Dealing with an Annke 'Storage Full' Error
An Annke security system, whether it's a DVR or an NVR, relies on an internal hard disk drive (HDD) to store all your valuable video recordings. When that hard drive runs out of space, you will encounter a "Storage Full" or "HDD Full" error. This is a critical alert because, by default, many Annke systems will stop recording new footage once the disk is full to prevent you from losing your oldest recordings.
This is a safety feature, but for most users, continuous recording is essential. This guide will show you how to properly manage your Annke system's storage, enable the overwrite function, and optimise your settings to maximise your recording history.
Symptoms of a Full Hard Drive
The signs of a full storage device are usually very clear, but they can vary slightly depending on your model.
Here’s what you might see:
- On-Screen Error Message: A direct notification will pop up on your monitor connected to the DVR/NVR, stating "HDD Full," "Disk Full," or "Storage Full."
- Recording Stops: The recording icon (often a small green or red circle) disappears from the camera feeds on your monitor, and no new footage is saved when you check the playback timeline.
- System Beeping: The DVR/NVR may be configured to emit an audible beep or alarm when an error event, such as a full hard drive, occurs.
- Log File Entries: When you check the system's event log, you will find entries specifically mentioning that the storage is full and recording has been halted.
- Red HDD Status Light: The HDD indicator light on the front of the unit may turn a solid red or flash in a pattern that indicates an error.
How to Fix the 'Storage Full' Problem: Enabling Overwrite
The most important setting for storage management is 'Overwrite'. This function tells your Annke system to automatically delete the oldest saved recording (e.g., from 30 days ago) to make space for the newest recording (from today). This creates a continuous, rolling loop of video storage.
Here’s how to enable it:
- Access Your System Menu: Using the mouse connected to your Annke DVR/NVR, right-click on the main screen and select 'Main Menu'. You will need to log in with your administrator password.
- Navigate to Storage/Record Settings: The exact menu name can differ, but you are looking for a section labelled 'HDD', 'Storage', or 'Record'.
- Find the Advanced/HDD Management Section: Within that menu, look for a sub-menu or tab called 'Advanced' or 'Basic'.
- Locate the Overwrite Setting: You should see an option for the hard drive that says 'Overwrite', 'Recycle Record', or similar. The options will typically be 'Stop Recording' and 'Overwrite' (or 'No' and 'Yes').
- Enable Overwrite: Change this setting from 'Stop Recording' to 'Overwrite'.
- Save and Apply: Click 'Apply' or 'Save' to confirm the change. Your system will now record continuously, replacing the oldest footage as needed.
How to Maximise Your Recording Time
Enabling overwrite is the main solution, but you can also make your storage last much longer by being more efficient with how you record. A larger hard drive will always store more footage, but these settings can make a big difference.
1. Record on Motion Detection
Instead of recording 24/7, which captures hours of empty hallways and quiet gardens, set your cameras to record only when they detect motion. This is the single most effective way to save space.
- Go to the 'Record' > 'Schedule' menu.
- Set up the schedule grid so that 'Motion' (often yellow) is selected for the times you want to record, instead of 'Continuous' (often green).
2. Adjust Video Quality Settings
Slightly reducing the video quality can dramatically increase your storage capacity without a noticeable loss in clarity for most purposes.
- Go to the 'Camera' > 'Video Parameters' or 'Encode' menu.
- Resolution: If your cameras are 5MP, consider setting them to record at 4MP or 1080p.
- Frame Rate (FPS): For most surveillance needs, 15 frames per second (FPS) is perfectly adequate. Lowering it from 25 or 30 FPS will save a significant amount of space.
- Bit Rate: Lowering the bit rate can also save space, but be careful not to lower it too much as this will heavily impact video quality.
By enabling the overwrite function and optimising your recording settings, you can ensure your Annke system is always recording and that you are making the most efficient use of your available hard drive space.