Annke Pixelated Video? How to Improve Your Camera's Image Quality
A security camera is only as good as the video it produces. If your Annke camera's footage is pixelated, blocky, or blurry, it can be difficult to make out important details. This issue is usually caused by one of a few common factors, all of which can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting. This guide will help you identify the cause and restore a crystal-clear picture.
## Step 1: Check Your Video Stream and Resolution Settings
Your Annke camera is capable of streaming in different qualities. Sometimes, the app may be showing you a low-quality "substream" for faster loading on mobile data, while the high-quality "mainstream" is still being recorded.
- Open the Annke App: Select the camera you want to troubleshoot.
- Find the Quality Setting: On the live view screen, look for an icon or button labelled "SD," "Basic," or that indicates the resolution. Tap on it.
- Switch to High Definition: Select the "HD," "UHD," or "High" option. This will switch the live view to the best possible quality.
- Check Recording Resolution: Dive into the camera's settings and find the "Video Settings" or "Stream Settings." Ensure the Mainstream resolution is set to the highest possible value (e.g., 1080p, 4MP, 5MP). The Substream can remain at a lower quality.
If switching to HD resolves the issue for live viewing, your problem was simply the stream setting. If the HD stream is also pixelated, continue to the next step.
## Step 2: Diagnose Your Network Connection
The most common cause of persistent pixelation is a poor network connection. When the camera doesn't have enough bandwidth, it compresses the video heavily to keep the stream from dropping, resulting in a blocky image.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal Strength: In the Annke app, go to the camera's settings and find a "Network" or "Wi-Fi" section. You should be able to see the signal strength. If it's less than 75-80%, the weak signal is likely the cause.
- Reduce Distance: The closer your camera is to your Wi-Fi router, the stronger the signal will be. Try moving them closer together if possible.
- Minimise Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by walls (especially concrete or brick), large metal objects (like refrigerators), and other electronic devices. Ensure the path between your router and camera is as clear as possible.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move the camera or router, a Wi-Fi range extender placed halfway between the two can boost the signal significantly.
- Use an Ethernet Cable: For the most stable connection and best possible video quality, connect your camera directly to your router with an Ethernet cable if your model supports it.
## Step 3: Inspect the Hardware
If your settings are correct and your network is strong, the issue could be with the camera itself.
- Clean the Lens: A surprising amount of image quality issues are caused by a dirty lens. Dust, fingerprints, or water spots can make the image appear blurry or out of focus. Power down the camera and gently wipe the lens with a clean, soft microfibre cloth.
- Check the Power Supply: Ensure you are using the original power adapter that came with the camera. An underpowered or third-party adapter can sometimes cause performance issues.
- Update Firmware: Check for any firmware updates for your camera within the Annke app. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance and fix bugs related to video encoding and transmission.
By methodically checking your settings, network, and hardware, you can pinpoint the cause of the pixelated video and take the necessary steps to restore the sharp, detailed image you expect from your Annke security camera.