How to Improve Poor Video Quality on Your Canary Camera
Poor video quality, such as pixelation, graininess, or stuttering, can undermine the effectiveness of your Canary security camera. Unlike a simply blurry image, these issues are often related to data transmission and environmental factors. Here’s how to troubleshoot and enhance your camera's video performance.
## Step 1: Test Your Internet Upload Speed
This is the most critical factor for stream quality. Your Canary doesn't just use download speed; it primarily uses upload speed to send video to the cloud.
- Required Speed: Canary recommends a minimum sustained upload speed of 1 Mbps for each camera that is actively streaming.
- How to Test: Use a reliable speed test website or app on a phone or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your camera. Pay close attention to the 'Upload' result.
- What to Do: If your upload speed is below the requirement, especially with multiple cameras, you may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) to discuss upgrading your plan. Also, disconnect other devices from your network that may be consuming upload bandwidth (e.g., cloud backups, video calls, online gaming) and see if the quality improves.
## Step 2: Optimise Your Wi-Fi Network
A strong connection to your router is essential. A weak or unstable signal will force the camera to compress the video heavily, resulting in poor quality.
- Check Signal Strength: Review the camera's Wi-Fi signal in the Canary app's device settings.
- Router Placement: Position your router as close to the centre of your home as possible. Avoid placing it in cupboards, behind the television, or near other electronics like microwave ovens.
- Reduce Interference: Walls (especially brick or concrete), large metal appliances, and even water (like in an aquarium) can block Wi-Fi signals. Try to ensure the most direct path possible between the camera and the router.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If moving the router isn't an option, a Wi-Fi mesh system or a range extender can help boost the signal in the area where your camera is located.
## Step 3: Evaluate Lighting Conditions
The amount and type of light available have a huge impact on video quality.
- Grainy Video (Noise): In low-light situations, the camera's sensor has to work harder, which introduces digital noise, appearing as a grainy texture. Improving the ambient lighting in the room will produce a clearer, more colourful image.
- Night Vision Issues: While Canary's infrared night vision is powerful, it can be compromised. Ensure there are no reflective surfaces (like a window or mirror) close to the camera, as the infrared light can bounce back into the lens and wash out the image. Also, make sure the camera isn't positioned behind glass, as this will cause a severe glare with night vision activated.
## Step 4: Update and Reboot
- App and Firmware: Ensure both your Canary app on your smartphone and the camera's firmware are up to date. Manufacturers release updates to improve performance and fix bugs that could affect video quality.
- Power Cycle: Don't underestimate the power of a simple restart. Unplug your Canary from power, wait for a full minute, and then plug it back in. This can resolve many temporary processing errors.
By addressing these core areas—internet speed, Wi-Fi stability, and ambient lighting—you can significantly improve the video quality of your Canary camera and ensure you're getting the clear, reliable security footage you need.