Dahua NVR: Setting Up a Recording Schedule

Dahua NVRs and DVRs support several recording modes. The installer can configure the system to record continuously (Regular), on motion detection, on alarm input, a combination of both, or on IVS trigger (model-dependent). Schedules are set per camera channel and can be bulk-copied across all channels once configured.

Recording modes

Mode	Typical use
Regular	Always-on recording; maximises footage, uses HDD faster
Motion Detection	Records only on movement; conserves HDD space
Alarm	Triggers from physical alarm input (PIR, door contact)
MD + Alarm	Records on either trigger
IVS	Triggers from intelligent rules (tripwire, intrusion zone)

Prerequisites

• Dahua NVR or DVR with firmware up to date
• At least one internal HDD installed and formatted
• Cameras added to the NVR

Configuring via the local interface (NVR on-screen menu)

1. From the Main Menu, navigate to Settings > Storage.
2. Select Schedule from the left-hand menu.
3. Click the gear icon to the right of the channel you want to configure.
4. Tick the recording mode required (e.g. Regular).
5. Click All under Copy to apply the same schedule to every channel.
6. Click Save to return to the schedule grid — coloured bars confirm the schedule is set.
7. Click Apply, then OK.

> The NVR uses colour coding: green = Regular, yellow = Motion Detection, red = Alarm.

Configuring via the web interface

1. Log in to the NVR's web interface and click the Setup tab.
2. Navigate to Storage > Schedule.
3. Select the target channel from the drop-down, then click Setup.
4. Tick the required mode (Regular, MD, Alarm, or MD & Alarm).
5. Choose which days and time periods apply — multiple periods can be set per day.
6. Click OK to save the period, then use Copy to replicate to other channels.
7. Click OK again to save all settings.

Configuring via SmartPSS 2.0 (centralised management)

1. From the SmartPSS Main Menu, select Device CFG.
2. Choose the target device from the left-hand panel.
3. Navigate to Storage > Schedule.
4. Select the channel from the drop-down.
5. Click the settings icon — the day/time grid appears.
6. Tick the required modes (e.g. MD), select the days, then click Save.
7. Green bars confirm scheduled periods. Copy to other channels as needed, then click Apply and Save.

Tips for the site team

• Configure recording schedules before handing over the system — leaving defaults may result in no recording if the HDD has not been formatted.
• Use Regular recording for high-risk areas; MD-only for low-traffic spaces to extend HDD retention.
• Always verify the HDD format status before configuring schedules.

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This article was adapted from dahuawiki's original guidance: "Schedule Record" — https://dahuawiki.com/NVR/Recording_Setup/Schedule_Record Habitech-edited for UK trade installer context. Original © Dahua Technology Co., Ltd.