Changing Analog Camera Video Signals
Changing Analog Camera Video Signals
-----------------------------------
Affected Roles: Administrator, Installer
Complexity: Low to Medium
Last Edit: March 17, 2020
-----------------------------------
Compatibility
Most security camera manufacturers now produce High Definition (HD) analog video cameras. The HD technology is used for digital signal processing and transmitting video streams from HD cameras to compatible HD Digital Video Recorders (DVR).
As a result, these cameras produce higher resolution quality in comparison to their 960H Analog predecessors. However, if a user were to connect an HD camera to a non-HD DVR (960H), video quality would be poor or not display at all.
This guide will explain how to change the video output signal of Digital Watchdog analog cameras to a CVBS (960H) signal, for compatibility with standard analog (960H) recording units.
Note: This guide is for bullet and vandal dome models only. If you are using a vandal ball or turret camera model, video resolution settings cannot be changed without the use of a compatible receiver or DVR.
If you are trying to lower the camera resolution from 5 MP to 2.1 MP, please read Changing Analog Cameras From 5 MP to 2.1 MP.
Supported/Affected Devices
- Star-Light Series (2.1 MP)
- Star-Light Plus Series (5 MP)
Changing Video Signals
Digital Watchdog currently produces the Star-Light Plus Series (5 MP) and the Star-Light Plus Series (2.1 MP). The following instructions are divided between the two series.
Note: For this process, you will need physical access to the camera.
Star-Light (2.1 MP) Cameras
Note: For this guide, we will be using the DWC-B6263WTIR (bullet) and DWC-V6263WTIR (vandal dome) as our sample models. Images and menu layout depicted in this guide may vary from your camera model.
- Open the camera.
For a bullet-style camera, open the camera by unscrewing and removing the front case cover from the camera.
For a vandal-dome-style camera, open the camera by removing the four cover screws with the provided wrench, then remove the dome cover from the camera.
- Locate the OSD Joystick inside of the camera case.
- To change the camera to CVBS, push and hold the joystick in the Up direction for 5 – 10 seconds. You may see camera video flicker at this time.
Note: Direction is relative to how you are holding the camera. For most models, the “Up” direction would be “toward the lens”. Check the labeling on the outside of the OSD joystick or in the User Manual to confirm.
- The video output signal is now CVBS (960H analog). You may connect the camera to the receiver/DVR using the camera’s coax-out, BNC cable to confirm that the camera video displays successfully.
Note: It is recommended that you do not have the Test Video Cable connected to the camera when monitoring video through the camera’s main coax-out, BNC cable. The camera will prioritize video output through the Test Video Cable.
Star-Light Plus (5 MP) Cameras
Note: For this guide, we will be using the DWC-B6563WTIR (bullet) and DWC-V6563WTIR (vandal dome) as our sample models. Images and menu layout depicted in this guide may vary from your camera model.
- Open the camera.
For a bullet-style camera, open the camera by unscrewing and removing the front case cover from the camera.
For a vandal-dome-style camera, open the camera by removing the four cover screws with the provided wrench, then remove the dome cover from the camera.
- Locate the Test Video Slot inside of the camera case.
- Connect the Test Cable that came with the camera to the Test Video Slot.
- Connect the BNC connector of the Test Video Cable to your handheld display monitor or DVR.
If the camera is currently not powered on, connect power to the camera.
Video from the camera’s Test Video Slot will display in a 960H analog video signal.
Note: If you are using a DVR for camera display during this process, you will need a display monitor (VGA or HDMI) connected to the recording unit at this time.
- Locate the OSD Joystick inside of the camera case.
Push the joystick inward, like a button, to prompt the camera’s on-screen-display (OSD).
- Use the joystick to navigate to the Setup tab in the camera OSD menu.
- Use the joystick to select Output. Push the joystick inward to open the Output menu.
Change the Analog Mode to CVBS (960H).
Select Confirm and set to On. Push the joystick inward to confirm and apply the setting change.
- Using the joystick, select Return, then push the joystick inward to return to the previous menu.
Return to the camera OSD Main menu, then navigate to the Exit tab in the camera OSD menu.
Select Save & Exit, then push the joystick inward to apply the changes.
- Disconnect the Test Cable from the camera and from your handheld display monitor or DVR.
The video output signal is now CVBS (960H analog). You may connect the camera to the receiver/DVR using the camera’s coax-out, BNC cable to confirm that the camera video displays successfully.
Note: It is recommended that you do not have the Test Video Cable connected to the camera when monitoring video through the camera’s main coax-out, BNC cable. The camera will prioritize video output through the Test Video Cable.