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Manage and Optimize Your Camius DVR, NVR Hard Drive for Surveillance Cameras

If your DVR or NVR with a pre-installed internal hard drive disk is not recognizing the hard drive during the Start Wizard, or you see a ‘No HDD’ prompt, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Check Hard Drive Connections:

Ensure that the hard drive screws, power, and data cables are securely connected. For guidance on accessing the DVR/NVR enclosure and checking the HDD, click here for the manual.

  • Verify Hard Drive Health:

The hard drive might be defective. To start a return merchandise authorization (RMA) process, reach out to Camius using the contact form.

  • Confirm Power Supply:

Use the original power supply that came with the DVR. If the power supply is faulty or needs replacement, contact Camius to start an RMA for the DVR/NVR power supply. If your power supply is under warranty, click here. Alternatively, you can purchase a new power supply for your DVR  or NVR from the following links:

16 and 32 channel NVRs have a built-in power supply unit.

Storage Menu

To access the Storage menu navigate to Setup >> Device>>Disk. This menu allows you to manage and configure the NVR’s internal or external hard disk drives. Key functions include:

  • Format disks, detect disks.
  • Configure how recordings are stored on the hard disks.
  • Ensure disks are properly recognized and functioning.

Format HDD

To manage your hard drive, follow these steps:

  • Select Hard Drive: Click the checkbox next to the hard drive you wish to format.
  • Select one of the Formatting Options:
    • Format Entire Hard Disk: Erases all data, including events, log files, and analytic information.
    • Format Record Partition Only: Erases recording data such as videos and snapshots, but retains analytic information.
    • Format General Partition Only: Erases only analytic information, preserving videos, snapshots, and log files.

Choose the appropriate option and click “OK.” Enter your password and click “Authenticate.” A confirmation message will indicate the data that will be erased. Click “OK” to proceed.

TRIVAULT4K2168R HDD formatting questions
DVR format hard drive

Overwrite

Enable Overwriting: This feature allows the NVR to overwrite the oldest video files when the hard drive becomes full. You can specify the number of days of recordings to retain before overwriting occurs. For example, selecting 7 days will keep only the last 7 days of recordings on the HDD.
Disable Overwriting: Select “OFF” to prevent automatic overwriting. If this option is chosen, regularly check the HDD status to avoid a full drive, which will stop recording. It is recommended to keep the feature enabled to avoid running out of storage space.

eSATA

  • eSATA Port: This option is visible only if your NVR has an eSATA port and an external eSATA HDD is connected. Enabling this feature will allow recording to the external eSATA HDD, expanding your storage capacity. Note that enabling eSATA recording will disable the eSATA backup function.

NAS HDD

  • NAS Integration: Use this menu to add a NAS (Network Attached Storage) disk. NAS is intended for extending video and image storage. Note that the AI face database, license plate database, and voice prompt files must be saved on the local hard disk.
The picture below is based on the IPVAULT1128PR menu. Other recorders’ menus may differ slightly, but the functions are the same.
IPVAULT1128P ADD NAS NET HDD 2

Checking Hard Disk’s health

To check the health of your hard drive on the DVR/NVR interface, follow these steps:

  • Access the Main Menu:
    • Move the mouse cursor to the bottom left of the screen, click the main menu button, and then select Setup.
  • Check Disk Health:
    • Navigate to Device >> Disk >> S.M.A.R.T..
    • Click on Check to view the hard drive’s health status
    • Note: In newer devices, this feature may be available in the HDMI menu.
  • Review Hard Drive Status:
    • You will see the hard drive’s temperature (in degrees Celsius) and the overall evaluation status.
    • If the status is ‘Passed,’ your hard drive is functioning properly.
TRIVAULT2168R SMART
DVR HDMI menu
hdd smart
16 Channel NVR HDMI menu interface

Actvate Alarm Notifications in your NVR or DVR settings

Camius DVR and NVR security audio video recorders offer notifications triggered by events related to the hard drive.

You can activate the Buzzer (the recorder’s internal buzzing sound), Show a message (a message will pop up on the screen, whether you are accessing the recorder on the browser or the monitor connected to the recorder via HDMI or VGA output, Send an email (click here for the email settings) if the hard drive disk runs out of space or there is a disk error.

This setting is available under Setup >> Alarm >> Exception.

4k poe 8 channel NVR camius alerts

Activate Push Notifications in the Camius View App

Camius View smartphone app for iPhone, iPad and Android smart devices offers you push notifications related to your camera system storage.

Camius view Push notifications
Step 1 - Go to Push notifications
Camius view Push notifications 1
Step 2 - Click on the gear icon to access Push Setup
Camius view Push setup
Step 3 - Select the Camius NVR or DVR, tab the toggle from white to blue to enable Push notifications, and touch the gear icon.
Camius View push exception
Step 4 - Select the events under the Storage section to trigger push notifications. The blue color checkbox means it's been activated. Touch the Save tab before you leave to save your selection.

Conclusion:

Maintaining hard drives is crucial for ensuring their longevity and reliable performance. Here are some common recommendations from experts and users about hard drive maintenance:

Regular Backups:

  • Regular backups ensure that your data is safe in case of a hard drive failure.
  • Use automated backup solutions to create periodic backups, both on-site and off-site.

Monitor Drive Health:

  • Monitoring helps catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
  • Utilize tools like S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) to keep track of drive health and preemptively address any warnings.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

  • Overheating can shorten the lifespan of hard drives.
  • Keep your DVR/NVR system well-ventilated and ensure that vents are not blocked and allow air flow to cool the system. Regularly clean dust and debris around the recorder and its vents.

Avoid Physical Shocks:

  • Physical impacts can damage the internal components of hard drives.
  • Install hard drives securely and handle them carefully to avoid physical shocks or vibrations.

Check for the DVR/NVR Firmware Updates:

  • Firmware updates can fix bugs and improve the performance and reliability of hard drives.
  • Regularly check the website for any firmware updates and apply them as needed.

Conduct Regular Health Checks:

  • Regular checks can identify issues before they lead to failure.
  • Schedule periodic health checks and diagnostics to ensure that the hard drive is functioning correctly.

Replace Hard Drives:

By following these maintenance practices, users can significantly enhance the reliability and longevity of their hard drives, reducing the risk of data loss and system disruptions.