How to Fix Swann Poor Video Quality & Grainy Footage

How to Fix and Improve Poor Video Quality on Swann Security Systems

A Swann security system is a powerful tool for protecting your property, but its effectiveness is dependent on clear, usable video footage. If you're dealing with issues like grainy images, pixelation, or a blurry picture, it's time to do some troubleshooting. Most video quality problems with wired systems like Swann's can be traced back to physical connections or system settings. This guide will help you identify and resolve the most common causes.

## Part 1: Physical Checks and Hardware Inspection

Always begin by examining the hardware. A faulty cable or a dirty lens can't be fixed with software settings.

### 1. Inspect the Video and Power Cables

The BNC (for older analogue systems) or Ethernet (for NVR systems) cable is the lifeline between your camera and recorder.

• Secure Connections: Check that the connectors at both ends of the cable—one at the camera and one at the back of the DVR/NVR—are tight. BNC connectors should be pushed on and twisted to lock. Ethernet connectors should click securely into place.
• Cable Integrity: Look for any visible damage along the cable's length. Pay close attention to areas where the cable bends or might be exposed to the elements. A pinched or cut cable will degrade the signal.
• Use a "Known Good" Cable for Testing: If you suspect a cable is faulty, the best way to confirm is to temporarily swap it with a cable from a camera that is working perfectly. If the problem moves with the cable, you've found your issue.

### 2. Clean the Camera Lens and Dome

An obstructed view is a blurry view. Over time, camera lenses accumulate dust, cobwebs, and water spots.

• Cleaning Process:
  1. Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush to remove any loose debris.
  2. Wipe the lens gently with a clean, soft microfibre cloth.
  3. If there are stubborn smudges, you can lightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid chemical cleaners.
  4. If you have a dome camera, you may need to remove the outer casing to clean both the inside of the dome and the camera lens itself.

### 3. Check the Power Supply

An inconsistent power supply can cause a camera to produce a poor or noisy image.

• Use the Right Adapter: Ensure you are using the official Swann power adapter that came with your system.
• Test Power: If you have a multimeter, you can check that the power adapter is outputting the correct voltage. Alternatively, you can swap the power adapter with one from a working camera to see if the issue is resolved.

## Part 2: Optimising DVR/NVR Settings

If the hardware seems fine, the next step is to log into your recorder and check the configuration.

### 4. Increase the Resolution and Bitrate

To conserve storage space, your Swann system might be configured to record at a lower quality than the camera is capable of.

• How to Adjust:
  1. Log into your DVR/NVR's main menu with a mouse and monitor.
  2. Navigate to the Setup or Settings menu.
  3. Find the Record or Encode section.
  4. You will see a list of your channels (cameras). Select the channel with poor video quality.
  5. Look for settings like Resolution, Bitrate, and Frame Rate (FPS).
  6. Set the Resolution to the highest possible value (e.g., 1080p, 5MP, 4K).
  7. Increase the Bitrate. A higher bitrate means less compression and better quality.
  8. Ensure the Frame Rate is set to a reasonable level (15-25 FPS is typical).
  9. Apply these changes and check the live view.

### 5. Enhance Night Vision Performance

Grainy video is most common in low-light conditions.

• Check for IR Reflection: Make sure the camera is not installed too close to a reflective surface, like the underside of an eave or a light-coloured wall. The camera's own infrared light can bounce off these surfaces and flood the lens, making the image look hazy and washed out.
• Add External Light: While Swann's night vision is powerful, all cameras produce a clearer image with more light. A motion-activated security light placed near the camera's field of view can dramatically reduce graininess at night.

By methodically checking your physical connections and then fine-tuning your recorder's settings, you can significantly improve your Swann system's video quality and ensure you capture sharp, clear footage.