Amcrest AMDV10808-8B - User Manual

Amcrest HDCVI DVR Quick Start Guide
Version 3.3
Revised April 9th, 2015

Summary

Welcome and Safety Information

Important Safeguards and Warnings

Provides crucial safety information and warnings before installation and operation.

Initial Hardware Inspection

Instructions on unpacking and inspecting the DVR for physical damage and missing components.

Front Panel Overview

Front Panel Button Functions

Details the function and icons of each button on the DVR's front panel.

Rear Panel and Setup Preparation

Rear Panel Port Identification

Explains the function and location of each port on the rear of the DVR.

Required Items for Setup

Lists essential items not included with the DVR needed for setup.

Basic Hardware Connections

Connect Mouse, Ethernet, and Monitor

Step-by-step guide to connecting essential peripherals like mouse, Ethernet, and monitor.

Camera Hardware Setup

Camera Video and Power Cable Connections

Shows how to connect video and power extension cables to the cameras.

DVR and Camera Power Connections

Connect Camera Video Input and Power

Guide for connecting camera video cables to DVR inputs and power cables to power brick.

Final DVR Power Connection

Connect DVR Power Adapter to Socket

Instructions for connecting the DVR's power cable and adapter to an electrical socket.

Display Resolution Configuration

Adjust DVR Resolution via VGA

Step-by-step instructions for changing DVR resolution via VGA connection.

Software Initial Setup

Default Login Credentials and Security

Provides default username/password and security recommendations for initial login.

System and Encoding Settings

General and Encode Settings Configuration

Details configuration options for General settings and video encoding parameters.

Recording and Scheduling Configuration

Configure Recording Modes and Schedules

Outlines options for configuring recording schedules and modes for the DVR.

Network Configuration

Network Settings and Startup Confirmation

Guide to configuring network parameters and the startup finished confirmation.

DVR Software Interface Overview

Main Menu and Feature Descriptions

Provides a visual overview and descriptions of the DVR software's main menu items.

Remote Web Access Setup

Configure UPnP and DDNS for Web Access

Step-by-step guide for setting up remote web access using UPnP and DDNS.

Web Access Support

Setup Videos and Contact Information

Links to setup videos and provides contact information for Amcrest Support.

Web Interface Functions

Live Feed and Recorded Video Playback

Explains the Live tab for real-time feeds and the Playback tab for recorded footage.

Alarm Monitoring and Mobile App Setup

Alarm Tab and Mobile App Introduction

Describes the Alarm tab and introduces the Amcrest View mobile app setup.

Mobile App Network Configuration

P2 P Settings for Mobile App Connectivity

Instructions for configuring P2P network settings for mobile app connectivity.

Mobile App Device Pairing

Scanning DVR QR Code for Pairing

Steps for scanning the DVR's QR code using the mobile app for pairing.

Mobile App Login and Access

Entering Login Credentials into the App

Guide on entering username and password into the app for DVR access.

Amcrest View Mobile App Interface

App Navigation and Feature Access

Overview of the Amcrest View app's main screens and menu options.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Local Operation
4. Remote Access
5. Maintenance Features

This document serves as a Quick Start Guide for the Amcrest HDCVI DVR, providing essential information for hardware setup, initial software configuration, and remote access. It is designed to help users quickly become familiar with the DVR system.

Function Description

The Amcrest HDCVI DVR is a digital video recorder designed for security camera systems. Its primary function is to record and store video footage from connected HDCVI cameras, allowing for real-time monitoring, playback of recorded events, and remote access. The DVR supports multiple video input channels, enabling a comprehensive surveillance setup. It integrates with a monitor for local viewing and can be accessed remotely via a web interface or a dedicated mobile application. The system also includes features for event detection, such as motion detection, and provides alerts for various system statuses like disk errors or network issues.

Usage Features

The DVR offers a user-friendly interface for both local and remote operation.

Local Operation:

• Front Panel Controls: The front panel includes buttons for power, navigation (Up/Down, Left/Right), ESC (to go back or cancel), Enter (to confirm or access menus), and Assist (for PTZ control, image color, and text input functions). A USB port is available for connecting a mouse or storage devices. LED indicators provide status updates for HDD and network activity.
• Rear Panel Connections: The rear panel features various ports for connecting essential components:
  • Video Inputs: Multiple BNC connectors for HDCVI camera video feeds.
  • Video Outputs: VGA and HDMI ports for connecting to a monitor or TV, supporting resolutions up to 1920x1080.
  • Audio Inputs/Outputs: RCA connectors for audio integration.
  • USB Ports: Additional USB ports for peripherals.
  • Network Port: An Ethernet port for connecting to a router for network access.
  • RS-485 Input Port: For PTZ camera control.
  • Power Socket: For the DVR's power adapter.
  • On/Off Button: To power the unit.
  • GND Port: For grounding.
• Initial Setup Wizard: Upon first boot-up, the DVR guides the user through a setup process, including:
  • General Settings: Configuring device ID, language, video standard (NTSC), HDD full action (overwrite), pack duration, real-time play duration, auto logout time, and mouse speed.
  • Encode Settings: Adjusting video encoding parameters per channel, including type (regular/extra stream), compression (H.264), resolution (e.g., 720P, CIF), frame rate, bit rate type (CBR), I-frame interval, bit rate (Kb/s), reference bit rate, and audio format (G711a) and source. Snapshot and overlay settings can also be configured.
  • Record Settings: Defining recording schedules (manual, schedule, stop) for main stream, extra stream, and snapshot.
  • Schedule Settings: Detailed scheduling for recording (regular, motion detection, alarm, MD&Alarm) across different days and time slots.
  • Network Settings: Configuring IP version (IPv4), MAC address, mode (static/DHCP), IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, preferred DNS, alternate DNS, and MTU.
• Main Menu Interface: The main menu provides access to various functions categorized under "Operation" and "Settings":
  • Operation: Search (for recorded video playback), Backup (to CD or USB), Shutdown (logout, shutdown, restart).
  • Info: System (recordings, HDD stats, version info), Network (network info, status test), Event (triggered recording events), Log (critical system events).
  • Settings: Camera (camera settings), Network (DVR network settings), Event (recording event triggers), System (system parameters/config), Storage (storage parameters/settings).

Remote Access:

• Web Interface: The DVR can be accessed remotely via a web browser. This requires configuring UPnP and DDNS on the DVR and router. The web interface offers three main tabs:
  • Live: Displays live video feeds from connected cameras.
  • Playback: Allows playback of recorded video, with options to select dates and navigate a timeline.
  • Alarm: Lists triggered alarms (motion detect, video masking, disk error, video loss, disk full).
• Amcrest View App: A mobile application (Amcrest View Lite/Pro) is available for Android and iOS devices.
  • P2P Setup: The app uses P2P (Peer-to-Peer) functionality, often involving scanning a QR code displayed on the DVR's screen to establish a connection.
  • App Interface: The app provides live preview, playback, and device management features, mirroring many of the web interface functionalities.

Maintenance Features

• Hardware Inspection: Users are advised to inspect the DVR for any physical damage upon receipt and to check the label on the bottom for the serial number, which is often needed for support.
• Battery Replacement: The guide emphasizes using the same model when replacing the battery to prevent fire, explosion, or personal injury.
• Password Management: It is highly recommended to change the default username/password combinations immediately after the first login for security reasons. The system has built-in security measures, such as locking an account after five failed login attempts within a 30-minute period.
• System Reset: The DVR may prompt a system reset after certain configuration changes, such as modifying the HTTP port, to apply the changes effectively.
• Troubleshooting Resources: The guide directs users to Amcrest's website for setup videos and provides contact information (toll-free, international, USA, Canada, UK numbers, and email) for Amcrest Support if any issues arise or if components are missing.
• Documentation: Users are encouraged to refer to the full user manual for detailed operational introductions and more in-depth information on advanced features.
• Software Updates: While not explicitly detailed as a maintenance feature, the "Upgrade" option in the main menu's system settings implies the capability for software updates, which are crucial for maintaining system performance and security.
• Configuration Backup: The "Config Backup" option in the main menu's system settings allows users to back up their DVR configurations, which can be useful for restoring settings after a reset or for transferring settings to a new device.
• Auto Maintain: The "Auto Maintain" option in the main menu's system settings suggests automated maintenance tasks, potentially including disk checks or system optimizations.

Amcrest AMDV10808-8B Specifications

General

Model	AMDV10808-8B
Channels	8
Video Compression	H.264
Video Output	HDMI, VGA
Audio Output	1 Channel
Remote Access	Yes
Motion Detection	Yes
Operating System Compatibility	Windows, Mac
Storage Capacity	Up to 6TB
Power Supply	DC12V/2A
Hard Drive Support	1 SATA HDD
Remote Viewing	Yes
Mobile App Support	iOS, Android