------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ernitec VMS 7.5.10 Readme File (Release Notes) November 23, 2016 (c) Ernitec Ltd. All rights reserved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This document contains supplemental information about Ernitec VMS software, or information that became known after the product documents were completed. ******************************************************************************* ESSENTIAL AND IMPORTANT NOTES: Ernitec VMS V7.3 AND LATER RELEASES REQUIRE MICROSOFT SQL SERVER 2014, OR SQL SERVER EXPRESS 2014 TO BE INSTALLED ON THE MASTER SERVER AND RECORDING SERVERS UTLIZING Ernitec VCA. IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHETHER THE MASTER SERVER HAS SQL SERVER INSTALLED, THEN THE MASTER SERVER SHOULD *NOT* BE UPGRADED WITH THE SYSTEM MANAGER "UPDATE RECORDERS" OPTION USING THE "LIMITED INSTALLER". THE V7.5 "FULL INSTALLER" EXECUTABLE INCLUDES THE MICROSOFT SQL SERVER EXPRESS 2014 INSTALLER (SQL IS NO LONGER A SEPARATE INSTALLER). INSTALLER SERVICE CONFIGURATION: THE SERVICE CONFIGURATION PAGE SETS THE SMSERVER, DVRSERVER AND WDSERVER PROCESS START DEPENDENCY FROM THE SQL EXPRESS PROCESS: - MASTER SERVER OR STANDALONE SERVER INSTALLATION: SELECT THE MIDDLE OPTION: "AUTOMATIC DEPENDING ON SQL SERVER" - IF THE SLAVE RECORDING SERVER HAS VCA, SELECT THE MIDDLE OPTION: "AUTOMATIC DEPENDING ON SQL SERVER" - OTHER SLAVE RECORDING SERVERS CAN CHOOSE THE FIRST OPTION: "AUTOMATIC" VERSION 7.5 SHOULD NOT BE DOWNGRADED TO V7.4, OR EARLIER. DOWNGRADE IS NEVER RECOMMENDED ON Ernitec VMS. IF YOU MUST DOWNGRADE, MAKE SURE TO CREATE BACKUP OF YOUR SYSTEM AND LICENSE AT V7.5 AND THEN UNINSTALL AND THEN DELETE EVERYTHING (ALL THE SERVER ADDRESSES) UNDER THE ".\EasyView" FOLDER. IF YOU MUST DOWNGRADE, BE CAREFUL IN CASE YOU HAVE THE AUTOMATIC BACKUP AND RESTORE ("ABUR") FEATURE ACTIVATED. THE FEATURE CAN IN THIS CASE AUTOMATICALLY TRY TO RESTORE THE BACKUP FROM THE NEWER VERSION TO THE DOWNGRADED VERSION, AND THIS CAN CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. ******************************************************************************* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESSENTIAL AND IMPORTANT NOTES 1 NEW IN VERSION 7.5 2 FULL AND LIMITED INSTALLERS 3 USING 32-BIT VS. 64-BIT VERSIONS 4 RECENTLY ADDRESSED ISSUES 5 EasyView PLUGINS, FLASH MEMORY BACKUP AND FAILOVER 6 LICENSE UPGRADE 7 UPDATING CLIENT PROGRAMS TO VERSION 7.X 8 SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS 9 REINSTALLING CLIENTS IN WINDOWS 7 & 8 10 PROCESSOR AND HDD PERFORMANCE TESTED AFTER INSTALLATION 11 IP PTZ NOTES 12 ADAPTIVE MOTION DETECTION 13 REINSTALLING Ernitec VMS FROM BACKUP WITH EXTERNAL PLUGIN DRIVERS (PTZ, TEXT DATA, ETC.) 14 PCI SERR# GENERATION MUST BE DISABLED 15 SWITCHING FROM RECORDER DNS NAME TO RECORDER IP ADDRESS OR VICE VERSA 16 CONFIGURING VMS TO USE DIFFERENT MS SQL SERVER 17 NOTE REGARDING NETWORK ADAPTER CARD PERFORMANCE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NEW IN VERSION 7.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW SYSTEM FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY: - New MSI installers for EasyView (from V7.5.10, see separate MSI package note with the MSI installers) - "Full" and "Limited" installers (see separate description below) - Installer logs are automatically copied to installation directory for easier troubleshooting - User role import/export for easier configuration of customized roles - Alarm scheduler changes: o Active alarms will stop automatically if calendar changes to off o Alarms will automatically activate if calendar changes to on and trigger was active - Scheduled I/Os: Possible to set input to activate or deactivate with timer o Needs Recording Server upgraded to the latest version o Enables, for example, lighting control with VMS output/alarm - Logical I/Os o Available for Ernitec Enterprise Version o AND and OR operations are possible o Signal from up to 32 outputs can control AND, OR, HOLD AND and PULSE AND input signals - Countdown I/Os o Available for Ernitec Enterprise Version o Input can activate o If a trigger is held active longer than the preset duration o If a regular pulse type trigger is not detected for a preset duration - PTZ camera tour preset have possibility to add a longer stop time in Tours (up to 60 minutes) - UDD serialmodel databit 7 added - Camera motion data is not on by default. This reduces system networking load. The setting can be activated from System Manager - DVR storage file count can be adjusted in installer - Gateway now has enhanced error logging capability via configuration file NEW FEATURES IN EasyView: - MaxSmooth playback (not on by default): Both live and playback video appears smoother than before o May have issues with lots of cameras and three or more monitors o Docking certain user interface components (Device tree, alarm list etc. will not work when MaxSmooth option is selected. User can make such adjustments with MaxSmooth off, then activate it. o "Auto hide" mode of alarm list and device tree dont work properly with MaxSmooth - Storyboard o Storyboard creation/editing with Ernitec Enterprise version o Storyboard changes also include considerable changes to export mode time slider - Profile Maps plugin can react to alarms by switching view - Custom user-created camera grids - Camera grid cells can contain plugins - User lock and login can trigger loading of a default layout - Zero-bezel camera grids - EasyView Monitor Manager plugin for local monitor content management o Optionally available for Ernitec Enterprise version o Monitor Manager needs to be same version as the AVM Operator Console plugin, if used on the same PC - EasyViewPlayer integral to EasyView and exported to target export directory - Alarm search max result count raised to 5000 - Fast bookmarking with keyboard shortcut - Stretch option for tab images - Available Diagnostics plugin for displaying VMS server connection status - Export quality settings adjustable from EasyView settings - AVM thumbnail update adjustable from EasyView settings - 360 dewarp and image controls settings are automatically memorized when used from device tree - 360 dewarp and virtual camera (zoom) settings are included in the exported video clips - Direct control of 360 camera dewarp settings from on top of camera itself - Custom alarm highlight color - EasyView fullscreen will not drop out from mouse movement: o Dropping out from fullscreen can be achieved with ESC key, F11 key and by taking mouse cursor to the top of the screen and then using the window normalize control - Startup animation refreshed - Camera Carousel plugin o Allows to define a "Camera tour" in normal EasyView camera grid. o Always in realtime, so using playback controls works normally for other cameras in grid, but Camera carousel cameras stay in realtime o Offers autocrop, stretch and virtual camera adjustments in edit mode - All search plugins (Motion, Thumbnail, Textdata, Alarm) have an additional icon so that they are more clearly separated from each other for usability - Motion search plugin improvements o Motion search has a playback camera view and shows time slider o Searching for motion displays thumbnails (thumbnail size is adjustable) o Size of camera can be adjusted o Selecting a motion search result will take the playback time to the selected time o It is possible to review all motion search results by pressing play. Playback will jump through all the results, displaying all motion in the selected area and nothing else. - Thumbnail Search Plugin o Thumbnail search is meant for scenarios where visually some change (for example disappearance of an object) can be seen in video material o Thumbnail search is used by selecting appropriate time period (start and stop times) and starting the search. This will generate selected number of thumbnails o User can then "dig in" to the events by doubleclicking a thumbnail. This will further perform another thumbnail retrieve and again display selected amount of thumbnails from the selected time period. o By "digging in" or "diving into" the material this way, it is fast to find the time when object has disappeared. The playback controls can then be used to review the events leading to the disappearance. - Ultra fast exporting o In addition to previous export formats, a SEF (Secure Export Format) is added o SEF format exporting is 15-20 times faster than ASF exporting o SEF format is fully authenticity checked, and can be viewed with the EasyViewPlayer executable, or the normal EasyView client - SpottePplayer will open clips when drag and drop on top of the icon - Tab content save/load o It is possible to save, share and manage tab content settings o This allows to configure for example a camera grid with certain specific plugins (for example, Camera Carousel with specific cameras or Web Browser pointing to specific website) and then share and save it o Saved tabs can then be opened faster with keyboard shortcuts or in the AVM Operator Console. It is like a mini-layout. Localization of 7.5.7: - EasyView: All supported languages - EasyViewPlayer executable help: All supported languages - System Manager application: All supported languages - EasyView User Guide & Help: EN, FI, DE, FR, PL, IT - System Administration Guide: EN, FI - Installation Guide: EN ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 FULL AND LIMITED INSTALLERS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ernitec VMS Version 7.5 comes with two installer options: 1) A "Limited Installer" and 2) A "Full Installer" The Full Installer will install Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014 to the PC, if it is missing. It will also upgrade a detected SQL Server Express 2008 version to SQL Server Express 2014. The Full Installer must be used when: - Installing a [Carbon] Master Server (networked system), or - Installing a "standalone" server (which acts as its own Master), or - Installing any server where Ernitec VCA is to be used The Limited Installer can be used when Microsoft SQL Express 2014 installation is not needed: - Installing a slave recording server without VCA, but which is connected to a separate Master Server - Upgrading an existing server where the SQL Server is already installed and working - Installing client applications only (EasyView, System manager, Workstation) NOTE: There is a separate installer just for installing EasyView. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 USING 32-BIT VS. 64-BIT VERSIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Starting from Version 7.4 onwards, the Ernitec VMS software is available both as 32-bit ("x86") and 64-bit ("x64") versions. THE 64-BIT VERSION WILL INSTALL BY DEFAULT TO "C:\Program Files". THE DEFAULT LOCATION FOR THE 32-BIT VERSION IS "C:\Program Files (x86)". WHEN INSTALLING X64 ON TOP OF X86, THE INSTALLER WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEEK NECESSARY SETTING AND LICENSE INFORMATION FROM THE DEFAULT X86 INSTALLATION FOLDER. ALL CLIENTS OR THE GATEWAY MUST USE SAME VERSION AS THE MASTER SERVER. IF YOU SEE A NOTE AT CLIENT STARTUP ABOUT AN INCOMPATIBLE VERSION, AND YOU HAVE JUST UPGRADED TO A 64-BIT MASTER, THE REASON IS THAT THE CLIENT IS STILL A 32-BIT VERSION. UNINSTALL THE CLIENT AND REINSTALL THE 64-BIT VERSION. 3.1 When to choose the 32-bit version of Ernitec VMS? USE THE 32-BIT VERSION IF YOU USE ANALOG VIDEO CAPTURE/COMPRESSION CARDS! Use the 32-bit (x86) version of Ernitec VMS (even on 64-bit versions of the Windows), if you need an analog video capture/compression card, as analog capture cards are not supported with the 64-bit version of Ernitec VMS. Also with the Versions 2.* of Ernitec ANPR+ and [Carbon] Reporting applications, use the 32-bit version. ANPR+ and Reporting+ V3.0.2, and later versions, support the 64-bit version of VMS. 3.2 When to choose the 64-bit version of Ernitec VMS? USE THE 64-BIT VERSION WHEN 3GB OF RAM IS NOT ENOUGH! Use the 64-bit (x64) version of Ernitec VMS when you know that 3GB of RAM for the recording server process (DVRServer) or for the client application (EasyView) is not enough (either on the recording server, or on the client PC). For example, if there are so many connected cameras, that processing of all data requires more than 3GB of RAM (Random Access Memory, run-time memory, main memory). Note that this refers to per process use of RAM, not the total amount of RAM installed on the machine, or the amount of disk storage. 3.3 Managing an environment with 64-bit versions of Ernitec VMS MULTI-SERVER Ernitec VMS ENTERPRISE SYSTEM CONSIDERATIONS In a networked, multi-server Ernitec VMS Enterprise system, the server with the Master Server role can simultaneously connect to and manage both 32-bit and 64-bit slave recording servers (also sometimes known as "nodes") on the network: - A 32-bit Master Server supports simultaneously both 32-bit as well as 64-bit slave recording servers. - A 64-bit Master Server supports simultaneously both 32-bit as well as 64-bit slave recording servers. - A Version 7.* based Master Server supports simultaneously both Version 7.* and Version 6.* slave recording servers, but does not support servers based on Version 5.*, or earlier. The Gateway server, if used, must with a 64-bit Master Server also be a 64-bit version. WITH A 64-BIT MASTER SERVER, CLIENTS MUST ALSO BE 64-BIT VERSIONS When upgrading a Master Server (or a standalone, non-networked server) to the 64-bit version, then you need to also uninstall and reinstall the client applications in order to use the 64-bit version of the client applications (EasyView, System Manager or Workstation): - With a 64-bit Master Server, the client applications and the Gateway server must also be 64-bit versions, and - With a 32-bit Master Server, the client applications and the Gateway server must also be 32-bit. When using the System Manager application's "Update recorders" -feature to update the slave recording servers in the system, all or the selected recording servers you choose to update will update to the version you choose (which installation file you provide). In a mixed environment with both 32-bit and 64-bit servers, be careful that you know which servers are to be upgraded to which version, 32-bit or 64-bit! The 64-bit versions will not work at all on, so called, hybrid servers with internal analog video capture cards (also known as compression cards or grabber cards). All new IP camera, encoder (video server) or other drivers will be also available as separate 32-bit and 64-bit versions. When installing a new driver or updating an existing driver, you must use a 32-bit driver package on a 32-bit server, and a 64-bit driver package on a 64-bit server. Note also that since V7.3.3 all servers with the Master Server role, as well as all slave recording servers with VCA (Video Content Analytics) require Microsoft SQL Server Express 2014 to be installed on the server before installing Ernitec VMS. 3.4 How to determine whether the installation file is 32-bit or 64-bit? The 32-bit installation executables have "x86" as part of their name. E.g., for Ernitec VMS V7.5.3 "Release_757_EasyView_PAL_x86_Full.exe", and 64-bit executables have "x64" (e.g., "Release_757_EasyView_PAL_x64_Full.exe"). The origin of this naming convention comes from the naming conventions of Intel 32-bit vs. 64-bit microprocessors (CPUs). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 RECENTLY ADDRESSED ISSUES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.10 and 7.5.7: - Addressed issue where client programs (EasyView and System Manager) would ask and receive all the VMS server setting information after a brief network disconnect. This change reduces network load in large systems or in systems that have frequent network disconnections. - Addressed issue where system would not be able to zip or unzip compressed files with Windows 10 and certain region settings. This would lead into problems with client login, log export, backup and restore. - Addressed issue where EasyView automatic grid would work wrong when using client privacy mask and 360-dewarping. - Addressed issue where digitally zoomed images were blurry in realtime view. - Addressed issue where sometimes EasyView would not show plugins after logging in. - Addressed issue where sometimes EasyView time slider and time counter would freeze. - Addressed issue where alarm email sending would not contain image attachments. - Addressed issue where a backup file opening would take very long time. - Addressed issue where EasyView would work odd if the Client PC time was different from the server time - Addressed issue where WDEvent email delay settings did not work for long delay times - Addressed issue where timed archive creation would create multiple archives - Addressed issue where Storyboard preview view closing would crash EasyView - Changed audio channel lip synchronization maximum adjusted values from +/- 2 sec to +/- 5 sec This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.7 and 7.5.6: - Addressed issue where Windows operating system cache would cause system to run on high memory consumption state for long time, and eventually cause system to slow down. In V7.5.7 the OS cache is not used at all. - Added a configurable "Keep alive" value for SMServer, EasyView, System Manager and Workstation. The keep alive value can be changed from the SMServer.exe.config, EasyView.exe.config, Systemmanager.exe.config and Workstation.exe.config files. Lengthening the keep alive time could help in situations where network connection is poor or servers are under high load. The values are in seconds. - Addressed issue where alarm email attachment was not always sent - Addressed issue where images would distort and break when doing playback - Addressed issue where broken images/frames sent by camera could leak memory - Addressed issue where EasyView could display blank or black images for camera if ther ewas lost connection to servers - Addressed issue where VMS upgrade would change camera driver from native to ONVIF or vice versa - Addressed issue where using Thumbnail search would not work correctly when searching from WMV or ASF clip material - Added feature for troubleshooting EasyView memory related issues: User can print memory usage information to EasyView log by pressing "Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M" - Addressed issue where EasyView might freeze when using Motion search from SEF clips - Addressed issue where EasyView Storyboard preview could crash when exiting preview mode - Addressed issue where bookmark was not included in exports - Addressed issue where EasyView would not let user enter special character in the "number" keyboard row (@£$€{[]) as password. This behavior can be changed from EasyView.exe.config. - Addressed issue with ImmerVision lens selection when if changing lens selection from default to another lens and then back, it would not select the default lens correctly. This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.6 and 7.5.5: - Addressed memory leak in Panasonic 360 dewarping - Addressed memory leak in Pelco 360/270/180 dewarping - Addressed issue with ImmerVision 360 dewarping - Addressed issue that allows to install wrong "bitness" ThruCast driver for EasyView - Addressed issue that stopped DirectX joystick control in some rare scenarios - Addressed issue where joystick control of PTZ cameras was not possible when using it together with AVM Operator Console - Addressed issue where adding failover recorder was not possible and note "Recorder is too old version to act as..." was shown - Addressed issue where fast playback was sometimes freezing playback - Addressed issue where system would allow to "overwrite" SEF clip contents with another clip contents to same target directory, if user tries to use the same clip name - Addressed issue where artifacts seen in playback mode using Step controls - Added automatic detection of need of deinterlace filter - Improved the step forward control in EasyView - Addressed rare issue where EasyView would crash when opening archive - Addressed issue where users imported from Active Directory could not use automatic logon - Addressed issue where System Manager logo preview settins were not saved correctly - Addressed issue where image update rate in EasyView advanced information overlay was calculated wrong for 360 cameras - Addressed issue where Motion search plugin did not work correctly for ASF/WMV clip material - Addressed issue where moving cameras from one AVM Display Server monitor to another was taking long time - Addressed issues using audio and logging in in EasyView or changing profile would result in audion being activated mistakenly - Addressed issue where Samsung/Hanwha Series 5 cameras freeze after CCRiA/ CCFiA events - Legacy SEF clip format support This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.5 and 7.5.4: - Addressed ONVIF ThruCast driver comppatibility issues with some cameras - ThruCast driver now shows "No signal" in case signal was lost after stream was opened - Exporting from archive or SEF clip enabled - Added feature where the trigger sensitivity of moving from main axis motion to diagonal motion with DirectX joystick can be adjusted from the EasyView.exe.config file This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.4 and 7.5.3: - VCA visualisation bounding boxes now seen correctly when image mirrored or flipped. - Issues with AVM tab change commands to Display Servers addressed. - Issue with EasyView logins on large system with multiple clients addressed. - FPS counter accuracy in image advanced information view improved. - Issue with last alarm names and descriptions addressed. - Eliminated Media Exported wait to start for offline (inaccessible) Recoding Servers. - User name now shown when attempting to assume PTZ control from another user with older slave Recording Servers in system. - In EasyView the camera is zoomed in/out while scrolling preset list. - Auto closing of camera settings in camera toolbar in some cases. - System Monitor, Media Exporter or Automatic Updater (VAU) connections do no longer consume a concurrent user in the license. - Miscellaneous other issues addressed. This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.3 and 7.5.2: - Long profile folder names no longer affects exporting videos from 360 cameras or audio. - Clients no longer after short network connection aggressively try to reconnect to Master, temporarily increasing Master network load. - Issue with removing cameras from fullscreen view with numpad "minus". - EasyView buffering 10% more efficient than in versions 7.5.0 to 7.5.2. - System does not overload easily when adding and closing cameras with hidden time slider. - Miscellaneous other issues addressed. This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.2 and 7.5.1: - Bosch 360 cameras now automatically detect if use 180 or 360 camera model - If I/O output active state polarity is "open", EasyView now displays the output state correctly - Fast bookmark is marked to playback position, not realtime - Tailgating - Counting line detection method now works ok (have to use Tailgating "Pulse") - Joystick button configuration no longer allows two settings with same name - When exporting 8 cameras, the material graph is now correctly displayed - If pressing "Set to default" in the export dialog, it now allow exporting - MediaExporter now supports audio exporting in 64-bit (x64) version - Active alarms no longer shown even if alarm list had "Active" disabled - MaxSmooth mode, window minimize/normalize keeps text channel visible - Alarm view tab no longer automatically closes when changing system settings - Archive playback does not stop at end of archive even with looping playback selected - 360 direct control no longer enabled when using Mixed playback mode with CTRL key - Profile map does not show alarm, if the trigger is not included in profile - Audio stream no longer opened if it was open on some device tab, and EasyView logged in or minimized and return to normal This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.1 and 7.5.0: - Slave recording server issue where slave not restored properly after restoring system settings addressed. - EasyView Archive creation now displays an error notice when server runs out of disk space. - Issue with System manager failure when exporting system logs, if C-drive runs out of space when exporting system logs addressed. - EasyView no longer changes traget window grid if dragging camera from an autocrop fixed grid to another autocrop fixed grid window. This list includes select issues addressed between versions 7.5.0 and 7.4.5: - Clip name length allows exporting clip with several devices that have long names - Virtual zoom editing issue with multiple cameras addressed - Archive issue where playback would not appear to go to completely the end of material addressed - When using multiple Archives that require password, added information about which password query is for which Archive - EasyView stops Archive playback to end of Archive instead of jumping to displaying realtime view. - AVM thumbnail update is by default "False" (off) to address large AVM system performance(can be turned on in smaller AVM systems) - Server multicasting issue on viewing/client network side addressed - Rare stream initialization issue when exporting from Archive addressed - Rare camera disappears issue when maximising tab addressed ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 EasyView PLUGINS, FLASH MEMORY BACKUP AND FAILOVER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ******************************************************************************* IMPORTANT NOTE! When using the failover feature, please note that if a failover has happened and a broken recorder has been "repaired" and added as a new failover server, the system is ready to perform another failover after next automatic backup. To expedite the readiness to return to full failover protection, a manual backup may be made, if the backup file is placed into the normal place where automatic backup files are stored: \EasyView\Systemmanagement\SMData\Recoverystore\Backups ******************************************************************************* ******************************************************************************* IMPORTANT NOTE! When downgrading a system from higher version to lower version, user must be very careful. Ernitec does not recommend downgrading, it is not guaranteed to work. If you choose to downgrade, make sure that you have a backup file generated from the software version where you plan to downgrade to. If the system has automatic backup enabled, the EasyView installation can grab and use the latest automatic backup file from USB stick or EasyView filesystem. If you are downgrading, the backup file can be generated from later version, and can create problems (DVRServer stuck). In these scenarios, temporarily move the location of the automatic backups (see above for location on hard disk). ******************************************************************************* Note that when a server is restored from a flash memory backup, any EasyView plugins (such as ANPR+ or MapXtreme plugins) are not included in the backup and must be re-installed manually after a server restore. The same applies to failover servers taking the role of a broken active server. In both cases, all plugins and plugin specific configurations must be restored manually. Please note that new EasyView plugins may be required after upgrade from earlier release to V7.2, or later. At least following plugins should be updated: - MapXtreme Geospatial Mapping - Ernitec (Carbon) Reporting - ANPR+ - Agile Virtual Matrix (AVM) Operator Console You can check the Ernitec Extranet or contact Ernitec Technical Customer Support to get access to latest EasyView plugins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 LICENSE UPGRADE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ernitec VMS 7.X software requires a license key on installation. Please, see the Ernitec VMS Installation Guide for information on updating the license key. The Ernitec VMS 7.X software is not compatible with Ernitec VMS 6.X or earlier licenses. If you are upgrading from Ernitec VMS 6.X or earlier, it is important to update the license key before continuing to install the software. If the software is upgraded before the license key is updated, all server-specific information (including profiles and stored material) will be lost. It is possible to link a slave Recording Server with Ernitec VMS software 6.X to a Master Server with Ernitec VMS 7.X. However, the features and functionality of the slave Recording Server is severely limited, and it is highly recommended to use the newest software version on all servers. Note that Ernitec VMS 7.X does not support Ernitec VMS 5.X servers in the same system! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 UPDATING CLIENT PROGRAMS TO VERSION 7.X ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The client programs can be updated to version 7.X automatically by connecting to a Master Server with 7.X software from a client application with an older software version. To manually update the client programs to 7.X, uninstall the existing software version and then install version 7.X. Note: In some cases, in which a client computer only has client software - no Recording Server - and the software requires a new version of the SlimDX or DirectX libraries, the clients need to be installed cleanly (the old clients uninstalled before installing the new clients). In these cases, automatic updating may cause problems with video feed display. A clean install will correct the problem. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please see Ernitec VMS Administrator Guide for the complete chart of supported operating systems. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN WINDOWS 8 YOU MUST ENABLE THE .NET 3.5 FEATURE. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN WINDOWS SERVER OPERATING SYSTEMS, YOU MUST ENABLE THE "DESKTOP EXPERIENCE" FEATURE. NOTE ALSO THAT IF USING A 32-BIT WINDOWS OS VERSION, A 32-BIT VERSION OF MICROSOFT SQL SERVER 2014 MUST BE SEPARATELY DOWNLOADED AND INSTALLED (SINCE V7.4.5 THE Ernitec VMS INSTALLATION PACKAGES NO LONGER INCLUDE 32-BIT SQL). Windows XP: - Ernitec VMS no longer supports Windows XP. Windows 7 & 8: - Ernitec VMS is Windows 7 compatible with the following issues: * Not all capture cards have official manufacturer Windows 7 support at the time of writing this. Confirm level of support from card manufacturer. * SoundMax audio will not show up in System Manager as selectable device if the drivers have not been installed from OEM site or manufacturer. * Using network storage may "steal" pre-mapped Z-location for VMS use. On reboot, Explorer may show mapping that differs from where the drive is actually mapped to. * Users should ensure that the latest drivers are installed, as Windows 7 comes with lots of default drivers that lack functionality. - Ernitec VMS is Windows 8 compatible with the following issues: * Ernitec VMS system does not support capture cards in Windows 8. * SoundMax audio will not show up in System Manager as selectable device if the drivers have not been installed from OEM site or manufacturer. * Using network storage may "steal" pre-mapped Z-location for VMS use. On reboot, Explorer may show mapping that differs from where the drive is actually mapped to * Users should ensure that the latest drivers are installed, as Windows 8 comes with lots of default drivers that lack functionality. Windows Server 2008 R2: - Ernitec VMS is Windows Server 2008 R2 compatible with the same issues as Windows 7 (see above) and with the following features installed: * .NET Framework 4.0 Features * Desktop Experience Ernitec EasyView: - Ernitec EasyView supports only Microsoft Windows 7 or newer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 REINSTALLING CLIENTS IN WINDOWS 7 AND 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Windows 7 and 8, when a user edits the SMServer addresses through the login address selection screen, the edited addresses are saved into a Virtual Store folder. The Virtual Store folders are user specific. For this reason, the VMS specific data is not erased if the Ernitec VMS software is uninstalled. Thus, if the user edits the SMServer addresses through the login address selection screen and continues to uninstall and reinstall the VMS software, the result may be a SMServer IP address conflict between the address recorded in the VMS program folder and the one recorded in the Virtual Store folder. If a SMServer IP address conflict occurs, it can be resolved by deleting the files in the VMS virtual folder: c:\Users\\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\ProgramData\EasyView\ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 PROCESSOR and HDD PERFORMANCE TESTED AFTER INSTALLATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When the recorder software is installed, the performance of the processor and hard disks are tested at end of the installation. The results of the tests are used to determine the maximum possible frame rate of the system. The performance test is done by processing images at full capacity for about one minute. The exact time depends on the computer. During this time, a performance monitor dialog is displayed, and it may look like the computer is unresponsive. Please wait until the testing is complete before using the computer (even if it looks unresponsive). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 IP PTZ NOTES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On autosearch: When installing IP PTZ cameras supporting autosearch using the IP camera finder or Automatic camera search), the PTZ drivers are installed automatically along with the camera drivers, so there is no need to install external PTZ drivers. In these cases, the PTZ functionality has some changes: - All presets and camera tours are saved in the camera itself, not on the recorder. - All previous presets for the cameras, in case they are stored on the recorder, are lost and need to be reinstalled. - If presets are added or modified through a camera's own UI, they will be also available through Ernitec VMS software. In addition to IP PTZ cameras, this feature supports analog PTZ cameras connected to Axis IP video servers. On PoE: It is highly recommended to never use PoE with IP PTZ cameras, as the power requirements for PTZ cameras can easily exceed the PoE standards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 ADAPTIVE MOTION DETECTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In rather rare and unusual situations, when constant movement dominates scenery over very long periods of time, the adaptive motion detection method may learn to interpret "real" movement to be regarded as noise movement to be ignored (like tree in a wind). In these cases the recording may not be triggered even if it should have been. In these cases, comparative motion detection or hermeneutic motion detection is recommended. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 REINSTALLING Ernitec VMS FROM BACKUP WITH EXTERNAL PLUGIN DRIVERS (PTZ, TEXT DATA, ETC.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When performing a clean reinstallation of Ernitec VMS software through backup settings in a system with PTZ drivers, it is important to perform the tasks in the correct order: 1. Backup the settings in System Manager. 2. Uninstall all PTZ drivers. 3. Uninstall Ernitec VMS software. 4. Manually delete the VMS configuration folders as instructed by Ernitec Technical Customer Support. 5. Reinstall VMS software. 6. Reinstall all PTZ drivers. 7. Restore the settings from the backup file. 8. If required, reconfigure the PTZ drivers. If the reinstallation process is not performed in the order described above, the process may lead to unexpected errors. This order applies to all reinstallation cases of the VMS software regardless of the version. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 PCI SERR# GENERATION/SERR DMI MESSAGE MUST BE DISABLED ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PCI SERR# Generation/SERR DMI Message is a PC BIOS-based service that generates system error messages. When MiraCap capture cards are used, this service may cause video display to freeze or blue screen errors to occur. Make sure that this service is disabled in BIOS settings. To disable PCI SERR# in HP computers: 1. Restart the computer and press F10 when the logo screen is displayed. 2. Select the language. 3. From the Advanced menu, choose 'Bus Options'. 4. Set PCI SERR# to 'Disable'. 5. Press F10 to save the settings. 6. Press F10 to exit the BIOS settings. To disable SERR DMI Messaging in DELL computers: 1. Restart the computer and press F2 when the logo screen is displayed. 2. Click 'Maintenance' and then 'SERR DMI Message' and press ENTER. 3. Set SERR DMI Message to 'OFF' and press ENTER. 4. Press ESC, select 'Save/Exit', and then press ENTER to save and exit the BIOS settings. In computers from other manufactures, find the corresponding BIOS setting and set it to disabled. Note: This setting is already disabled in servers delivered by the Ernitec. However, if the BIOS settings are reset, make sure to set this option back to disabled. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 SWITCHING FROM RECORDER DNS NAME TO RECORDER IP ADDRESS OR VICE VERSA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you use the 'Change recorder address' tool in System Manager to change a recorder's IP address (e.g. 127.0.0.1) to its DNS name (e.g. 'localhost' or 'recorder1.example.com') or vice versa, SMServer may stop handling events (e.g., alarms, Watchdog notifications, I/O polarity changes or changes in camera signal reception) from the recorder for approximately five minutes. During the interval, other features (e.g. video, audio and data streams and playback) will function normally. After a five minute interval, SMServer will restore the connection with the recorder, after which events will be handled normally. The interval affects only the real time handling of events; any alarms that have occurred during the interval can be viewed later through the 'Alarm Search' plugin in EasyView, and the Watchdog logs can be viewed in System Manager. To avoid the problem, please ensure that you change a recorder's IP address to its DNS name or vice versa only at a time when a five minute interval in event handling will not cause problems. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 CONFIGURING VMS TO USE DIFFERENT MS SQL SERVER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is some information regarding how to configure Ernitec VMS to use a different MS SQL Server installation than the default MS SQL Server Express. In the SMServer application configuration file (c:\Program Files (x86)\EasyView\Systemmanagement\SMserver.exe.config) the “Data source” parameter tells the software which SQL server instance is in use. If you are using something else than the supplied MS SQL Server Express 2014, you must modify this parameter. Also, you should check the databases (=Initial Catalog). They should have EasyViewData and WdContext as in this example: The database instance you are using can be seen in the SQL Management Studio. More information: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj653752%28v=vs.110%29.aspx ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 NOTE REGARDING NETWORK ADAPTER CARD PERFORMANCE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The recommended values for the network transmit and receiving buffers are at least 2048 for 1Gb network interface cards. This buffer is taken from system memory so memory consumption is a bit higher, but the CPU has more time to handle incoming traffic. It has come to our attention that in some cases, where customers have observed up to several seconds of recorded material missing, this has been determined to be the result of insufficient network interface card buffers. Due to the high volumes of network traffic generated by video streaming there is a possibility that the video frames arrive in wrong order or the recording server cannot handle them in timely manner. In this case the system relies on network adapter’s receive buffer to be able to handle the amount of traffic. If the system runs out of buffer space, the unhandled network frames are discarded resulting in missing material in the stored recording. In practice, this appears as a gap in the recording. In our tests increasing buffers to recommended values has fixed the problem. The recommended buffer values are available at least with Intel network interface cards. If you have cards that do not have high enough buffer capability, they are recommended to be used only in VMS client network. See also the Ernitec VMS Networking White Paper and the Ernitec VMS Network Storage White Paper. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS", AND Ernitec LTD RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THIS DOCUMENT AS NECESSARY AND WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. ANY PRODUCTS, SERVICES, OR FEATURES DISCUSSED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY Ernitec LTD. Ernitec LTD DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE AVAILABILITY OF ALL PRODUCTS, SERVICES, OR FEATURES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [End of File]