4 Basic System Setup

4.1 STEP 1: Connect cameras

Option 1: Direct Connection to NVR

Pre-configure your cameras prior to selecting a permanent mounting location by temporarily connecting the cameras and cables to your recorder. Connect the cameras to the recorder using the RJ45 Ethernet extension cables provided with your cameras.

Option 2: Connect Cameras to Local Network

You can also connect your IP cameras to your local network for flexible installations. For details, see 4.8 Connecting Wired Cameras to the Local Area Network (LAN) (Alternative Camera Setup) .

4.2 STEP 2: Connect router

Connect the recorder to your router using the included Ethernet cable.

4.3 STEP 3: Connect mouse

Connect the included mouse to a USB port on the recorder.

4.4 STEP 4: Connect monitor

Connect the recorder to a monitor using the included HDMI cable (supports up to 4K resolution).

Connect the recorder to a monitor using a VGA cable (not included - supports up to 1080p resolution).

4.5 STEP 5: Connect power

Use the included power adapter to connect the recorder to a nearby outlet.

4.6 STEP 6: Upgrade Firmware to Latest Version (If Available)

If a firmware upgrade is available, you will be asked to install it once the system starts up. Firmware is software that’s embedded in a piece of hardware. When Lorex releases the latest firmware version for the recorder, you’ll need to upgrade the existing firmware to the latest release. This is known as a firmware upgrade. It is recommended to upgrade your system firmware, client software, and your mobile app to the latest version to ensure remote connectivity to the system and to support newly added features.

If a firmware upgrade is available:

After startup, a notification will appear asking you to upgrade the firmware. Click OK to upgrade.

Enter the system user name (default: admin) and your secure password, then click OK. Wait for the firmware update to complete. The system will restart once the firmware has been upgraded.

4.7 Quick Access to System Information

Perform one of the following actions to bring up the system information window. This window contains vital system information including the model number, serial number, and device ID.

To quickly open a window that displays important system information:

From the Live View display, right-click to open the Quick Menu, then click Info.
OR

Press the front panel button on the recorder.

4.8 Connecting Wired Cameras to the Local Area Network (LAN) (Alternative Camera Setup)

For flexibility, you may also connect IP cameras to the same Local Area Network (LAN) as the NVR instead of connecting them directly to the NVR. This is accomplished by connecting the cameras to the same router as the NVR.

For these alternative setup methods, an external PoE switch (sold separately) or power adapter (sold separately) must be used to provide power to each IP camera. Afterwards, you must navigate to the camera’s setup page and manually add the cameras to the system.

Follow the steps below to connect the cameras to the NVR over the LAN.

Step 1 of 2 — Alternative option A: Connecting cameras to your local network using a PoE switch:

Connect an Ethernet cable from the LAN port on an external PoE switch (sold separately on lorex.com ) to your router using a CAT5e or higher Ethernet cable. Connect the power cable to the PoE switch and to a power outlet or surge protector.

Connect the IP cameras to the PoE switch using the Ethernet extension cables. The PoE switch will provide power and video transmission the same way as your NVR.

Step 1 of 2 — Alternative option B: Connecting cameras to your local network using power adapters:

Connect each camera to a compatible power adapter (check your camera documentation at lorex.com for compatible power adapters for your cameras).

Connect the camera to your router using a CAT5e or higher Ethernet cable.

Step 2 of 2: Add wired cameras to your NVR:

Right-click and select Camera Registration.

Click Device Search. The system searches the network for compatible cameras.

Check the camera(s) you would like to add.

Click Add. The Status indicator turns green to show the camera is successfully connected.

	Note
This step is for verification of the camera image only. It is recommended to connect cameras to a nearby power adapter for this step. The Lorex Setup Wizard that runs at startup will assist you in naming and organizing your cameras, so it is also recommended to leave cameras connected until the wizard asks you to install cameras in their permanent mounting location.

	Note
Before selecting a permanent mounting location for your cameras, see 6 Camera Installation for important notes and installation tips.

	Note
To receive automatic firmware updates and enable remote viewing with mobile apps (including receiving notifications), a high speed Internet connection is required (6Mbps for one 4K channel and at least 20Mbps for the whole system). All other system features can be used without an Internet connection.

	CAUTION
If you need to switch monitors, make sure you set the recorder to an output resolution supported by the new monitor before switching. See 22.2 Setting the Monitor Resolution (Display) for details.

	Note
You must connect your recorder to a router with Internet access in order to get automatic firmware upgrades.

	CAUTION
DO NOT POWER OFF THE SYSTEM OR DISCONNECT THE POWER CABLE DURING FIRMWARE INSTALLATION. This process might take a few minutes depending on the update and Internet speed.

	Note
The QR code shown on this screen can be scanned during mobile setup to enter the system’s device ID.

	Note
Do not press and hold the button. The front panel button doubles as a panic button that activates warning lights and sirens for deterrence cameras if held for 3 seconds.

	Note
Compatible with Lorex HD IP cameras. For a list of compatible cameras, please visit lorex.com/compatibility .

	Note
Terminology may vary depending on the model of PoE switch you have.

	Note
It may take a few minutes after you power up IP cameras for them to appear in your search.

	Note
You can also add a camera to a specific channel by hovering the mouse over an empty channel in split-screen view and clicking . Double-click the camera you would like to add, then right-click to exit.