Complete Guide to Fixing Audio Problems on Zosi Cameras
While video is the primary function of a security camera, audio can provide critical context and detail. If you've noticed that your Zosi camera system is not recording or playing back sound, there's usually a simple settings adjustment that needs to be made. This guide will cover all the steps to troubleshoot and enable audio on your Zosi DVR, NVR, or standalone cameras.
## Part 1: Confirming Audio Capability
Before diving into settings, you need to be sure your hardware supports audio.
- Check Your Camera Model: The first step is to verify that your Zosi camera has a built-in microphone. Look for a small pinhole on the camera's housing, which is often where the microphone is located. Check the product manual or the online store page for your specific model to confirm that "audio recording" or "built-in microphone" is listed as a feature. Many cameras included in Zosi kits do not have audio capabilities.
- Check Your Recorder (DVR/NVR): If your camera has an external microphone connected via an RCA cable, you must ensure it is plugged into an "Audio In" port on the back of the recorder. Note which channel number the audio is plugged into.
## Part 2: Enabling Audio on a Zosi DVR/NVR System
This is the most common reason for no audio on recorded footage. The setting is often disabled by default.
- Log In to Your Recorder: Connect a mouse and monitor directly to your Zosi DVR or NVR and log in as an administrator.
- Navigate to Record Settings: Right-click on the main screen and go to the Main Menu. From there, find an option like "Record Setup" or "Record".
- Enable Audio for the Channel:
- Inside the Record Setup menu, select the "Main Stream" tab.
- Choose the specific camera Channel you want to enable audio for (e.g., Channel 1).
- Look for a button or link that says "More Settings" or "Advanced".
- In the window that pops up, you will see a checkbox for "Audio" or "Audio Record". You must tick this box.
- Click "OK" and then "Apply" to save the changes.
- Repeat for All Channels: You will need to repeat this process for every camera channel that you want to record audio on.
Important: After enabling this setting, only new recordings will contain audio. It will not add sound to previously recorded footage.
## Part 3: Troubleshooting Live View Audio
If you can't hear audio when watching the live feed on a monitor or through the app, follow these steps.
### On a Monitor Connected to the DVR/NVR
- Enable Audio Output: When you are in the live view, right-click and look for an option to "Enable Audio" or a speaker icon. You must have speakers connected to the "Audio Out" port of your recorder to hear anything.
### On the Zosi Smart App (Mobile)
- Check the Mute Button: When viewing a camera live, tap the video feed to show the toolbar. There will be a speaker icon. If it has a line through it, it's muted. Tap it to enable the sound for the live stream.
- Check Phone Volume: This may seem obvious, but make sure your phone's media volume is turned up, not just the ringer volume.
- App Permissions: Ensure the Zosi Smart app has permission to access your microphone (for two-way talk) in your phone's main settings menu under "Apps" or "Privacy".
## Part 4: Fixing Two-Way Talk
If you have a camera with a built-in speaker and you can hear audio but the person near the camera cannot hear you, try these fixes.
- Press and Hold the Mic Icon: In the Zosi Smart app, you must press and hold the microphone icon while you are speaking. Releasing it will stop the transmission.
- Microphone Permissions: As mentioned above, the app must have permission to use your phone's microphone.
By systematically checking your hardware's capabilities and enabling the correct settings in both the recorder and the viewing app, you can resolve most audio-related issues with your Zosi security system.