7 Reasons Home CCTV Monitors Show “No Signal”

Several factors can cause a CCTV system to lose video signal. We cover them all and provide you with the know-how to fix them.

When something interrupts a CCTV system’s video signal, a “No Signal” warning is displayed on the camera monitor. Causes include poor installation or design, power supply problems, wiring mishaps, an unstable network, faulty hardware, IP address conflicts, and old firmware.

With so many reasons, it can be hard to diagnose the issue if you don’t know what you are looking for. Here’s how you can recognise and fix the problem that is disrupting your signal.

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The Reasons Why A Home CCTV Camera Monitor Shows “No Signal”

When you get that dreaded signal, there is, unfortunately, no single cause nor a cure. One must troubleshoot each possible cause to find the reason why your CCTV system has lost its video signal. Let’s look at the usual suspects.

1. Either the design or the installation of the CCTV system was poorly done.
2. Power problems.
3. Wiring problems.
4. An unstable network.
5. Malfunctioning hardware.
6. IP address conflicts.
7. Outdated firmware.

How To Deal With Poor Design Or Installation

Regrettably, there is no fixing a badly designed CCTV system. It was probably created with mass sales in mind and not customer satisfaction. For this reason, it is crucial to do your research on a security system before you buy it. Look for one that gets a lot of happy and authentic reviews from other clients. If the installation was shoddy, you will know it.

The technician was probably rushing to get the job done, did not bother to explain the system to you or it is plain to see that the workmanship is not the best. The best thing to do is to get a person with great references to overhaul the system for you.

You can also look at the best wireless alarm systems that are available today. We reviewed the top systems for quality and the best features to keep your home and family safe.

How To Know When Power Problems Are Killing The Signal

A loss of power is one of the most common causes of the “No Signal” sign. Signs that you are dealing with insufficient power includes:

• A loss of video at night.
• Flickering video.
• The screen goes on and off.

The first thing to check is the power cables. They need to be corrected or replaced when you notice that they are loose or not properly connected, the cables are too long, one supply power to too many outlets or some of them are clearly old or damaged.

Can A Power Surge Cause A “No Signal” Display?

Yes. Unfortunately, a spike in electricity can seriously harm your system. Prevention is also the best in this case. Here are the most common reasons for a power surge.

• Lightning strikes.
• Nearby equipment with strong power currents.

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Wiring Problems

Although every situation is different, wiring problems can be easy to spot. They usually hail from shoddy installation and you can see that the wires are twisted, damaged, improperly bend or worse - the cheapest wires and cables were used to get your system up and running. The remedy here, once again, is to approach a trusted company with technicians that can overhaul the system for you.

Tired of all those cables and wires? You can also view the best wireless CCTV systems on the market today. As always, we reviewed and chose only the best systems for you to have a look at.

An Unstable Network Can Definitely Trigger A “No Signal” Sign

This is another common cause that homeowners struggle with. But how do you know those network problems is behind your system’s missing signal? Put on your sleuthing hat and check the following. If you spot any of them then yes, the “No Signal” sign could be caused by network issues.

• There is not enough Internet bandwidth.
• The Wi-Fi connection is very weak.
• The Wi-Fi signal experiences some kind of interference.
• There is something wrong with the Wi-Fi repeater.
• There are too many obstructions between the Wi-Fi repeater and your system.

READ NEXT: Discover the best Wi-Fi boosters.

How Do I Fix Network Issues?

When a CCTV has network problems - and especially when an unknown interference is involved - you need to call in the experts. They can save you a lot of time and frustration.

How To Deal With Malfunctioning CCTV Hardware

If the hardware is new, then the answer is pretty clear. The company that installed the system or sold you the system should be held accountable. In most cases, it is a factory problem and the manufacturer will gladly replace the faulty hardware for you.

It could be difficult to identify hardware issues, especially when all the parts look fine. But when you rule out most of the other causes, then your loss of signal is most likely caused by a failing physical component.

What Is An IP Address Conflict?

An IP address conflict happens when several devices are linked to the same IP address. Signs that you are dealing with this issue (besides getting no signal) includes the following:

• A live feed that is unstable.
• You cannot add a new camera.
• Lost information on your DVR or NVR.

Sometimes there is an IP address problem between two cameras. However, the main reason an IP address conflict triggers the “no signal” sign is an IP conflict between your cameras or NVR and the computer.

How Do I Check For An IP Conflict?

The goal is to check if your computer and other devices share the same IP address. If this is the case, then the solution is pretty straightforward - you need to change the IP address of one of them. You might need to read up on your specific system to get the steps to complete the IP separation process. You can expect to dig around the Settings section, find the Network tab and search for IP address options or status where you should be able to correct the problem.

Outdated Firmware Can Also Prevent A Good Signal

Outdated firmware is a bigger problem than most homeowners are aware of. According to some experts, roughly 6 or 7 out of every 10 cameras use old firmware.

What Exactly Is Firmware?

Firmware is present in all devices that use programs. While computers and smartphones might immediately come to mind, firmware is also used in washing machines, traffic robots, and TVs. Firmware is just a name for software that makes hardware operational. Most companies provide updates for their firmware and when customers fail to install these, their CCTV system not only becomes outdated but also very vulnerable to security threats.

Installing the latest firmware protects your CCTV system, prevents a poor signal and usually offers great new features.

A Short Summary

• A loss of video signal in a CCTV system can be caused by several factors.
• Most include poor network connection, wiring, and design. Power issues and IP address conflicts are also to blame.
• A good CCTV company should provide adequate support and software to help you solve a “No Signal” error.
• You can also troubleshoot and fix the lighter “no signal” issues on your own, including an IP address conflict.