How to Fix a Blurry Video Image on Your Fermax Intercom
A Fermax video door entry system enhances your home security by allowing you to see visitors before you grant them access. However, if the video image becomes blurry, it compromises this essential function. A clear picture is vital for recognising faces and feeling secure.
This troubleshooting guide will help you identify and resolve the common causes of blurry video on your Fermax system, so you can restore the sharp image you need.
Step 1: Begin with an External Inspection
The problem is often on the surface of the outdoor panel. Let's start with the simplest checks.
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Thoroughly Clean the Camera Lens: The camera lens is constantly exposed to the elements. Dust, rain spots, pollen, and fingerprints can accumulate on the lens, leading to a blurry or hazy image.
- Use a soft, clean microfibre cloth.
- Gently wipe the lens to remove any smudges or dirt.
- For more stubborn spots, you can lightly dampen the cloth with water. Never spray cleaning fluids directly onto the panel.
- Dry the lens completely and check the image on your monitor.
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Look for Condensation: Rapid temperature changes can cause moisture to form behind the lens cover, making the image look foggy. This is common in the morning or after a rain shower. Usually, this will clear up on its own as the temperature stabilises. If it persists, it could indicate that the weather seal on the panel is no longer effective.
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Check for Obstructions: Ensure that nothing is blocking the camera's view. This could be something obvious like a spiderweb or plant growth, or something more subtle like a new decoration near the door.
Step 2: Check the Indoor Monitor Settings
While less common, a setting on your indoor monitor could be the cause.
- Review Brightness and Contrast: Check the settings on your monitor. If the contrast is set too low or the brightness too high, it can make the image appear washed out and less sharp, which can be mistaken for being blurry.
- Adjust Colour Settings: Incorrect colour saturation can also affect the perceived sharpness of an image. Try resetting the monitor's display settings to their factory defaults to see if it makes a difference.
Step 3: Inspect the System's Wiring and Connections
The video signal travels from the outdoor panel to the indoor monitor via cabling. A problem with this connection can degrade the signal quality.
- Check Cable Connections: Ensure the cables are securely connected to the back of your indoor monitor and to the terminals on the outdoor panel. Loose connections can cause a variety of video issues.
- Examine for Cable Damage: If any part of the wiring is visible, inspect it for signs of damage, such as cuts, kinks, or abrasion. Over time, cables can become worn, especially if they are exposed to the elements or physical stress.
- Consider Cable Length and Type: Video signal quality can degrade over very long cable runs. Ensure that the type of cable used and the total distance are within the specifications listed in your Fermax installation manual. Using the wrong type of wire is a common cause of poor video quality in new installations.
When Professional Help is Needed
If you have cleaned the lens, checked the monitor settings, and verified the connections, but the image is still blurry, it may point to a more serious issue. This could include:
- A failing camera module in the outdoor panel.
- A fault within the indoor monitor's screen or electronics.
- A hard-to-find break or fault in the system wiring.
In these situations, it is best to contact a professional security system installer or a certified Fermax technician. They have the right tools and expertise to diagnose the internal components and wiring of the system accurately and safely.