Is Your Fermax Video Feed Breaking Up?
A clear video feed is the cornerstone of any reliable video intercom system. When your Fermax video becomes pixelated, blocky, or distorted, it compromises your security and convenience. This issue can be frustrating, turning clear faces into unrecognisable mosaics. Fortunately, most causes of pixelation can be diagnosed and resolved with some systematic troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through the common causes and provide you with the steps to restore a crisp, clear image on your Fermax system.
Why You're Seeing a Pixelated Image
Pixelation is essentially a digital signal's cry for help. It indicates that the data making up the video image is incomplete or corrupted. This can happen for several reasons, ranging from simple physical issues to more complex network problems.
## Step 1: Check the Physical Connections and Cabling
Before diving into complex settings, it's essential to rule out a physical problem. The connection between your Fermax outdoor station and the indoor monitor is the most common point of failure.
### Inspect Your Wiring
Over time, cables can become damaged or connections can work themselves loose.
- Trace the Cable: Follow the cable from the outdoor camera to the indoor monitor. Look for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, abrasions, or sharp bends.
- Secure the Connectors: Unplug and firmly reconnect the cables at both the camera and monitor ends. A slightly loose connector can be enough to disrupt the signal.
- Check for Corrosion: In outdoor or damp environments, moisture can lead to corrosion on the connectors. If you see any green or white residue, clean it carefully with a contact cleaner or replace the connector.
Pro Tip: For older 2-wire Fermax systems, signal quality is highly dependent on the integrity of the wiring. Any degradation in the cable can directly lead to a poor-quality, pixelated image.
## Step 2: Analyse Your Network Environment (For IP Systems)
If you have a Fermax IP-based system (like DUOX or VEO-XS), the health of your local network is paramount.
### Wi-Fi Signal Strength
If your monitor or camera connects via Wi-Fi, a weak signal is a primary suspect for pixelation.
- Check Signal Bars: Look at the Wi-Fi indicator on your device. Fewer than two bars can cause video issues.
- Reduce Distance: Try moving your router closer to your Fermax device, or vice versa.
- Minimise Interference: Other electronic devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, or even neighbouring Wi-Fi networks, can interfere with the signal. Try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router.
### Network Bandwidth
Video streaming consumes a significant amount of bandwidth. If other devices on your network are heavily using the internet (e.g., streaming 4K movies, online gaming), it can leave insufficient bandwidth for your Fermax system, resulting in a pixelated feed.
- Test Your Speed: Run an internet speed test to check your upload speed. A slow upload speed can cause issues with sending video from the camera.
- Prioritise a Wired Connection: Whenever possible, use a wired Ethernet connection for your Fermax IP devices. A wired connection is more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, eliminating many potential causes of pixelation.
## Step 3: Verify Power Supply
An unstable or insufficient power supply can cause all sorts of strange behaviour, including video distortion.
- Use the Correct Power Supply: Ensure you are using the official Fermax power supply unit (PSU) that came with your system. Using an underpowered or third-party adapter can lead to performance issues.
- Check the Power Source: Plug the PSU into a different electrical socket to rule out a problem with the outlet itself.
- Inspect the Power Cable: Just like the video cable, check the power cable for any signs of damage.
## Step 4: Update Firmware and Software
Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. An outdated firmware version could be the cause of your video problems.
- Check for Updates: Consult the Fermax documentation or website for instructions on how to check for and apply firmware updates to your specific model.
- Update the App: If you use a mobile app to view your camera, ensure it is updated to the latest version from your device's app store.
By systematically working through these steps, you can identify the root cause of the pixelated video on your Fermax system. Start with the simplest physical checks and move on to the more complex network and software solutions to get your video feed back to its clear and reliable best.