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SPYKEBOX NVR Configuration

Overview​

This guide covers the configuration of SPYKEBOX NVR integration with GCXONE, including network setup, device configuration, and GCXONE platform integration leveraging Hikvision SDK compatibility.

What you'll accomplish:

  • Configure SPYKEBOX NVR network and system settings
  • Create integration user with appropriate permissions
  • Add SPYKEBOX NVR to GCXONE platform
  • Configure cameras, events, and streaming settings
  • Verify successful integration and test all features

Estimated time: 30-40 minutes

Prerequisites​

Ensure you have completed the prerequisites listed in the Overview:

  • SPYKEBOX NVR with latest firmware
  • Admin access to SPYKEBOX NVR web interface
  • Network connectivity between NVR and GCXONE
  • GCXONE account with device configuration permissions
  • Static IP or DDNS configured for NVR
  • Cameras configured and recording in SPYKEBOX NVR

Configuration Workflow​

The configuration process consists of 3 main parts:

  1. NVR System Configuration - Configure network, users, cameras, and recording (Steps 1-4)
  2. GCXONE Platform Setup - Add NVR to GCXONE, configure integration (Steps 5-7)
  3. Verification - Test live streaming, playback, timeline, events, PTZ features

Part 1: SPYKEBOX NVR System Configuration​

Step 1: Access SPYKEBOX NVR Web Interface​

UI Path: Web Browser → http://[NVR-IP] or https://[NVR-IP]

Objective: Access NVR web interface to begin configuration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Open web browser and navigate to NVR IP address:
    • HTTP: http://192.168.1.64 (example)
    • HTTPS: https://192.168.1.64 (preferred)
  2. Log in with admin credentials:
    • Default username: admin
    • Password: Set during initial setup
    • (Change default password if not already done)
  3. Accept security certificate (if using HTTPS)
  4. Verify firmware version is up to date
  5. Check camera list to ensure all cameras are online

SPYKEBOX Web Interface

Expected Result: Successfully logged into SPYKEBOX NVR web interface with admin access.

Step 2: Configure Network Settings​

UI Path: Configuration → Network → Basic Settings

Objective: Configure network settings for GCXONE integration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Network → Basic Settings
  2. Configure NVR Network Settings:
    • NIC Type: Static IP (recommended) or DHCP
    • IPv4 Address: 192.168.1.64 (example - use static IP)
    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
    • Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1
    • Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8 or local DNS
    • Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4
  3. Configure Platform Access (if available):
    • Enable Platform Access: ✓ Checked (for cloud integration)
    • Server Address: Auto or GCXONE server
  4. Verify HTTP Port and HTTPS Port:
    • HTTP Port: 80 (default)
    • HTTPS Port: 443 (default)
    • SDK Port: 8000 (default)
  5. Click Save to apply settings
  6. Test connectivity by pinging NVR from another device

Network Configuration

Expected Result: NVR has static IP, accessible via HTTP/HTTPS, and has internet connectivity.

Hikvision SDK Compatibility

SPYKEBOX uses Hikvision's SDK for device communication, providing:

  • Proven reliability: Hikvision SDK is battle-tested across millions of deployments
  • Feature compatibility: Most Hikvision features work seamlessly with SPYKEBOX
  • Configuration similarity: SPYKEBOX interface closely resembles Hikvision NVRs

Integration Notes:

  • Use Hikvision protocol when adding to GCXONE (not generic ONVIF)
  • Hikvision SDK port 8000 must be accessible
  • Refer to Hikvision documentation for advanced feature configuration

Compatibility: If you've configured Hikvision NVRs before, SPYKEBOX configuration will be very familiar.

Step 3: Create Integration User Account​

UI Path: Configuration → System → User Management

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

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Configuration → System → User Management
  2. Click Add to create new user
  3. Configure the integration user:
    • User Name: gcxone_integration
    • Password: Create strong password (save for GCXONE setup)
    • Confirm Password: Re-enter password
    • Level: Administrator or Operator (Administrator recommended)
    • User Type: Normal User
  4. Configure Permissions (ensure all are enabled):
    • ✓ Local Configuration
    • ✓ Remote Configuration
    • ✓ Remote Playback
    • ✓ Remote Live View
    • ✓ Remote PTZ Control
    • ✓ Two-Way Audio
    • ✓ Remote Alarm Control
    • ✓ Remote Parameters Inquiry
  5. Configure Camera Permissions:
    • Select All Cameras or specific cameras
    • Enable all permissions for selected cameras
  6. Click OK to create the user

User Configuration

Expected Result: Integration user created with full administrative permissions for all cameras.

Step 4: Configure Cameras and Recording Settings​

UI Path: Configuration → Camera / Storage → Schedule

Objective: Verify cameras and recording are configured correctly for GCXONE integration.

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Camera
  2. For each camera, verify:
    • Camera Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Front Entrance")
    • Status: Online
    • Main Stream: H.265 or H.264, 1080p or higher
    • Sub Stream: H.264, lower resolution for mobile
  3. Navigate to Configuration → Storage → Recording Schedule
  4. Configure Recording Schedule for all cameras:
    • Enable Schedule: ✓ Checked
    • Recording Type: Continuous + Motion (recommended)
    • All Day Recording: ✓ Checked (or configure custom schedule)
  5. Configure Motion Detection (if not already enabled):
    • Navigate to Configuration → Event → Motion Detection
    • Enable Motion Detection: ✓ Checked
    • Configure detection areas and sensitivity
  6. Verify Storage status:
    • Navigate to Configuration → Storage → Storage Management
    • Check disk status and available space
  7. Click Save to apply settings

Camera and Recording Configuration

Expected Result: All cameras online, recording continuously or on motion, motion detection enabled.

Part 2: GCXONE Platform Setup​

Step 5: Add SPYKEBOX NVR in GCXONE​

UI Path: GCXONE Web Portal → Devices → Add Device

Objective: Register SPYKEBOX NVR 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: NVR
    • Manufacturer: SPYKEBOX or Hikvision (SDK-compatible)
  4. Enter NVR details:
    • Device Name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Site A - SPYKEBOX NVR")
    • IP Address/Hostname: NVR IP from Step 2 (e.g., 192.168.1.64)
    • Port: 8000 (SDK port) or 80/443 for HTTP/HTTPS
    • Username: Integration user from Step 3 (gcxone_integration)
    • Password: Password for integration user
    • Protocol: SDK/ISAPI (default for Hikvision-based)
    • 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 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 SPYKEBOX NVR (may take 30-60 seconds)

Add SPYKEBOX in GCXONE

Expected Result: SPYKEBOX NVR successfully added and shows "Online" status in GCXONE with all cameras discovered.

Step 6: Configure Camera Mappings and Streaming​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → SPYKEBOX NVR → Camera Configuration

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

Configuration Steps:

  1. In GCXONE, navigate to newly added SPYKEBOX NVR device
  2. Click Configure Cameras or Camera Management
  3. For each camera:
    • Verify camera name matches NVR configuration
    • Assign to site/location in hierarchy
    • 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
    • Recording Mode: Cloud, Local, or Both
  5. Click Save Configuration

Camera Mapping

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

Step 7: Configure Events, Notifications, and Integration Features​

UI Path: GCXONE → Devices → SPYKEBOX NVR → Event Configuration

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

Configuration Steps:

  1. Navigate to SPYKEBOX NVR Event Configuration in GCXONE
  2. Configure Event Forwarding:
    • Motion Detection: ✓ Enable forwarding
    • Video Analytics: ✓ Enable (if using analytics)
    • Camera Disconnection: ✓ Enable
    • System Events: ✓ Enable (storage full, errors)
    • Alarm Inputs: ✓ Enable (if using physical alarms)
  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 (automation):
    • Set recording triggers
    • Configure notification 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 motion 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​

Video Analytics Configuration​

If using video analytics (Advanced Profile):

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Event → Smart Event in SPYKEBOX NVR
  2. Enable analytics features:
    • Line Crossing Detection: ✓ Enable
    • Intrusion Detection: ✓ Enable
    • Region Entrance/Exit: ✓ Enable if available
  3. Configure detection areas for each camera
  4. Set sensitivity levels
  5. Enable analytics event forwarding in GCXONE
  6. Test analytics detection and verify events appear in GCXONE

Alarm Input/Output Configuration​

For NVRs with physical alarm inputs/outputs:

  1. Navigate to Configuration → Event → Alarm Input
  2. Configure alarm input triggers
  3. Link alarm inputs to camera recording
  4. Configure alarm output actions
  5. Test alarm triggers and verify events in GCXONE

Troubleshooting​

See the Troubleshooting Guide for common problems and solutions.

Quick troubleshooting:

  • NVR not discovered: Verify IP address, port 8000, and credentials
  • Connection fails: Check firewall rules allow ports 80, 443, 554, 8000
  • No video: Verify cameras online in SPYKEBOX NVR web interface
  • Poor video quality: Check network bandwidth and camera bitrate settings
  • No events: Verify motion detection enabled in NVR and GCXONE
  • PTZ not working: Verify PTZ cameras properly configured in NVR
  • Cloud streaming fails: Check NVR has internet connectivity and platform access enabled

Need Help?

If you need assistance with SPYKEBOX NVR configuration, contact support.