How to Troubleshoot and Fix Poor Video Quality on Your Scout Security Camera
Your Scout security camera is a vital tool for keeping an eye on your home. However, when the video feed is grainy, pixelated, or constantly lagging, it can undermine your sense of security. Poor video quality can make it difficult to identify faces or see important details.
This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose the reasons behind your Scout camera's subpar video performance and provide clear, actionable steps to restore a crisp and reliable image.
## Quick and Easy Fixes for Better Video
Always start with the simplest solutions first. These steps resolve a majority of video quality problems without needing to change complex settings.
### 1. Clean the Camera Lens
It might sound too simple, but a dirty lens is a primary cause of blurry, hazy, or poor-quality video. Dust, fingerprints, and grime can accumulate over time.
- Action: Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently wipe the camera lens. For stubborn smudges, you can slightly dampen the cloth with water or a lens-specific cleaning solution. Avoid paper towels or harsh cleaners, which can scratch the lens.
### 2. Check Your Internet Speed and Bandwidth
High-definition video streaming requires a significant amount of internet bandwidth. If your network is slow or congested, your camera's video quality will suffer.
- Action: Run an internet speed test from a device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your camera. Pay attention to the upload speed, as this is what the camera uses to send video to the cloud. A low upload speed (less than 2 Mbps per camera) is a likely culprit. Try pausing other high-bandwidth activities on your network, like streaming 4K movies or online gaming, to see if the quality improves.
## Adjusting Settings in the Scout App
Your Scout system gives you control over video quality, allowing you to balance performance with bandwidth usage.
### 1. Select the Right Video Quality Setting
Scout cameras often have adjustable quality settings to help them perform on different networks. It's possible yours is set to a lower quality than you'd prefer.
- Action:
- Open the Scout mobile app.
- Navigate to the specific camera you want to adjust.
- Find the device settings, and look for an option labelled 'Video Quality' or 'Streaming Quality'.
- Switch the setting to 'High' or 'HD'. Observe the live stream to see if your network can handle the higher setting without buffering or lag. If it can't, 'Medium' or 'Standard' may be a better compromise.
### 2. Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Even with high internet speeds, a weak Wi-Fi signal between your router and the camera will cause problems.
- Action: Check the signal strength in the camera's settings within the Scout app. If the signal is weak (e.g., one or two bars), you need to improve it.
- Move your Wi-Fi router closer to the Scout camera.
- Remove or reposition any large metal objects or dense electronics that might be between the router and the camera.
- If moving the router isn't feasible, consider installing a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system to provide a stronger, more reliable signal to the camera's location.
## Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If you've tried the steps above and the video is still not up to standard, consider these final points.
### Update Camera Firmware and App
Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. An outdated firmware or app version could be causing your issue.
- Action: Check for updates within the Scout app for your camera's firmware. Also, visit your phone's app store to ensure you are running the latest version of the Scout app.
### Power Cycle Your Equipment
A classic 'turn it off and on again' can work wonders for resolving temporary glitches.
- Action: Unplug your Scout camera from its power source. At the same time, unplug your modem and Wi-Fi router. Wait for 60 seconds. Plug the modem back in first, then the router. Once your internet is fully restored, plug your camera back in. This full reboot can clear many underlying connectivity issues.
By systematically working through these solutions, you can significantly enhance your Scout camera's video quality and ensure you have a clear view of what matters most.