Videoswitch Vi-M series - Manual (Page 11)

Digital Recorder
1.5 Recording
Once the Date/time is set the M-series DVR Digital Recorder should now be fully
operational and recording images from all connected cameras. The default image retention
period is 31 days unless set otherwise in the menu.
1.6 Routine Checks
If the M-series DVR is not recording, the message RECORDING STOPPED will be
displayed on the video monitor. This should only happen if there is no video, if no hard drive
is fitted or if it is faulty, or if record timers have been set to disable recording. If recording
stops when is should not, a critical alert will occur, displayed as a red message on the
screen. This indicates that there may be a fault with the DVR or with one of its hard drives.
Although the system is intended for continuous un-attended operation, it is recommended
that the user regularly check that images from all cameras replay correctly. Any
potential problems with the cameras or recording system will then be detected as soon a
possible, rather than continuing un-noticed until a critical incident needs to be recalled from
the system.
Similarly, when a DVD, CD or USB backup has been created you should check that it
plays back correctly, before the images on the hard drive in the M-series DVR become
over-written. The backup may be checked by either by playing it on the M-series DVR or on
a PC.
1.7 Care of the Hard Drive(s)
A hard drive is a delicate mechanical item that should be handled with care. Before moving
a M-series DVR that has been powered up, or removing a hard drive, remove power and
wait for 30 seconds for the drive to stop spinning. This is a precaution to avoid possible
damage to the hard drive.
1.8 Critical Alerts
The M-series DVR constantly monitors the hard drive, camera inputs and system so that
detected fault conditions will be reported to the user as soon as possible by means of a red
“critical alert” message on the top left of the screen. Critical alerts are also added to the
event list.
• To cancel a critical alert, press the FIND key several times until the Critical event
screen is displayed. In the case of a Vi-M1, access events via the menu by pressing
the SEL key and navigating the menu with up, down and SEL.
• When viewing the events, use the up, down, left, right keys to scroll through the
lines and pages. If there are lots of events, you can press DEFAULT to see latest
alerts, and press DEFAULT again to see earliest. Press SEL to cancel the currently
elected critical alert. If there are a lot of critical alerts to cancel, they can all be
cleared in the Alarms menu
• If critical alert condition persists, the red message will re-appear indicating that a
fault exists that needs attention.
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