Working with Orchid Hybrid VMS

*Orchid Hybrid VMS and Orchid Fusion VMS are nearly identical systems, so we will cover them together. And since Orchid Hybrid VMS is accessed by more users, we will keep the focus on Orchid Hybrid. Be on the lookout for notes that will indicate how these two systems are different.

After you sign in, Orchid Hybrid VMS will open at the Stage screen where you may begin to configure and use the Orchid Hybrid VMS system. Orchid Hybrid VMS does not require activation because all of the licensing is dealt with at the Orchid Recorder level. The license level of each Orchid Recorder determines whether that server operates as a standalone VMS server, or if it can be linked to an Orchid Hybrid or Fusion VMS system. So keep in mind that each Orchid Recorder you wish to add to the system will require an active Trial, Fusion, or Hybrid license. Contact your IPConfigure sales representative to purchase a license upgrade or renewal, if needed. (See also, Activating Orchid Licenses or Bulk Licensing.)

The Orchid Hybrid VMS Stage (pictured above) shows how you can use the Maps feature. Check out the section on Camera Groups to learn more.

Accessing the Hybrid System Menu

This is the Hamburger icon.

1. To open the System Menu, click the Hamburger icon in the top-right corner.

The System Menu is the primary navigation menu and will always be available. It allows the Administrator to access all of the following software features:

The System Menu contains only those items for which the signed in user has permissions. (Access to the Stage and Sign Out is available to all users, but only via the System Menu.)

Accessing the Hybrid Configuration Menu

1. To open the Configuration Menu, go to the System Menu, then click on any of the available selections except Stage, Events, or Sign Out.

The Configuration Menu is a secondary navigation menu that will not be available when the Stage or the Events screen is open. It allows the Administrator to access all of the software features except the Stage and Sign Out. For users without Administrator permissions, the Configuration Menu will only contain access to Events, Version Information, and Account Settings.

When you are using Orchid Hybrid VMS on a PC (and the web browser is set to zero or minimal zoom), once you access the Configuration Menu, it will remain visible on the left side of the screen until you return to the Stage or sign out.

*Shortcut: If you need to get back to the Stage and prefer to bypass the System Menu, just click on the Orchid Hybrid header in the top-left corner of the screen.