Security cameras are everywhere and everyone wants to view them on their big smart TV screen. Imagine how high-tech a high-resolution security picture would look on a huge TV.
How to view an IP camera on a TV? How to view the security camera system on a smart TV? Can you stream a security camera to a TV? Can you view all your CCTV cameras on the TV screen? In this article, we will cover all things you need to know to make that happen.
Let’s start with this question: Can you view an IP camera on a Smart TV? The answer is Yes, you can. There are many ways to view an IP camera on a Smart TV.
For example, if you have an NVR or DVR system you should simply connect the recorder to the TV/monitor with an HDMI or VGA cable and all the cameras will show thereafter selecting the right input source with the remote control. However, to stream a single IP camera (without NVR) straight to the Smart TV it may get complicated.
Watching the cameras’ live feeds through your smart TV offers a further level of safety. Moreover, it gives you the option to control your system through voice activation. Additionally, you may set up your TV to get notifications as well as motion alerts from the security camera.
Note: If you’re trying to connect an analog security camera such as CVBS, TVI, CVI, AHD to a smart TV, then check out this article: How to View Analog Coaxial Security Cameras on Smart TV.
How to view an IP camera on a Smart TV
Use an IP Camera to HDMI converter
On Amazon, there are a lot of IP cameras to HDMI converters that work with popular IP cameras One of them is NetcamViewer Monitor decoder which is able to transmit the live feed of any IP camera to a smart TV.
You have to connect the IP camera to this decoder and the decoder itself is plugged into the TV via an HDMI cable. All you have to do is switch the channel and you’ll be able to see your camera on the TV. This is one of the easiest methods to see live streaming while sitting in front of your home smart TV.
Using the HDMI converter device, you don’t need to install any third-party streaming apps. Simply purchase a good quality IP camera, connect it to the HDMI converter or decoder, and you are settled.
Use Google Chromecast
Another solution is to connect an IP camera to TV, use Google Chromecast or even Apple TV. We assume you can already view the camera on the phone by using their phone app, if that’s the case then you can simply mirror what you’re watching on the phone to your Smart TV.
That way you’ll be able to see the camera on the big screen. When you don’t want to run cables directly to your TV, Google Chromecast or Apple TV is a great alternative as long as the viewing apps support casting.
In a few words, Google Chromecast permits you to view media from your phones straight to your TV. It’s like a mirror that streams what your phone displays directly to the TV monitor. Similarly, you may as well use it to transmit recordings from the security camera to your TV monitor.
Let’s demonstrate how to use the Google Chromecast Streaming Device. You need a Google Home device or router to perform as a Virtual connector between the two devices.
- Connect the Chromecast to the Google Home device. Connect the security camera to Google Home.
- Open the App of Google Home. Select Add, then Set Up Device. After that hit Setup New Devices.
- Click on Google Home, it would try to pair with the camera. Choose your security camera and tap on “Pair” both devices. That’s all. You may use voice commands such as “Hey Google, display [camera],” and the camera will be displayed on command.
Stream the IP camera using the apps on the Smart TV
Almost all smart TVs run on Android operating systems. The idea is to install the app on the smart TV, input the camera’s settings (such as IP address, username, password) and then stream it by using the app. It’s the same as the app on the phone, except it’s on TV. The basic idea is the same.
The IP camera’s apps are available on Smart TVs such as Samsung, Sony, LG Smart TV, or other Android-based TVs. Usually, each IP camera has its own app, however, there are universal apps available such as Tiny Cam Pro, tinyCam Monitor, or IPcam Viewer.
TINY CAM PRO app is one of the most reputable apps to view security cameras on smart TV. The installation process of the app is super easy.
After downloading the app on the Wi-Fi-supported TV, syncing to a security camera to send a cam picture within seconds. Scan your home network to connect to the related device. Once you finish this task you’re a step away from viewing security cameras on TV, all you need to do is adjust your camera settings.
For example: let’s see how we can connect a Samsung Smart TV to security cameras:
- Install the app on the Samsung Smart TV
- Open the app and select (+) &“Device”. Choose the name of the device & “Camera” from the app.
- You’ll be requested to “Authorize” your connection to the camera. Enter the login information (Username, and Password)
- After the camera is successfully added, choose which camera you want to access in the App
Use Mini Android PC
These mini-computers are cheap and you can use them to stream an IP camera to a Smart TV. Basically, you need to install the IP camera’s Android app on the Mini Android PC and set it up with your camera. Then connect the Mini Android PC to the Smart TV via an HDMI cable.
The idea is the same as having a computer connected to the TV, simply select the right input source and enter the app on the mini Android PC from which you’ll be able to see the live view of your camera.
Use an NVR
If you have a single IP security camera that you want to stream to the TV, you may buy a cheap (NVR) recorder and use it to cast the picture on the TV.
For example, you can get a 4 channel PoE NVR, the same brand as your IP camera, then you plug the camera into the back of the NVR (or add it via the network) and connect the NVR to the TV using the HDMI cable.
All you have to do is select the source channel via your remote control and the TV will display the picture coming from the NVR (where the IP camera is connected).
You don’t even need to get any hard drive for the record, we just want to use the NVR as a medium to cast the live picture to the TV. You may check online and buy a used NVR that supports your camera. This page offers a few suggestions for affordable security systems.
If you’re using the so-called BNC cameras (coaxial cameras) you may use a DVR (note: NVR works with IP cameras). Plug the camera at the back of the DVR and connect the DVR to a smart TV via an HDMI cable. Try to get a good quality cable to get a reliable image.
To view security cameras on TV successfully, The best way to watch a camera feed from the DVR box (Digital Video Recorder) onto the TV is just by connecting an HDMI cable between both.
Once the camera is plugged into the NVR/DVR (which is connected to the smart TV), select the source channel through the remote control and adjust your TV signal to show the streaming coming from your NVR.
There is no requirement to have any hard drive installed on the recorder. The only use for the hard drive is to let the user store the footage. In this case, you simply need to use the NVR to play the live image on your TV.
Note: Before purchasing an NVR or DVR box, make sure it works with your camera model. We’d recommend using the same brand of camera and recorder. That way they’ll be compatible with each other.
Use an IP camera that comes with an HDMI out
There are IP security cameras that feature an HDMI out on board that can be connected straight to the smart TV. For example, some models manufactured by Axis come with an HDMI output. Most well-established CCTV brands provide certain models with this feature.
All you have to do is power up the camera and connect the HDMI cable to a smart TV. So, the camera gets plugged in straight to the TV. Then you have to select the HDMI input (source) on your TV and pretty much that’s it.
One model that you can use is Axis M3065-V, or search for Hikvision, Samsung, Bosch, and Dahua cameras with an HDMI output onboard. The installation is super easy, just connect the HDMI cable to the smart TV.
Conclusion
Streaming footage from your home security cameras on mobile devices has become a standard feature these days. But most individuals aren’t aware that viewing your camera’s feed on your Smart TV is also a possibility.
Whether it be a wired camera or a wireless camera, all you have to do is find and set up a third-party device or app to transmit the feed to the TV.
