The controller works to change the mode AHD, CVI, etc. To get the OSD, you must be in SD mode. Make your changes to such things as WDR and other settings, and then make the final change to the desired mode (if you don't use the camera in SD mode). It takes fresh batteries to work and then remove them when not in use or they will run down. Note that on some DVRs, the camera mode may change to SD and not change back automatically. Mine does that, so I have to go into my DVR settings and change the camera back to AHD.