Dahua’s WizSense and WizMind systems offer powerful AI features that can transform your basic surveillance into intelligent security. This tutorial guides you through both basic setup and advanced optimization of your Dahua system using SmartPSS software and mobile apps.
Part 1: Initial System Setup with SmartPSS
SmartPSS is Dahua’s comprehensive management software for configuring and monitoring your surveillance system.
A. Installing and Configuring SmartPSS
- Download and Install:
- Download latest SmartPSS from Dahua official website
- Run installer and follow prompts (default settings are usually fine)
- Launch SmartPSS after installation
- Adding Your NVR:
- Click the “+” icon in device list
- Enter NVR IP address (find in NVR menu: Main Menu → Network → TCP/IP)
- Enter username (default: admin) and password
- Set a friendly name (e.g., “Home NVR”)
- Adding Cameras Manually (if not auto-detected):
- Right-click in camera view area → Add Device
- Enter camera IP address (check camera sticker or use ConfigTool)
- Use same credentials as NVR (default: admin/blank password for cameras)
B. Initial Camera Configuration via Web Interface
- Access Camera Web Interface:
- Find camera IP in SmartPSS device list
- Open web browser and enter http://[camera-IP]
- Login with credentials (default: admin/blank)
- Basic Video Settings:
- Navigate to: Setting → Camera → Video
- Configure for each stream (Main Stream for recording, Sub Stream for remote viewing):
- Resolution: Set to camera’s maximum (e.g., 4MP for IPC-HDW2449T-S-PRO)
- Bit Rate: Use VBR (Variable Bit Rate) for efficiency
- Frame Rate: 15-20 FPS for smooth playback
- H.264/H.265: Use H.265 for 50% storage savings
- Image Adjustment:
- Go to: Setting → Camera → Display
- Adjust:
- Brightness/Contrast: Based on environment
- Saturation: Increase for outdoor greenery
- Sharpness: Medium-high for detail
- WDR: Enable for high-contrast scenes (bright windows/dark rooms)
- BLC: Backlight compensation for cameras against light sources
Part 2: Configuring Dahua WizSense AI Features
WizSense cameras like the IPC-HFW2449S-S-LED include advanced AI detection capabilities.
A. Human/Vehicle Detection Setup
- Enable AI Function:
- Camera Web Interface: Setting → AI → SMD (Smart Motion Detection)
- Enable “Human & Vehicle Target Analysis”
- Configure Detection Area:
- Draw detection areas on the video feed
- Avoid areas with frequent non-relevant movement (trees, shadows)
- Set minimum target size to filter out distant objects
- Sensitivity Settings:
- Human Detection: 60-70 sensitivity (prevents missing people)
- Vehicle Detection: 50-60 sensitivity (reduces false alarms from small animals)
- Test: Walk/drive through area and adjust based on results
B. Intrusion Detection and Line Crossing
- Intrusion Detection Setup:
- Go to: Setting → AI → Intrusion
- Draw a detection zone (e.g., around property perimeter)
- Set parameters:
- Minimum Duration: 3-5 seconds (avoids brief crossings)
- Target Size: Adjust based on distance
- Direction: Optional – detect entry/exit specifically
- Line Crossing Detection:
- Go to: Setting → AI → Line Crossing
- Draw virtual lines at property boundaries
- Choose detection direction (A→B, B→A, or both)
- Set sensitivity similar to intrusion detection
C. Face Detection and Recognition (WizMind Models)
- Enable Face Detection (for cameras like IPC-HDW3849H-AS-PV):
- Camera Web Interface: Setting → AI → Face
- Enable “Face Detection”
- Set capture parameters:
- Min Face Pixel: 60×60 (prevents distant faces)
- Capture Interval: 1 second minimum
- Picture Quality: Medium-High for recognition
- Face Recognition Setup (requires NVR support):
- On NVR: AI → Face Recognition → Face Database
- Create face databases (e.g., “Family”, “Employees”, “Blacklist”)
- Add faces: Upload photos or capture from live video
- Set recognition alarms: Trigger events when unknown faces detected
Part 3: NVR Configuration for Optimal Performance
Proper NVR configuration ensures reliable recording and smart event handling.
A. Recording and Storage Setup
- Recording Schedule:
- NVR Interface: Storage → Schedule
- Configure for AI cameras:
- Continuous + Event: Record 24/7 but flag AI events
- Pre-record: 5 seconds before event
- Post-record: 10 seconds after event
- Storage Optimization:
- Use H.265 encoding (50% storage saving vs H.264)
- Enable “Smart Codec” on compatible cameras (extra 30-50% saving)
- Set recording quality based on importance:
- Critical areas: Highest quality
- General areas: Medium quality
- Low-traffic areas: Lower quality or motion-only
B. Event and Alarm Configuration
- Setting Up Alarms:
- NVR Interface: Event → Alarm
- Configure for each camera/AI event:
- AI Detection Alarm: Trigger on human/vehicle detection
- Intrusion Alarm: Trigger when zone entered
- Line Crossing Alarm: Trigger when line crossed
- Set alarm actions:
- Notify Surveillance Center: Pop-up in SmartPSS
- Send Email: With snapshot attached
- Trigger Buzzer: On NVR (if equipped)
- PTZ Preset: Move PTZ to preset position
- Email Notification Setup:
- Go to: Network → SMTP (Email)
- Enter SMTP server details (Gmail example):
- Server: smtp.gmail.com
- Port: 587
- SSL: Enable
- Username/Password: Your Gmail credentials
- Test email to verify configuration
Part 4: Mobile Access with DMSS App
A. Initial DMSS Setup
- Enable P2P on NVR:
- NVR Interface: Network → Connection → P2P
- Enable P2P and note the serial number
- DMSS App Configuration:
- Download “DMSS” from App Store or Google Play
- Create account or log in
- Tap “+” → “SN/Scan” and scan NVR QR code or enter serial
- Set device name and location
- Push Notification Setup:
- In DMSS: Me → Message Center → Push Settings
- Enable push notifications
- Configure which events trigger notifications
- Set quiet hours if needed
B. Advanced Mobile Features
- Two-Way Audio (for audio-enabled cameras):
- During live view, tap microphone icon
- Speak through phone microphone to camera speaker
- Adjust volume for optimal clarity
- Playback with AI Filtering:
- In playback mode, tap filter icon
- Filter by: Human, Vehicle, Face (if configured)
- Quickly find relevant events without scrubbing through hours of footage
- Smart Search:
- In DMSS: Go to device → Smart Search
- Select date, time, and event type
- View all AI-triggered events in timeline format
Part 5: System Optimization and Maintenance
A. Network Optimization
- Bandwidth Management:
- Set sub-stream appropriately (lower resolution for remote viewing)
- Enable “Stream Smoothing” for unstable networks
- Limit simultaneous remote connections if bandwidth is limited
- QoS Configuration (on your router):
- Prioritize NVR traffic for smoother remote viewing
- Set static IPs for all surveillance devices
- Consider VLAN separation for security
B. Firmware Updates
- Checking Current Versions:
- NVR: Main Menu → Maintenance → Version
- Cameras: Web interface → System → Maintenance → Version
- Safe Update Procedure:
- Download correct firmware from Dahua website
- Back up configuration (NVR: Maintenance → Import/Export)
- Update one device at a time
- Update NVR first, then cameras
- Do not power off during update
C. Regular System Checks
| Check Frequency | Task | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Verify recordings, check email alerts | DMSS app, email access |
| Weekly | Test camera views, clean lenses if dirty | Monitor, lens cleaning cloth |
| Monthly | Review storage capacity, test AI detection | SmartPSS, test walking through zones |
| Quarterly | Update firmware, check all connections | Network cable tester, firmware files |
| Annually | Full system test, battery backup check | Complete testing protocol |
Troubleshooting Advanced Issues
| AI Feature Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Human detection not working | Camera too high, poor lighting | Lower camera, improve lighting, adjust min target size |
| False vehicle detections | Animals triggering, shadow movement | Increase min target size, refine detection area |
| Face recognition poor accuracy | Poor lighting, face angle | Improve front lighting, ensure faces look at camera |
| AI events not recording | NVR AI license expired, settings mismatch | Check license status, ensure NVR AI enabled |
| Mobile push notifications delayed | Network latency, app battery optimization | Check network, disable battery optimization for DMSS |
Pro Installation Tip: For professional installers, tools like the Dahua DH-PFM907-E Integrated Mount Tester can significantly speed up installation and troubleshooting by testing network connectivity, PoE power, and video transmission all in one tool.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Dahua WizSense system, transforming it from simple surveillance to intelligent security that proactively alerts you to important events while filtering out false alarms.