RD501 Series - 4K 8-Channel Digital Video Recorder - FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide

Modified on January 13, 2026

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This FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide covers the most common questions and issues for the RD501 Series – 4K 8-Channel Digital Video Recorder (DVR). Use it to quickly fix power/display problems, recording/storage issues, remote viewing setup, and motion / AI detection (including Face Detection and Face Recognition).

Need more details? Refer to the RD501 User Manual for complete instructions and specifications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Quick Fix Checklist (Start Here)

CA101 camera installation

  • Power: Confirm the power adapter is firmly connected to the DVR and a working outlet.
  • Display: Confirm the monitor/TV is set to the correct input (HDMI or VGA) and the cable is fully seated on both ends.
  • Cameras: Verify each camera’s BNC connection is tight and connected to a Video In port.
  • Network: Confirm the LAN cable clicks into the DVR and your router.
  • Storage: If you’re missing recordings, confirm the HDD/microSD is detected and recording is enabled.
Tip: If something “suddenly stopped working,” power-cycle the DVR: unplug power for 10 seconds, then reconnect.

DVR does not power on

  • Verify the power adapter is securely connected to the DVR and a working outlet.
  • Try a different outlet and turn the outlet's power on (if applicable).
  • If the DVR still won’t power on, disconnect all accessories (USB devices, cameras, network), then power on again.

No video signal / display output issues

  • Check that the HDMI or VGA cable is securely connected to both the DVR and the TV/monitor.
  • Make sure your TV/monitor input matches the DVR output you’re using (HDMI or VGA).
  • If your screen is blank or shows “Out of Range,” try a different TV/monitor, then lower the DVR’s output resolution.

To adjust output resolution: Right-click in Live View > Main Menu > Configuration > System > General > Output Configuration.

Camera not detected / no video

  • Confirm the camera is compatible and connected to a Video In (BNC) port.
  • Ensure each BNC connector is fully twisted/locked in place.
  • If you have no video on all channels, confirm the DVR is powered and your monitor shows the DVR interface.

I forgot my DVR password

The RD501 supports password recovery. On the login screen:

  • Select Forgot Password, then follow the on-screen prompts to recover your account.
Important: Store your DVR password and recovery info in a safe place. You’ll need them for configuration changes and remote access.

“Disconnected” network / remote access issues

  • Confirm the LAN cable is firmly connected to the DVR and your router.
  • Restart your router and DVR after confirming the connection.
  • On the DVR, check network status in Configuration > System > Information > Device Info (look for Network State).
  • If your network is unstable, use a wired connection between the DVR and router (recommended).
Note: Remote viewing performance depends on your internet upload speed. Lorex recommends at least 6 Mbps upload speed for best video performance.

Hard drive (HDD) / storage not detected

  • Power off the DVR and ensure the HDD is firmly connected to both the power and SATA ports (if an HDD is installed).
  • After installing/replacing an HDD, format it in the DVR before recording.
  • Use only surveillance-rated drives (built for 24/7 recording).

To check / format storage: Right-click > Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive.

Warning: Formatting erases all recordings. Back up important footage first.

No recordings / no playback data

  • Confirm storage is detected (HDD/microSD) and has free space.
  • Enable recording for the channel(s): Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > Recording Settings.
  • Confirm the recording schedule is set correctly (Continuous vs Motion vs AI): Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Schedule.
  • Check that the DVR date/time is correct. Incorrect time settings can make it look like recordings are missing. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > General > Date and Time.

Motion / AI detection not working

  • Ensure motion/AI detection is enabled and the schedule is active. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Event > Event Settings.
  • Confirm motion zones are set and sensitivity isn’t too low.
  • Make sure the camera view is clear (no branches/lights causing constant false triggers).
AI Detection note: The RD501 supports Person & Vehicle, Perimeter Intrusion, Line Crossing, and Face Detection. Only one AI detection type can be enabled per channel, with a maximum of 8 AI-enabled channels. Detection accuracy can be affected by distance, object size, camera height/angle, and low-light/night vision conditions.

Face Detection / Face Recognition not working

  • Confirm Face Detection is enabled: Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Event > Event Settings and select Face Detection (or the AI feature you want on that channel).
  • Check “one AI type per channel”: If Line Crossing / Perimeter Intrusion / Person & Vehicle is enabled on the same channel, you will need to switch the AI type for that channel.
  • Adjust Face Detection rules: If faces aren’t being detected reliably, review:
    • Detection Type: Try Frontal Face Detection for front-facing views, or Multi-angle Face Detection for side angles.
    • Min/Max Pixel: Set an appropriate face size range so the DVR can detect faces at your camera’s distance.
    • Target Generation Delay: If you’re getting duplicates, increase the delay to reduce repeat captures of the same person.
  • Face Recognition requires Face Detection: Make sure Face Detection is working first, then set up Face Recognition profiles/groups.
Tip: Face Detection/Recognition works best with a well-lit, forward-facing view and a camera mounted at an appropriate height and angle (avoid extreme overhead angles).

Audio not working

  • If you’re using an external microphone/speaker, confirm it’s connected to the correct Audio In/Out (RCA) ports.
  • Ensure audio recording is enabled: Main Menu > Configuration > Channel > Recording Settings.
  • If using a monitor/TV speaker, confirm the monitor volume isn’t muted and the correct audio output is selected.

DVR buzzer keeps beeping

  • Check for continuous motion/AI events or system alerts (storage full, HDD error, video loss, etc.).
  • Adjust motion/AI settings to reduce false alarms (zones/sensitivity/schedule).
  • Disable the buzzer/beep action in the DVR’s alarm/event settings (if enabled).

Device keeps recording after selecting Stop Recording

  • Stopping a manual recording does not stop scheduled recording.
  • Check the recording schedule and event settings to confirm you didn’t enable continuous or event-based recording for that time period.
  • Update the schedule under Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Schedule.

Can I delete a single clip?

No. Individual recordings cannot be deleted for security reasons.

To clear all recordings, you must format the storage device (HDD/microSD).

Warning: Formatting erases all data. Back up important clips before formatting.

Restore default settings / factory reset

Before resetting: A reset can remove custom settings (network, recording schedules, detection settings).

  1. Right-click in Live View > Main Menu.
  2. Go to Configuration > System > Default Settings.
  3. Select what you want to reset, then confirm.
Tip: If you want a “quick restore” later, you can save your configuration to a USB drive using System > Maintenance > Parameter Management (then reload it if needed).

Firmware update issues

Firmware updates can improve performance, stability, and compatibility.

  • Auto Upgrade: In Live View, hover to reveal the bottom navigation bar, then select Auto-Upgrade to check for updates (DVR must be connected to the internet).
  • Manual Upgrade: Download the firmware file to a USB drive, then go to the DVR’s Upgrade menu and use Select File > Upgrade.
  • Do not power off the DVR during the update process.
Tip: If an update fails, try a different USB drive (properly formatted) and re-download the firmware file.

Date & time issues

  • Confirm your time zone and time settings are correct. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > General > Date and Time.
  • If the DVR is connected to the internet, enable time sync (NTP) if available in your system settings.
  • Keeping time accurate ensures correct timestamps on recordings and events.

What cameras are supported?

The RD501 is designed for compatible analog (BNC) cameras. Connect each camera’s BNC video cable to a DVR Video In port.

For a complete list of supported cameras, check the Lorex Compatibility Chart.

Tip: To take advantage of 4K recording, you’ll need compatible 4K (8MP) cameras. If you’re mixing camera models, confirm compatibility first using the chart.

How do I add the DVR to the Lorex Connect app?

  1. Download and open Lorex Connect (iOS/Android), then log in (or create an account).
  2. On the app Home screen, tap + Add device.
  3. Select Recorder, then follow the in-app prompts to add your device.
  4. For best results during setup, keep your phone on the same network as the DVR.

Where do I find Device Info (ID / QR code / firmware / IP)?

Go to Configuration > System > Information > Device Info to view key details such as Device ID (QR code), Software Version, IP Address, and Network State.

How do I back up / export recordings?

Use a USB flash drive to export important clips.

  1. Insert a USB flash drive into a USB port on the DVR.
  2. Go to Main Menu > Playback and find the event by date/time.
  3. Select Backup / Export and follow prompts to save the recordings.
Tip: If you’re backing up AI events (like Face Detection), make sure you select the correct file types (image/video) in the backup screen and confirm your USB drive has enough free space.

How do I set recording schedule (Continuous vs Motion vs AI)?

You can customize recording by time block (continuous vs event-based) using the Schedule screen.

Path: Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Schedule

  • Continuous: Records 24/7 during selected time blocks.
  • Motion / Events: Records only when motion/AI events occur during selected time blocks.
  • AI: When an AI detection type is enabled for a channel, it can be used as the trigger for recordings and searches (depending on your settings).

How do storage, overwrite, and formatting work?

Your RD501 may include pre-installed storage (depending on model). You can also install a compatible SATA hard drive up to 10 TB. If an HDD is installed, it becomes the DVR’s primary storage—even if a microSD card is also present.

  • microSD: 1 slot (up to 256 GB).
  • HDD: 1 bay (up to 10 TB SATA).

Overwrite replaces the oldest recordings automatically when storage is full.

To check storage / format / overwrite: Right-click in Live View > Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Hard Drive.

Important: Formatting storage erases all data. Back up important footage before formatting or changing overwrite settings.

How do I change display resolution (HDMI/VGA)?

  1. Right-click in Live View > Main Menu.
  2. Go to Configuration > System > General > Output Configuration.
  3. Select a supported resolution for your monitor (try a lower setting if the screen is blank or “Out of Range”).

How many devices can stream remotely at once?

For stable performance, the RD501 supports up to 3 devices streaming at the same time, depending on network conditions and stream settings.

Are there AI detection limits?

Yes. The RD501 supports multiple AI detection types, but:

  • Only one AI detection type can be enabled per channel.
  • AI detection is limited to a maximum of 8 AI-enabled channels.
Tip: Use AI detection on your most important viewpoints (front door/driveway) and use standard motion detection on less critical areas.

How do Face Recognition features work (Repeat Visitors / Face Attendance)?

Face Recognition helps you organize and search Face Detection events by matching faces to profiles you create.

  • Face Groups: Faces can be managed in groups such as Allowed, Forbidden, and Stranger.
  • Repeat Visitors: Shows recurring faces detected over time to help you review frequent visitors.
  • Face Attendance: Creates attendance-style results based on detected/matched faces (requires Face Detection/Recognition setup).

To manage Face Recognition profiles/groups: Main Menu > Configuration > Event > List Management > Face Recognition

To search Face Detection / Repeat Visitors / Face Attendance: Go to Playback > AI and select the AI search type you want.

Quick spec checks (rule out limits)

  • Channels: 8-channel analog video input (BNC)
  • Recording resolution: Up to 4K (8MP) (also supports 5MP, 4MP, 1080p)
  • Recording frame rate: 4K (8MP) @ 10fps; 5MP @ 14fps; 4MP @ 18fps; 1080p @ 30fps
  • Video outputs: HDMI + VGA (HDMI supports 4K UHD viewing)
  • Audio: 1 × RCA in, 1 × RCA out
  • USB: 2 × USB 2.0 (front + back)
  • Network: RJ45 (10/100 Mbps)
  • Storage: 1 × SATA HDD bay (up to 10 TB) + microSD slot (up to 256 GB)
  • Power: DC 12V / 2A; 4.7W (excluding HDD)
  • Operating temp: 14°F to 122°F (–10°C to 50°C)

Helpful Tips

  • Back up before formatting: Export important clips to USB first—formatting erases everything.
  • Label your channels: Rename channels (front door, driveway, etc.) so playback searches are easier.
  • Best remote viewing: Keep the DVR wired to your router and ensure strong upload speed for smooth playback.
  • Reduce false alerts: Use motion/AI zones to exclude trees/roads and adjust sensitivity/thresholds as needed.
  • Face Detection best practices: Use a well-lit, forward-facing camera view and tune min/max face size (pixels) to your scene distance.
  • Keep time accurate: Correct date/time ensures recordings appear in the right spot on the timeline.

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