Amcrest A2 User Manual
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Amcrest A2 User Manual

Network video recorder
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A2 Network Video Recorder
User Manual
Version 1.0.0.
th
June 15
, 2021

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  • Page 1 A2 Network Video Recorder User Manual Version 1.0.0. June 15 , 2021...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Welcome ..............................3 Device Installation ..........................7 Web Operation ............................. 21 Main Menu ............................26 Camera ..............................27 Network ..............................32 Storage ..............................43 System ..............................47 Account ..............................50 Live ............................... 51 Search ..............................53 AI ................................55 Alarm ..............................

  • Page 3: Welcome

    On the NVR, check that the label on the NVR is not damaged. The serial number of the unit may be needed if requesting support and is provides a QR code for a quick means of adding the device to the Amcrest View Pro app on your mobile device.
  • Page 4 Icon Name Function When a network error occurs or there is no network connection, Network Abnormality this light turns red. Power indicator When the NVR is on, this light remains on. HDD abnormal When an HDD error occurs, or the HDD capacity is below the indicator light specified threshold value, this light turns red.
  • Page 5 Bidirectional talk input port. This is used to receive the analog MIC IN Audio input port audio signal from the device such as a microphone. Audio output port. This is used to output the analog audio signal to devices such as an external RCA speaker. ...
  • Page 6 Hard Drive Installation Hard drives are typically sold separately, when installing a hard drive to the device, please make sure to use a hard drive with 7200rpm or higher. Please follow the instructions below to install a hard disk drive (HDD).

  • Page 7: Device Installation

    Factory Reset Procedures A factory reset will revert the device back to its original factory settings. To begin the process, you will need to remove the NVR cover. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws on the back/sides of the NVR.
  • Page 8 Enter Password Create a new admin password for your NVR. The password for your device should be between 8 and 32 characters. A combination of letters, numbers, and symbols are recommended when setting up your password. Note: Please do not use special symbols like ‘ ‘ ; : & Once you have entered a new password for your device, confirm the password in the next field.
  • Page 9 If you have assigned an unlock pattern, you will need to draw the pattern again to confirm your assigned unlock pattern. Password Protection Additional means of password protection and retrieval can be set up in this menu. If you would like to reset your password using your email, make sure the email address checkbox is enabled and enter a valid email address in the Email Address field.
  • Page 10 Back button to return to the previous menu. Click Next. The next screen that appears is the P2P screen. This screen allows you to connect your NVR to your mobile device using the Amcrest View Pro App. Ensure the P2P toggle switch is enabled and the P2P status reads...
  • Page 11 “Online”. To download the app, use your mobile device’s camera and scan the Cell Phone Client QR code. When using the app, use the SN QR Code for quick access to the serial number for your NVR. Click Next. Camera Registration The next screen that appears is the Camera Registration screen.
  • Page 12 Mouse Operation Please refer to the following sheet for mouse operation instructions. When you have selected one menu item, left mouse click to view the menu Left click content. Modify a checkbox or motion detection status. Click a combo box to show the dropdown list In an input box, you can select different input methods.
  • Page 13 Scroll middle Switch the items in the check box. button Page up or page down Move mouse Select current control or move control Drag mouse Select the motion detection zone Select the privacy mask zone Video Wall Please note the displayed window amount may vary depending on how many channels your NVR can support.
  • Page 14 Preview Control Interface Move the mouse to the top center of the video of the current channel, and the system pops up the preview control interface. If your mouse stays in this area for more than 6 seconds and preforms no operation, the control bar automatically hides.
  • Page 15 This will take you to a camera registration screen. Click on Device Search or Manual Add to begin adding the device. If using Device Search, please make sure the camera is on the same network as the NVR before searching. Once the camera has been detected, click on the device to highlight it, and click Add. Please note, if the device is not registering to the device, the username or password may need to be updated for the camera.
  • Page 16 H.265 Auto Switch to switch the camera to H.265 compression. For more information on H.265 compression, please visit: amcrest.com/support To exit the registration menu, right click on the video wall to display the connected devices. The process can be repeated to add additional cameras if needed.
  • Page 17 Shortcut Menu To access the shortcut menu for the device, right click on the video wall screen to access the shortcut options menu. Main Menu: Click this option to exit the video wall and access the main menu options the NVR. Search: Click this option to access the playback interface.
  • Page 18 Name Function key Function Function key Function Zoom Focus Near Iris Close Open Click the “>” icon to open the menu. You can set preset, tour, pattern, scan, etc. Refer to the following sheet for detailed information. Please note the above interface may vary due to different protocols. The button is grey and cannot be selected if the current function is null.
  • Page 19 Call Scan Input the Scan value and then click to call a scan. Click again to stop the call. Auto Pan Click to enable the camera to enable any auto pan presets set in the device. Click again to disable this preset. Flip Click to enable the camera to flip its image.
  • Page 20 Pattern Setup Click the Pattern button and input pattern number. Click the Begin button to start the direction operation. Or you can go back to the screen below to operate zoom/focus/iris/direction operation. Click the End button. Scan Setup Click the Scan button. Use the direction buttons to set the camera’s left limit and then click the Left button.

  • Page 21: Web Operation

    The NVR can be accessed using Chrome and other browsers, however, some features, may be compromised. Note: If you prefer not to use a web browser plugin to access your NVR you can use our free Amcrest Surveillance Pro software to access your device from a computer. To download the software please visit: https://amcrest.com/downloads...
  • Page 22 3. After the progress bar completes, if you see a Windows Security Alert popup, click Allow access (if applicable). 4. This brings you to the main screen of the Amcrest IP Config Software. Your NVR will automatically be found on your network and appear in the list (if properly connected with an Ethernet cable to your router).
  • Page 23 Enter a valid email address and then select and answer the security questions provided in the dropdown menu. Click OK when done. When the NVR has been setup successfully you will hear a beep from the NVR and a prompt in the browser letting you know that the initialization is complete.
  • Page 24 5. Click on the DDNS menu located in the Network tab in the left panel. In the DDNS menu, click on the Enable checkbox to enable DDNS. Make sure the AMCREST DDNS type is selected and a domain name for the NVR (one you create) is entered in the Domain Name field.
  • Page 25 Adjusting Camera Settings for Maximum Resolution, FPS, and Bitrate Most Amcrest products are H.265 compatible. H.265 provides a more advanced technology than H.264 and allows the camera to reduce file sizes which in turn helps to reduce required bandwidth without sacrificing frames per second (FPS) or resolution.

  • Page 26: Main Menu

    Please note, when using a 4K camera, it is recommended to keep the bitrate around 1792 Kb/S, however, different values may be applicable depending on your specific network requirements. Please refer to the table below regarding recommended resolution and bitrates and custom thresholds. Resolution Recommended Bitrate Custom Bitrate Threshold...

  • Page 27: Camera

    Login. It is highly recommended to set the camera with a static IP to avoid the IP address from changing in the camera. This may result in the camera becoming unavailable in the NVR. For more information on how to set a static IP please visit amcrest.com/staticIP...
  • Page 28 The Update tab allows the user to update firmware for a connected device. To access the latest firmware for your camera, please visit amcrest.com/firmware For more information on how to upgrade the firmware for your camera using this tab, please refer to the information provided below.
  • Page 29 if the value is too big, the dark area is likely to become darker and the light area over exposed. If the value is too small, the image is likely to become dim. The value ranges from 0 to 100. The default value is 50. The recommended range is between 40 and 60.
  • Page 30 Bit Rate Type: This dropdown box allows the user to select a bit rate type. The system supports two-bit rate types: CBR and VBR. In VBR mode, video quality can be set. Quality: This dropdown menu allows the user to set a quality level for a connected device. The quality can be adjusted based on the capabilities of a connected device.
  • Page 31 To revert to default settings, click the Default button. Click the Copy to button to copy the settings to other channels. Press the Refresh button to refresh the interface. To confirm settings, click the Save button. Overlay The overlay tab allows the user to change overlay settings for each channel. There are a time display, channel display, and a custom title display which allows the user to set a custom title.

  • Page 32: Network

    The storage path tab allows the user to designate a path for snapshots and videos to be downloaded. This feature may not be available on all browsers. Below is a screenshot of this menu: Below is a description of the fields in this menu: Snapshot Path –...
  • Page 33 Internet at large. This screen allows for TCP/IP settings to be modified for the NVR to establish connection to the network. Below is an explanation of the fields on the TCP/IP settings screen: NIC Name: The name of the NIC card in the device. IP Address: This field allows the user to enter a custom IP address.
  • Page 34 Click Test to test the TCP/IP connection. Click OK to modify the NIC settings. Click Cancel to exit the interface. To refresh the interface, click the Refresh button. Click Save to save the settings. Connection This screen allows users to configure port connections. It is important that the system is rebooted if any changes are made to the settings on this screen.
  • Page 35 Below is an explanation of the fields on the Connection screen: Maximum Connection: This field represents the maximum number of users that can be connected to the NVR at the same time. The maximum number of users the NVR can support at one time is 128. TCP Port: This field designates the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) port number.
  • Page 36 The HTTPS cert will need to be created, log into the device and access the HTTPS menu. Click on the Create Server Certificate button. Enter the necessary credentials for your HTTPS certificate and click Create. The browser will reset again and will automatically load the login interface. You will notice the IP address has changed to HTTP and the security report will show a lock symbol indicating the cert has been created properly.
  • Page 37 (LAN). Internet Status: The current DDNS connection status. For more information on how to setup DDNS service for your device, please visit amcrest.com/support Press the Refresh button to refresh the interface. To confirm settings, click the Save button. UPNP UPnP stands for Universal Plug and Play, and it is a protocol used to easily connect devices to the internet.
  • Page 38 For more information on how to setup Email Alerts, please visit amcrest.com/support Click on the Test button to test the connection. Click the Refresh button to refresh the interface. To...
  • Page 39 Multicast Multicast is a feature that enables the NVR to broadcast its live view to multiple computers on the same network. Below is an explanation of the fields in the Multicast settings screen: Enable: This checkbox allows the user to enable the Multicast feature for the NVR. IP Address: This field allows the user to enter the multicast IP address.
  • Page 40 Click the Refresh button to refresh the interface. To confirm settings, click the Save button. Amcrest View Pro Setup The Amcrest View Pro app allows instant access to all live camera streams from any location. The app supports a multitude of features and includes both a plug-and-play setup as well as a manual network setup.
  • Page 41 Download and install the Amcrest View Pro app for the App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app on your mobile device and allow the app to load.
  • Page 42 Note: IP/Domain/DDNS can be used to establish a DDNS connection. For more information on how to setup a DDNS connection, visit amcrest.com/support 5. Create a name for the device and enter a 6. Update the default password for the device and tap “Start Live View”...

  • Page 43: Storage

    Storage This menu allows the user to update, modify, and manage device storage settings within the NVR. For more details on this menu please refer to the sections below. Basic This menu allows the user to set hard drive (HDD) overwrite permissions for the system. Below is a screen shot of this menu.
  • Page 44 Below is an explanation of the fields on the Record settings screen: Channel: This dropdown menu allows the user to pick which channel the schedule will apply. Prerecord: This field allows the user to capture extra video that occurs before an event. Up to 30 seconds of video prior to a recording event can be captured to provide context to a recording.
  • Page 45 Click the text next to each period to edit the time you wish to set for that specific period. Next, choose which record type you would like to set for each period. You will also need to select the days you wish to apply these settings.
  • Page 46 HDD Manager This screen is used to help the user monitor the NVR’s hard drives. Using this screen, the user can see the current HDD type, status, and capacity. The user can also use this screen to format hard drives and change hard drive properties.

  • Page 47: System

    Channel: This settings button allows the user to select a channel in which the FTP will apply. For more information how to setup FTP settings, please visit amcrest.com/support To reset the interface back to default, click the Default button. To test the current settings, click Test. To refresh the interface, click the Refresh button.
  • Page 48 General This screen displays general settings for the NVR. Below is an explanation of the fields on the General settings screen: Device Name: This field allows the user to customize the name of the NVR. Device No: This field allows the user to customize the device’s number. Language: The default language will be English.
  • Page 49 Server: This field allows the user to set the NTP server IP address. Clicking the Manual Update button pulls a time update from the server. Port: This field allows the user to set the NTP server port number. Interval (Min.): This field allows the user to set the NTP synchronization interval. This number determines how often the NVR queries the NTP server to get accurate date and time information.

  • Page 50: Account

    Mode: Allows the user to choose which sites will be trusted (whitelisted) or blocked (blacklisted. Host IP/Mac: The host IP/Mac address of the applied IP address. Port: The port number of the whitelisted or blacklisted IP address. Edit: Allows the user to edit an IP or port number of a whitelisted or blacklisted IP address. Delete: Delete an added whitelisted or blacklisted IP address Add: Click this button to add a trusted or blocked site into the system.

  • Page 51: Live

    another device. If left blank, the user can logon from any MAC address. There is a total of 98 rights that can be assigned to a user. Group This screen is used to configure Group account settings. Below is an explanation of the fields on the Group settings screen: No.: This number indicates how many groups are in the system.
  • Page 52 PTZ Menu: Used to access the OSD menu for a connected camera. To access the OSD menu, click Save in the PTZ Menu and use the directional arrows to scroll up and down the menu. For more information on how to setup a PTZ preset, if applicable, please visit: amcrest.com/support...

  • Page 53: Search

    - Enable smart tracking (if appliable device supports it), audio in (microphone), manually record video, manually take a snapshot, enable audio output, utilize digital zoom, exit interface. Search The Search menu allows the user to view recorded data retained in the system. This includes recording types such as regular, motion detection, (MD), Alarm, and IVS.
  • Page 54 event and click the scissors icon to clip it from the time bar. Once the file is clipped, click on the Save button to download or backup the recording. Time Bar – The time bar provides a linear representation of all events. The events are viewed based on the times they occurred and are color coded based on specific recording types;...
  • Page 55 AI features are controlled by the camera only. The NVR allows the user to implement the AI features from an Amcrest AI camera into the NVR and store the recorded events. The AI events from the AI camera are stored locally and can be accessed in the Search menu or by using the AI Search option located in the AI menu.
  • Page 56 Face Detection Face detection is used to allow your device to detect face events. Please note, this feature may differ depending on which model camera is being used on the NVR. Not all AI cameras support this feature. For more information on setting up face detection, please refer to the information provided below. 1: Access the Smart Plan menu and select the channel you would like to configure from the Channel drop down menu.
  • Page 57 4. When triggered, the face detection event will be retained in the face detection smart search menu or snapshots of the event can be emailed to you. To have a snapshot of the event emailed to you, ensure email alerts are setup properly in the NVR and click on the More option located in the face detection menu.
  • Page 58 2. Click on the IVS option located in the Parameters menu and verify the correct channel is being used then click the add icon (“+”). 3. Click the Type dropdown menu to select an IVS rule. Please note, the number of IVS features available will be dependent on the number of IVS features the camera supports.
  • Page 59 The Target Filter option is used to set a minimum or maximum detection area. It is recommended to leave this as default; however, it can be modified. Use the Clear (trash can) icon to remove a drawn area or line. The effective target options allow object filtering options which allow you the ability to determine if a human or vehicle has entered the area.
  • Page 60 2. Click on the People Counting option located in the Parameters menu and ensure the Enable checkbox is enabled. For more information on the people counting option for your specific camera, please visit amcrest.com/support Viewing People Counting Data People counting data shows the number of people reported by the system entering or exiting the area within a specified amount of time.
  • Page 61 1. Click on the People Counting option located in the AI Search menu. Select a report type from the dropdown menu and enter the start and end time of the report in the Start Time and End Time fields. Click Search. Note: An image or excel sheet of this data can be exported and backed up to a computer if needed.
  • Page 62 2. Enable the Heat Map checkbox to turn on the feature. Click Save. Note: A schedule can be set for this feature by clicking on the Setting button in the Schedule field. This will allow the feature only to function during specific times set by the user. 3.
  • Page 63 Smart Motion Detection Smart Motion Detection (SMD) uses an advanced algorithm to differentiate between human and motor vehicle shapes within a scene and send alarms only when a person or vehicle is detected. Please note, this feature may differ depending on which model camera is being used on the NVR. Not all AI cameras support this feature.

  • Page 64: Alarm

    Alarm The Alarm menu allows the user to view live alarm information as well as configure alarm event actions such as motion detection. Alarm Info This feature allows the user to search for specific types of alarm information related to the system. These specific types of alarms include, Motion Detection, Video Loss, Tampering, Abnormalities, Local Alarms, Intel, etc.
  • Page 65 when a moving signal is detected in a specified area. Below is a screenshot of the motion detection settings screen: Below is a description of the fields on the Motion Detection settings page: Channel: The channel dropdown menu is used to select which channel you would like to use to set your motion detection.
  • Page 66 To designate a zone, click and drag the mouse over the area desired. When a colored box is displayed over the live feed, that area is now enabled for motion detection. Clicking the FN button will switch the mode between armed and disarmed, so that clicking and dragging the mouse can either designate a motion detection zone or remove any motion detection zone markers.
  • Page 67 The system allows for the configuration of up to 6 different time periods. Click the checkbox to the left of the time period to enable that time period. Click the text next to each period to edit the time period. To copy time periods, click the checkboxes next to the days of the week that you would like to copy the settings to.
  • Page 68 Click and drag on the yellow bars to specify time zones for detection. To edit multiple days at once, either click the checkboxes next to the names, or click the checkbox next to All to edit all the days at once.
  • Page 69 Alarm Tone: Check this box to enable an imported voice prompt to be used if an event occurs. To use this feature, select a file from the dropdown box in the File Name section. More: Allows the user to access other motion detection options: Show Message: This checkbox allows the user to enable the system to show an on-screen message when a motion detection alarm is triggered.
  • Page 70 Click and drag on the yellow bars to specify time zones for detection. To edit multiple days at once, either click the checkboxes next to the names, or click the checkbox next to All to edit all the days at once. Once the checkbox is clicked, press Save to Save and apply your detection settings.
  • Page 71 Alarm Tone: Check this box to enable an imported voice prompt to be used if an event occurs. To use this feature, select a file from the dropdown box in the File Name section. More: Allows the user to access other motion detection options: Show Message: This checkbox allows the user to enable the system to show an on-screen message when a motion detection alarm is triggered.
  • Page 72 Send Email: This checkbox allows the user to enable the system to send an email when a motion detection alarm is triggered. To reset to default settings, click the Default button. To refresh the page, click the Refresh button. To save the settings click the Save button.
  • Page 73 Send Email: This checkbox allows the user to enable the system to send an email when a motion detection alarm is triggered. To refresh the page, click the Refresh button. To Save the settings click the Save button. Network This screen allows the user to specify actions that occur when there is an abnormality with the NVR’s network connection.

  • Page 74: Maintain

    Show Message: This checkbox allows the user to enable the system to show an on-screen message when an HDD abnormality occurs. Buzzer: Check this box to enable a buzzer to be sound on your device if an event occurs. Log: Check this box to enable a log of the abnormality to be retained into the system. Send Email: This checkbox allows the user to enable the system to send an email when a motion detection alarm is triggered.
  • Page 75 Disk The HDD tab provides information about a connected hard drive in the system. Below is a description of the fields listed in this menu: Number: The number represented in the system for the hard drive. Device Name: The name assigned by the system for the connected hard drive. Physical Position: Displays the location of the connected hard drive on the system.
  • Page 76 This screen is used to update the NVRs firmware. To conduct a system update, it is required to put an update file onto a USB storage device and plug it into the NVR. For more information on how to download a firmware file, please visit https://amcrest.com/firmware Below is a screenshot of the upgrade screen:...

  • Page 77: Backup

    To begin upgrading the firmware, click on Download the latest Firmware and locate the firmware file for your specific device. Download the firmware to a USB flash drive or to the computer if using a web user interface. Click on Browse to locate and import the firmware (.bin) file into the interface. Click System Upgrade and allow the device to complete the upgrade process.
  • Page 78 This menu provides you with quick access to your display and output information associated with your NVR. You can configure the display effects such as, resolution, time delays, channel titles, etc. For more information on the settings provided in this menu, refer to the table provided below. Parameter Description Main Screen...
  • Page 79 Tour Setting This screen is used to activate tour functionality for the live preview. Below is an explanation of the fields on the Tour screen: Enable: This checkbox allows the user to enable the tour functionality. Interval: Enter the amount of time that you want each channel group displays on the screen. The value ranges from 5 seconds to 120 seconds, and the default value is 5 seconds.

  • Page 80: Audio

    Audio This function tile allows you to manage audio functions such as, audio file management and configuring audio playing schedules which can be associated with specific alarm events. File Management The file manager tab allows the user to configure audio files to a set schedule. To begin configuring audio files click on Select audio file to import the audio files into the system via a flash drive or a computer if using the web user interface.
  • Page 81 2. NVR often shuts down and stops running. Below are a few possible reasons why this may be occurring: • The input voltage is too low or is not stable. • There is an HDD malfunction, or something is wrong with the HDD cable. •...
  • Page 82 • The recorded files have been overwritten. • The recording function has been disabled. 7. Local playback video is distorted. Below are a few possible reasons why this may be occurring: • The video quality setting is too low. • The NVR software has a read error.
  • Page 83 12. Motion detection does not work. Below are a few possible reasons why this may be occurring: • The motion detection time period may be incorrectly configured. • Motion detection zone setup is not correctly configured. • Motion detection sensitivity is too low. 13.
  • Page 84 To contact Amcrest support, please do one of the following: • Visit http://amcrest.com/contact and use the email form • Call Amcrest Support using one of the following numbers Toll Free: (888) 212-7538 International Callers (Outside of US): +1-713-893-8956 USA: 713-893-8956 Canada: 437-888-0177 UK: 203-769-2757 FCC Statement This NVR complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 85 (b) For a Class B digital NVR or peripheral, the instructions furnished the user shall include the following or similar statement, placed in a prominent location in the text of the manual: NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital NVR, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 86 Slight differences may be found in the user interface based on specific model numbers. All the designs and software here are subject to change without prior written notice. All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned are the properties of their respective owners. Copyright © Amcrest 2021...

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