Skybell Pixelated Video? Here’s How to Improve Your Video Quality
A video doorbell is only as good as the video it produces. If your Skybell's live stream or recordings are pixelated, blocky, or constantly freezing, it makes it difficult to see who is at your door, defeating its main purpose. The good news is that poor video quality is almost always a network issue that you can resolve.
This guide will help you understand why your video quality is suffering and provide you with concrete steps to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi and internet connection for a crystal-clear image.
The Root Cause: A Weak Connection
Your Skybell needs to send a large amount of video data over your Wi-Fi network in real-time. When the connection is weak or unstable, it can't send all the data, resulting in a compressed, low-quality image—what you see as pixelation. The problem is rarely with the camera itself, but rather with the network path between the doorbell and the internet.
The two main culprits are:
- Poor Wi-Fi Signal Strength: The physical distance and obstacles (like brick walls) between your router and your Skybell.
- Insufficient Internet Upload Speed: Your internet plan may not have enough upload bandwidth to support HD video streaming.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Pixelated Video
Let's diagnose and fix your network connection.
1. Test Your Wi-Fi Signal at the Doorbell
First, you need to measure the actual signal strength your Skybell is receiving.
- How to Measure: Take your smartphone, connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your Skybell, and stand right next to the doorbell. Use a Wi-Fi analyser app (many are available for free on app stores) to get a precise reading of the signal strength in dBm.
- What to Look For:
- -40 to -60 dBm: Excellent to Good signal. You should not have video quality issues.
- -61 to -70 dBm: Fair signal. You may experience occasional pixelation or lag.
- -71 dBm or weaker: Poor signal. This is very likely the cause of your problem.
2. Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
If your signal test showed a weak connection, you need to boost it.
- Move Your Router: The simplest solution is often to move your Wi-Fi router to a more central location in your home, closer to the front door.
- Remove Obstructions: Wi-Fi signals are weakened by dense materials. Ensure there are no large metal objects or thick concrete walls in the direct path between the router and the doorbell.
- Install a Wi-Fi Extender: A Wi-Fi extender (or repeater) is a device that picks up your existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it, extending its range. Place one halfway between your router and your Skybell for a significant boost.
- Upgrade to a Mesh System: A mesh Wi-Fi system replaces your single router with multiple 'nodes' placed around your home, providing seamless and strong coverage everywhere, including your front door.
3. Check Your Internet Upload Speed
People often focus on download speed, but for a video doorbell, upload speed is critical.
- Run a Speed Test: On a computer or phone connected to your network, go to a reliable speed testing website. When the test is complete, pay close attention to the "Upload Speed" result.
- Required Speed: For smooth HD video from your Skybell, you should have a consistent upload speed of at least 2 Mbps. If your speed is lower than this, you may need to contact your internet service provider to upgrade your plan.
4. Adjust Video Quality Settings
As a final step, you can adjust the video quality within the Skybell app.
- Lower the Resolution: Find the video settings for your doorbell in the app. If it is set to the highest quality (e.g., 1080p), try lowering it by one level (e.g., 720p). This reduces the amount of data the doorbell needs to send, which can result in a smoother, more stable stream on a slower network, even if it is slightly less sharp.
By ensuring your Skybell has a strong Wi-Fi signal and sufficient upload bandwidth, you can eliminate pixelation and enjoy the clear, reliable video quality you expect.