Among the many different ways that security cameras are used, we are often asked if it is possible to view an IP camera directly on a Smart TV without using a NVR recorder. With most Smart TVs on the market there is no application that is available to watch IP cameras directly on the TV. In this guide we show how to use an Android TV box by downloading an App to connect an IP camera to a Smart TV or any monitor that has an HDMI input.
All IP cameras from CCTV Camera World support a RTSP video stream that is usable by third party programs and apps. The App that we suggest you use on an Android TV box is called VLC Media Player. You can login and access the RTSP stream from an IP camera and have it display on a TV.
Keep in mind any device that can download VLC Media Player can do this process like iPhones, iPads, Android tablets, and phones.
What equipment is needed?
Here's the list of all the equipment that is needed to connect an IP camera to a Smart TV.
- IP camera from CCTV Camera World
- PoE injector or 12V DC Power Adaptor to power the camera
- Network cables to connect the camera to your computer network
- Android TV Box from any online shopping marketplace
- Computer network to connect the camera and Android TV Box
- Internet connection to setup and install Apps on the Android TV box which can later be removed after the setup process is finished
- SmartTV or Computer Monitor with HDMI input
How to connect IP security cameras to an Android TV Box
Before you can access the stream from the camera you will need to have it connected to your computer network and verify that it’s accessible. If you purchased a standalone IP camera from CCTV Camera World the camera is likely already configured with an IP address. Check the top of the camera box for the login information label. If the camera has not been configured, or you need to set it up on your network we recommend following our How to Connect an IP Camera guide.
You will also need to set up your Android TV box on your network, consult with the manufacturer of your box to find out how to do this.
You will need your IP address, username, and password that is set on the camera in order to access it. Inside of the VLC Media Player app you can access network streams. Inside of the app navigate to adding a video source and select network stream. Using the example RTSP stream below plug in the information for your camera's IP address and type the text into the media player URL.
rtsp://192.168.1.109:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0
After you’ve typed in the correct RTSP stream for your camera you will be required to login to your camera stream. Type in the username and password for your camera to allow the app to login to your camera stream.
If you receive an error, double check that your camera is connected to the network and you’ve typed the correct username and password. Provided the camera is set up on the network and you are able to login you should now see your camera stream inside of the VLC Media Player App.
Keep in mind that Smart Camera features cannot be used with the RTSP stream. If you would like to use Smart Detection features that your security camera may have, you will want to use an NVR to display the camera on your TV.
Watch our video below that shows the setup process described above on an Android TV box.
