Uniview (UNV) Camera Audio Not Working? Troubleshooting Guide
Uniview cameras are professional-grade security solutions, and their audio capabilities are crucial for comprehensive monitoring. If you've discovered there is no sound from your camera's live stream or on its recordings, it can be a significant problem. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to diagnose and resolve audio issues with your UNV cameras and NVRs.
The solution often lies in a simple setting, either in the camera's configuration or in the viewing software.
Step 1: Basic Checks in EZView App and NVR
Start with the easiest things to check on your viewing device.
- Unmute in EZView: When you are in the 'Live View' on the EZView mobile app, tap on the camera's image. A toolbar will appear at the bottom. Make sure the speaker icon is active and does not have a line through it. Tapping this icon toggles the audio on and off.
- Check NVR Live View: If you are viewing directly from a Uniview NVR, right-click on the camera's live feed. An option to enable or disable audio should appear. Ensure it is enabled.
- Check Phone/PC Volume: Verify that the media volume on your smartphone, tablet, or PC is turned up and not muted.
Step 2: Enable the Camera's Microphone
For security or privacy reasons, the microphone on a Uniview camera is often disabled by default. You must enable it through the web interface.
- Find your camera's IP address.
- Type the IP address into a web browser (like Chrome or Firefox) on a computer connected to the same network.
- Log in with the camera's username and password.
- Navigate to Setup → Video & Audio → Audio.
- You should see an option 'Enable Audio'. Make sure this box is ticked.
- Set the 'Input Volume' to a high level, for example, between 80 and 100.
- Click 'Save'.
Step 3: Verify Audio Encoding Settings
While in the same 'Audio' menu, it is critical to check the encoding format. The system will not work if the camera, NVR, and software are not using compatible formats.
- Set Encoding Format: Find the 'Audio Encoding' or 'Compression Type' dropdown menu.
- Select G.711uLaw: The most universally compatible and recommended format for Uniview systems is G.711uLaw. While other options exist, G.711uLaw is the standard. Using the wrong format is a very common reason for audio failure.
- Save Settings: Remember to save your changes before exiting.
Step 4: Enable Audio Recording on the NVR
If you can hear live audio but have no sound on your recordings, you need to enable audio recording for that specific camera in the NVR's settings.
- Log in to your NVR's interface.
- Go to Setup → Storage → Schedule.
- Select the camera channel you want to modify.
- Click on the 'Advanced' or 'Settings' button for the recording schedule.
- Ensure that the 'Record Audio' checkbox is ticked.
- Apply and save these settings. The NVR will now include the audio stream in all new recordings for that camera.
Step 5: Reboot and Update Firmware
If you have confirmed all the settings are correct and audio is still not working, a software glitch could be the culprit.
- Reboot the Camera and NVR: A simple restart can often clear temporary issues. Power down the camera and the NVR, wait a minute, and then power them back on.
- Update Firmware: Check the official Uniview website for the latest firmware for your specific camera and NVR models. Outdated firmware can have bugs that are resolved in newer releases. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when performing an update.
If the problem persists after all these steps, consider performing a factory reset on the camera. If even that fails, it could indicate a hardware fault with the microphone, and you should contact your supplier or Uniview support.