Are your CCTV security cameras working fine but show white screens after months of usage? Or are your IR cameras displaying white screens or go white suddenly when IR kicks in at night? Here we will show possible reasons behind a white screen on your security cameras and provide helpful tips to fix the white screen issue.
The white screen issue on CCTV or IP security cameras can be caused by many reasons. There are some common causes for security camera white screen or whiteout during daytime or IR night vision CCTV camera image/video whiteout at night.
- Light reflection
- Security camera’s placement
- Security camera cable or cable length
- Camera’s image/video settings
- Faulty hardware
- Other reasons (bad camera)
Fix the white screen issue on security camera systems
Light reflection
Quite often when the security CCTV cameras are pointing at reflective bodies, such as direct sunlight, solid fence or surface, a body of water, or other reflective surfaces, the images and videos captured by the security cameras will be overexposed with light, which is likely to wash out the entire scene.
For example, security cameras that are placed at the parking lot entrance are prone to capture whiteout images or videos, especially when the flashlight of a car shines directly to the camera lens. Security cameras with wide dynamic range could possibly experience a white screen when pointing directly at the sunlight or reflective surfaces.
Security camera’s placement
Many IR night vision security cameras don’t work well when being placed behind a glass window, especially at night. IR light will bounce back to the camera lens, washing out the image.
To avoid such issues, place your IR night vision security camera outside, turn off the IR light, or add an external IR illuminator. If your security cameras work fine for a certain period of time during daytime while they show nothing safe from a white screen, try changing the security camera’s pointing angle, pointing them down, or avoid mounting them to metal surfaces or spots with possible barriers.
Security camera’s cable or cable length
Sometimes the white screen issue shown on CCTV or IP security cameras could be caused by a sudden voltage drop or insufficient power supply. The insufficient power supply could result from faulty cables or inferior cables.
Old security cameras that have been in use for years are more likely to suffer from issues like white screen because the camera cable could be old and worn out, inadequate to provide enough power for the camera to function properly.
The simple solution to the problem is to swap the old cable out. Make sure you are using quality cables for your CCTV security cameras, for example, Cat 5 or Cat 6 cables for IP security cameras, RG59 Siamese cable for CCTV analog cameras. Besides, cable length plays a role in the security camera power supply.
Make sure the security camera cable is sufficient to provide enough power for your security cameras and the cable is properly wired around the property.
CCTV or IP camera’s image/video settings
Believe it or not, your security camera settings could be blamed for the white screen shown on your security cameras, for example, brightness and contrast.
Users could go check out your security camera image setting too if the setting can improve image quality. You can access the video settings via the NVR or DVR or directly via your camera (it depends on the model and manufacturer).
Faulty hardware
Your CCTV or IP cameras could be faulty/bad. Most likely, the image sensors such as CCD or CMOS could be damaged or degraded to some extent, so much so that it fails to capture enough light signals to provide a balanced image or scene. The best bet is to reach out to your manufacturers and seek assistance first before returning this faulty camera for a new one.
Other possible reasons the white screen on CCTV cameras
Many variables could potentially contribute to the white screen on security cameras, such as cable type, cable length, network, connection, power supply, connector, splitter, etc. If you have your security cameras connected to a DVR or NVR, try unplugging the camera in question and plugging it into another port to see if the problem still exists.
If the camera still shows completely washed-out or white images, then the problem lies somewhere else. It could possibly be the connection between the DVR, NVR, or PoE switch/injector and the monitor or TV. Or simply a compatibility issue when users are using cameras of different brands with NVR or DVR of different brands, or on third-party software.
How to avoid the white screen issue on your CCTV camera
Purchase reliable CCTV cameras from trusted manufacturer
First and foremost, users should purchase reliable IP cameras/systems from trusted and top CCTV camera brands. Decent security cameras could go a long way in providing you’re a true sense of security and peace of mind.
Choose quality cables for your security cameras
Original cables that come with the package are most likely the type of cables that users should use and replace in time of need because the cables are frequently tested and examined to provide better performance and are durable enough to last longer.
