Local video wall and slideshow on Ajax NVRs with HDMI

Video wall is a local interface displayed on a monitor connected to an Ajax NVR via HDMI. It allows operators to monitor live camera feeds, review recordings, switch between display layouts, and use slideshow mode. These capabilities are available directly through the interface without using Ajax apps. The interface can also be accessed without an internet connection when signing in as a local user.

Unlike the video wall widget in Ajax desktop apps, the HDMI interface is limited to the functionality supported locally by the NVR. The local video wall displays video only from cameras added to the specific NVR, rather than all cameras added to the space.

For more information about Ajax NVRs with HDMI, including device-specific features and configuration, refer to the user manuals on the Ajax Support website.

Learn more about video wall in Ajax apps

Prerequisites

To use the video wall, make sure the following conditions are met:

• The NVR is added to the space.
• At least one camera is added to the NVR.
• A monitor is connected to the NVR via HDMI.
• A mouse is connected to the NVR via a USB port.

A keyboard is optional and can be connected to the NVR via a USB port to use keyboard shortcuts and navigate the interface faster.

Video wall

Video wall enables live video monitoring, archive review, full-screen camera view, and management of displayed camera feeds from a single interface. Layout options include predefined templates and a custom grid with a configurable number of rows and columns. Multiple layouts can be created for different camera arrangements, with tabs providing quick switching between them.

To open the local video wall, sign in to the NVR interface using one of the following methods:

• Ajax account: Sign in using the credentials of a cloud-based Ajax account. An internet connection is required.
• Local user account: Sign in using the credentials of a local user previously created in Ajax PRO Desktop. An internet connection is not required.

After signing in, click the Video wall tab in the upper-left corner of the screen. The video wall can also be controlled using keyboard shortcuts.

Creating a layout

Layouts define how camera feeds are arranged on the video wall. Follow the steps below to create a new layout.

To create a layout:

1. On the Video wall tab, click Create layout. When creating the first layout, the Create layout button is available both in the middle of the screen and in the upper-left corner.

   

2. Enter the layout name in the Title field.

3. Select a layout template from the list. The template defines the number and arrangement of cells on the screen. If none of the available templates is suitable, click Custom grid to set up a custom layout.

4. Click Create.

You can create multiple layouts. Each layout appears as a separate tab for quick switching between different camera arrangements.

After creating a layout, use the context menu to switch between live view and archive playback, show or hide the video wall interface, or remove camera feeds from individual cells.

Editing a layout

Layouts can be updated at any time by changing the title or template.

To edit the layout:

1. Right-click the layout to open the context menu.
2. Click Layout settings.
3. Make the required changes.
4. Click Save.

Deleting a layout

Existing layouts can be easily deleted when needed.

To delete a layout:

1. Right-click the layout to open the context menu.
2. Click Layout settings.
3. Click Delete.
4. In the Delete this layout confirmation window, click Delete.

Slideshow

Slideshow is an automated display mode that cycles through selected cameras or video wall layouts at a set interval. It enables continuous monitoring of multiple areas on an HDMI-connected display without manual switching.

To open a slideshow, sign in to the local NVR interface and select the Slideshow tab in the upper-left corner of the screen.

Keyboard shortcuts can also be used to navigate and control the slideshow.

Creating a slideshow

Follow the steps below to create a slideshow that automatically switches between cameras or layouts.

To create a slideshow:

1. On the Slideshow tab, click the Settings button and configure the required switching interval.

2. Click Save.

3. Click Create slideshow. When creating the first slideshow, the Create slideshow button is available both in the middle of the screen and in the upper-left corner.

   

4. Enter the slideshow name in the Title field.

5. In the Frames section, click Add cameras and choose one of the following options:

   • Layouts tab — select one or more existing video wall layouts to include in the slideshow.
   • Cameras tab — select individual cameras to display.

6. Click Apply.

7. If needed, change the order of the selected layouts or cameras by dragging the handle next to an item to the required position.

   

8. Click Create.

9. Click Start to begin slideshow playback or Stop to end it.

After the slideshow is created, it can be displayed in full-screen mode by clicking in the upper-right corner.

If multiple slideshows are available, click Back in the upper-left corner to return to the slideshow list and select the required one.

Editing a slideshow

An existing slideshow can be updated by changing its title, included layouts or cameras, or their order.

To edit a slideshow:

1. Open the Slideshow list.

2. Hover over the slideshow to be edited.

3. Click the Settings icon.

4. Make the required changes:

   • change the title;
   • add or remove video wall layouts or cameras;
   • change the order of the selected layouts or cameras by dragging the handle next to an item.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Save.

Deleting a slideshow

Existing slideshows can be deleted from their settings.

To delete a slideshow:

1. Open the Slideshow list.
2. Hover over the slideshow to be deleted.
3. Click the Settings icon.
4. Click Delete slideshow.
5. In the Delete this slideshow confirmation window, click Delete.

Keyboard shortcuts

Ajax NVRs support keyboard shortcuts for easier navigation and quick access to key video wall features. The complete set of keyboard shortcuts is available on devices running firmware version 2.557 or later.

Keyboard shortcuts to manage the video wall

Keyboard shortcuts to manage the slideshow

Keyboard shortcuts to control PTZ cameras