Lorex N881A38B Series 4K Ultra HD NVR User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Lorex N881A38B Series 32 Channel 4K Ultra HD Network Video Recorder (NVR). This NVR is designed to record and manage video footage from compatible IP security cameras, offering advanced features for comprehensive surveillance.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or other hazards.

• Use only the power adapter supplied with the NVR.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the NVR to prevent overheating.
• Do not expose the NVR to water or moisture.
• Avoid placing the NVR in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• Do not open the NVR casing; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Keep the NVR and its components away from children.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Lorex N881A38B Series NVR (with 2x 4TB Preinstalled HDDs)
• AC Power Adapter
• USB Mouse
• Ethernet Cable
• HDMI Cable
• Quick Start Guide (not included in this digital manual)
• 16-Channel PoE Switch

4. Product Overview

4.1 NVR Front Panel

Image: Front view of the Lorex N881A38B NVR, showing the Lorex logo, status indicators, control buttons, and a front USB port.

The front panel of the NVR provides access to essential controls and indicators:

• Power Button: Used to power on/off the NVR.
• Status Indicators: LEDs indicating power, HDD activity, and network status.
• Navigation Buttons: For menu navigation and camera selection.
• USB Port: For connecting a USB mouse or for data backup.

4.2 NVR Rear Panel

Image: Rear view of the Lorex N881A38B NVR, displaying power input, fan, PoE ports, VGA, HDMI, USB, Ethernet, RS232, and audio input/output ports.

The rear panel houses all necessary connection ports:

• Power Input: Connects to the AC power adapter.
• PoE Ports (1-16): Power over Ethernet ports for direct camera connection.
• VGA Output: For connecting to a monitor.
• HDMI Output: For connecting to a 4K monitor or TV.
• USB Ports: For connecting a USB mouse or external storage.
• Ethernet Port: For network connection to a router.
• Audio In/Out: For connecting external audio devices.
• RS232: Serial port for advanced control.

4.3 16-Channel PoE Switch

Image: Front view of the 16-port PoE switch, showing 16 PoE ports and uplink ports.

Image: Rear view of the 16-port PoE switch, showing the AC power input.

The included 16-channel PoE switch expands the NVR's camera capacity, allowing you to connect up to 32 IP cameras in total (16 directly to the NVR, 16 via the switch). It provides power and data connectivity over a single Ethernet cable.

5. Setup

5.1 Physical Installation

1. Connect a Monitor: Connect the NVR to a monitor using the supplied HDMI cable for 4K resolution or a VGA cable for lower resolutions.
2. Connect a Mouse: Plug the USB mouse into one of the NVR's USB ports (front or rear).
3. Network Connection: Connect the NVR's Ethernet port to your router using the supplied Ethernet cable.
4. Power On NVR: Connect the AC power adapter to the NVR's power input and then to a power outlet. The NVR will power on automatically.
5. Connect Cameras to NVR: For the first 16 cameras, connect them directly to the NVR's PoE ports (1-16) using Ethernet cables.
6. Connect Cameras to PoE Switch: For cameras 17-32, connect them to the 16-channel PoE switch. Then, connect one of the uplink ports of the PoE switch to an available Ethernet port on your network (e.g., your router or another NVR Ethernet port if configured as a LAN port). Power on the PoE switch.

5.2 Initial Configuration

Upon first startup, the NVR will guide you through a setup wizard:

1. Language Selection: Choose your preferred language.
2. Password Creation: Create a strong password for the administrator account.
3. Network Settings: Configure network settings (DHCP is usually sufficient for most home networks).
4. Time and Date: Set the correct time zone, date, and time.
5. Hard Drive Initialization: The NVR will detect and initialize the preinstalled hard drives.
6. Camera Detection: The NVR will automatically search for and add connected IP cameras.
7. Lorex Cloud Setup: Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your NVR to the Lorex Cloud for remote access.

6. Operation

6.1 Live View

After initial setup, the NVR will display the live view of your connected cameras. You can switch between single-camera view, multi-camera grids, and sequence views using the on-screen controls or the USB mouse.

6.2 Recording

The NVR supports various recording modes:

• Continuous Recording: Records 24/7.
• Motion Detection Recording: Records only when motion is detected.
• Scheduled Recording: Records based on a predefined schedule.

Recording settings can be configured in the NVR's main menu under 'Record' or 'Storage'.

6.3 Playback and Search

To review recorded footage:

1. Access the 'Playback' menu from the NVR's main interface.
2. Select the desired camera(s) and date/time range.
3. Use the timeline to navigate through recordings.

Area Search

The Area Search feature allows you to quickly find specific events:

1. In the playback interface, select the 'Area Search' option.
2. Draw a specific area on the screen where you want to detect changes or motion.
3. The NVR will filter and display recordings where activity occurred within the selected area. This is ideal for monitoring specific entry points or high-traffic zones.

6.4 Remote Monitoring (Lorex Cloud App)

The Lorex Cloud app enables remote viewing and management of your NVR from a smartphone or tablet:

1. Download the Lorex Cloud app from your device's app store (Learn more about Lorex Cloud).
2. Create a Lorex Cloud account and add your NVR by scanning the QR code or entering the device ID.
3. Once connected, you can view live feeds, play back recordings, and receive push notifications on your mobile device.

6.5 Audio Functionality

The N881A38B Series NVR supports audio recording on every channel. Audio is transmitted to the NVR over the same Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable that connects your camera to the NVR, eliminating the need for secondary audio connections. Ensure your cameras support audio and that audio recording is enabled in the NVR settings.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Hard Drive Management

Your NVR comes with two 4TB hard drives preinstalled, providing ample storage. The NVR supports a maximum capacity of 20TB. Regularly check the hard drive status in the NVR's storage settings to ensure optimal performance. If a hard drive fails, it may need to be replaced by a qualified technician.

7.2 Firmware Updates

Periodically check the Lorex website for firmware updates. Keeping your NVR's firmware up-to-date ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. Firmware updates can typically be performed via the NVR's network connection or by USB.

7.3 Cleaning

To maintain the NVR's performance and appearance:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the NVR.
• Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol sprays.
• Ensure ventilation openings are free from dust and obstructions.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

Lorex products are designed for reliability and performance. For specific warranty information regarding your N881A38B NVR, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Lorex website.

For technical support, frequently asked questions, and additional resources, please visit the Lorex support page:

Visit Lorex Support