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Affected Roles: Administrator, Installer
Complexity: Low to Medium
Last Edit: March 17, 2020
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Camera resolution is measured in megapixels (MP) – more pixels, means a higher resolution. However, as resolution technology progresses, more processing power is required for the devices receiving the video streams from cameras. As a result, users may need to upgrade their outdated equipment if they intend to use the new technology.
While a DVR that supports 2.1 MP cannot support the video input from cameras that produce resolutions higher than 2.1 MP, Digital Watchdog’s Star-Light Plus analog cameras allows users to lower the resolution output for vandal dome and bullet-style models.
This article will explain how to lower the resolution output from 5 MP to 2.1 MP, using a VMAX A1 Series (2.1 MP) recording unit.
Note: This guide is for bullet and vandal dome models only. Video resolution settings cannot be changed without the use of a receiver or DVR that supports 5 MP analog video output for vandal ball or turret camera models.
For this process, you will need to be physically in front of the camera and connect a compatible display to the camera.
If you are not using a handheld monitor, it is recommended to connect a display monitor to your recording unit, so that you can view camera video from the unit.
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.
To change the megapixel output:
For a DWC-B6563WTIR, open the camera by unscrewing and removing the front case cover from the camera.
For a DWC-V6563WTIR, open the camera by removing the four cover screws with the provided wrench, then remove the dome cover from the camera.
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.
Push the joystick inward, like a button, to prompt the camera’s on-screen-display (OSD).
Change the Framerate to 1080p 30 (2.1 MP; 30fps).
Select Confirm and set to On. Push the joystick inward to confirm and apply the setting change.
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.
Note: If you experience further video output issues with the camera, confirm that the receiver/DVR supports HD video signals (HD-TVI, HD-A, HD-CVI).
If the receiver/DVR does not support HD video signals, you will need to change the Analog Mode (video signal) to CVBS.
This can only be performed while using a DVR that supports at least 2.1 MP (HD-TVI, HD-A, HD-CVI). If this is the case, please read Changing Analog Camera Video Signals.