On this page
01. Quick checks you can do first02. What usually causes it03. When to call a technician04. Parts that fix it05. FAQ
CCTV recorders overwrite the oldest footage when the drive is full. If you only get a few days, the drive is too small for the number and resolution of cameras, or everything records continuously at full quality. Bigger surveillance drives, H.265+ compression and motion- or event-based recording can multiply retention. Businesses should set a retention target (often 30 days) and check it on every service visit.
Key takeaways
- Recorders overwrite the oldest footage when full.
- More cameras and higher resolution fill drives faster.
- H.265+ can cut storage use dramatically versus H.264.
- Motion recording extends retention.
- Export incident footage immediately.
01Quick checks you can do first
- 01Check the oldest recordingPlay back the earliest date available. That's your real retention.
- 02Check compressionSwitch to H.265 or H.265+ if supported.
- 03Review recording modeContinuous on key cameras, motion on quiet areas.
- 04Check drive sizeCompare with your retention target.
- 05Export incidents nowSave important clips to USB as soon as you know about an incident.
02What usually causes it
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Only 3–7 days | Drive too small | Bigger drive or second drive |
| Retention dropped suddenly | Resolution raised or drive failing | Review settings, test drive |
| Missing hours | Recording schedule gaps | Fix schedule |
| Gaps after power cuts | No UPS | UPS for recorder |
| Huge files | H.264 at max bitrate | H.265+, tune bitrate |
03When to call a technician
- You need a set retention for compliance or insurance.
- Footage for an incident is needed now.
- Recorders need upgrading to H.265.
- Many sites need consistent settings.
Running this across several sites or branches? A Qyvea maintenance contract catches these faults on scheduled visits, with a written report after each one.
04Parts that fix it
05Frequently asked questions
How many days of CCTV footage should a business keep?
Many businesses aim for 30 days; banks and some sectors keep longer. Set it by your risk and any client or insurer requirements.
Does motion recording miss things?
It can if poorly set. Keep continuous recording on entrances and tills.
Can footage be backed up off-site?
Yes, to cloud or another site, if the upload bandwidth allows.
