Dahua NVRs and their OEM versions support File Transfer Protocol or “FTP” which is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a client and server on a computer network. FTP can be set up for each channel directly from your NVR and will store events to a selected user interface or FTP client.
By uploading FTP, your security camera recorders provide live recordings or image snapshot backups. This means that the images are uploaded to the FTP server in Live mode, not based on a schedule. Video recording has a pack time associated with it. When the video pack interval is completed, the video is uploaded to FTP. Images are uploaded instantaneously.
Usually, once the recorders or images are uploaded to a FTP server, the Dahua recorders (NVR or DVR) will automatically split video files by day, and channel numbers that are intelligible to the recorder.
Video is uploaded in a proprietary DAV file format which is H.264 or H.265 encoded video (depending on source video) with some meta-data. Images can be uploaded from the desired camera channels based on fixed time intervals, or based on motion or other event detection methods offered by our IP cameras connected to it.
Important note: The prerequisite to perform this setup is that you have FTP enabled on your NAS and that you have a dedicated user/password for an account on the FTP server with its home directory being the directory you would like the recorder to upload to.
Upload recordings or image snapshots from Dahua NVR/DVR via FTP
Step 1. Log into your Dahua NVR or DVR using your username or password. In this example we are using the web user interface (for the NVR via a web browser. The same steps will apply when accessing your NVR directly as well.
Step 2. On the live view screen, click on the gear wheel icon option in the upper right hand corner.
Step 3. In the settings section, click on the Storage option on the left hand side then click on the FTP tab. Make sure to click on the “Enable” checkbox to enable FTP. Click Save to apply the settings.
Step 4. Enter the Server IP for your FTP server into the Server IP field. Leave the Port as 21 and enter the username and password for your FTP. In the Remote Directory field, type in the folder name you would like the files to be retained in.
Make sure to enable the MD (Motion Detection) checkbox if you want motion events and “Regular” if you want continuous (24/7) recordings. Both can be enabled at the same time for 24/7 coverage. Click Save all the fields are filled out.
Additionally, you can set schedules as well for your recordings from the FTP menu. Click on the Weekday tab to choose which day of the week you would like your schedule to apply. If you would like to have your schedule apply to all days of the week select “All” from the dropdown menu.
By default the times will be set to 24 hours, however this can be modified to your preference in the Time Period field.
Step 5. It is recommended to adjust the File Length you would like for your videos. It will be set to 0 minutes by default. If you want to retain a certain length of video per file please adjust to a number higher than 1, let’s say 2.
Additionally, you can set the image upload interval, for example upload an image every 2 seconds. Click Save when complete.
Step 6. Click on the FTP Test button to test out the connection.
Once the connection has been made and verified, go to your FTP server and access the remote directory folder you have created and make sure that the files are being saved and can be viewed on your FTP server properly. Most files will be saved as .dav files by default however can be downloaded and played using the Dahua Smart Play software.
Note: this guide works for Dahua and their OEMs sold under these brands: Activecam, Advidia, Amcrest, Ameta, Ascendent, Backstreet Surveillance, BV Security, CCTV Security Pros, CCTV Star, CP Plus (Orange Line), Dax Networks, eLine, ENS (formerly Eastern CCTV and SavvyTech), Expose, Lorex, GSS, Honeywell, IC Realtime, Ikegami, Impath Networks, Inaxsys, IndigoVision, Infinity CCTV, Innekt, Intelbras, KBVision, Lumixen, Maxron, Montavue, Oco, Optiview, Rhodium, RVI, Saxco, Security Camera King (Elite), Space Technology, Speco, ToughDog, Tyco Holis, Tyco Illustra Essentials, Unisight, VIP Vision, Watchnet, Winic, Zuum.
