How to connect a CCTV camera to TV (easy step-by-step)

So, you want to connect your CCTV camera to a TV but have no idea how to it, right ? You are in the right place, in this article you'll learn how to do that. 

If you have a traditional analog camera is just a question of following the step by step I'm about to you here. So keep reading to end...

What you need for the installation

The procedure of installing security camera on the TV is very simple, you just need few components as described below:

  • Analog camera
  • Coaxial cable (RG59)
  • Power Jack Plug adapter
  • BNC connector
  • RCA adaptor
  • Power supply

Use the correct type of CCTV camera

To install a CCTV camera on the TV, the first thing you should know is what type of camera you have purchased. I'll explain the procedure for traditional analog cameras with signals that are supported by the TV.

You can't use the high-resolution analog cameras with HD-TVI, HD-CVI and AHD technology, because they are not compatible with your regular TV.  

If you have this type of cameras, you will need an extra device to install them on your TV and that's not the subject of this article.

To learn more about those cameras read: HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD comparison

So, the camera you'll learn to install on your TV in this article is the one with the CVBS (Composite Video Baseband Signal) technology. But don't worry, this is just a fancy name for a traditional analog CCTV camera.

Traditional analog CCTV camera

When you get to the closest CCTV store or look for a traditional analog CCTV camera on Ebay or any other online store, you'll see the seller ADs with the information about a 600 TVL (TV lines) camera or something similar to that. If you see that kind of information your are on the right track.

Example of a traditional analog CCTV camera

It doesn't matter if the camera model is Dome, Bullet or Box (as shown in the photo). The important thing is to identify if the camera uses a traditional CVBS technology, you can check that information on the camera itself, in the catalog or product manual. See the picture below:

Analog camera

A CCTV camera can also have 480, 540, 600, 700 TV lines. 

See below an example of the information the camera catalog

600 TVL CCTV analog camera

Cables, connectors and other accessories to install the CCTV camera on TV

So, you have the correct security camera, now it's time to prepare for the installation and make sure you also have all the the accessories.

Take a look at the list below to understand what you need.

RG59 siamese coaxial cable

With a RG59 siamese coaxial cable is possible to send video signal and power over at the same time due to the way the cable is constructed. 

CCTV siamese coaxial cable

BNC connector

BNC connectors can be used on each side of the coaxial cable. There are different models available in the market, as shown in the figure:

BNC connector

BNC to RCA adapter

To connect the CCTV camera to a TV you need to adapt the BNC connector to RCA which is the input available on the TV. See an example of this type of adapter in the image below:

BNC to RCA adapter

Power Jack Plug Adapter Connector

Power Jack Plug Adapter connectors are used for power connection. Just connect it to the cable and to the power supply and CCTV camera.

Power Jack Plug Adapter connectors

Power supply

There are different types of power supplies for CCTV cameras, some of them come with protection boxes and fuses.

CCTV Power Supply

See the step-by-step guide on how to install CCTV camera on TV

Step 1: Install your CCTV camera

Choose the appropriate model for your installation. The most common options are mini dome and bullet, Attach the camera to the wall or ceiling and proceed with the cable connection.

CCTV Dome Camera

Step 2: Connect the CCTV cable to the camera 

Make proper BNC connection to your coaxial cable with attention to the details so you'll not have problems with bad connections. Also make sure that the braid in not in contact with the center conductor.

Crimping connector

Step 3: Use the P4 connector to power the camera

Make the proper connection from the P4 connector to the power supply and CCTV camera, paying attention to the correct cables polarity to not damage your CCTV camera.

Power Supply connector

Step 4: Connect the power supply to the camera

Connect the power supply correctly to the CCTV camera, always respecting the correct polarity. Don't be afraid it's an easy connection, just do it right.

Power Supply

Step 5: Connect the camera to the TV

Using the BNC to RCA adapter, connect the CCTV camera to the TV in the standard video input. (Audio and video input).

Connecting to TV

Step 6: Turn on the TV and select AV input

Select the audio and video (AV) input on your TV. The image should appear on the screen.

AV selection

Conclusion and installation considerations

In the process of installing a CCTV camera on a TV, remember that it is necessary to use a traditional camera (CVBS). As mentioned earlier, do not try to use HD-TVI, HD-CVI, and AHD cameras.

Be careful when handling the power supply and make sure the polarity is correct. Please don't rush, just be patient to connect and install everything.

If you want to learn more about DYI installation or even became a better CCTV camera installer take a look at the Ultimate Security Camera Guide.

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Want to learn more ? 

If you want to become a professional CCTV installer or designer, take a look at the material available in the blog. Just click the links below:

Ultimate Guide V3

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