13  Using the Main Menu

To open the Main Menu:
• Using the mouse: Right-click and click Main Menu. The system password is required to access the Main Menu. Enter the system user name (default: admin ) and your secure password.

Playback ( ): Opens the Playback menu. This allows you to search for video recordings saved on the NVR’s hard drive. For details, see 10 Playback .
Backup ( ): Export files to a USB flash drive (not included). For details, see 11 Search & Backup .
Camera Setting ( ): Opens the menu to manage cameras connected to the network (see 5.13 Connecting Cameras to the Local Area Network (LAN) for details), set recording parameters, and assign custom titles for your cameras.
System Information ( ): View system information. For details, see 13.2 System Information
Setting ( ): Configure system date and time, user profiles, network settings, display settings and more. This menu also allows you to restore the NVR to factory defaults. For details, see 13.3 Setting
Shutdown ( ): Logout, restart, or shutdown the NVR. For details, see 13.4 Shutdown .

13.1  Camera Setting

13.1.4  Upgrading Camera Firmware

You can update the firmware for select Lorex network camera models through the NVR. Firmware upgrades provide enhanced functionality for the cameras.

	Note
Firmware upgrade via NVR is supported only on select Lorex network cameras. A list of cameras compatible with firmware upgrade via NVR is available at www.lorextechnology.com .

To upgrade the camera firmware:

Download the camera firmware from www.lorextechnology.com if one is available.

	Note
Make sure that the firmware file you are using is compatible with your network camera model.

Extract the firmware file and copy it to a USB flash drive (not included).

Insert the USB flash drive (not included) into a USB port on the system.

Right-click and select Main Menu. Click and select Remote Device > IPC Upgrade.

Click Select. Select the firmware file on the USB drive and click OK.

Check the cameras you would like to apply the upgrade to in the list and then click Start Upgrade.

	CAUTION
Wait for the firmware upgrade to complete before turning off or unplugging the cameras or NVR. The cameras will restart during the firmware update process.

13.1.6  Configuring Recording Quality

The system employs two video recording streams, a Main Stream and a Sub Stream. The Main Stream records high quality video to your system’s hard drive. The Sub Stream records lower resolution video for efficient streaming to devices over the Internet. You can customize the video quality settings for these streams according to your needs.

	Note
For select cameras, you can configure the live video stream to Display Stream. You can view display stream only in multiple channel (8 or more) live view. It is recommended to set the resolution to D1.

To configure recording quality:
From the Main Menu, click and select Recording > Recording.
Under Channel, select the camera you would like to configure.
Under Type, select the recording type you want to configure the recording quality settings for.
Configure the following settings. Settings for the Main Stream are in the left column. Settings for the Sub Stream are in the right column.
	Note
For select cameras, you can configure settings for display stream on the right column.
• Compression: Select the video compression type that will be used.
• Resolution: Select the resolution that you want to use to record the selected channel. Higher resolutions create a more detailed image, but take up more hard drive space to record and require more bandwidth to stream to connected computers or mobile devices.

  	Note
  Available resolutions for the Main Stream and Sub Stream depend on the model of camera that is connected to the system.

• Frame Rate (FPS): Select the frame rate in Frames Per Second (FPS) that each stream will record at. A higher frame rate provides a smoother picture, but requires more storage and bandwidth.
• Bit Rate Type: Select CBR (Constant Bit Rate) or VBR (Variable Bit Rate) to determine the bit rate type. If you select VBR, you can set the video quality setting between 1 and 6. If you select VBR, select the Quality from 1 (lowest) to 6 (highest).
• Bit Rate (Kbps): Select the bit rate for each recording stream. A higher bit rate results in a better image, but increases the amount of hard drive space or bandwidth required.
	Note
Only select cameras support the Audio/Video setting. See Configuring Audio Recording for details.
(Optional) Click the Copy button to copy recording settings to other channels.
Click OK to save changes.

13.1.8  Configuring Snapshot Recording Settings

The system can be set to record snapshot images when a camera detects motion. These snapshots can be viewed through the Playback menu or can be attached to email alerts and push notifications. The Snapshot tab in the Recording menu controls the quality and recording parameters for each camera.

	Note
In order to enable Snapshot recording, the following menu options must be configured: The Snapshot schedule must be enabled for times that you would like to save snapshots. See Configuring the Snapshot Schedule . Snapshot recording must be enabled for motion detection in the Event menu. See Configuring Motion Detection .

To configure snapshot recording settings:
From the Main Menu, click and select Recording > Snapshot.
Under Snapshot, select the number of snapshots the NVR will take when the snapshot button is pressed.
Configure the following settings for snapshots saved automatically from motion detection or the snapshot schedule:
• Channel: Select the channel you would like to configure.
• Mode: Select Timing for the system to take snapshots according to the snapshot schedule (see 13.3.16 Configuring the Snapshot Schedule ). Select Trigger for the system to take snapshots only when triggered by motion detection (snapshot must be enabled in the Motion Detect menu; see 13.3.8 Configuring Motion Detection ).
• Image Size: The image size is the same as the Main Stream resolution of the camera.
• Quality: Select the snapshot image quality between 1 (lowest) and 6 (highest).
• Snapshot Frequency: Select the number of snapshots (up to 6) the NVR will take each time.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.

13.2  System Information

13.2.1  HDD Info

The HDD Info sub-menu shows information related to the hard drives installed in the system, including capacity, status, and type.

To access the HDD Info menu:
• From the Main Menu, click and then click Info > HDD Info.

13.2.2  Record Info

The Record Info menu shows the start and end times of recordings saved on the hard drive.

To access the Record Info menu:
• From the Main Menu, click and then select Info > Record Info.

13.2.3  Version

The Version sub-menu allows you to view information about the current firmware installed on the system.

To access the Version menu:
• From the Main Menu, click and then click Info > Version.

13.2.4  Event

The Event menu shows you a display of system alarms. Activated alarms are highlighted in white. Additional info such as channels that are currently detecting motion is shown.

The following alarms are shown in the Event menu:
• No HDD: No hard drive is detected.
• Disk Error: Hard drive error detected.
• Disk Full: Hard drive is full.
• IP Conflict: More than one device on the network is using the same IP address.
• Net Offline: System is not connected to the network.
• MAC Conflict: More than one device on the network is using the same MAC address.
• Video Loss: Shows disconnected channels.
• Tampering: Camera masking alarm has been triggered (e.g. someone has covered the camera lens).
• Motion Detect: Shows channels with active motion alarms.

To access the Event Info menu:
• From the Main Menu, click and then select Event.

13.2.5  Online Users

The Online Users menu shows a list of users connected to the system using computers or mobile devices.

To access Online Users:
• From the Main Menu, click and then select Network.

13.2.6  Load

The Load menu shows you the network traffic your system is sending and receiving.

To access Load:
• From the Main Menu, click and then select Network > Load.

13.2.7  Test

The Test menu allows you to test if your system can connect to other devices over the LAN or Internet. You can enter the IP address of a device and click Test to determine if your system can connect to it.

To access Test:
• From the Main Menu, click and then select Network > Test.

13.2.8  BPS

The BPS sub-menu shows the bitrates of connected cameras. The bitrate is the amount of data the camera is sending to the system.

To access BPS:
• From the Main Menu, click and then select BPS.

13.2.9  Log

The Log sub-menu allows you to search for system logs.

To search for system logs:
From the Main Menu, click and then select Log.
Under Type, select the log type to search for.
Under Start Time and End Time, select the start and end time for your search.
Click Search.
(Optional) Click Backup to export logs to a USB flash drive connected to the system.

13.3  Setting

13.3.5  Configuring Email Alerts

You can configure the system to send out email alerts for motion detection or other events.

	Note
To send out motion detection alerts, you must enable the Send Email option for motion detection on each camera you would to receive alerts from. For details, see Configuring Motion Detection . SMTP server connection information is required to set up email alerts. Contact your email service provider to retrieve your SMTP server information.

To configure Email Alerts:
From the Main Menu, click and then select Network > Email.
Check Enable to enable email notifications.
Configure the following:
• Mail Select: Select Lorex to use the Lorex email server to send out notifications. This is the recommended setting.
• SMTP Server: Enter the SMTP server address.
• Port: Enter the port used by the SMTP server.
• Anonymous: Check if your server supports anonymous logins. Otherwise, leave this unchecked.
• User: Enter the SMTP user name.
• Password: Enter the SMTP password.
• Email Schedule: Click Setup to configure time periods during which email alerts will be sent.
• Receiver: Enter the email address that will receive alerts.
• Sender: Enter the sender’s email address.
• Subject: Enter the subject line for the email alert.
• Attachment: Check to include a jpg image attachment of the camera.

  	Note
  You must enable the Snapshot option for motion detection on each camera you would to receive attachments. For details, see Configuring Motion Detection .

• Encrypt Type: Select SSL or TLS if your server uses encryption. Select None if your server does not use encryption.
• Interval: Enter the interval between alert emails.
• Health Enable: Check to enable health check emails. Enter the interval in minutes for health check emails.

  	Note
  Health check emails will be sent periodically to ensure that the system is functioning normally.
Click Test to send a test email.
Click OK to save settings.

13.3.6  Configuring Switch Settings (Advanced)

You can configure the networking settings for the internal PoE switch.

	CAUTION
It is recommended to leave this menu on the default settings. Changing the information in this menu may disrupt the connection to the cameras.

To configure switch settings:
From Live View, right-click and select Main Menu.
Click > Network > Switch.
Check Enable.
Configure the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway for the internal PoE switch.
Click OK. Click Save to save changes. The system will restart.

13.3.8  Configuring Motion Detection

The system supports motion detection on any connected camera. You can determine the sensitivity as well as the active area for motion detection per channel.

To configure motion detection events:

From the Main Menu, click and then click Event > Motion > Motion Detect.
Under Channel, select the channel you would like to configure.
Check Enable to enable motion detection on the selected channel.
Click Set next to Region to configure which areas of the image will be enabled for motion detection. The camera image appears with a red grid overlay on the entire image, letting you know that motion detection is active for the entire image. Click or click-and-drag to add/remove area from the red grid.
Motion Grid
• Hover the mouse at the top of the screen to select which motion zone you would like to configure. You can set up to 4 motion detection zones and customize the sensitivity and threshold for motion detection separately for each zone between 0 (lowest) and 100 (highest).
• The Sensitivity level determines how sensitive the camera is to motion. For example, if the sensitivity is high, small amounts of motion are more likely to trigger an event. It is recommended to select a sensitivity level between 30~70.
• The Threshold level determines how much motion is required to trigger an event. If the amount of motion exceeds the threshold, an event occurs. It is recommended to select a Threshold level between 10~50.
• Right-click when finished.
	Note
It is recommended to have a second person walk in front of the camera to test different sensitivity and threshold settings to determine the best setting for your camera’s location.
To configure a schedule when motion detection will be enabled on this channel, click Set next to Period. Configure times when motion detection will be enabled. For example, you may want to disable motion detection during business hours and enable it outside of business hours. Click OK when finished.
	Note
This setting can override scheduled motion recording. This means that motion recording will only take place at times that are enabled both in the Schedule menu and here.
Check boxes to your preference:
• Show Message: Check to have a message appear on the system when motion is detected.
• Send Email: Check to receive an email notification when motion is detected. Ensure you have enabled email notifications (see 13.3.5 Configuring Email Alerts ).
• Channels: Check to record video from the selected channel (s) when motion is detected.
• PTZ Activation: Check to enable PTZ actions when motion is detected (PTZ camera required; not included). Click Set to select which PTZ actions will be taken by each camera.
• Post_REC: Set how long the system will record video for after motion is detected.
• Sequence: Check to enable a custom sequence mode when motion is detected on the selected channel. Then click the channels you would like to display in the custom sequence mode.
• Snapshot: Check to save a snapshot when the camera detects motion.
• Buzzer: Check to enable the system buzzer.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.9  Configuring Video Loss Settings

Video Loss occurs if the system loses connection to one of the cameras.

To configure video loss settings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Event > Motion > Video Loss.
Under Channel, select the channel you would like to configure.
Check Enable to enable video loss events for the selected channel.
Configure the following to customize settings for video loss events:
• Period: Click Set to configure a schedule for video loss events. It is recommended to leave this on the default setting, so you can be alerted at any time one of your cameras loses video.
• Show Message: Check to show a popup message on the monitor if one of your cameras loses video.
• Send Email: Check to enable email alerts. Enabling Send Email requires you to set up email notifications. See 13.3.5 Configuring Email Alerts ) for full instructions.
• Channels: Check to enable video recording when video loss occurs.
• PTZ Activation: Check to enable PTZ actions when video loss occurs (PTZ camera required; not included). Click Set to select which PTZ actions will be taken by each camera.
• Post_REC: Enter the number of seconds the system will record after video loss occurs.
• Sequence: Check to enable a custom sequence mode when video loss occurs on the selected channel. Then click the channels you would like to display in the custom sequence mode.
• Snapshot: Check to save a snapshot when video loss occurs.
• Buzzer: Check to enable the system buzzer when video loss occurs on the currently selected channel.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.10  Configuring Tampering Settings

Allows you to set up your camera to detect video tamper, and trigger alerts.

To configure video tamper settings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Event > Motion > Tampering.
Under Channel, select the channel you would like to configure.
Check Enable to enable video tamper alarm for the selected channel.
Configure the following to customize settings for video tamper events:
• Period: Click Set to configure a schedule when video tamper alarm will be activated. It is recommended to leave this on the default setting, so you will be alerted any time one of your cameras is tampered with.
• Show Message: Check to show a popup message on the monitor if one of your cameras is tampered with.
• Send Email: Check to enable email alerts. Enabling Send Email requires you to set up email notifications. See 13.3.5 Configuring Email Alerts ) for full instructions.
• Channels: Check to enable video recording when video tamper occurs.
• PTZ Activation: Check to enable PTZ actions when video tamper occurs (PTZ camera required; not included). Click Set to select which PTZ actions will be taken by each camera.
• Post_REC: Enter the number of seconds the system will record after video tamper occurs.
• Sequence: Check to enable a custom sequence mode when video tamper occurs on the selected channel. Then click the channels you would like to display in the custom sequence mode.
• Snapshot: Check to save a snapshot when video tamper occurs.
• Buzzer: Check to enable the system buzzer when video tamper occurs on the currently selected channel.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.11  Configuring Hard Drive Warnings

Hard drive warnings will notify you if an issue is detected with the hard drive.

To configure hard drive warnings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Event > Warning > HDD.
Under Event Type, select the hard drive event you would like to configure.
• No HDD: No hard drive detected.
• Disk Error: A hard drive error has been detected.
• Disk Full: The hard drive is full or almost full. You can enter the percentage of disk space remaining that will trigger a warning under Less Than (e.g. when less than 10% of the hard drive is empty, trigger a warning). Disk Full warnings will not occur if overwrite is enabled.
• All: Configure warnings for all hard drive events.
Configure the responses the system will take when the selected event occurs:
• Show Message: Show a popup message on the monitor.
• Send Email: Check to enable email alerts. Enabling Send Email requires you to set up email notifications. See 13.3.5 Configuring Email Alerts ) for full instructions.
• Buzzer: Check to activate the system buzzer.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.12  Configuring Network Warnings

Network warnings will notify you if your system loses connection to the Internet or local network or if there is an issue on your network.

To configure network warnings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Event > Warning > Network.
Under Event Type, select the event type you would like to configure.
• Net Disconnection: The system has lost connection to the network.
• IP Conflict: More than one device on your network has the same IP address.
• MAC Conflict: More than one device on your network has the same MAC address.
• All: Configure responses for all network events.
Configure the following for the selected event type:
• Enable: Check to enable the selected event type.
• Show Message: Check to show a popup message when the selected event occurs.
• Send Email: Check to enable email alerts. Enabling Send Email requires you to set up email notifications. See 13.3.5 Configuring Email Alerts ) for full instructions.
• Buzzer: Check to activate the system buzzer.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.13  Storage

The Storage menu allows you to configure the recording schedule and hard drives connected to the system.

13.3.14  Configuring the Video Recording Schedule

You can set a custom recording schedule according to your needs. For example, you can set the system to record continuously during business hours and record on motion detection only outside of business hours.

A custom recording schedule helps reduce the amount of hard drive space required, increasing the time your system can retain recordings.

To configure the video recording schedule:

From the Main Menu, click and then click Storage > Schedule > Record.
Under Channel, select the channel you would like to configure or select All.
Configure the schedule as needed:
• Check Continuous or Motion to select the recording type you would like to configure.
• Click and drag on each day to customize the recording schedule. The schedule is set up as a grid, which each block representing one hour.
• Click next to All to link the recording schedules for all days. The icon for a day changes to when days are linked. You can also click the boxes next to individual days to link them to each other. If the recording schedule is linked, changes made to one of the days will apply to every day that is linked.
• Click to disable all recording of the selected type on the selected day.
• Click if you need to set a more precise schedule down to the minute.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.15  Configuring Pre-Recording

The system can pre-record video when motion detection events occur.

To configure pre-recording:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Storage > Schedule > Record.
Under Channel, select the camera you would like to configure or select All.
Under PreRecord, select the duration for pre-recording.
Click OK to save settings.

13.3.16  Configuring the Snapshot Schedule

You can set a schedule for recording snapshots from the cameras.

To set up the snapshot schedule:

From the Main Menu, click and then click Storage > Schedule > Snapshot.
Under Channel, select the channel you would like to configure or select All.
Configure the schedule as needed:
• Check Continuous or Motion to select the recording type you would like to configure.
• Click and drag on each day to customize the recording schedule. The schedule is set up as a grid, with each block representing one hour.
• Click next to All to link the recording schedules for all days. The icon for a day changes to when it is linked. You can also click the boxes next to individual days to link them to each other. If the recording schedule is linked, changes made to one of the days will apply to every day that is linked.
• Click to disable all recording of the selected type on the selected day.
• Click if you need to set a more precise schedule down to the minute.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.17  Configuring Holidays

You can set certain days as holidays. Holidays have a special recording schedule.

To configure holidays:

From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > General > Holiday.

Click Add New Holidays.

Configure the following:

• Holiday Name: Enter a name for this holiday.
• Repeat Mode: Select Once for the holiday to occur only this year or Always for the holiday to be repeated each year.
• Holiday Range: Select Date to select a specific date, or select Week to select holidays based on which week they fall on.

Click Add. Now that you have added a holiday, an extra holiday setting is added to the recording schedule.

	Note
You can disable holiday schedules by selecting Close under the Status dropdown and then click Apply.

13.3.18  Formatting the Hard Drive

The HDD Manager menu allows you to format the hard drive. It is recommended to format any newly-installed hard drives before recording.

To format the hard drive:
	CAUTION
Formatting the hard drive deletes all saved files. This step cannot be undone.
From the Main Menu, click and then click Storage > HDD Manager.
Select the hard dive you would like to format and then click Format. Click OK to confirm.
Click OK to save changes. The system will restart to complete the formatting process.

13.3.19  Configuring Hard Drive Type

The system supports the following hard drive types:

• Read/Write: Normal recording hard drive.
• Read only: The system can playback data from this hard drive, but it will not record to it.

To set the hard drive type:

From the Main Menu, click and then click Storage > HDD Manager.
Click the hard drive you would like to configure.
Under Type, select Read/Write or Read only.
Click OK to save changes. The system will restart to complete this operation.

13.3.20  Configuring General System Settings

You can use the General menu to configure miscellaneous system settings.

To configure general settings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > General > General.
Configure the following:
• Device Name: Enter a name for your NVR.
• Language: Set the language for the NVR’s on-screen display.
• Video Standard: Select NTSC (North America) or PAL (Europe).
• HDD Full: Select Overwrite for the system to overwrite the oldest recordings when the hard drive is full or select Stop Record for the system to stop recording when the hard drive is full.
• Pack Duration: Select the length (in minutes) of video files stored on the system. For example, if this is set to 30 minutes, the system will create a new video file for each 30 minutes of continuous recording.
• Instant Playback: Select the amount of time (in minutes) the system will go back when instant playback is activated in live view.
• Auto Logout: Select the idle time (in minutes) before the system will logout the current user.
• IPC Time Sync: Select how often (in hours) the NVR will update the time on the network cameras.
• Navigation Bar: Check to enable the Navigation Bar that comes up when you hover the mouse cursor over the bottom of the screen in Live View.
• Startup Wizard: Check to enable a setup wizard when you start up the system.
• Mouse Sensitivity: Use the slider to adjust the mouse speed.
Click OK to save changes.

13.3.21  Changing the NVR‎’s Output Resolution

To optimize display, you can change the output resolution of your NVR to match the maximum supported resolution of your monitor. The Display menu allows you to configure the systems monitor resolution and other display settings.

	Note
Maximum supported output resolutions: Up to 1080p resolution using a VGA cable (not included). Up to 4K resolution using the included HDMI cable (4K monitor or TV required).

To change the NVR’s output resolution:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > Display > Display.
Under Resolution, select the resolution of your monitor or TV.
Click OK to save changes. Click OK again to restart the system using the new resolution.

To configure other display settings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > Display > Display.
Configure the following:
• Transparency: Adjust the menu transparency.
• Time Display: Check to show the time on the live display.
• Channel Display: Check to show the channel names on the live display.
• Image Enhance: Check for the NVR to digitally improve the video quality on the live display. This setting does not affect recordings.
• Original Scale: Click Set next to Original Scale to set the system to show the true aspect ratio of the cameras on the live display. This may add black bars to the top and bottom of the image.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.

13.3.22  Saving Your System Configuration to a USB Flash Drive

The system allows you to save your current system configuration to a USB flash drive (not included). This is useful if you want to backup your current settings.

	Note
This function only saves settings created in system menus. It does not save or backup any video.

To save your system configuration to a USB flash drive:
Insert a USB flash drive (not included) into one of the USB ports.
From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > Config Backup.
Under Device Model, select the USB device where you would like to save the configuration.
Click Export to save your current system configuration.

To restore a saved system configuration:
Insert a USB flash drive (not included) with a saved system configuration into one of the USB ports.
From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > Config Backup.
Under Device Model, select the USB device.
Click the folder with the configuration files you would like to restore. Configuration file folders are labeled “Config” followed by the time and date the configuration was saved (e.g. Config_20140425103727).
Click Import to restore the system configuration.
Click OK to confirm. The system will restart to complete the operation.

13.3.23  Restoring Default Settings

The Default menu allows you to reset the NVR settings to its out-of-the box state. You can choose to reset all settings at once, or just settings on specific menus. Restoring default settings does not affect recordings and snapshots saved to the hard drive.

To restore default settings:
From the Main Menu, click and then click Setting > Default.
Do one of the following:
• Check the menus you would like to reset to default settings, or click All to reset all menus. Click Apply and OK when done.
• Check Factory Default to restore NVR settings to its out-of-box state. Click OK to confirm. The NVR will reboot automatically.

13.3.24  Upgrading Firmware from a USB Flash Drive

The system supports automatic firmware upgrades over the network to ensure your unit is always up-to-date. It is recommended to always use automatic upgrade unless directed to perform a manual upgrade by technical support.

To upgrade firmware from a USB flash drive:

Download the firmware upgrade from www.lorextechnology.com .

Extract the firmware file and copy the firmware to a blank USB flash drive.

	Note
Do not have any folders on the USB flash drive—just the firmware file.

Insert the USB flash drive to a USB port on the system.

Right-click and then click Main Menu. Click > Setting > Upgrade.

Click Upgrade.

Select the firmware file on the USB flash drive and click Start.

	WARNING
DO NOT POWER OFF THE SYSTEM OR DISCONNECT THE POWER CABLE DURING FIRMWARE UPGRADE.