How to Use a House Security Camera as a Webcam

A house security camera is designed to send a video image through a cable for viewing on a television connected to the home security system. To use the house security camera as a webcam, hook the video cable from the camera to an input on the computer. An analog-to-digital converter box will be needed -- this can be acquired from a computer store or from a hobby shop. Neither the camera nor the computer will be physically modified in any way.

Things You'll Need

• Analog-to digital converter box

Instructions

1. Pull the male plug at the end of the video cable attached to the house security camera out from the socket on the house security system's control panel.

2. Plug the USB cable from an analog-to-digital converter box into a free USB port on the computer.

3. Click on the "X" at the upper right corner of the "New Hardware Found" pop-up window to close it once it appears on the computer screen.

4. Plug the video cable from the house security camera into the video input on the analog-to-digital converter box. A video program on the computer can now access the house security camera and use it as if it was a webcam.

Tips & Warnings

• The analog-to-digital converter box is powered by the USB port and so it doesn't need a power supply.

References

• Roxio: Easy VHS To DVD -- Watch Guided Tour

Resources

• Microsoft: Webcam Basics -- How Do They Work?