This step-by-step guide will quickly give you all you need to get your analog security DVR recorder up and running; the PDF version is available HERE.
Camius hybrid DVR for security cameras works with CVBS, AHD, HD TVI, and HDCVI cameras using coaxial cables. In addition, you can also add IP cameras over the network.
Step-1: Powering on Camius security DVR recorder for the first time
After plugging in your cameras, monitor, and mouse, turn on the DVR using the On/Off switch.
During the Camius loading screen, the security DVR recorder detects the monitor connected to the HDMI or VGA port, and a message will appear if a higher resolution is available.
On the startup screen, please create a password for the DVR to be used for local and remote access.
- Select the desired menu Language.
- The default Device ID is 000000.
- The administrator username is ‘admin’
- Password requirements: 8-16 characters, a lowercase, an uppercase, a digit, and a special character.
- You can activate and edit users under Menu >> Setup >> System >> Multi-user
The unlock pattern is optional for easy access: Click on the tab ‘to Draw’ and set your unlock pattern then click ‘Apply’. In addition, users can select or skip Password Recovery Questions & Answers.
Step 2: Logging in to your DVR for security cameras
Unlock the DVR using the newly created password, and if the password is lost, here’s how to reset it:
1 – If your recorder has a reset button (R-series) shown on the Connection Diagram, press and hold it for 10 seconds to reset. After the audible confirmation, the DVR will reset all settings, including the password. Resetting will not erase recorded footage on your hard drive unless set under Maintenance >> Reset settings.
2 – If your recorder doesn’t have a reset button, email the current date on the DVR’s interface and The MAC address of the DVR to su*****@****us.com to receive a reset password:
To find the MAC address, click the (i) information icon at the bottom menu on the DVR’s interface. The Camius Device Config Tool and the Camius View app are other ways to find the MAC.
Step 3: Startup Wizard – Network
If your router supports DHCP, keep the DHCP checkbox ticked. The router will automatically assign network parameters to the DVR. Otherwise, you can set up a static IP.
The IP address identifies the DVR on the local network.
The subnet mask for a basic setup is 255.255.255.0
The Gateway is typically your router’s IP address.
DNS1/DNS2: The primary and backup DNS servers.
Web Ports: (HTTP/HTTPS/RTSP) is 80 by default, and the ‘Client’ port is 9000 by default; both are customizable.
UPnP: If your router supports Universal Plug’n’Play. The DVR will attempt to configure port forwarding automatically; otherwise, you can forward those ports manually on the router.
PPPOE protocol is for DSL connections.
Step 4: Startup Wizard – Date & Time
Synchronizing your DVR’s internal clock with your local Date & Time is essential; here are the steps:
1- Set your local time zone relative to GMT, for example, with Daylight Saving On:
{PST Pacific: GMT-7} {MST Mountain: GMT-6} {CST Central: GMT-5} {EST Eastern: GMT-4}
2- Set the date, time, and formats manually.
3- It’s recommended to use NTP (Network Time Protocol), which synchronizes date and time over the Internet. Click the checkbox, choose one of the servers, and click Update Now.
4- Enable DST for Daylight Saving Time.
Once done, click Next.
Step 5: Startup Wizard – IP Cameras
To add compatible IP cameras to your local network, click the search button, select ‘Private’ protocol for Camius IP cameras or ONVIF protocol for compatible IP cameras, enter the credentials, and click Add.
Green status indicates a successful connection and grey status could indicate a password or network parameters mismatch.
Detected IP cameras on your LAN appear on the left side; you can add them using the middle arrow.
To add cameras manually, click the (+) icon, and enter the details based on the compatible camera’s network settings.
Step 6: Startup Wizard – Storage
If your DVR came with a pre-installed Hard Disk Drive, it would appear on the Disk screen.
Check the ‘State’ column; if it’s ‘Normal,’ click Next. Otherwise, click in the HDD checkbox and then ‘Format HDD.’ We recommend having ‘Overwrite’ set to ‘Auto.’
Enter the DVR’s password to confirm; once the HDD is formatted, its State will turn to ‘Normal.’
Adding NetHDD requires a file server on your LAN with NFS or SMB enabled, NFS requires an IP and Directory on the file server, and limiting disk size is optional. SMB connections require a username, IP, and Directory on your file server.
To physically install or replace an HDD, power off the unit, then remove the cover screws, remove the cover and the HDD screws. Then, plug the HDD in using the data & power connectors and reinstall the HDD screws.
8 Channel DVR’s SATA HDD Or SSD is compatible with up to 10TB capacity, while 16 channel DVRs support 14TB per SATA port.
Step 7: Startup Wizard – Mobile
This screen displays the DVR’s P2P ID.
To access the DVR remotely, you can scan the QR code with your Camius View smartphone app.
Next is the IP address assigned to your DVR, subnet mask, and ports.
The Summary screen is the last step of the Wizard; click on ‘Don’t show this window next time’ if you don’t wish to display the Wizard on the next reboot.
Finally, click on the Finish button to save.
Step 8: Adding your DVR security systems to the Camius View App
Download the Camius View app on your smartphone or tab from the iOS or Android app store.
On the first run, the App will require network access and other permissions; once authorized, the App will start a tutorial highlighting the plus symbol add button.
Startup Wizard >> Mobile
This screen displays the NVR’s P2P ID. To access the NVR remotely, you can scan the
QR code with your Camius View app.
On the summary screen, click on ‘Don’t show this window next time’ if you don’t wish to display the Wizard on the next reboot, and finally, click on the finish button to save.
Step 9: Configuration of Camius DVR for Security Cameras
Accessing the configuration page on the Camius View app: Tap on the main menu icon >> Configuration >> Tap on the DVR you want to configure.
Accessing the configuration page using a web browser: The local IP address on the DVR can be found on the information page and on the network page, to find the DVR’s IP address on a PC, visit camius.com/support, download and install the Camius Device Config Tool. This software scans your LAN and displays all Camius devices found.
Enter your DVR’s local IP into your browser’s address bar, and use your admin username and DVR’s Password to log in. The Configuration page is under Remote Settings.
Accessing the configuration page on a monitor connected to the DVR: Using the provided mouse, click on the bottom left menu button >> Setup.
Step 10: Configuring Event-based recording
On the DVR’s monitor, click on the Menu icon >> Setup >> Record >> Record Schedule.
Check the yellow button for motion recording, the red button for alarm, or the purple button for PIR.
Then click and drag inside the grid to select the hours to allow motion events to be recorded, click ‘Copy’ to apply these settings to other cameras, then click ‘Apply.’
Deterrence & Siren Schedule
The Camius hybrid DVR includes a built-in deterrence system for triggering lights and a siren when a camera detects activity.
Go to Setup, then Channel, then Deterrence. From there, set the target detection area for each camera channel. Then open the Schedule tab to choose which hours the deterrence rules are active. The Schedule lets you turn on lights, a siren, or both during the times you select.
What you get depends on which cameras are connected to the DVR.
Analog Cameras Deterrence
If you are using Camius FB4KPRO 4K analog cameras, those cameras include white spotlight LEDs. The LEDs activate at night when an human or vehicle is detected (controlled by at AI >> Human & Vehicle Detection). This feature is called Smart Illumination, and it works through a separate path: Setup, then Alarm, then Deterrence.
The FB4KPRO camera’s Day and Night mode must be set to EXT (using UTC menu in the DVR) for Smart Illumination to work. For full step-by-step instructions, see the FB4KPRO 4K analog camera spotlight setup guide.
Spotlight PoE cameras Deterrence and Siren
If you are using Camius 4K spotlight PoE IP cameras, those cameras support both a white light and a siren. They connect to the DVR over your local network. The DVR manages them the same way an NVR manages IP cameras. Deterrence on these cameras triggers on human detection, vehicle detection, line crossing, and perimeter intrusion events. The Setup, then Channel, then Deterrence path in the DVR menu is the correct path for these cameras. For full step-by-step instructions, see the 4K spotlight camera lights and siren deterrence setup guide.
How to navigate the Live View
While the multi-camera view is displayed on the monitor connected to the DVR, double-click on one of the channels to expand and again to restore the previous view
using the scroll wheel on the mouse you can zoom in and out
Clicking on one of the channels once will display the camera menu, which provides direct access to camera actions.
The event panel appears automatically on the right side when an event is triggered, you can filter which alarm type appears in this panel by clicking on the gear symbol.
Click on the pin symbol to pin the panel permanently, and on the eye symbol to hide it.
The AI symbol displays captured AI statistics.
How to playback recorded video
- Click on the playback icon on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen
- A red underline indicates days with available recordings on the date menu; click on one of the days.
- You can filter by the type of event to search for and select channels you want to play.
- The 24-hour timeline will populate continuous recordings as green blocks and other event types in different colors.
- Clicking on the timeline jumps the playback position to the selected time.
How to backup or copy recorded video
Backing up on the DVR requires a thumb drive. On the playback search page, click on the events tab, select the date, type, and channels, and then click the search button. Next, select one or multiple event thumbnails, click the Backup button at the bottom, choose .MP4 (recommended), then click Save, select a folder on the thumb drive, and click OK.
Frequently asked questions about Camius Security DVR Recorder
How do I enable notifications on my smartphone?
On the Camius View app, tap on Menu>>Push Notifications>>Setup>>Toggle the switch on.
I can't see the edge of the DVR's monitor, how do I fix it?
On the DVR, click on the Menu Icon >> Setup >> System >> General >> Output Configuration >> Scale and Offset. Click on Setup and Scale to adjust the visible screen size, X for horizontal, and Y for vertical; once you see the red frame, right-click to go back and Apply to save changes.
How do I enable coaxial audio for analog cameras?
To activate audio on a Camius analog camera with a built-in microphone like the FB4KAOC use the special audio+video+power cable for audio monitoring and recording using the Camius DVR.
Navigate to Setup>> General >> Audio Input Type, click ‘Coaxial Audio’ and enable ‘Audio’ under the DVR’s ‘Record – Encode – Mainstream.’ Check the detailed guide on how to enable audio on Camius BNC cameras.
How do I add IP cameras to my DVR?
Under Menu >> System >> General >> Mode >> Switch to XVR and apply, then wait 1-2 minutes as the DVR reboots as a hybrid XVR. This switch will reset the Configuration and Password. Then Navigate to Setup and search and add IP cameras.
Interface Reference Guide
Error Messages
- Video Loss: The analog camera is disconnected; check the connection.
- No Camera: The IP camera is disconnected; check the connection.
- Decoding Failed: IP camera’s compression mismatch; try switching it to H.264
Event icons
These icons appear on each channel when an event takes place.
Detected Camera Types
The DVR supports the following analog camera types: CVBS, AHD, CVI, TVI, and IP cameras on a local network switch.
A: AHD camera
T: HD-TVI camera
C: HD-CVI camera
IP: IP camera
Taskbar Icons (Bottom left)
Taskbar Icons (Bottom right)
Connection Diagram
The diagram below shows all possible connections; different models may come with different ports.
FAQs About Security DVR Installation
How do I connect the DVR recorder to power and cameras?
Camius recommends plugging the DVR into a stable power source via the included power adapter. Each security camera must be connected to a video input port on the DVR using the proper coaxial or network cable (depends if analog or IP). Also connect the camera power supply or use a power-over-cable solution if your system supports it. Ensure all connections are firm to prevent signal loss.
How do I configure the DVR to record continuously versus only on motion events?
In the DVR’s main menu, under recording settings, Camius allows users to choose recording schedules: continuous, motion-detection, or both. Select “motion detection” if you want to save storage space, or “normal” if you need uninterrupted monitoring. Camius devices include sensitivity and zone settings for motion detection so you can fine-tune when and where motion triggers recording.
How do I reset my Camius DVR password?
If your Camius DVR has a reset button (R-series), press and hold it for 10 seconds until you hear confirmation. This restores all settings including the password without erasing video files unless “reset settings” is selected. If no reset button is present, send the DVR’s current date and MAC address using a support contact form.
How do I configure network settings on a Camius DVR?
During the Startup Wizard, keep the DHCP box checked to let your router assign network parameters automatically. If needed, manually enter IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers. Camius DVRs also support UPnP for auto port forwarding
How do I set the date and time on a Camius DVR?
Go to the Startup Wizard >> Date and Time. Select your time zone, set the date and time, and enable NTP for automatic synchronization. Camius DVRs also support Daylight Saving adjustments for accurate timestamps
How do I add IP cameras to a Camius DVR?
In the IP Camera menu, click Search and select “Private” for Camius cameras or “ONVIF” for compatible cameras. Enter camera credentials and click Add. A green status confirms connection. Camius DVRs also support hybrid mode (XVR) for mixed analog and IP camera setups
How do I set up recording schedules on a Camius DVR?
On the DVR monitor, go to Menu >> Setup >> Record >> Record Schedule. Choose continuous, motion detection, alarm, or PIR recording. Apply to one or multiple channels. Camius DVRs allow fine-tuned recording modes to balance storage and coverage
How do I back up video footage from a Camius DVR?
Insert a USB drive into the DVR, then open Playback >> Events tab. Select date, type, and channels, then click Backup. Choose MP4 format, save to the USB, and confirm. Camius DVRs make it simple to transfer video securely. View this detailed guide on how to backup the footage
How do I enable phone notifications on my Camius DVR?
In the Camius View app, tap Menu >> Push Notifications >> Setup and toggle the switch. Once enabled, you’ll receive alerts from your Camius DVR for motion or alarm events
Why can’t I see the full DVR display on my monitor?
Go to Menu >> Setup >> System >> General >> Output Configuration >> Scale and Offset. Adjust X and Y scaling until the red frame fills your screen. This ensures proper display on your Camius DVR. View the detailed guide on how to adjust the monitor resolution
Will my DVR stop recording when I turn off the TV?
No. The DVR records independently of the TV. The TV only functions as a display to view live or recorded footage. If you turn the TV off, recording continues in the background. You can verify this by turning the TV back on and checking the DVR playback menu for footage recorded during the time the TV was off.
Why does my DVR stop recording and my app lose connection when I turn off the TV?
This happens if the DVR is powered through a switched outlet that shuts off with the TV or a power strip/UPS with “TV control” mode. In this case, the DVR loses power when the TV is off, stopping hard drive activity and network access. To fix this, plug the DVR into a continuous power outlet. Once it has a stable power source, it will keep recording and remain accessible from the app even when the TV is off.
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