A closed-circuit digital video recorder is equipped along with a variety of ports for hooking up audio or video components, also including computers. When it is connected, you can then use the computer to monitor surveillance video or just to review recorded video and audio as well. Just read this article to know all about How Do I Connect DVR to Computer – Tutorial. Let’s start!
Connecting a Digital Video Recorder to a computer actually needs a cable equipped. Along with HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cables on both ends. Or an HDMI connector on one end and RCA-type audio or video jacks or also a USB connector on the other end, relying on the available connection ports on the DVR. Regardless of the cable you use, the connection is fast and then you’ll be recording to the DVR or also uploading content to the computer in a few minutes.
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How Do I Connect DVR to Computer – Tutorial
Now, I am going to show you that how to connect a DVR to a computer. Well, it is a very easy and basic thing to do in CCTV technical. If you want to learn that how to connect a DVR to a computer, then first you have to learn how you can connect two computers to each other. CCTV DVR or NVR is just the same as a mobile or computer device, and it also works on the same networking principle as a computer works as well.
Before we start just one thing keep in mind this task is pretty easy, just follow step by step and we will do it.
- You have to connect a network cable Dvr network port to the computer RJ45 port.
- Just power up the DVR.
- You have to look for network settings in DVR/NVR
You have two options here. One is called ‘Obtain IP automatically’ and also another one is ‘use the following IP address. Select the second one
after selecting this option, you need to put an IP address to your DVR. Just put a simple IP address actually. Such as choose ‘192.168.1.20‘. and subnet mask ‘255.255.255.000‘. Just apply the settings and let come to the computer end - In Windows 7, head to the control panel and go to network and sharing center. Here you guys will get an option ‘change adopter setting’ as well.
- There you guys will get an option ‘Local Area Connection’
- double tap on that and you will get the following window
- Now you can find the option ‘Internet Protocol Version 4’. Double-tap on that and get the following window.
Further
Now it’s time to put an IP address on the PC. Remember, what IP did you guys put into DVR. Let’s go with our example, DVR Ip was ‘192.168.1.20‘. Then we have to put the same series IP to the PC. Just put it ‘192.168.1.21‘ as well. Ping the DVR’s IP from the PC and see the response.(How to ping IP address)
Then it is all done. Congratulation DVR is now connected to the computer. It’s time to open the DVR from the PC. Just open the Internet Explorer and just put the DVR IP. Now it will ask you for your username and password as well. You just have to put your DVR’s username and password and enter. Now you are able to do things as well.
In some case, internet explorer need ActiveX component, just install it. This is all done
Port Forwarding & Accessing Your DVR from Outside Your Network | connect DVR to computer
In order to set up external (remote) viewing of your DVR and also attached cameras, you guys will have to access your router. Just refer to the router’s User Manual in order to learn how you can set port forwarding. If you guys can’t find it, just look here http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm. All routers have a different method of setting up port forwarding so it’s just impossible to instruct you here.
Program the router so that whenever it gets an internet request for the IP ADDRESS of the DVR. It will then refer (or activate) to the PORT NUMBER of the DVR (you guys wrote these numbers down earlier, right?). Normally most of the routers have a field for each physical connection. And it will be obvious where you guys place the IP and PORT NUMBER information. If you can’t find how you can access your router, just look at the router closely and make sure it is indeed a router and also NOT a switcher. It should be really ok if it’s labeled ROUTER/SWITCHER. However, if it is an older piece of hardware and it just says SWITCHER, discard it and also get a true ROUTER.
You have to test the connection from a network external location. If the IP numbers and also Port Forwarding numbers are set correctly you should be able to receive streaming video as well.
Via IE Browser VS Client/Remote Viewing Software | connect dvr to computer
If the DVR has a web server, then you guys can use IE Browser in order to connect to the DVR. Just put the DVR IP address in the URL bar of the browser (like http://192.168.100.200, etc).
If the DVR does NOT have a web server, then you guys will have to install the client or remote viewing software. (That came along with the DVR) on the PC or workstation, you are using to view your security installation. The Client Software (or Remote Viewing Software) provides you additional features. For example, the ability to program motion detection, as well. That the IE Browser can not give. Because each and every surveillance DVR has its own client software, now you’ll need to refer to the software manual for help with their software.
Conclusion
Well, That is all from my side. If you want to know more about this article or have any queries. Then feel free to ask me anything in the comments section below.
Have a Good Day!
