Smart - Pss Pc Nvr Setup
Setting up a Smart PSS PC NVR allows you to turn your computer into a recording server for your Dahua surveillance system. While the standard Smart PSS has been officially discontinued and replaced by SmartPSS Lite
, the setup process for the PC NVR feature remains consistent across versions. Dahua Wiki 1. Installation and Initial Configuration Download & Install : Download the software from an official source like the Dahua Wiki . During installation, ensure the component is selected if prompted. Security Setup
: Upon first launch, you must create a unique password for the Smart PSS application itself to secure access to your feeds. Dahua Wiki 2. Adding the NVR/Cameras
To record to your PC, you must first link your cameras or physical NVR to the software: Manual Add (P2P/SN)
: If accessing remotely, select "SN" as the register mode and enter the Serial Number
of your device, which is typically found on the bottom of the unit or under the P2P settings menu. Auto Search (Local Network) : For devices on the same network, navigate to Auto Search to automatically detect and add hardware. Credentials : The default username is often
, but you must use the specific password you configured for the physical NVR. Dahua Wiki 3. PC NVR Server Setup
This step configures your computer to act as the storage destination: Enable PC NVR : From the main menu, click the
icon. If it’s your first time, you may need to "Initialize" the server. Import Devices Remote Device
, click the plus (+) sign, and select the specific cameras you want the PC to record. Click to add them to the PC NVR's management. Storage Allocation Disk Management
. You must manually allocate hard drive space for the recordings. Once you set the size and click , the software will restart to format the virtual disk. Recording Plan Record Plan
section, define when the PC should record (e.g., constant 24/7 or only on Motion Detection 4. Troubleshooting Connection Issues Online Status : The device status in the device list must turn smart pss pc nvr setup
for connectivity. If it stays gray or red, verify your internet stability and ensure P2P is "Enabled" in the physical NVR's network settings. Remote Viewing
: For mobile access alongside your PC setup, Dahua recommends using the for long-term NVR storage? PC NVR Setup
feature in SmartPSS allows you to turn your Windows PC or Mac into a recording server, enabling your computer to record video directly from IP cameras or NVRs to its local hard drive. Prerequisites SmartPSS Installed : Ensure you have installed SmartPSS SmartPSS Lite on your computer. Component Selection : During installation, you must have checked the "Storage Service" box to enable this functionality. 1. Enable PC-NVR and click the icon from the home menu. Power icon
(or toggle switch) at the top right to turn the PC-NVR service Confirm the status displays as 2. Disk Management (Storage Allocation) Disk Management HDD Manager ) from the left-hand column. Select the local hard drive you want to use for recordings.
and enter the amount of space (in GB) you wish to reserve for video storage.
. The PC-NVR service will briefly restart to finalize the disk setup. 3. Channel Management (Adding Cameras) Channel Management on the left menu. sign or search for devices on your network.
Select the specific cameras or NVR channels you want to record and click button to add them. Check the box for each device you've added and click 4. Record Plan (Scheduling) Record Plan from the sidebar. Select a camera and click the to set the recording parameters. Choose your Record Type for continuous or for Motion Detection) and set the weekly schedule grid. . You can use the button to apply this same schedule to other cameras. 5. Playback Recorded Footage Go back to the Home menu and select From the device tree on the left, find your Select the camera, set the date and time, and click to view the videos stored on your computer's hard drive. specifically for this PC-NVR setup? 2 Oct 2024 —
Click, "Record Plan" on the left hand side. * On this page you can configure the recording schedule for your device. Dahua Wiki Team 2 Oct 2024 —
3. Automate Reboots
- Schedule a weekly reboot of the PC (e.g., Sunday 3:00 AM).
- Use Task Scheduler:
Create Task > Trigger > Weekly > Action > Program: shutdown /r /f /t 30
Alternatives to Smart PSS PC-NVR
If you need more stability or features:
- Dahua NVR (hardware) – best for 24/7 reliability
- Blue Iris – more advanced but paid
- Frigate (with Google Coral) – AI detection, runs in Docker
- Shinobi – open-source, supports PC-NVR-like setup
Step 3: Adding Your NVR to Smart PSS
This is the core of the setup process. There are two ways to add your NVR: automatically (SN) or manually (IP).
Method A: The Automatic Way (P2P/Serial Number) This is the easiest method if your NVR is connected to the internet. Setting up a Smart PSS PC NVR allows
- On the main screen, click the "Devices" icon (usually looks like a monitor with a gear).
- Click "Add Device" (the + icon).
- Select "SN" (Serial Number) as the method.
- Enter a custom Device Name (e.g., "Home NVR").
- Enter the SN (Serial Number) found on the sticker on the bottom of your NVR or in the NVR's System Info menu.
- Enter the User Name and Password for the NVR (usually
adminand your NVR password). - Click "Add".
Method B: The Manual Way (Local IP) Use this if you are on the same local network but want a faster, more stable connection.
- Click the "Devices" icon and select "Add Device".
- Select "IP/Domain".
- Enter a Device Name.
- Enter the IP Address of your NVR (e.g., 192.168.1.108).
- Enter the Port (Default is usually 37777 for TCP).
- Enter the User Name and Password.
- Click "Add".
If successful, the status light next to the device will turn Green or show "Online". If it is Red or Grey, check your password or network cables.
2. Requirements
- Windows PC (10/11 recommended)
- SmartPSS installed (latest version from Dahua or provider)
- IP cameras on same LAN
- Stable network switch/router
- Dedicated hard drive space (NTFS partition recommended)
Stick with a Hardware NVR if:
- You want plug-and-play simplicity (no Windows maintenance).
- Your environment is dusty, hot, or vibration-prone (PCs fail faster).
- You only need 4-8 cameras and basic motion recording.
Final Pro Tip: Once your Smart PSS PC NVR is stable, clone the Windows drive using Macrium Reflect Free. If the OS corrupts (Windows updates, etc.), you can restore your entire NVR configuration in 15 minutes – no re-adding 64 cameras manually.
By transforming a standard PC into a Smart PSS NVR, you not only save money but also gain capabilities that commercial hardware NVRs can only dream of. Happy surveilling.
Remember to always comply with local privacy laws when recording public spaces or employees.
Setting up SmartPSS PC-NVR allows you to turn your computer into a recording server, enabling it to function like a standalone NVR for your IP cameras. Phase 1: Adding Your Device to SmartPSS
Before configuring the PC-NVR feature, you must add your NVR or cameras to the SmartPSS software Launch SmartPSS : Log in using the default credentials ( admin/admin ) unless you have already updated them. Add Device Navigate to Manual Add Register Mode (Serial Number) for remote P2P access or for local network setup. Input Credentials
: Enter your NVR’s name, Serial Number, and the password you set during initial NVR setup. Verify Connection : Once saved, the status should change to Phase 2: Configuring PC-NVR (PC as a Recorder)
This feature uses your computer’s hard drive to store footage from your cameras. Initialize PC-NVR : On the SmartPSS home page, click the Import Devices Remote Device and click the Select the cameras you want to record to your PC and click Allocate Disk Space Disk Management
Select the drive and enter the amount of space (in GB) you want to reserve for recordings. . The software will restart to finalize the partition. Set Record Plan : After the restart, go to Record Plan
to define when the PC should record (e.g., constant recording or Motion Detection Critical Setup Tips Storage Warning Schedule a weekly reboot of the PC (e
: Allocating disk space for PC-NVR can take several minutes. Do not close the program during this process. Network Requirements
: For stable recording, ensure both the recorder and the PC have high-speed internet access if using the P2P/Serial Number method. Password Recovery : If you forget your NVR password, use the Forgot Password
link at the login interface to recover via email or security questions. motion detection alerts specifically within the SmartPSS interface? Using SmartPSS - Basics and first time setup
Smart PSS PC NVR Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking to set up a smart security system with a PC-based Network Video Recorder (NVR) using Smart PSS? Look no further! This blog post will guide you through the process of setting up a Smart PSS PC NVR, helping you to monitor and record your security footage with ease.
What is Smart PSS?
Smart PSS is a popular software used for monitoring and recording IP cameras, NVRs, and DVRs. It offers a user-friendly interface and advanced features such as motion detection, remote access, and video analytics. Smart PSS is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it a versatile solution for security system integration.
Prerequisites for Smart PSS PC NVR Setup
Before you start setting up your Smart PSS PC NVR, make sure you have the following:
- PC Requirements: A computer with a decent processor, RAM, and storage to run Smart PSS smoothly. Recommended specs: Intel Core i5 or higher, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage.
- NVR Device: A PC-based NVR device or a server with a supported operating system (Windows 7 or later).
- IP Cameras: Compatible IP cameras connected to your network.
- Smart PSS Software: Download the latest version of Smart PSS from the official website.
Step-by-Step Smart PSS PC NVR Setup

