Camera FAQs
What is the widest viewing angle available on a camera?
Why do the cameras display a black and white image at night? I thought all cameras were color cameras?
What type of damages will void my cameras' warranty?
Can I use the outdoor bullet cameras indoors?
Do you have screenshots or demos of your cameras?
Can I change the viewing angle of the dome cameras so that they can be wall mounted instead of ceiling mounted?
What do 420, 480, and 540 TVL mean?
Why do some cameras have more IR (Infrared) LEDs than others?
Will an indoor camera work outside if it is placed under an awning, or if it is protected from wind, rain, and snow?
What camera can you recommend for behind my company's cash register?
Is it possible to hide which direction my dome camera is facing so that my customers and employees are unaware of whether they are being filmed?
Can you recommend a night vision camera that can capture a license plate number?
How far can the camera see?
All of your cameras are manufactured by either Sony or Sharp, right?
Which app do I use for my iPhone? Your website says to download APlayer, but I just can't get it to work.
I am having trouble setting up the movement functionality on my Z2212GY PTZ camera.
Protocol: Pelco-D
Baud Rate: 2400
Address: 001
The two DIP switch locations work in conjunction with one another. For example: if the address dip switch on the switch located just underneath the top ring has addressing switch 2 on, and the address dip switch located at the bottom of the inner housing has addressing switch 1 on, the camera's address will read Address: 003.
It is recommended to turn all dip switches off which are located at the bottom of the inner housing so that you may independently use the dip switches located just underneath the top ring of the camera.
All of this is made easier with the on screen display (OSD) that comes up once the camera is finished with it's home sequence. The OSD shows the Protocol, Baud Rate and Address at the top of the channel.
DVR FAQs
Is your security networking software compatible with Apple Computers?
In order to use our networking software on a MAC, you'll need to install dual boot software that allows you to install and run a Windows operating system from a MAC computer.
Can the DVR connect directly to a computer using a USB cable?
The only way to bring up your DVR interface on a computer would be to connect your DVR to a router and communicate with your computer by configuring the DVR's remote network access.
The manual shows a power button on the front, which is actually a USB port. Where is the power button on 9104/9108?
How long can the DVR record?
What accessories come included with the DVR?
What operating system do the DVRs use?
Where can I get a firmware update for my DVR?
What kind of monitor do I need to use to plug into my DVR?
There is also the option of plugging in a television monitor into the BNC video output, however most televisions do not have a BNC input. To use a TV that does not have a BNC video input, the end user needs to attach a BNC to RCA adapter to the BNC video output on the back of the DVR, then use an RCA cable to connect the DVR to the television monitor.
A problem has developed with the digital video recorder. There is a horizontal roll on all channels and cameras, also the entire screen is in black and white.
To revert back to NTSC video mode, simply go to the DVR's Main Menu, System, A/V Setup. From the A/V Setup screen, change the Video System to NTSC, and select Apply. The DVR will need to be restarted in order to apply this change.
Why is DVR not displaying date and time? Why is DVR not recording?
1. Power off DVR
2. Remove screws on the sides and rear of unit
3. Locate the silver rectangular box (hard drive)
4. Remove the two cables connected to the unit hard drive
5. Power on DVR with the case off & observe the DVR for full boot operation ending with a displayed date and time on the unit.
6. If the date and time now appears on the unit, power off the DVr then reconnect the two cables on the hard drive. Power on the dvr with casing off and wait for screen to display date and time. Next you will need to access the main menu>device>hdd> check the box next to the drive listed in line 1.
7. Then choose format hdd. After this you with be prompted with a Save finished or success screen. Click the 'ok' that appears. Then the hard drive should be functional and ready for use.
8. If DVR is still not functional or continuous to freeze, please contact Technical Support at 1.866.888.2251 available Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm CST.
Security Accessory FAQs
Which accessories are actually necessary?
If you intend to connect a television monitor to your DVR instead of a VGA computer monitor, you may also need a BNC adapter.
What accessories do I need in order to connect my television monitor to my DVR?
To use a TV that does not have a BNC video input, you need to decide whether you would like to use a RCA cable or an F connection cable to run the video signal from the DVR to the television.
If using a RCA cable, you need to attach a "BNC to RCA adapter" to the BNC video output on the back of the DVR. The SKU number for this accessory is ACC-CN003-BNCM-RCAF, available from our sales store.
If using an F connection cable, you must attach a "BNC to F connector" to the BNC video output on the back of the DVR. The SKU number for this accessory is ACC-CN001-F-BNCM, available from our sales store.
What accessories do I need if I do need to run any cables longer than 165 feet?
In order to use Cat5e cable, you must also use Video Balun accessories. Video baluns convert the Cat5e signal to BNC video signal, RCA audio signal, 12V DC power signal, or RS485 data signal.
Cat5e cable will be able to transmit BNC video signal, RCA audio signal, or RS485 data signal up to 1000 feet; however Cat5e cable can only transmit a 12V DC power signal up to 200 feet. If the security installation application requires a power signal to be transmitted more than 200 feet, we highly recommend calling a local electrician for advice.
Can you recommend any accessories that will make my installation easier or more convenient?
PTZ cameras can be operated directly from the DVR interface or from the DVR's online network interface. However, if multiple PTZ cameras are going to be operated directly from the DVR on a regular basis, we recommend this ACC-KB002 PTZ joystick controller.
What accessories do I need if I am building my own Siamese Video/Power cable?
You also need a crimping tool to apply the compression connectors to each end of the cable. These crimping tools are available from our sales store, and they are also readily available at most local hardware stores. The SKU number for our crimping tool is ACC-TLF/BNC/RG59-5082R.
Other FAQs
When I convert my video files to AVI, the audio is not transferred to the AVI file. How can I convert the H.264 video file to AVI and keep the audio?