Troubleshooting Instant Playback Issues with ANR on BVMS 12.0.1

Possible causes and solution(s)

System Setup Scenario:

• BVMS Version: 12.0.1, running on a Virtual Machine

• Non-working Instant Replay Camera Example: NDE-3502-AL (IP: 10.60.2.12), Firmware: 7.72.008

• Recording Configuration: H.265

• Connection Type: HTTP, used for VRM and cameras

Symptoms

Users might encounter issues with the ANR feature on cameras. The issue is that Instant Playback shows a black screen (in cameo) in the Operator Client for certain cameras.

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• Instant Playback Issue: Instant Playback cannot be obtained from the card while the ANR setup is enabled. This issue persists regardless of various factors such as different recording types (continuous, alarm), multiple recording profiles, camera access via local IP or SSH, and camera password configurations.
  Even that it is known that if the ANR is configured, the recording always is buffered on the card and after that is sent to the iSCSI. This process is causing a few seconds of delay of the recording that can be seen from the target. However, the reported behavior is that the instant or normal playback doesn’t work from card, not even if its request for 30 seconds.

• Observed Behavior: Instant Replay or normal playback fails to work from the card even for a 30-second clip. However, switching to the iSCSI target enables playback.

• Camera Dashboard: Both primary and secondary recordings (on the card) are functional.

• Issue Symptom: The Instant Replay from ANR attempts to load, but no images are displayed.

Solution

There are a few important considerations and actions to address the problem. Please ensure the following prerequisites are met before troubleshooting:

• No secure connection (ensure connection is not encrypted)

• CHAP and user passwords must match (if configured)

• Ensure the iSCSI port is open

Here are the recommended steps to resolve the issue:

1. Time Synchronization: Ensure that the time and date are properly synchronized across all system components: MS, VRM, Workstations, and Cameras. Accurate time synchronization is critical for proper playback.

2. Instant Playback Duration: Check the instant playback time setting and try different values (e.g., try a higher or lower duration) to see if this resolves the issue. You can change this in the Operator Client under Extras > Options. For instance, if the current setting is 30 seconds, try setting it to 60 seconds to check if this change makes a difference.

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3. GOP Configuration: There are known issues related to large GOPs and secure connections, as referenced in the BVMS release notes. Please trey to reduce the GOP value (for example, set it to 50 if the camera is set to 25 FPS) and test again. Reducing the GOP may increase bandwidth and storage consumption but could improve playback functionality.

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4. CHAP Password Compatibility: The CHAP password configuration for both the camera and recording user may impact Instant Replay functionality. If a password is configured for the user level on the camera (e.g., "user"), it may prevent Instant Replay from working properly. Test without the camera password to see if this resolves the issue.

   However, if you require a password for the camera user level, ensure the CHAP password is correctly configured. Refer to the following article for guidance: How to set the Global CHAP password for an existing BVMS 11.x system.

   • If the camera’s "user" password is used for multiple system functions (e.g. viewing on decoders), either remove the password from all locations or configure it consistently across all functions (e.g. Decoders, CHAP).
     As an interim solution, you can modify your setup using the configuration shown in the example photo, if your decoders are Bosch:

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5. Upgrade BVMS Version: BVMS 12.2 introduces improvements in playback functionality. If possible, upgrade to BVMS 12.2 and apply the latest patches. Patch BVMS1220296 Patch Cumulative 3 contains a fix for issue 434867, which improves video streaming during instant playback.

This troubleshooting guide should help resolve the Instant Replay issues experienced with ANR in BVMS 12.0.1. Ensure all steps are carefully followed, and if the problem persists, contact Central Technical Support with the gathered logs for further analysis:

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Further Assistance: If the issue persists after following the above steps, contact Central Technical Support team (CTS) for further investigation. To assist in troubleshooting, please gather the following:

1. Enable VRM Debug/Playback Logging: From the Configuration Client, enable VRM debug or playback logging.

2. VSDK Logging: Enable VSDK logging from the workstation to capture detailed logs. Instructions for enabling and collecting VSDK logs can be found here: How to enable and collect Video SDK log files.

3. Log Configuration:

   • Modify the LogCfg.xml file located in C:\Program Files\Bosch\VMS\AppData\Client\OpClient\ApplicationWiring\OpClient to set the logging level to DEBUG for the relevant sections.

     • Open to edit that file and look for this section and modify the value level from INFO to DEBUG:
       <!-- To see playback mode when camera is called up set level to debug-->
       <logger name="Bosch.Vms.Shared.BvipArchiveAccess.Imp.BvipArchiveAccess">
       <level value="DEBUG"/>
       <appender-ref ref="RollingFileAppender"/>
       </logger>

   • Log Collection:

     • Collect logs from BVMS components (MS, VRM, Operator Client).

     • Collect VRM logs via the VRM web interface, including block history, playback logs, and camera logs.

     • Gather camera maintenance logs.

4. Log Reproduction: Reproduce the issue using a workstation (ideally with one camera at a time) and note the exact date and time of the occurrence when Instant Replay is triggered.

5. Disable Extended Logs: After collecting the logs, disable extended logging from VRM settings, Operator Client (LogCfg.xml), and VSDK logs.

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Nice to know:

• For further guidance on ANR 2.0, feature configuration, direct replay, and troubleshooting, you can refer to this article: BVMS - ANR 2.0 feature, configuration, direct replay, and troubleshooting.