Can I add cameras over the network?

Yes, you can add cameras over the network, they do not have to always be connected directly to the NVR. You can use a switch on the network that connected to the same router as your NVR. Please follow these steps to set this up:

Log into the NVR and go to Camera>Camera Management, click on Manual Add, and enter the IP information for the camera. Use the default username: admin password: 123456

Can I connect all the cameras to a switch, then the switch to one of the NVR ports?

No, unfortunately each port on the back of the NVR is only designed for 1 camera. This will only allow about 2 cameras to show up. To use a switch, you’ll have to connect the switch to the same router that the NVR is connected to. Then you’ll proceed to setup the cameras over the network. Please see the Adding cameras over the network FAQ.

Can I use my PC to view my cameras remotely?

Yes, you can use your external IP address to view your cameras and manipulate configuration via Web Browser. Our plug in will only work on Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Once one of those browsers are open, type in your external IP address in the URL bar. If the port forwarding is done correctly, it should bring you to your NVR log in page. Log in using the same credentials as you would directly on the system. After you’re logged in, click the link to download and install the plug in. Restart the browser and click the “All Main” button on the left-hand side, and it should bring up your camera streams.

LaView NVR setup and user guide

Read Also : LaView DVR User Guide

Can I use port forwarding to setup remote viewing for my NVR?

Yes, you can setup your system via port forwarding. Although, this setup is recommended for more advanced users. You will need to note the IP Address of the NVR/DVR. To obtain this, go to Main Menu>Maintenance>System Info>Network, your IP address will be the IPv4 address at the top. Then you’ll need to log into your router via web browser on a PC. Once logged in, you’ll need to add ports 80, 8000, and 554 to the port forwarding rules. For help with port forwarding for your router, contact the manufacturer or your ISP. There are also guides for a lot of various models of routers here https://portforward.com.

The port forwarding setup should look something like this:

Application   Start     End         Protocol   IP Address

DVR1                 80           80         TCP            192.168.x.x.

DVR2               8000      8000       TCP            192.168.x.x.

DVR3                554         554       TCP            192.168.x.x.

To make sure test the ports on www.canyouseeme.org, and if they are open you can add the information to your phone app.

LaView Net App Setup:

*Make sure Wi-Fi is off on the phone when attempting the remote view.

How do I change the camera names on my system?

To change the camera names go to Menu>Camera Management>Advanced>Basic>IP Camera Name. In that section, you can edit the “Camera Name” Option, please click apply at the bottom before selecting another camera.

How Do I Set up Remote Viewing for My Surveillance System?

Assuming you have the IP address of the NVR/DVR, there is a 4-step process to set up remote viewing. Learn more about remote view camera set-up here.

Are There Any Cameras that Also Allow Me to Monitor the Audio as Well as the Video?

Yes, we have multiple solutions available to our clients. Here is our most popular audio camera.

Does the Surveillance System Come with All of the Wires, Switches, and Accessories I Need?

Yes. The kit comes with everything you need to install the system and begin recording immediately, including  any necessary wire, PoE switch, or AC 12v adapter required for the system to operate.

How far Apart Can I Set up My Wireless Cameras?

The environment, particularly barriers such as cement walls, steel structures, or large trees, play a big role in transmission distance. A wifi camera will typically transmit well for about 150 feet outdoors and 50 feet indoors.

How do I connect my NVR to my Phone?

Please download and use LaView Patrol:

Note: The app set up is done on an Android device, the iPhone set up will be almost identical.

2. Click on the “BACK” button. Tap the “+ Device” option to add a device.

3. Enter IP address information and click “Save”. Your new device will be on the previous screen. To obtain his IP address go to Main Menu>Configuration>Network. Your IP address will be the “IP address”. (Please note: This setup will only work inside the local network. To enable remote viewing, setup port forwarding and use your WAN IP address from your network. See port forwarding instructions.)

4. Select new device and choose the channels you wish to see, click the Play/Live button.

How Do I find my system’s IP address?

To find your system’s IP address go to Main Menu>Configuration>Network. The IP Address at the top is your local IP. If your IP address is 0.0.0.0 or 192.0.0.64, this means your system is offline. There are a few causes from this, but usually it’s a bad ethernet cable or the cable is not plugged in properly to either the NVR or Router. If those are checked to be correct, try restarting your router by unplugging it for a minute and restarting the DVR.

Do I Need Internet to Activate My Wireless Security Camera System?

Not exactly. You can set up your wireless security camera system without any internet at all, as this is not a requirement to begin recording. In order to access remote viewing on your mobile devices, you will need a live internet connection.

Does the Surveillance System Come with All of the Wires, Switches, and Accessories I Need?

Yes. The kit comes with everything you need to install the system and begin recording immediately, including  any necessary wire, PoE switch, or AC 12v adapter required for the system to operate.

Are There Any Cameras that Also Allow Me to Monitor the Audio as Well as the Video?

Yes, we have multiple solutions available to our clients. Here is our most popular audio camera.

What are the Advantages of Installing a Wifi Security Camera System?

A wifi security camera system is significantly easier to install than a traditional system, because there is no need to run special wires to each wifi camera. This not only helps the day of installation, but also allows clients to position cameras in places they might not otherwise be able to place them.

How Do I format my HDD?

To format your HDD you’ll need to go to the Main Menu>System>Storage>Management Tab. Once in the HDD menu, highlight the HDD information. Then click on “Format” at the bottom. Please note this will delete all information off the HDD.

How do I playback my recordings?

To playback videos go to Main Menu>Playback. In that section choose your camera(s) on the right-hand side. Then double click any of the days on the calendar. This should automatically start playback for that day. Use the bar at the bottom to jump to a specific time during that day.

How Do I set up my recording schedule?

To set the recording schedule you’ll need to go to Main Menu>Configuration>Schedule>Record Plan. In that section, you’ll have access to each channel’s recording schedule. The camera’s will automatically start and stop, recording, at desired times. If you want to set up only motion recording to each camera, select “Setting” on the right-hand side for the desired day. Choose MD for Motion Detection for the day and set a desired time, if not all day. Then you can copy the schedule to other days at the bottom. Click apply then ok, then apply again. You can now click copy at the bottom and copy the schedule to other channels as well. Or choose another channel at the top to setup a different schedule.

How Do I upgrade my system’s Firmware?

Make sure to download your firmware from our website here: https://www.laviewsecurity.com/cms/download/

Once the file is downloaded, extract the file and place it onto a flash drive. Then connect the flash drive to a USB port on the NVR.
Please go to Main Menu>System>Maintenance>Version and select upgrade. Choose your Firmware file from the list.

How to I download videos off my NVR?

To download video footage you’ll need a flash drive inserted into one of the USB ports on the system. Then go to Main Menu>Backup. Once in the Backup page, you’ll need to select the USB device from the list. Then click on “Backup” at the bottom and you’ll have the file selector screen show up. Make sure AVI is checked, then proceed to backup. You can select a specific channel along with date and time you want to backup. Click on Add, then the list should update. Each file will have a start and end time. Check mark the files desired for back up and click backup at the bottom. Once the progress bar finishes, you now have the files on your USB drive.

I forgot the password for my system, how do I reset it?

Please email us at info@laviewusa.com to reset the password for this system. In the email please mention you need a password reset along with the model number and date that displays on the main view of the system. A technician will reply with some instructions and a temporary password for your system.

I have port forwarding setup, but my external IP address keeps changing. Can I fix this?

Yes, you can either contact your ISP and ask them for a static IP address or setup a DDNS. LaView does offer a free DDNS service that you can setup with these instructions:

To set up a DDNS please go to www.laviewddns.com and register.

After registering and creating your domain name we need to enable the DDNS feature.

Please go to Main Menu>App Center>DDNS.

Enable DDNS: √ (Checked)

DDNS Type: Laview

Domain Name: “yourdomainname”.laviewddns.com (“yourdomainname” is the name you created don’t use that or the “ “)

User Name: your email account used for www.laviewddns.com

Password: password used for www.laviewddns.com

Server IP: Laviewddns.com

Port: 8000

Please note, in order for the DDNS to work, port forwarding must be setup. You can now use your Domain name to access your system instead of IP.

I have some trees in my yard that are triggering my motion detection. How can I fix this?

You can setup areas for your motion recording within the camera’s configuration. Go to Main Menu>Configuration>Alarm>Set Area “Setting”. In that section, you’ll have a preview of one of the camera along with a red grid over it. You can clear the area and only draw specific areas with motion detection. Or you can just remove the areas by clicking and dragging over the red boxes. Everything in red will trigger motion, anything clear will not.

Which mobile app do I need?

-If you have DVR starting from LV-N52xxxx please download “LaView Patrol”

-If you have DVR starting from LV-N9xxxx, LV-D11xxxx, LV-D21xxx, or LV-T94xxxx, please download “LaView Net”

-If you have DVR starting from LV-D04xxxx, or LV-D51xxxx  please download “LaView Mobile”

The system worked seamlessly until last week when it suddenly shut off and now won’t come back on

Would suggestion you follow the instruction below for troubleshooting,

1.Please ensure the cameras are connected, would suggest you to connect them directly to the PoE ports at the back of the system.

2.At the day time, try to cover the camera lens with your hands to see if there is a IR red light on the problematic cameras. And please also check if the camera goes hot when it is connected.

3.The camera appears not to get powe if there is no light and heat. We will need to check if it is the camera/port/cable issue.

1.At first, please switch the problematic camera to the workable PoE ports to test. You can also go to your PoE Configuration setting to check the power.

2.If it still doesn’t work with another port, please exchange the cable to check again. If possible, you can also add the camera to another system to confirm the problem.

Please contact our support team for further support if it does not help.

What should I do if I connect a LaView Saturn Camera to LV-N96, LV-N95, LV-N98 series NVR but only get 720P maximum resolution in main stream?

If you only get 720p in mainstream, it means the IP camera is set to H.265. Please use the following instruction to switch the camera to H.264 compression.

What features are LaView Saturn Series Camera compatible with LaView (LV-N95, LV-N96, LV-N98, LV-N99) Series NVR?

LaView Saturn Series IP Cameras have many great features designed to work with LaView Saturn Series NVR. If you already have a LaView NVR and wish to add a LaView Saturn IP Camera, you can do so using this instruction. However, we recommend using LaView Saturn Series IP Cameras with a LaView Saturn Series NVR for best performance.

The following features of LaView Saturn IP Camera are compatible with LaView Series NVR:

The following features may NOT be compatible

How to reset LaView Saturn IP Camera

3. Press and hold the reset button for at least 5 seconds until the camera restarts, and then the camera will be restored to factory default settings.

How to connect a LaView Saturn Series IP Camera to a Non-Saturn Series NVR

5a. If you are connecting the camera to the NVR PoE port, set up the Target IP to 192.168.254.xxx (xxx being a random number from 2-254), and Gateway to  192.168.254.1, Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0. Then unplug the camera from the PoE switch or Router and connect it to the NVR using Cat5e cable.

5b. If you are connecting the camera via LAN, use DHCP or set up the IP address to your network range. For example: Target IP 192.168.0.217, Subnet 255.255.255.0, Gateway 192.168.0.1

6. Go the NVR Menu => Camera => Camera.

7. Click on the channel which the camera is connected to (ie if the camera is connected to port 3 on the back of the NVR, click on channel 3). If you are connecting the camera via LAN, Click on any unused channel.

8. Change ‘Plug and Play’ to ‘Manual’ and enter the camera IP address (192.168.254.xxx or 192.168.0.217 as in previous example)

9. Change protocol to ONVIF and Management port is 80

10. Enter user name and password you set up when you activated the camera in step 3.

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Getting started guide for iDVR-PRO analog CCTV / HD security camera DVRs.

These are the initial setup steps that CCTV Camera Pros recommend that customers follow for iDVR-PRO HD-CCTV DVRs. These instructions were written for the new hybrid iDVR-PRO DVRs which support CCTV, HD-TVI, and AHD cameras. This article covers the initial configuration setup that is recommended before getting into any other advanced setup of your new CCTV DVR.

iDVR-PRO HD CCTV DVR Setup

Read More : Best NVR camera systems 2023

Setup Topics

Here are the setup topics that are covered in this article in the order they should be performed.

Connect Monitor, Power Supply, USB Mouse

After you unpack your new DVR, locate the power supply and USB mouse that is included. Connect the mouse to the USB port on the front or back of the DVR. The USB mouse is the easiest way to navigate the user interface of the DVR. You can also use the IR remote control if you prefer. Please note that a wireless remote is not included with iDVR-PROA models.

Next, connect a monitor to your DVR. Even if you do not plan on keeping a monitor connected to your DVR because you will manage your DVR over your network, the initial setup still requires a monitor to be connected.

Supported Monitors

Please note that all iDVR-PROs models have an HDMI and VGA monitor ports. YOU MUST use a widescreen format HD monitor that supports one of the following video resolutions.

1080p resolution (1920 x 1080) is recommended for the best experience.

Connect the power supply included with your DVR to the power input on the back of the DVR, then to a power source (wall outlet). The DVR will boot up.

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Test Cameras Before Installing

If you are using any new cameras with your iDVR, we highly recommend bench testing them before you mount them. What does bench testing mean? It simply means that you connect each camera to a power supply and monitor before you mount them. This can be accomplished by connecting each camera to your DVR and viewing them on the monitor that you connected to your DVR.

Testing your cameras before installation has the following benefits.

 Confirm all cameras are working properly before mounting them.

 Opportunity to also test all of your cables if you are using premade CCTV cables.

 Configure video inputs on DVR for CCTV. AHD, or HD-TVI type cameras (details below).

 If any of your cameras use an OSD or varifocal lens, it gives you the opportunity to get familiar with these operations, which is much easier to do on the ground rather than up on a ladder.

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Using Pre-made Cables to Wire Your System

If you are using pre-made cables to install your system, we have a complete premade Siamese cable wiring guide that you can find here. Please reference it to see many examples of how pre-made cables can be used to wire analog CCTV and HD CCTV cameras. It is a great reference – especially if this is your first installation.

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Using RG59 Cable Spools to Wire Your System

If you are using spools of RG59 Siamese cable to install your system, we have a complete RG59 Siamese cable wiring guide that you can find here. Please reference it to see how-to use RG59 coax cable to wire an iDVR-PRO system with analog CCTV and HD security cameras – with individual power supplies or a power supply box. It is a great reference – especially if this is your first installation.

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DVR Interface Introduction

Watch this video to learn how easy it is to navigate the iDVR-PRO using the USB mouse that is included. This is a great video to get familiar with how to navigate the user interface.

Time / Date Setup

It is important to set up the time, date, and timezone of your DVR before you begin recording operations. Otherwise, you will be unable to figure out the true time that an event occurred. Follow these steps to set up the time and date on your DVR.

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CCTV, AHD, HD-TVI Camera Setup

iDVR-PRO hybrid surveillance DVRs support analog CCTV and HD-over-Coax cameras (AHD and HD-TVI formats supported). Each channel of an iDVR-PRO can be configured to use any of those camera types.

Watch this video to see how to specify CCTV, AHD, and HD-TVI camera types for each channel of your DVR. Important Update! The latest iDVR-PRO surveillance DVRs now automatically detect the video format of each camera. The newest models no longer need to be manually configured as the video explains.

Video Recording Setup

iDVR-PRO surveillance DVRs support the following video recording modes.

Watch this video to see how to set up recording on your DVR.

Additional Setup

This article is our recommended starting point to set up a new iDVR-PRO surveillance DVR. There are many additional configuration options that the iDVR-PRO is capable of. Please refer to these pages for more support and setup information related to iDVR-E DVRs.

Surveillance DVR Dual Monitor / Spot Monitor Live Display Setup

for iDVR-PRO HD / CCTV Camera DVRs

This article will go over how to set up the dual monitor / spot monitor feature for iDVR-PRO HD surveillance DVRs. All iDVR-PROs have high definition HDMI and VGA outputs. iDVR-PRO A models only support dual monitor mode. The iDVR-PRO H series DVRs support dual monitor and spot monitor modes. In spot monitor mode, can use the HDMI output as the main monitor and VGA as a spot monitor or vice versa. This is a good solution for users that need to see a continuous live view their security cameras on one monitor and use the other monitor for DVR management such as general viewing, playback, settings, etc. You can watch a demo video here.

Dual Monitor

In dual monitor mode, both the HDMI and VGA outputs the main display (mirror mode). Dual monitor mode is supported by A and H model iDVR-PROs.

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Spot Monitor

iDVR-PRO8H and iDVR-PRO16H models support spot monitor mode, in addition to dual monitor. This allows one monitor to display a customizable continuous live video feed, while the other monitor displays the main monitor for DVR operations such as configuration and recorded video playback.

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Spot Monitor Setup and Live Camera Display

Watch this video to see the spot monitor setup at CCTV Camera Pros office using an iDVR-PRO16H DVR and 16 HD CCTV cameras (1080p AHD and 1080p HD-TVI type cameras).

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HD Spot Monitor Setup

Follow these instructions to select between dual monitor and spot monitor modes.

1. By default, the iDVR-PROM and H series DVRs are to set to output duplicate displays on both the VGA and HDMI outputs.

To set up one of the displays as a spot monitor, select Menu > System Setup > Display > Dual Monitor.

Next, change the Display Mode from Duplicate These Displays to Main Monitor + Spot.

Once we have it set to Main Monitor + Spot, to the Display Type and set which monitor you would like to run as the Main Monitor and select which you would like to use as the Spot.

NOTE: We recommend keeping the Display Resolution set to Auto. This way it picks up the best resolution for your monitor’s spec.

2. Next, you can setup custom display screens and camera ordering for the Spot Monitor display. Click the Edit button next to Spot. You can now select the Add View Type button to select the cameras you would like to display on the Spot monitor. You may configure up to 16 displays that consist of single, quad, 9 channel, and 16 camera screen views.

Once you have the cameras / views setup, you can select the Apply button. That is it, you have successfully setup the iDVR-PRO DVR to run Dual Monitors.

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Legacy Model Spot Monitor Support

Our legacy, non HD iDVR-PRO models (analog CCTV only), use an analog BNC output for the spot monitor. You can refer to this article for analog spot Monitor Output Setup information.

Please, continue below for setup instructions if you have an iDVR-PRO8H or iDVR-PRO16H that supports HD over coax cameras (AHD and HD-TVI cameras).

Surveillance Video Recording Setup for iDVR-PRO HD H.264 CCTV DVRs

Follow these instructions to set up the surveillance video recording type for iDVR-PRO HD security camera / H.264 DVRs from CCTV Camera Pros.

Recording Modes

iDVR-PRO CCTV DVRs support the following recording modes.

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Setup Instructions

To configure the recording mode that you want to use, hover the mouse cursor over the lower part of the screen. The DVR main menu will appear. Click Menu > Record Setup.

The following screen will be displayed which shows all of the recording modes that the DVR supports.

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If you want to set up a recording schedule for continuous, motion, or alarm based recording, you must click the drop-down box on the above screen and change the mode from autoconfiguration to manual configuration. Autoconfiguration sets all cameras to record at the max resolution and frame rate for continuous, motion, and alarm type of recording.

If you select manual configuration, you can set different choose a different frame rate, resolution, and video quality / compression for each camera (even for different time frames). Using the mouse, select the recording type that you want to set up.

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Continuous Recording

If you select manual configuration then continuous recording, the following screen is displayed which lets you setup unique configurations for each camera and you can also click on the schedule tab to set a schedule for when each camera will record continuously (effectively making this scheduled recording mode).

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Motion Detection Recording

If you select manual configuration, then motion recording, the following screen is displayed. One this screen users can choose the resolution, frame rate, quality, and whether audio recording is on or off (surveillance microphone required) for each camera when motion is detected.

Users may configure each camera for motion detection recording by selecting the motion sensor option under the camera menu. Users can turn motion detection on / off, enable an icon to be displayed on the screen when motion is detected (Mark field), and sensitivity level for each camera. Users can also define specific zones within each camera view for motion detection by selecting the edit area button.

The below screenshot shows how to mark the door in this room as the only area that motion detection will be applied to.

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Alarm Recording

If you select manual configuration, then alarm recording, the following screen is displayed. One this screen users can choose the resolution, frame rate, quality, and whether audio recording is on or off (surveillance microphone required) for each camera when an external alarm (such as door sensor, PIR motion sensor, etc) is triggered.

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Intensive Motion Detection Recording

If you select intensive motion recording, then you may configure different recording resolutions, frame rates, and video quality for when each camera is recording continuously and while motion is detected. The idea behind this recording mode is to conserve space when there is no motion (but still record) and record at a higher resolution, higher frame rate, and quality when there is motion detected.

Intensive Alarm Recording

This mode is very similar to intensive motion recording. If you select intensive alarm recording, then you may configure different recording resolutions, frame rates, and video quality for when each camera is recording continuously and when an alarm is triggered. The idea behind this recording mode is to conserve space when there is no alarm (by recording at a lower frame rate and resolution) and record at a higher resolution, higher frame rate, and quality when an alarm is triggered.

Intensive Motion / Alarm Recording

This mode is also very similar to intensive motion recording. If you select intensive motion / alarm recording, then you may configure different recording resolutions, frame rates, and video quality for when each camera is recording continuously vs. when an alarm is triggered or motion is detected. The idea behind this recording mode is to conserve space when there is no alarm or motion (by recording at a lower frame rate and resolution) and record at a higher resolution, higher frame rate and quality when an alarm is triggered or motion is detected.

Panic Recording

The panic recording settings control the video resolution, frame rate (FPS), video quality and whether audio surveillance is on or off when panic recording is triggered on the DVR. Panic recording is enabled when a user presses the panic button on the front of the DVR or from the user interface menu using a mouse. When panics recording is enabled, this overrides any current recording mode (schedule, motion, alarm, etc. and sets all cameras to continuous recording).

Avoid Security Camera Motion Detection False Alarms

How-to adjust motion detection sensitivity & mask areas on iDVR-PRO CCTV surveillance DVRs

Anyone who uses video motion detection with a security camera system knows that it can be tricky to get the motion settings just right in order to avoid false alarms. It is especially tricky with outdoor security cameras because of all the things in nature that create motion. CCTV DVRs typically have sensitivity and motion mask areas to help. This article will guide iDVR-PRO surveillance DVR users of how-to setup the sensitivity settings and motion detection mask areas so that video motion detection can work as effectively as possible with little or no false alarms. You may also be interested in these instructions which explain how to set up motion detection recording on your DVR using an external alarm input.

Click from the list below to navigate to that section of this guide for more information.

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IMPORTANT:  For more detailed information specific to your model or if you do not see your issue listed below, please see your product’s manual on your Series support page.

To access your manual:

1. Visit Support.NightOwlSP.com and enter your Series into the Search bar.

NOTE: Your product Series can be located on the support sticker on your recorder.

2. From your product’s support page, scroll down and click on “Manual.”

Troubleshooting:

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NOTE: If you are still experiencing an issue after troubleshooting, please click on Contact Us from your product’s support page to reach our Technical Support Team via Live Chat or Phone.

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NightOwl DVR NVR Troubleshooting

Read More : Night Owl DVR / NVR Troubleshooting

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1. Recorder Not Powering On

If your recorder is not powering on, please try the steps below before contacting technical support.

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2. Video Loss

If your recorder is powered on, but you cannot see one or more connected cameras on your TV/Monitor or Smart Device, try the steps below.

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Cannot See the Recorder on Your TV/Monitor
If you cannot see any cameras or the recorder menu on your TV/monitor, please:

Have Video Loss Only at Night
If you are experiencing video loss, flickering lines or fuzzy images on one or more cameras at night, this may be the result of a faulty camera power supply. Try connecting the camera to a different power supply at night to see if the camera image is corrected.

Have a Camera with a Purple/Pink Tint?
If you are experiencing a purple/pink tint with a camera, it is possible that your camera is defective and needs to be replaced. However, please check the following first:

Video Loss On One or More Cameras

NOTE: Our wired NVR’s use Ethernet cabling and are powered by the NVR. Our Wi-Fi IP cameras each come with their own power adapter and wirelessly transmit video to the Wi-Fi NVR. You may need to re-pair the camera to your Wi-Fi NVR (refer to your product manual for more information).

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3. Network Connection Issues

If you are having an issue connecting your recorder to the Internet, please follow the troubleshooting measures below. The use of other network devices between the main unit and your Internet Router is not suggested.

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4. Motion Detection Issues

If your recorder is having problems detecting motion, it is most likely a configuration issue. Some recorders have the option to disable motion detection for specific channels. Additionally, the motion detection sensitivity and motion detection area can affect your recorder’s motion detection performance.

NOTE: By default, most recorders are set to motion detection with high sensitivity.

To troubleshoot:

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5. Playback Issues 

NOTE: Recordings are saved on the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) of your recorder, so the first thing you must check is if the HDD is working properly.

If you are having an issue accessing your recordings or with playback, please check the following:

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6. Export Video Issues

If you are having an issue exporting a recording, please check the following:

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7. Recorder Making Noise

NOTE: There are many reasons why your recorder may be making a noise. Beeps are usually related to a firmware misconfiguration, while other noises may be the result of the HDD or fan failing. Please check the following:

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8. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

First of all, you will need to ensure your recorder has an HDD. Check your system specifications to see if your recorder has a pre-installed HDD. Some models are sold with no HDD installed and customers must install their own. To troubleshoot, see below:

IMPORTANT: From the HDD menu, check to see if the overwrite option is on “Auto” (default option). When set to auto, the HDD will continue recording once it becomes full by recording over older recordings, to make way for new recordings. If this option is set to OFF, the recorder will stop recording when the HDD is full.

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9. Factory Reset

NOTE: If your product uses the Night Owl Protect App, remove the product from the application first before proceeding. Failure to do so will make your device unusable.

To reset your recorder to the Factory Default settings, follow the next steps:

NOTE: Your recorder’s menus and options may look different. If that is the case and you need additional help, please refer to your product’s manual on our support site for precise steps.

a.Go to the recorder Main Menu. (you may need to log in after this step)

b.Click on “Advanced” on the top left corner of the Main Menu.

c.Click on “Maintain”

d.On this screen locate the “Load Default”tab and click on it.

e.On the next screen select the options you want to restore to Factory Default and then click “OK.” Your recorder will now reboot and be restored to default for the selected settings.

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10. Contacting Technical Support

If you isolate the issue while performing the included troubleshooting measures, or if you cannot find out what is wrong, you may need to contact our technical support team. You have the option of choosing from Live Chat or Phone Support. To make initial contact:

Apps and Software

All Night Owl products include free remote viewing! All you need to do is connect your device to the Internet and download the compatible app or CMS. This ensures our customers have 24/7 access to their security, no matter where they travel, all from the convenience of their Smart Device or computer.

Our mobile apps can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play Store to your smartphone or tablet. Our CMS software for PCs and Macs is available below. Please click on the app / CMS that your Night Owl product uses to get started!

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ALIBI Vigilant NVR User Manual, This manual describes how to use your NVR locally and on the Web interface.
In this manual, the terms “IP camera” and “IPC” both refer to “network camera”, which requires a connection to the network. The IP device mentioned in this manual refers to either an IP camera (also known as network camera) or a Digital Video Server

Preface

This manual describes how to use your NVR locally and on the Web interface.

In this manual, the terms “IP camera” and “IPC” both refer to “network camera”, which requires a connection to the network. The IP device mentioned in this manual refers to either an IP camera (also known as network camera) or a Digital Video Server (DVS).

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Part I Local Operations

An NVR supports two types of operations: local operations and web-based remote operations. With local operations you connect a monitor and a mouse to the NVR and use the mouse to operate the system. If your NVR has buttons on the front panel or is delivered with a remote control, you may also control your NVR by pressing the front panel buttons or using the remote control.

The NVR has an embedded web server that allows web-based operations. To do this, you need a PC that has a network connection to the NVR and is installed with a web browser. You just need to navigate to the NVR’s IP address and log in to the Web interface like you log in to the system locally.

This section describes local operations.

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1 before you begin

Please be aware that the parameters that are grayed out on the system user interface (UI) cannot be modified. The parameters and values displayed may vary with device. Figures in this manual are for illustration purposes only.

User Login

Use the default username admin and password 123456 for your first login.

j^ CAUTION!

The default password is intended only for the first login only. It should be immediately changed to a strong password. Strong Passwords contain at least nine characters that include letters, numbers and special characters.

Local Operations

You can refer to Initial Configuration and complete a quick configuration.

NOTE!

Unless otherwise specified, all operations described in this manual are performed with a mouse by the right hand. See Mouse Operations for details.

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Mouse Operations

Table 1–1 Mouse Operations

Front Panel Buttons

The front panel buttons may vary with NVR model.

Table 1–2 Front Panel Buttons 1

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Table 1–3 Front Panel Buttons 2

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Remote Control

Table 1–4 Functions of the Buttons on the Remote Control

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ALIBI Vigilant NVR

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2 initial configuration

Preparation

Device Login

The login page appears after the NVR starts up.

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Login

Please change the default password. Change now?

No

Change Password

Username  admin

Old Password

Password  Weak

Confirm

OK  Cancel

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Note:

To disable unlock pattern, click System > User. See User
Configuration for details.

Wizard

The wizard can guide you to complete the most basic setup. The following page appears after your login:

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Note:

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3 live view

Live View Status

The following icons are used to indicate alarms, recording status, and audio status in a live view window.

Table 3–1 Live View Window Icons

Window Toolbar

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Screen Toolbar

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Shortcut Menu

A shortcut menu as shown below appears when you right-click in a window. Some menu items are described in Shortcut Menu Description.

Table 3–2 Shortcut Menu

Table 3–3 Shortcut Menu Description

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Sequence Operation

The sequence operation requires you to configure the screen layout, windows, linked cameras, and the sequence interval.

This example describes how to configure sequence for five cameras based on a 4-window screen layout.

NOTE!

The number of windows that can be displayed may vary with NVR
model.

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NOTE!

Zoom

Zoom in on an area of images in a window for details.

Preview Configuration

Normally, live view (video) is available after you complete the basic setup by following the wizard. You can click System > Preview and edit preview setting as needed, including video output, image resolution, default layout, and sequence interval. The video output and the number of windows supported may vary with NVR model.

NOTE!

Pressing and holding the scroll wheel for at least 3 seconds will
restore the default resolution.

Preview Configuration

Each preview window (window for short) links to a camera. By default, window 1 links to camera D1, window 2 links to camera D2, and so on. You may want to change the link to display live video from a camera in another specified window. The following example describes how to link window 1 to camera D2 and link window 2 to camera D1.

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Step 1: Click window 1 on the right, and then click D2 under Camera on the left. Now D2 appears in window 1, and None appears in window 2. Meanwhile, o is cleared for camera D1, meaning D1 is not linked to any window.

Step 2: Click window 2 on the right, and then click D1 under

Camera on the left. Now D1 appears in window 2. Click Apply to

save the settings.

Advanced Configuration

Click the Advanced tab and then select Sub Stream First so the NVR uses the sub stream to establish live video from multiple cameras simultaneously. This function is disabled by default.

ALIBI Vigilant NVR User Manual

Read Next : Alibi Recorder Firmware

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4 channel configuration

Channel Management

This chapter describes how to add and manage IP devices in your NVR. The IP devices mentioned in this manual mainly refer to IP camera (or network camera); sometimes they can also be Digital Video Server (DVS). Before you start, make sure the IP devices are connected to your NVR via network.

CAUTION!

An IP device should be connected to one NVR only. An IP device managed by multiple NVRs may cause unwanted issues.

Adding an IP Device

This section provides multiple options to add an IP device. Some options are only applicable to certain NVR models. Choose one as appropriate.

Option 1

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NOTE!

For a Digital Video Server (DVS), a window appears when you click
Add, and you need to select channels to add the connected
cameras.

Option 2

This option is not applicable to NVRs with PoE ports or switching ports.

Option 3

This option is only applicable to NVRs with PoE ports or switching ports. Connect an IP camera to a PoE port or a switching port with a network cable. The connected camera will be added to the NVR

automatically. Check status under Camera > Camera > Camera.

0 means live video from the camera is available. Click © to view

live video.

If the camera is connected via a network switch, click ışı under

Cam Config in the window displayed, set Add Mode to Manual

and then complete the settings correctly.

NOTE!

» appears under Status if the power output from a PoE port is
below or above the rated power of the connected camera.

Option 4

Use this option to add an IP device that is connected to a different router, for example, when the NVR and the IP device are connected across the Internet.

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NOTE!

First you need to enable port mapping at Setup > Port > Port
Mapping on the IP device’s Web interface.

• By MyDDNS

a. On the IP device’s Web interface, go to Setup > Network > DDNS, enable DDNS, select MyDDNS, set a domain name and get the server address.

NOTE!

• By a domain name

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NOTE!

Option 5

Use this option only when the IP device to add supports the standard RTSP, and all you need from the IP device are just view live and playback. IP devices added in this way cannot be configured from the NVR.

Sort Cameras

Sort cameras to display in the desired order.

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NOTE!

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NOTE!

Fisheye Configuration

Only certain NVR models can dewarp images from fisheye cameras.

NOTE!

Fisheye configuration is supported only by certain fisheye
cameras.

Configuration

Dewarping

NOTE!

Dewarping is available in live view and playback (in normal and
corridor playback modes). The operations are similar. The
following describes dewarping in live view.

Click Fisheye Mode on the window toolbar. The figure below appears. Set mounting mode and display mode.

Fisheye Mode x

Mount

Display Mode

Three mounting modes are available: ceiling, wall, desktop. Ceiling and desktop mounting modes use the same dewarping

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Operations Example: Ceiling Mount and Fisheye+3PTZ camera

On a PTZ image, drag the mouse to rotate the image or use the scroll wheel to zoom in or out. A box appears on the fisheye image as the image rotates, and as you drag the box or move the scroll wheel on the fisheye image, the corresponding PTZ image rotates or zooms in or out as well.

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Advanced Functions

Upgrade connected IP cameras or restore factory default settings for cameras under Camera > Camera > Advanced.

Click Check to see if the version of the connected IP camera is up to date. You may upgrade cameras by cloud ( ) or by disk ( ) one by one, or select multiple cameras and then click Upgrade by Cloud or By Disk to upgrade cameras in batches.

OSD Configuration

On Screen Display (OSD) are characters displayed with video images, for example, camera name, date and time, and people counting statistics.

Click Camera > OSD; or click

on the preview window toolbar.

NOTE!

If camera name exceeds 20 characters, only the first 20 characters
will be used as the OSD camera name.

• If camera name exceeds 20 characters, and you want to overlay a different camera name on video image:

Image enhancement

Exposure

1. Click the Exposure tab.

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White balance

Advanced settings

(Optional) To clear a mask area, click

Setting and Calling a Preset

A preset position (preset for short), is a saved view used to quickly steer the PTZ camera to a specific position. A preset consists of the following settings: pan and tilt positions, zoom, focus, and iris. 1. Access the PTZ Management window. For the detailed steps, see PTZ Control Window and PTZ Management Window.

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2. Add presets.

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6 recording and snapshot

Video recording has different levels of priority, which from high to low is: event recording, manual recording, and scheduled recording.

Encoding Settings

Recording

The parameters and options displayed may vary with camera model and version. Some functions may be unavailable if the camera version is too low. In this case, you need to upgrade the camera first.

Snapshot

Set resolution, image quality and snapshot interval for snapshots taken according to schedule or triggered by an event.

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NOTE!

Draw or Edit a Schedule

Make a recording or snapshot schedule by drawing (pressing and dragging) or by editing (using the Edit button). The operations for recording and snapshot are similar, so this section only describes how to make a recording schedule.

Scheduled Recording

Scheduled recording records video according to the set schedule. It is different from manual recording and alarm-triggered recording. A 24×7 recording schedule is enabled by default and may be edited as needed to record video in specified periods only. See Draw or Edit a Schedule for the detailed steps. Make sure the schedule type is Normal. The set schedule appears in blue, which stands for scheduled recording.

Scheduled Snapshot

Configure scheduled snapshot under Storage > Snapshot. Scheduled snapshot is similar to scheduled recording (see Scheduled Recording for details). Make sure the schedule type is Normal.

Motion Detection Recording and Snapshot

When enabled, a motion detection alarm occurs if an object inside the detection area moves to a certain extent (see Motion Detection for more details). Motion detection alarms can trigger actions including recording and snapshot.

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Motion Detection Recording

Motion Detection Snapshot

Motion detection snapshot is similar to motion detection recording. Enable and configure motion detection alarm first (see steps 1 to 3 in Motion Detection Recording for details), and then proceed with the following steps.

Alarm Triggered Recording

Alarm Triggered Snapshot

Alarm triggered snapshot is similar to alarm triggered recording. Enable and configure alarm input first (see steps 1 to 2 in Alarm Triggered Recording for details), and then proceed with the following steps.

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Manual Recording

Right click on the preview window, select Manual in the shortcut menu. Click the Manual Recording tab, select the desired camera and then click Start. To stop manual recording, select the camera and then click Stop.

Manual Snapshot

Manual snapshot is similar to manual recording. Right click and select Manual > Manual Snapshot, select the desired camera, and then click Start. Click Stop to stop.

Holiday Recording and Snapshot

Holiday recording and snapshot allows you to specify certain time periods as holidays for scheduled recording and snapshot. Specify

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certain date(s) as holidays first, and then configure recording or snapshot schedules for these days.

Holiday Recording

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Holiday Snapshot

Holiday snapshot is similar to holiday recording. First you set holidays under System > Time > Holiday, and then configure a snapshot schedule under Storage > Snapshot. Set a snapshot schedule as described in Scheduled Recording. Make sure Holiday is selected from the Select Day drop-down list.

Other Recording and Snapshot Types

Other recording and snapshot types:

Adding a Tag

Playback by Tag

Playback by Motion Detection

Search for and play recordings triggered by motion detection during a specified time period.

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NOTE!

Make sure motion detection is enabled and alarm-triggered
recording has been configured before you use this function. See
Motion Detection and Alarm-Triggered Actions for details.

Playback by Video Loss

Search for and play recordings triggered by video loss during a specified time period.

NOTE!

Make sure video loss alarm is enabled and alarm-triggered
recording has been configured before you use this function. See
Video Loss and Alarm-Triggered Actions for details.

Playback by Smart Search

This function provides an efficient way to review recordings containing smart search results such as detected motions. In smart playback mode, the system analyzes recordings for smart

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search results. If such results are detected, the progress bar is highlighted in green, and the video plays at the normal speed, allowing you enough time to catch details; otherwise, the video plays at 16x speed to save time.

Playback by POS

Use this function to play recordings of a POS machine.

NOTE!

Keywords allow special characters & (means AND) and | (means
OR).

3.

Click s to display overlay content.

4.

Click

to start playback.

File Management

File management allows you to manage video clips, tags, snapshots taken during playback, and lock or unlock files.

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a.

In playback page, play the recording until the desired
image appears.

b.

Click

in the playback window to take a snapshot.

c.

Click and then click the Playback Image tab to view

the snapshot.

d. Select the desired image file(s) and then click Backup to save them to the storage device.

NOTE!

The image resolution depends on the resolution from the output interface and the number of windows displayed when the snapshot is taken.

not be overwritten. To lock a recording file will prevent all the files stored in the same disk partition (254.4MB in size) from being overwritten.