DIY Security Systems
Your security camera is an important equipment that would help you monitor your home and your business. It can also discourage criminals from entering your property. So, all information, videos, and images it captures have to be saved and kept for future reference. However, there are some instances when your videos are lost. And you might wonder what causes video loss in security cameras. In this article, we will discuss the different factors that can cause video loss in security cameras, as well as what you can do to avoid this.
Possible Reasons for Video Loss on Security Camera
There are times when some clips or videos from your CCTV are lost. You may notice uncaptured images or lapse of time is not accurate. To be able to prevent these losses, you must understand what causes video loss in security cameras.
Here are some of the reasons why videos are lost:
Insufficient Power Supply
When the power supply is insufficient, there is a higher possibility of video losses. You have to take note that inadequate power supply is different from power outrage. Thee may be instances when the power supply is insufficient because of a loose cable connection. This may also happen when the Power of Energy (PoE) is not working; the cable is burnout, damaged, or faulty.
To avoid this, you need to have a regular checkup on all the power sources and wirings such as power splitters, power connections, and cable connections. Check the DVR or NVR port. Make sure they are providing enough power to the cameras. Try using a shorter cable to power cameras, and if you are using batteries for your camera, make sure they’re fully charged, or for the solar-powered module, make sure that nothing is blocking the sun from reaching your device.
Compatibility
When you don’t see a video signal, it might be because your DVR is not compatible with your camera. You probably have purchased an HD camera for your analog DVR, which will not work. Your DVR that supports analog can only work with an analog camera, the same thing when you have a 1080p DVR, it will only work with 1080p camera.
Make sure that all your device and their accessories are compatible. Check the specifications of your camera or DVR to be sure. It also helps when you use a camera and DVR from the same manufacturer or has the same brand.
Faulty Camera or IR Night Vision
If the wirings and power supply are working, but you still don’t get a video signal, then the faulty camera must be what causes video loss in security cameras. If the loss of video only happens during the night, then the IR night vision is defective. IR or Infrared Radiation grants the ability of the CCTV camera to see in the dark.
To confirm if your IR is faulty, you can go to your DVR setting and check if infrared is turned on. If everything is fine and there is no problem with your wirings and cable, then it’s time to seek a replacement or call the technician to get a possible repair.
Power Spikes and Interruptions
The sudden loss of power would also mean a loss on videos. It can also be the result of a black screen or vertical lines on the screen. This usually happens when lightning strikes while your camera is attached to a metal pole, or there is electrical current interference from nearby electrical equipment.
To fix this, you must protect your equipment with a Power Protector or lightning surge protector. You can also use a UPS to protect it from power outages. And use wood or non-metal surfaces in mounting your cameras to protect it from the spike of lightning.
Weak Internet Connection
The loss of video can also be the result of a weak signal or weak internet connection. This can happen if your cameras are too far away from the router to catch the WiFi signal. Or there can be too many physical barriers between your camera and the WiFi router.
To resolve this, you can either move the router closer to the camera with no physical barriers. You can also use a wifi extender to strengthens the internet connection.
Hardware and Firmware Problem
Another thing that can result in video loss is when you have the old version of the CCTV firmware that needs an upgrade. If this is what causes video loss in security cameras, then you need to upgrade. If you are unfamiliar with upgrading, you need to contact the company where you purchase the equipment. You can also call someone from your circle that knows how to do it to help you.
Conclusion
The loss of video on security cameras is a common problem, and you will wonder what causes video loss in security cameras. When you encounter this problem, you can apply the troubleshooting guide provided above. Or the other way, you can contact a CCTV technician to help you with your problem. This is to bring back your peace of mind. A full-functioning security camera gives you the confidence that your property is monitored, and all activities are recorded, especially at night. Know more about Security Cameras.