Why DVRs break down: TOP-6 reasons

In fact , there are not so many reasons why DVRs break down by themselves : a malfunction of individual parts, a problem with the firmware, a poor-quality or unsuitable memory card. This is displayed on the recorder itself in different ways: it may not turn on, beep, warm up, or refuse to record video. How to deal with this is described below.
It is interesting to find out: What are DVRs for: 4 main differences from a video camera.

The DVR does not turn on or turns off immediately

If for some reason the DVR turns on and immediately turns off by itself, then the sources of the problem may be as follows:

• Defective cord or charger.
• Loose device or cigarette lighter socket.
• “Dead” battery.
• The DVR does not recognize the cable.
• Firmware on a USB flash drive that tries to update programs every time.
• Wrong format of the flash drive in the device.

For the first three problems, the solution is simple – check the health of the connectors and cables, find the problem, and replace the broken part. If all cables and connectors work with other devices, but the screen is still black, then the reason why the DVR does not turn on is a broken battery. Here the only way out is to buy a new one.

See also: How to choose a DVR: 10 best models.

In the event that a version of the already installed firmware remains on the flash drive , then when it is turned on, it will be installed again, knocking down all the settings and turning off the device. Also, the reason that the DVR turns off by itself may be viruses. If the problem is with the firmware or programs, then it’s easier to reset the settings to factory defaults by pressing the little restore button. It is quite small and looks more like a hole in the case, but there is a Reset inscription next to it. To press it, you need to take a thin needle.

If the problem persists, then you need to check if the class of the memory card is suitable. It must be of high quality to be able to record good quality videos. It is also important that it has the correct format, for example, FAT, and not FAT32, as most newer registrars do not support it. Even such a banal thing can be the reason why the DVR turns on and turns off immediately after a couple of seconds, so there is no need to save on a memory card.

Interesting Information: How Car DVR Works: 5 Useful Functions 

Video recording is jerky

Now let’s deal with another common problem: why does the DVR shoot jerkily. There may also be several reasons for this:

• Low grade memory card.
• Poorly fixed wire in the socket.
• Turning on the recorder with connected power supply.

A cheap low-end flash drive is the most common reason why video from a DVR slows down. In order for cameras with HD resolution to work normally, you need to buy a card no lower than class 6, and ideally class 10 and higher. Flash drives of a lower class simply do not have time to process information, so the video is obtained in fragments.

In the second case, the wire in the DVR socket while driving can simply become very loose, disconnecting for a split second, which affects the video quality. Therefore, it must be well fixed or the socket in the device must be changed.

In the third case, you simply do not need to insert the power-on wire into the recorder. It may work fine at first, but then it will start to freeze or half the video.

Also on the topic: How to flash a GPS navigator yourself: a 3-point beginner’s guide

Loop recording does not work – video is not overwritten

Usually, DVRs have a function when they erase old videos and record new ones at a set interval (2, 5, 10 minutes). But sometimes it doesn’t work. And there are several reasons why the DVR does not erase old recordings, that is, it does not overwrite the video.

1. There is little space on the memory card. This happens if, in order to save money, you insert an old flash drive from your phone or camera into a device that shoots Full HD. The video simply does not have enough space to record – which is why loop recording does not work on the DVR. To fix this, you just need to buy a flash drive with a large volume: at least 8 GB, but 32 GB is better . And if you are not sure that you need a card with the largest capacity, then the table below shows how much memory you need.

2. Transferring the card from one recorder to another. If you move the memory card from the recorder, which automatically created a folder for recording with the name, for example, DCIM, to another, which creates the 1000MEDIA folder by default, then loop shooting will not work. The second device does not have access to DCIM and cannot erase video from there, and there is simply no memory for video in 1000MEDIA. Therefore, you need to delete the DCIM folder via your computer or format the entire USB flash drive.
3. Inappropriate file system – This is another reason why the DVR does not write in a circle. He tries to work with the file system of the flash drive, for example, NTFS, and he needs FAT. In order to change it, it is enough to format the USB stick, and the registrar will automatically install the required file system.

DVR beeps

A malfunction of one of the parts or a malfunction of the programs are the only breakdowns due to which the DVR can beep. Why does he do this? It’s simple: the device reports a problem that needs to be fixed, and usually gives a text message along with the sound. Decryptions of the main ones are in the table.

The best way to clear up a squeak is to deal with the problem that caused it. If it seems that the reason why the video surveillance video recorder beeps has already been eliminated, but the squeak does not stop, then you can remove sound alerts in the settings on the recorder screen. This is not the best option, as without notification, you can miss the real problem.

Good to know: Which navigation software to choose? TOP 5 best maps for GPS navigators

The device gets very hot

The reason why the DVR is warming up is, in fact, one – a malfunction of one of its parts or a factory defect. Can bask:

• swollen battery;
• CPU;
• the body itself in the sun.

If the reason is in the operation of the battery, then it must be urgently replaced, otherwise it will not only stop working soon, but also damage other components.

If this is a case, it’s not scary, but it’s better to somehow hide it from the sun or buy a recorder next time with a white, albeit more noticeable, but not so hot, case.

And if the matter is in the processor, then you can try to replace the thermal paste that connects it to the cooler, or replace the cooler itself with a more powerful one. You can also try changing the video resolution to a lower one, if that’s acceptable. If this does not help, then most likely the processor or other part simply has a factory defect, and the device must be replaced if the warranty period has not expired.

Memory problems

There are several reasons for the fact that the device does not see the USB flash drive or writes that the memory is full. So, why does a new or even an old device report a memory card error:

• wrong file format;
• low class of the flash drive;
• marriage;
• faulty adapter;
• problem with firmware.

The problem with the file system and the low class of the flash drive has already been written above. It may also be that the flash card is simply of poor quality, that is, it is defective and nothing can be changed here except to buy a new one or exchange the purchased one for a better one. The same goes for a faulty adapter that just needs to be replaced with another one.

But before buying a new drive, you should try downloading a new operating system, that is, the firmware for the DVR. It helps sometimes.
The reason why the DVR writes that the memory card is full is the same as in the case of the inoperative loop recording function, the solution of which is written above.

When buying a new DVR, you want it to live as long as possible. To prolong its work and protect it from all sorts of malfunctions, you need to follow just a few rules:

• Buy a high-quality memory card of at least class 8 write speed.
• Check the USB flash drive for viruses.
• Change the thermal paste on the processor in time.
• Securely attach the device and wires to it. For example, in winter, the suction cupdoes not adhere well to the glass. To secure it more reliably, you need to warm up the car and warm up the suction cup itself near the stove, then it will stick well to the glass.
• Install the latest firmware version.

No complicated operations and actions, but it will help the DVR to give a clear picture and work longer.