Installing DW Spectrum

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Affected Roles: Administrator, Owner

Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum IPVMS

Software Version: DW Spectrum v5.1 or newer

Last Edit: November 21, 2024

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Creating A New System

DW Spectrum is composed of two parts:

DW Spectrum Media Server – the Media Server is Spectrum. The media server is responsible for the recording, contains the database information of your added cameras and user profiles, and is arguably the most important aspect of the DW Spectrum IPVMS platform. The Media Server is supposed to be installed on a computer that will be acting as your server. If you have a DW Blackjack server, this software is already installed.
DW Spectrum Client – the Client software provides the graphical interface with which users may utilize to interact with the Media Server and allows users to see what the Media Server is doing. Some features include allowing users to configure settings, view live and recorded video, and manage device connections. The Client helps access the Media Server but is not required to remain running for the Media Server to do its job. Instead, it is recommended that users install the DW Spectrum Client software on a separate computer from the DW Spectrum Media Server computer to save on processing.

NOTE: To ensure the best possible experience and to keep your systems secure and stable, we strongly recommend using a supported operating system. Check out DW Spectrum - Supported Operating Systems and Mobile Versions for a list of supported operating systems by DW Spectrum.

Supported/Affected Devices

DW Blackjack® Server Series

Installing DW Spectrum

To download the most recent version of DW Spectrum:

Navigate to: https://dwspectrum.digital-watchdog.com/download/windows
Select the OS tab and download the installation file required for your operating system.
- Client Installer - download the desktop client application for viewing and managing the system.
- Server Installer - download the media server application for hosting and recording.
- Client & Server - a bundled package with both the Client and Server applications. Do not utilize this if only installing the viewing client on a workstation.

For instructions on how to install DW Spectrum on Ubuntu, please click HERE to be directed to the Ubuntu installation guide page.
For instructions on how to install DW Spectrum on Macintosh, please click HERE to be taken to the Windows installation guide page.

NOTE: To obtain previous versions of DW Spectrum, refer to DW Spectrum - Previous Build List.

Once you have finished downloading the DW Spectrum file, open the installer by double-clicking on the file.
Accept the License Agreement and select Install to begin the installation.
- When a Windows security warning appears, select Yes to allow the installer to make adjustments.

Creating a New System

1. Launch DW Spectrum and create a New Server.

As this is a first-time setup for DW Spectrum, select Setup New System, then name the System. The System name can be changed later.

Create an Administrator password. This password will be the login password for the Administrator user profile and can be changed later.

**NOTE: It is recommended to create a password that uses at least eight characters and contains at least two variations of lowercase letters, capitalized letters, numbers, or non-roman symbols.