ZMODO DX-SIN8 User manual

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1!Before using this product... ......................................... 1.1!
1.1!Understanding the manual..............................................................................................1.1!
How this manual is organized .............................................................................................. 1.1!
Manual Conventions ................................................................................................................1.2!
1.2!Safety Precautions...............................................................................................................1.3!
1.3!Minimum Requirements ...................................................................................................1.3!
2!Product Introduction ................................................... 2.4!
2.1!Product Overview ................................................................................................................2.4!
2.2!Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................2.5!
DVR (ZMD-DX-SIN8)................................................................................................................2.5!
2.3!Compatibility .........................................................................................................................2.6!
2.4!Package Contents................................................................................................................2.7!
2.5!Getting Familiar with your DVR...................................................................................... 2.8!
Main Functions & Features....................................................................................................2.8!
Front Panel................................................................................................................................... 2.9!
Rear Panel...................................................................................................................................2.10!
Mouse ..........................................................................................................................................2.11!
3!First-time Setup ............................................................ 3.1!
3.1!DVR Installation....................................................................................................................3.1!
HDD Installation.........................................................................................................................3.1!
Connecting your DVR ..............................................................................................................3.5!
Connecting the Display........................................................................................................... 3.6!
Connecting Video & Audio using BNC cables............................................................... 3.6!
Connecting an External Alarm.............................................................................................. 3.8!
3.2!Camera Installation .............................................................................................................3.8!
Connecting the cameras to the DVR .................................................................................3.9!
Connecting a PTZ Camera ...................................................................................................3.10!
Mounting the Camera ...........................................................................................................3.10!
3.3!DVR First-Time Startup....................................................................................................3.11!
Startup Guide Explained .......................................................................................................3.12!
3.4!Home Screen Introduction.............................................................................................3.13!
Main Menu.................................................................................................................................3.13!
Event Notification....................................................................................................................3.14!
Single View.................................................................................................................................3.14!
Quad View..................................................................................................................................3.14!
8 Channel View.........................................................................................................................3.14!
Playback ......................................................................................................................................3.14!
Screenshot Gallery ..................................................................................................................3.14!
Volume Control........................................................................................................................3.14!
Logout / Shutdown.................................................................................................................3.14!

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4!Using the DVR............................................................... 4.1!
4.1!Main Menu Detailed........................................................................................................... 4.1!
General Settings......................................................................................................................... 4.1!
Video Settings............................................................................................................................. 4.8!
Network Settings .....................................................................................................................4.11!
Event Management.................................................................................................................4.13!
4.2!Camera Controls ................................................................................................................4.19!
Image Setting............................................................................................................................4.19!
Zoom ............................................................................................................................................4.20!
Snapshot .....................................................................................................................................4.21!
Playback ......................................................................................................................................4.22!
PTZ Control................................................................................................................................4.23!
4.3!Remote-viewing Setup....................................................................................................4.25!
4.4!Updating your DVR...........................................................................................................4.30!
From your Mobile Device (via Zsight) .............................................................................4.30!
From your DVR (via USB)......................................................................................................4.30!
5!Support ........................................................................ 5.31!
5.1!Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................5.31!
5.2!Warranty & RMA................................................................................................................5.33!
5.3!Zmodo Support..................................................................................................................5.37!

Product Introduction
1.1
Before using this product...1
1.1 Understanding the manual
How this manual is organized
This manual is specifically organized to provide comprehensive instructions for
full setup and basic operation of your DVR when read front-to-back. The
contents of the manual are conveniently organized for quick reference after you
have read through the entire manual. For further instructions, please visit our
knowledge base at http://kb.zmodo.com/ or our website at
http://www.zmodo.com/support-software.
•Chapter 1 Before using this product...
This chapter contains important information prior to reading the manual
and installing the system. It overviews the manual purpose and
conventions to aid in installation, and covers minimum system
requirements to ensure successful setup and use. It is essential that you
read this chapter before reading the manual and installing the system.
•Chapter 2 Product Introduction
This chapter describes the package contents and overviews some of the
features and capabilities of the DVR system.
•Chapter 3 First-time Setup
This chapter covers the initial setup procedures of the DVR. This includes
hardware setup procedures such as DVR wiring, HDD installation, alarm
installation and camera installation. It also covers basic setup procedures
to configure your DVR when setting it up for the first time.

Product Introduction
1.2
•Chapter 4 Using the DVR
The DVR's full features can be utilized through the new and revolutionary
user-friendly menu system. This chapter covers detailed instructions on
the function and navigation of each menu element, use of the camera
control interface, live remote-viewing setup, and firmware update
procedures for the DVR. Refer to this chapter for specific instructions for
advanced functions of the DVR.
•Chapter 5 Support
This chapter covers common troubleshooting issues that can be easily
resolved, warranty information, and information for Zmodo support and
other resources. Please refer to this chapter before calling technical
support.
Manual Conventions
This manual uses several symbols, typographies and abbreviations that carry
specific definitions. In order to properly follow instructions, please familiarize
yourself with the following conventions.
[Text]
Text enclosed in square [brackets] indicates a menu or an item to
select.
IMPORTANT:
Denotes information or instructions that you MUST follow to
complete instructions.
NOTE:
Denotes additional information or tips to aid you in completing
instructions.
DVR
Acronym for digital video recorder. This is the main control
component of your system.
HDD
Acronym for hard disk drive. This is the storage component of
your DVR system.
PTZ
Acronym for Pan-Tilt-Zoom. This usually refers to a camera with
pan-tilt-zoom functionality. Also common are PT cameras (pan-
tilt).

Product Introduction
1.3
1.2 Safety Precautions
Please read and follow these instructions for your safety while operating and
setting up the equipment.
•Use only the provided power adapter to power the DVR.
•Make sure that the rear power switch is off before unplugging or
plugging the DVR.
•Do not insert any objects into the DVR case or openings.
•Do not place heavy objects on top of the DVR.
•Keep the DVR surfaces clean and dry.
•Do not operate in wet or dusty environments.
•Keep the DVR away from all fluids.
•Operate and keep the DVR in temperatures between -10°C~50°C.
•Do not install the DVR near any heat sources and avoid direct sunlight.
•Make sure there is good air circulation where the DVR is installed.
•Install the DVR in a stable environment.
•Handle the DVR carefully and avoid collisions and strong falls.
1.3 Minimum Requirements
Minimum requirements must be met for full and proper functionality of the DVR.
•Compatible display with corresponding cables. Please see 2.3
Compatibility for more information.
•A wireless router with one empty port (for remote viewing).
•A physical internet connection such as Cable / DSL / Fiber—no satellite,
3G/4G hotspots, or city-wide wireless (for remote viewing).
•A minimum upload speed of >256kbps at the location of the DVR (for
remote viewing).
•Android (v.2.2 and up) or iOS (v.6 and up) mobile device (for remote
viewing).

Product Introduction
2.4
Product Introduction2
2.1 Product Overview
This Zmodo DVR system is specially designed to safeguard your home or
business by providing cutting-edge video surveillance and monitoring. Instant
email notifications and multiple live streaming and recording options make your
DVR available and accessible anywhere at anytime.
Using next generation plug-and-play technology and a revolutionized user
interface, this system delivers a revolutionarily user-friendly experience that is
accessible to anybody. Achieving security and peace of mind has never been
easier. We provide top products at low prices with setup procedures that
anybody can follow. Our goal is to bring security and safety to all people; making
your security our priority.

Product Introduction
2.5
2.2 Technical Specifications
DVR (ZMD-DX-SIN8)
Video
Input (Analog)
8 channel BNC
Video Output
HDMI x1 (1920x1080@60Hz)
VGA x1 (1920x1080@60Hz, 1280x1024@60Hz, 1024x768@60Hz,
1280x720@60Hz)
BNC x1 (PAL: 704x576, NTSC: 704x480)
Compression
H.264
Multiple Stream
Yes
Recording Resolution
960H: 12 frames/sec (NTSC) / 12 frames/sec (PAL)
D1: 20 frames/sec (NTSC) / 20 frames/sec (PAL)
HD1: 20 frames/sec (NTSC) / 20 frames/sec (PAL)
CIF: 30 frames/sec (NTSC) / 25 frames/sec (PAL)
Audio
Input
8 channel RCA
Output
1 channel BNC
Compression
G.711
Storage & Reviewing
Playback
Up to 4 channels simultaneously
Functions
Fast forward / Rewind / Slow play / Digital Zoom
Record Modes
Continuous (Basic or Intelligent) / Scheduled / External Alarm
Triggered Recording / Motion Detected Recording
HDD Support
1 SATA (3.5") up to 2TB
Backup
External USB Device
Network
Network Interface
1 RJ45 10 / 100M
Protocol Support
TCP/IP, UDP, DNS/DDNS, SMPT, UPNP, DHCP, HTTP, P2P, etc.

Product Introduction
2.6
General
Application Support
Remote configuration, video browsing, local recording, local and
remote playback
Motion Detection
Yes
Alarm Notification
Yes
Operating System
Linux-based
Power Supply
DC 12V, 3A
Power consumption
<12W (without HDD)
USB Ports
3 USB 2.0
Serial Interface
RS-485 (PTZ Control)
Operating Temperature
32 °F to 122 °F
Dimensions
11.4" (W) x 9.1" (D) x 1.7" (H) (290mm x 230 mm x 42 mm)
Weight
2.38lbs (without HDD)
Language Support
11 languages
2.3 Compatibility
This DVR is compatible with all Zmodo BNC surveillance cameras. Cameras can
be purchased at: http://www.cctvhotdeals.com/.When purchasing cameras, we
recommend that you check under the specifications to make sure that the video
output type is "BNC". IP Network cameras will not be compatible with this
system.
This DVR also supports and is compatible with three different display options:
HDMI, VGA and BNC. It is compatible with all displays, however some will
perform better than others. For HDMI displays, we recommend that you use the
following major brands: Samsung, Phillips or LG.

Product Introduction
2.7
2.4 Package Contents
Before proceeding with any setup procedures, please make sure that your
package includes the following contents:
•8-Channel Security DVR (ZMD-DX-SIN8)
•USB Mouse
•12V 3A Power Adapter
•Quick Installation Guide
•Case Screws (not pictured)
•Pre-Installed HDD*
*Included only in systems purchased specifically with an included HDD.

Product Introduction
2.8
2.5 Getting Familiar with your DVR
Main Functions & Features
Live Remote Viewing
Access your DVR remotely from anywhere in the world on your
Android or iOS mobile device.
Intelligent Recording Mode
Intelligent recording identifies surveillance footage triggered by
critical events such as motion detection and alarm triggering and
optimizes storage by increasing recording quality when a critical
event occurs.
Multitasking
Users can view, record, playback, backup, live-view and remotely
access the DVR simultaneously from multiple devices.
Instant Notification & Alarm System
Receive instant email alerts and push notifications with snapshots
to your mobile device when motion is detected, an alarm is
triggered, or video loss occurs.
Multi-level, Multi-user management
Different user privileges allow you to share video surveillance
without worrying about unpermitted setting changes.

Product Introduction
2.9
Front Panel

Product Introduction
2.10
Rear Panel

Product Introduction
2.11
Mouse

First-time Setup
3.1
First-time Setup3
3.1 DVR Installation
HDD Installation
IMPORTANT: Your system will not be preinstalled with a hard disk drive (HDD)
unless the system was specifically purchased with an included HDD. You may
install a SATA HDD between 250GB and 2TB of storage after receiving your
system. We recommend Western Digital Caviar Green AV-GP hard drives or
Seagate Pipeline hard drives that are specifically engineered for use in security
camera environments. We also suggest that you make your purchase from an
official reseller (such as Newegg.com, Tiger-Direct, and Best Buy) to ensure the
quality of the HDD.
For the following HDD installation instructions, you will need:
1) Your DVR system
2) A SATA Hard Drive (not provided)
3) 4 silver Phillips screws (provided)
4) 7 black Phillips screws (provided)
5) A Phillips screwdriver (not provided)

First-time Setup
3.2
1. Make sure your DVR is unplugged from its power source and slide the top
panel off of the DVR.
2. Connect the SATA power and data cables from the DVR to the corresponding
ports on your HDD (as shown):

First-time Setup
3.3
3. Once connected, place the HDD into the DVR with the cables placed as shown.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the cables do not come into contact with the
cooling fan!
4. Holding the hard drive and the DVR, gently turn it over and line up the holes
on the hard drive with the holes on the DVR. Using a Phillips screwdriver, screw
the provided screws into the holes.

First-time Setup
3.4
5. Slide the DVR panel back on and locate the 7 black Phillips screws (found in
kit). Apply the screws in the three holes on the back panel, and the two holes on
the sides.
6. When you power on your system, you will see a popup asking you to format
your HDD. Press [OK] and wait 5-10 minutes. NOTE: If you do not see this
popup, please manually format your HDD by going to the Disk Drive Info page
(for more instructions, please refer to 4.1 Main Menu Detailed).

First-time Setup
3.5
7. The system will begin formatting the HDD, and will automatically reboot once
the formatting is complete.
Connecting your DVR
1. Connect your analog cameras directly to the system with the correct cables as
shown. For detailed instruction, please refer to 3.2 Camera Installation.
2. Connect your display to the appropriate display input. For detailed instruction,
please refer to 3.1 DVR Installation – Connecting the Display.
3. Connect your system to a nearby power outlet with the provided power
adapter as shown.
4. Connect your USB mouse to the corresponding input as shown.
5. Connect your DVR system to your wireless router with the provided Ethernet
cable as shown.