How to Hook Surveillance Video Cameras to Your PC

Home surveillance has become immensely popular in the preceding years, primarily thanks to a dramatic increase in the prices of the technology involved. Wireless cameras can be purchased from online merchants for as little as $50, making it possible for anyone to install surveillance systems in their homes. With a PC and a little ingenuity, this is actually a simple task.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless surveillance camera
• Wireless camera receiver
• Video capture card
• Computer

Instructions

Surveillance on a PC

1. Place your surveillance camera in the location you wish to monitor. Hide it, if necessary.

2. Connect the capture card to your PC. It will either be connected via a USB port or attach directly to the card slot in your computer.

3. Attach the composite cables of the wireless receiver to the input of the video capture card.

4. Turn on both the receiver and the camera. Video captured by the camera should begin streaming on your PC's monitor.

Tips & Warnings

• You can attach several wireless cameras to your PC by integrating a video switcher. This may also employ a different receiver for camera, each with their outputs feeding into the switcher. Some wireless receivers can pick up multiple signals and are the best option for hooking up a multiview surveillance system on your PC.

• Consult your local privacy laws before using surveillance technology.

References

• Popular Mechanics