In this guide, we will show how to set up the PC-NVR addon on Smart PSS. If you’re not familiar, Smart PSS is a camera management software made by Dahua that allows you to manage your CCTV security system from the computer and perform various tasks such as live view monitoring, playback, alerts, etc.
PC-NVR is an add-on of Smart PSS that makes your computer behave as an NVR (recorder) and basically, you can record footage on the computer. It’s a very useful feature.
We assume you have already installed Smart PSS on your computer (if not, download it here) and there’s already a device (single camera, NVR, DVR) added to the software. You can use the PC-NVR feature for any Dahua products sold under their own brand name or other third-party brands.
Setting up PC-NVR in Smart-PSS
Step 1. Launch the Smart PSS on your computer.
Step 2. Click the PC-NVR icon.
Step 3. Click the toggle switch at the top left of the screen to enable the PC-NVR addon.
A splash screen for PC-NVR will appear.
After a few moments, PC-NVR will be enabled. You can confirm this by checking the server information at the top and making sure the Status is “Online“. Once PC-NVR is enabled you can begin the initial configuration.
Step 4. Click HDD Manager to set up the local hard drive to be used for recording.
Click Allocate to begin disk setup. You will receive a prompt, click OK.
Step 5. Use the slider to allocate disk space for recordings or you can manually enter the value. Click ‘Allocate‘ once you have entered the disk size.
To delete the disk allocation, click the button next to the Hard Drive. Note: Deleting a drive allocation will delete all recording files.
Step 6. Click Channel Management.
Step 7. Select the devices you want to add to PC-NVR from the device list then click the >> button. To delete any devices click the << button.
Step 8. Once the device is added a preview will load from each device. Use the checkbox next to each device to select it, or use the Checkbox at the top to Select All devices. Once the devices have been checked click Save.
Step 9. Click Record Plan.
Step 10. Use the Record Plan menu to set up a schedule for the device to record. By default, the schedule will be set to Regular (Continuous) recording 24/7. Click the Gear icon to enter the Schedule menu.
Step 11. Enter the parameters of the Schedule, including time range and Recording Type (Regular, Event). Once finished click Save.
Step 12. Once the schedule has been created it can be copied to another device. Click ‘Copy to’ to copy the current schedule to other added devices.
Step 13. Select which devices to add the current schedule to then click OK.
After these settings are done, the footage will be recorded on the local hard drive on your computer. You need to let the computer run all the time.
(Source: Dahua Technical Department).
