DW Spectrum IPVMS is video management software from the American manufacturer Digital Watchdog, built on a client-server architecture. For a first deployment you need a server machine running a 64-bit Windows or Ubuntu Linux system (ARM builds are also available), an operator workstation with the DW Spectrum Client application, and recording licenses matching the number of camera channels. The trial version runs with full functionality for 30-60 days, so you can validate the entire system before purchasing licenses.
Architecture and hardware requirements
The system consists of three layers: DW Spectrum Server (the service that records streams and manages the event database), DW Spectrum Client (the operator's desktop application, also available in a Polish language version) and the mobile apps. Server and client can run on the same machine, but in installations beyond a dozen or so cameras it is better to separate them - decoding multiple streams on the viewing station then puts no load on the recording server. Several servers can be merged into a single system and managed from one client.
Server
As a starting point, Digital Watchdog recommends an Intel i5 8th generation processor or better, 16 GB of RAM, a dedicated 256 GB SSD/NVMe disk for the operating system, and two 1 Gbit network interfaces. Recording storage is calculated separately: it depends on the number of cameras, the resolution and bitrate of the streams, and the required retention. DW Spectrum scales linearly, so with a higher channel count or active video analytics you should specify a stronger CPU and RAM headroom. 32-bit systems are not supported.
Client workstation
For a single-monitor station, an Intel i5 8th gen or AMD Ryzen 5 3000 series, 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD are sufficient. A dual-monitor station already calls for an i7/Ryzen 7 class processor and 16 GB of RAM, while four-monitor video walls require an i9/Ryzen 9, 32 GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card. The client runs on Windows 10/11 Pro, Windows Server 2016-2022, Ubuntu LTS and macOS.
Installing the server step by step
- Download the DW Spectrum Server and Client installers for your platform (Windows or Ubuntu).
- Install the server on the recording machine. The service starts automatically and runs in the background without a user being logged in.
- Install the client on the operator workstation and launch it. The client will detect the server on the local network.
- Create a new system: give it a name and set a strong administrator password. This password protects the entire configuration, so treat it like server credentials, not a viewing password.
- In the server settings, select the disks dedicated to the recording archive and disable recording to the system drive.
Discovering and adding cameras
DW Spectrum automatically scans the network and discovers ONVIF-compliant devices, including of course Digital Watchdog MEGApix cameras. Cameras in the same subnet as the server appear on the resource list by themselves - you only need to enter their credentials. Devices in other subnets or behind a router are added manually by IP address or as an RTSP stream. Once a camera is added, set its recording schedule: continuous, motion-based, or a mixed mode (low bitrate constantly, full quality on events), which significantly extends retention on the same disk space.
Activating recording licenses
The licensing model is simple: one recording license equals one camera channel. Live viewing does not consume a license. A key is activated online directly from the client, or offline (via an activation file) in installations without internet access. The license becomes bound to the server's hardware ID, so a planned replacement of the server platform is worth discussing before activation. We cover the licensing model and channel-count sizing in detail in the guide DW Spectrum licenses - how they work and which one to choose.
Users and permissions
Before the system goes into production, stop working on the administrator account. Create named accounts and assign them roles: live-view operator, user with archive and export access, system administrator. Permissions can be narrowed down to specific cameras and layouts, which matters in multi-tenant facilities, for example, where each tenant sees only their own channels. Shared accounts make it hard to establish who exported footage, so avoid them in a B2B environment.
Remote access: DW Cloud and mobile apps
Remote access is handled by DW Cloud: once the system is linked to a cloud account, the operator connects to the server over the internet without exposing RTSP ports or a public IP address to the world. The DW Spectrum mobile apps for Android and iOS provide live view, archive playback and event notifications. The full list of suite components is available in our CCTV software category.
Deployment best practices
- A separate network for cameras: set up a VLAN or a physically separated CCTV subnet. Cameras do not need internet access - only the server should have outbound traffic.
- Retention calculated, not guessed: size the archive from the real bitrates measured after configuration, not from datasheet values.
- Time synchronization: point the server and cameras at the same NTP source; mismatched timestamps disqualify footage as evidence.
- Configuration backup: once deployment is complete, back up the system database and store the copy off the server. Repeat after every major change.
- Consistent versions: all servers and clients in the system should run the same software version.
Frequently asked questions
Does DW Spectrum have a Polish language version?
Yes, the DW Spectrum client application is available in a Polish language version. The language is switched in the client settings, independently of the server's operating system language.
How long does the trial last and how does it differ from the full version?
The trial runs for 30-60 days with no functional limitations - it includes recording, analytics, mobile access and DW Cloud. After purchasing licenses, the configuration and archive are preserved; you activate the keys in the running system.
Can a license be moved to a different server?
The license is bound to the server's hardware ID, so it does not transfer automatically. In the event of a failure or a planned hardware replacement, the license transfer is handled through the distributor - we assist our customers in such cases.
Planning a DW Spectrum deployment or sizing hardware for a specific channel count? As the only Polish distributor of Digital Watchdog cameras (direct import, 5-year camera warranty, NDAA/TAA compliance), we will help you match the server, cameras and licenses to your project. Contact us - we answer technical inquiries, not just sales ones.