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The ACTi GNR-330 is a 64-channel, 6-bay RAID tower standalone network video recorder (NVR) designed for robust video surveillance systems. It serves as a central hub for managing and recording video streams from network cameras, offering a comprehensive solution for local video surveillance.
The primary function of the GNR-330 is to record, store, and manage video data from multiple network cameras. It acts as a standalone server, meaning it can operate independently without requiring a separate computer for its core functions. The NVR supports hardware RAID configuration, allowing users to create disk arrays for enhanced data redundancy and performance. This is crucial for maintaining video integrity and ensuring continuous recording even in the event of a disk failure. The device runs on a Windows operating system, providing a familiar interface for setup and management.
The NVR is capable of handling up to 64 camera channels, making it suitable for medium to large-scale surveillance deployments. It integrates with ACTi's INR server system, which can be accessed via a local interface for quick setup. For more detailed operations and web client access, users can refer to the product manuals available on the ACTi corporate website.
The GNR-330 offers a user-friendly interface for installation and daily operation. The initial setup involves hardware installation, including the insertion of hard disk drives (HDDs) into the six storage disk bays. The device requires ACTi-certified 3.5-inch SATA hard disks, and a list of compatible models can be found on the ACTi website. The HDD installation process is clearly outlined, involving steps to remove the tray, mount the disk with supplied screws, and then reinstall the tray into the chassis. Safety is emphasized, with a clear instruction to turn off the unit before handling disk trays to prevent damage.
Connectivity is straightforward, with various ports available on the rear panel, including VGA, HDMI, Display Port for monitor output, eSATA for external storage, LAN1 and LAN2 for network connections, and multiple USB ports for peripherals like a mouse and USB devices. The NVR is designed to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP, simplifying network integration. For users who require a static IP address, the Windows Network and Sharing Center can be used for configuration.
Once the hardware is set up, the NVR guides users through software configuration. This includes creating hardware RAID arrays using a bundled software utility, where users can select a RAID type (e.g., RAID 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, LARGE, CLONE) and apply the configuration. The system provides an information message during the RAID configuration process, indicating its progress. After RAID setup, disk volumes need to be created using Windows Disk Management to make the storage space accessible for recording. This involves initializing the disk, choosing GPT as the partition style, and then creating new simple volumes, assigning drive letters, and formatting them. The system also supports creating spanned, striped, mirrored, or RAID-5 volumes, with a recommendation to use disks of the same model and capacity for these advanced configurations.
The NVR's operational interface, NVR3.0 Enterprise Workstation, is accessed by double-clicking an icon on the Windows desktop. The default login credentials (account: admin, password: 123456) are provided, with a strong recommendation to change the password for security reasons.
User management is a key feature, allowing administrators to create user groups and individual user accounts with specific permissions. This ensures controlled access to the NVR's functionalities.
Adding cameras to the system is facilitated through the Devices tab. Users can choose between "Search Cameras" for auto-detection of ACTi cameras or "Search ONVIF Cameras" for ONVIF-compliant cameras from various brands within the local network. For cameras located in other networks, the "Add Camera Manually" option allows for manual input of media type, protocol, IP address, HTTP port, account, and password.
Recording schedules can be customized to suit specific surveillance needs. The NVR automatically starts full-time recording for newly added cameras, but users can modify this to "Schedule Recording" for continuous recording during defined sessions or "Event Recording" for recording based on specific triggers like motion detection. The schedule is configured by dragging on a time table to define recording sessions.
The NVR also allows for customization of views in the Live View page. Users can create new layouts, select different layout styles, and add camera views by dragging cameras from the Camera List to a channel. Map views can also be integrated, allowing users to upload maps and adjust channel sizes within the map. These customized views can be saved and set as default.
The GNR-330 incorporates features that contribute to its maintainability and data integrity. The hardware RAID configuration is a significant maintenance feature, as it provides data redundancy. For instance, RAID 5, which is supported by the GNR-330, allows for data recovery even if one disk fails, minimizing downtime and data loss. The system provides clear warnings about the importance of turning off the unit before removing or inserting hard disk trays, preventing potential damage to the disks or the unit itself.
The software utility for RAID management allows for easy monitoring and modification of disk arrays. The ability to create disk volumes through Windows Disk Management ensures that storage space is properly allocated and managed.
For troubleshooting and support, ACTi provides comprehensive product manuals on its corporate website, which are essential for detailed instructions on installation, operation, and advanced configurations. The company also offers a Customer Help Desk platform for users to contact engineers for assistance with system installation or any other queries. This ensures that users have access to expert support when needed.
The NVR's design, with easily accessible disk bays and clear indicators like the power status LED, aids in basic troubleshooting and maintenance. The modular nature of the disk trays simplifies the process of replacing or upgrading hard drives. Regular updates to user documentation are also provided on the ACTi download center, ensuring that users always have access to the latest information and guidance for maintaining their device.
| Model | GNR-330 |
|---|---|
| Network Interface Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Video Compression | H.264 |
| Recording Resolution | 1080P |
| Maximum Recording Resolution | 1080p |
| Maximum Playback Resolution | 1080p |
| Network Interface | 1x RJ-45 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C |
| Operating Temperature Fahrenheit | 32°F to 104°F |
| Video Output | HDMI, VGA |
| Audio Input | 1x RCA |
| Audio Output | 1x RCA |