This FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide covers the most common questions and issues for the RD701 Series – 4K 16-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 RD701 User Manual for complete instructions and specifications, plus the links below:

• RD701 Support Page
• RD701 Quick Start Guide

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) / storage not detected
  • No recordings / no playback data
  • Motion / AI detection not working
  • Face Detection / Face Recognition 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 vs AI)?
  • 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?
  • How do Face Recognition features work (Repeat Visitors / Face Attendance)?
  • 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 is detected and recording is enabled.

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 RD701 supports password recovery. On the login screen:

• Select Forgot Password, then follow the on-screen prompts to recover your account.

“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 > Network Status (look for the connection state).
• If your network is unstable, use a wired connection between the DVR and router (recommended).

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.

No recordings / no playback data

• Confirm storage (HDD) is detected 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).

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:
  • Snapshot Mode: Try By Event (captures when detection is triggered) vs Continuous (keeps capturing faces) depending on your scene.
  • Face Angle: If available, choose the option that best matches your view (front-facing vs multi-angle/side views).
  • Min/Max Pixel: Set an appropriate face size range so the DVR can detect faces at your camera’s distance.
  • Trigger Mode & Rules: If you use Line or Area triggers, make sure the line/area is placed where faces will actually appear.
• Face Recognition requires Face Detection: Make sure Face Detection is working first, then set up Face Recognition profiles/groups.

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 HDD.

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.

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.

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 RD701 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.

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 related system details.

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.

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 RD701 uses a SATA hard drive (HDD) as its storage. You can install a compatible SATA hard drive up to 10 TB.

• 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.

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 RD701 supports up to 3 devices streaming at the same time, depending on network conditions and stream settings.

Are there AI detection limits?

Yes. The RD701 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.

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: 16-channel analog video input (BNC)
• Recording resolution: Up to 4K (8MP) (also supports 5MP, 4MP, 1080p)
• Recording frame rate (system total): 4K (8MP) @ 160fps; 5MP @ 240fps; 4MP @ 320fps; 1080p @ 480fps
• 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)
• Playback: Up to 8 channels simultaneous playback (synchronized)
• 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.