Sony Pink/Purple Tint on Video — Fix for Discontinued Gear

Sony Pink/Purple Tint on Video — Fix for Discontinued Gear

Your Sony camera is displaying a pink or purple tint on video footage, which may indicate a hardware or software issue. Sony exited the security camera market in December 2020, meaning no new firmware, cloud services, or app updates are available. However, your device still functions locally for basic recording and playback. This guide provides practical steps to address the tint issue despite the brand’s discontinued status.

Your device still works for now, but here is what you need to know. Focus on local troubleshooting, and consider alternatives for long-term reliability.

Quick Fixes for Sony Pink/Purple Tint

Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these steps:

• Power cycle your camera: Unplug the device for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This resets temporary glitches.
• Check LED status on the camera body. A steady green light indicates normal operation; blinking or red may signify a fault.
• Verify app functionality: If the Sony web interface still loads, check for firmware updates via the Device Health section.
• Test local storage: Ensure microSD cards are properly inserted and formatted. Use H.264 compression for efficient recording.

Note: Cloud features like remote access and app connectivity are no longer supported due to Sony’s discontinuation.

Troubleshooting Step 1: Diagnose IR Filter Stuck

A stuck IR cut filter is a common cause of colour distortion in Sony cameras, particularly in models like the SNC-VB770 4K Box and SNC-VM772R Outdoor Mini Dome. Follow these steps:

Step 1.1: Confirm IR Filter Issue

• Day/Night Mode Switching: Check if the camera fails to switch between day and night modes. A stuck filter can cause pink/purple tints in low-light conditions.
• LED Indicator: A steady red LED on the SNC-EB630 Indoor Dome may indicate an IR filter fault.

Step 1.2: Manual IR Filter Reset

For SNC-VB770 models:

• Reset Button: Press and hold the factory reset button (accessible via a pinhole on the camera body) for 20 seconds until the status LED flashes. This may temporarily resolve IR filter issues.

For SNC-VM772R models:

• Reset Button: Press and hold the factory reset button through the access port on the camera housing for 20 seconds.

Step 1.3: Check Network Configuration

• ONVIF/RTSP Access: Use a third-party app like iSpyConnect or Blue Iris to access the camera via ONVIP/RTSP. This bypasses the Sony app and confirms if the issue is hardware-related.
• Firmware Status: If the web interface loads but firmware updates are unavailable, the issue is likely hardware-related.

Troubleshooting Step 2: Local Storage and Network Stability

Sony cameras rely on local storage and network connectivity for stability. Follow these steps:

Step 2.1: Verify MicroSD Card Compatibility

• Use Samsung PRO Endurance or SanDisk High Endurance microSD cards for continuous recording.
• Format the card using the camera’s microSD card settings menu (not your computer).

Step 2.2: Ensure Wired Connectivity

• PoE or 12V DC: For SNC-VB770 and SNC-EB630, use PoE (802.3af) or 12V DC for stable power. Wireless-only models may suffer from connectivity drops.
• Network Band: Use 2.4GHz mode for better penetration through thick walls (e.g. Victorian terraced houses with 9-inch brick). Avoid 5GHz for long-distance or wall-heavy environments.

Step 2.3: Test Local Playback

• Access recorded footage via the camera’s microSD card directly. If the tint appears only in live view but not in recorded files, the issue may be a temporary software glitch.

Troubleshooting Step 3: Advanced Hardware Diagnostics

If basic fixes fail, perform these advanced checks:

Step 3.1: Use ONVIF/RTSP for Live View

• ONVIF Profile S: Use a third-party viewer (e.g. VLC Media Player) to stream the camera via ONVIF. This confirms if the tint issue persists outside the Sony app.
• RTSP URL: Format as rtsp://[username]:[password]@[camera_ip]:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&stream=1 (replace placeholders with your camera’s details).

Step 3.2: Check Sensor Health

• SNC-VB770 4K Box: The full-frame 12.2MP Exmor sensor may degrade over time. Test with a known good SD card and ensure ISO 409600 sensitivity is enabled for low-light conditions.
• SNC-EB630: Check if the 1080p Full HD Exmor CMOS sensor is functioning by capturing footage in varied lighting conditions.

When Fixes Are Not Enough

If the tint persists despite troubleshooting, consider these options:

Factory Reset for Specific Models

• SNC-VB770: Press and hold the factory reset button for 20 seconds. This may resolve persistent software glitches.
• SNC-EB630: Use a thin tool to press the reset button for 15 seconds.

Hardware Replacement

• If the SNC-VM772R or SNC-WL862 Multi-Sensor camera fails to resolve the issue, the sensor or IR filter may be damaged. Local troubleshooting cannot repair hardware faults.

Why Sony Discontinued Its Cameras

Sony exited the security camera market in December 2020 due to business strategy shifts and the rising cost of maintaining firmware and cloud services. This decision was not due to product quality but a strategic move to focus on other markets. Full disclosure: we built scOS because we saw too many people stuck with discontinued gear and no path forward. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet — no cloud dependency that can be shut down.

Time to Upgrade

If your Sony camera is beyond repair, consider these factors:

• Wired Cameras: Prioritise brands like Reolink or Hikvision with 5-8 year lifespans and ongoing firmware support.
• Local Storage: Avoid cloud-only systems to prevent future discontinuation risks.
• Battery Lifespan: Battery cameras degrade after 3-5 years. Wired models last longer but require sensor maintenance.
• UK Consumer Rights: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). However, Sony’s discontinuation means no warranty coverage.

Replacement Decisions

Your Sony camera may still function for basic tasks, but long-term reliability is uncertain. If troubleshooting takes more than 30 minutes and basic steps (restart/reset/reconnect) haven’t worked, the issue is likely hardware-related. Consider upgrading to a brand with ongoing support and no cloud dependency for peace of mind.