How to Adjust Camius NVR & DVR Monitor Resolution
If your security system monitor is flickering, going black, distorted, or showing no signal, not displaying video on a monitor or TV, it is likely due to a resolution mismatch between your Camius recorder and the connected display. Camius NVRs and DVRs are designed to automatically detect supported resolutions, but manual adjustments are sometimes necessary to optimize performance for 4K TVs or legacy monitors.
Camius Video Output Specifications
Choosing the right port is the first step in resolving display issues. Camius recorders provide versatile output options to ensure compatibility with various screens.
| Recorder Type | HDMI Output(s) | VGA Output |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid DVRs | 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) | 1 x 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| 8-Channel NVR | 1 x 4K (3840 x 2160) | 1 x 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| 16-Channel NVR | Dual HDMI: HDMI1 (4K) / HDMI2 (1080p) | 1 x 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| 32-Channel NVR | Dual HDMI: HDMI1 (4K) / HDMI2 (1080p) | 1 x 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
Using CVBS (BNC) video output
Available on Camius hybrid DVRs for “spot-out” monitoring to highlight specific cameras.
Using HDMI 2 as a Call (Spot) Monitor
On 16 and 32-channel NVRs, the HDMI 2 port serves as a dedicated secondary output. This is ideal for a Call Monitor (Spot Monitor) setup, allowing you to highlight specific camera feeds on a separate screen while maintaining your full grid view on the primary 4K monitor
Ways to Change HDMI Resolution on a DVR or NVR
Method 1: Adjusting Resolution via Local Menu (Wizard)
During the initial setup, Camius NVRs and DVRs feature a Start Wizard that automatically detects your monitor’s supported resolution.
- During startup, the system will attempt to auto-adjust to the best setting supported by your display
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the detected resolution.
Method 2: Manual Output Configuration (Proactive Fix)
If you need to manually change settings to stop flickering or improve clarity:
- Navigate to Setup >> System >> General >> Output Configuration.
- Locate the Output Resolution dropdown menu
- Select the resolution appropriate for your monitor:
- 1080p (1920×1080): Compatible with most standard HD monitors.
- 2K (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160): Best for high-end 4K TVs.
- Click Apply/Save to lock in the changes.
Method 3: Remote Adjustment via Web Browser
If you cannot see the local display, you can adjust settings over your network:
- Run the Camius Device Config Tool to find your recorder’s IP address on the local network.
- Log in to the web interface using your preferred browser.
- Navigate to the System >> General >> Output Configuration tab to modify resolution settings.
Select the output resolution of your TV and save the selection.
Troubleshooting: Blank Screens & Legacy Monitors
If your monitor shows nothing at all, it may be a “Legacy” display that cannot communicate its resolution to the recorder.
- The Fix: Connect the NVR/DVR to a newer monitor first. Set the resolution to the lowest possible setting (e.g., 1024×768), save, and then reconnect the older monitor.
Image Scaling & Offset
If the camera feed is cut off at the edges of your screen, use the Scale and Offset tool.
- Scale: Adjust the overall size of the displayed screen to fit your TV borders.
- X/Y Offset: Moves the screen left/right or up/down to center the image.
- Access this under Setup > Output Configuration > Scale and Offset > Setup
After completing the Start Wizard, you can further adjust the Display Output Resolution using the following Menu Path: Setup – System – General – Output Configuration.
Select the output resolution suitable for your TV/Monitor. 1080P(1920 x 1080) will suit most monitors. If your DVR supports 4K output resolution, you can select either 2K (2560 x 1440) or 4K (3840 x 2160) to take advantage of the higher resolution that your 4K TV provides.
Common Causes of DVR and NVR Monitor Flickering
Monitor flickering, black screen, or unstable display on a DVR or NVR is almost always caused by HDMI output settings or connection issues. These problems are related to the display signal, not to cameras or recording performance.
HDMI Resolution Higher Than the TV Supports
If the recorder’s HDMI output resolution is set higher than the TV supports, the image may flicker, drop out, or fail to display. Setting the recorder to lower resolution, for e.g. 1080p, for a stable compatibility with most HDMI TVs.
Refresh Rate Mismatch
A TV may support a specific resolution but not the refresh rate selected by the DVR or NVR. A mismatch between 30Hz and 60Hz can cause flickering or signal loss. Using 1080p at 60Hz resolves most refresh rate related issues.
Long or Low Quality HDMI Cable
Long or low quality HDMI cables struggle to carry high resolution signals reliably. This often causes intermittent flickering, flashing, or black screens. Use a short, high quality HDMI cable rated for high resolution video u to 4K, preferably under 6 feet.
HDMI and VGA Outputs Used at the Same Time
Using HDMI and VGA outputs simultaneously can cause display conflicts. For best results, connect only one video output at a time and disconnect the unused cable completely.
TV HDMI Input or Port Compatibility
Some TV HDMI ports have limited resolution or refresh rate support. If flickering occurs, try a different HDMI input on the TV and confirm the input supports the selected resolution.
Customize Live View Layout After Fixing Resolution
You can personalize your display by selecting your preferred camera view layout. Use the DVR’s quick tools panel located at the bottom of the screen to:
Choose a four-camera view or other split-screen layouts.
Customize the arrangement to best suit your monitoring needs.
DVR and NVR HDMI Output FAQs
Why does my DVR or NVR show a black screen or no signal on HDMI?
Most issues are caused by resolution or refresh rate mismatch. Set HDMI output to 1080p 60Hz and reboot.
Camius NVR and DVR recorders come with an Auto-Adjustment feature, which detects and adjusts the recorder’s resolution to match the maximum resolution of the TV HDMI port to which it’s connected while starting up.
Restart the DVR/NVR recorder while connected to any of the available HDMI ports on your TV or monitor.
If there is still no signal, you can adjust the video output manually using an internet browser, the VMS Pro software, or a newer HDMI monitor. For example, change the resolution setting from 4K to 1080p, then reconnect the original TV. Follow the steps to configure the resolution described in this guide
Why is my monitor flickering?
This is often caused by the NVR being set to a resolution higher than the monitor can handle, or a low-quality HDMI cable
How do I use the Spot Monitor?
Connect a second screen to HDMI 2 (on 16/32-ch models) or the CVBS BNC port (on DVRs) to display specific “call” cameras