Avigilon NVR6 Standard Form D

Front View

Figure 1: Front view of NVR6 Standard Form D with front bezel installed.

Figure 2: Front view of NVR6 Standard Form D with front bezel removed.

1. Bezel lock: Protects against unauthorized physical access.
2. Diagnostic indicators: Provides information about system operations. For more information about the above LED indicators, see LED Indicators on page 18.
3. System health and system identification button: Displays the system health. Also identifies a recorder deployed in a rack with other equipment. For more information, see System Health and Identification Modes on page 21.
4. Bezel: Protects against unauthorized physical access to the hard drives. For more information, see Install the Bezel on page 6.
5. Power button: Controls the power supply to the recorder.
6. Video connector: Accepts a VGA monitor connection.
7. USB 2.0 port: Accepts USB connectors to external devices.
8. iDRAC Direct micro USB port and iDRAC Direct LED indicator: Connects a laptop or desktop computer on the same network as the Integrated Dell™ Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) version 9. For more information about the iDRAC web interface, see the information tag on your recorder and the Enabling iDRAC Enterprise Features Setup Guide.
9. Front hard drive bay: Provides access to hot-swappable hard drives. There are LED indicators on each hard drive. Some drives may contain an empty hard drive tray.
10. Information tag: Slides out to provide the serial number, system information, and iDRAC account credentials for initial login to the iDRAC web interface.

Back View

Figure 3: Back view of NVR6 Standard Form D.

1. System identification button: Identifies a recorder deployed in a rack with other equipment. Also resets the iDRAC web interface without rebooting the operating system. For more information about the iDRAC reset, see the Enabling iDRAC Enterprise Features Setup Guide.
2. Two (2) 1 Gbps Ethernet ports: Accepts Ethernet connections to multiple networks and includes LED indicators of the connections.
3. Out-of-Band Management (OOBM) port: Accepts an OOBM RJ-45 connection and includes an LED indicator of the connection.
4. Keyboard port and mouse port: Accepts connectors to a keyboard and mouse.
5. Four (4) 1 GbE Ethernet ports: Accepts Ethernet connections to multiple networks and includes LED indicators of the connections.
6. Video connector: Accepts a VGA monitor connection.
7. Power supply connector: Accepts a power supply connection.

Connect Cables

Refer to the diagrams in the Overview section for the location of the different connectors. Make the following connections as required:

1. Connect a KVM switch or separate keyboard, mouse and monitor to the recorder. The keyboard and mouse can be connected to any USB port on the recorder. The monitor can be connected to any video connector at the front or back of the recorder.
2. Connect the recorder to your network by plugging an Ethernet cable into one of the Ethernet ports.
3. For out-of-band management access and functionality, connect Ethernet cable to the OOBM connector.
4. Connect a power cable to each power supply at the back of the recorder.
5. Press the power button on the front of the recorder. Check that the recorder LED indicators display the correct status. For more information on the different LED status indicators, see LED Indicators on page 18.

Install the Sliding Rack Rails and Cable Management Arm

If the recorder will be mounted in a server rack, install the Sliding Rack Rails and the Cable Management Arm (CMA) provided in the recorder package. Follow the procedures outlined in the Rack Installation Instructions and the CMA Installation Instructions provided in the assembly kits.

NOTE: When rack-mounting the recorder, ensure no interference occurs from the sliding arms of adjacent equipment in the rack. Every sliding rack rail on the server rack must be aligned before you insert the recorder into the rail for a smooth installation. For more information, refer to the dimensions in your server rack design documentation.

Install the Bezel

The bezel can be installed on the front of the NVR6 Standard Form D recorder to help protect the hard drives against unauthorized access.

1. Align and insert the right end of the bezel until it clicks into place.

2. Push the left end of the bezel into the front of the unit until it clicks into place.

3. Use the provided key to lock the bezel.

Log into Windows 10 for the First Time

After the recorder starts, you will need to configure the Windows operating system for the first time.

1. Proceed through the Language, Region, and Keyboard screens. Wait for Windows to complete the network setup.
2. The MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS and AVIGILON CONTROL CENTER™ SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT are displayed. Review the terms and click Accept.
3. Select Join a local Active Directory domain. NOTE: This prompt appears only if an Active Directory is present on the network. See the Windows Help and Support files for more information.
4. Enter a user name for the Windows administrator account.
5. Enter a password and password hint for the Windows administrator account and click Next. NOTE: Remember the Windows Administrator password. If the Windows Administrator credentials are lost, you may need to reinstall the operating system again. It is highly recommended to create a second Administrator user as a backup.
6. After you are logged in, the recorder will go through initial system setup.
7. The Setup dialog will start configuring the system storage. This process may take up to 30 minutes depending on the size of the storage volume.
8. After the setup procedure is complete, the system will restart.

Proceed to activate the license for the Avigilon Control Center software on your Network Video Recorder.

Log into Windows Server for the First Time

After the recorder powers up, you will need to configure the Windows operating system for the first time.

1. On the first screen, scroll through the list and select your preferred language.
2. Select the country/region, preferred app language and keyboard layout, and then click Next. NOTE: If a language other than English is selected, the server will restart. This is normal Windows behavior. Proceed with step 3 once the server has finished restarting.
3. The End User License agreements are displayed. Review the terms and click Accept.
4. On the Customize settings screen, set a password for the local administrator account and click Finish. The password should: Have a minimum length of 7 characters. Meet complexity requirements. See https://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/library/cc956977.aspx for details. You cannot reuse your last 24 passwords. The password will expire in 42 days.
5. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to unlock and type in the credentials created in the previous step.
6. After you are logged in, the recorder will go through initial system setup.
7. The Setup dialog will start configuring the system storage. This process may take up to 30 minutes depending on the size of the storage volume.
8. After the setup procedure is complete, the system will restart.

Proceed to activate the license for the Avigilon Control Center software on your Network Video Recorder.

Activate ACC Software and Feature Licenses

You can activate, deactivate, and reactivate product or feature licenses. Licenses are called Product Keys in the ACC system, and Activation IDs in the licensing portal.

IMPORTANT: When a new server is added to or removed from a multi-server site, the existing site licenses become inactive and must be reactivated to confirm system changes. See Reactivating a License below.

• Initial ACC™ System Setup and Workflow Guide
• ACC 7 Help Center

Printable versions of these guides are available on the Avigilon website: avigilon.com/product-documentation.

Once your license is activated, you can immediately use the new licensed features.

Connect to Avigilon Cloud Services (Optional)

After activating your ACC software, you can connect your ACC site to the cloud, which may require a subscription, and take advantage of the capabilities and features that provide centralized access across distributed systems.

To connect your site to Avigilon Cloud Services, see help.avigilon.com/avigilon-unity/video/cloud.

For information about the cloud services, see help.avigilon.com/cloud.

You can start to back up the system settings for your new site in the ACC Client software after it is configured. These settings include the ACC password, and the settings for the camera connections. For more information on backing up the site and server configurations, see the Avigilon ACC Client User Guide.

Reactivating a License

FOR ENTERPRISE EDITION

When servers are added to or removed from a site, the site licenses become inactive and must be reactivated to confirm system changes.

If you do not reactivate the affected licenses, the site will stop normal operations.

1. In the New Task menu click Site Setup.
2. Click the site name, then click [three horizontal lines icon].
3. Click Reactivate Licenses....

If you have Internet access:

1. Click Reactivate Licenses.
2. Click OK to confirm your changes.

If you do not have Internet access:

1. Select the Manual tab.
2. Click Save File... and choose where you want to save the key files.
3. Copy the key files to a computer with internet access:
   • Go to activate.avigilon.com.
   • Click Choose File and select the key file.
   • Click Upload. A capabilityResponse.bin file should download automatically. If not, allow the download to occur when you are prompted.
   • Complete the product registration page to receive product updates from Avigilon.
   • Copy the .bin file to a computer running the ACC Client software.
4. In the License Management dialog box, click Apply....
5. Select the .bin file and click Open.
6. Click OK to confirm your changes.

Upgrading the NVR6 Standard Form D to Unity Video

Your NVR6 Standard Form D comes with a bundled installer to upgrade to Unity Video. The instructions below will walk you through this upgrade.

To install Avigilon Unity Video using the Avigilon Unity Software Manager:

1. Navigate to the directory C:\Avigilon\Control Center Installation Files\8.1.1.2-67/AvigilonUnity-CustomBundle-8.1.1.4.
2. Locate the AvigilonUnitySetup.exe file. Right-click the file and select Run as administrator. IMPORTANT: Do not launch the Software Manager from any other location.
3. Select Install or Upgrade Applications using a Custom Bundle.
4. Click Next to display the Install Location screen.
5. Click Next to display the Select Software Options screen.
6. Click Next. Review and agree to the license agreement, then click Next again.
7. Review the Confirmation screen and click Install to initiate the upgrade. After the upgrade is complete, a Results screen displays the applications that have been successfully upgraded.
8. Click Finish to exit the Software Manager.

After successfully installing Avigilon Unity Video, apply for licenses for each of the installed products within 30 days.

Network Configuration

By default, the NVR6 Standard Form D acquires an IP address on the network through DHCP. If you need to set up the NVR6 Standard Form D to use a static IP address or any specific network configuration, see the Windows Help and Support files for more information.

Monitoring System Health

You can monitor the health of the system components in the Site Health page in either the ACC Client software or Avigilon Cloud Services (ACS). See the Help files provided with the ACC Client software, the Avigilon ACC Client User Guide, or the Avigilon Cloud Services Client User Guide available from the Avigilon website for more information.

Operating System Recovery By Avigilon Recovery Partition

If you need to recover the Windows operating system, the NVR6 Standard Form D includes an onboard recovery partition that is separate from the operating system partition. The advantage of using the Avigilon recovery partition is that you do not need an internet connection to download the recovery image and you do not need to create a bootable USB recovery device.

IMPORTANT: Your operating system drive will be erased and restored to factory settings. Before you proceed with operating system recovery, complete any necessary backups of custom ACC configuration and video recordings.

NOTE: After operating system recovery, you need to reinstall the previously installed ACC software. Depending on when your NVR6 Standard Form D was shipped, it is recommended that you connect to the network when possible to install updates for Windows and ACC Client software after system recovery is completed.

1. Start operating system recovery in one of the following ways:
   • On your Windows desktop, select [Windows icon] and then hold down the Shift key and select Restart.
   • On your locked Windows screen, select [Power icon] and then hold down the Shift key and select Restart.
   • During direct boot of the operating system, repeatedly press the down-arrow key and select the partition.
2. On the Choose an option screen, select Use another operating system.
3. Select the OS Recovery partition.
4. On the Avigilon Recovery window, select Recover.

Allow up to half an hour for the recovery to complete.

5. After system reboot, complete the Windows setup process. For more information about setting up the Windows operating system, see Log into Windows 10 for the First Time on page 7 or Log into Windows Server for the First Time on page 8.
6. Navigate to C:\Avigilon\Control Center Installation Files, and run the ACC installer for the version of ACC software in use at your site. If needed, connect to the internet and download the required ACC installers.
7. After reinstalling the ACC software, reactivate the ACC licenses. For more information about reinstalling and reactivating the ACC software, see avigilon.com/recovery.

Operating System Recovery By External USB

If you need to recover the Windows operating system on the Network Video Recorder and you have access to the internet, download the latest Avigilon Recovery Image from avigilon.com/recovery and refer to Support and Downloads for the following information:

• Minimum size of the USB recovery device
• Creating an external USB recovery device
• Recovering the operating system from an external USB recovery device

The general steps are:

1. Load the Avigilon Recovery Image onto a USB recovery device. For the instructions on creating a USB recovery device, see the Windows Upgrade and Recovery Guide for Avigilon.
2. Plug the USB recovery device into the recorder.
3. Press the F11 key while booting the recorder.
4. On the UEFI Boot menu, select the USB recovery device.

Checking System Health

You can check your system health through the ACC Client Site Health or with the Server Administrator software.

Replacing Hard Drives

NOTE: Before powering down the recorder for any upgrade, recovery or maintenance, back up critical recorder data and programs. For more information, see the Windows™ Upgrade and Recovery Guide for Avigilon Systems (link).

If one of the hard drives fails, you can replace the failed drive while the recorder continues to run. If more than two hard drives fail at the same time, contact Avigilon Technical Support immediately for recovery instructions. If your recorder is still under warranty, contact Avigilon Technical Support to replace the failed hard drive.

IMPORTANT: Only replace a hard drive if the hard drive LED indicator and the Server Administrator displays an error.

1. Open the Server Administrator.
2. Check which hard drive has failed, then disconnect the drive through the Server Administrator software.
3. Remove the bezel.
4. Perform the following procedures.

Replacing a Hard Drive Blank

The hard drives on the NVR6 Standard Form D are set up in a RAID configuration. This allows information to be recorded across several hard drives.

If one hard drive fails, there is enough information on the other hard drives for the recorder to continue recording video.

Depending on the recorder model, there may be hard drive blanks at the front of the recorder. You can replace the blanks with hard drives as required.

1. Remove the bezel.
   • Unlock the bezel.
   • Push the release button next to the lock.
   • Pull the left end of the bezel then unhook the right end to remove the bezel.

[Diagram of a hard drive carrier being removed]

2. Press the release button and slide the blank out of the hard drive slot.
3. Insert the hard drive all the way into the recorder then push the handle against the hard drive to lock it into place.
4. Open the Server Administrator application and expand the System Tree. The new hard drive should be automatically added to the Physical Disks list. The list is typically available here: System > Storage > PERC H**** > Connector 0 (RAID) > Enclosure (Backplane) > Physical Disks.
5. Assign a task to the new hard drive or allow it to exist as an extra storage drive. It is recommended to use the new hard drive as a hot spare. Hot spares are hard drives that are available on standby in the event of a hard drive failure in the RAID. If that occurs, you can configure the system to automatically redirect recording to the unused hard drive.

To assign the new hard drive as a hot spare:

1. In the Task list, select Assign and Unassign Global Hot Spare.
2. Click Execute.

If the new hard drive is not displayed in the Server Administrator, try one of the following:

• Refresh the browser.
• Reboot the recorder.

Replacing Front Hard Drives

To replace a hard drive stored in the front of the recorder, complete the following steps:

1. Locate the failed hard drive at the front of the recorder.

[Diagram showing a hard drive being removed from the front of the recorder]

2. Press the release button on the front left of the hard drive.
3. When the handle is released, pull the hard drive out of the recorder.
4. Remove the four screws from the side of the hard drive carrier.
5. Lift the failed hard drive out of the carrier.
6. Insert the replacement hard drive into the carrier and screw it into place. The hard drive connectors should face the back.
7. When the hard drive is secured in the carrier, insert the hard drive back into the recorder.
8. After the hard drive is inserted all the way in, push the handle against the hard drive to lock it into place.

The recorder will immediately start rebuilding the hard drive. The progress of the rebuilding is displayed in the Physical Disks panel or Server Administrator. This may take several hours.

Diagnostic Indicators

The diagnostic indicators on the front panel highlight system issues during system startup.

NOTE: The diagnostic indicators only light-up when the recorder is powered.

iDRAC Direct LED Indicators

The iDRAC Direct LED indicates if the iDRAC port is connected to a laptop or desktop computer.

[Diagram of iDRAC Direct LED indicator]

Power Status Indicators

The power button on the front lights up when power is on. Additional information about the power supply is provided by the power status indicator on the power supplies at the back. The following table describes what the LEDs indicate:

[Diagram of power status indicator]

CAUTION: To prevent power supply mismatches, do any of the following:

• Avoid mixing power supply units from previous generations of servers even if the units have the same power rating.
• Replace only the power supply unit with the blinking indicator.
• Identical power supply units must receive the same input voltages, be of the same type and support the same maximum power output.
• Combining AC and DC power supply units is not supported.

Network Link Status Indicators

When the recorder is connected to the network, the recorder's connection status LEDs above the Ethernet port display the recorder's connection status to the network. The following table describes what the LEDs indicate:

[Diagram of Link LED and Connection activity LED]

Hard Drive RAID Status Indicators

Each hard drive has its own set of LED indicators to show its activity and status.

[Diagram of Status LED and Activity LED]

The Activity LED flashes green when the hard drives are working. The following table describes what the Status LEDs indicate:

System Health and Identification Modes

In the front left panel of the recorder, you can switch between system health and system identification modes:

• Press the [System health and system identification button] to enable the system identification mode, which is used to identify a recorder deployed in a rack with other equipment. The blue indicator starts blinking.
• Press the [System health and system identification button] again to switch back to system health mode. The blue indicator stops blinking.

For more information about the LED indicators, see LED Indicators on page 18.

Technical Support

Contact Avigilon Technical Support at support.avigilon.com/s/contactsupport.

Additional Documentation

• Windows Upgrade and Recovery Guide for Avigilon
• Enabling iDRAC Enterprise Features Setup Guide