English

English

4 or 8 Channel
H.264 DVR
M41250_1260_1450H050213E
1

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Before You Begin
FCC Verification
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
Introduction

equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

These devices comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
• These devices may not cause harmful interference, and
• These devices must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
All jurisdictions have specific laws and regulations relating to the use of cameras. Before using any camera for any purpose, it
is the buyer’s responsibility to be aware of all applicable laws and regulations that prohibit or limit the use of cameras and to
comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

FCC Regulation (for USA): Prohibition against eavesdropping

Except for the operations of law enforcement officers conducted under lawful authority, no person shall use, either directly
or indirectly, a device operated pursuant to the provisions of this Part for the purpose of overhearing or recording the private
conversations of others unless such use is authorized by all of the parties engaging in the conversation.

WARNING
Modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void user’s authority to operate the equipment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Make sure product is fixed correctly and stable if fastened in place
• Do not operate if wires and terminals are exposed
• Do not cover vents on the side or back of the DVR and allow adequate space for ventilation

DEFAULT PASSWORD INFORMATION

To ensure your privacy, this DVR supports password protection.
The default, all-access username is “admin”. If the DVR asks you to log in before you’ve set a password, enter admin as your
username and leave the password blank. This will give you access to all areas of the DVR.
The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.
To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a password as soon as possible. Choose something that
you’ll remember, but that others would be unlikely to guess.
If you do manage to lock yourself out of the DVR, you’ll need to contact us at the Swann Technical Support Telephone Helpdesk
- the number is on the back cover.

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Contents
Introduction Search: Backup 34
Before You Begin 2 Search: Event 35
Contents 3 Search: Log Search 35
Introduction 4 The Playback Interface 36

Introduction
Connecting the DVR Network: General 37
Installation Guidelines 5 Network: Advanced 38
Front Panel of the DVR 6 Network: Advanced: DDNS 39
The Rear Panel of the DVR 7 Network: Advanced: NTP 39
Connection Diagram 8 Network: Advanced: IP Filter 40
Connecting Additional Devices 9 Network: Network Status 40
Basic Setup Network: Advanced: Email Settings 41
Basic DVR Operation 10 Alarm: Motion 42
Basic Setup: General 11 Alarm: Motion Detection Configuration 43
Basic Setup: HDD & Networking 12 Alarm: Motion Detection Notes 44
Basic Setup: DDNS & Email 13 Alarm: Motion Detection - Action 45
Basic Setup: NTP & DST 14 Alarm: Video Loss 45
Basic Setup: Account Configuration & Completion 15 Alarm: Exception 46
Basic Setup: Installing MyDVR on PC 16 Device: HDD 47
MyDVR: Logging In 17 Device: S.M.A.R.T. 47
MyDVR: Interface 18 Device: PTZ 48
MyDVR: Local Configuration 19 System: General 50
MyDVR: Configuration Overview 20 System: User 51
Remote Access From a Mobile Device 24 System: System Information 52
Operating the DVR Locally 25 System: Device State 52
Advanced Configuration System: Maintenance 53
Menu Layout 26 Reference
Advanced Configuration 27 Troubleshooting 54
Display: Camera 28 Addendum: Third Party Hardware 55
Display: Output 29 Technical Specifications 56
Recording: Encode 30 Warranty Information 57
Recording: Option 31 Notes 58
Recording: Schedule 32 Notes 59
Search: Playback 33 Helpdesk / Technical Support Details 60

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this Swann DVR. You’ve Getting the DVR Setup
made a fine choice for keeping a watchful eye over your home
or business. Let’s take a moment to talk about some of the There are three stages to getting your DVR set up. If you want
features this DVR offers, and how to get the most out of them. to use the default settings, you’ll only need to complete steps
one and two.
Introduction

Oh my, this is a big manual. How long will this take?

Stage 1. Connecting the DVR (page 6 to page 9)
Yes, but you won’t have to read all of it - you should be up and
running by page 25! This section details what you can connect to the different
inputs/outputs of the DVR.
It can take a few hours to connect everything and run through
the setup procedure. Everyone’s setup will vary a little bit - it depends on what
cameras came with the DVR (if any) and what device(s) you’ve
The latter half of this manual is for advanced users only - the already got.
DVR is seriously configurable - the out-of-the-box settings do
a great job in 90% of situations, but some users will want to Stage 2. Basic DVR Setup
get into the nitty-gritty detail, so that information is presented
for those who need it. The DVR needs a few things to be set properly before it can do
its thing. Follow the instructions from page 11 to page 24
The Basic Setup to get everything working.

The default settings of the DVR will cover most basic 3. Optional: Advanced DVR Configuration
installation requirements of the DVR.
The latter part of this manual covers advanced DVR operations.
To get the most out of your hard drive, we’ve configured the
DVR to record only when it detects motion - that way, you This DVR comes with all the professional-grade capabilities
won’t fill the hard drive with video of nothing happening. you’d expect from a quality Swann product, but many advanced
capabilities require detailed setup to function correctly.
Before installing anything, connect the DVR and cameras
and test your system. If you’re not an advanced user, don’t worry. The out-of-the-box
settings really do work well, and we’d only suggest changing
We ensure everything is working properly when we ship them if you’ve got a really specific plan in mind.
them out, but sometimes things can be damaged in
transport, and occasionally components can fail. Better to You’ll need to read a page or two of this section if:
find out now, before everything is fixed in place! • you’ve got a PTZ capable camera - see page 48.
• you want to alter the motion detection sensitivity or the
areas it applies to (page 42).
• you want to change some of the advanced options for
recording quality and resolution (see page 28).

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Installation Guidelines

• Do not expose the DVR to moisture.

Water is the arch-enemy of electrical components and also poses a high
risk of electric shock.

Introduction
• Avoid dusty locations.
Dust has a tendency to build up inside the DVR case, leading to a high risk
of failure or even fire.

• Only install the DVR in a well ventilated space.

Like all electronics, the circuitry and hard drive in the DVR produce heat,
and this heat needs a way out.

• Do not open the DVR case

(except to install/swap the hard drive inside).
There are no other user serviceable parts inside.

• Never open the case whilst the DVR is plugged in,

and never turn the DVR on whilst the case is open.

• Use only the supplied power adapter.

Other adapters may cause damage to the DVR or cause a fire.

• Do not cut or modify any cable for any reason.

Doing so will void your warranty, and pose a risk of fire or electrical shock.

• Do not expose the DVR to sudden bumps or shocks

The DVR is as robust as possible, but many of the internal
components are quite fragile.

• Remember that the DVR is, in all likelihood, going to be left on 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. Keep this in mind when choosing a location for
installation.

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Front Panel of the DVR
1 2 3

1) Infrared Sensor: Monitors signals coming from the infra- 3) Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when the DVR is
Connecting the DVR

red remote control. If this sensor is blocked or obstructed, connected to power and switched on.
then the functionality of the remote will be impaired.

2) Hard Drive Indicator: Lights up when the hard drive is

active. It will flash rapidly when recording or searching (in
time with the read/write cycles).

1 2 3 4
1) Infrared Sensor: Monitors signals coming from the infra- 3) Hard Drive Indicator: Lights up when the hard drive is
red remote control. If this sensor is blocked or obstructed, active. It will flash rapidly when recording or searching (in
then the functionality of the remote will be impaired. time with the read/write cycles).

2) Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when the DVR is 4) USB 2.0 Port: For connecting USB external storage to the
connected to power and switched on. DVR for backup, or for applying new firmware.

1 2 3

1) USB 2.0 Port: For connecting USB external storage to the 3) Hard Drive Indicator: Lights up when the hard drive is
DVR for backup, or for applying new firmware. active. It will flash rapidly when recording or searching (in
time with the read/write cycles).
2) Power Indicator: This LED is illuminated when the DVR is
connected to power and switched on. 4) Infrared Sensor: Monitors signals coming from the infra-
red remote control. If this sensor is blocked or obstructed,
then the functionality of the remote will be impaired.

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The Rear Panel of the DVR
4-CH DVR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Connecting the DVR

1) DC 12V Power Input: Where you connect the included 6) VGA Output: For connecting a television or PC monitor
DC 12V power adapter. Use only the supplied power adapter with a VGA input.
with the DVR, and use the power adapter only with the DVR.
7) Network Port: Where you can connect the DVR to a net-
2) PTZ (RS485) Port: To connect the RS485 cables to control work, typically directly into the router or network switch.
a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) device to the DVR.
8) Audio Inputs: These will accept a standard line-level
3) Audio Output: A standard line-level audio output. signal (<1V).

4) USB 2.0 Port: For connecting a USB mouse or a USB stor- 9) Video Inputs 1 - 4: These are your primary video inputs.
age device. Each accepts a standard composite video signal and con-
nects via a BNC connector. The channels are labelled by
5) HDMI Output: The primary output of the DVR. For the number in the same order as they will appear on your DVR’s
highest possible video output quality, we suggest using this interface.
output.
6
8-CH DVR

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11

1) DC 12V Power Input: Where you connect the included 7) VGA Output: For connecting a television or PC monitor
DC 12V power adapter. Use only the supplied power adapter with a VGA input.
with the DVR, and use the power adapter only with the DVR.
8) Network Port: Where you can connect the DVR to a net-
2) PTZ (RS485) Port: To connect the RS485 cables to control work, typically directly into the router or network switch.
a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) device to the DVR.
9) Audio Inputs: These will accept a standard line-level
3) Audio Output: A standard line-level audio output. signal (<1V).

4) USB 2.0 Port: For connecting a USB mouse or a USB stor- 10) Video Inputs 5 - 8 (8-CH only): These are your second-
age device. ary video inputs. Each accepts a standard composite video
signal and connects via a BNC connector. The channels are
5) HDMI Output: The primary output of the DVR. For the labelled by number in the same order as they will appear on
highest possible video output quality, we suggest using this your DVR’s interface.
output.
11) Video Inputs 1 - 4: These are your primary video inputs.
6) eSATA Port: To connect an external hard drive which Each accepts a standard composite video signal and con-
will act as a live recording drive in the same manner as the nects via a BNC connector. The channels are labelled by
installed HDD. number in the same order as they will appear on your DVR’s
interface.
Note: Only the 1425 & 1450 DVR models have the eSATA 7
port available.

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Connection Diagram

Connect your cameras to

power, using the power-
splitter (if included).
Connecting the DVR

Connect the BNC outputs from

your cameras into the BNC inputs
on the rear of the DVR. Connect the power
supply to a wall
outlet.

Connect the DC12V

Output from the
power supply to
the power input.
Connect the mouse
to the USB 2.0 port.

If you’ve got a TV or monitor

with HDMI in, connect to
the HDMI port on the DVR.

Connect an Ethernet
cable from the LAN port
on the DVR to a spare
port on your router.

If you’ve got a monitor with

VGA but not HDMI, connect it
8 to the VGA output on the DVR.

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Connecting Additional Devices

The Audio In ports can

be used to connect
audio devices to the
The Audio Out port can be DVR. Obviously, your
used to connect a stereo, microphone probably
speakers, headphones won’t look like that one
or other external sound - they’re often built into
device. cameras.

Connecting the DVR

An external hard drive with
a USB-compatible interface
(USB 2.0 recommended)
can be connected to the
USB port of the DVR.
The USB port also supports
USB solid-state storage,
The PTZ port (RS485)
such as flash drives.
can be used to connect
compatible PTZ devices,
such as this Swann PTZ
dome.

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Basic DVR Operation
The USB Mouse (Recommended) The Remote Control

The easiest way to operate the DVR is to use the included USB Many of the controls operate in a similar manner to controls
optical mouse - we put together the look and feel of the menu on a DVD player or similar. However, due to the specific and
system specifically for mouse-friendly navigation. multi-channel nature of the DVR, the functionality of some
buttons may not be immediately obvious.
The controls are pretty easy to remember - heck, there are only
two buttons. It couldn’t be simpler.

Left click: Wireless Mice: Best of Both Worlds

• Selects an item or confirms a choice. Many wireless mice are compatible with the DVR. The only
kinds of wireless devices compatible are those that interface
Right click: in the same manner as regular wired devices: typically, these
will be mice which come with a dedicated USB receiver which
• Opens the menu bar from the live viewing screen. is pre-paired to the mouse.

• Returns one “step” from a submenu. Combination wireless receivers (such as those that come with
keyboard/mouse combinations) are usually NOT compatible
• Opens a context menu in some settings screens. with the DVR. We suggest avoiding them.

The Scroll Wheel: Note that Bluetooth devices are NOT compatible with the
DVR. Use a wireless mouse that has a dedicated USB receiver.
• Can be used to adjust the values of sliders and scales
when highlighted by the mouse.
Basic Setup

Of course, you don’t have to use the mouse.

Default Password Information

To ensure your privacy, this DVR supports password protection.
The default, all-access username is “admin”. If the DVR asks you to log in before you’ve set a password, enter
admin as your username and leave the password blank. This will give you access to all areas of the DVR.
The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.
To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a password as soon as possible. Choose
something that you’ll remember, but that others would be unlikely to guess.
If you do manage to lock yourself out of the DVR, you’ll need to contact us at the Swann Technical Support
Telephone Helpdesk - the number is on the back cover.

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Basic Setup: General
The Setup Wizard will run automatically the first time you start the DVR.
The wizard will guide you through all the settings you need to get your DVR up and working, specifically:
• Choosing your Language
• Setting Video Input and Output Formats and Resolution
• Setting the Date, Time and your Time Zone
• Initializing and/or Formatting your Hard Drive
• Configuring the DVR to operate on your Network
• Setting up a Dynamic DNS for remote access
• Synchronizing the DVR’s time with an online server
• Choosing the settings for Daylight Savings Time (DST)
• Creating Username(s) and Password(s)
Note: There are still a few things you’ll really want to setup after you’ve finished with the wizard - the theory is that, once you’ve got
through the set up wizard, you can install the MyDVR software on a PC connected to the same network and configure the remaining
options via your computer.
General Configuration
Language: Choose the language you’d
like the menu system to be displayed in.
Video Standard: Choose between NTSC
(for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan,

Basic Setup
Korea and some other regions) or PAL
(UK, Europe, Australia and some other
areas). If this is set incorrectly, images
from your cameras will be distorted,
black and white, or simply not appear at
all.
Resolution: How many pixels the DVR
will output. Typically, you’ll want to set
this to be equal to the native resolution
of your monitor/television (check the
manufacturer’s documentation). If
your monitor’s native resolution isn’t
an option, then you’ll want to use the
highest resolution possible without
exceeding the maximum resolution of
your monitor.
Time Zone: Choose the time zone you’re in. It’s really important to select the right time zone if you’re using NTP (Network Time
Protocol).
Some common time zones: In the USA, EST (Eastern Standard Time) is GMT -5:00, where PST (Pacific Standard Time) is GMT -8:00.
The UK is GMT +0:00 and the East Coast of Australia is GMT +10:00.
Menu Date Format: How you’d like the date to be displayed. Choose whichever format is standard in your region.

If you need to change any of these settings later, you can find these options:
Main Menu -> System -> General

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Basic Setup: HDD & Networking
HDD
Init.: Initializes the hard drive. You’ll
only need to do this for drives once,
assuming that it’s not already initialized.
If the Mount column reads “No” then
choose Init. to initialize the drive.
Label: A quick way of differentiating
between hard drives. For the first setup,
there will usually only be one hard drive
displayed. This displays internal HDDs
and those connected to the eSATA port.
Capacity: The total amount of space
on the hard drive. This will typically be
slightly less than the rated capacity of
the hard drive as a fraction of the space
is required by the file allocation table
(FAT).
Format: Whether the hard drive has been formatted to operate with the DVR. When the hard drive is formatted appropriately,
this will simply read “yes”. If it says anything else, such as an ominous “no”, then select the disk and choose Format.
Mount: Whether the drive has been initialized and is detected by the DVR. If the drive isn’t mounted then it needs to be
initialized (see above).
Free Space: The amount of available space on the hard drive.
Basic Setup

Network Access
We’re not going to pretend this isn’t the
most complex aspect of configuring the
DVR, but if your router supports DHCP
and UPnP, then there’s nothing to do
here.
Recommended:
Don’t change anything.
Ensure that the Network Access is set to
DHCP and that UPnP is enabled on your
router - it should just work.

If your router doesn’t support DHCP:

Then you’ll need to manually assign the
address of the DVR. If you’ve already
setup your network, we assume you
know what you’re doing. See “Addendum:
Third Party Hardware” on page 55 for
more information.
If your router supports DHCP but not UPnP: For local access (i.e. a PC connected to the same network) just set the Network
Access to DHCP. For remote access (i.e. a device connected via the Internet), you’ll need to manually forward ports on your router.
See “Addendum: Third Party Hardware” on page 55 for more information.
If you don’t know how to manually address devices and don’t have access to someone who does, you may want to consider
upgrading your router - we think that DHCP and UPnP are neat features that are well worth having.
There’s heaps more information on IP Addresses, DHCP, UPnP and all manner of remote access information later in this booklet.
In addition to “Addendum: Third Party Hardware” on page 55, have a look at “Network: General” on page 37 and have a word
with whoever set up your network - they might be able to help you.

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Basic Setup: DDNS & Email
DDNS
A Dynamic DNS is a service which will let
you assign an address to your DVR so you
can access it via the Internet.
There’s more information about DDNS,
how to configure it and what it means
for you when remotely accessing the
DVR later in this manual. Have a look at
“Network: Advanced: DDNS” on page 39
for more.
DDNS Type: The DDNS server you’re
using. We recommend SwannDVR - you
can sign up for your free account at www.
swanndvr.com.
Device Domain Name: The domain name
you chose when signing up for your DDNS
account.
User Name: The username you selected when you signed up for your DDNS account. If you’re using SwannDVR and followed
the suggested username guidelines, this will be your email address.
Password: Enter the password you used when you signed up for your DDNS account.
Confirm Password: Re-enter the password to confirm.
Test: To check if the DDNS is working, click the Test button. After a short delay, a message will be displayed on-screen, informing
you whether the update was successful or not.
If the test is unsuccessful, a message will appear onscreen informing you that the “Update was Unsuccessful”. This could mean

Basic Setup
there’s a problem with your network setup, or there’s a problem with the DDNS Account Name and Password you’re using.
Before DDNS will work, you’ll need to register an account with the DDNS provider of your choice. We recommend SwannDVR, as this
is a free service which we support directly. Boot up your computer and sign up at www.swanndvr.com.
Email
If you want the DVR to send email alerts as alarm events are detected, then you’ll need to configure an outgoing email server for
the DVR to use, and choose an email address for it to send to.
We recommend creating an account with Gmail (www.gmail.com) specifically for the DVR. These instructions assume you’re
using a Gmail account. If you’re using a different email, see “Network: Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41 for details.
Enable SSL or TLS: Enable.
SMTP Server: Choose smtp.gmail.com.
SMTP Port: 465 (this value will self-
populate).
Sender Address: your_email@gmail.com.
Sender Password: The password you
chose for the Gmail account.
Recipient Address 1, 2, 3: Choose up
to three email addresses for the DVR to
send mail to.
Attach Picture: When selected, the DVR
will attach a still image to better illustrate
what has caused the alarm/alert state.
Interval: The minimum amount of time
that must elapse after the DVR sends
an email alert before it can be triggered
again.
Test: The DVR will send an email immediately using the setting you’ve entered. The DVR will tell you whether the outgoing
mail server responded to the request to send the email or not. If the DVR indicated the sending failed, this indicates there’s
something wrong with the SMTP server details you’ve entered. If the DVR reports success but you don’t receive the email, then
it’s likely there’s something amiss with the recipient email - in particular, check the Spam folder/settings.
Other: Allows for custom definition of an outgoing email server. See “Network: Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41 if you want
to use an email server other than Gmail. For advanced users ONLY.
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Basic Setup: NTP & DST
NTP
NTP stands for “Network Time Protocol”.
It’s a way for the DVR to automatically
update its internal clock and ensure it’s
always in sync. There’s no requirement
to use NTP, but it’s easy to setup and
free to use, so there’s really no reason
not to.
NTP Server: The server you’d like to use
for NTP. They’re all quite comparable
in terms of reliability and accuracy, so
unless you’ve got some kind of master
plan for world domination (which is
affected by the time, for some reason)
then the default (pool.ntp.org) works
fine.
NTP Port: The default is 123. You
should only change this if you’re using
a different NTP server, and you know
they use a different port. If you’re using
pool.ntp.org, ensure the port is 123.
Sync: Triggers the DVR to automatically synchronize its internal clock with the time server immediately. If your DVR is connected
to the Internet and the network is correctly configured, this will update almost instantly.
System Time: The DVR’s current clock reading.
Basic Setup

DST Configuration
You can configure the DVR to
automatically update its internal clock
when daylight saving starts and ends.
Note that using DST and NTP
simultaneously can cause problems,
depending on your NTP server and how
DST works in your locale.
Enable: Whether the DVR will
automatically adjust the time for DST or
not.
Offset: The amount by which the time
changes during DST. For the vast majority
of locations, the offset is one hour, but
exceptions to this rule exist.
Start Time / End Time: When DST begins
and ends in your locale.

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Basic Setup: Account Configuration & Completion

Account Configuration
User Name: The name you’d like to
use for the account. An account can
be called anything you like (up to 16
characters in length) except the default
Admin account, which is always called
“Admin”. We suggest using this as the
default all-access account for the DVR.
Password: The password you’d like
to be associated with the selected
account. A password can be between
1 and 8 characters in length, and
consists of numbers only (no letters or
symbols).
Confirm Password: Re-enter the
password to ensure accuracy.
Level: The level of access that the selected account will have. There are three levels of access: Guest, User or Admin.
Guests: Can view live images from the cameras, but cannot access recorded footage, nor can they alter any settings.
User: The most customizable level of access to the DVR. You’ll be able to set a User account to have as little access as a Guest
account, or nearly as much power as an Admin account. User accounts will probably make up the majority of accounts registered
to a DVR if there are multiple users requiring varying levels of access.

Basic Setup
Finishing the Setup Wizard
When you choose Finish, the DVR will update and save your settings. It may reboot while doing so.
Display wizard when booting up (checkbox): While this is highlighted, the DVR will automatically run the configuration
wizard when booted up. Simply click this box to de-select it, and the wizard won’t run automatically in future. You can run the
wizard at any time by clicking the icon on the DVR menu tray.
If you don’t want the Setup Wizard to be displayed upon start-up in the future, uncheck the “Display wizard when booting up”
checkbox.

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Basic Setup: Installing MyDVR on PC
Your DVR comes with powerful remote access and interface
software, called MyDVR. You can setup and configure almost
all aspects of the DVR from the MyDVR interface.
The MyDVR software will allow you to:
• view images from your DVR in real-time
• playback recorded footage
• copy footage to your local PC and
• adjust settings and configure the DVR
In fact, the MyDVR software is so powerful; you don’t even
need to connect a monitor to the DVR if there’s a computer on
the local network that you’re running MyDVR on.
For quick and easy configuration of the DVR’s settings,
recording quality and schedule, we suggest using the
remote interface in MyDVR.

How to install MyDVR:

• Insert the included CD into your computer.
• Locate the file called MyDVR.exe and run this file. You
may be asked by UAC (User Account Control) to allow
MyDVR to “make changes” to your system. Select Allow
or Continue.
Basic Setup

• You’ll see an installation wizard. Simply follow the prompts

to install the software.
• Once the MyDVR software has been installed, it should
automatically detect your DVR on your network.

Minimum PC Requirements:
2.0GHz or faster CPU (Dual-core recommended)
1GB or more RAM (2GB recommended)
10/100Mbps Network (1000Mbps recommended)
Internet connection (512kbps+ recommended)
1024x768 resolution (1280x720 recommended)

Supported Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft
Windows 7 and Microsoft Windows 8
NOTE: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Got a Mac?
Check out
www.swann.com/mydvrmac
for the latest Mac-based remote
access software.

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MyDVR: Logging In
If you’re logging in to the DVR for the
first time via a local network, then use
the following settings:
• IP: This field will self-populate when
you select a DVR from the list.
• Server Port: The default is 9000.
MyDVR will automatically detect the
server port of the DVR.
• Username: To get full control of the
DVR, use the default administrator
username: admin. You can create
other accounts, but the default is
always called admin.
• Password: Enter the admin account
password here. If you haven’t set a
password yet, then leave this field
blank (and we suggest that you set a
password as soon as possible).
Before running MyDVR for the first time: If you’re accessing the DVR via the Internet:
Ensure your DVR is connected to a network and (if accessing • Select WAN under the heading Network Type.
via the Internet) you know the Public IP Address of the DVR or • If you’re using a Fixed Public IP address, choose IP
the DDNS address (see “Network: Advanced: DDNS” on page Address under Register Mode, and enter the IP address
39 for more). into the space marked IP.

Basic Setup
That your network is set to DHCP addressing or the DVR • If you’re using a DDNS hostname, choose Domain Name
has been configured to use STATIC addressing (see “Network: under Register Mode, and enter the DDNS domain name
General” on page 37). into the field labelled Domain.
• If you’re using the SwannDVR DDNS service, your address
That UPnP is enabled on your router (see your router’s
will be: yourDDNSname.swanndvr.net
documentation to learn more).
• Enter the Server Port for the DVR. The default is 9000.
If you’re accessing the DVR via a LAN (local network): The DVR won’t be able to automatically detect this over the
• Select LAN under the heading Network Type (unless your Internet - you’ll need to remember it if you’ve changed it!
computer has performance issues - then select WAN. See the • Enter your Username and Password.
note on multiple monitors, below/right). • Choose Login.
• Your DVR should automatically appear in the list of Note: Multiple Monitors
compatible devices near the top of the window. The MyDVR software does not support hardware acceleration
• If your DVR does not appear, choose Scan Device in LAN. when using multiple monitors. On some systems, this can cause
If this doesn’t work, then it indicates some kind of local significantly reduced performance.
network fault. If you experience slow playback or the video is not being displayed
at all, disable all monitors but your primary one. Selecting WAN
• Select your DVR from the list - it will probably be the only
mode (even over a local network) can also improve performance.
thing there, unless you’ve got another Swann DVR.

Default Password Information

To ensure your privacy, this DVR supports password protection.
The default, all-access username is “admin”. If the DVR asks you to log in before you’ve set a password, enter
admin as your username and leave the password blank. This will give you access to all areas of the DVR.
The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.
To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a password as soon as possible. Choose
something that you’ll remember, but that others would be unlikely to guess.
If you do manage to lock yourself out of the DVR, you’ll need to contact us at the Swann Technical Support
Telephone Helpdesk - the number is on the back cover.

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MyDVR: Interface

Preview: The default splash live-view screen of MyDVR. Image Controls: You can alter the brightness, contrast,
saturation and hue of your images here. They operate in the
The screen layout emulates the multi-channel live view
same way as those in the DVR’s menu (see “Display: Camera”
screen of the DVR, showing you images coming directly from
on page 28 for more information).
your cameras in near real-time (some delay is caused by the
network/Internet connection you’re using to access the DVR). Viewing Modes: Choose between single camera viewing,
four channels at once (2 x 2) or eight channels at once (3 x 3,
Basic Setup

You can select a single camera or multi-channel viewing

8CH model only).
by using the Viewing Mode buttons in the lower right corner.
Volume Control: Alters how loud the audio output from the
Playback: Opens the Playback interface, which operates in
DVR will be. Remember that the final output volume will also
much the same way as the playback interface on the DVR itself.
be affected by the master volume control of your operating
Setup (Configuration): Allows access to both the Local system, as well as the levels set on speakers or amplifiers
Config screen and Remote Configuration menus. connected to your system.
Local Config: Defines how MyDVR will manage and save CPU Loading: How hard your computer is working to decode
footage and still images to your local PC. and display images as they arrive from the DVR. If this is
consistently high, you can try:
Remote Config: Allows access to the DVR’s settings. The
configurable options are very similar to those you’ll find in the • disabling multiple monitor setups. The MyDVR application
DVR menus. doesn’t support hardware acceleration across multiple
monitors. Disabling all but your primary monitor will
Main Viewing Area: Where images from your camera will
greatly increase performance
be shown. Select Preview to return to this view from the
Playback interface or the Config menus. • reducing the quality of the video. Select WAN from the
login screen instead of LAN
Playback / Backup Links: Quick access to playback and
backup. • reduce the number of video feeds being displayed. Select
a channel and click Stop to disable the monitoring
PTZ Controls: For controlling PTZ devices. They operate in the
same way as those you’ll find on the DVR itself. • switch to single channel view

Need more details?

The overview of the DVR settings presented over the next few pages is just that - an overview.
The full explanation of the DVR’s menu system and configuration options are listed in detail from
page 25 onwards. The DVR’s menu system is functionally very similar to the MyDVR software
interface, and you’ll find more detailed information about all menu options and settings there.
The relevant page for additional information is listed next to each menu screen.

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MyDVR: Local Configuration

Basic Setup
The local configuration screen is where you can customise About transcoding to AVI:
how MyDVR will store and process footage on the local PC
Don’t be put off by the complex word - transcoding is just a
when you download it from the DVR.
shortening of “translating code”.
Record Path: Where MyDVR will save recordings if you select
Transcoding, while a straight-forward process, is very
Record from the Preview screen.
processor intensive. You may notice significant slow-down
Download Path: Where MyDVR will save footage that you’ve on your computer while the transcoding takes place. For
downloaded from the DVR. best results, try not to over-burden your computer - just let it
transcode the footage in peace.
Snapshot Path: Where MyDVR will save still images captured
using the snapshot function. Auto-Login: When selected, MyDVR will automatically
login and open the Preview screen for the DVR it is currently
Convert to AVI: When selected, MyDVR will use your PC to
connected to. Simply un-check Auto-Login if you don’t want
transcode footage from the DVR’s native format (H.264) into a
MyDVR to do this anymore or you want to change the default
format that your computer (indeed, almost any computer) will
device (you’ll just need to go through the manual login
be able to playback without special software.
procedure once for the device you want).

Playback Problems?
Some media players have trouble playing back the transcoded AVI files from the MyDVR software.
We recommend using VLC media player, which has no problems with the DVR’s AVI files.
You can get it for free from www.videolan.org/vlc.

Note: Very few (if any) media players will be able to play the un-modified H.264 video streams that are the DVR’s
native format. The H.264 streams are raw video data with no “container” (AVI is a “container”). It’s a little like trying
to read a book with no punctuation or capital letters or spaces - the “transcoding” process puts in the spaces and
the full stops and makes it possible to be “read” by someone other than the author.

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MyDVR: Configuration Overview
Display: Channel Settings (see page 28)
Channel Name (Check Box): Whether the channel’s name will
be displayed on screen or not.
Channel Name: The title you’d like to give that camera.
Record Data: Whether the overlays (Channel Name, Date and
so on) will be recorded onto the video with your images.
Mask (Check Box): Turns the masking function on or off.
Mask (Setup): Creates a black privacy overlay which masks part
of your images. Will affect recordings.
Recording: General (see page 30)
Encoding Parameter: Choose from the main stream or sub
stream to configure.
Main Stream: The way the DVR will internally process and
record video.
Sub Stream: The way the DVR will encode and send video to a
remote device (such as the PC you’re using to access the DVR).
Record Audio (Check Box): Turn the audio recording function
on or off. Note: Record Audio must be specifically enabled for
the SubStream if you require audio via a remote connection.
Resolution: How many pixels (little dots) make up your image.
Basic Setup

Frame Rate: How many images per second the DVR will capture.
BitRate Limit: The maximum size that your video files will be.
The higher this is set, the better recordings will look - however,
they’ll also fill the hard drive faster.
Recording: Advanced Config (see page 31)
Overwrite: Whether the DVR will erase old recordings to make
room for new ones, or not.
Pre-record: Whether the DVR will cache and save footage that
occurs immediately before an alarm/motion event.
Delay: How long after an alarm event or motion the DVR will
continue to record for.
Pack Duration: The amount of video that will be stored as a
single “pack”. Unless you have very specific requirements, leave
this at the default value.
Recording: Schedule (see page 32)
The schedule presented on-screen applies to one channel on
one specific day of the week only.
Use the Copy To functions to quickly assign identical schedule
layouts to multiple days/channels at once.
Be careful when programming your schedule. It’s one of the most
important aspects of setting up your DVR, and if it’s wrong in any
way, it could lead to complications later.
Note: Do NOT select Normal and Motion/Alarm-based
recording at the same time on the same channel - this can
cause conflicts in the way that the DVR interprets footage and
event information.

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Network: General (see page 37)

Be careful adjusting settings here - if the DVR can’t access the
network anymore, you won’t be able to configure it remotely!
Network Access: How your network is addressed - either DHCP
or STATIC IP addressing.
Subnet Mask: A required additional piece of IP addressing
information.
Gateway: The way “out” of your network, to the Internet.
Auto DNS / Static DNS: Whether the DVR will automatically
select a DNS server, or use one you assign.
Preferred / Alternate DNS: The DVR has two DNS servers,
essentially a primary and a backup.
MAC Address: The Media Access Control address. For some
advanced networking, it can help to know this value.

Network: Advanced Config (see page 38)

DDNS Setup: Opens the DDNS setup window (below).
NTP Setup: Opens the Network Time Protocol setup window
(see below).
Email Setting: Opens the Email Setup window (see below).
Server Port: One of the two ports the DVR needs to

Basic Setup
communicate over your network. Ensure nothing else uses this
port. The default value is 9000. This is the port number you’ll
use when logging in over the Internet from the MyDVR software
or remote access from a mobile device.
HTTP Port: The second of two ports the DVR needs to
communicate over your network. Ensure nothing else uses this
port. The default value is 85.

• NTP Setup (see page 39)

NTP Domain or IP Address: The server you intend to use to
access the current date and time. The default is pool.ntp.org.
NTP Port: The port that the NTP server uses. The default for
pool.ntp.org is 123.

• Email Setting (see page 41)

Operates in the same way as the email setup menu in the DVR
menu. Rather than attempt to summarize here, it’s easier to
simply turn to page 41 to learn more.

• DDNS Setup (see page 39)

Where you can configure a Dynamic DNS server to track the
“position” of your DVR over the Internet. Check out page 39
for more information on DDNS servers.
We recommend using SWANNDVR as your DNS service.
This is a free service for Swann DVR owners, which we directly
support.
To create an account with SWANNDVR, go to:
http://www.swanndvr.com/
and click the Registration button. Follow the prompts to create
your account.
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Alarm: Motion Detection (see page 42)

Channel: The channel you’re configuring the motion detection
settings for.
Enable: Whether the motion detection is enabled for the
channel currently selected.
Sensitivity: A sliding scale between 1 and 50. The number refers
to the number of pixels (as a percentage) that have to “change”
between frames - okay, this one is a little more complex than
this summary will allow. Seriously - check out page 42 for a
much more useful explanation of how motion detection works.
Action: What you’d like the DVR to do when it detects motion.
Typically (assuming the schedule is configured to do so) this will
be to record video. It can also be a cue to trigger an email alert,
or to sound the DVR’s internal buzzer.

Alarm: Video Loss (see page 45)

Action (Check boxes): Whether you’d like the DVR to send an
email alert or to sound the DVR’s internal buzzer.
Basic Setup

Arm Schedule: The times of day/week you’d like the DVR to be

“armed” to detect video loss.

Alarm: Exception (see page 45)

Exception Type: What event type you’d like the DVR to react to.
By configuring the Action for these events, you can create any
combination of audio alerts (see below) or auto-emails to be
sent for different event types.
Audio Warning: Sounds the DVR’s internal buzzer.
Send Email: Commands the DVR to send an email alert.
Show Exception: Shows any alerts that occur at the bottom
right corner of the main screen. Double-click on the alert
notification to see details.

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Device: PTZ (see page 48)

Channel: The channel you’d like to configure a PTZ camera for.
Settings: See page 48 for more information about the PTZ
settings you’ll find here.
You’ll probably need the documentation that came
with your PTZ camera to figure out how to fill out this
configuration page.

System: General (see page 50)

System Standard: Changes between PAL or NTSC standards.
NTSC operates at 30 frames per second, and has an effective
resolution of 720 x 480. It’s used in countries with 60Hz power,
such as the United States, Canada, Japan and so on.
PAL operates at 25 frames per second, and has an effective
resolution of 720 x 576. It’s used in countries with 50Hz power,

Basic Setup
such as most of Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia.
If this is not set correctly, images on your DVR may be black
and white, flickering or simply not there at all.
If you change the System Standard, it automatically forces a
reboot of the DVR. This will happen the instant you click OK.
Date Format: How you’d like the date displayed.
Device ID: A code differentiating this DVR from other DVRs or
DVR-like devices. You can leave this setting - it’s only important
if you’re got multiple DVR’s and you’re planning to use them on
the same network or share PTZ device control.

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Remote Access From a Mobile Device
Using the SwannView app for mobile devices, you’ll be able to log into your DVR from almost anywhere you can imagine (or,
at least, get a decent signal - like everyone, we’re at the mercy of your phone company!) and view images coming from your
cameras in real-time (or as close to as wireless networking will permit).
How cool is that? We’re pretty sure this was science-fiction just a few short years ago.
You’ll need a compatible mobile device. At the time of writing, there are apps for iOS (iPhone / iPad) and Android-based devices.
We’re working on apps for other mobile platforms.
The apps for both iOS and Android are free to download and use.

To download the latest mobile viewing apps, operating guides and to check the compatibility of your device, log onto:
www.swann.com/swannview
Basic Setup

Above: A screen-capture of SwannView running on an Android-based tablet.

We’re constantly making improvements to our software, so the interface

may look slightly different to this, but the functionality will be much the same.

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Operating the DVR Locally
The camera icon indicates that this camera is currently recording. This icon will be the same
whether the recording was scheduled, initiated manually or triggered by motion (though the
motion icon will also be present if there’s motion detected).

The motion icon indicates that the DVR is detecting motion coming from this camera. It doesn’t
necessarily mean it’s recording (the camera icon will be there, too, if that’s the case!).

Video Loss indicates that the channel displaying this has lost the feed from its camera. This may
be caused by a disconnected/damaged cable, the camera may have lost power or the video
standard might be wrong (PAL/NTSC).

If you see this icon on-screen (it’ll be lurking in the lower right corner by default) it indicates
that something has gone wrong. Click the icon to access the Event Log where you’ll get more
information about exactly what has gone wrong.
To open the Menu Bar:
• Right click with the mouse on the live viewing screen.
or
• Press the MENU button on the DVR.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1) Menu: Opens the main menu. 7) Digital Zoom: Increases the size of things in view, at the

Basic Setup
cost of visual quality.
2) Single Camera View: Shows images from one camera in
full-screen. 8) PIP: Picture-in-picture. Allows you to view two channels at
once, with one full screen and the other as a small overlay.
3) Quad-Camera (2 x 2) View: Divides the screen into four
viewing windows, each showing images from one camera. 9) Manual Record: Initiates manual recording.
4) Next Camera(s): Cycles the cameras displayed in viewing 10) Playback: Opens the Search: Playback (page 33)
mode. menu.
5) Start/Stop Tour: Starts or stops auto channel switching. 11) Audio On/Off: Enables or disables the audio function of
the DVR.
6) PTZ Control: Opens the PTZ control window.
12) Run Start-up Wizard: Runs the initial start-up wizard.

Default Password Information

To ensure your privacy, this DVR supports password protection.
The default, all-access username is “admin”. If the DVR asks you to log in before you’ve set a password, enter
admin as your username and leave the password blank. This will give you access to all areas of the DVR.
The password function is disabled by default. However, if you’re asked for a password, the default is “12345”.
To ensure your ongoing privacy, we strongly recommend setting a password as soon as possible. Choose
something that you’ll remember, but that others would be unlikely to guess.
If you do manage to lock yourself out of the DVR, you’ll need to contact us at the Swann Technical Support
Telephone Helpdesk - the number is on the back cover.

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Menu Layout

Camera
Display
Output

Encode
Recording
Option

Schedule

Playback
Search
Backup

Event / Log

DDNS
General
Network Email Settings
Advanced
NTP
Status
Basic Setup

Menu Bar IP Filter

Motion
Alarm
Video Loss

Exceptions

HDD
Device
S.M.A.R.T

PTZ

General
System
User

Information

Maintenance

Lock

Shut Down Shutdown

Reboot

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Advanced Configuration
If you’re reading this page, it means that either: Quick Reference
• You’ve got the DVR setup, but its standard recording Some of the more common reasons to have a look in the
program isn’t for you. Fair enough - we cater to all Advanced Configuration include:
requirements here.
• You’re interested in what other options and
Altering the Recording Schedule
capabilities the DVR has. Excellent - the answer is “a lot”.
The recording schedule is one of the most important things to
• Everything works except just that one thing that isn’t
get right when configuring the DVR. More information about
right but you don’t know where the option is. Darn.
the schedule can be found at:
We’ll try and get you fixed up by the end of this page.
• “Recording: Schedule” on page 32
There are some sections of Advanced Configuration that we
think are of benefit for most DVR owners to know about - in
particular, the Alarm settings and the Email Configuration of
Configuring the Auto-Email Functions
the DVR.
If you want the DVR to notify you via email when it detects a
motion event, then you’ll need to configure:
By Default...
• “Network: Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41
• The DVR has motion recording enabled on every channel,
• “Alarm: Motion Detection - Action” on page 45
configured to operate at an average level of sensitivity.
• “Alarm: Motion Detection Notes” on page 44
• To be a little more likely to record a border-line motion
event than not (we think it’s better to get a false trigger
than miss an event). Altering the Motion Detection Settings
• To record video each time it detects a motion event, but If you want to change the way the DVR handles motion, then
does not notify you via email (all events will be listed in you’ll need to look at:
the log).
• “Alarm: Motion” on page 42
• “Alarm: Motion Detection Configuration” on page 43
To alter the DVR’s default behaviour, you’ll need to change
some of the advanced settings.
You can do this by using the MyDVR PC software (as detailed You want to connect a PTZ Device
earlier, see “MyDVR: Configuration Overview” on page 20, or If you got your camera as part of a kit with the DVR, then

Advanced Configuration
you can use the DVR’s built-in interface. there shouldn’t be much configuration required. Follow the
instructions in your Swann PTZ Camera manual.
If the camera did not come with the DVR, then you’ll probably
need to change the PTZ Configuration page. See:
• “Device: PTZ” on page 48

Note: All screen-shot examples are from the 8-CH model.

The 4-CH model will allow you to select and display up to
4 cameras at once, and the 8-CH model will allow you to
select and display up to 8 cameras at once.

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Display: Camera
The Display: Camera menu is where
you can make adjustments to how the
DVR displays the feed coming from your
cameras.

You can adjust aspects of each channel/

camera, such as:
• the camera’s name
• what information will be displayed
on-screen, and where this
information will be displayed
• whether information such as the
date will be recorded directly onto
your videos
• any areas of the video you want
“masked” - that is, left blank
Camera No.: Choose the camera / channel you want to edit
here. The Camera No is the same thing as the number written
on the rear panel next to the BNC socket used to connect the
camera.
Camera Name: Select a name for the camera you’ve selected.
By default, all channels are named as the Camera No. field, but
this can be set to anything you’d like up to 16 characters.
Display Camera Name: When checked, the name you’ve
selected for the camera/channel will be displayed on-screen
as an overlay.
Record Date: When checked, the date (as displayed) will be
recorded directly on to your videos. This can be useful, as it Brightness: Changes how light the image appears to be.
creates an inseparable record of exactly when the footage was However, it can’t make the camera see further in the dark, or
captured. increase the clarity of an ill-lit image.
Advanced Configuration

OSD Display Position: Gives you access to a screen where Contrast: Increases the difference between the blackest black
you can easily set the exact positions of any overlaid text, such and the whitest white in the image. Useful if sections of the
as the camera name and the date and time. image “grey out” but setting the contrast too high will degrade
Simply select any item you want to move (such as the Channel image quality.
Name and/or the Date and Time) and click and drag it to the
Saturation: Alters how much color is displayed in the image. The
position you’d like it to be.
higher the saturation, the more bright and vivid colors will appear
To exit the OSD Display Position screen, press the right click to be. Again, setting this too high can degrade image quality.
button. A context menu will appear with two options: Save
and Exit. To exit without saving, simply choose Exit. If you Hue: Changes the color mix of the image (this can have
want to save your changes, choose Save first. very dramatic results). It’s somewhat like moving through a
rainbow.
Image Settings: Gives you access to image adjustment tools,
allowing you to adjust the way the DVR interprets and displays Remember: Your image settings will affect your recordings!
video images. See opposite for more information.
You can use the Image Settings to help fine-tune your Motion
The Image Settings you choose will affect your recorded Detection sensitivity. At night, your camera’s images may seem
footage. Rather than applying the changes after the video has to flicker slightly, or to have increased “noise”. In video, “noise”
been processed (like many older DVRs) the Image Settings affect is random fluctuations of pixels, a little like an old television
how the DVR decodes the video it is receiving from the cameras. that is not set to a station, often called “static”.
The upside of this is that you can use the Image Settings to
By tweaking the Brightness and the Contrast you can eliminate
dramatically improve the quality of the images being recorded
much of this video noise, increasing the quality of your images
by the DVR. This can be particularly useful for improving the
and the accuracy of the Motion Detection.
accuracy of your Motion Detection settings.
Mask: When checked, allows you to create, place and shape
a “privacy mask” which obscures part of the image on the
associated channel.
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Display: Output
The Camera: Output menu is where
you can control how the DVR is going
to deliver an image to your television,
screen or monitor.
You’ll be able to adjust items such as:
• screen resolution and position on
your monitor
• the audio output
• the appearance of the menus
• the auto-sequence dwell time
• the sensitivity of the USB mouse

Resolution: The number of “little dots” that make up an Transparency: You can set the DVR’s menus to be partially
image. This should be set as high as possible, but equal to transparent (see-though) - in case you need to keep an eye on
or lower than the maximum resolution your screen/monitor things while adjusting settings (or it makes you feel like you’re
can display. Things change a little depending on what kind of living in the future because it’s so tech - we don’t judge). The
monitor you’re using, and how it’s connected. best way to set this is to simply experiment over time and see
what works for you.
The DVR has many formats available, in four different aspect
ratios: Mouse Sensitivity: How sensitive the mouse will be. On
lowest, large and dramatic arm movements are required to
Standard (4:3) - 1024 x 768
move the mouse but a few inches onscreen. At the other end
Standard (5:4) - 1280 x 1024, or 1400 x 1050
of the spectrum, a tiny bump or knock can send the cursor
Widescreen (16:10) -1280 x 800, 1440 x 900, or 1680 x 1050
from one side of the screen to the other. Try somewhere
Widescreen (16:9) - 1280 x 720 (720p), 1600 x 900,
around the lower end for starters, and then increase it little by
or 1920 x 1080 (1080p)
little if it’s moving too slowly.
Note: 1280 x 1024 and 1400 x 1050 are considered standard aspect
ratios, and are best displayed on monitors with anamorphic pixels. Dwell Time: How long channels will be displayed when using

Advanced Configuration
“Anamorphic” is a fancy term for “not quite square”. auto-sequence mode.
Most televisions are 16:9 widescreen. Computer monitors are Audio: Whether the DVR will output an audio signal. When
still commonly produced in multiple aspect ratios, with 4:3, checked, the DVR will output audio to a compatible device (via
16:9 and 16:10 being the most popular aspects. the HDMI [see note below] or the RCA Audio Output). When
unchecked, the DVR will not output an audio signal at all.
Standard Monitor via VGA: Use one of the 4:3 formats to
correctly align the DVR’s output on your screen. Using a Border Adjustment: Changes the size and position of the
widescreen format will “stretch” the image vertically. DVR’s images on the screen. Altering the border size can be
useful if you’ve got parts of the DVR’s image extending beyond
Widescreen Monitor via VGA: If possible, use the widescreen
the part of the screen you can see.
(16:9 or 16:10) format. If your monitor can’t display those
resolutions, you might need to enable letter-boxing on your The border adjustment is more likely to be required for older,
monitor and use a 4:3 format. CRT computer monitors connected via the VGA output. HDMI
should (in theory) automatically adjust the DVR’s image to
PC Monitor via HMDI: Choose a format appropriate for your
perfectly fit your screen.
monitor. If it’s a widescreen, use a widescreen format. Set to
the highest option that is equal to or less than the screen’s Note: Audio via HDMI
maximum resolution.
If you want to send audio via the HDMI, then you’ll need to
Widescreen Plasma/LCD HDTV via HDMI: The resolution use a standard HD resolution. This is due to the way that HDMI
should be set to the maximum your television can process not embeds audio information around video information.
display. Typically, this will be 1080p, as even screens which
The two resolutions that will stream audio correctly are 720p
don’t have that many pixels can still display the image, just
(1280 x 720) and 1080p (1920 x 1080). Selecting any other
with less detail. Check your television’s documentation to
resolution will prevent audio being sent via HDMI.
learn this value. If your television can’t display 1080p, then use
720p instead.

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Recording: Encode
The Recording: Encode menu allows
you to alter and customize how the DVR
records footage and “encodes” the files.
“Encoding” is a term which refers to
the compression algorithm (a fancy
computer term for “make the file smaller
while retaining visual quality”) used by
the DVR.
You can choose and alter:
• the frame rate (how many images
per second the DVR records)
• the data-rate of each video stream.
The higher the data rate, the “better”
your images will look, but the more
space they’ll require on your HDD

Camera No.: The camera feed you want to alter the settings Reducing the number of frames per second will not save hard
for. These will be numbered sequentially, and correspond to drive space but potentially will improve the data-rate per
the BNC video inputs labelled on the rear of the DVR. Note frame (depending how you set the bitrate - see the next point).
that the channel name here is independent of the Camera Name
Remember that your FPS count is the same as saying “take
selected on the Display: Camera menu screen.
X photographs per second” (where X is your FPS setting).
Encoding Parameters (advanced user option): Whether 5fps doesn’t sound like much, but it’s still five individual
you’re editing the parameters for the mainstream or the photographs per second. If maintaining image clarity while
substream. reducing HDD consumption is your priority, it makes sense to
lower the frame rate.
Main Stream: The main stream is the video feed that the DVR
will record and display. This is the higher-quality stream. Max. BitRate(Kbps): The actual amount of data that the DVR
will use to record video.
Sub stream: The sub stream is the video stream that the DVR
will send to remote devices via a network or the Internet. It is The main stream uses a variable bitrate to record video - the
Advanced Configuration

the lower-quality stream as a reduction in video size makes it more movement occurs in the video, the higher the bitrate
easier to send over a network. will have to be. When there’s little movement in view, the DVR
will automatically reduce the bitrate to conserve HDD space.
Record Audio: Choose whether the channel you’ve selected
will record audio or not. If you don’t have any audio devices If the amount of movement in a recording would require a
connected, it’s a good idea to disable audio, as it will save higher bitrate to accurately record than what you’ve selected
some space on your HDD. as the maximum, the DVR will attempt to preserve as much of
the quality as possible by applying compression to the image.
Resolution: How many “little dots” are going to make up your
This compression will take the form of irregular, fuzzy blocks
image. There are three options available:
over segments or the entire image. If you encounter this, it
D1: About the same resolution as a DVD (704 x 480 for NTSC, indicates that you might need to increase the overall bitrate.
or 704 x 576 for PAL). This is the default resolution for all
If you’ve set a high bitrate but a low frame rate, the DVR will
channels, and we suggest leaving this setting well alone.
still use all the data it can, resulting in potentially higher
HD1: Literally, half of D1 (352 x 480 NTSC / 352 x 576 PAL) and quality per frame than at higher frame rates.
about the quality of a typical YouTube video. This won’t save
The sub stream uses a constant bitrate. This makes the video
HDD space - the bitrate is the important setting for determining
easier to stream over a network or the Internet.
how much space your recordings require on the HDD.
Note: Both the main stream and the sub stream are always
CIF: 1/4 of D1 (352 x 240 NTSC / 352 x 288 PAL), and about
operating - in fact, the sub stream forms part of the main
the same resolution as a low quality webcam. We can’t think
stream. The options will affect the output quality of each
of a good reason to use CIF as your resolution setting, unless
stream, but won’t change which one is being used in different
you’ve some really cunning plan we didn’t think of. It won’t
circumstances.
save any HDD space - for that, you’ll need to change the bitrate.
Frame Rate: The number of frames per second (fps) that the
DVR will record. The default (and maximum) is referred to as
“real-time” and is 30fps (NTSC) or 25fps (PAL).

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Recording: Option
The Recording: Option menu lets you
change some aspects of how the DVR
will record footage, such as:
• whether the DVR will record a short
video before events take place,
• how long after events take place the
DVR will continue to record for,
• how the DVR will store and divide
long recordings into “packs” and
• whether the DVR will record over
old footage to make room for new
events.

Overwrite: When enabled, the DVR will record over the files Post-Record: How long after an event occurs that the DVR
already stored on the hard drive. The DVR will always record will continue to record. It can be very useful - for example, if
over the oldest files on your hard drive first. an intruder or potential target triggers the motion detection
but pauses in view; having post-record enabled will get a
Using the overwrite option is advisable, as the DVR will always
much better look at them. 30 seconds is the recommended
be able to record events as they happen. However, it does
length for the post-record setting, but it can be set higher (the
mean that you’ll need to get important events off the HDD
options are 1, 2, 5 or 10 minutes) depending on your unique
before they’re overwritten.
circumstances.
Pre-Record: While Pre-Record is enabled, the DVR will record
Pack Duration: Pack Duration is a measurement of how long
a few seconds before an event occurs. It’s a little like making
the DVR will record for before splitting the output file into
the DVR psychic (but not really - it’s actually just caching a few
discrete units. “Packs” are something like the chapter numbers
seconds of video which it adds to event recordings as they
on a DVD - though the video is broken up into separate units,
occur).
it will still play through as one continuous movie (unless

Advanced Configuration
If you’re using Motion Detection (recommended) and/or interrupted by the schedule or motion detection turning the
Alarm based recording as your primary recording method(s), recording on or off ). If you don’t want to worry about setting
then it’s a really good idea to use Pre-Record - sometimes, if Pack Durations, you can leave it on the default value; it will
an event is fast enough, it might have left view before the DVR make little difference to the day-to-day running of the DVR.
can trigger a recording. With Pre-Record, there’s almost no
chance you’ll miss it.

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Recording: Schedule

Recording Modes:
Important Guidelines
There are two types of recording to choose from.
The schedule presented on-screen applies to one channel on
Normal: The DVR will constantly record for any period where
one specific day of the week only.
Normal is selected. You won’t miss anything, but constant
Use the Copy To functions to quickly assign identical schedule recording will fill your hard drive very quickly. (The DVR does
layouts to multiple days/channels at once. record the equivalent of a DVD film every two hours on every
channel, so that’s rather a lot of data!) Typically, we suggest
Motion as a better recording mode for most users.
Be careful when programming your schedule. It’s one of the
Motion: The recommended recording setting for most
most important aspects of setting up your DVR, and if it’s
applications. The DVR will only record when it detects
wrong in any way, it could lead to disastrous complications
something moving in front of a camera, and will then only
later.
Advanced Configuration

record footage from the camera(s) that do detect motion

unless you alter your Action settings “Alarm: Motion Detection
- Action” on page 36 to include other channels.
Copy To (Channel): Located at the base of the screen, with
Default on one side and Apply on the other. This will allow Before setting any of your schedule to Motion, ensure that
you to copy the schedule from the channel you’re editing to Motion Detection is properly configured for the channel(s)
another channel or channels. you want to associate with it. See “Alarm: Motion” on page
34 for more information about setting up and configuring
Motion Detection.
None: As the name suggests, the DVR will not record
anything. This isn’t really a mode, but it’s listed here for
completeness.

Note: You can record using Normal and Motion at the same
time. The DVR will record constantly, but tag motion events
and mark them as such in the Video Search interface.

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Search: Playback

To initiate playback:
• Select the channels you’d like to
playback. The DVR can playback
up to 8 channels simultaneously,
however displaying so many video
feeds simultaneously may cause a
reduction in playback frame rate from
real-time to near-real-time.
• From the Video Type menu, select
the type(s) of video you’d like to
playback. The options are Manual,
Schedule, Motion and All.
• Set your Start Date/Time and your
End Date/Time.
• If you want to see a graphical
representation of when recordings
were made and what recording
mode triggered them, choose
Details.
• Select Search.
• Choose which event(s) you want to
play back, and up to eight cameras
you’d like to view the video(s) from.
• To initiate playback, select Play.

Performance and Playback

When playing back multiple channels
at once, you may notice that they’re not
quite “in sync” and, in extreme cases, may

Advanced Configuration
be displayed in near real-time (instead of
real-time).
Why?
The DVR only has so much processing
power, and we’ve configured it so that
it has more resources dedicated to
The Video Search Details screen. recording than to playback.
Recordings for the selected day are shown per channel by time. While you’re playing back footage,
Each recording is color-coded to match the recording mode the DVR was the DVR continues to monitor and
using at the time. record normally. Recording from up to
four/eight channels simultaneously is
so resource intensive that playback
performance may be sacrificed to
ensure ongoing reliable recording.

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Search: Backup

To backup footage:
• Connect a USB flash drive or a USB hard drive (HDD)
to the USB Port on front of the DVR.
• Choose the camera(s) you want to backup footage
from.
• From the Video Type menu, select the type(s) of
video you want to backup.
• Set your Start Time and End Time.
• Select Backup.

Note: The USB Ports are used for backing up footage,

or connecting the USB mouse. If you want to use an
external drive to record live video footage, use the eSATA
port on the rear of the DVR.

The Backup File List

Will show you a list of all the video events between the
start and end times you’ve selected. All the ticked files
will be part of the backup. Click Next to continue.
Refresh: Looks for devices to which footage can be
backed up to. This will include USB flash drives or hard
drives connected to the front USB port.
AVI Format File: When checked, the DVR will transcode
the footage into a file format that can be played back on
a computer.
About transcoding to AVI:
Don’t be put off by the complex word - transcoding is just
a shortening of “translating code”. Transcoding, while a
Advanced Configuration

straight-forward process, is very processor intensive.

You may notice significant slow-down (or apparent
non-responsiveness) on your DVR while the transcoding
takes place.

While the backup process is executed, the DVR will display a pair of progress
meters. The top one indicates the progress of the current video event; the lower
one shows the overall progress.
To end the backup process before it’s complete, choose Cancel. Some or all of the
incidents you selected will not have been copied. While backing up, particularly
when transcoding to AVI, the DVR might take a few moments to register that
you’ve selected Cancel.
Note that, while the backup is in progress the DVR will be inoperable locally.
It will continue recording and monitoring, but won’t respond to the mouse
being moved or buttons being pressed (at least, not quickly - cut it some slack,
it’s working really, really hard).
You’ll still be able to access the DVR remotely via the MyDVR software. However,
due to the system requirements of backing up footage, the DVR’s performance
might be reduced.
Backing up footage can be a slow process - doubly so when transcoding to AVI.
If you’re backing up more than a few minutes footage at a time, you’ve got time
to make a cup of coffee, maybe call a friend or catch up on some TV. Seriously, it
can take a while - talk to any video editor about transcoding and they’ll tell you
it takes a long time.
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Search: Event

The Event Search menu will show you

recordings that were triggered by the
DVR detecting motion.
Typically, the majority of recordings
based upon “Events” are likely to be
recordings triggered by the DVR’s
motion detection feature.
The search function operates in the same
way as the main playback search: the
only difference is you’ll select an Event
Type rather than a Video Type.

Search: Log Search

The Log Search displays a list of events,

presented in chronological order: the
most recent events will be at the end of
the list.

Advanced Configuration
The Log will list all events that the DVR
monitored, whether or not any footage
was recorded as a result.

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The Playback Interface
Advanced Configuration

The Playback interface is quite similar to a computer’s media Hide Console: Maximizes the area on-screen for playing back
player, or to the on-screen display of a DVD/Blu-ray player. your footage by hiding the on-screen controls.
Most of the controls are quite straight forward, and operate in Exit Playback: Leaves the playback interface and returns to
the same way as a standard media player. the live viewing mode.
Current Position: A basic progress meter. You can click to Remember: Playback Limitations
move the current position icon to quickly scan through video
While you’re playing back footage, the DVR continues to
events.
monitor and record normally.
Volume Control: Alters the output volume of playback.
Simultaneously recording and playing back footage from many
Rewind: Reverses the footage. channels at once is extremely resource intensive. If the DVR is
simultaneously recording/monitoring multiple channels and
Play: Plays footage at normal speed.
playing back multiple channels at once, there may be a slight
Pause / Step: Pauses playback but retains still images on- reduction in performance from real-time to near-real-time.
screen. Subsequent presses will move a single frame forward
in the video. This will usually be 1/30th (NTSC) or 1/25th (PAL)
of a second.
Fast-Forward: Speeds up playback.
Slow: Plays back footage at reduced speed. Press multiple
times to further reduce the speed: 1/2 speed, 1/4 speed, 1/8th
speed, 1/16th speed and so on.
Recording Type: Whether the video being played back was
recorded under normal recording (blue) or based on motion
or an alarm event (red).

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Network: General

Network Access: Here you can choose between the three address of the DVR. To continue the above examples, it might
different types of networks that the DVR can be connected to. be something such as: “192.168.1.254”.
The three types of networks are:
Auto DNS / Static DNS: Choose how you’d like to define your
DHCP: DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a DNS servers. We recommend leaving it on Auto unless you’ve
system where one device on your network (usually a router) got a specific reason not to.
will automatically assign IP addresses to devices connected to
Auto DNS: The DVR will automatically choose a DNS server.
the network.
This is the recommended setting.
STATIC: Static networks require all devices to have their IP
Static DNS: If you need to manually define a DNS server, then
addresses manually defined, as there is no device dedicated
choose Static DNS. This is recommended for advanced users
to automatically assigning addresses.
only.

Advanced Configuration
PPPoE: An advanced protocol that allows the DVR to be more
Preferred DNS Server: “Domain Name System”. Everything
directly connected via a DSL modem. This is an option for
on the Internet is located via an IP address - however,
advanced users only.
for ease of use, we associate domain names (such as
IP Address: Just as houses and businesses need to have an “www.exampledomainname.com”) with those IP addresses.
address which identifies their location on the road network, This index is accessible in many locations online, and we call
so too do computers and other devices need addresses (called those locations “DNS servers”.
IP ADDRESSES) to identify their position on the electronic
DNS for STATIC configuration: Under most circumstances,
network. The DVR uses IPv4 addressing, which consists of four
you can set the DNS Server address to be the same address as
groups of numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods.
your router (this is usually the same address as Gateway).
For example, a typical IP address might be “192.168.1.24” or
something similar. The most important thing when setting the DNS for DHCP configuration: Typically, the DNS Server
IP address is that nothing else on your network shares that IP address will automatically be detected by the DVR. In some
address. cases, you’ll need to enter a value - the address of your router
(the same as the Gateway) should work.
Subnet Mask: If the IP address is like a street address, then a
subnetwork is like your neighborhood. This will be formatted Alternate DNS Server: A backup DNS server. This is here as a
in a similar way to the IP address (i.e. four numbers up to 255 redundancy - your DVR will probably work without one.
separated by periods) but contain very different numbers. In
MAC Address: The Media Access Control address. This is a
the above example, the Subnet Mask might be something like:
unique code which nothing else should share. You can’t
“255.255.255.0”.
change this one - it’s pre-set when the DVR ships out.
Default Gateway: This is the address of the “way to the
Internet” - to continue the road analogy, this is like your local
access point to the highway. This is an IP address in the same
format as the others, and is typically very similar to the IP

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Network: Advanced

DDNS: The place to configure the DVR to automatically HTTP Port: This is the port through which you will be able to
update a dynamic DNS service. If you want to remotely access log in to the DVR.
the DVR via the Internet, you’ll probably need to configure a
• Like the server port, it will need to be forwarded properly
DDNS account. See “Network: Advanced: DDNS” on page 39
in order to ensure smooth, latency-free communication.
for details on setting up and configuring the DDNS.
The default value is “85”, as this port is seldom used by
NTP: Network Time Protocol. If you’ve got the DVR connected other devices or applications. If there is another device on
to the Internet, you can have it automatically sync time with your network using this port, you’ll need to change it to
an online server. be unique.
Email Settings: Where you can configure the DVR to work • This is the port number you’ll need to remember when
with an email account of your choice. This must be correctly logging in remotely from a remote PC via the HTTP
Advanced Configuration

configured for the DVR’s auto-email feature to work. interace.

IP Filter: An advanced feature which allows you to exercise What port number(s) should I use?
precise control over what devices/IP address(es) are allowed to
If the default port numbers are in use (85 and/or 9000) then the
communicate with the DVR and which are not. Recommended
simplest solution is just to keep “adding one” until you find a port
for advanced users only.
which is not in use. So, if 85 is already taken, try 86 or 87.
Server Port: This is the port that the DVR will use to send
There’s no “right” port number(s) to use - any port number will
information through. The most important things are:
work provided the DVR is the only device using it. For this reason,
• You’ll need to enable UPnP on your router so your router avoid using port numbers 80, 81, 82, 88, 90, and 99 as these
can selectively open these ports, allowing the DVR to are often used by other devices/programs/protocols.
communicate via the Internet. If your router doesn’t
UPNP enable: UPnP makes configuring your network easier
support UPnP, you have two options. You can either get
and faster. To use the UPnP setting on the DVR, you’ll need a
a new router (which we’d actually recommend - UPnP
router which supports this feature, with UPnP enabled. Note
is such a good feature!) or you can manually forward
that many routers which do support UPnP do not come with
ports from the router to the DVR. Port forwarding is a
the feature enabled by default. You may need to ask your
technical and involved process, recommended only for
Internet service provider to turn it on.
the technically inclined.
When UPnP is enabled on your DVR and your router, the Ports
• Nothing else uses this port. The default port number is
that the DVR requires to be open for access to and from the
9000, which is not used by many other devices/programs.
Internet will automatically be opened and closed as necessary
However, particularly if you have another DVR or DVR-like
by your router, saving you the trouble of manually forwarding
device, something might be using this port already. If this
these ports. If UPnP is not enabled, or your router does not
is the case, change this value to be unique.
support this feature, you’ll need to forward the ports the DVR
• You’ll need to know this port value when logging in uses from the router to the DVR - since this is a technically
from a mobile device or the MyDVR software - so, if challenging process; we strongly recommend using UPnP if
you change it, remember what it is! possible.
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Network: Advanced: DDNS
Static and Dynamic IP Addresses
In much the same way as your
home network can use static
or dynamic IP addresses, many
Internet providers don’t issue (or
charge more for) a static IP address
for users. The easiest way to find
out is to contact your Internet
service provider. Alternately, you
can access the www.whatismyip.
com service; make a note of your IP,
then reboot your router/gateway.
This should refresh your Internet
connection. If your IP address
changes, you have a dynamic IP
address. If it stays the same, you
may have a static IP - contact your
ISP to confirm.

How do I deal with a dynamic IP address? Server: Choose the server that you’re using. The options are
DYNDNS and our own DDNS server, SWANNDVR.
One option is to contact your ISP and request a static IP
address. They’ll usually charge a small fee for doing this. It’s Device Domain Name: Enter the host name that you set up in
worth noting that not all ISPs offer static IP addresses. your DDNS service. This is the address you use to access your
network. For example: yourhostname.swanndvr.net
If your ISP does not offer static IP addresses then you can use
a dynamic referencing service. We provide one free of charge. Username and Password: Enter the username and password
you setup with your DDNS server. These do not have to match
We recommend using SWANNDVR as your DNS service.
your username/password combination in either your DVR
This is a free service for Swann DVR owners, which we
or router (for the sake of security, we suggest making them
directly support.
different).
To create an account with SWANNDVR, go to:
For SwannDVR users: Your username is the email address you
http://www.swanndvr.com/ used to register the account. The password is whatever you

Advanced Configuration
and click the Registration button. selected when you registered.
Follow the prompts to create your account.

Network: Advanced: NTP

Particularly important if you’ve enabled
NTP - set this to the time zone where you
happen to be. For example, people in
eastern Australia (Canberra, Sydney and
Melbourne) choose GMT+10:00, whilst
the Eastern Time zone in the USA and
Canada is GMT-05:00. (GMT stands for
Greenwich Mean Time - it’s the baseline
that keeps all the different time zones in
sync.)
NOTE: Some NTP servers are NOT fully
compatible with DST (Daylight Savings
Time). This may cause your system to
double-count adding one or removing one
more hour than they should, or cancel each
other out. You may need to intentionally
change your time zone to compensate, or
simply not use NTP and DST simultaneously.
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Network: Advanced: IP Filter

The IP Filter can be used to modify

which IP addresses have permission to
talk to the DVR and which do not.
This is an advanced feature, and is
recommended for advanced users only.
Tinkering with things here - if you’re not
sure what you’re doing - is more likely to
break things than make anything better.

Network: Network Status

Advanced Configuration

The Network Status screen

displays a quick summary of your
network settings. You can’t alter
things here - see the General
and Advanced tabs for places to
actually alter things.
Note that the values displayed in
the image to the left are examples
only. Your network settings may be
similar or very different!

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Network: Advanced: Email Settings

If you want the DVR to occasionally drop

you a line, share news, tell you about its
day and - more importantly - tell you
what’s going on around your home or
business as it happens, then you can
configure it to automatically send email
alerts as events happen.

We suggest using Gmail as your email client - it’s quite easy SMTP Port: The SMTP port used by the email provider of your
to set up an account and use it solely for the DVR. We’ve choice. This field will automatically self-populate if you use
tested the email procedure with Gmail, and it does work. one of the presets.
Other email servers may not work correctly - many Sender Address: The address you’re sending the email from.
interpret the procedurally generated email from the DVR This will be the username you’ve set up for the email server
as spam and block the mail from being sent. you’re using, followed by “@” and then the email server. For
example: “youraddress@gmail.com” or similar.
For the Auto-Mail function to work correctly, the DVR will need
to be correctly configured with the details of the email servers Sender Password: The password for the outgoing email
and addresses you want to use. account.
Enable SSL or TLS: Whether the email server you’re using Recipient Address: The email address you want the DVR to
requires a secure link. This is on by default, and should be left send emails to. This can be any email address you like, however,
on if you’re using any of the preset email servers. bear in mind that the DVR might send a large number of

Advanced Configuration
automatic emails under certain conditions.
SMTP Server: There are three preset options to choose from,
Gmail (smtp.gmail.com), Windows Live Mail (smtp.live.com) Attach Picture: When this is selected, the DVR will attach a
and Yahoo Mail (smtp.mail.yahoo.com). small image to each email alert (where applicable).
You’ll need to setup an account with one of these email For motion-based email alerts, this will be an image of
providers. All offer free email accounts. To signup, visit the whatever triggered the motion detection.
email provider’s website:
Interval: The length of time that must elapse after the DVR
Gmail (Google): www.gmail.com sends an email alert before it will send another.
Yahoo Mail: www.mail.yahoo.com Short Interval settings are likely to lead to huge numbers of
alerts being sent by the DVR - perhaps even several emails
Windows Live Mail (Hotmail): www.hotmail.com
for one event (if that one event lasts longer than the interval
The DVR will automatically adjust some settings (such as the setting). On the other hand, a long interval setting might
SMTP port number) to make configuration significantly easier. mean you’ll miss a specific update that you needed. There’s no
right answer, and you’ll probably have to fine-tune this setting
Other (check-box): This is for users who want to use a different
to get the results you’re after - it’ll be different for everyone’s
email server, typically the outgoing email server of their ISP.
unique circumstances.
If you want to use your ISP’s outgoing email, then you’ll need
to contact your ISP to learn the correct values for the other
fields (such as the correct SMTP server, SMTP port, SSL or TSL
requirements and so on).

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Alarm: Motion
If you’re planning to use Motion
Detection as the primary (or sole)
recording mode for the DVR, it’s
worth taking a moment to ensure it’s
properly configured.
If the motion detection sensitivity is
too sensitive, then the DVR will record
too frequently or continually - any
benefit of motion detection will be
lost.
If the motion detection sensitivity is
not sensitive enough, then the DVR
will not record when it should and
may not record anything at all.
We think that motion detection is the
best way to get your DVR to operate
almost autonomously for long periods
of time (typically weeks to months)
without you having to worry about
losing old footage.

How Motion Detection Works Here, you’ll be able to set the motion detection features of
the DVR for each channel. We suggest that motion detection
The way that the DVR looks for motion is quite straight forward
is, under most circumstances, the most practical recording
- it’s a process where it compares one frame (that is, a single
method for the DVR to employ.
image taken approximately a 25th/30th of a second from the
previous image) with the next. A certain amount of “difference” How it Works: Once motion detection has been enabled for
between these two “frames” is interpreted as motion. a channel, it will register to the DVR as a Motion Event. Thus,
you can use the Motion recording mode in the schedule to
As a result, the DVR is able to detect when there is a change
trigger the DVR to record when motion detection triggers an
in the picture. However, this does not necessarily need to be
alarm signal.
something moving in the frame. For example, a light being
turned on or off, a lightning flash or even the sun coming out Enable: Whether or not motion detection is enabled
Advanced Configuration

momentarily on a cloudy day might be enough to trigger the on a specific channel. Each channel can be configured
motion detection on the DVR. However, as these events last independently of one another.
only a moment (and are relatively rare) they will only create
Motion Detection: Click the applicable Set button to setup
a few very short redundant clips, which will not take up too
the motion detection area for that channel. See “Alarm: Motion
much space or pose a problem with scanning through footage.
Detection Configuration” on page 43 for details on how to do
This method of motion detection can, however, become this, and what it means.
problematic when using wireless cameras. As wireless
Say, for example, you are trying to monitor your front yard,
technology is susceptible to interference, the static and image
whilst in the background there is a busy street, and the cars
distortion common to wireless systems is often enough to
driving past continually set off the motion detection. What
trigger the motion detection inadvertently.
can you do about it? Setting only part of the camera’s view
As a result, we strongly advise against using wireless to be motion sensitive might be the answer. This is useful in a
cameras with any of our motion sensitive recording number of circumstances, such as monitoring one particular
equipment, and advise the use of hard wired cameras. If door at the end of a busy hallway, or a backyard with a tree
you simply must use wireless technology, we advise using that keeps blowing in the wind.
digital wireless technology as this technology is much more
Action: Here you can define what will happen when the
resistant to interference from other wireless equipment and
camera you’ve selected detects motion.
environmental causes. However, any wireless technology,
digital or otherwise, has serious limitations when combined Note: If you’ve used the Copy-To feature to copy from
with motion detection. one camera to another, remember that you’ll still need
to set the Action for each channel independently - that
For a similar reason, don’t use PTZ systems and motion
information isn’t copied.
detection simultaneously. The DVR will interpret the
camera moving as ‘motion’ and record. This is particularly true
when using Cruise Mode - as the camera is moving almost
continually, so too is the DVR recording almost continually!

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Alarm: Motion Detection Configuration
To set the MOTION DETECTION AREA Sensitivity: To access the Sensitivity setting, press the right
mouse button. The Sensitivity setting is controlled by a slider,
allowing you to set a value between 0 and 50. The lower the
number, the more sensitive the motion detection will be.

There are four time periods which you can define different
motion sensitivity values for.
In the MOTION DETECTION menu, use the mouse or the arrow
buttons to highlight the SETUP button for the channel you You can change what time(s) each period starts and ends to
wish to setup the MOTION DETECTION AREA for, and confirm best match the changing lighting conditions in your location.
by pressing select or left clicking.
Typically, values between 5 and 10 will give good results in the
• You will see a grid of red boxes. The outlined boxes mark daytime.
the area that is sensitive to motion. The area without
At night, you may get numerous false triggers unless you
the red outlines is not sensitive to motion.
raise the sensitivity setting, perhaps as high as 25 - 30. This is
• Use the mouse to move the cursor around the screen. because when cameras (particularly CMOS-based ones) use
active infrared night vision, they dramatically increase the
• By pressing select or left clicking an area in the grid, you
gain controls to the image sensor. This creates a lot of “noise”
can toggle motion detection ON or OFF in that location.
in the camera’s images, which are interpreted by the DVR as
• Areas marked by red boxes will be sensitive to motion, motion.
those not marked will not be.
By default, the day is divided into four periods:

Advanced Configuration
• Click and drag to select the area you want to select or de-
00:00 (Midnight) - 06:00 (6:00 AM)
select.
06:00 (6:00 AM) - 12:00 (Midday)
In the sample image above, a person moving about the 12:00 (Midday) - 18:00 (6:00 PM)
room would trigger the motion detection. However, a person 18:00 (6:00 PM) - 00:00 (Midnight)
entering from the right of screen and ascending the staircase
You might need to shift the beginning and ends of these times
should avoid the motion sensitive area. This is a good solution
to best suit the time(s) that lighting changes at your location.
to monitor the door (centre of image) without getting false
triggers every time someone ascends the stairs. The start and end times can be set to anything you like,
provided the different time periods don’t overlap and there’s
no gap between one ending and the next starting.
There’s no requirement for all four time periods to have
different sensitivity levels, although we suggest that usually
gives the best performance.
To find the best sensitivity values for different times of day/
night, it’s best to test the system during different time periods.
Get an able-bodied volunteer to move about in front of
the cameras you’d like to tune the sensitivity for. The ideal
sensitivity level is when your volunteer moving about always
triggers the motion detection, but there are no false triggers
(or very few) when your volunteer isn’t moving about.

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Alarm: Motion Detection Notes
Motion Detection Compatibility Note: The motion detection feature will seem more sensitive
at night, particularly when using low-light or active infrared
You’ll be able to use the DVR’s motion detection with almost all
cameras. We recommend that you test your motion detection
static, wired cameras.
sensitivity both during the day and at night to ensure your
PTZ systems are fundamentally incompatible with motion sensitivity setting is suitable for either lighting condition.
detection. Avoid enabling motion detection on a channel which
Some tips to customizing your motion detection
has a PTZ system attached to it - especially when the PTZ system is
sensitivity and actions:
set to Cruise Mode.
• Consider how important it is to be notified of motion
Wireless cameras are not recommended for use with the motion
events as they happen.
detection - the visual distortion and dropped frames caused by
wireless transmission of video data give numerous false triggers. Using the email alerts is a great way to be kept up-to-speed
on what’s happening, but may quickly become annoying if
False Triggers
something occurs which will generate a number of false triggers.
Setting the motion detection at high sensitivity levels (4 As a rule, we suggest employing the email alert only on interior
or lower) increases the frequency of false alarms. On the cameras during times that no one should be moving about in
other hand, low sensitivity levels (20 or higher) increase front of them.
the risk that a significant motion event (such as an
• It can be important to have a complete record of a
intruder) will not trigger the motion detection to record.
subject’s movements and actions for legal reasons.
Check the Motion Detection settings both during the day
If your cameras capture an illegal event (typically an intruder,
and at night. In low-light conditions (or when your cameras
but we’re continually surprised by stories from our users) it is
are using infrared night vision) the DVR may be more or less
important to have as much information as possible.
sensitive to motion, depending on your unique circumstances.
The difference might be very dramatic! For example, images of someone in your home may not actually
prove that they broke in - but footage of them breaking a window
Image Sensors: CMOS and CCD
does. If you use a camera inside the home to trigger all exterior
There are two kinds of CCTV cameras out there: CMOS and cameras with pre-record enabled, then you will have a record of
CCD. Neither technology is inherently “better” but they’re quite how they entered in addition to what they did.
different and you may need to adjust your motion detection
• Always consider what’s really important.
sensitivity to suit the kind of cameras you have.
Which is the bigger problem - a dozen false triggers per day, or
CCD: A Charged-Coupled Device outputs a clear, stable image. It’s
missing one critical event?
the best kind of sensor to use with motion detection, and typically
requires lower settings (that is: lower number, more sensitive). There’s no magic setting which will make motion detection work
perfectly. There will always be some events that it’s not sensitive
Advanced Configuration

CMOS: A Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor is a

enough to catch, or minor happenings that will trigger an overly
different kind of image sensor, producing bold, vibrant images.
sensitive camera to record. Typically, the best motion detection
It tends to have more noise than CCD, and typically requires a
settings are one’s that give few false triggers but don’t miss
higher setting (that is, a higher number, which is less sensitive).
anything.
Weather
Even motion detection which false triggers a few times per hour
The weather conditions are going to affect your motion detection. will still save a significant amount of hard drive space compared
Dramatic weather phenomenon such as heavy rain, strong with a constant recording schedule for the same duration.
winds, lightning and so on, may trigger the motion detection
with surprising frequency.
On the other hand, things like fog, mist and other obscuring
kinds of weather might mask or obscure something moving to
the point that the DVR fails to detect them.
Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the amount of
noise in your images.
• Try adjusting the Image Settings (see “Display: Camera”
on page 28 for details) to fine-tune the brightness and
contrast to get a more stable image.
• Limit the motion sensitive area to only the areas in view
that a target could be. In particular, large featureless areas
in the camera’s view are the ones most likely to give false
triggers - turning off the motion sensitivity to any area
a target cannot move in front of will help reduce false
triggers.
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Alarm: Motion Detection - Action

Audio Warning: The DVR will use its internal buzzer

to emit an alarm tone. It sounds like an old computer
indicating an error, or a large truck backing up.
Send Email: The DVR will send an auto-email alert when
the event type you’ve selected occurs. The Email Settings
button will take you to the same email configuration
screen accessible from the Network menu - see “Network:
Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41 for details.
Trigger Camera: You can define one camera’s motion
detection to trigger recording on one or more other
cameras.
This can be useful in a number of situations. For example:

• If you have two cameras overlooking a yard, one with a wide view from well overhead and one with a much narrower view
of a corner or path. You may find that using the camera with the narrow view for motion detection gives fewer false triggers
and doesn’t miss an event as often as the really wide view might, so triggering the wide view to record as well ensures you
know where the subject went after they left the narrow view.
• One camera might face a public area, while another camera looks down a private corridor which exits into the public area.
Having the camera in the private area trigger the one in the public area to record can give you a record of where a subject
went after they left the private area, without filling your hard drive with recordings triggered by random passersby.

Alarm: Video Loss

Alarm: Video Loss
Video Loss is regarded as a potential alarm event, and is considered to occur
any time that the DVR doesn’t receive an active video signal on any of its

Advanced Configuration
inputs.
The default behaviour of the DVR, when a channel has no incoming video
signal, is simply to display “Video Loss” in white text on a black background
over the associated channel. If you’re not using all the inputs on your DVR,
then some channels will be in “permanent” Video Loss state. Just be sure that
you don’t enable a video loss action for these channels.
Channel: Which channel/camera you’d like to set the Video Loss behaviour
for.
Enable: Whether the selected channel has video loss monitoring active or
not.
Schedule: Alters when the current Video Loss Action will be active.
Action: The action you’d like the DVR to take when this event occurs. It’s set
in the same way as the Action for any other event.
Alarm: Video Loss - Action
Audio Warning: The DVR will use its internal buzzer to emit an alarm tone. It
sounds like an old computer indicating an error, or a large truck backing up.
Send Email: The DVR will send an auto-email alert when the event type
you’ve selected occurs. The Email Settings button will take you to the same
email configuration screen accessible from the Network menu - see “Network:
Advanced: Email Settings” on page 41 for details.

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Alarm: Exception

An Exception is any deviation from the DVR’s normal Audio Warning: The DVR will use its internal buzzer to emit an
behaviour - phrased another way, it’s like saying the DVR’s alarm tone. It sounds like an old computer indicating an error,
been working fine except for these events or a large truck backing up.
Exception Type: What event type you’d like the DVR to react Send Email: The DVR will send an auto-email alert when the
to. By configuring the Action for these events, you can create event type you’ve selected occurs.
any combination of audio alerts (see below) or auto-emails to
be sent for different event types.
HDD Full: As the name suggests, this event occurs when the
DVR runs out of space on the hard drive to save new footage.
This event is redundant if you’ve got overwrite enabled, as
the DVR will automatically delete old footage to ensure it can
continue to record.
Advanced Configuration

HDD Error: Occurs when the DVR has trouble accessing its
hard drive, or when it cannot detect one at all. This error could
be generated by either an internal hard drive, or an external
one connected to the eSATA port.
Net Disconnected: Will occur if the DVR has problems
connecting to the Internet. This may indicate a problem
with the DVR’s configuration, a fault with your network or a
problem with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
IP Conflict: This event will occur if the DVR detects another
device on the same network with a conflicting IP address. It’s a
little like two houses with the same number being on the same
street - one house might get the other’s mail, or get woken up
at all hours of the night being asked if someone named “Big
Bob” lives there.
Basically, it indicates that two devices are trying to use the
same IP address. This shouldn’t occur if you’re using DHCP
addressing, unless one or more devices is set to use a STATIC
IP (the static addressing method overrides the automatic
assignment process).

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Device: HDD
Typically, there will be one entry here,
and it will be the hard drive that came
with the DVR (if one was included) - you’ll
get many years of usage out of the
included hard drive.
The drive connected to the internal
SATA port will be listed here. A drive
connected via eSATA will appear on this
list, and be useable in the same manner
as an internal HDD.
External drives connected via USB will
not appear on this list, and can’t be
used to record footage - USB lacks the
bandwidth to write multiple streams
simultaneously. External USB drives can
only be used for backing up footage.

Device: S.M.A.R.T.
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis
and Reporting Technology - gotta love

Advanced Configuration
a good acronym) is your hard drive’s
way of telling the DVR how it’s going.
Status: The current condition of the
hard drive. It should say “Good”. If it
says anything else, this indicates there’s
a problem with your hard drive.
If there’s no problem, there’s little else
to do here, unless reading the output
of the dozens of self-tests the hard
drive performs on itself is of interest to
you.
If you have been confronted with a HDD
Error, or the Status entry doesn’t read
“Good” then you can use the S.M.A.R.T.
information to attempt to diagnose the
problem. The information presented
in the S.M.A.R.T. report is practically
identical to what you’d see on a
desktop PC while using Administrator
Tools, or a similar service.

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Device: PTZ

Important:
Don’t use Motion
Detection on
channels with PTZ
cameras attached.
The DVR can’t tell the
difference between
something moving in
front of the camera
and the camera itself
moving!

PTZ Settings Accessing the PTZ Controls

This is where you can configure the DVR to be able to operate The PTZ controls can be accessed from the Live Viewing screen
PTZ devices. PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt & Zoom. by choosing the PTZ icon on the menu bar.
The DVR is compatible with many - but not all - PTZ devices
available. For the best results, we suggest using a Swann PTZ
camera, as we know what they’re compatible with and we’ll
be able to offer support for both devices at once (should you
Advanced Configuration

need it).
Note for Remote Access and Mobile Device users:
Camera No: The camera you’d like to associate a PTZ device
The PTZ functions of the DVR and compatible cameras can be
with.
controlled remotely via the MyDVR software, as well as by the
Baudrate: Check the PTZ device’s documentation to learn SwannView mobile viewing app.
this value. Most Swann PTZ units operate at 2400 or 9600bps.
Please note: due to the latency (a fancy word for “delay”) caused
Data Bit, Stop Bit & Parity: Options that subtly change the by streaming so much data over an Internet connection, there
way the DVR talks to the device. This is important to get right will be a momentary pause between selecting a direction for the
- check your PTZ device’s documentation to learn the correct camera to move and it actually moving.
settings.
Typically the delay will be less than one second; however periods
PTZ Protocol: A protocol is like a language that the DVR uses of up to thirty seconds are not uncommon on mobile, wireless or
to talk to the PTZ device. Ensure that this setting matches the slow Internet connections.
requirement of your device.
Address (0 - 255): The command address of the PTZ device
you want to associate with this channel.

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PTZ Controls PTZ Context Menu

Arrows: Moves the camera in the direction selected. Camera No: Switch quickly between cameras.
Speed: How fast the camera will move. The higher the Call Preset: Returns the camera to a Preset point.
number, the faster the movement. Note that the actual speed
Call Patrol: Initiates a patrol of your choice.
of movement will depend upon the capabilities of your
particular PTZ device. Preset: Defines a Preset point.
Zoom: Increases or decreases the magnification of a varifocal Patrol: Initiates or stops a patrol.
lens. Not all PTZ devices have varifocal lenses.
PTZ Menu: Toggles the appearance of the PTZ Control Menu
Focus: Alters the focal point of a PTZ device with a varifocal onscreen. While the PTZ Control Menu is hidden, the DVR will

Advanced Configuration
lens. Try adjusting this control if your images seem “soft” or still be in PTZ mode, and the context menu can still be opened
blurry. Not all cameras support this function. via right-clicking the interface.
Iris: Alters how much light gets into the camera by opening PTZ Settings: Opens the PTZ Settings menu, where you can
and closing the iris of the camera. Not all PTZ cameras have adjust the control method for the camera.
an adjustable iris. Also called an “aperture”. Not all cameras
support this function.
Preset: A Preset is a position that the camera is in which is
saved to memory to be retrieved later.
Patrol: Initiates patrol mode (also sometimes called “cruise”
mode). You’ll need to define a series of Preset points for the
camera to patrol between.
Exit: Closes the PTZ controls.

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System: General

The System: General menu contains

many of the settings you’ll need to
configure to get the most out of your
DVR system. Most importantly:
• The time and date can be set here.
• You can select the language you
want for the menus/GUI.
• The configuration for automatic
adjustment to daylight savings time
is here.
• You can easily enable or disable
password protection - but will have
to create a valid username/password

Language: The language that the DVR’s menus, alerts and Note: Some NTP servers are NOT fully compatible with DST.
other communications will use. This usually defaults to English. This may cause your system to double-count adding one
or removing one more hour than they should, or cancel
Be careful not to change this setting unintentionally - it might
each other out. You may need to intentionally change your
be tricky to find the setting to change it back when the DVR is
time zone to compensate, or simply not use NTP and DST
speaking another language!
simultaneously.
Video Standard: Here you can choose between PAL and NTSC.
Enable Password: When enabled, the DVR will require a
PAL is used in Western Europe and Australia, NTSC is used in
password to access, even for local users. It’s advisable to
the US, Canada and Japan. If the DVR’s picture is black and
enable password protection
white, flickering or similar, then this is probably caused by the
video system being set incorrectly. Don’t change this setting Auto Lock Time: When the password protection is enabled,
unless advised to do so by Swann Technical Support. You the DVR will automatically time-out, where after it will ask for
may not be able to see the DVR’s output on your screen a password before returning to normal functioning. The Auto
Advanced Configuration

anymore! Lock Time determines how long a period of inactivity will

cause the DVR to lock itself again.
Time Zone: Particularly important if you’ve enabled NTP - set
this to the time zone where you happen to be. For example, Device ID: Differentiates your DVR from other devices. If you
people in eastern Australia (Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne) don’t have any other DVR’s or similar devices, then you can
choose GMT+10:00, whilst the Eastern Time zone in the USA leave this as-is. If you’ve got multiple DVRs running on the
and Canada is GMT-05:00. (GMT stands for Greenwich Mean same network, then it’s a great idea to give each a unique ID.
Time - it’s the baseline that keeps all the different time zones
in sync.)
Menu Date Format: The format of the date (e.g. DD/MM/
YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY and so on).
System Time: This can be edited manually, or set to update
automatically by using NTP (see “Network: Advanced: NTP” on
page 39).
DST Setting: As the standards for daylight savings differ from
country to country, and often state to state, you might need
to manually tell the DVR exactly when it commences and
ends in your locality. First, turn DST on. We suggest setting the
Daylight Saving Time Mode to Date, and manually entering
the dates and times that daylight savings time applies to and
from, in your locality.

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System: User
The System: User menu is where you can define
and configure the different levels of access various
users have to the DVR.
We suggest that at minimum the admin account
be password protected, as it has access to all
aspects of the DVR’s operation.
To add additional users, choose Add.
To remove a user, choose Delete.
To customize a user’s level of access, choose
Modify.
You cannot modify the access level of the
default admin account - they can do everything.
This is to prevent an unfortunate incident where,
for example, no user has the permissions required
to change another user’s permissions - which
could lead to the DVR being, in at least some
senses, inoperable.

User Name: Select a name for the user you want to

define. The best usernames are short, to the point, are
relevant to the specific user they’re intended for, are
easily memorable and hard to guess.
Password: A password can be any combination of
numbers (0 though 9) between one and eight characters
long.
Confirm Password: Must exactly match the password
for the definition of a new user to be successful.
Level: There are two default levels of access to the DVR -
Guests and Operators.
Guest: By default, a Guest user has access to the live

Advanced Configuration
images on the DVR and can search through recorded
events. They cannot change any settings or configure
the DVR in any way.
Operator: The default permissions of an Operator allow
them to access and configure all aspects of the DVR. You can easily customize the level of access each individual
user has. Simply choose the Permission button on either the
Add User or Modify to set the specific access for the user you
want. The Permission menu has two tabs - Configuration and
Operation.
Configuration: The configuration page specifies which menu(s)
the user can access. There is no hierarchy and any combination
of menus can be selected (although some combinations would
make little sense in practice).
Operation: You can select which channels the user has access
to, and what they can do with them. For example, you could set
a user to have permission to view all channels in live viewing
mode, but only playback channels 2 and 4.
Press the Set button next to each type of access to select specific
channels that the user can access.
Also, this page contains permissions for HDD Management
and Shutdown. These are surprisingly powerful levels of access:
between them, a user can remove all footage from a DVR’s
hard drive and turn the DVR off. Be careful assigning these
permissions!
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System: System Information
If you’re looking at the System
Information screen, you’ve
probably been directed to do so
by Swann Technical Support.
If we haven’t told you to come
here, you might be wondering
what all the information means.
On a day-to-day level, the
answer is “very little”. However,
if you’re still curious:
Device Name: The name that
the DVR considers to be its own
and what it will use to register
an IP address with your DHCP
host.
The remaining information is
for use by Swann’s Technical
Support, in the event that you
require assistance. The various
model and build numbers help
us track down any known issues,
or catalogue new issues as they
come to light. It also helps us
figure out if you’re running the
most recent firmware on the
DVR, and whether you’d benefit
from an upgrade.
Advanced Configuration

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System: Maintenance
To maintain the operational integrity
of the DVR, it is suggested that it
be rebooted periodically. In much
the same way that a computer can
become unstable if left on for an
extremely long time, the DVR can
become unstable. It is strongly
suggested that the DVR be rebooted
at least once per week.
However, as this can be a hassle
(particularly if the DVR is stashed
away somewhere inconvenient) you
can set the DVR up to reboot itself.
Enable auto reboot: Will
automatically shut the DVR down
and restart it at a certain time of the
day or week.
Auto reboot at: Choose when you’d
like the DVR to reboot. Typically,
this will be a time when it’s unlikely
there’ll be any activity for the DVR to
record.
Firmware Upgrade (Upgrade): Instructs the DVR to update its firmware. You’ll only need to use this option if instructed to do
so by Swann Technical Support. (Remember to Export your configuration first so you don’t have to re-set everything!)
Default Settings (Restore): Loads the factory default settings.
This must be done after a firmware upgrade to ensure proper operation of the DVR. You can retain your settings, recording
schedule and so on by using the Import/Export Configuration function before upgrading the firmware.
Configuration (Export): Creates a file containing all the settings you’ve customized, including your recording preferences,
schedule, user-list and so on.
To export your settings:

Advanced Configuration
• Insert a USB flash drive into the USB port on the front of the DVR. Ensure it has enough free space (a few MB is sufficient - the
file is less than 50KB) and that it is not write-protected.
• Choose Configuration: Import/Export.
• You’ll see a file browser, showing
the contents of the storage
device.
• Click Export to save your settings.
• Exporting your settings
will overwrite any previous
settings you’ve saved to that
flash drive. If you want to do
sequential configuration exports,
you’ll need multiple USB drives
- or, rename the file using a PC
(advanced users only).
Configuration (Import): Operates in
the same way as the Export function,
but is used to load a previously saved
configuration file.
Locate the file you want on your
flash drive - it will be called config_
datetime.tgz. Loading the file will
cause the DVR to automatically
reboot.
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Troubleshooting
Q: The images from my cameras are black & white and/or 2. Fine-tune your sensitivity. There’s no substitute for getting a
flickering. What’s up? volunteer to play the part of intruder and experimenting. Some
cameras are just more “touchy” than others; some lighting
A: Most likely, your Video Standard isn’t set correctly for your
conditions are harder to get the settings “right” for. As a “rule”,
region. Check out the section on PAL/NTSC (“System: General”
CCD cameras require a lower value than CMOS cameras, and
on page 50) for more information. As a rule of thumb, set
that motion detection is going to be more sensitive at night
your video standard to NTSC if you’re in the USA or Canada, or
(whenever the active infrared night vision is active).
PAL if you’re in Europe, the UK or Australia.
3. Adjust your image settings (see “Display: Camera” on page
If this is happening to only some of your cameras, then there
28). Unlike many image adjustment options, the DVR pre-
may be a problem with the compatibility of those cameras. If
processes video, which means that, when the DVR looks for
you’ve got them from a kit, then this shouldn’t be the case at all
motion, it’s looking at your already processed images. By
and it indicates that something quite strange is happening. If
reducing the amount of video noise in your image, you can
you have cameras purchased separately - particularly if you’ve
increase the accuracy of the motion detection dramatically.
found them online or from overseas - then they might not
Typically, the settings that most often require adjustment are
match the standards of the cameras you’ve already got. The
Brightness and Contrast.
DVR can only support one video standard at a time: mixing PAL
and NTSC cameras does not work. Video noise is a problem with any video signal. It’s the very
slight change in brightness and/or color of pixels between
frames, and it’s commonly regarded as being “just one of
Q: I can’t login to or unlock the DVR - it says my password is those things” when dealing with digital imaging. By tweaking
wrong. the brightness and contrast, you can usually remove a good
A: The default username/password combination for the DVR is deal of this noise, as it tends to be most pronounced near the
“admin” with the password section left blank. blacks (the really dark bits) and the whites (the really bright
bits) of your images.
The DVR does have a default password (“12345”) but it should
be disabled by default. If leaving the password section blank
doesn’t work, try 12345. If that doesn’t work (and you haven’t Q: I’m getting too many email alerts from the DVR.
set a password of your own that you’ve forgotten) then
A: There are a few things that might help, depending what’s
something strange has happened - contact Swann technical
generating the email alerts. Here are a few possibilities:
support (contact details are on the rear cover).
• The emails are for real events, however it is telling me
about it multiple times.
Q: The DVR will boot up and show live images, but there are no
This indicates that the DVR is functioning properly, but that
menus being displayed. Why?
the Interval setting for your email alerts is too low. Increasing
A: There might be a fault with the hard drive installed in the the Interval time will decrease the number of email alerts the
DVR. Before the menu system is displayed, the DVR attempts DVR sends.
to detect the drive that is connected. If there is an ambiguous
• The DVR sends email alerts when nothing seems to be
signal preventing the DVR from ascertaining whether there is
happening.
a drive connected or not, then it will keep looking and waiting
for the drive to respond. This suggests that there might be something amiss with your
Motion Detection settings.
If you’ve just installed a new drive, disconnect it and see if that
fixes the problem. The most likely explanation is that there is something in
view of your cameras which is moving, or causes the illusion
of movement. Have a look at “Alarm: Motion Detection
Q: How do I eliminate false-triggers on my motion detection? Configuration” on page 43 for some more information.
A: There’s no guaranteed way to eliminate false triggers, but -
Reference

• The DVR keeps reporting errors (such as Video Loss,

in the majority of cases - you can fine-tune the DVR’s motion HDD Error or similar).
detection settings to reduce the number of false triggers
There seems to be a hardware or configuration fault with the
you’re likely to get. (See “Alarm: Motion” on page 42 for
DVR. These are most often caused by a faulty (or simply poorly
more detailed information about setting motion detection.)
connected) connection or cable. Check the integrity of your
1. Mask any redundant movement. This includes obvious cables and connections.
things like trees blowing in the wind, roads with cars passing
and so forth. Some less obvious things which might cause
false triggers include: the “flickering” of screens, monitors
or fluorescent lights, reflections of movement in windows/
mirrors and so on, lights which are often turned on or off,
shadows passing and so on. We can’t possibly imagine what
you’re going to find in your unique circumstances, so we
encourage you to experiment.
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Addendum: Third Party Hardware
Due to its nature as a networked device, the DVR is often Assigning the IP Address information to the DVR.
required to operate with third party hardware. We do
We recommend doing this locally (on the DVR itself) even if you
everything we can to ensure the DVR is compatible with as
can access the DVR via the network (using the MyDVR software)
many third party devices as possible; there will always be
in the meantime.
some that require a little extra configuration.
If you’re connected remotely and the networking information
changes, you might lose the connection to the DVR.
• Open the Network: General menu on your DVR (see
Routers “Network: General” on page 37).
I’m using a router which doesn’t support DHCP addressing. • Select Static addressing.
or • IP Address: Enter the unique IP that you created for the
DVR here.
Some devices on my network require STATIC addressing.
• Subnet Mask: Enter the same value as the computer’s
You’ll need to set the address of the DVR manually. You’ll need
Subnet Mask.
to:
• DNS Server: Enter the same value as the computer’s DNS.
• Find Your Networks IP Address Range
The DVR should now be accessible via your local network.
• Create a Unique IP Address
Before you can access the DVR remotely, you’ll need to
• Assign the IP address information to the DVR.
Forward Ports (STATIC addressing does not support UPnP,
see below).
Finding your Network’s IP Address Range
First, you’ll need to know the IP address, Subnet Mask and I’m using a router which doesn’t support UPnP. How do I
DNS Server of at least one other device on your network. It’s “forward ports”?
easiest to find these addresses by using a computer on the
It depends on what type of router you have. There’s no
same network.
standard procedure for forwarding ports - each manufacturer
For Windows-based PCs: has their own user interface and procedure for customising
the behaviour of the router.
• Open the Start Menu, navigate to Accessories and open
Command Prompt. First, check the router’s documentation - the instructions may
be there.
• Type “ipconfig” and press Enter.
If your router’s documentation doesn’t describe the method
• Your IP Address information will be displayed.
for port forwarding, then open a web browser and navigate
For Mac-based systems: to www.portforward.com - they’ve got instructions on port
• From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. forwarding for (literally) thousands of different routers.

• Click on the Network pane. We can’t offer much more information about forwarding ports
here, as this is a process totally dependent on third-party
• Click on the Advanced button and look under the TCP/IP, hardware. If you do run into trouble, we suggest contacting
DNS, and Ethernet tabs. the manufacturer of the router.
Creating a Unique IP Address Alternately, if you’re using an older router which doesn’t
The IP Address of your computer will be made up of four support UPnP, then it might be time for an upgrade - modern
groups of numbers, separated by periods: aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd routers are increasingly powerful and are (in most cases) easier
than ever to setup. We think that UPnP is a fantastic feature
Reference

The first three groups of numbers (aaa.bbb.ccc) must be the that’s well worth having, not just for DVRs.
same as the other device on your network. The last number
(ddd) must be changed to something unique that nothing else
on your network uses.
For example:
If your computer’s IP address is 192.168.1.10, then a suitable
unique IP address for your DVR will be 192.168.1.210
Note: Each number in the IP address cannot exceed 255.

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Technical Specifications
Video Compression H.264
Video System NTSC / PAL
Operating System Linux
Video BNC: 4-ch x 4 inputs / 8-ch x 8 inputs / VGA: 1 output / HDMI: 1 output
Input/Output
Audio RCA: 4-ch inputs / RCA: 1-ch output / HDMI with integrated audio
Resolution VGA / HDMI: 1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024, 1280 x 720, 1920 x 1080
Display Refresh Rate 60Hz
Aspect Ratio 4:3 / 16:9
NTSC: D1(704x480) / HD1(704x240) / CIF(352x240)
Resolution
PAL: D1(704x576) / HD1(704x288) / CIF(352x288)
Record
NTSC: 30fps/channel
Frame Rate
PAL: 25fps/channel
Display Single / Quad / Octo / All / SEQ (Auto-Sequence)
Feature
Recording Bitrate Up to 4Mbps
Record Modes Manual / Motion Detection / Schedule
Interface 1 x SATA Fixed HDD, 1 x eSATA HDD
HDD
Capability SATA 2, up to 2000GB (2TB)
Playback Search Time & Date / Event Lists
USB Interface USB 2.0 for Mouse and File Backup / Upgrade
PTZ Control Built-in RS-485 / support PELCO-P & PELCO-D
LAN/Network Interface RJ45, 10M/100M
Network Protocol(s) Support TCP/IP (v4, static or DHCP addressing) or PPPoE
Networking Features DHCP, DDNS, PPPoE, UPnP
Network Function Supports live viewing with (Internet Explorer) & selected smartphones
Backup USB Flash Drive or USB HDD
Recording Pack Time 15 / 30 / 45 / 60 mins selectable
IR Remote Control Included
Mouse USB (Included)
Power Supply DC12V
9.8” x 8.7” x 1.6”
Dimensions
250mm x 220mm x 40mm
Weight 3.3lbs / 1.5kg
Reference

Get up to Date Information

We’re constantly making improvements to our products, firmware, software, user manuals, video
tutorials and more.
To ensure you’re up to date with the latest documentation for your DVR, check out our website:
www.swann.com

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Warranty Information

USA Australia United Kingdom

Swann Communications USA Inc. Swann Communications Swann Communications LTD.
12636 Clark Street Unit 13, 331 Ingles Street, Stag Gates House
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670 Port Melbourne Vic 3207 63/64 The Avenue
USA Australia SO171XS
United Kingdom

Warranty Terms & Conditions

Swann Communications warrants this product against defects in workmanship and material for a period

of one (1) year from its original purchase date. You must present your receipt as proof of date of purchase

for warranty validation. Any unit which proves defective during the stated period will be repaired without

charge for parts or labor or replaced at the sole discretion of Swann. The end user is responsible for all

freight charges incurred to send the product to Swann’s repair centers. The end user is responsible for all

shipping costs incurred when shipping from and to any country other than the country of origin.

The warranty does not cover any incidental, accidental or consequential damages arising from the use of

or the inability to use this product. Any costs associated with the fitting or removal of this product by a

tradesman or other person or any other costs associated with its use are the responsibility of the end user.

This warranty applies to the original purchaser of the product only and is not transferable to any third

party. Unauthorized end user or third party modifications to any component or evidence of misuse or

abuse of the device will render all warranties void.

By law some countries do not allow limitations on certain exclusions in this warranty. Where applicable by

local laws, regulations and legal rights will take precedence.

Reference

For Australia: Our goods come with guarantees which cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer

Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other

reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the

goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to major failure.

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Notes

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Notes

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Helpdesk / Technical Support Details

Swann Technical Support
All Countries E-mail: tech@swann.com

Telephone Helpdesk
USA toll free AUSTRALIA toll free
1-800-627-2799 1300 138 324
(Su, 2pm-10pm US PT) (M 9am-5pm AUS ET)
(M-Th, 6am-10pm US PT) (Tu-F 1am-5pm AUS ET)
(F 6am-2pm US PT) (Sa 1am-9am AUS ET)

USA Exchange & Repairs NEW ZEALAND toll free

1-800-627-2799 (Option 1) 0800 479 266
(M-F, 9am-5pm US PT)
UK
0203 027 0979

© Swann Communications 2013

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