This FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide covers the most common questions and issues for the RD101 Series – 1080p 8-Channel Digital Video Recorder (DVR). Use it to quickly fix power/display problems, recording/storage issues, remote viewing setup, and motion / AI detection.
Need more details? Refer to the RD101 User Manual for complete instructions and specifications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Quick Fix Checklist (Start Here)
-
Troubleshooting
- DVR does not power on
- No video signal / display output issues
- Camera not detected / no video
- I forgot my DVR password
- “Disconnected” network / remote access issues
- Hard drive (HDD) not detected
- No recordings / no playback data
- Motion / AI detection not working
- Audio not working
- DVR buzzer keeps beeping
- Device keeps recording after selecting Stop Recording
- Can I delete a single clip?
- Restore default settings / factory reset
- Firmware update issues
- Date & time issues
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What cameras are supported?
- How do I add the DVR to the Lorex Connect app?
- Where do I find Device Info (ID / QR code / firmware / IP)?
- How do I back up / export recordings?
- How do I set recording schedule (Continuous vs Motion)?
- How do storage, overwrite, and formatting work?
- How do I change display resolution (HDMI/VGA)?
- How many devices can stream remotely at once?
- Are there AI detection limits?
- Quick spec checks (rule out limits)
- Helpful Tips
Quick Fix Checklist (Start Here)
- 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
- On the login screen, select Forgot Password.
- Answer your saved security questions, then set a new password.
Important: Store your DVR password and recovery answers 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 your network status in Main Menu > Configuration > System > Information > Device Info.
- 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. For best results, Lorex recommends at least 6 Mbps upload speed for smooth playback.
Hard drive (HDD) not detected
- Power off the DVR and ensure the HDD is firmly connected to both the power and SATA ports.
- 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 HDD: 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): 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 detection is enabled and the schedule is active. Go to Main Menu > Configuration > Events > 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: AI Motion Detection supports Person and Vehicle detection and is limited to up to 2 channels. Detection accuracy is affected by distance, object size, camera height/angle, and low-light/night vision conditions.
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 events or system alerts (storage full, HDD error, etc.).
- Adjust motion 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 motion settings to confirm you didn’t enable continuous or motion-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).
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).
- Right-click in Live View > Main Menu.
- Go to Configuration > System > Default Settings.
- Select what you want to reset, then confirm.
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.
- Manual Upgrade: Download the firmware file to a USB drive, then go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > Maintenance and select the upgrade option. Call tech support for the firmware file.
- Do not power off the DVR during the update process.
Tip: If an update fails, try a different USB drive (formatted properly) 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 RD101 is designed for compatible analog (BNC) cameras. Connect each camera’s BNC video cable to a DVR Video In port.
Tip: If you’re mixing camera types, confirm format compatibility (your DVR supports common analog formats such as AHD/TVI/CVI/CVBS).
How do I add the DVR to the Lorex Connect app?
- Download and open Lorex Connect (iOS/Android), then log in (or create an account).
- Tap + Add Device and select Recorder.
- Keep your phone on the same network as the DVR during setup for best results.
- Follow the in-app prompts to finish pairing and name your system.
Where do I find Device Info (ID / QR code / firmware / IP)?
Go to Main Menu > Configuration > System > Information > Device Info to view key details such as Device ID, IP address, and other system information used for support and remote access.
How do I back up / export recordings?
Use a USB flash drive to export important clips.
- Insert a USB flash drive into a USB port on the DVR.
- Go to Main Menu > Playback and find the event by date/time.
- Select Backup / Export and follow prompts to save the recordings.
Export formats include Lorex File (includes the Lorex player in the download file) and MP4.
How do I set recording schedule (Continuous vs Motion)?
You can customize recording by time block (continuous vs motion) using the Schedule screen.
Path: Main Menu > Configuration > Storage > Schedule
- Continuous: Records 24/7 during selected time blocks.
- Motion: Records only when motion is detected during selected time blocks.
How do storage, overwrite, and formatting work?
Your DVR may include a pre-installed microSD card or a pre-installed hard drive (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)?
- Right-click in Live View > Main Menu.
- Go to Configuration > System > General > Output Configuration.
- 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 DVR supports up to 3 devices streaming at the same time (for example, multiple phones/tablets), depending on network conditions and stream settings.
Are there AI detection limits?
Yes. AI Motion Detection supports Person and Vehicle detection and is limited to up to 2 channels.
Tip: Use AI detection on your most important viewpoints (front door/driveway), and use standard motion detection on other channels.
Quick spec checks (rule out limits)
- Channels: 8-channel analog video input (BNC)
- Video outputs: HDMI + VGA
- USB: 2 × USB 2.0 (mouse, backup drive, firmware USB)
- Network: RJ45 (10/100 Mbps)
- Storage: 1 × SATA HDD bay (up to 10 TB) + microSD slot (up to 256 GB)
- Power: DC 12V / 2A; ≤15W (without HDD)
- Operating temp: 14°F to 131°F (–10°C to 55°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 zones to exclude trees/roads and lower sensitivity if needed.
- Keep time accurate: Correct date/time ensures recordings appear in the right spot on the timeline.