How to Connect CCTV Camera to TV (Step by Step Guide)

CCTVs over the years have become an integral part of security systems and although you can view the footage on smaller devices, nothing beats watching your CCTV on a large screen. It’s more comfortable and you get a wider and cleaner view from the larger screen estate. 

In case you don’t have a CCTV monitor or you want to experiment, you can use your TV as an alternative if its input matches the cameras’ output. 

Keep reading and by the end of this article you will be able to link the two and get the set-up up and running.

Person watching CCTV footage remotely.

 

What You Need for The Installation

A typical CCTV system comprises cameras, cables, a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or a Network Video Recorder (NVR), storage and a monitor. You can also buy a kit, which comes with everything you need for installation.

Related: DVR VS NVR Cameras

However, the kits may come with limitations especially in storage and cable lengths. The items needed may vary depending on the type but usually you need the following items.

• Cameras
• BNC connector (for analogue cameras)
• RG59 Siamese Coaxial cable
• HDMI cable
• Cat5/Cat6 cable
• DVR (Depending on whether you want the footage stored)
• DC Power supply that goes with camera requirement
• Power Jack Plug Adapter Connector
• RCA adapter
• AV cable
• Drill
• Wire stripping tool and a wire cutter
• Compression tool

 

Find The Correct Type of CCTV Camera

Selecting the type of CCTV that suits your needs can be a daunting task as the market is full of different styles, shapes and specs to choose from. Depending on your situation or purpose, here are the most popular CCTVs:

• Dome CCTV Camera: This type of camera is shaped like a “dome” and suits an indoor setting such as in a restaurant or a mall. However, they can still be used outdoors. The camera has a wide viewing angle and can play a big part in crime deterrence since one cannot tell where the camera is facing.
• Bullet Camera: This camera has a long cylindrical “bullet” shape. It is mostly preferred for outdoor use due to its long distance vision capability. Its casing provides resistance against dust and other elements.
• C-Mount Camera: This comes with the detachable lens feature. You can change the lens depending on purpose.

Further reading: Dome VS Bullet Cameras Comparisons

Apart from the environment the CCTV camera will be installed in, you will need to consider such factors as its lens size, output resolution, sensor capabilities. 

 

Guide for How to Install CCTV Camera With TV

Step 1: Install Your CCTV Camera

Before installing a CCTV camera you need to consider the angles, view coverage, the need for discreet placement, location, and the local regulations. The process of installing your surveillance system varies depending on the type, but the primary steps include:-

• Mark the points corresponding to the camera bracket mount screws and drill the screw holes
• Insert the raw plug (for wired cameras)
• Fix the camera screws into the holes and ensure it is firmly in place
• Set up the DVR in a secure position. 

 

Step 2: Connect The CCTV Cable to The Camera

For analogue cameras, the RG59 sends power to and receives video from the cameras. The camera also comes with a cable that has a power connector and a signal connector.  

Note that you can use BNC connectors on either side of the cable. While attaching the cables, it is important to take care of the polarity and ensure the center is not touched. Connection of coaxial cable and BNC is explained in the following step.

 

Step 3: Connect The PT-4 Connector to The Camera

To connect the coaxial and BNC with compression method:

1. With the wire stripper, strip one and a half inches of the coax wire and cut so that only the core of the wire remains.
2. Ensure that none of the copper braided cable is touching the center.
3. Peel back the copper shielding. Do not cut the cable. This ensures it is well grounded.
4. Place the Female connector and place it on the cable.
5. Cut the wire to make it even with the connector.
6. Squeeze the connector with the compression tool to keep the f-connector in place firmly pressed against the cable.
7. Screw the BNC onto the connector.

You can then use this if the camera does not have a plug in power input.

Note that if the connection is loose, you might experience poor images.

 

Step 4: Connect The Power Supply to The Camera

Attaching the camera to the power supply is easy because the connectors are labeled. To avoid damaging the camera, ensure the connectors match. To connect:

1. Loosen the screws for the channel on the power supply.
2. Insert red into positive and black into negative.
3. Tighten the screws

 

Step 5: Connect The Camera to The TV

• Plug in your BNC connector to the RCA adaptor
• Connect the RCA end to the TV’s AV/Video input port

 

Step 6: Turn on The TV and Select AV Input

The AV port on TV receives audio/visual signals. To select the AV input with the remote:

1. Click on the “INPUT” button
2. Move through the various inputs using the arrow keys
3. Select the “AV” option using the enter key.

To select using the TV buttons:

• Press the input button. It is mostly located at the back of the TV. Some have a “Scan” button to search for available inputs.
• Scroll through the inputs and select the “AV” option.

You can now watch your CCTV security system Singapore on the TV. Remember to check if all cameras are working if you set up multiple with DVR.

 

Final Thoughts

Although surveillance cameras are best viewed on CCTV monitors, you may not have one but fortunately their output can be seen on various devices. 

It is important to have your TV linked with the cameras and since it is most probably in your living room, there is no need to shell out more money on another monitor. Now, you know what to do with that idle HDMI input on your TV. 

If you need help selecting the right type of surveillance system or even installing it, get in touch with our team of experts. 

We will not only help you select CCTV cameras that suit your budget but advise you on ways you can cut costs such as watching the live feed from your TV rather than buying an extra screen!

 Person watching CCTV footage from TV Screen.