Quick Start Guide
1.  Follow the startup wizard’s instructions to setup the DVR’s basic settings, including 
language, date/time and network. You may not need to change any default settings to 
properly set up your system. At any time, you can skip steps, go back, or exit the wizard 
and setup the DVR manually. 
2.  Set the DVR’s network settings to match your network’s requirements. It is 
recommended to set the network type to “AUTO 
CONN.” and let the DVR auto-detect the network’s 
settings. Then, change the type to static. Please 
contact your network administrator for additional 
information. Press “APPLY” to save and “NEXT” to 
move to the next step. Adjust the DDNS settings as 
needed, or refer to the PathFinder™ option instead 
after initial setup. See STEP 6 - MOBILE APP 
REMOTE MONITORING.
3.  If this is your first time powering up the DVR, You are 
encouraged to use the setup wizard. If you prefer to 
manually go through the DVR’s settings to your preference, you can exit the setup 
wizard at any time.
To add a UTC or PTZ camera:
1.  Right-click anywhere on the screen 
and go to “MENU” > “DECIVE” > “PTZ”
2.  Camera type will be auto-detected and displayed 
under the camera tab. Protocol should match the 
camera type detected.
  - HD-A(C) -> legacy HD-Analog signal type camera. 
  - HD-A/HD-TVI -> HD-Analog and HD-TVI signal   
 type camera.
  - HD-TVI-> HD-TVI signal type camera     
 (DW default signal type). 
3.  To control the camera’s menu and settings, press the 
“PROGRAM” button under the “CONTROL”. See user 
manual for more information. 
1.  Navigation – use the included USB mouse to navigate around the DVR’s monitoring and 
Setup pages. 
a.  To access the menu bar – move the mouse’s cursor 
to the bottom of the display area to show the menu 
bar. You can also display it constantly by pressing 
the pin icon on the right side. 
b.  To access the quick menu options, right-click 
anywhere on the screen. This will take you to the quick menu 
options, which include: 
• “DISPLAY MODE” Options
• “DIGITAL ZOOM”, “PTZ” control and “FREEZE” image   
 (on supported cameras)
• “ADD BOOKMARK” video
• Instant “PLAYBACK”, “SEARCH” and “THUMBNAIL SEARCH”
• Recording status and analysis system monitoring
• Access to the “HEALTH CHECK” and open the main “MENU”.
2.  Help – For your convenience, the help button located at   
the bottom left of setup screens includes basic   
information and explanation of the features and settings   
in that page, for on-the-go information.
Quick Start Guide
Copyright © Digital Watchdog. All rights reserved.  
Specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.
STEP 3 – STARTUP WIZARD
STEP 4 – UTC AND PTZ CAMERA CONTROL
STEP 6 – MOBILE APP REMOTE MONITORING
You can monitor your system from DW’s Mobile Plus™ app with no need for complicated 
port forwarding! To enable the QR code on your DVR: 
1.  Right-click anywhere on the DVR’s screen and 
go to “MENU” > “NETWORK” > “PATHFINDER™”
2.  Check the box next to ‘USE PATHFINDER’. Click 
Save. 
3.  A mobile access QR code will appear on the 
right side of the screen. Status at the bottom of 
the screen should say “PATHFINDER™ SERVICE 
ACTIVATED”. 
To view the DVR on your mobile app: 
1.  Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App store 
and download the latest DW Mobile Plus™ app. 
2.  To add a new VMAX® A1 Plus™ device- Launch 
the DW Mobile Plus™ application on your 
Android® or Apple® smart-phone or tablet.
3.  Go to the Site menu to register a new site with 
the QR code scan.
4.  Press QR icon next to the Host field.
5.  Move the camera angle to QR code on DVR. The 
camera will capture the QR code automatically 
once all four corners of the code are registered 
in the camera’s frame properly.
6.  Once the camera registers the QR code from 
the DVR, the IP address field will show the DVR’s 
MAC address information.
7.  Complete the new device’s registration 
information by adding the device name, port 
number, user-name and password. Select 
“SAVE” to complete the registration.
8.  The new site will appear in your sites list. 
Rev Date: 06/19
STEP 5 – MONITOR YOUR SYSTEM
EXISTING COAX CABLE
COAX CABLE
CAMERA
CAMERA
CAMERA
DVR
OSD
CAMERA SETTINGS
EXPOSURE 
COLOR
DAY/ N IG H T
MOTION
The DVR supports complete camera 
control via the coaxial connection (UTC). 
There is no need for an additional RS485 
connection between the camera and the 
DVR in order to control the camera. This 
feature must also be supported on the 
camera’s side.
NOTE: If you are connecting a camera via UTC protocol, 
baudrate and address settings will be disabled. 


