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Digital Watchdog VMS/NVR Configuration

Overview​

This guide covers the configuration of Digital Watchdog Spectrum VMS or Blackjack NVR integration with GCXONE, including server setup, cloud service configuration, and GCXONE platform integration.

What you'll accomplish:

  • Configure DW Spectrum/NVR network and cloud settings
  • Enable DW Cloud service for GCXONE integration
  • Create integration user with appropriate permissions
  • Add DW system to GCXONE platform
  • Configure cameras, events, and advanced features
  • Verify successful integration and test all features

Estimated time: 40-50 minutes

Prerequisites​

Ensure you have completed the prerequisites listed in the Overview:

  • Digital Watchdog Spectrum VMS 5.0+ or Blackjack NVR
  • Admin access to DW Spectrum Desktop Client or NVR web interface
  • Network connectivity between DW system and GCXONE
  • GCXONE account with device configuration permissions
  • Static IP or DDNS configured for DW server/NVR
  • Cameras configured and recording in DW system

Configuration Workflow​

  1. DW System Configuration - Configure network, cloud service, users, cameras (Steps 1-5)
  2. GCXONE Platform Setup - Add DW system to GCXONE, configure integration (Steps 6-8)
  3. Verification - Test live streaming, playback, timeline, events, PTZ features

Part 1: Digital Watchdog System Configuration​

Step 1: Access DW Spectrum Desktop Client or NVR Web Interface​

UI Path: Desktop → DW Spectrum Desktop Client OR Web Browser → https://[NVR-IP]

Objective: Access DW management interface to begin configuration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. For DW Spectrum VMS: Launch DW Spectrum Desktop Client
    • Connect to server (IP or hostname)
    • Enter admin credentials
    • Click Connect
  2. For Blackjack NVR: Open web browser
    • Navigate to https://[NVR-IP]
    • Log in with admin credentials
  3. Verify DW Spectrum version 5.0+ or compatible NVR firmware
  4. Check cameras are discovered and recording

DW Spectrum/NVR Interface

Expected Result: Successfully connected to DW system with admin access.

Step 2: Configure Server Network Settings​

UI Path: System Administration → General / Network Settings

Objective: Configure server network settings for GCXONE integration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to System Administration → General (Spectrum) or Settings → Network (NVR)
  2. Configure Server Settings:
    • Server Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Site A DW Spectrum")
    • Server URL: Verify external IP or DDNS hostname
    • Port: 7001 (default HTTPS) - note for GCXONE setup
  3. Verify network has stable internet connectivity
  4. Note server/NVR IP address for GCXONE integration
  5. Click Apply to save settings

Network Configuration

Expected Result: Server network configured with accessible IP/hostname.

Step 3: Enable and Configure DW Cloud Service​

UI Path: System Administration → Cloud / Cloud Settings

Objective: Enable DW Cloud service for GCXONE cloud integration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to System Administration → Cloud (or Settings → Cloud on NVR)
  2. Click Connect to Cloud or Enable Cloud Service
  3. Configure Cloud Settings:
    • Cloud Account: Sign in with DW Cloud account (or create new)
    • System Name: Descriptive name for cloud access
    • Cloud Relay: ✓ Enable for cloud streaming
  4. Configure Cloud Permissions:
    • Allow Cloud Access: ✓ Enabled
    • Cloud Streaming: ✓ Enabled
    • Cloud Playback: ✓ Enabled
  5. Click Save and verify cloud connection status shows "Connected"

DW Cloud Configuration

Expected Result: DW Cloud service enabled and connected successfully.

Step 4: Create Integration User Account​

UI Path: System Administration → Users / User Management

Objective: Create dedicated user for GCXONE integration with full permissions.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to System Administration → Users (or Settings → User Management)
  2. Click Add User or + icon
  3. Configure the integration user:
    • Username: gcxone_integration
    • Password: Create strong password (save for GCXONE setup)
    • User Type: Administrator or Power User
  4. Configure Permissions (ensure all are enabled):
    • ✓ Live View
    • ✓ Playback
    • ✓ Export Video
    • ✓ PTZ Control
    • ✓ Event Management
    • ✓ System Administration (for SDK access)
  5. Click OK or Save to create the user

User Configuration

Expected Result: Integration user created with full administrative permissions.

Step 5: Configure Cameras and Recording Settings​

UI Path: Desktop Client → Cameras / NVR → Recording Schedule

Objective: Verify cameras configured correctly for GCXONE integration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. View Cameras list in left panel (Spectrum) or Camera Management (NVR)
  2. For each camera, verify:
    • Camera is Online and streaming
    • Recording Schedule configured (continuous or motion-based)
    • Motion Detection enabled if required
    • Stream Quality appropriate (primary and secondary streams)
  3. Configure Recording Settings:
    • Navigate to System Administration → Recording or Storage
    • Set Retention Period: 7-30 days
    • Enable Pre-Recording: 5-10 seconds
    • Configure Storage location and available space
  4. Verify PTZ Cameras (if applicable):
    • Test PTZ controls
    • Configure PTZ presets if needed
  5. Click Apply to save

Camera Configuration

Expected Result: All cameras online, recording, and properly configured.

Part 2: GCXONE Platform Setup​

Step 6: Add Digital Watchdog System in GCXONE​

UI Path: GCXONE Web Portal → Devices → Add Device

Objective: Register DW system in GCXONE platform.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Log into GCXONE web portal with admin credentials
  2. Navigate to Devices → Add Device
  3. Select device type:
    • Type: VMS (for Spectrum) or NVR (for Blackjack)
    • Manufacturer: Digital Watchdog
  4. Enter system details:
    • Device Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Site A - DW Spectrum VMS")
    • IP Address/Hostname: Server/NVR IP from Step 2
    • Port: 7001 (default) or custom port
    • Username: Integration user from Step 4 (gcxone_integration)
    • Password: Password for integration user
    • Protocol: HTTPS
    • Time Zone: Select appropriate time zone
  5. Configure Integration Profile:
    • Basic Profile: Essential features only
    • Basic+ Profile: Enhanced with event management
    • Advanced Profile: Full feature set with DW Analytics+ (recommended)
  6. Click Test Connection to verify connectivity
  7. If successful, click Add Device to register in GCXONE
  8. GCXONE will discover all cameras from DW system

Add DW in GCXONE

Expected Result: DW system successfully added and shows "Online" status in GCXONE.

Step 7: Configure Camera Mappings and Streaming​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → Digital Watchdog → Camera Configuration

Objective: Map cameras, configure streaming modes, enable timeline features.

Configuration Steps:

  1. In GCXONE, navigate to newly added DW system
  2. Click Configure Cameras or Camera Management
  3. For each camera:
    • Verify camera name and assign to site/location
    • Enable Cloud Streaming: ✓ Checked (for remote access)
    • Enable Local Streaming: ✓ Checked (for on-site access)
    • Enable Event Forwarding: ✓ Checked
    • Configure Stream Quality: Auto, High, Medium, or Low
    • Enable Timeline: ✓ Checked (for event navigation)
  4. Configure Advanced Camera Settings:
    • Audio: Enable if cameras support audio
    • PTZ Settings: Configure PTZ presets (if applicable)
    • Privacy Masks: Configure if required
  5. Click Save Configuration

Camera Mapping

Expected Result: All cameras mapped with cloud and local streaming enabled.

Step 8: Configure Events, Notifications, and Integration Profiles​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → Digital Watchdog → Event Configuration

Objective: Set up event forwarding, notifications, configure integration profile features.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to DW system Event Configuration in GCXONE
  2. Configure Event Forwarding:
    • Motion Detection: ✓ Enable forwarding
    • Analytics Events: ✓ Enable (if using DW Analytics+)
    • Camera Disconnection: ✓ Enable
    • System Events: ✓ Enable (storage full, errors)
    • I/O Triggers: ✓ Enable (if using I/O devices)
  3. Configure Event Notifications:
    • Push Notifications: ✓ Enable for mobile app alerts
    • Email Notifications: ✓ Enable (enter email addresses)
    • SMS Notifications: ✓ Enable if required
    • Notification Schedule: 24/7 or custom schedule
  4. Configure Integration Profile Features:
    • Cloud Polling: ✓ Enable (for status monitoring)
    • Genesis Audio (SIP): ✓ Enable (for two-way communication)
    • Clip Export: ✓ Enable (for manual video export)
    • Timelapse: ✓ Enable if required (partial support)
  5. Configure Event Actions:
    • Set recording triggers
    • Configure automation rules
    • Set event retention period
  6. Click Save Event Configuration

Event Configuration

Expected Result: Events forwarded, notifications configured, integration profile features enabled.

Part 3: Verification and Testing​

Verification Checklist​

Live Streaming:

  • Cloud live streaming works for all cameras
  • Local live streaming works (when on same network)
  • Stream quality acceptable with minimal latency
  • Multiple concurrent streams work
  • Audio works (if cameras support audio)

Playback and Timeline:

  • Cloud playback works with timeline navigation
  • Local playback works (when on same network)
  • Timeline shows event markers correctly
  • Can jump to specific events on timeline
  • Playback speed controls work
  • Video export/clip download works

Events:

  • Motion detection events forwarded to GCXONE
  • Event notifications sent correctly (push, email, SMS)
  • Event video clips recorded
  • Arm/Disarm functions work
  • System events properly reported

PTZ Control (if applicable):

  • Cloud PTZ controls work (pan, tilt, zoom)
  • Local PTZ control works
  • PTZ presets can be saved and recalled
  • PTZ tours work (if configured)

General:

  • Device status shows "Online" in GCXONE
  • Mobile app access works
  • No error messages in device logs
  • Cloud polling status active

Advanced Configuration​

DW Spectrum Analytics+ Integration​

To integrate DW Spectrum Analytics+ (Advanced Profile):

  1. Install analytics plugins in DW Spectrum
  2. Configure analytics rules (motion, line crossing, loitering, etc.)
  3. Enable analytics event forwarding in GCXONE
  4. Configure GCXONE automation rules based on analytics events
  5. Test analytics detection and event flow

Multi-Server Federation​

For deploying multiple DW systems:

  1. Configure each system independently
  2. Add each as separate device in GCXONE
  3. Organize cameras by site hierarchy in GCXONE
  4. Configure cross-server event rules if needed
  5. Set up role-based access per server/site

Troubleshooting​

See the Troubleshooting Guide for common problems and solutions.

Quick troubleshooting:

  • System not discovered: Verify IP address, port 7001, and credentials
  • Connection fails: Check firewall rules allow port 7001 and 443
  • No video: Verify cameras online in DW system
  • Poor video quality: Check network bandwidth and camera bitrate settings
  • No events: Verify event detection enabled in DW system and GCXONE
  • Cloud connection fails: Check DW Cloud service enabled and connected
  • PTZ not working: Verify PTZ cameras properly configured in DW system

Need Help?

If you need assistance with Digital Watchdog VMS/NVR configuration, contact support.