NVR H2DAC series user manual

The NVR H2DAC comprises network video recorders designed for systems that require larger video archives and data redundancy. The devices support the installation of two hard disk drives and/or solid-state drives (not included), which allows for extended recording depth and operation in redundancy mode.

The NVRs can be used in fixed video surveillance setups, enabling users to view archived and live footage in Ajax apps or on a display connected via the HDMI output.

You can connect Ajax video devices and third-party IP cameras to the NVR H2D video recorder. The device is available in two versions:

• NVR H2DAC (8-ch)
• NVR H2DAC (16-ch)

Functional elements

1. LED light guide for indicating the NVR state.
2. Removable front panel.
3. Ethernet port.
4. HDMI port.
5. USB 2.0 connectors.
6. Power supply connector.
7. Power switch.
8. Fixing points for attaching rack-mount brackets to the video recorder to install it in a server rack.
9. QR code with the device ID. Used for adding the video recorder to an Ajax system.
10. Front-side USB 2.0 connector.
11. Reset button.
12. Storage device trays.
13. Storage device tray latch.
14. Mounting holes for securing a 2.5" drive to the storage device tray.
15. Mounting holes for securing a 3.5" drive to the storage device tray.

Operating principle

The NVR H2DAC series comprises network video recorders for connecting Ajax video devices and third-party IP cameras that support ONVIF and RTSP protocols. The NVR allows you to install two hot-swappable storage devices with a total capacity of up to 16 TB. Storage devices are not included in the NVR H2DAC video recorder package.

The NVR has two video recording modes:

• Redundancy mode is a mode in which the NVR records the same video streams simultaneously to both storage devices, ensuring data redundancy and reliability.
• Split mode is a mode in which the NVR sequentially distributes video streams across multiple storage devices to balance the load and optimize storage.

The NVR H2DAC series devices feature an HDMI output, which allows you to view video from connected cameras on a display, even when the video recorder is not connected to the internet. The NVR has three USB 2.0 (Type-A) ports for connecting a keyboard, mouse, USB flash drive, or USB Audio Device Class device (Audio IN/Audio OUT). The maximum output current is 500 mA per port. If the connected device requires more power to operate, provide an external power supply for that device.

The video recorder has a built-in accelerometer that detects if the device has been moved. When the accelerometer is activated in the settings and detects any change in the NVR’s position, the system sends a notification that the device has been moved. This feature can be configured in the Tampering attempt notifications device settings.

NVR H2DAC series enables users to:

1. Add and configure IP cameras (camera resolution, brightness, contrast, etc.).
2. View video from added cameras in real time, both locally and in Ajax apps, with the ability to zoom.
3. View and export videos from the archive locally and in Ajax apps, navigating by the recording chronology and calendar (if a storage devicehard drive is connected to the video recorder).
4. Choose how to detect motion in the frame — on the camera or on the video recorder.
5. Configure motion detection on the video recorder (detection zones, sensitivity level).
6. View the Video wall that combines images from all connected cameras.
7. Create video scenarios that send a short video from the selected camera to the Ajax app when the detector is triggered.
8. Configure connection via ONVIF to integrate the device with video management systems (VMS) such as Milestone, Genetec, Axxon, and Digifort.
9. Create local users and manage their access to the cameras and recorded videos.
10. View videos in real time and play back recorded videos locally on a display connected to the video recorder via the HDMI output.
11. Configure specific video recorder settings locally.
    

How to download videos from the archive in Ajax apps

How to configure temporary camera video access

Selecting the device location

It is recommended to install the video recorder inside a locked cabinet or server rack hidden from prying eyes. This will help to reduce the likelihood of sabotage. Ensure that the cabinet provides access for service and proper cable management. Note that the device is intended for indoor installation only.

The device is housed in a compact casing with active cooling. If the rack cabinet has insufficient ventilation or airflow, the operating temperature of memory drives may be exceeded. Install the video recorder on a flat and stable rack shelf or use rack-mount brackets fixed to the rack rails. Ensure that the ventilation openings are not obstructed.

Follow placement recommendations when designing the Ajax system for an object. The security system should be designed and installed by professionals. The list of authorized Ajax partners is available here.

Where not to install the video recorder

1. Outdoors. This may cause the breakdown of the video recorder.
2. Inside premises with temperature and humidity values that do not correspond to the operating parameters.

Installation

The video recorder is designed to be installed in a server rack or on a flat, stable surface.

1. If you plan to install the video recorder in a server rack, install the rack-mount brackets using the fixing points on the sides of the video recorder.

   

2. Install the video recorder in a server rack or on a flat, stable surface, following the installation recommendations.

3. Remove the front panel by sliding it to the right.

   

4. Press the latch and pull the storage device tray out.

   

5. Install the storage device in the tray, aligning the mounting holes on the drive with the holes on the tray. Secure the storage device with the bundled screws using the designated mounting holes.

   

   1 — mounting holes for securing a 2.5" drive to the storage device tray

   2 — mounting holes for securing a 3.5" drive to the storage device tray
   

6. Insert the storage device tray back into the NVR slot.

7. Repeat the procedure for the second storage device tray if necessary.

8. Install the front panel by sliding it back into place.

9. Connect the power cable.

10. Connect the video recorder to the network via the Ethernet port.

11. If necessary, connect a display to the HDMI port and interface devices to the USB ports.

12. Turn on the power switch to activate the device.

13. Add the device to the system.

The LED indicator lights up yellow and turns white after the connection to the internet. If the connection to the Ajax Cloud server fails, the LED indicator lights up red.

Adding to the system

Before adding a device

1. Install an Ajax app.

2. Log in to your account or create a new one.

3. Select a space or create a new one.

4. Add at least one virtual room.

5. Ensure the space is disarmed.

Adding to the space

1. Open an Ajax app. Select a space to which you want to add the device.

2. Go to the Devices tab and tap Add device.

3. Scan the QR code or enter it manually. Find the QR code under the removable front panel and on the packaging.

   

4. Assign a name to the device.

5. Select a virtual room.

6. Tap Add.

7. Make sure that the video recorder is powered on and has access to the internet. The LED indicator should light up white.

8. Tap Add.

The connected device will appear in the list of devices in the Ajax app.

NVR H2DAC series only works with one space. To connect the video recorder to the new space, remove NVR H2DAC series from the device list of the old one. This must be done manually in the Ajax app.

Adding an IP camera to NVR

You can calculate the number of cameras and NVRs that can be added to the space using the video device calculator.

The IP camera connected to the video recorder will appear in the list of the NVR cameras in the Ajax app.

Managing NVR via HDMI connection

Logging in

To start using NVR H2DAC series with a display connected via the HDMI output, you must log in to your Ajax account. There are two login options: as a local user or with a cloud account.

How to create a local user

To log in as a local user:

1. Select the login option As local user.

2. Enter the local Username and Password in the corresponding fields.

3. (Optional) Enable Automatically log in to this account on restart.

4. Tap Log in.

To log in with a cloud account:
There are two ways to log in with a cloud account: using account credentials or scanning a QR code.

Using account credentials:

1. Ensure the video recorder is connected to the internet.

2. Select the login option With cloud account.

3. Select an account type.

4. Enter your Email and Password in the corresponding fields.

5. (Optional) Enable Automatically log in to this account on restart.

6. Tap Log in.

Using a QR code:

1. Ensure the video recorder is connected to the internet.

2. Select the login option With cloud account.

3. Open an Ajax app on your mobile device and go to:

   • Menu → App settings → Sessions

4. Select Scan QR and scan the QR code on the display.

Video wall and slideshow

The Video wall feature allows you to create custom layouts, manage cameras, watch live video streams, access archived footage, and more — all in a single interface.

What features are available in the video wall*

*This article describes the features available in Ajax Desktop apps. The video wall on the HDMI-connected display does not include some features related to searching for spaces, channels, and channel organization.

Using the video wall, you can view archives from up to 4 cameras simultaneously directly on the display connected via HDMI.

NVR H2DAC series features keyboard shortcuts to quickly and simply navigate the video wall. These shortcuts give you instant access to key features and help you work within the video wall.

Keyboard shortcuts to manage the video wall

Keyboard shortcuts to manage the slideshow

Keyboard shortcuts to control PTZ cameras

Exporting an archive via USB

The NVR H2DAC series devices can export video recordings to an external storage device connected to the USB port. This allows users to download videos directly from the video recorder connected to the display via HDMI. No Ajax apps or internet connection are required.

Learn more about exporting an archive via USB

Settings

To open the Settings tab, select it from the top toolbar.

Logging out

To log out of your account:

1. Click the profile icon or user image in the upper-right corner of the interface.

2. Select Sign out.

After logging out, you will see the login screen.

Resetting to the default settings

To reset the video recorder to the default settings:

1. Turn it off by disconnecting the power supply.

2. Remove the front panel.

3. Press and hold the recessed reset button using a suitable tool.

   

4. Power the video recorder while the reset button is pressed, and wait until the LED indicator lights up violet. This will take about 50 s.

   The video recorder’s LED indicator lights up yellow for 20 s after powering the video recorder with a pressed reset button. Then it turns off for 20 s and lights up violet. This means that video recorder has been restored to the default settings.

5. Release the reset button.

Icons

The icons show some device states. You can view them in Ajax apps:

1. Open an Ajax app and select a space.

2. Go to the Devices tab.

3. Find the video recorder in the list.

Icon	Meaning
	One or two storage devices are connected.
	A storage device is not connected, or all connected storage devices are in the Read-only mode.
	A storage device is being formatted or has periodic malfunctions. If formatting does not start, replace the storage device.
	Storage device errors or malfunctions are detected: Only one storage device is installed, and the Redundancy mode is applied to the storage setup. One or two storage devices are in the Read-only mode, and the Redundancy mode is applied to the storage setup. Any of the storage devices is malfunctioning. Rebooting the video recorder or formatting the storage device is recommended.
	A firmware update is available. Go to the device states or settings to find the description and launch an update.
	Firmware update in progress: downloading/installing the latest version.
	New firmware installation has failed.
	The device connection via ONVIF is enabled. Learn more
	The device has lost connection with the Ajax Cloud server.

States

The States section displays information about the device and its operating parameters. You can view the video recorder’s states in Ajax apps or on a display connected via HDMI.

To view states in Ajax apps:

1. Open an Ajax app and select a space.

2. Go to the Devices tab.

3. Select the video recorder from the list of devices.

Settings

To change video recorder settings in an Ajax app:

1. Go to the Devices tab.

2. Select the video recorder from the list.

3. Go to Settings by tapping on the gear icon .

4. Set the required parameters.

5. Tap Back to save the new settings.

Additionally, the Connection and Archive settings can be configured via HDMI connection.

Connection

Archive

Audio

Service

Managing local users

Local users are accounts saved directly on the video recorder that can be used to access the NVR even without an internet connection. Up to 50 local users can be created on a single video recorder. Each user has a username, password, and a role — either Administrator or Operator. The assigned role determines the local user’s access rights to cameras, the archive, and device settings.

Local user accounts can be created, managed, and deleted only via Ajax apps, and only when the video recorder is connected to the internet.

Creating a local user

To create a local user in Ajax apps:

1. Select a space.

2. Go to the Local users menu in the video recorder settings:

   • Devices → NVR H2DAC series video recorder → Settings → Local users

3. Tap Add.

4. Fill in the required fields:

   1. Enter a Username. Each username must be unique.

   2. Enter a Password and confirm it in the Password confirmation field. The password must be at least six characters long and include uppercase and lowercase letters, digits, and special characters.

5. Select the local user role. Note that the Administrator role has full access to the cameras and settings.

6. If the Operator role is selected, set the required access rights.

7. Tap Save to finish creating a local user.

Modifying parameters and permissions

To modify a local user’s name, role, permissions, or password in Ajax apps:

1. Select a space.

2. Go to the Local users menu in the video recorder settings:

   • Devices → NVR H2DAC series video recorder → Settings → Local users

3. Select the required local user.

4. Modify the following parameters as necessary:

   1. Username.

   2. Role.

   3. Access rights (only for the Operator role).

   4. Password.

5. Tap Save to apply the changes.

Deleting a local user

To delete a local user in Ajax apps:

1. Select a space.

2. Go to the Local users menu in the video recorder settings:

   • Devices → NVR H2DAC series video recorder → Settings → Local users

3. Select the required local user.

4. Tap Delete account.

5. Tap Delete to confirm the action.

Indication

Maintenance

The device does not require maintenance.

Technical specifications

Technical specifications of NVR H2DAC (8-ch)

Technical specifications of NVR H2DAC (16-ch)

Compliance with standards

Warranty

Warranty for products of Limited Liability Company “Ajax Systems Manufacturing” is valid for 2 years after purchase.

If the device does not function correctly, please contact Ajax Technical Support first. In most cases, technical issues can be resolved remotely.

Warranty obligations

User agreement

Contact Technical Support:

• email

• Telegram

Manufactured by “AS Manufacturing” LLC