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Digital Watchdog VMS/NVR

Device Information:

  • Device: VMS/NVR (Video Management System / Network Video Recorder)
  • Vendor: Digital Watchdog (DW)
  • Model: Spectrum, DW Spectrum IPVMS, Blackjack NVRs
  • Firmware: DW Spectrum 5.0 or higher recommended
  • Platform: GCXONE
  • Doc Version: 1.0.0

Summary​

  • Purpose: Enterprise VMS/NVR with GCXONE integration for professional security installations with cloud-based centralized monitoring.
  • Outcome: Cloud integration with live streaming, playback, PTZ, and timeline optimized for Digital Watchdog hardware.
  • Audience: Technical Installers / Field Engineers / Support

Prerequisites​

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Digital Watchdog Spectrum VMS 5.0+ or compatible Blackjack NVR
  • Administrative access to DW Spectrum Desktop Client or NVR web interface
  • Network connectivity between DW system and GCXONE platform
  • GCXONE account with device configuration permissions
  • Static IP address or DDNS configured for DW server/NVR (recommended)
  • Cameras already configured and recording in Digital Watchdog system
  • Firewall configured to allow outbound HTTPS (port 443) and required ports

Device Profile​

  • Type: VMS/NVR (Video Management System / Network Video Recorder)
  • Discovery Protocol: SDK-based integration with direct connection
  • Event Types: Motion detection, video analytics, camera disconnection, storage alerts, system events, I/O triggers, tampering, intelligent video analytics
  • Network Requirements:
    • Ports: HTTPS (7001), RTSP (554), HTTP (7001), WebSocket (7001)
    • Connectivity: Direct IP with internet access (cloud integration via DW Cloud)
    • Bandwidth: 2-8 Mbps per camera stream (varies by resolution and H.265/H.264 codec)
  • Known Considerations:
    • DW Spectrum is based on Nx Witness platform with DW-specific enhancements
    • Linux-based NVRs offer enhanced stability and performance
    • Supports ONVIF and proprietary protocols for camera integration
    • Scalable architecture supporting hundreds of cameras per server
    • Multiple integration profiles (Basic, Basic+, Advanced) for different deployments
    • Cloud polling mechanism for status monitoring
    • Both cloud and local streaming supported
    • Built-in video analytics and intelligent search (DW Spectrum Analytics+)
    • DW MEGApix cameras fully supported with advanced features

Supported Features​

Core Functions​

Feature CategoryFeatureStatusNotes
Discovery & SetupAuto-Discovery✓SDK-based server/NVR discovery
Manual Configuration✓IP-based configuration supported
Cloud CapabilitiesLive Streaming (Cloud)✓Cloud-based streaming via DW Cloud
Playback (Cloud)✓Cloud video playback
Timeline (Cloud)✓Event timeline with intelligent search
Local CapabilitiesLive Streaming (Local)✓Direct RTSP streaming
Playback (Local)✓Local video playback
Events & AlarmsEvent Detection✓Motion, analytics, I/O triggers
Arm/Disarm✓Camera-level and system-level
Advanced FeaturesPTZ/Presets✓Full PTZ control with presets
Genesis Audio (SIP)✓Two-way audio communication
4K/High Resolution✓Supports 4K and higher MEGApix cameras
Timelapse○Partial support for timelapse
Clip Export✓Manual video clip export
Mobile App Support✓Via GCXONE and DW mobile apps
Poll from Cloud✓Cloud polling for status monitoring
Integration ProfilesBasic Profile✓Essential features for basic integration
Basic+ Profile✓Enhanced features with event management
Advanced Profile✓Full feature set with DW Analytics+

Legend: ✓ Supported | ○ Partial Support | ✗ Not Supported

Integration Highlights:

  • Enterprise-grade VMS/NVR with robust performance
  • Dual streaming modes: cloud and local for maximum flexibility
  • Multiple integration profiles for different deployment scenarios
  • DW Spectrum Analytics+ for intelligent video analysis
  • PTZ control with preset positions and tours
  • Genesis Audio (SIP) for two-way communication
  • Event-driven workflows with customizable rules
  • Cloud polling mechanism for status monitoring
  • Mobile app access for remote monitoring
  • Support for ONVIF and 5,000+ camera models
  • Optimized for DW MEGApix IP cameras
  • Linux-based NVR platform for reliability
  • Scalable from small to enterprise deployments

Quick Start​

To configure Digital Watchdog VMS/NVR with GCXONE, follow these main steps:

  1. Verify Network Connectivity - Ensure DW Spectrum server or NVR has internet access and can reach GCXONE cloud platform
  2. Configure DW System - Access DW Spectrum Desktop Client or NVR web interface, configure network settings, enable cloud service, create integration user
  3. Add to GCXONE Platform - Log into GCXONE and add the DW server/NVR using IP address and credentials
  4. Configure Cameras and Events - Map cameras, configure event rules, verify streaming (cloud and local)
  5. Test Integration - Verify live streaming, playback, timeline, PTZ control, and event forwarding work correctly

For detailed step-by-step instructions with screenshots, see the Configuration Guide.

Change Log​

  • 2025-12-20 v1.0.0 - Initial GCXONE documentation

Need Help?

If you need assistance with Digital Watchdog VMS/NVR integration, check our Troubleshooting Guide or contact support.