How to Fix Pixelated Video on Your Guardzilla Camera
A security camera is only as good as the video it produces. If your Guardzilla camera's live stream or recorded footage is pixelated, blocky, or blurry, it can be difficult to make out important details. This issue almost always stems from problems with data transmission between the camera and your viewing device. This guide will help you diagnose the cause and take the right steps to improve your camera's video quality.
The clarity of your video stream is primarily dependent on one thing: your network's bandwidth and stability.
Step 1: Assess Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
The most frequent cause of pixelated video is a weak Wi-Fi signal. The camera might have just enough signal to stay connected, but not enough to transmit a high-quality video stream.
- Check the Distance: How far is your Guardzilla camera from your Wi-Fi router? Walls, floors, and large appliances can significantly obstruct the signal.
- The Relocation Test: As a simple test, try moving your camera temporarily to the same room as your router. If the video quality becomes crystal clear, you have confirmed that signal strength is the problem.
- Permanent Solutions for a Weak Signal:
- Move your router to a more central location in your home.
- Purchase a Wi-Fi extender or repeater and place it halfway between your router and the camera.
- Consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system for more consistent coverage throughout your property.
Step 2: Check Your Internet Upload Speed
While download speed is what we often focus on, a security camera relies on upload speed to send video data to the cloud and your phone.
- Run a Speed Test: Use a reliable speed test website or app on your smartphone while connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your camera. Pay close attention to the 'Upload' speed result.
- Check Requirements: High-definition (HD) cameras typically require at least 1-2 Mbps of sustained upload speed per camera. If your upload speed is very low (less than 5 Mbps) and you have multiple devices using the internet, your camera may struggle.
- Contact Your ISP: If your upload speed is consistently lower than what you are paying for, you may need to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Step 3: Reduce Network Congestion
Your home network has a finite amount of bandwidth. If too many devices are using it at the same time, there might not be enough left for your Guardzilla camera to function optimally.
- Identify Bandwidth-Heavy Activities: Activities like streaming 4K video, online gaming, or downloading large files consume a lot of bandwidth.
- Test During Off-Peak Times: Try viewing your camera's stream late at night or early in the morning when fewer devices are active on your network. If the quality improves, network congestion is likely a contributing factor.
- Router Quality of Service (QoS): Some modern routers have a QoS feature that allows you to prioritise traffic for specific devices. If available, you can set your router to prioritise your Guardzilla camera to ensure it always has the bandwidth it needs.
Step 4: Adjust In-App Video Quality Settings
The Guardzilla app may have settings that allow you to adjust the video quality.
- Explore the App: Open the app and go to the settings for your specific camera. Look for options like 'Video Quality', 'Resolution', or 'Stream Quality'.
- Select the Highest Setting: Ensure the camera is set to the highest possible resolution (e.g., HD or Full HD). Be aware that a higher setting requires more bandwidth. If you are on a slow connection, you might have to choose a lower setting as a compromise to achieve a smoother, albeit less detailed, video stream.
By systematically working through these steps, you can identify the bottleneck causing your Guardzilla's pixelated video and take the necessary actions to restore a clear, reliable picture.