Will this drive fit my Swann DVR or NVR?
Yes, if your recorder takes a 3.5-inch SATA drive. Swann wired DVRs and NVRs do, in 4, 8 and 16-channel models, for example the DVR-5580, NVR-7285, 7300, 7400 and NVR-8580 series. Some wireless NVW systems use a 2.5-inch drive, so check those first.
Does the drive come with the Swann software loaded?
No, and it doesn’t need it. The Swann software is stored on a chip on the recorder’s main board; the hard drive only holds recordings. Fit the drive, format it in the recorder menu and it starts recording.
My recorder shows a red HDD light or an HDD error. Is it the drive?
Usually. If the recorder still lists the drive but can’t format it or record to it, the drive has most likely failed. If the drive doesn’t show up at all, check the leads and the power supply first (see the next question).
The recorder can’t find the drive at all. What else could it be?
There are three usual causes: a SATA lead inside the recorder has worked loose over the years; the power supply is ageing and can still boot the recorder but can’t spin up the drive; or the drive has failed. Re-seat both leads first. We stock genuine Swann DVR and NVR power supplies if the power supply is the problem.
How do I format the new drive?
With a USB mouse plugged into the recorder: open Main Menu, go to Device (Storage on some models), select the new drive and choose Format. Enter the recorder password, confirm the warning that all data will be erased, and it is ready to record.
Will I lose my old recordings?
Your recordings are on the old drive and stay there; the new drive starts empty. If the old drive still works, export any clips you need to a USB stick before you swap drives.
How long will 2TB record for?
It depends on how many cameras you have, their resolution and frame rate, and whether they record all the time or only on motion. When the drive is full the recorder overwrites the oldest footage, if overwrite is turned on. The 4TB drive has double the space, so with the same cameras and settings it keeps about twice as many days.
Is it a proper surveillance drive?
Yes. The DT01ABA200V is Toshiba’s video-stream drive for DVRs and NVRs: rated for 24/7 operation, a 72 TB a year workload and a 1,000,000-hour MTBF, and it uses conventional magnetic recording (CMR), not shingled (SMR).
How is the hard drive connected inside the recorder?
With two leads that are already inside your recorder: a thin SATA data lead and a wider SATA power lead. Both plug into matching sockets on the end of the drive, and the drive screws to the base or a bracket in the case.
Can I fit a bigger drive instead?
Yes, if your recorder supports it. Check the maximum drive size in your recorder’s specifications, then choose the 4TB drive. A bigger drive keeps more days of footage.
Will it work in another brand of recorder?
It is a standard 3.5-inch SATA drive, so it suits most DVRs and NVRs with a 3.5-inch SATA bay. Format it in that recorder before use.
Do I need a technician to fit it?
No. Most owners fit it themselves with a Phillips screwdriver. Unplug the recorder first and follow the four steps above. If you get stuck, call us and we will talk you through it.
