Network Video Recorder Installation Guide

This Camius NVR installation guide explains how to connect PoE cameras, connect a local HDMI or VGA monitor, configure storage and network settings, and set up local and remote viewing. Follow the steps below to complete your network video recorder setup for a home, office, retail store, warehouse, or other business location.

Camius PoE NVRs support centralized local recording, direct PoE camera connections, local monitor viewing, and remote access through the Camius View app, VMS Pro, and a web browser.

For a printable step by step walkthrough with diagrams, download the official NVR Installation Guide here.

What You Need Before Starting Network Video Recorder Installation

Before installation:

Place the NVR in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Avoid blocking vents to prevent overheating.
Check your local laws regarding video surveillance.
Use only approved power supplies.

How to Connect a Camius NVR and PoE Security Cameras

Depending on the model, Camius NVRs are available in 3 types:

Connection steps are similar across models:

Connect the power cord and switch the NVR on.
Use HDMI or VGA to connect a monitor.
Plug PoE IP cameras directly into the NVR PoE ports, or connect them through a network switch.
Connect the NVR to your router for internet access.
Optional: Connect speakers, USB mouse, or storage devices.

First Login and Password Setup for Your NVR

When powered on, the system will detect your monitor and prompt you to select:

Language
Device ID (default: 000000)
Administrator login (default username: admin)

Set a secure password (8–16 characters with uppercase, lowercase, number, and symbol). Optionally, add an unlock pattern and password recovery questions.

It is recommended to tick the ‘Same as recorder’s password‘ checkbox under ‘Camera Activation Password’.

If this box is not selected, the cameras may not sync properly and can show password error after setup. This allows all connected PoE cameras to be activated with the same password as the NVR admin password.

If you lose your password, reset options are available:

Press and hold the reset button (if available) for 10 seconds.
Or submit a support request with your NVR’s MAC ID and system date following this guide (applicable to those NVRs which do not have a hard reset button).

Startup Wizard

The built-in wizard helps configure your system:

Network Setup: DHCP is enabled by default. Static IP configuration is available. Configure ports (HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP, Client) if needed.
Date and Time: Set your time-zone, enable NTP synchronization, and adjust for Daylight Saving Time.
IP Camera Setup: Connected PoE cameras appear automatically. Non-PoE IP cameras can be added manually or via LAN search.
Disk Setup: If using a new HDD or SSD, format it under Setup. Enable Auto Overwrite if you want the NVR to replace the oldest recordings when the storage becomes full. Maximum supported storage depends on the NVR model.
Mobile Setup: Scan the P2P QR code to link with the Camius View app (iOS/Android).
Resolution: Choose the output resolution compatible with your monitor.

Adding and Managing IP Cameras on the Recorder

Plug Camius PoE IP cameras into NVR PoE ports for automatic detection.
Add ONVIF-compatible IP cameras manually via network settings.
Use the pencil icon for manual configuration or click “+” to search available IP cameras on your LAN.

If you’re wiring 12–16 cameras, a 16-camera NVR security system keeps cabling simple and storage centralized.

Access and Configuration

Camius NVR systems provide several ways to view and manage your cameras, depending on whether you are at the recorder, on the same local network, or accessing the system remotely.

Local HDMI or VGA Display

Connect a monitor or TV directly to the NVR using HDMI or VGA.

Use the included USB mouse to access live video, playback, recording settings, camera configuration, storage, network settings, and system settings.

This is the primary method for initial installation and configuration.

Web Browser Access

When your computer is on the same local network as the NVR, use the Camius Device Config Tool to locate the recorder’s IP address.

Enter the NVR’s local IP address into a supported web browser and log in using the recorder username and password.

Web browser access provides live viewing, playback, and configuration without installing the full VMS Pro desktop software.

View the Camius DVR and NVR Web Browser Viewing Guide.

VMS Pro for Windows and Mac

Camius VMS Pro provides live viewing, playback, system management, and multi-camera monitoring from a Windows PC or Mac.

For local access, add the NVR using its local IP address. For access from outside the recorder’s network, add the NVR using its Device ID, also known as the P2P ID.

VMS Pro is especially useful for businesses managing multiple cameras or multiple Camius recorders from one computer.

View the VMS Pro setup guide

Remote Access with the Camius View App

Camius View provides remote access from iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets.

Connect the NVR to your router, confirm DHCP and P2P are enabled, then add the recorder using its QR code or P2P Device ID.

After setup, switch your phone from Wi-Fi to cellular data to confirm remote access outside the local network.

View the Camius View setup guide

Need a Complete PoE Camera System?

Choose a Camius PoE NVR system with the recorder, cameras, and local storage already matched for compatibility. Systems are available in 8 and 16 channel configurations with 2K and 4K PoE cameras.

Recording Modes, Playback, and Backup Options

Recording Modes: Configure schedules for continuous, motion, alarm, or PIR-based recording under Setup >> Record >> Record Schedule.
Deterrence Schedule: Set lights and sirens for proactive deterrence.
Live View: Double-click cameras for full screen, zoom using the scroll wheel, and access quick controls.
Playback: Use the timeline to review events, filter by type, and export recordings.
Backup: Save selected recordings to a USB drive in MP4 format.

Download the complete NVR installation guide here

FAQs on Network Video Recorder Installation

What is needed for network video recorder installation?

Camius 8 channel NVRs support one drive up to 10TB. Camius 16 channel NVRs support two drives up to 14TB each, for up to 28TB of internal storage. Camius 32 channel NVRs support four drives up to 18TB each, for up to 72TB of internal storage.

How do I connect cameras during network video recorder installation?

Camius PoE IP cameras plug directly into the NVR’s PoE ports for automatic detection. You can also add Camius IP cameras over the local network. If you use ONVIF-compatible third-party IP cameras, add them manually through the NVR menu or with the Camius Device Config Tool.

How do I configure network settings on a Camius NVR?

On a Camius NVR, the simplest setup is to use DHCP. The DHCP box is usually checked by default, but make sure it is ticked so your router can automatically assign the correct network parameters. If you prefer manual setup, you can enter a static IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers in the NVR’s Network Settings. Camius also allows adjustment of HTTP, HTTPS, RTSP, and Client ports if needed for advanced configurations.

How do I set up recording on a Camius network video recorder?

On your Camius NVR, go to Menu >> Setup >> Record >> Record Schedule. Choose between continuous recording, motion detection, alarm-based recording, or PIR-based recording. Apply schedules to one or multiple channels as needed. For long-term storage, Camius NVRs support high-capacity hard drives: 8 channel models up to 10TB x1, 16 channel models up to 14TB x2, and 32 channel models up to 18TB x4. To avoid interruptions, enable Auto Overwrite, which ensures new video replaces the oldest footage once the drive is full.

Can I access my Camius NVR remotely after installation?

Yes. Download the Camius View app for iOS or Android. Scan the QR code on your Camius NVR to link it via P2P ID. This lets you watch live video, playback, and receive notifications securely without complex port forwarding.

How do I reset my Camius NVR if I forget the password?

If your Camius NVR includes a reset button, press and hold it for 10 seconds until you hear audible confirmation. This resets login details while keeping your recordings. If your model has no reset button, send the MAC address and current date displayed on your Camius NVR using a support ticket form for reset assistance.