Common CCTV Problems & How To Fix Them

Having your CCTV cameras in place is just one part of making sure you have comprehensive security in place. But they’re only useful to you if they’re working properly, meaning that any problems or issues with them can leave your site vulnerable.

It’s important, therefore, to have your CCTV system installed by professionals in the first place. But what if you’ve started to notice some issues with your system? This month at Lock & Key Centre, we’re going to look at common CCTV problems and how to fix them, helping you protect your premises and your staff.

Cameras aren’t recording any footage

This can seem like quite a frustrating issue, given that the main function of your CCTV is to record footage as evidence. However, the solution could be quite simple.

If your cameras and monitor system are both powered on (it’s always worth checking this first!) then it is likely your cables are not connected securely at one end or the other, so keep an eye out for loose connections. Alternatively, if that doesn’t fix things, it may be that your CCTV system has not yet been set up to record and needs configuring.

Bad image quality (grainy, blurry)

Some people put up with poor image quality from their CCTV, but this can be a real missed opportunity when you need to provide clear evidence of criminal activity or wrongdoing. There are several ways in which your picture quality can be compromised, so it’s a good idea to bring in the professionals if you can’t find the root of the cause.

If you know it’s an issue with a dirty camera lens or if the focus needs adjusting, then it’s possible that you could fix this yourself. Alternatively, if you’re still not happy with the picture quality, you could upgrade to the latest technology for a better picture.

Night vision isn’t working

For some businesses, the need for surveillance is 24 hours. That means night vision is imperative; without it, there is a gap in coverage during the night or in areas of a building that are too dark for normal cameras.

If your night vision doesn’t appear to be working, the issue will likely lie with the infrared LED lights that are housed in the camera. These lights provide the right kind of light for the system to work in the dark, but older systems may require replacement if the LEDs no longer work.

Can’t access CCTV camera footage online

Many modern CCTV systems allow for remote viewing of footage, either live or via playback features. Any issues with connecting to or accessing the system may not actually lie with your cameras, but instead with the provider’s system. Check your internet connectivity, and whether the cameras are connected to the network, and be sure to update any software or apps associated with your CCTV.

If the problem persists, contact a CCTV professional for assistance.

Flickering CCTV footage

If your CCTV camera footage has started flickering, the first thing you’ll be tempted to do is to check the cables are connected properly. If this doesn’t fix the issue, it could be that there is other electrical equipment disrupting the signal (this would also create static in any audio). 

Should these not be the root of the problem, you may need an expert to assess whether your equipment and video settings are appropriate for the resolution you need. It could mean that your system, including the cables, is not up to the job and requires replacement.

Need some CCTV expertise in Aylesbury or across Buckinghamshire? Look no further than our team at Lock & Key Centre. We have the latest CCTV technology to help you protect your home or business, supplying top brands such as Hikvision and Dahua. This, combined with our highly skilled team of technicians, means you can have confidence in your CCTV installation without battling the issues we’ve covered.

Don’t miss out on this vital security measure for your building — contact us today to discuss your CCTV requirements.