DVR N and C Series FAQ

Q: How do I use my DVR on my computer?
A:

1. Install DVR software disk.
2. Click on your Windows "Start" menu. Click on "Run"
3. Type in "command" or "cmd". This should open a "DOS" prompt.
4. Type "ipconfig /all" and push enter.
5. Copy "Default Gateway", "DNS Servers", and the "Subnet Mask"
6. Go to DVR itself, and go to network page. Copy information to DVR.

More information on Ip configuration can be found in the Quickstart Guide

Q: How do I record with my DVR?
A: There are 3 ways:

1. Record forever (push record button on front of DVR)
2. Record motion (turn quick setup on)
3. Record specific time (must configure)

Q: My DVR says "No HDD" on the top left of the camera screen. What does this mean?
A: You need an IDE type Hard Drive to record on your DVR-N or a SATA on your DVR-C
It should say 100% on the top left of the camera screen with a blank Hard Drive.
Here at Channel Vision we sell 80, 250, 320 and 500 Gig IDE and 250 and
500 Gig SATA drives.

Q: I lost my software disk. What can I do?
A: Software can be obtained at www.channelvision.com/ Click on Technical Support, Then
Also, software can be obtained by calling DVR Technical Support (714) 656-1833

Q: Is there any way to connect my DVR to a computer monitor?
A: A VGA Card is an option you can buy with the DVR N Series.
If you did not get one, you can order one from a distributor of Channel Vision products.
The part name is DVR-VGA or DVR-VGA-R (The R is for the real-time DVRs.)
DVR-C Series comes standard with VGA

Q: What is the default password for the DVR?
A: 11111111 is the master password, and 22222222 is the administrator password.
If your software prompts you for a password before opening DVR, Username is
"administrator" and password is 11111111 (8 ones all in a row)

Q: My DVR won't burn a cd or copy files to my thumb drive!
A: For the DVR-N series you must use a CD+RW. CD-R's will not work, and any DVD-R will not work.
You need to go to "format media" in the DVR menu to format the disk first.
It is the same with any USB memory stick.
For the DVR-C series, you can use a CD+RW or a DVD+RW

Q: The only person that knew the DVR password is unable to provide it!
A: For the DVR-N series, this is how to reset to factory settings:

1. Power on the DVR.
2. When the display turns to a blue background, you hear the sound "beep beep".
3. Press the "Auto" key until the power on process is finished.
4. If you power the DVR on while holding "Auto" this will not work.

A: For the DVR-C series, this is how to reset to factory settings:

1. Power on the DVR.
2. When the display turns to a blue background, you hear the sound "beep beep".
3. Press the "SEQ" key until the power on process is finished.
4. If you power the DVR on while holding "SEQ" this will not work.

Q: Does the machine record only on movement, and is it recording only the camera that is activated?
A: Yes, our DVRs record motion only in motion mode. In this mode, the DVR will only record the camera that see's motion will record.

Q: Can a camera (channel) have an alarm that can be set to go off if activated during a specific period of time (i.e. 10PM to 5AM)?
A: Yes, but this option for alarm must be turned on, and the time record must be scheduled.
The option for a contact closure to active on motion is seperate from the scheduled record time. However, you can achieve the above question by doing this.
During the time the DVR is not set to record, (anything else that what is scheduled)
the alarm will still go off unless disabled.

Q: How many channels are available with this alarm feature? All channels? Is this alarm audio?
A: If motion is seen by any camera, it can trigger a contact closure.
The alarm is a contact closure. So, you need an alarm that activates a contact closure.
(These alarms that use a contact closure are extremely common)

Q: Am I able to access remotely by computer?
A: Yes. Any Windows computer. The DVR must be configured before this can happen.

Q: Does the DVR need a computer?
A: No. However, you need a modem, and a router. Also to configure the DVR so it works outside of the network, you must set it up with a computer. (Unless you have all the network information, IE DNS, DEFAULT GATEWAY and an unused IP Address.

Q: If I have a PTZ camera, can it be both manual and auto?
A: If you have a Channel Vision or other PTZ Camera, the control is manual.
However, there are 16 preset locations you can set. So, the camera can move instantly if needed. But there is no auto tour. If you would like to make the camera move forever, in a circle or between presets, we sell the 5050, which is a very cost effective ptz controller that can be linked to a camera by itself, or with our DVR.

Q: My DVR Keeps turning off and on. What should I do?
A: Make sure that you're not holding the remote control too close to
the IR receiver. Using the remote control at distances less than 3 feet
away from the IR receiver can overdrive the IR system, causing the
signal to be unreadable by the device.