There are many potential issues with CCTV cameras, often related directly to the camera itself. The good news is that identifying and resolving these problems is usually straightforward. Most CCTV cameras issues manifest as distinct characteristics on the screen, making diagnosis easier. For instance, problems like flickering, distorted colours, or no video signal are common but identifiable. Isecurity services recommends regular maintenance and timely troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance of your CCTV cameras system, helping to quickly pinpoint and resolve any issues that arise. Proper maintenance can prevent many of these common problems from occurring in the first place. This write-up explores some of the most common problems with CCTV cameras.
White Balance Issues
If your CCTV cameras footage resembles those weird psychedelic rock videos from the 1960s, then it’s most probably because of an issue with the white balance settings. When we see a white object, our eyes perceive it as white, whether it is under different lighting parameters. That is because our eyes have an extensive colour gamut range, and our brains can compensate for various ambient light parameters. Cameras try to do this with a “white balance” setting that often has to be manually or automatically adjusted.
When this is set to the wrong value, particularly with cameras that try to adjust it automatically, colours often go visibly wrong. To fix that, you will simply need to go into your camera’s settings and adjust the white balance manually or ensure the auto setting is working properly.
CCTV Cameras Video Is Flickering
The interference that causes CCTV flicker is usually intermittent and, therefore, quite difficult to handle. Flickering mostly occurs due to interference caused by improper installation, malfunctioning equipment, faulty power supply, or bad environmental conditions. Another common cause is incorrect design and installation, which result in insufficient power. The troubleshooting of CCTV flickering requires a lot of patience, as the sources for this interference might be very difficult to locate. If it has stopped the flickering, continue to record the footage for a while to make sure that the problem doesn’t happen again. You can also try checking all the joints, ensuring the camera is drawing enough power, and using shielded cables to help prevent interference.
No Video Signal
No video signal is probably one of the most annoying problems in CCTV. You might be able to put up with the video’s flickering or noise, but not having a picture at all is another matter altogether. This may take several different forms. Be certain, first, that the camera is properly powered. This may sound obvious, but even sustainability security engineers overlook this at times. Assuming that your CCTV cameras has no video signal, double-check if it’s powered on, and the connection is proper. All cables and connections have to be looked into and a reply from your power supply checked. Also, check for loose or damaged wires that could be causing the problem.
CCTV Camera Not Showing on Mobile
If you have access locally to the stream of the video but it isn’t showing up in your mobile app, then mostly the problem lies in the configuration rather than the camera or any fault in its equipment. Ensure that the settings on your network are properly configured and consist of the appropriate IP address for your camera set within the mobile app. Ensure that both your mobile device and camera are completely housed on the same network, with any essential ports available or decrypted. Ensure that firmware from both the camera and the mobile app is current. If all else fails, reboot all your networking equipment to attempt to reconnect.
CCTV Cameras Not Working at Night
One of the common CCTV cameras problem that gets reported is that it does not work in the dark or at night; in such situations, there are either no images or videos during the night hours. First, check if the camera has a power supply and that all the wires and connections are tight. Ensure that the infrared light works since it plays a huge role in capturing at night. If the infrared light is not turned on, then it won’t light up well and hence will fail to capture in low light. Most of the time, just checking the settings of your camera and resetting the night mode can fix the problem.
Horizontal Lines on CCTV Video
Horizontal lines on CCTV videos are usually caused by a direct light source interfering with the camera. If the light falls directly on the camera, then the video feed will become unclear, showing horizontal lines. This problem may arise because the camera sensor is swamped by too much light. Readjustment of the angle of view of the camera to prevent it from directly being affected by light, change it to a dome camera that features a dark shell that will enclose the sensor, or reduce light to the camera’s field of view, thus cleaning off the video of these horizontal line defects.
Also, read: The Importance of Fire Alarm Systems for Ensuring Safety
