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How do I configure my encoder's recording disk?
Updated over a week ago

Introduction

Encoders can save recordings to a number of locations (depending on the model):

  • The internal recording disk (not available on the HD-IP200)

  • An external USB Disk (FAT32 formatted, > 20GB, USB 3.0)

Note: The maximum supported capacity external hard disk is 2TB. It is possible to use larger disks, but they must be formatted by the encoder - the recording space will be reduced to 2TB.

EVVR devices can utilise 4TB for internal recording disks. These devices use their boot devices to record to, and these disks are not FAT32 formatted - they are non-removable.

Initial configuration

Your encoder needs to know:

From the encoder's local web set up interface, select the Recording Storage item:

Illustration of configuration interface

The Storage page will then list all available recording locations.

Illustration of configuration interface

Select the Storage settings menu option can be used to configure various aspects of the recording:

Illustration of configuration interface

What recording mode do you need?

There are two options for recording:

  • Always recording

  • Record on alarm action

By default, the encoder will always record all incoming video. However if you are using EdgeVis's alarm system then you can switch to Record on alarm action and use an alarm rule to start/stop recording.

What recording disk(s) do you want to use?

Most encoders include an internal non-removable recording disk, but you can also use one or more external USB recording disks. The following settings apply by default:

Illustration of configuration interface

However, you can disable internal recording, and/or enable external USB recording disks.

Why would I want to use an external recording disk?

If you make multiple recording locations available (internal and USB) the encoder will pool all disks together, extending the recording duration of your encoder.

If you have more than one recording drive available:

  • The encoder will select a disk and continue to use it until it's full

  • The encoder will start with the disk with the newest recordings on it, as long as there's more than 200MB free.

  • If there are no disks with recordings, it will start with the largest capacity drive.

Why would I want to disable the internal recording disk?

If you want to remove the recording disk easily (for example to swap out an empty recording disk) it is often easier to disable the internal recording disk, and only use a USB recording disk.

What should then the encoder do when all disks are full?

When all storage devices become full it is possible to either:

  • Overwrite oldest recordings (default)

  • Stop recording

Illustration of configuration interface

When Stop recording is selected the encoder will start to send out notifications when each disk starts to become full (the threshold is configurable). You can create an EdgeVis rule within EdgeVis Server to send these notifications as email, SMS or push notification alerts to specific users.

Do you want to encrypt your recordings?

By default, the encoder will not encrypt (or password-protect) the recordings. This allows the recordings to be played on any PC by anyone who has the appropriate playback software.

It is possible to encrypt the recordings so that only those with the encryption key can review the recordings on the disk.

  1. Return the Storage page

    Illustration of configuration interface

  2. Select the Recording Encryption Settings menu option:

    Illustration of configuration interface

  3. Select Enable encryption of recordings

  4. Enter (and confirm) your new encryption key

You must erase your disk if you change the key or disable encryption!

Once you save your settings, all recordings from this point forward will now use the new recording encryption key.

Congratulations, you've completed the initial steps to configure your encoder You can use the encoder Quick Start Guide for more information the next stage of completing your EdgeVis set up.

'Setting up your encoder' series:

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