How to Connect CCTV Camera to TV Without DVR

If you want to monitor your home or business security with CCTV cameras, you may wonder how to connect them to your TV or computer without using a DVR.

This blog highlights three ways you can connect your security cameras to your TV or computer without using a DVR or NVR. Depending on the usage and requirements, each method can be used for different setups by business owners.

A DVR, or digital video recorder, is a device that records and stores video footage from multiple cameras on a hard drive. However, a DVR is not always necessary or convenient, especially if you only have one or two cameras, or if you want to save money and space.

Before you start connecting the devices, make sure that both the TV and the CCTV camera are turned off and unplugged from the power source. This will prevent any damage or short circuits that might occur during the process.

The next step is to connect the video cable to the TV and the CCTV camera. Depending on the type of CCTV camera and TV you have, you might need different types of cables. The most common types are:

The next step is to plug in the power supply of the CCTV camera. You will need a DC power adapter that comes with your CCTV camera or that is compatible with it. You can connect it to the power input jack of the CCTV camera and to an electrical outlet. Make sure that the voltage and current ratings match the specifications of your CCTV camera.

The final step is to turn on the TV and the CCTV camera. You can use the remote control or the buttons on the devices to do so. You might need to select the correct input source on your TV to see the video feed from your CCTV camera. You can use the menu or the source button on your TV to do that. You should see the live video from your CCTV camera on your TV screen.

In case you are looking to connect your IP security cameras to your computer, here are the easiest steps you can take which involve Power Over Ethernet (PoE) cable.

Connect the security camera to your router using PoE cable. This cable transmits the video and power at the same time and acts as a single connection for communication and power between the camera and the router.

Now open the security camera software on your computer, find the camera in there, and add the camera.

Following these steps you can connect your PoE security camera to your computer to view footage directly from the camera.

Another method to connect IP cameras to the computer or Mac is through port forwarding. Port Forwarding means you can connect to your camera and view footage from anywhere with just a browser. To connect an IP camera to a computer with port forwarding, the following steps have to be followed:

Connect the IP camera to the router with a network cable or a wireless network. Make sure the camera and the router are on the same network segment (such as 192.168.1.x).

Log in to the router’s web interface and find the port forwarding or virtual server settings. Assign a port number (such as 8080) and an IP address (such as 192.168.1.100) to the camera. Save the settings and restart the router.

Find the external IP address of the router by visiting a website such as whatismyip.com or similar websites. This is the address that you will use to access the camera from outside the network.

Connect the computer to the router with a network cable or a wireless network. Make sure the computer or the TV and the router are on the same network segment (such as 192.168.1.x).

Open a web browser or a software application for the camera and enter the external IP address and the port number of the camera (such as 192.168.1.100:8080). You may need to enter a username and a password for the camera.

Adjust the camera settings (such as resolution, frame rate, and compression) to get the best video quality and performance.

You should now be able to see the live video feed from your IP camera on your computer or TV screen. You can also use a web browser or a software application to control the camera functions (such as pan, tilt, zoom, and audio).

If you are looking to upgrade your security system or get a new system installed, Spotter Security offers security camera installation across all of Canada. With the experience of over 20 years and expertise of installing and managing security systems for businesses across various industries, Spotter Security understands your security needs and how to meet them.

Contact Spotter Security for a security consultation to see how you can improve security on your business site to protect your assets, safeguard your people and give you peace of mind as a business owner.