital inputs and outputs.
No. Pin description Regulation
1 DC power output(-) Max. 500mA at 12V DC
2 DC power output(+) Max. 500mA at 12V DC
3 Relay output 1 – Normal Open Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
4 Relay output 1 – Common Short with NC at initial state
5 Relay output 1 – Normal Close Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
6 Relay output 2 – Normal Open Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
7 Relay output 2 – Common Short with NC at initial state
8 Relay output 2 – Normal Close Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC

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9 Opto-isolated sensor input 1(+) Max. 50mA, 12V DC
10 Opto-isolated sensor input 1(-) Ground
11 Opto-isolated sensor input 2(+) Max. 50mA, 12V DC
12 Opto-isolated sensor input 2(-) Ground
13 RS485 A D+, non-inverting
14 External power input Min. 1.5A, 12~15V AC or DC
15 External power input Min. 1.5A, 12~15V AC or DC
16 Relay output 3 – Normal Open Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
17 Relay output 3 – Common Short with NC at initial state
18 Relay output 3 – Normal Close Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
19 Relay output 4 – Normal Open Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
20 Relay output 4 – Common Short with NC at initial state
21 Relay output 4 – Normal Close Max. 1A, 24V DC or 0.5A, 125V AC
22 Opto-isolated sensor input 3(+) Max. 50mA, 12V DC
23 Opto-isolated sensor input 3(-) Ground
24 Opto-isolated sensor input 4(+) Max. 50mA, 12V DC
25 Opto-isolated sensor input 4(-) Ground
26 RS485 B D-, inverting
Power source
Pair of pin 14, 15 of AC or DC input is a replacement with the power adapter in case the
range cannot meet the requirement. The voltage of the power source can be AC or DC
and should fall in the range between 12V and 15V. Polarity does not matter. The DC
output through Pin 1, 2 is fed from power adapter of Video Server or pin 14 and pin 15
if an external power source is attached. The current of external devices is limited to less
than 500mA.
The power adapter of Video Server and the external power supply are prohibited to
exist together. Only one source can feed power to Video Server. Improper usage will
result in serious damage.
RS485 interface
The PTZ control commands can be directed through pin 13 and pin 26 to control the PTZ
cameras. If the distance from the controlled device is too far to allow accurate function,
an external power source may be used to amplify the RS485 signal.
Digital I/O control
Video Server provides four pairs of digital inputs and four sets of relay switches. Pin 9 to

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pin 12 and pin 22 to pin 25 can be connected to external sensors and the state of voltage
will be monitored according to the programmed conditions on the configuration page or
the external script file. Four relay switches can be used to turn on or off external devices.
When the system starts up, COMMON of both relay switches will be short with NC. A
simple diagram of example is shown below.
Power adapter
Plug the power jack of the included power adapter to Video Server. Connecting the power
adapter should be the last operation while physically installing Video Server.
Administrators may feed an external power source through pin 14 and pin 15 of the
general I/O terminal block to replace the power adapter.
The power adapter of Video Server and the external power supply are prohibited to
exist together. Only one source can feed power to Video Server. Improper usage will
result in serious damage.
If DI1 in configuration is set as rising to
drive DO1 to high that denotes COMMON of
DO1 short with NO, then the bulb will light
when DI1 signal changes from 0V to 12V.

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How to Install
To easily fit into various environments, Video Server automatically detects the attached
interfaces and configures itself to the best condition. Therefore users need not care
whether the connected cameras are either NTSC or PAL, and whether the Ethernet speed
is 10Mbps or 100 Mbps.
Video Server can support four cameras but only one modulation type at the same time.
If more than one camera is connected, the modulation type of “Video1” will be chosen as
the first priority.
In the following content, "user" refers to those who can access Video Server and
"administrator" means the supervisor who has the root password to configure Video
Server in addition to general access. Administrators should carefully read this manual,
especially during installation.

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Ethernet Environment
Hardware installation
Before installing multiple Video Server’s at the well-chosen locations, the administrator
should memorize the serial numbers on the packages respectively for future use.
Cable connection
Shut down all the peripheral devices prior to connection. The video BNC, Ethernet cable
and power adapter are essential for basic viewing function. If the attached cameras
belong to the same motorized model, they can be concatenated to single COM port and
will be differed by camera ID set on the cameras. Refer to the related configuration
section for detailed description.
Power on
Make sure all cables are correctly and firmly connected. Before turning on Video Server,
remember to run Installation Wizard on PC or notebook in the same network first. As
long as the “Reset the IP address at next boot” option in network Web page is
enabled, the Installation Wizard is needed to install Video Server. Turn on cameras,
sensors, alarm devices, and then attach power adaptor of Video Server to the electric
power socket. After the POST (power-on self test) is complete and the result is
successful, Video Server is ready for software configuration as described in this manual.
At this stage, network speed and video modulation type are automatically detected.

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Software installation
Easy way with installer program
In order to configure Video Server’s remotely, administrators should keep the serial
numbers of the new Video Server’s for identification. After successfully mounting Video
Server’s in the proper position, run the Installation Wizard on the PC in the same network
to locate the newly mounted Video Servers. After searching, Video Servers will be
located by the Installation Wizard. There may be several entries shown in the window.
The Administrator may differentiate the Video Servers with the serial number.
After the POST is done, Video Server will try to configure itself by detecting the network

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environment. If there is DHCP service over the network, the Installation Wizard will catch
the given information, then display the serial number and given IP address for each
Video Server as the figure above. If there is no DHCP server, the Video Server will try to
find a free IP address (this takes from 15 second to 3 minutes, depending on the LAN
status). The method of finding IP address is seeking from 192.168.0.99, to
192.168.0.254. If any of the address inside this range is free, the Video Server will be
assigned to this IP address, and its subnet mask would be 255.255.255.0. If none of the
addresses is free, the Video Server will try the range from 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.98.
After an IP address is assigned to the Video Server, the “Activity” status LED blinks.
To connect the Video Server, follow the steps.
○
1Click the check box of the Video Server in the Installation Wizard.
○
2Click “Link to selected device(s)”, the default Web browser will pop out and connect the
main page of Video Server.
For more detailed usage of the Installation Wizard, please refer to the user’s manual of
the Installation Wizard.
Once the installation is complete, administrators should follow the First access to
Video Server section for necessary checks and configurations.

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First access to Video Server
Set password of administrator
The administrator must change the root password immediately after the initial
installation to ensure security. The root password should be well memorized since there
is no way to retrieve or recover it. After changing the password, the browser will display
an authentication window to ask for the new password.
Manage user privilege
For complete protection from illegal usage, Video Server provides three privileges and
always needs user name and password before access. The lowest level is DEMO mode
whose services are subject to administrator's permission. The standard level is the USER
mode that consists of twenty user profiles. Each user is able to access Video Server
under the given privilege, except for system configuration. The twenty user profiles are
also maintained by the administrator. The highest level is ROOT mode that only opens to
administrators for initial setup, system configuration, user administration and software
upgrade. The user name of the administrator is internally assigned to “root”.
Complete the network settings
Although Video Server already can be accessed after software installation in local area
network, administrators should complete the network settings in the configuration page.
The complete network configurations including subnet mask as well as the IP address of
default gateway and DNS are provided by your network administrator or Internet service
provider. Once the wrong network settings make Video Server fail to work, refer to
Appendix A to restore factory default settings.
By default Video Server will need administrator's installation every time it reboots. If the
network settings are sure to work all the time, fix the network settings in network
configuration Web page.
Details about configurations are described in the relative category of the Chapter
Definitions of Configuration.
How to Use
Open your familiar web browser and connect to Video Server just like a general web site
and the video will present on demand. Make sure the web address of the target Video

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Server is accurate.
Authentication
After opening the Web browser and typing in the URL of Video Server, if the root
password is set, a dialogue window will pop out to request a username and password.
The primary users will be allowed to enter as soon as the administrator finishes adding
user profiles. Upon successful authentication, the main page will be displayed.
In the figure, the foreground is the login window and the background shows the message
when authentication fails. The user may check the option to save the password for future
convenience.

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Installing Plug-in
If it is initial access to Video Server via the Web browser supporting server push, the
motioned pictures will display directly. If the Web browser is Internet Explorer in
Windows, users will be asked to install a new plug-in that is provided by Video Server.
This plug-in has been registered for certificate and is used to display motioned pictures
in the Internet Explorer. Users may click on “Yes” to install the plug-in. If the web
browser does not allow the user to install, check the security option to lower security
levels or contact network supervisors.