Here are 10 common troubleshooting tips for a  camera system.

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**Camera System Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Solutions**

Experiencing an issue with your camera system? Many common problems can be resolved with a few simple checks. Before contacting support, try these troubleshooting steps.

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1. **Check All Power Supplies:**
* Ensure your DVR/NVR (Digital/Network Video Recorder) and all cameras are receiving power. Look for indicator lights on the DVR/NVR. For cameras, check if their night vision (IR) LEDs glow faintly red when covered in a dark environment – this usually indicates power. Verify all power adapters and cables are securely connected.

2. **Verify All Cable Connections:**
* A loose or damaged cable is a very common cause of no video or intermittent issues. Ensure all video cables (BNC for analog, Ethernet for IP cameras) are securely plugged into the correct ports on both the camera and the DVR/NVR. Check for any physical damage to the cables themselves.

3. **Confirm Correct Video Input/Channel:**
* On your DVR/NVR interface, ensure you are viewing the correct channel for the camera you are troubleshooting. If you have multiple cameras, switch between channels to see if the issue is isolated to one or affects all.

4. **Check Network Connectivity (for IP Cameras/NVRs):**
* If you have IP cameras or an NVR, ensure they are properly connected to your network. Verify that the Ethernet cables are plugged in and network lights are active. If accessing remotely, confirm your internet connection is stable and network settings (like IP addresses, DHCP) are correct. Slow network speeds can cause connection drops or video loss.

5. **Restart the DVR/NVR and Cameras:**
* A simple reboot of your DVR/NVR can often clear temporary software glitches. Power down the unit, unplug it from the power source for 30-60 seconds, then plug it back in and allow it to fully restart. For IP cameras, you might also need to power cycle them individually (unplugging from PoE switch or power adapter).

6. **Assess Hard Drive Status (for Recording Issues):**
* If your DVR/NVR is not recording, check the status of the hard drive. Ensure it’s properly installed, not full, and functioning correctly. A failing hard drive will prevent recordings. You may need to access the DVR/NVR’s menu to check its health or format it (backing up important footage first).

7. **Inspect Camera Lens and Housing:**
* Ensure the camera lens is clean and free from dirt, dust, spiderwebs, or condensation, which can obscure the view. Check if the camera housing is physically damaged, as this could affect its internal components.

8. **Verify Video Standard/Resolution Settings:**
* For analog (AHD/TVI/CVI) cameras, sometimes an incorrect video standard setting on the DVR can cause a “no video” display. Access the DVR’s video input settings and ensure the correct video standard (e.g., AHD, TVI, CVI, or Auto-Detect) is selected for the problematic channel.

9. **Update Firmware/Software:**
* Outdated firmware on your DVR/NVR or cameras can lead to various issues, including connectivity problems or system instability.

10. **Password Recovery:**
* If you’ve forgotten your DVR/NVR password, Provision-ISR offers a password recovery procedure. This typically involves using security questions, a dynamic password generated from your device’s MAC address and current time (which requires contacting your local distributor), or in newer systems, an email-based recovery. **Do not close the recovery screen if using the dynamic password method.**