Remote Viewing Setup

The first thing you need to do is to be able to find your CCTV system on the world wide web. To do this you will need either a static IP address, (these are provided by your internet service provider and there is usually an additional monthly charge) or a dynamic IP address. (you can normally obtain one of these for free.) To setup a dynamic IP address please download the instructions from our downloads page. http://www.cctvfirst.co.uk/downloads.html

The second step is to connect your DVR to your router. For this you will need a standard parallel network cable. Please see network cable section. http://www.cctvfirst.co.uk/easyfit-pro-networking-routers-cables-c74691.html

Next you need to enter your DVR menus and go to the network sections. The simplest way to set up your network is to select the DHCP option. This will allow your router to automatically setup your DVRs IP address and default gateway. Once you have selected DHCP you will need to restart your DVR.

Once restarted return to the network setup in your DVR menus. You need to make a note of the following.

DVR IP Address

The Port numbers. (Please note the port numbers will vary from DVR to DVR and some may have 2 port numbers some may have 3 or 4.

Mobile set up may be  a separate section in the DVRs menus. You will need to make a note of mobile phone port and in some cases create a user name and password.

Finally you will need to configure your router. Every manufacturer routers are different and so it is impossible to give definitive instructions. However here are some broad guide lines. Enter your routers setup this is usually done by typing your routers IP address into the browser bar of internet explorer. For a netgear router this http://192.168.0.1 You will then normally be prompted for your user name and password.

In your router find your DDNS set up section. Enter the dynamic IP address you have created and enter your user name and password you used when setting up your dynamic IP address account. Please note if you have a static IP address you do not need to do this.

Next you will need to configure your ports. This is referred to in different terms depending on your router. Some will call it port forwarding, some will call it services & firewall rules, others will call gaming and other applications. What you are trying to do is open the port numbers you obtained from the DVR and direct them to the IP address of your DVR you obtained earlier. Most router manufacturers will have help line telephone numbers to assist you in doing this. Alternatively Dyndns offer a guide of how to set up common makes of router. Please follow link below

http://portforward.com/dyndns/

Your CCTV system should now be set up to stream your CCTV images over the internet. To view your cameras on a remote PC, Laptop or mobile will involve some more steps. Using your laptop or PC normally you will have 2 options, one to view your cameras using the software that came with your PC. (load this onto your PC or Laptop and then follow the instructions) or alternatively to view them using internet explorer.

To use internet explorer type your dynamic IP address into the browser bar followed by a : and the relevant port number for your DVR For example our demo dynamic IP address and port number is http://cctvfirst.dvrdns.org:500 (Please note you must use internet explorer)

If everything is set up correctly you should be taken to your DVR login screen. You will be prompted to download and run/install an active X control. If this doesn't happen you will need to adjust your internet security setting as follows.

To set up your security settings:

Select: tools from your menu bar

Select: Internet options

Select: Security tab

Select: Custom Level

Set: download unsigned active x controls as prompt and set initialize and script Active X controls not marked as safe for scripting to prompt. Please see example below.

When set correctly please select OK

To ensure correct operation it you may need to add the IP address or Dynamic IP address into trusted sites.

To do this select sites from the menus in internet options. Please see below

Then enter your IP address or dynamic IP address as in example below. Take the tick out of the: Require server verification box and then click add. To finally make sure everything is set up correctly click on trusted sites, then on custom level and make sure the security settings are the same as we did in step one. I.E. Set: download unsigned active x controls as prompt and set initialize and script Active X controls not marked as safe for scripting to prompt.

If you now go back to your internet explorer browser and enter your IP address again you should be taken to the login screen. Enter your user name and password. You should then be prompted to install and run the Active X control. Once you have run and installed this refresh your page and you should then be able to view your cameras.

Please note you only need to do all of the above the first time you try to connect.

Useful Links from Dyndns:

http://www.dyndns.com/services/dns/?via=topnav

http://www.dyndns.com/support/kb/dvrs.html#howto-pf

http://portforward.com/dyndns/