NetMedia VIDLAMP-DI - Manual (Page 4)

NM-VIDL
AMP
MAN-VIDLAMP REV1003A
NetMedia, Inc., 10940 N. Stallard Place, Tucson, Arizona 85737 (520) 544-4567 Fax: (520) 544-0800 Email: [email protected] www.netmedia.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Why do the light areas of the picture look washed out?
A- The camera’s automatic iris must decide how much to open for shadow areas or close for light areas. When a
picture has both light and shadow, the camera adjusts the iris based on the percentage of each area in the image.
If it decides to open more for the shadow portions then the light areas will be overexposed. In addition, cameras
that are designed for low light or infrared sensitivity typically favor the shadow areas and look more washed out
under bright conditions. Try adjusting the image field so that more light areas are visible and see if the iris closes
to improve the picture. It is normal though, that as the lighting conditions change throughout the day, so will the
camera iris and the picture’s dark or light areas.
Q- Why are the shadow areas too dark to see much detail?
A- This is like the washed out question above except opposite. In this case, the camera’s automatic iris is opening
more for the light areas at the expense of the shadow areas. Try adjusting the image field so that more shadow
areas are visible and see if the iris opens to improve the picture. Keep in mind though, that the camera still does
need some kind of light in order to see. If necessary, add some lighting to the dark area to improve visibility.
Q- How can I see the camera on my TV without using an expensive security monitor?
A- The composite video signal from the camera can be plugged directly into one television’s RCA Video Input jack
and viewed when that TV is switched to the proper input. Another option is to feed the camera signal into a
modulator. A modulator, such as NetMedia’s MM70, changes the video to a UHF or Cable channel and allows the
signal to be distributed to all your TV’s along with the existing antenna/cable/satellite service.
Q- How can I increase the length of the power cord?
A- The camera has a minimum power requirement of 12V DC 150mA (it ships with a 12V DC 300mA transformer). You
may use another power supply and cable but the connector needs to be just like the power jack of the included
transformer, 5.5mm outer dia., 2.1mm inner dia., center positive. Do not cut the cables coming out of the camera
or you will void the warranty. Do not reverse the polarity on the power jack or you will damage the camera
and void the warranty. The power supply, along with the cable type and length, will affect the voltage that is
available to the camera. There must be at least 12V DC under load at the camera in order for it to function properly.
Q- How can I use this camera if there is only one coax running to its location?
A- This camera was designed for use with separate power and video cables. NetMedia does however, offer One Wire
Video™ solutions for various installation applications. In this case, you could use the Power Over Coax
(NM-POCSET) modules to supply power through the video coax to this camera. NetMedia’s CAModulator products
are cameras with modulators already built into them. They also require only one coax for both power and video.
Modulated video requires a tuner for viewing so monitors, quad displays, and DVR’s cannot directly accept that
type of signal.
Q- What do the switches inside the “D” Day/Night camera adjust?
A- The Day/Night camera comes with a switch connected inside to adjust some of its performance characteristics.
The switch functions are listed below (Figure 5). The default settings (All OFF) are usually best but adjusting these
may be helpful under certain conditions. The AGC switch will force the camera to remain in color mode instead of
changing into black and white mode when the light level drops below its normal crossover threshold.
Switch 1: BLC - Back Light Control
Switch 2: AES - Auto Iris
Switch 3: AGC - Auto Gain Control
Switch 4: Unused
Default: All OFF (Away from numbers)
Figure 5 - Day/Night camera switch functions. AGC ON will prevent the camera from switching into BW mode. Default: All OFF.