How to configure and connect the DVR to the PC

There are many reasons why direct copying from a DVR to a PC is not possible. First, many DVRs do not have USB or Firewire connectivity. Secondly, file systems and video files used by manufacturers of digital video recorders usually have a Linux format and are often proprietary, which makes a direct copy extremely complex and incompatible with Windows and Mac environments. Thirdly, manufacturers of equipment tend to prevent this - they do not want copying information to be simple. Tips for using the DVR:

  1. Most DVR models require a cable. It is strongly recommended to test all the details and, if necessary, configure remote access to the network.
  2. The DVR should be placed in a cool, dust-free place.
  3. Do not install or remove the hard drive when the DVR is turned on.
  4. Turning off the DVR during playback or recording may damage the hard disk.
  5. To extend the life of the wire waterproof protective coating.
  6. To prevent electromagnetic interference, try to avoid high voltage lines nearby.
  7. To ensure better image quality, be aware of lighting problems when installing cameras.

The procedure for connecting the DVR to the computer.

Before setting up the DVR, make sure that you:

  • We connected the cameras to the DVR using the cables included in the package.
  • Connect the DVR to the monitor (make sure it supports 1280x1024 resolution).

An Ethernet cable is used to connect the DVR to the router and high-speed Internet access.

Registrar setup

Before you connect the DVR to a computer, you need to determine which outputs are on the DVR. As an example, consider the back panel of the Motorola DCT6208. Of the 4 ports available on this DVR for video (DVI, Video / Audio Out, S-Video and Firewire), Firewire is the only one that transmits both video and audio. Since you only need to establish one connection, this is the easiest way to do this. In addition, many computers are already equipped with FireWire, so you will not have to buy a video capture card. If this option is not available, use DVI with Audio Out. If your DVR model does not support DVI, connect via Video / Audio. The last option is S-Video. Here you also have to use Audio Out. This DVR does not support the latest HDMI standard and USB connection, streaming audio and video faster than any other alternative.

Step 1:

  • Connect the network port of the DVR to the computer's RJ45 port (LAN cable).
  • Turn on the DVR.

Step 2:

  • In the menu, select Network Settings. As a rule, there are two options. One is called “Obtain an IP address automatically”, and the other is “Use the following IP address”. Select the second.
  • After selecting this option, you must specify the IP address of your DVR. Just enter a simple IP address. For example, select “192.168.1.20” and the subnet mask “255.255.255.000”. Apply the settings.

Computer settings

To connect the DVR to a Windows computer, go to Control Panel / Network and Sharing Center:

  • Here select the option “Change adapter settings” - “Local Area Connection”.
  • Double click on it. The properties window will open.
  • Find “IP version 4” and double click the line.

Now it's time to put the IP address directly on the computer. For example, the DVR has been assigned the IP "192.168.1.20". It is necessary to put the IP of the same series on the PC.

  • Enter "192.168.1.21."
  • Ping the IP address of the DVR from a computer or laptop and see the answer.

How to view the recording on the computer and TV

All is ready! DVR is now connected to computer. To view the contents, open Internet Explorer and enter the DVR's IP address in the address bar. If necessary, enter the login and password from the DVR. After verification, the file management window will open. To view the contents of the DVR through the TV, you need to connect the device in one of the available ways - FireWire, USB, HDMI, S-Video, Audio / Video Out, etc. The method for viewing the recorder records on a PC depends on the type of camera:

  • Analog cameras are the widest choice. Provides excellent picture quality at an affordable price. For full use, you need a video capture card and special software.
  • IP video cameras are modern functional systems for remote use of the DVR. Depending on the capabilities of a particular model, through a browser or a remote control console you can access to adjust the image, control camera rotation, turn on / off the backlight, etc.
  • Webcams are the most primitive video surveillance systems. Connect via USB, characterized by low image quality. To control such a video surveillance system, you can use the original (from camera manufacturers) or third-party software, which allows you not only to adjust the picture, but also to set the sensitivity of the motion sensor or the on / off schedule.

To work with the DVR, you can use one of the most popular programs for viewing camera broadcasts.

IP Camera Viewer

This is a free tool that allows you to view online video from IP or USB cameras. To use the program, click "Add Camera", select its type (support more than 2000 IP and webcams) and click "OK" to accept the default settings. Immediately after this, you will see a window with a broadcast, which you can zoom in, move around or view in full screen.

Benefits:

  • Available instructions.
  • Can be used for observation.
  • Can access any IP camera.
  • Neat interface.

Disadvantages:

  • Primitive interface.
  • You must manually edit and enter the IP address of the camera.
  • You also need to manually edit and enter the MJPEG camera path.
  • After each editing, the application must be restarted.

IP Camera Viewer is an application developed by IPcamerastudio.com that allows you to view live video from different IP cameras. Before using the application, you must specify the IP address of the camera to which you want to connect. After launch, a simple interface of two tabs opens: Video and Help. The “Video” tab will be the main viewing screen, and the “Help” tab contains instructions on how to view videos from a specific IP camera.

To enter the IP address, you need to open the folder in which the IP Camera Viewer is installed, and then right-click the “IPCamera.bat” file. Select “Edit” and when the window appears, change “96.10.1.168” to your IP address, and then enter “/mjpg/video.mjpg” - the path of the MJPEG camera. After making the changes, restart the application, and you're done. Now, when you open IP Camera Viewer, you can view the channel from a specific IP camera. On the Camera Control / Change Camera tab, you can adjust various parameters, including video resolution, frame rate, microphone volume, brightness, contrast, and more. Up to four cameras can be added to the IP Camera Viewer, and then monitored and viewed all of them simultaneously. But this is just a program for viewing - there is no motion sensor, recording or anything else.

Active webcam

Active WebCam detects, controls, and records video files from virtually any video source, including USB webcams, analog cameras connected to video capture cards, FireWire video streams, TV card output data and network IP cameras. The software can broadcast audio and video in real time to a web browser or another copy of Active WebCam. When a motion sensor is triggered, you can turn on a signal, send an e-mail alert, and record or broadcast video. The unpopular but still popular Dial-Up Connection option is supported. The utility allows you to edit clips, add text, manage different users and enter the system remotely. When you start the program, you need to select: Create a new camera, Search cameras, Open all video capture channels, Open session, Create web page and Instruction. The easiest way to set up an active webcam is to let the program automatically detect your webcams and other video devices. Each channel is displayed as a thumbnail in the preview pane.