In this article, we will show how to view an analog security camera on a regular or smart TV. There are many methods that work depending on the camera type that you own. Some methods work for the analog camera only, others work for HD over coax cameras as well (such as TVI, CVI, AHD).
Let’s go through these methods one by one and explain how you can display your security camera’s live feed on a standard or even smart TV. Simply follow the instructions.
How to Connect your Analog Security Camera to a TV
The ways that you can connect an analog security camera (old style or HD) to your TV can be summarized in four methods which you’ll be able to complete in 10-15 minutes.
- Connect the analog camera straight to the TV’s input panel
- Connect the camera via a DVR to the TV
- Use an analog to HDMI converter
- Connect the camera by installing an app on Smart TV
Connect the analog camera straight to the TV’s input
This method works for analog cameras that use CVBS technology. These security cameras are usually labeled as “old traditional cameras” and measure the image quality by TV lines.
Keep in mind, the HD coaxial security cameras such as CVI, TVI, and AHD are not CVBS and this method won’t work on them. If you got one of these cameras, try the other methods listed in the next section.
Let’s say you have an analog CVBS camera, you can connect it straight to the TV’s antenna input using a coaxial cable and the BNC connectors. As seen in the picture below, the input is marked as “Antenna IN”.
Basically, run a coaxial cable from the analog camera to the TV and then select the source (input) via remote control and you should see the live image on the TV. For other methods, check out the next section.
Connect the camera via a DVR to the TV
You can plug the analog camera(s) and a DVR and then the DVR itself is connected to the TV via an HDMI cable. Super simple.
The beauty of this method is that you can connect more than one camera and that it works for CVBS, and analog HD technology such as CVI, TVI, and AHD). For the connection, you can use HDMI or VGA cable (if your TV comes with this input).
The diagram above shows the connection. The security cameras go to the DVR and the DVR is connected to the TV via an HDMI cable. There’s no need to install any hard drive on the DVR as long as you just want to see the live view of the cameras on the TV without the feed actually getting recorded.
Use an analog to HDMI converter
If you have analog HD over coax security cameras such as TVI, CVI, or AHD and you want to watch them on your TV, then you may use an analog to HDMI converter adapter. These converters are relatively cheap and easy to set up.
Find a converter that works with your camera model, for example, if you have a TVI camera, get an analog to TVI HDMI converter. Additionally, there are devices that converters that support multiple signals. These are called hybrid HDMI converters and that’s what we recommend purchasing. They support high-resolution images up to 8MP and they don’s show any lag issues.
Use an encoder and TV app
Another method is using an encoder to convert the analog signal from the camera to digital ones and then cast the camera’s feed on your Smart TV using apps. These apps are called CCTV apps (work on various manufacturers) and are available in popular devices such as Roku, Amazon Firestick, Google Home, etc.
The idea is to convert the analog camera to IP by using the decoder and then cast the video stream on the TV by using the CCTV apps. Once converted, the analog camera will behave the same as if it was an IP device.
Conclusion
As shown in this article, there are different ways to view an analog security camera on your TV. First, figure out what kind of cameras you own(CVBS, CVI, TVI, AHD) and then use the methods that work with your camera.
By far, the easiest way is using a hybrid DVR. Plug the camera at the back and then connect it to your TV using an HDMI cable. If you want to connect an IP camera to your TV, then check out this article.
