Want to connect security cameras to TV and see live view directly from there? There are several ways you may try to view IP cameras on smart TV as listed in our previous blog: How to View & Stream IP Cameras on TV. But if you are not prepared for a deep research on how to connect security cameras to TV and want to get it done with minimum effort, here is a shortcut for you.
Table of Contents:
- Easiest Way to Connect Security Cameras to TV
- Connect Security Cameras to TV with NVR: 5 Benefits
- Alternative Ways to Connect Security Cameras to TV
- Best Security Camera System Recommended
This article shows that the easiest way to connect IP cameras to TV is as follows:
| Target | Connect IP camera to TV |
| Easiest Way | Use NVR |
| Benefits | Easy wiring/24/7 recording, etc. |
| Recommended Camera | Reolink security system |
Easiest Way to Connect Security Cameras to TV
Set up a security camera system and then you can connect security cameras to TV in a breeze!
Specifically, only 4 steps are needed to connect cameras to TV:
Security Camera to TV Connection Diagram
Step 1. Connect CCTV cameras to the NVR with Ethernet Cat 5/6 cables.
Step 2. Connect the security camera NVR to TV with the HDMI cable.
Step 3. Power the NVR with the power adapter.
Step 4. Turn on the TV, and the live view will be shown on the screen.
There is NO need to download an app, NO need to connect to a router, NO configuration or other things. And all accessories needed to connect security cameras to TV are included in the NVR system package.
If you could hook up a security camera to TV with simple wiring, NO connection failure risks and NO extra cost, why bother to look for extra troubles?
So get an NVR system directly is definitely the easiest way to connect security camera to TV!
Hot
Reolink RLK8-410B4
8-Channel PoE Security System
4 pcs 5MP/4MP Security Cameras; 2TB HDD 8-Channel NVR for 24/7 Reliable Recording; Plug & Play; 2 Network Solutions.
Connect Security Cameras to TV with NVR: Top 5 Benefits
There are top 5 reasons you should choose an NVR system for security camera to TV connection.
#1. Easy Wiring with NO Connection Failure
To connect security cameras to TV, you'll need the help of either physical HDML cable connection or certain software which streams the camera feeds from elsewhere (PC or phone) to TV.
After trying and testing all the possible methods suggested online by either users or professionals in the field, we've found 4 feasible ways to connect security camera to TV directly, and concluded that the NVR system is definitely the easiest and most reliable way to go!
During our test, many other theoretically workable solutions may still fail to connect security cameras to TV due to the various settings of TV (LG, Samsung, or Apple TV) and camera models. SO it's very likely that you may just get lost during the security camera to TV connection process.
By contrast, you'll never run into such trouble with NVR system to connect security cameras to TV.
#2. Large Storage Space & 24/7 Continuous Recording
The large storage space is the biggest bonus of connecting a security camera system to TV. You don't need to worry about the footages got overwritten soon.
After connecting security camera to TV with NVR, you can not only watch the live but also save the moments that matter. For example, the Reolink RLK8-410B4 can record non-stop for weeks at 4MP super HD resolution. And you are free to choose lower resolution to record longer.
#3. Work Without Network (Without Connecting to Router)
After you connect the security cameras to TV and NVR, the camera is ready to stream live, record and save to the network video recorder (NVR) – without router network!
So you can avoid the IP camera configuration, a big headache for some, and get real protection with HD security camera recordings on hand.
#4. More Stable Signal
Have tried to connect security cameras to TV but got a "No Signal" warning in the end?
This mostly happens when you connect security cameras to TV via the 3rd party software.
Connecting CCTV camera to TV with NVR is nothing like that. Once you power all the counterparts up with right and easy wire connection, the live stream will appear on the screen with no signal loss.
#5. Easy Management
It's easier to manipulate security cameras within a complete system. For example, after connecting security cameras to TV (and PC or other monitor), you could upgrade all IP cameras at a time easily via the NVR operation system.
Alternative Ways to Connect Security Cameras to TV
If you want to hook up your security camera without NVR anyway, you have the following options:
#1. Use IP-camera-to-HDMI converter/decoder
#2. Set up DLNA server on PC and stream IP videos on TV
#3. Use Google Chromecast or Apple TV
#4. Use streaming apps on smart TVs
Find more specific steps on how to connect a security camera to TV and VCR here: How to View & Stream IP Cameras on TV.
Also mind risks of connecting CCTV cameras to TV without NVR you may have:
#1. Time Wasted
You will have to spend a lot of time working out a feasible way to go in your specific situation, and that might brings more trouble in the practice if you are not tech-savvy.
Not exhaustive, but we've tried almost all the solutions advised on the Internet, and the result shows only several of them could successfully connect security cameras to TV without major issues. (We've tested various security camera brands and different TV models.)
#2. Unstable Signal
One user in the forum complained that he only got a "no signal" message after hooking up his wireless security camera to TV, even though he bought the TV that is claimed to be compatible with his camera.
#3. No Technical Support
With a security camera system, you can connect their support team whenever there is a problem and get detailed guidance to connect security cameras to TV. So it may come as a potential loss if you decide to run some 3rd party software for it.
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Best Security Camera System to Connect to TV in Minutes
So if you decide to go with the security camera system method, here are the best picks for you to connect security cameras to TV in minutes. And they are highly affordable!
Option 1: PoE Security Camera System – Connect Camera to TV Using HDMI Cable
"Super easy to install and configure. Just got it connected to my TV. The live view is great! Highly recommend!" ( Reolink RLK8-410B4 user review from Amazon)
Hot
Reolink RLK8-410B4
8-Channel PoE Security System
4 pcs 5MP/4MP Security Cameras; 2TB HDD 8-Channel NVR for 24/7 Reliable Recording; Plug & Play; 2 Network Solutions.
Connecting security camera to TV is super easy with RLK8-410B4: Connect the NVR to your TV with the provided HDMI cable and the live view will appear on your TV. (Make sure all the system counterparts are powered up and connected correctly.)
Here is a video sample captured by one of the cameras in this security camera kit:
Learn more about the security camera system:
| Installation | Plug and play |
| Resolution | 1920p/1440p, much clearer than analog cameras (720p) |
| Storage space | 2TB built-in HDD |
| Night vision | 100ft IR night vision |
Option 2: Wireless Security Camera System – Connect Cameras to TV Wirelessly
Want to connect cameras to TV wirelessly?
Just set up a wireless system with easy-to-use WiFi cameras such as RLC-511W and E1 Pro and an NVR.
Side note: Connecting cameras to TV wirelessly mean no wire at all. You still need an HDMI cable to connect the storage box (the NVR) to your TV monitor.
The good news is that the Reolink NVR works with both Reolink wireless and PoE cameras, so you may mix and match the different security camera types.
Want to go wireless but there is no Internet connection?
The wireless security camera system will also work!
The wireless cameras within the security system do not need WiFi to connect to and communicate with each other. They will build a private subnet between them to transmit data. Just power the NVR and cameras, and they will start to work.
If you have discovered any workable ways to connect security cameras to TV, you are very welcome to share with us by commenting below!
The moment that guy in the video touched the window @2:54, he commited a felony. Did anyone call the police?
Hi Velton, I think this guy is already under close attention in the community ;0
I have a Samsung hd 8440 camera and would like to connect it straight to my TV. Camera has two wires is it possible to do?
Hi Alonso, this article introduces several proven ways to connect the camera to TV without the NVR https://reolink.com/view-stream-ip-cameras-on-tv/ Actually you may also try to reach out to Samsung support team for more information on this 😉
I have read through your descriptions, but I need some clarification as to what parts I need to order from you to create the following setup: My objective is to monitor our bird feeding area. Our house is a little less than 300 feet from the station. We want to see and hear the birds on our smart TV. We hope to have the clearest image possible, so I'm I correct in assuming that a 4K IP camera would be the best? I am able to trench so as to make the cable safe from damage. If the camera can zoom, even better. Would the expectation that the camera would also have night vision complicate matters? Motion detection is not necessary.
Hi there, our 4K PoE security camera, B800 and D800, work with our 8-channel NVR only as of now. If you don't plan to purchase a security system that comes with 4 cameras and an NVR, you may take a look at RLC-511, a 5MP PoE security camera with 4X optical zoom and 100 feet night vision. You may click here to learn more, https://reolink.com/product/rlc-511/.
To ensure the sufficient power supply over the 300 feet distance, you need to use a cat6 Ethernet cable to connect the PoE IP camera and your NVR/router. Also note that the standalone camera (without NVR) captures motion-triggered events only (not 24/7 recording). Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions. 🙂
Thanks Flora for a quick response! Please allow me to be more specific in my objective. We are only interested in bird watching, not security. So, the RLC-511 appears to be just what we are looking for. Just curious, does the RLC-422 offer additional features not in the RLC-511? And yes, I'm aware that I need to use cat6 cable. So, the video & audio signal would come in to a NVR. Which NVR do you recommend? And then we would connect the NVR to our TV via a HDMI cable. I assume that would show up as another source on our TV.
Oh, in your diagram, it shows a PoE Injector. Is that an additional device needed?
Hi there, sorry for the late reply. Compared to RLC-511, RLC-422 features IK10 vandal-proof design and a manual rotation design, which allows you to adjust its angle during installation. The viewing angle for RLC-511 is 31°-90° and that for RLC-422 is 30°-90° (horizontally) and 24°-67° (vertically).
It is recommended that you use our 8-channel NVR, RLN8-410B4, to pair with RLC-511 cameras. You may click here to learn more, https://reolink.com/product/rln8-410/. All the recordings will be saved to the built-in HDD in the NVR. You can connect the NVR to your TV via a VGA cable or an HDMI cable. Then, by selecting an input source on your TV, you are able to watch the TV and live stream of the bird-watching cameras respectively.
Also note that you don't have to use a PoE injector if you connect the PoE cameras directly to the NVR. Hope this helps. 🙂
Hmmm...I guess the holidays have slowed things down there.
Hi,I've just bought a samsung 65 inch tv to use as a monitor for my 4 camera cctv,I've now been told smart tvs cant play cctv,is that true?
Hi John, that is not true. We have covered 4 methods on how to stream/view CCTV cameras on smart TVs in another post and you may visit this site to learn more, https://reolink.com/view-stream-ip-cameras-on-tv/. Hope this helps.
I plugged in two wired cameras to my tv so I can just change inputs to see who is outside, is it possible to see them on my phone? It's a smart tv.
Hi Tad, to see your security cameras on your phone, you need to download a security camera viewer app, which is comaptible to your cameras, on your phone. You may see if there are any official app released by the security camera brand that you are using. For example, we would suggest our customers to use Reolink app. If not, you may consult the support team and ask for a recommendation. Hope this helps.
Hello Bree, the security system mentioned above (Reolink RLK8-410B4) comes with four IP66 waterproof cameras and the NVR is not waterproof. You cannot see them in just the corner of a TV as of now. Click here to learn more about the price, https://reolink.com/product/rlk8-410b4/.
FYI, here is a detailed post on how to stream IP cameras to TV here, https://reolink.com/view-stream-ip-cameras-on-tv/. Hope this helps.
Thank you very much for this article. It is a life saver. Only question I have is, other than the video live stream will there be audio? What additional steps would I have to take for audio stream as well?
I am not looking to do this set-up for security, but more so to live stream activity from both of my office locations so my teams feel connected.
Hello Tania, you may use an HDMI cable to connect the NVR to a monitor since an HDMI cable transmits both video and audio. Hope this helps.
My tv keeps saying nvr box not supported, it's a new
29" LG 4K tv
Hi Mark, it is possible that your TV doesn't support the video format of the NVR. You may try with VGA/HDMI cable. If this won't work, you'd better contact the tech team from the NVR company and ask them for help.
I have a Hikvision DVR with cameras connected, the system works all good with a screen connected via HDMi, is there a way that I can live stream the video to my Samsung smart TV next door wirelessly?
I have a 4-year old 49″ curved Samsung. Camera DDR is connected via HDMI: great picture. Just bought a new Hisense. It does not recognize the signal from the DDR using the HDMI. Tried several different cables, restarting as I go, to no avail. Anyone have similar issues with a new TV?
Hi, Ali. A router is not needed if you just want to access the NVR via your TV.
Hi, there. In theory, yes. But you'd better contact the technical team of your smart tv for a certain answer. And here is an article about connecting security camera to smart tv which may be helpful: https://reolink.com/view-stream-ip-cameras-on-tv/