VideoX V4 M12EN Administrator Manual

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All rights reserved. Copyright © 2023 Arxys.  

TRADEMARKS

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DISCLAIMER

This document has been generated and made available using product descriptions and specifications available at the time of publication. The contents of this document and the specifications of the products discussed herein are subject to change without notice. Arxys reserves the right to make any such changes without notice. Arxys does not: (1) guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information contained in this document; or (2) is responsible for your use of, or reliance on, the information. Arxys shall not be responsible for any losses or damages (including consequential damages) caused by reliance on the information presented herein.

Introduction #

The Arxys VideoX V4 Appliances – Enterprise are Network Video Recorders (NVRs) preloaded with Microsoft Windows Server operating system and are configured for ease of use by video surveillance integrators. VideoX V4 Appliances – Enterprise products have been tested with various VMS solutions and offer unparalleled value and performance. VideoX V4 Appliances – Enterprise products may ship with a specific VMS installer for the convenience of the video surveillance integrator. Please contact sales@arxys.com for more information regarding on VideoX V4 Appliances – Enterprise and a specific VMS solution.

The Arxys VideoX V4 Appliance – Enterprise M12EN product is 2U NVR that can support up to 200 cameras and up to 1,500 Mbit/s. It is a ruggedized appliance designed to meet appropriate Mil-Spec, Mil-STD, IEEE 1613 and IRC61850 power utility specifications.

The Arxys VideoX V4 Appliance – Enterprise is not an all-in-one video surveillance system. Viewing clients and other infrastructure roles should NOT be installed or run on the system.

Getting Help #

For questions and support regarding the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance hardware, please contact Arxys using the following options:

Web: https://support.arxys.com/
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Pacific time) Holidays Excluded

Web page: https://www.arxys.com/company/support

The primary method to receive help and support for Arxys VideoX Appliances is through the online ticket system.

Opening A Ticket #

Please see this section for information on opening a ticket with Arxys: https://www.arxys.com/docs/starting-ticket/

VideoX Enterprise Appliance Windows Password #

The Windows operating system administrator password is configured by the end user during the first boot setup procedure.

The password configured by the end user cannot be reset by Arxys.

VideoX Enterprise Appliance BMC/ IPMI Password #

Default IPMI Credentials: The default user is ‘ADMIN’.

Important Notice for BMC “admin” Login Credentials

Arxys has implemented a new security feature enhancement on all VideoX V4 products. The change of the previously default BMC password to a unique password for the “ADMIN” user will provide greater BMC security.

To access the web interface; open a web browser and navigate to https://N.N.N.N, where N.N.N.N is the IP address assigned to the management port by a DHCP server on your network. The IP address is displayed on the bottom right corner during boot up.

All VideoX V4 products will have a label with both the system serial number and unique BMC password on the top right hand of the system.

Arxys HIGHLY recommends that this password also be changed to a unique password known only to system administrators to prevent unauthorized access to the VideoX V4 BMC module.

For more information on accessing the IPMI/BMC functionality of the VideoX V4 products please go to https://www.arxys.com/company/support/ for additional documentation.

VideoX Enterprise Appliance Overview #

VideoX V4 M12EN – Front View #

VideoX V4 M12EN – Front Panel Switches and LEDs #

VideoX V4 M12EN – Rear View and Connectors #

1 – Two (2) Power Supply Connectors

Auto ranging for 110-240 VAC. 1+1 redundant hot swap configuration

2 – Two (2) USB 2.0 Ports

For keyboard and mouse use. Can be used for ocasional removable media, should NOT be used for storage expansion.

3 – Out of band management port for Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI)

Dedicated out of band management RJ45 port

4 – Two (2) USB 3.0 Ports

For keyboard and mouse use. Can be used for ocasional removable media, should NOT be used for storage expansion.

5 – Two (2) 10 gigabit Ethernet ports

Accepts Ethernet connections from two networks at speeds up to 10 gigabits. Backward compatible with 1 gigabit switch ports

6 – Video Connector

The VGA connector should be used for initial setup and deployment.

7 – Enterprise RAID controller

Virtualizes drives into drive groups with additional data protection. RAID levels 1, 5, 6, and 60 are recommended.

8 – Two (2) 10 gigabit optical Ethernet ports

Accepts Ethernet connections from two networks at speeds up to 10 gigabits using compatible SFP+ transceivers. The out of band management interface is accesible through these ports.

Dimensions #

Width x Depth x Height
17 x 20.5 x 3.5 (2U) inches
432 x 521 x 89 millimeters

Power Usage #

The power usage listed below were measured under an typical NVR use case using a 120 VAC power source. Actual power usage will vary depending on many factors.

M12EN V4 w/ 12x SSDs – 120VACCurrent (Amps)Power (Watts)
Idle1.57190
High Load2.6280
Power On2.2250
Standby0.415
Power Supply Maximum6.3760

Box Contents #

The Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance should include the following items within the shipping box.

  1. Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance (M12EN)
  2. Two 110V AC power cords (C13/C14)

If you find that you are missing any of the above items, please contact Arxys at https://support.arxys.com

Installation Planning #

Before You Start #

Arxys recommends that all VideoX V4 Appliance – Enterprise M12EN NVRs be used in conjunction with an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) in order to protect the hardware. 

A UPS system in an integral part of any enterprise deployment and offers protect from power issues such as; unclean power, overvoltage, undervoltage, and power loss. The UPS should be configured to signal the operating system to cleanly power off the VideoX V4 Appliance – Enterprise M12EN NVR when the battery power dips below the safe threshold. 

Please consult with you facilities administrator or system administrator for a setting and configuration that takes into account the specific UPS utilized.

Please consult with you network administrator or system administrator for network settings and configurations

Installation Requirements #

The proper installation of the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance will require the following hardware and resources:

  1. Keyboard and mouse.
  2. Display monitor capable of 1024×768 resolution with a Standard VGA connector
  3. Two 110V AC power ports (Preferably on different sources, UPSs, or circuits)
  4. Gigabit Ethernet connectivity (optical)
  5. Network IP address
  6. Available space in a computer equipment rack 2U depending on the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance configuration.
  7. Available ports in an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

Unpacking the VideoX M12EN Rugged Appliance #

The Arxys VideoX M12EN Enterprise Appliance should be carefully removed from its shipping box. Inspect the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance and make sure that it was not damaged during shipping and transport. The Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance includes an integrated front bezel/cover with dust and EMI filtration for the appliance.

Revealing the Windows Product Key #

The product key is found on the Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label located on the front left corner of the appliance. Similar to the removable material commonly found on lottery tickets or prize vouchers, this concealment panel is designed to protect the consumer’s product key from being obtained and used by unauthorized individuals. Carefully scratch off the concealment coating with a fingernail or coin to reveal the entire product key

Connecting Cables and Powering On #

Refer to the diagrams in the Overview sections for the location and description of the various connectors.

Make the following connections:

  1. Connect the VideoX V4 to either a KVM or a dedicated keyboard/mouse and monitor. The keyboard and mouse can be connected to any USB port. It is recommended that the monitor be connected to the VGA port in order to maintain the remote KVM functionality in IPMI.
  2. Connect the VideoX V4 to your network by plugging an Ethernet cable into one of the Ethernet ports. Verify that the appropriate switch port is utilized.
  3. For out of band management connect an Ethernet cable to the IPMI ports. This is highly recommended.
  4. Connect a power cable to each power supply. Verify that the power cable is connected directly to a UPS or through an appropriate power distribution unit.
  5. When power is supplied, the system will go through a low level test before allowing the system to power on. This can take up to 45 seconds. While the system is performing its low level test the Power LED on the front panel will blink. Once the power LED turns off, the system can be turned on by pressing the power button.
  6. Allow the system to boot in the operating system without interruptions

Log Into Windows For The First Time #

The Arxys VideoX M12EN Enterprise Appliance is configured with the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2022 (Microsoft® Windows® Server 2019 optional) operating system. The Windows operating system requires an initial configuration when used for the first time.

When the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance is first powered the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2022 (or 2019 depending on config purchased) will begin booting. Please do not interrupt or power off the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance during this process. The Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance may automatically reboot as the final configuration is applied to the system.

After the system reboots the Windows® Server 2022 or 2019 operating system will load. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.

VideoX Enterprise Appliance OS Setup #

At the “Hi there” screen select the correct home country/region, the preferred app language, and the keyboard layout to use. Once correctly selecting the options needed click the Next button to continue

At the “It’s time to enter the product key” screen enter the product key that is on the Microsoft® COA label attached to the system. The COA label is attached on the top front left corner of the system. It may be required to scratch off some of the protective/privacy silver coating to reveal the entire product key. Click on the “next” button to continue.

See section Revealing the Windows Product Key https://www.arxys.com/docs/videox-v4-r8e-and-r12e/#22-toc-title If the product is not available (remote install) click the ‘Do this later’ link to continue. Note that Windows will not activate until the product key is entered.

At the “License terms” screen review and accept the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2019 license agreement.

At the “Customize settings” screen, set a password for the local administrator account. The password should:

  1. Have a minimum length of 7 characters.
  2. Meet the complexity requirements. See https://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/library/cc956977.aspx for details
  3. Do not lose this password. This password will be needed to log into the system in order to continue the configuration of the server.

Type in the password twice as indicated on the screen and click on the “finish” button to continue. Arxys Support cannot reset this password and there is no default password configured.

Press CTRL+ALT+Delete to unlock the system. Type in the credentials created in the previous step.

Once logged in, the system will auto start the VMS installer (if specified) for the integrator to install and configure.

Configuring Network Settings #

Your organization network administrator should be able to provide you with the information required to configure the network on the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance. Generally, the information required is: IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server. Some networks run the DHCP protocol which will assign all of the above settings automatically. It is recommended that the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance be configured with a static IP address.

  1. Click on the start menu, followed by settings
  2. At the Windows Settings screen click on the “Network & Internet” section
  3. Click on the Change adapter options link
  4. The network connections of the system are displayed. From here you can configure a static IP address. For more information see the Windows Help and Support files.

Checking RAID Health #

Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance will ship with storage resources pre-configured if the configuration is specified at the time of ordering. Before utilizing the storage resources provided by the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance, the health of the solid-state disk (SSD), hard disk drives (HDD), and RAID arrays should be verified. 

Video Storage RAID #

Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance ships with the LSI Storage Authority (LSA) utility pre-installed. This utility will be used to verify the status of the HDDs configured for video storage. A shortcut is placed on the desktop. It can also be accessed via the start menu. LSA uses the local web browser. Use any local or domain administrative account to log in.

  1. Log in to the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance as “administrator” (using the password that was configured during first boot)
  2. From the desktop or start menu locate the LSI Storage Authority (LSA) shortcut. Double–click the shortcut to start the utility.


  3. Log in to the utility as “administrator” (using the password that was configured during first boot). Allow the utility to load.


  4. The status of the raid controller and its volumes are displayed on the top-left corner. The status should display “Optimal.” If the status displays anything other than “Optimal” immediately stop and power off the system. Then verify that:
    • Only the drives labeled for use with the system being installed are installed in the system.
    • ALL of the drives labeled to use with the system being installed are installed in the system.
    • The drives should be installed in the system BEFORE powering on the system.
  5. Background operations are also displayed in the same menu under the raid controller ID. “Check consistency” and/or “initializing” procedures run on schedules to preemptively correct any errors. If “Check Consistency” or “Initializing” operations are in progress, the video storage array remains in an optimal condition.
  6. After verifying the optimal status of the video storage array, exit the utility.

Video Management Software #

If specified, Arxys preloads VMS installers for in order to speed up the deployment and setup process. The preloaded VMS installers are located in the folder:

C:\ArxysSupport\VMS

Browse to the VMS folder and double click on the VMS installer application to start the installation process. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup.

Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance typically ships with a preconfigured volume to use for video surveillance video called “VideoStorage” and is typically configured in Windows as drive “D:\” The VMS that is being installed should be configured to store video files here.

SQL Server and SQL Express Installation errors #

If you install any version of SQL Server on a Windows Server 2022 device and you may see errors related to installing or starting the Database Engine Services component of SQL Server. Additional information can be found here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/sql/database-engine/database-file-operations/troubleshoot-os-4kb-disk-sector-size.

Arxys has internally tested the add ‘ForcedPhysicalSectorSizeInBytes’ resolution proposed by Microsoft successfully

Milestone VMS Best Practices #

Do not run SMART Client on a recorder.

Do not leave the Management Client open to views that display video feeds. This will cause unnecessary additional load on the recorder.

If more than 300 cameras are on the site, SQL Standard must be used. SQL Express is not recommended for a deployment this large.

Do not exceed 20,000 cameras/day per storage profile. See https://supportcommunity.milestonesys.com/s/article/when-should-I-use-archive-storage?language=en_US
This may require RAID reconfiguration which can be done using LSA.

Configure your maximum recording and archive retention limits so that video is deleted upon a set schedule, and not when the hard disk drive reaches its maximum capacity. For best performance, we recommend to maintain at least 15% of the drive free.

Configure the recording and archive hard drives to have a cluster size (block size) of 64K or higher.

Ensure RAID stripe size is set to 512K or higher.

Disable real-time antivirus scanning; instead choose to scan the system based on a schedule. Consult the XProtect Administrator’s Manual regarding which files/folders and processes to exclude. You can also find more information about anti-virus scanning and XProtect in KB 1004, “Configure anti-virus software on XProtect systems (best practices).”

If your surveillance server storage has one single storage array, do not archive. (See the corresponding KB 3614, “When should I archive?”)

Disable any non-essential Windows tasks and processes that affect the file system. These could include the indexing service and the volume shadow copy service. Also make sure to never use Windows drive compression as it will slow down all write-to-disk operations.

In the RecorderConfig.xml file, the “chunk_files” buffers should be set to 64K

Avigilon VMS Best Practices #

Before starting the ACC setup and installation it is recommended that the built in Windows Server 2019 AntiVirus software (Windows Defender or any additional AntiVirus software loaded by the end user) be temporarily disabled or suspended. During the ACC installation a Storage Configuration will create a storage layout. If Windows Defender is enabled this process will take multiple days to complete. https://help.avigilon.com/acc-setup/en/setup/configure-antivirus.htm

Do not leave the ACC client open on the system with a view tab open. This will cause unnecessary additional load on the recorder. https://assets.avigilon.com/documents/avigilon-nvr5-datasheet-en-rev3.pdf (see no local viewing)

If using analytics, verify that the GPU included with the system is operation in TCC mode.

Windows Activation Without Internet Access #

In the event that Internet access is not possible the Windows® Activation procedure can be completed via the use of the Microsoft® Windows® Activation telephone hotline.

  1. Log into the system as a member of the administrative group.


  2. From the Start Screen, Type ‘slui 4’ click on the icon to run the wizard.


  3. Select the nearest location from the drop-down menu and click “Next.”


  4. Call the phone number displayed and follow the promptings. You will have to provide the “Installation ID” and will receive a “Confirmation ID.”


  5. Click “Next” and follow the onscreen instructions to continue and complete the activation process.

IPMI Configuration and Usage #

Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance include Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) 2.0 compliant interface that allows you to monitor, control, and manage a remote server from the locally or remotely via the local network. With IPMI you can completely and efficiently monitor your server in real time. IPMI includes remote KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) support.

In order to utilize IPMI you need:

  • A configured BMC
  • Available network port (RJ-45)
  • Modern Web Browser (Edge or Firefox)

Configuring IPMI Network in the BIOS for RevS Systems #

  1. Plug in a network cable into IPMI port on the server. See the appliance overview section for more details on the location of the port.
  2. Power cycle the server (remove AC power, wait 5 seconds, and then plug the AC power back in)
  3. During POST, enter the BIOS by pressing the “DEL” key.
  4. Once in the BIOS navigate to the “BMC” menu using the right arrow key


  5. Then select the BMC Network configuration from the options


  6. By default, IPMI will grab an IP address from DHCP. If the IP assigned is acceptable note the IP and skip to REMOTELY ACCESSING THE SERVER
  7. To change to a static IP; Press ENTER to update the BMC LAN Configuration and select Yes from the options.


  8. Navigate to the Configuration Address Source menu select Static and press enter.
  9. Use the new options to set:
    • The IP address for IPMI (Station IP Address)
    • The subnetmask of the network
    • The router or gateway address for the network


  10. Press escape and navigate to the “Exit” menu. Select “Save Changes and Reset” and press <enter>. The system will reboot.

Remotely accessing the System #

  1. Utilize a web browser to browse to the IP address set listed in the IPMI section of the BIOS making sure to start with https://
    • Example: https://192.168.1.100


  2. A log in prompt will be presented.
  3. IPMI is now configured and accessible.
  4. The default user is ‘ADMIN’ the password will be unique for each system. The password is located on a silver label attached to the top right-hand side of the system near the serial number.

Starting A Remote KVM Session #

In troubleshooting or remote managing the system it may be required to establish a remote KVM sessions with the system. A remote KVM sessions will simulate having a keyboard, video display, and mouse connected to the system. This will allow you enter the BIOS

of the system and other pre-OS sections of the system. Not that post operating system video will ONLY be displayed if there is a display connected to the VGA connector of the system.

  1. Establish a web GUI session using https://IP_address
  2. Log in. The default user is ‘ADMIN’ the password will be unique for each system. The password is located on a silver label attached to the top right-hand side of the system near the serial number.


  3. Locate the left hand side menu and click on the Remote Control section.


  4. Change the Launch Console interface from JAVA plug-in to HTML5 for increased compatibility. The system will prompt for the setting to be saved. Save the change. The screen will refresh.
  5. Now click the Launch Console button. A new window will appear
  6. A remote KVM session is now established. Use the Macro menu on hte right hand side to send a CTRL+ALT+DEL key stroke to the system to unlock.

Maintenance #

Although the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance requires minimal maintenance, basic maintenance will increase the lifespan of the hardware. Like the majority of equipment installed in a computer hardware rack, the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance uses a front intake and rear exhaust cooling design. It is very important that the airflow of the cooling system is not blocked or hindered in any way. The most common way that a server’s cooling system is blocked is by the accumulation of dust in the front air intake passages of the server. At regular intervals the dust should be wiped from the front bezel. Additionally, using compressed air to blow out the dust that has settled on the drives bays will assist in keeping the Arxys VideoX Enterprise Appliance’s cooling system running at its highest efficiency.

System Health #

The health of the system can be checked via IPMI

  1. Establish a web GUI session using https://IP_address
  2. Log In
  3. From the dashboard click on the Sensor Readings button located at the top right of the screen.
  4. A list of all system sensors and their status will be displayed

Capturing System Logs #

It may be necessary to capture logs in order to start a support ticket with Arxys. For instructions on how to do this see https://www.arxys.com/docs/capturing-logs-2

Video Storage Drive Replacement #

Video recordings are saved on the solid state drives and are protected by RAID. A RAID 6 array is able to continue to operate with two failed drives. Drives should be replaced as soon as possible in order to maintain data resiliency. 

If your VideoX V4 M12EN is still under warranty, contact Arxys to replace the failed hard drive.

  1. Open the Broadcom LSA utility
  2. Check which SDD has failed and note the slot number shown


  3. Unscrew the three fasteners from the system cover and swing the cover down to access the SSDs installed in the system.
  4. Locate the corresponding drive bay / slot number of the drive that failed


  5. Loosen the fastener securing the SSD (red above). The fastener is self captivating. Then grab on to the drive tray pull handles (blue above) and pull the drive out and away from the system.
  6. Swap out the failed SDD with the replacement SDD


    • Remove the four (4) fasteners securing the storage drives to the tray from the underside
    • Pull the failed SSD out of the rear of the tray
    • Align the replacement SSD with the fastener holes in the tray.
    • Reinstall the four (4) fasteners to secure the SSD to the tray.
  7. Insert the drive tray with the replacement SSD into the chassis. Press the drive into place and secure the drive tray fastener.
  8. After a few moments the rebuild process will begin automatically. This will be visible in LSA.
  9. Secure the system cover.
  10. After 20-30 hours (depending on drive capacity and system load) the rebuild process will complete.

Power Supply Replacement #

If either of the two power supply modules fails, the other module will take the full load and allow the system to continue operation without interruption.

Replacement power supply modules will ship directly from Arxys. The power supply units have a hot-swap capability, meaning you can replace the failed unit without powering down the system.

If your VideoX V4 M12ES is still under warranty, contact Arxys to replace the failed power supply.

Removing a Power Supply Module #

  1. Identify the failed power supply (Amber LED)
  2. Unplug the AC power cord from the failed power supply module.

  3. Loosen the fastener securing the power supply release tab.
  4. Press the release tab on the power supply module and pull on the handle to remove the power supply out and away from the system.

Installing a Power Supply Module #

  1. Replace the failed hot-swap unit with another identical power supply unit.
  2. Push the new power supply unit into the power bay until you hear a click.
  3. Secure the fastener securing the power supply release
  4. Finish by plugging the AC power cord back into the unit.
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