Please follow the steps below to update DVR firmware:

Sentry US h.264 DVR firmware upgrade instructions


LOCAL METHOD (Recommended)

Upgrading firmware improperly can result in damage or malfunction of the DVR unit. Follow all instructions carefully and completely, at your own risk.

1. Download the firmware file for your DVR:
   SS-SHDVR-04 - 4 Channel Sentry h.264 DVR SHDVR_04.rar
   SS-SHDVR-08 - 8 Channel Sentry h.264 DVR SHDVR_08.rar
   SS-SHDVR-16 - 16 Channel Sentry h.264 DVR SHDVR_16.rar
   
2. Decompress the RAR file and copy all the files found within to the root directory of a USB storage device.
   
3. Plug the USB storage device into an available USB port located on the front of the DVR.
   
4. Log into to the menu, as an administrator. (If no other accounts have been set up, the account “admin” is an administrator account by default.)
   
5. In the menu, select the SYSTEM icon, then go to UPGRADE and select SUBMIT.
   
6. If you see an error message “Insert USB” that does not go away after a few seconds, check the connection of your USB device, and make sure the proper firmware has been copied to the DVR’s root directory.
   
7. Let the DVR process the upgrade. It is VERY important that you do not restart, unplug or shut off power to the DVR at this time.
   
8. The DVR will reboot after the upgrade is complete and it will be ready to use. Do not manually restart, unplug or shut off power while the firmware upgrades.

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REMOTE METHOD (NOT Recommended)

Upgrading firmware via an Internet connection can be risky if the connection drops or is unreliable; therefore, it is recommended that firmware upgrades be done locally using a USB storage device via the above method. If you have not successfully set up the DVR for remote access, you must do so before continuing with this firmware upgrade or use the local method for firmware upgrades shown above. Remote upgrades can also be done through the CMS Video Viewer software. Consult your CMS manual for more information. Upgrading firmware improperly can result in damage or malfunction of the DVR unit. Follow all instructions carefully and completely, at your own risk.

1. Download the firmware file for your DVR (see links above)
   
2. Decompress the RAR file and copy all the files found within to the root directory of a USB storage device.
   
3. From Internet Explorer, log into your DVR remotely. The login account must have administrator access. (If for any reason the DVR cannot be accessed remotely, stop this firmware upgrade process and address the connection issue before proceeding.)
   
4. After logging in, go to the CONFIGURATION tab, located near the top left of the window, and click on the CONFIGURE link under the GENERAL section. (If you do not see a configuration tab, check if the account logged in has administrator access, and make sure you are using a compatible browser such as Internet Explorer.)
   
5. In the UPGRADE FIRMWARE section, click on the icon with a red plus sign (+) and browse to the directory where you have previously decompressed the firmware files.
   
6. Add ALL the files, one at a time, in any order. When all the files found in the firmware package are listed on the UPGRADE FIRMWARE page, select UPGRADE. It is VERY important that you do not restart, unplug or shut off power to the DVR at this time.
   
7. The DVR will restart during this process which may require you to log in again via the browser. It is important that while the upgrade is processing that the DVR or any of the networking equipment connecting it to the internet are shut off or unplugged until the DVR has restarted and functions normally.