How to Fix Pixelated Video on Your Amcrest Camera
A pixelated video feed from your Amcrest security camera can make it impossible to see important details, defeating the purpose of having a high-definition camera. This blocky or choppy video quality is almost always a result of network limitations or incorrect configuration settings.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to troubleshoot and resolve pixelation issues, helping you restore the crisp, clear image your Amcrest camera is capable of producing.
## Step 1: Differentiate Between Main Stream and Sub Stream
Understanding the two video streams is the first step in diagnosing the problem.
- Main Stream: This is the high-resolution, high-quality video feed. It uses more bandwidth and is intended for recording and detailed viewing.
- Sub Stream: This is a low-resolution, low-bandwidth feed designed for quick and smooth viewing on mobile devices, especially over a slow internet connection.
It's possible you are viewing the Sub Stream by mistake. In your Amcrest viewing app or software, ensure you have selected the Main Stream to see the camera's best possible quality. If the Main Stream is the one that is pixelated, proceed to the next steps.
## Step 2: Optimise Network Performance
A stable network is non-negotiable for high-quality video streaming.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: If your camera is connected via Wi-Fi, a weak signal is the most likely culprit. Obstacles like brick walls, metal objects, and distance from the router can degrade the signal. Try temporarily moving the camera closer to your router. If the quality improves, you have identified the problem. A permanent solution could be a Wi-Fi extender or a powerline adapter.
- Use a Wired Connection: For the most reliable performance, a wired Ethernet connection is always superior to Wi-Fi. If possible, connect your Amcrest camera directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
- Reduce Network Load: Other devices on your network consume bandwidth. If someone is streaming 4K video or downloading large files, it can impact your camera's ability to stream a high-quality feed. Check if the pixelation occurs even when your network is not under heavy use.
## Step 3: Adjust Camera Video Settings
The video quality settings in your camera's configuration menu have a direct impact on the image. You can access these through the Amcrest View Pro app or the camera's web interface.
- Resolution: Ensure the camera's resolution is set to its maximum level (e.g., 1920x1080 for a 1080p camera).
- Bitrate: The bitrate controls the amount of data used for the video. A higher bitrate results in better quality but requires more network bandwidth. If your network is robust, you can increase the bitrate. If your network is struggling, you might need to find a slightly lower bitrate that provides acceptable quality without causing the stream to lag.
- Frame Rate (FPS): While a higher frame rate (like 30 FPS) provides smoother motion, it also uses more data. You can often get excellent video quality at 15-20 FPS, which will ease the load on your network.
## Step 4: Update Firmware
Amcrest periodically releases firmware updates to improve camera performance and fix bugs.
- Check for Updates: Log in to the camera's web interface or use the Amcrest IP Config tool to check for the latest firmware version for your specific model.
- Install Carefully: Follow Amcrest's instructions precisely when updating the firmware. An interruption during the update process can cause issues.
By systematically addressing your network stability and fine-tuning the camera's video settings, you can eliminate pixelation and enjoy the full high-definition clarity of your Amcrest security camera.