AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder Operating Instructions 5 -TFT uAVR... · AVR Micro Audio Video...

AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder Technosco, LLC. Software Installation and Operating Instructions __________________________________________________________________________________________________

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AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder

Operating Instructions

For use with CamoCam™ 5 Digital Video Surveillance System

http://www.camocam.net/downloads/CC5/

Copyright Technosco, LLC.

Rev 2.0 Published 12/12/2012


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AVR Micro Audio Video Recorder Operating Instructions

The AVR (micro Audio & Video Recorder) is a digital video recorder that is a central component of the CamoCam™ 5

Digital Surveillance package. It is a feature-rich component that may be used in conjunction with the CamoCam™

system, or as a stand-alone audio and video recorder.

Summary Overview

The AVR Audio and Video Recorder operates on an internal battery and saves audio and video on up to four SD

memory cards. The CamoCamSetup.msi program must be installed to save and view the recordings on a pc. The

software allows you to download the recordings on the AVR to a computer, decode them, view played back using the

included software or Windows Media Player. In keeping with the CamoCam™ philosophy of simplicity, this guide is

provided with the intention of simplifying the setup and use of the AVR and the software needed to review the

recordings. It should be noted however that this version of the CamoCam will require some additional technical

competency than our previous versions. The unit comes pre-programmed to function properly with the CamoCam

surveillance system; however, a variety of different settings allow for it to be used as a stand-alone audio and video

recorder.

Functionality Highlights

Up to 8 hours of stand-alone recording battery life

Up to 128 GB memory with the use of four 32 GB SDHC memory cards

Video Recording from internal or external camera

Configurable video signal (brightness, contrast, saturation, color)

Motion-activated video recording

Configurable text stamping onto video

Included Components

Software CD with digital operating manual

SD Memory Card(s)

Charging cable and power adapter

AVR digital audio and video recorder


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About this Manual

This manual is written with the intent of documenting the steps that need to be taken to install and configure the device for

use with the CamoCam™ digital video surveillance system. The AVR may also be utilized apart from the CamoCam™

and some instructions have been provided to assist usage of the unit with or without the CamoCam™. Some initial setup

steps are covered and it is highly recommended that the entire manual be read prior to first use of the system.

Arrow indicators are used throughout the document to indicate where some screen actions are required.

Manual Overview

1) Software Installation ……………………………………………………………………………..Pg. 4

2) The Video Manager Application …………………………………………………………………Pg. 12

a. First time Application Setup of input and output video file locations (setup once)

b. Formatting SD Flash Memory Cards (once per new SD memory card)

c. Configuration Options (as needed)

d. Saving AVR Configuration to SD Memory Card

3) AVR Device operation…………………………………………………………………………..Pg. 25

a. Functional Overview

b. Record Mode

c. Playback

d. Settings

4) Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………..Pg. 29

a. Touch screen menu navigation


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Software Installation

The CamoCam™Setup.msi application may be used to install all of the necessary software components that are

needed to operate the CamoCam™ and the AVR.

Download this application from the Internet and open the setup file. Individual computer security settings may

vary, select the option at the various prompts to continue with installation.

Click Run

.


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Click Next

Click Next


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Click Next

Click Next


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Click Next

Click Next

At this next prompt you may choose a default media player. Select a preference and click next.


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Click Next

Note that the following prompt will associate any of the checked file extensions to the media player you have

selected to use to view the video. The AVR video will be converted and saved on your computer as .mp4.

Click Next


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Click Next

Click Next


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Click Finish

Click Close

The previous installation process has just installed three separate applications and created a directory structure

that will facilitate storing the digital video on your computer. The directory structure has been created in the program files


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directory under the CamoCam folder as shown below.

Please note that it is important not to move the files from this location as it will prevent the links from working in the

CamoCam Application Launcher. If you would like a shortcut placed on your desktop, simply right-click the CamoCam

Application Launcher and select the create shortcut option.

The applications installed include:

CamoCam Application Launcher - An application which facilitates launching the AVR manager application and

provides links to the CamoCam™ website and manuals.

The Digital Video Manager – An application which lets you convert digital video to a format that may be played

back on a computer. This application also provides functionality for setting the configuration options of the

AVR similar to those provided on the touch screen. See the following sections of this manual for additional

information about using the Digital Manager. When this application is running you will see it in the Windows task

bar

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack – An application used by the Digital Video Manager to convert video to the .mp4

format.


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The Video Manager Application

The AVR digital audio and video recorder is able to store a lot of video because it uses h.264 video file compression.

The manager application uses the K-Lite Codec pack to decompress this video so that programs like Windows Media

Player can play it from an uncompressed .mp4 (MPEG Layer 4) format. The first purpose of the application is to provide a

mechanism to extract the video from the flash memory cards to a location on your computer, in a format that will allow a

program like windows Media Player to view it.

The second use of the manager application is for setting configuration parameters that serve as instructions for how the

AVR digital audio and video recorder is to operate. These configuration parameters are for things such as video format,

setting time for when it should record, etc. Details for these parameters, and their use, are provided in this document in

their respective sections.

After installing the software to your computer, navigate to the location where the files were installed to begin the setup.

The default installation location will be the C:\Program Files(x86)\CamoCam folder

Double click the CamoCam™ icon in the start menu

Click the Launch Digital Video Manager Link in the application


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The application will open an initial screen with the Data conversion tab selected. There will not be any data shown on this

screen until you configure the application to know where it needs to look in your computer for video. The application will

need to be setup to know where the video is to be pulled from (the removable SD card), and where it should store the

converted .mp4 video files (on your hard drive).


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Application Setup - Import and Output video file locations

Click the Settings Tab.

On the Settings tab, you will find a number of different buttons and options for setting the configuration parameters. At

the top of the screen there are button groups for Program Setup and Card preparation.

Click the Setup button.

The following screen will be displayed.

You will need to enter an input and an output folder to tell the program where to pull video from and where to store the

converted .mp4 video files.

The location of the input folder is the Drive letter that is given to your memory card when it is inserted into your computer

or memory card reader. In the example shown, E:\ is the drive letter assigned to the memory card reader.


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Enter an Input Folder

Click Browse

Select the Memory Card Reader Drive Letter.

Click OK.

The location of the output folder is where you want to store the video on your computer’s hard drive. To avoid technical

problems associated with different versions of Microsoft Windows, it is strongly suggested that you use the folder created

automatically during installation of the CamoCam™ software. A folder called Video is created during installation in a

directory such as C:\Program Files (x86)\CamoCam\Video . Use the Browse button to find the location on your hard

drive.

Enter an output Folder

Click Browse


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Select a directory

Click OK

The Autoscan feature will automatically scan any memory card that you insert into the drive specified in the Input folder

and will display any found video files in the Data Conversion Tab. After testing the system out, insert the SD card and the

screen will auto-populate with video records that are available to be converted and downloaded to the PC.

Select the Autoscan Checkbox

Click OK

The initial application configuration has now been completed. This will only need to occur once for each computer that

the application is installed on.


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Formatting SD Memory Cards

The memory cards must be formatted (erased) and prepared to be able to operate and store the video created by the

AVR. The memory cards that ship with the CamoCam™ system are preformatted at the factory with the configuration

settings needed to operate the AVR. You should always follow these steps for any newly purchased SD memory cards or

when you make any changes to the configuration of the AVR.

On the Settings Screen, the Card Preparation button group is used for formatting the memory cards, making them ready

for use by the AVR.

Insert the memory card into the memory card reader on your computer. Windows may pop open a window asking if you

would like to open the folder, if this occurs, simply close the window using the red X .

For newly purchased memory cards, you will first need to use the Format button.

Click Format

Accept the default settings

Click Start


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Click OK

When the format is complete you will receive a completion message.

Click OK

Click Close

Once the memory card is formatted it will be ready to store configuration and video files. After completing the procedure

above, the configuration settings must be saved to the SD memory card before the AVR will operate. Proceed to the

Configuration Options section for more details on setting the unique configuration options.

Once the configuration parameters have been set, you must save them to the SD memory card. Proceed to the Saving

AVR Configuration to SD Memory Card for details on saving the configuration to the AVR.


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Configuration Options

There are seven Tabs in the Recorder settings.

TimeTab - The settings in the time tab are not used when the AVR is being used in conjunction with the CamoCam™.

Adapter Tab– The settings in the Adapter tab are not used when the AVR is connected to the CamoCam™.

Record Tab

Record Mode – The record mode has five distinct options that control how the unit will operate once the memory

cards are full.

Linear –The unit will record and stop when the selected

card is full at which point it will stop recording.

Linear (all cards) – the unit will record until each

card is full at which point it will stop recording. **This

is the default selection for use with the CamoCam™ and

it is recommended for stand alone use as it will not allow

overwriting any possible evidence.


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Loop 1–The unit will record until the memory is full, then it will begin recording over previously

recorded audio/video. Loop1 will not overwrite previous recordings, rather it will overwrite the

beginning of the current recording if it runs out of free memory.

Loop 2– The unit will record until the memory is full, then it will begin recording over previously

recorded audio/video. Loop 2 will overwrite previous recordings.

Loop (all cards)–The unit will record onto each card one-by-one, until each is full. Then it will begin

recording and overwriting data on the first card and switch to each subsequent memory card when the

current card becomes full.

Record Type– Record Type allows you to pick between Audio and Video, Video only, and Audio only. When

using with the CamoCam system you would high light the Video Only. Any Audio recording will need Title

Three authorization. For body worn applications the Audio Only or Video + Audio can be used.

Video only –This setting will only record video

Video and Audio – This setting will record video and audio

Audio only – This setting will record audio only.

Prehistory–The prehistory is not usually needed in Enforcement

applications. The prehistory allows you to add time from the previous

video clip onto the new clip. The drop down arrow allows you to high light how much time you wish to add. It

should be set to OFF for use with the CamoCam™.

Timers – The timer feature is not used in conjuction with the CamoCam™

but may be utilized in standalone applications. The feature allows setting ten

seperate combinations of timer settings with dates/times and durations for

recording.

Video Tab – The VideoTab has a variety of settings that affect how the video may

be played back.

Video Source

Built-in video camera – This option may be used for

standalone applications and will use the internal lens located

on the top of the AVR.

Video input (50Hz) -***Note*** The (50 Hz) is European

PAL format and should not be used in North America.

Video input (60 Hz) – This is the default option for use in

conjuction with the CamoCam™ as it accepts video input


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from the camera connected to the CamoCam™ rather than the internal camera.

FPS –Frames Per Second allows options from 1 to 30.

Select 30

Bit Rate – The bit rate should be left at the default of 3072 kbps.

Select 3072 kbps

Frame Size – The frame size should be left in the High position for best quality recording at 720x 480 resolution.

Select High

Brightness, Hue, Contrast, andSaturation – Settings may be adjusted as necessary for optimal image.

Text 1 – Displays the entered text on the recorded video. The check mark will toggle off/on.

Check Text 1

Text 2 – Displays the Date and Time when the %D and %T entries are used. The check mark will toggle off/on.

Check Text 2

Audio Tab – These settings are mainly used for body-worn applications and are not used in conjuction with the

CamoCam™ System due to Title III implications.

Audio source – audio source allows you to choose between the built in

microphones or an external microphone. The internal microphone is

adequate for most applications and we recommend that you experiment

with it prior to considering an external mic.

Select Built-in microphone

Record Mode – The default Stereo Mode is suggested.

Select Stereo

Bitrate – The default of 128 kbps will result in the highest quality audio.

Select 128 kbps

Gain – may be modified as needed for the application.

AGC – Automatic Gain Control selection is suggested for most applications.

Check AGC

Misc. Tab – This tab has the power management, power to external video camera, and GPS power.


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Power management

Ready mode drop down arrow provides 5 choices.

Immediately – Refers to a power mode where the

unit is connected to an external power supply. The

DVR will instantly go to record and continue

recording based on the Record settings (loop or

linear).**The unit will not record in standalone

mode, or with the CamoCam™ with this setting.

30 s is the default for use in conjunction with the CamoCam™.

Select 30 s

Sleep Mode - allows setting the time when the DVR will go back into a stand by mode. This dosen’t

really affect the operation when used with the CamoCam™ system. This is a power saving process that

helps save internal battery power.

1 m is the default setting for use with the CamoCam™

Select 1 m

Power to external video cameraThis would be used in a body worn application and will supply power to an

external button camera or other small camera. The operating mode drop down arrow

Operating mode - Allows you to supply power from the internal battery in the DVR to a small external

camera. This is not necessary when used with the Camcocam™.

Select Off

Voltage – The voltage allows you to set the voltage for the camera you are using. Some of the small

CMOS cameras use 5 volts and generally the small pin hole color cameras operate on 12 volts. The

amperage supplied is only 150 milliamps. Be sure and check the specifications on the camera’s power

draw and voltage and use at your own risk.

GPS Power

Operating mode –GPS power is normally off unless you wish to use one with the system.

Select Off

Autostart Tab – Autostart and is not used with the CamoCam™ System; although,it may be ideal for use in a indoor

setup where one needs to put something in quickly. This is used to activate recording in a stand-alone application and


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gives you the option to start recording through video motion detection and/or VAS (voice activated sensor). We

recommend trying out the various options to get a feel for what the DVR will do. Different applications will call for

various settings with the motion detection areas, sensitivity, etc.


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Saving AVR Configuration to SD Memory Card

The AVR operates based on the he configuration settings which are saved to the SD memory card following these steps.

Once the Configuration options are set in the Manager application you must transfer them to the memory cards by

clicking on the preparation button.

Click Preparation

When the memory card is inserted into the AVR, the AVR will function based on the configuration options that are set

in the Manager application.These settings are preconfigured on the memory cards sent from the CamoCam™ factory;

however, they will need to be saved onto any newly purchased SD cards.

After going through the configuration options detailed in the previous, you will need to save any configuration changes to

any memory cards you wish to use in the AVR. The configuration only has to be saved to a single SD card; however we

recommend saving it to each memory card that will be used to ensure that they don’t get mixed up. A little extra effort on

this step will save a lot of headaches in the field.


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Device Operation

Functional Overview

1. On/Off Switch

2. Insert for master SD Memory card. LED indicator is lit when the system is recording.

3. Touch Screen

4. Secondary SD Memory card slots. LED indicator is lit when the system is recording.

5. Right Microphone

6. Internal Video Camera Lens

7. Left Microphone

8. Connector for 5v power supply

9. Connector for video and remote control input

10. Connector for external microphones

11. Connector for GPS receiver

12. Connector for headphones or audio output

Basic use and navigation

Home Screen


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Icons

- Go back to previous screen

- Memory card scanning in progress

Memory card scan complete

Current time, battery status, and memory card availability percentage (indicates how much space remains free on

the memory card.

Other battery indicators indicate the following:

The internal battery is fully charged

The internal batter is discharged

The internal battery is charging

Power supply is provided from external power


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Recording Video

To record video when the system is used in conjunction with the CamoCam™, you must ensure that the right arrow icon

is selected as a video input on the Record screen. The internal video camera may be used by selecting the camera icon.

The video input source is denoted by the color blue. In the example, the video input is the AVR video camera rather

than the external CamoCam™ video input.

Record Screen

The recording configuration parameters are set using the AVR Manager application or the touch screen Settings menu

option. More details for configuration paramaters may be found in their respective sections in this manual.

Video Playback

After selecting Play (or View) on the Home Screen, you must select one of the memory cards from which to view video

files. The system comes preconfigured to record on one card until it is full and then switch to the next available card.

After selecting a memory card, you must select a video file to view. They are listed by date and time stamp. Additional

recordings may be selected using the up and down arrows.


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In playback mode, you can use the following on screen controls to review recorded video.

Settings

Settings that are configurable with the Manager application may be accessed via the touch screen from the Settings button

on the Home Screen. Detailed navigation of the settings menu is documented in Appendix A. The main settings menu is

displayed below:


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Appendix A – Touch Screen AVR Configuration Settings

Settings

Date - date (fields to insert values date/month/year)

Time- time (fields to insert values hours/minutes)

o Misc. Settings

GPS time

DST

time zone (from -12 to +12 hours)

Video

o Source (fields to insert values BUILT-IN CAMERA/VIDEO INPUT/DIGITAL INPUT)

o Built-in camera

brightness

contrast

color

saturation

Misc. Settings

amplification

automatic gain control

flicker suppression

noise blanking

o Video input

brightness

contrast

color

saturation

Analog video input

brightness

contrast

color

saturation

o Sound

source (fields to insert values BUILT-IN MICROPHONE/AUDIO INPUT)

mode (fields to insert values STEREO/MONO(L)/MONO(R))

AGC

Amplification (from 0 to 126)

o Volume

Volume ( fields to insert values from 0 to 126)

o Record

Mode (fields to insert values LINEAR/CIRC.1/CIRC.2/LIN.(ALL)/CIRC.(ALL)

2 cards

Characteristics


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Video

Built-in camera30

o Frame size (fields to insert values from 1:4 to 1:1 or Custom)

o bitrate (from 64 to 2048 Kbps)

o frames per second (from 1 to 30 FPS)

Video Input (PAL)




Video Input (NTSC)




Digital Video Input




Timers

Timer 1-10

o Status

o Mode (fields to insert values ONCE/BEFORE SELECTED

DATE /AFTER SELECTED DATE/DAILY)

Time

time (fields to insert values hours/minutes/seconds)

Duration

time (fields to insert values hours/minutes/seconds)

Date

date (fields to insert values date/month/year)

Day

Buttons to click on the days of the week

Next Page/Previous Page

Sound

Bitrate (from 32 to 128 kbps)

Autostart

Mode (fields to insert values OFF/MD/VAS/MD+VAS)

Motion Detector (MD) Hold (from 5 to 10 minutes)

VAS Hold (from 5 to 10 minutes)

VAS sensitivity (from 16 to 256)

Text in the frame(fields to insert values OFF/UPPER/BOTTOM/

o BOTH)

o Power

Backlight (from 25 to 100 %)


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Display settings

Control elements (from 5 to 60 seconds or never)

Display OFF (from 15 seconds up to 2 hours or never)

Power OFF (from 1 minute up to 5 hours or never)

Power Source

External Camera Source

o Mode (fields to insert values OFF/Ext Source/ON)

o Voltage (5 or 12 V)31

GPS power supply

o Mode (fields to insert values OFF/Ext Source/ON)

System

Default settings

Display calibration

o four-headed arrow pointer to calibrate display

Firmware

Version

Date

Serial N

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