How to Fix Horizontal Banding or Rolling Lines Due to Frequency Mismatch

If your security camera footage pulses, or shows rolling bands, it’s usually caused by a mismatch between your camera’s frequency settings and the lighting frequency. This common issue affects CCTV systems, home security cameras, and even smartphones. The good news: video artifact is easy to fix with the right settings.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the rolling shutter in the GIF is exaggerated to make it 'more visible'. The actual artifact in this situation is less pronounced

Common Questions / Variations

• Why does my security camera have horizontal lines at night?
• How do I stop the banding on CCTV footage?
• What causes rolling lines on camera video?
• How do I match camera frequency with lighting?

Why Does Camera Footage Have Horizontal Bands?

Short answer: Horizontal bands happen when your camera’s frame rate or shutter speed doesn’t match the frequency of the light source.

Explanation:
Most artificial lights (like fluorescent or LED bulbs) operate at a specific frequency—typically 50Hz or 60Hz depending on your region. If your camera captures video at a different frequency, it records fluctuations in brightness, which appear as horizontal bands or rolling lines on screen.

How to Fix Camera Horizontal Banding (Simple Solution)

Short answer: Adjust your camera’s frequency to match your local power frequency.

Explanation:
Modern security cameras include power frequency settings (50Hz or 60Hz). Matching this setting to your environment synchronizes the camera with the light source, eliminating artifact.

Go to More then select your camera

Tap on Camera Settings

For Mode, choose:

• Outdoor - for cameras mounted outside
• Indoor - for indoor cameras

As for the Environment, choose based on your region:

• 50Hz - for AU and UK
• 60Hz - for North America (US, CA, and MX)

Tap Back to exit and save the settings.

← Swipe left or right to navigate →

Does This Affect All Cameras?

Short answer: Yes, but it’s more noticeable in indoor lighting conditions.

Explanation:
Outdoor footage rarely have horizontal lines because sunlight is constant. Indoors, however, artificial lighting cycles rapidly—something your camera can detect if not properly configured.

Why It Matters (Educational Angle)

Clear, stable footage is essential for reliable security. Video artifacts such as rolling lines can obscure details, reduce image quality, and make it harder to identify faces or events. By correctly configuring your camera, you ensure consistent, professional-grade monitoring—something Swann prioritizes in delivering dependable security solutions.

Related Scenarios or Questions

• Why does my camera have horizontal bands only at night?
  Likely due to artificial lighting interacting with night mode or IR settings.
• What is 50Hz vs 60Hz in cameras?
  These refer to regional electrical frequencies that affect lighting behavior.
• Can shutter speed cause rolling lines?
  Yes—incorrect shutter speed can amplify rolling lines effects.
• Why are there rolling lines on my video?
  This is another symptom of frequency mismatch.

Summary & Next Steps

Rolling lines or horizontal banding is usually caused by a mismatch between your camera’s settings and your lighting frequency—and fixing it is as simple as adjusting the frequency setting.

For best results, explore a full camera setup guide to optimize your system for crystal-clear, reliable surveillance.