Frequently asked Questions

PC Based DVR - Watch Remotely - Beeping PC - Increasing DVR Security

Cameras - Rolling Picture Bars

Embedded DVR

Mobile DVR

Installation

PC Based DVR - FAQ

How do I watch my business from another computer?

Remote software is provided that may be installed on any Windows based PC or Laptop. VMS Technical Support can walk you through this set-up during your initial installation.

I keep hearing a chirping noise coming from the DVR. How do I get it to stop?

If you hear a chirping noise coming from the DVR system, it could mean you have one or more cameras out, not providing a video signal. This audible alert is designed to inform of a lost video signal. You may turn off the specific camera or cameras that are out and schedule a service call.

Who do I contact if I have a problem or question?

If you should require direct or immediate assistance, please call 877-323-CCTV. Our office hours are from 8am to 6pm Eastern Standard Time. If you should have an emergency (your DVR is not recording or will not turn back on) leave a message on our voice mail or e-mail us at support@vmscctv.com

How do I increase security on my DVR?

The items in this FAQ are used to achieve heightened security in a VM2 class DVR system on a LAN or in a corporate application. Some or all of the items may be used per your choosing as none of the items are dependant upon another other unless noted.

Hardware firewall or software firewall.

No ports are required for the operation of the DVR software other than 6808 through 6809. All other ports can be aggressively blocked.
If you are using a hardware firewall:

Do *NOT* to enable the DMZ.
Configure the port forwarding as if you were connecting directly to the Internet.
Enable DHCP on the WAN port or establish the IP settings assigned to the DVR.
Be sure to inform the network administrator of your intent so they can establish the appropriate settings and rules for your firewall.
Use an IP mask different from the existing network.

10.0.0.0 through 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 through 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 through 192.168.255.255

Use a subnet of 255.255.255.252 (one IP device and a broadcast address).

If you are using a software firewall:

Set the default action to be drop or deny access.
Remove all default rules and ensure that only the DVR ports are enabled.

User accounts

A separate user account should be created for each person who is to have access to the system.
If necessary you can assign a username to a group or department, but this will lessen the effectiveness of the DVR in providing an accurate log file.
Usernames should conform to a standard (first initial and last name for example), but passwords should be mixed case alpha numeric.
A maximum of two persons should have administrative rights to the DVR and each should have a separate username and password.
The factory default “admin” and “test” accounts should be removed.

The keyboard and mouse should be removed from the immediate DVR site.
Install the DVR in a well ventilated lockbox designed for PC installations.
The DVR should utilize the “Disable CTRL-ALT-DEL” feature in the settings.
No file or folder sharing should be enabled. The “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks” protocol can be uninstalled from your LAN connection entirely if you want.
The DVR case should be locked or, if this is not an option, the floppy disk and CDROM drives should be disconnected or disabled.
A camera should be assigned to secure the DVR or at least the room the DVR is installed in some way.

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Cameras

Rolling Picture Bars

The annoying horizontal bars that occasionally show up in CCTV video signals are the result of a ground loop in AC power environment. They may exist in one CCTV installation, but not in another essentially similar one. In fact, the "rolling picture bars" may come and go as heavy power loads (caused by large equipment, etc.) turn on and off over time.

The problem comes about because both the AC power source and the CCTV installation have one or more common points of connection and thus cause a Ground Loop. These are usually due to improper grounding of AC plugs to a metallic portion of the structure. The real problem to the CCTV industry is that these AC ground currents will change with poor load balances and so the problems caused by a ground loop may be practically invisible one minute and intolerable the next. Due to the analog to digital conversion of video into still frames, DVR systems are more sensitive to “rolling power bars” than conventional analog monitors, time-lapse VCRs and multiplexers.

The easiest and most effective solution is to connect a “Power Conditioner” at each point in the system where grounded AC power is attached (all grounded cameras, lightning arresters, patch panels, required coaxial cable grounds, and any other possible source of grounding). A power conditioner (also known as a line conditioner) is an electronic device, commonly taking the form of a powerstrip, that smoothes out the peaks and dips of AC power to create smooth power for precision electronics. Power conditioners are different from the typical uninterruptible power supply in that they continuously charge the battery and constantly run the equipment off battery power. Most UPSs simply pass the source power straight through while the source power is live. This can cause some sensitive equipment to fault or perhaps even be damaged in extreme cases. A dual conversion online UPS is a kind of power conditioner.

With a clear understanding of the source of these "rolling power bars", and the exact situation that introduces this interference into CCTV systems, the CCTV Installer can assemble even a complex system with the confidence that no ground loops will interfere with the transmission of clear pictures.

Who do I contact if I have a problem or question?

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Embedded DVR

Who do I contact if I have a problem or question?

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Mobile DVR

Who do I contact if I have a problem or question?

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Installation

Who do I contact if I have a problem or question?

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