In some situations, you may not need your security camera to be recorded. Maybe you are thinking of monitoring your front door, or driveway while you’re at home. A standalone camera is also useful for keeping an eye on pets, the elderly or children playing. In either of these situations, you do not need a camera recorder if you want to use a surveillance camera as a pair of eyes for monitoring.
What types of Security Cameras can you use over coax?
To learn more about the different types of security camera technologies that are available, be sure to watch our security camera tutorial video here. There are two types of coaxial cameras which use BNC video connectors that you can use to setup a standalone security camera:
Type 1. Analog Cameras (CVBS)
Analog security cameras are older technology from 2013 and prior that are still widely found as part of older camera systems that are still in use. An analog camera can be used as a standalone camera with a BNC to RCA adapter that is connected directly to a TV. The TV must have an RCA video input. As RCA video inputs are phased out from TV sets, the use of some sort of converter is required to connect a security camera to new HD TVs that have HDMI inputs.
To bridge the gap between analog video cameras and HD TVs, a BNC to HDMI converter can be used to connect the BNC coax camera to a HD TV. However, analog cameras will not take full advantage of the HD video capabilities of the converter or HD TV. To get the most of your investment it is best to use a HD security camera.
Type 2. HD Security Cameras over Coax
HD Security Cameras over Coax use specialized video signal technology to send high definition video over coax cabling. A BNC to HDMI converter, or security camera recorder is required to display the video signal from these cameras. While there are several types of HD over Coax cameras available in the market, at CCTV Camera World we offer two types that can be used as standalone cameras:
- HDCVI cameras - available in resolutions of 1080P, 2K, and 4K.
- 4-in-1 Security Cameras - available in resolutions of 1080P, 2K.
What does it mean to use a security camera as a standalone?
Standalone security cameras can be used for a lot of different applications other than monitoring for security purposes. Some other uses include: checking on children or pets, checking on your front door or porch, and monitoring of industrial purposes.
If you only need a camera to check who is at your front door then a standalone camera will help. It is a more affordable solution than spending money on expensive cameras, or recurring fees charged by most doorbell camera systems. You could also install a camera on your front porch to check on package deliveries.
It is important to note that converters do not carry an audio signal. If you need to hear audio you will need to run a separate microphone to a speaker. For a two way audio system we recommend checking out our IP based intercom.
How to setup a standalone HD security camera?
The steps below detail how to connect your HD security camera directly to a monitor, without an NVR or DVR, without a router, without WiFi, and without any fees or complicated configurations.
Requirements:
- HD security camera over coax
- Siamese Cable
- Power Adapter for Camera that supplies appropriate voltage and amperage
- BNC to HDMI Converter
- TV or Monitor that support 1080P
- HDMI cable
That's all you need. Here is how you connect it all together.
Step 1. Connect camera to siamese cable
First you will need to connect your camera to Siamese cable. Siamese cables feature one connector for video, and another connector for power. Connect the BNC tipped wire to the video output on the camera, and the male DC connector to the power pigtail of the camera.
Step 2. Run the siamese cable to the location of the monitor
After you have the camera installed and your cable connected, run your cabling to your monitor location. This is where you will be connecting it to the BNC to HDMI converter. This side of the cable should have another BNC tip, and the female DC power connector.
Step 3. Connect the power supply to siamese cable
Connect your DC male power connector to the female power connector on the siamese cable. This will provide power to your camera.
Step 4. Connect the video BNC connector to the BNC to HDMI converter
Now connect the BNC to HDMI converter to the Siamese cable. This establishes a video connection between the camera and the converter. Make sure the BNC connector you use on the converter states it is the "INPUT."
Step 5. Connect the BNC to HDMI converter to your HDTV
Plug the power supply for the converter to power. Using an HDMI cable, connect the HDMI port to your HDTV's HDMI port. Provided your HDTV accepts the 1080P digital output from the converter you will be up and running.
