Tend Camera Poor Video Quality? Steps to Improve It
A clear video feed is essential for any security camera. If your Tend camera is producing a blurry, pixelated, or choppy image, it can be frustrating and defeats its purpose. Typically, poor video quality is related to network performance, software settings, or the physical condition of the camera. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue and improve your camera's video feed.
## Step 1: Check In-App Video Quality Settings
The quickest and easiest fix is often found right within the Tend app. To save on data and bandwidth, the app may default to a lower-quality stream.
- Open the Tend app and select the camera you wish to improve.
- On the live view screen, look for an indicator that says "SD" (Standard Definition) or something similar.
- Tap this indicator to toggle the stream quality. Select the "HD" (High Definition) option.
- You should see an immediate improvement in the sharpness and clarity of the video. This setting ensures you are viewing the camera's best possible image.
## Step 2: Optimise the Wi-Fi Connection
High-definition video streaming requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. A weak or interrupted signal is a primary cause of pixelation, lagging, and buffering.
- Assess Signal Strength: Your camera needs a good signal from your router. As a simple test, stand next to your camera with your smartphone and check the Wi-Fi signal strength. If it's weak (only one or two bars), your camera is likely struggling to send its video data.
- Reduce Distance and Obstructions: The closer your camera is to your router, the better the signal will be. Physical barriers like thick brick or concrete walls, large metal appliances (like refrigerators), and even water (like in an aquarium) can significantly block Wi-Fi signals.
- Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move the camera or router closer together, installing a Wi-Fi range extender or upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system can provide a much-needed signal boost to the camera's location.
- Minimise Network Congestion: If many other devices on your network are using a lot of bandwidth simultaneously (e.g., streaming 4K movies, downloading large files, online gaming), it can leave too little for your camera. Try to see if the quality improves when other network activity is low.
## Step 3: Clean the Camera Lens
A blurry or hazy image can often be traced back to a simple physical issue: a dirty lens.
- Power off the camera for safety.
- Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth (the kind used for cleaning eyeglasses) to gently wipe the lens.
- For more stubborn smudges, you can very lightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the lens coating.
- Also, check for and remove any spiderwebs or debris that might be in front of the lens.
## Step 4: Check for Firmware and App Updates
Manufacturers release updates to improve performance and fix bugs that could be affecting your video quality.
- Update the Tend App: Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check if there is an update available for the Tend app.
- Update Camera Firmware: Within the Tend app, go to your camera's settings menu. Look for an option related to "Firmware" or "Device Info." The app should notify you if a firmware update is available for your camera. Follow the prompts to install it.
By adjusting the quality settings, ensuring a strong network connection, and keeping the hardware clean, you can resolve most video quality issues and get a crystal-clear picture from your Tend camera.