How to Fix Annoying Buffering on Your LaView Live View
When you need to check on your property, the last thing you want to see is a spinning circle and the word "Buffering." A lagging or constantly interrupted live view from your LaView camera can be frustrating and defeats the purpose of real-time monitoring. The good news is that this issue is almost always related to network connectivity and can be resolved.
This troubleshooting guide will help you pinpoint the cause of the buffering and restore a smooth, stable live stream.
Understanding the Cause of Buffering
Buffering happens when the device you're using to watch the stream (your phone or tablet) receives video data slower than it needs to play it back in real time. The video player pauses to build up a "buffer" of data, resulting in the stop-and-start experience you see. This is fundamentally a data bottleneck issue.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Speed
Your home internet connection has two speeds: download and upload. While download speed is important for streaming movies, upload speed is critical for your security camera. Your camera uploads video to the internet for you to view.
- Run a Speed Test: Use a reliable speed test website or app on a device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your camera.
- Analyse the Results: For a smooth HD stream, LaView cameras generally require a minimum upload speed of 2-4 Mbps per camera. If you have multiple cameras, you'll need more. If your upload speed is too low, your camera simply can't send the video data fast enough.
Step 2: Improve the Camera's Wi-Fi Connection
The most common culprit for buffering is a weak Wi-Fi signal at the camera's location. Wi-Fi signals get weaker the further they travel and the more obstacles they have to pass through (like walls, floors, and large appliances).
- Check Signal Strength: In the LaView app, go to your camera's settings and look for a Wi-Fi or network status section. It should show you the signal strength. If it's weak (e.g., less than two bars), you've likely found the problem.
- Move Your Router: If possible, try moving your Wi-Fi router to a more central location in your home, closer to the camera.
- Eliminate Obstacles: Reduce the number of physical barriers between the router and the camera.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you can't move the router, a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can be a great solution. These devices boost your Wi-Fi signal, extending its reach to areas with poor coverage.
Step 3: Adjust Video Quality Settings
High-Definition (HD) video looks great, but it requires a lot more bandwidth. If your network is struggling, lowering the video quality can provide a much smoother experience.
- Switch to SD: Open the live view for your camera in the LaView app. Look for an "HD" or "SD" (Standard Definition) button. Tap it to switch to SD. This will reduce the amount of data being streamed and can often eliminate buffering immediately.
Step 4: Restart Your Equipment
Never underestimate the power of a simple restart. It can clear up temporary glitches in your camera and router.
- Unplug your LaView camera from its power source.
- Unplug your internet router from its power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and wait for it to fully restart (all the lights should be stable).
- Plug your camera back in and wait for it to reconnect.
After everything is back online, try the live view again. This simple process resolves a surprising number of connectivity issues.