DIY Security Systems
Installing your CCTV camera is easy to do, but getting it to work and accessing what it transmits, particularly from a computer or a laptop, is a different story. It requires various steps and methods that are quite complicated if you are not tech-savvy. Don’t worry. In this article, you will learn what a CCTV camera is and how a DVR works. Not only that, but you will also know how to access CCTV camera on PC through software or your web browser. Read on!
What is CCTV?
CCTV means closed-circuit television. The CCTV means that it only transmits video images over a limited network, unlike broadcasting TV, accessible to the public. A CCTV camera is the one usually used for home, office, and business security systems. It shows a feed to security guards and staff in real-time. It can also record or store these videos in a cloud for easy playback if an incident happens.
Install Your CCTV Camera
If you have not installed your CCTV camera yet, then the first thing you need to do is install it facing the area you need to monitor. It is important to install it correctly to be sure of your home security. Once you have securely set it on the wall, connect the cable to the DVR. Installing is the first step on how to access CCTV camera on PC.
Connect to the DVR System
DVR System or digital video recorder system is a device that records all the images transmitted by the CCTV camera before you can view them on your computer. It uses an AD encoder that is responsible for transforming raw data from the camera into video recordings. The DVR System does not provide power to your CCTV camera, so you should connect your camera to a power supply.
Connect DVR into the Monitor
After connecting your camera to the DVR System, attach the DVR cable to the PC monitor. Make sure the wire is compatible with your PC monitor or your laptop. Once that is done, you are ready to install the software or app.
Install DVR Software
All DVR systems come with an installation disc. Put the disc in the computer’s drive and wait for the installation process to start and finish. Once done, you can run the DVR software to configure the settings of your CCTV camera.
Connecting your Camera
Depending on the software you use, these are the general steps to access CCTV cameras on PC:
- In the DVR System Software, click the System option to access the Device Manager tab.
- Once the Device Manager windows appear, click the Add Area option.
- In the Zone List, add the area where you have set the camera.
- Select the newly labeled area and click Add Device. A new window pops out where you can search for the IP Address of the CCTV camera.
- The IP Address will automatically appear. Select that and click OK.
- Return to the Home Screen. The CCTV camera feed of the area should now appear in one of the screens.
Accessing a CCTV camera on PC requires many details you have to be careful about, like the cable connections and the correct IP address. One camera is easy, but if it is close to ten or more, you may find yourself getting impatient and frustrated. However, if you pay close attention to these details, everything will go smoothly. There will be no need to call a tech professional.
Accessing through Web Browser
Currently, there are now many convenient ways to access your CCTV camera, especially if it is using an ethernet connection. You can easily access it through your web browsers, like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. Google Chrome has CCTV View, an extension that allows you to access up to twenty CCTV camera feeds through the internet.
There is also software called ConfigTool that allows you to use your web browser easily. You only need to click on the “e” icon for the process to start. Just make sure that the Subnet and Gateway of your CCTV camera match the one on your computer, you are good to go.
Conclusion
Now you know how to access CCTV camera on PC. All that is left to do is apply all the things you have learned in this article to start viewing and monitoring the different areas of your home, office, or establishment.
Remember, there are different kinds of CCTV cameras and with different usage and access. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the guide and the important parts of the device, and you are good at keeping your home or business establishment safe and secure. You can assess if the CCTV camera you bought works well for you. Find out more about CCTV Cameras.