How to Troubleshoot and Fix Poor Quality Video on Verkada Cameras
Verkada cameras are professional-grade security solutions known for their high-quality imaging and powerful software platform. When you invest in such a system, you expect a crystal-clear picture. So, it can be incredibly frustrating if you are experiencing blurry, pixelated, or lagging video feeds. Poor video quality compromises your security and limits the usefulness of features like facial recognition and number plate reading.
Most video quality issues on the Verkada platform stem from a handful of common causes related to network, settings, or the physical camera itself. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and resolve these problems.
Common Symptoms of Poor Video Quality
You may be facing a video quality issue if you observe:
- Blurry or out-of-focus images: Details are indistinct, and the overall picture lacks sharpness.
- Pixelated or blocky video: The stream looks choppy and is made up of visible squares, especially during motion.
- Lagging or stuttering live feed: The video pauses, jumps, or is not smooth.
- Grainy or noisy night vision: The low-light footage is unclear and filled with digital "snow."
- Colours appear washed out or incorrect: The colour balance of the video is not true to life.
- The stream is stuck in "LQ" (Low Quality): The camera feed does not switch to "HQ" (High Quality) even when selected.
Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Verkada Video Quality
Follow these troubleshooting steps to restore the high-definition performance of your Verkada cameras.
1. Check Video Settings in Verkada Command
First, ensure that the camera is configured to stream and record at its highest potential quality within the Verkada Command platform.
- Log in to Command: Access your Verkada dashboard.
- Select the Camera: Navigate to the specific camera experiencing issues.
- Go to Settings > Video: In this section, you will find options for resolution and quality.
- Set to High Quality: Make sure the 'Quality' setting is on "High." For 'Resolution,' choose the maximum your camera supports (e.g., 1080p, 5MP, or 4K). While lower settings save bandwidth, they will result in a lower quality image.
2. Analyse Network Bandwidth and Stability
Verkada cameras require a stable, high-speed internet connection to upload high-quality video to the cloud. Insufficient bandwidth is a primary cause of poor video quality.
- Required Bandwidth: Each Verkada camera typically requires 20-50 Kbps in its steady state (for metadata) and up to 3 Mbps uplink bandwidth when streaming in high quality.
- Run a Network Speed Test: Use a reliable speed testing service from a computer on the same network as the cameras to verify your upload speeds.
- Check Camera Health: In Command, go to the Camera Health dashboard. Look for high latency or packet loss for the affected camera. These are strong indicators of a poor network connection that will force the camera into a low-quality state to maintain a connection.
- Minimise Network Congestion: Ensure that other devices on the same network are not consuming all the available upload bandwidth.
3. Physically Inspect and Clean the Camera
Do not overlook the physical state of the camera itself.
- Clean the Lens or Dome: Over time, the camera's lens or protective dome can accumulate dust, dirt, fingerprints, or water spots. This is a very common cause of blurry or hazy images. Power down the camera (if safe to do so) and gently wipe the lens with a clean, soft, lint-free microfibre cloth.
- Check for Moisture: Especially for outdoor cameras, check for any signs of condensation or moisture inside the dome or housing. This can severely impact image quality and may indicate a problem with the camera's seal.
- Ensure Proper Focus: While most Verkada cameras have a fixed focus, some models may have a manual focus ring. Ensure it hasn't been accidentally moved and is set correctly.
4. Troubleshoot Night Vision (IR) Issues
If the video quality is only poor at night, the issue is likely related to the camera's infrared (IR) illuminators.
- Look for IR Reflection/Bounce: The powerful IR lights can reflect off nearby surfaces (like a wall, soffit, or windowsill) and bounce back into the lens. This creates a bright, washed-out glare and reduces the visibility of the overall scene. If you see this, try repositioning the camera slightly to change the angle of illumination.
- Ensure Adequate Power: The IR illuminators draw extra power. Ensure the camera is receiving sufficient power, especially if you are using a long PoE (Power over Ethernet) cable run.
By systematically checking your settings, network performance, and the physical condition of the camera, you can resolve the vast majority of video quality issues and restore the sharp, reliable surveillance feed you expect from Verkada. If problems persist, it may be time to contact Verkada support with the details you have gathered.