Encoding changed/Video loss

[sgath]

I recently noticed my DVR was not showing live view and not recoding events. When I logged in to the DVR and got a Video loss error and "Encoding changed" message. I have not changed any settings in the last 7 years I have had this equipment. It is set to reboot nightly which it has done with no fail.
After messing around with the encoding settings and trying all sorts of configuration settings changes, nothing bore fruit. The only promising thing has been to disconnect 2 of the 4 cameras and I can get a live view. The moment I try to add the 3rd camera back, it fails and gives the Encoding changed message. It does not matter which 2 cameras I connect or to which port on the DVR I connect, it works with 1 or 2 and fails when I try the third one.
The only constant is it appears the DVR can not support more than 2 cameras any more.
I have tried to reinstall the firmware but that doesn't seem to help. I have rebooted the DVR and power cycled the cameras multiple times with no luck.
Has anybody experienced this?

I have had this equipment for over 7 years with no issues.

[Revo2Maxx]

Have you ever replaced the Power supply? Is the camera and DVRs sharing the same *Shouldn't be but some do* It could be a power supply issue and or if you have not replaced the HDD that also could be an issue. I would disconnect the HDD and see if you can connect more cameras.

[sgath]

Thanks for your reply and suggestions. The cameras and the DVR have separate power supplies. I am going to disconnect the HDD and see if that resolves it.
Many thanks!

[sgath]

Tested your theory, I disconnected the hard drive and rebooted the system. I got the missing HDD alarm but it still would not support more than 2 cameras. It still did not make a difference which 2 cameras I connected or which coax port I used on the DVR. 2 cameras work fine, connect a third and it fails.
I am starting to think its a MB issue? I have tried to go through the posts and I don't see anything addressing this. I have added a screengrab of what I get with 4 cameras connected. each camera shows this colors randomly the whole time on both the app or the monitor.

[Revo2Maxx]

Have you factory reset the DVR? Know you said tried to install fw again. Maybe corrupt system files.

[sgath]

Factory reset made no difference. I had even saved the congif in order to restore, but I ended up doing a complete new set up - I am still only left with 2 cameras.
I also looked back at daytime footage from today and there are periods this afternoon where the recording was glitching like the previous screenshot. I think maybe something happened to the motherboard or some other piece of hardware. I wonder where I can get a replacement for reasonable cost, I think this exact dvr model is discontinued.

[Revo2Maxx]

What model are you working with? What is the largest MP camera you are using? I mean it has had a good run for the age of the device I would look at ebay for someone that might be giving up a working unit and or maybe able to find a newer one for cheap?

Or get it from Amcrest NEW with Warranty and hope it lives the years your old one did..

[sgath]

It is the AMDV10814-s3 model. I appreciate the suggestion for looking on ebay. Perhaps that's my best bet, unless Amcrest still carries a compatible DVR. The equipment is the older coax connectors, I don't know if they still support those.
Thank you so much!

[Revo2Maxx]

Yes Amcrest has DVRs still the last one I bought from them was the XVR5108-i3. It is still Analog BNC connectors they call it XVR because it has ability to add in IP cameras and works with more then just the CVI cameras. Also have the 7108-Ai, AMDV8M16-H5. Those are all 8mp or upto 8mp cameras and support my older CVBS PTZs as well. I also have older AMDV7204 DVR that is only 720P CVI and also 8ch 960H amcrest DVR..

They do offer a 5mp DVR as well. I don't know the model I think it is XVR5M08 or AMDV5M8 or 16 depending on the channel count you want.. So there are options. Personally I would go with XVR5108-i3 or 5116-i3. I use 5mp and 8mp camera with audio and work well. Plus my older 720P CVI PTZ with audio UTC works as well. So loads of reasons why but all around a good machine..

[sgath]

Thanks @Revo2Maxx , you've been very helpful. Much more helpful that from the support from Amcrest.