How to add a microphone to an IP Camera

How to add a microphone to an IP Camera

Most security cameras that are outdoor rated do not come with built-in microphones to ensure that no water can leak in. This means that you must add an external security camera microphone to these cameras in order to record audio. CCTV Camera World carries microphones for indoor or outdoor cameras. Most IP security cameras with audio input capabilities have an RCA audio connector on their pigtail for connecting a microphone. Some dome IP cameras have a connection block on the inside of the dome. In either case, physically connecting and configuring external microphones to an IP security camera is easy as shown in this guide.

How to tell which camera you have?

In case you are unsure, here's a quick image to help you understand which type of audio connection your IP camera has.

Depending on whether your camera has a RCA or two-wire line in connection, please follow the appropriate section below.

1.   Connecting a microphone using RCA input

2.   Connecting a microphone using two-lead wire

3.   Enabling audio-input on the camera

 

 

 

Setup for IP Cameras with RCA Audio Input connectors

What's needed?

Here is what you need to connect a microphone to an IP camera that has RCA audio inputs:

1. Outdoor Microphone (sku 71891) or Indoor Microphone (sku 7100CC)
2. 12V DC 500mA Power Supply (sku 12V5MA)
   You can also use PoE Power Splitter (sku POE101D) with DC Power Splitter Cable (sku DC-PJJ)
3. RCA Male to RCA Male Adapter (sku RCA01)

How to connect a microphone to an IP camera that has RCA audio input

Below is a diagram of how to connect an external microphone to the RCA audio connector on an IP camera.

It is easy to connect a mic by following these easy to follow steps:

1. Connect the microphone to the RCA audio input on the camera's pigtail using a RCA Male to RCA Male connector
2. For longer runs between the camera and microphone you can use an RCA cable with male ends to connect the input and output.
3. Connect the power connector from the 12V DC Power Supply to the female power jack on the microphone.

Alternatively, you can also use a PoE Power Splitter with a 1-to-2 DC Power Splitter to use PoE power for the microphone and camera. Simply connect the PoE cable into the PoE splitter. Then split the power to the camera and microphone using the DC splitter. The data cable for the PoE splitter then connects to the camera for data.

After you have correctly wired the microphone to the camera you can continue to the rest of the article to find out how to enable the cameras audio input for listening and recording.

Setup for IP Cameras with Audio Line-in Input

Some IP security cameras include an internal audio line-in block or a two-wire lead that requires a two-lead connection for connecting a microphone. At first it may seem puzzling how a microphone with a RCA connection would connect to a two-wire input. As an example, in the section below we use a video balun, BNC to RCA connector, and two-lead wire to connect the microphone to the line-in block.

What's needed?

You will need the following items to connect a microphone to a camera with a line-in audio connection consisting of two-lead cabling.

1.   Outdoor Microphone - (sku 71891) or Indoor Microphone (sku 7100CC)

2.   12V DC 500mA Power Supply (sku 12V5MA)
You can also use PoE Power Splitter (sku POE101D) with DC Power Splitter Cable (sku DC-PJJ)

3.   Video Balun (sku VB2PHD)

4.   BNC Female to RCA Male Connector (sku BNCRCA02)

5.   Two-lead Wire for the balun

Best Practices for Using A Two-Way Audio Security Camera

Whether you have a security camera system for a home or business, the need for two-way audio interaction with talk-back capability may arise. CCTV Camera World offers solutions for both one-way and two-way audio. One-way audio is great for listening to sound originating from the location of a camera, but it will not allow interaction with a person at that location. To be able to interact with a person at the camera, the camera would have to have two-way talk capabilities, i.e. a speaker and microphone built-in similar to an intercom.

Two-Way Audio Setup With PoE NVR

Step 1) Connect cameras to NVR

In this guide, we will be using our security camera with two-way audio, sku IP3MPA.  It is a two-way audio IP camera that allows the user to not only listen-in, but also talk back to the person at the camera. These cameras are very easy to connect using the plug-and-play technology. In the video demonstration above we show how easy it is to connect our PoE IP cameras to our PoE NVRs. Simply connect the cables between the camera and the NVR. A single network cable transmits power and data to each camera from the NVR, and plug-and-play technology handles IP address configuration between the camera and NVR without user intervention.

Using a Web Browser for Two-Way Audio

Our camera systems allow the user to engage in two-way talk over the network by using Internet Explorer on a computer or by using our iOS and Android apps for both phones and tablets. First, we will demonstrate how to use the web portal called Web Service in our security systems. A Windows PC running Internet Explorer is required for two-way talk capability through the web browser. To be able to talk-back, you will need to make sure you have a headset or combination of microphone and speaker on your PC to listen and talk-back.

All DVRs and NVRs from CCTV Camera World are network devices and have their own IP address. You first need to connect your security camera system to your network by assigning the DVR/NVR an IP address that fits your network scheme. Once that is complete, you will be able to view your system from a computer or smartphone and use the two-way audio feature over the network. If you wish to view the system over the web when away from home, you will need to set port forwarding rules on your router's firewall to allow remote viewing from the internet.

Once your system is properly connected to your network and port forwarding rules have been created on your firewall, you will be able to engage in two-way audio communication using your smartphone, tablet, or PC from anywhere in the world where Internet is available.

Step 2) How to use two-way talk on Internet Explorer

1.   Open an Internet Explorer window on your Windows PC and type in either your NVR's IP address for local viewing, or external IP address for remote viewing.

2.   Type in your system's username and password, and select Login.

3.   Make sure audio is enabled in your two-way camera by going to Setup and Encode.

4.   Click the Audio Enable check boxes for both the Main and Sub Streams (if they are not already checked).

5.   Select OK to ensure your settings have been saved.

6.   Click the Preview tab to view your camera's live feed.

7.   Select the channel by clicking the quadrant containing the video feed. A green frame will appear around the video feed to distinguish the selected channel.

8.   Select the Speaker Icon in the top-right corner of the selected camera's video feed for one-way audio. This will allow you to hear audio that's taking place at the location of your camera.

9.   To talk back and send out audio through the camera's speaker, select the Microphone Icon in the top-right corner of the selected camera's video feed. You will need either a headset with microphone, or a combination of microphone and computer speakers to listen and talk back.

Now you will be able to listen and talk back to someone at the location of your camera. Note that you will be able to listen to camera audio feeds one at a time - you will not be able to listen to multiple audio feeds simultaneously. Multiple users can listen to one-way audio from a camera, but the talk back function is done by one user at a time.

If a computer is not available to view your two-way audio camera system, then proceed to the next section where we explain how to use two-way talk with a smartphone or tablet.

Two-Way Audio Interaction Using iOS or Android Phone/Tablet

A more convenient way of viewing you security camera system and engaging in two-way audio talk is through your mobile device. The App allows the user to hear incoming audio from the camera and uses the microphone from the phone to talk back, sending out audio through the camera's speaker.

Step 3) How to use Two-Way Talk with a Smartphone or Tablet

1.   First, Open the app (iDMSS) on your iPhone or Tablet (or gDMSS for Android devices).

2.   Select the Menu Icon in the top-left corner, and choose Device Manager.

3.   From here, select the Plus Sign in the top right corner,  Wired Device and then IP/Domain.

4.   Fill out the appropriate credentials of your NVR. You will need to create two entries - one for viewing at the location of your system using Wi-Fi, and second entry for when viewing remotely over the internet away from home. We have a tutorial on how to create entries for both local and remote viewing. After all credentials have been entered, select Start Live Preview.

5.   Select the camera channel you want to engage in two-way audio with by tapping the video feed from that camera, and then press the Speaker Icon. The speaker icon allows the user to  listen to incoming audio from the camera and talk-back sending out audio through the camera's speaker.

Briefly, here is what we did:

1.   Open the dome cover of the camera using the included hex-key tool. Do not use powered screwdrivers or drills or you will damage the dome.

2.   Connect the BNC Female to RCA Male connector to the balun.

3.   Connect the RCA Male tip to the RCA input on the microphone.

4.   Use the video balun to wire in the two lead wire, tighten the screw-downs for the wires.

1. Make sure that you remember the polarity for your wires. We suggest using Red for the positive wire, and Black/Striped for the ground/negative wire.
2. Having a bad connection or the wrong polarity will not record sound or have loud interference.

5.   Locate the small rubber insert next to the Audio/Alarm block and create a small hole for the wires.

6.   Slightly unscrew the screw-down for the Audio-In connector on the block. Insert the positive wire from the video balun and screw it down.

7.   Slightly unscrew the screw-down for the ground connector (GND). Insert the ground wire from the video balun and screw it down.

8.   Run the power cable for the microphone to the 12V DC power supply that is connected to a 220V AC power outlet. Connect the power supply to the microphone.

a)   Alternatively you can use a PoE splitter with a 1-to-2 DC power splitter.

b)   Connect the PoE cable for the camera to the PoE splitter. Then connect the PoE splitter to the 1-to-2 DC power splitter.

c)   Connect the camera and microphone to the DC power splitter connectors.

d)   Connect the RJ45 jack coming from the PoE splitter into the pigtail on the camera.

Once you finally have your camera and microphone connected you can continue to follow the rest of this guide to learn how to enable audio input on the camera.

How to enable audio recording on an IP camera

After everything is connected you must configure the camera to recognize and use the external microphone. This step is extremely important before trying to listen and record a camera. Do not assume that the camera is automatically recording audio when you plug the microphone in.

Using Internet Explorer to enable and modify audio settings

In the video below we show how to use Internet Explorer to login and modify the settings on an IP camera. This process requires knowing what the IP address of the camera is. After that it is as easy as logging in and going to the Settings page. Navigate to the Camera > Audio page. There you will find the audio settings for the camera. You can enable audio for Main-stream or Sub-stream, fine tune the volume settings, and enable the noise filter. Also if a camera has a built-in microphone you can set it to use the external microphone instead.

Gaming PC with Home Video Surveillance

 How to Integrate Your Gaming PC with Home Surveillance CCTV

Suppose you are deep into your gaming zone with headphones on. The sound of a knock on the door or someone breaking into your home is impossible to hear. Well, you need a home surveillance CCTV system. Simply install and incorporate  cameras into your existing gaming PC setup to make your home secure.

Protecting your gaming setup and improving alertness about the surroundings can put a lot of gamers’ minds at ease. Gaming is a strict business. You must put in skill and concentration to take your game account to new heights.

A simple task such as ordering a pizza can engage your mind in constantly hearing the doorbell or ringing phone.  A gamer can easily avoid constant loss of concentration through overlay video of a  camera. To learn more about integrating your gaming PC with CCTV, read on!

Integrating Gaming PC with CCTV

Let’s start with the basics. We will use an offline setup for gamers to emphasize the concept of a closed-circuit system. In addition, we will mention methods gamers can use to broadcast their camera feed to the internet. It will make it accessible from anywhere in the world. To start the integration process, you will need a set of items. Let’s move step-by-step:

Step 1: Choose the Right CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras come in various shapes, sizes, and technical capabilities. We typically recommend an IP CCTV camera for gamers in a home configuration. It will provide a crisp video with details ideal for a small-scale setup. There are wireless versions of IP CCTV cameras, but they are prone to interference, which can cause stuttering video or audio. In a surveillance setup, having a wired connection alongside an on-camera SD card recording is the best option.

Connecting an IP CCTV camera with the internet and offline setup is easy. They can provide up to 4K resolution depending on the requirement. Furthermore, users can opt for a camera with a microphone to receive live audio. They only need a RJ45 ethernet connection for data and a power source. However, you will not need two cables running throughout the house for the camera. A single RJ45 cable will suffice. We will explain how to achieve that in the next step.

Step 2: Collecting Necessary CCTV Surveillance Items

After you decide which camera is best for your setup, we can move on to the other items. Here is a list of things for a home surveillance CCTV setup:

·        Cameras: The number of cameras will depend on the number of places you want to perform surveillance. It will serve as a basis for the items next in line.

·        PoE Switch: After deciding the number of cameras, you need a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch. It will serve as the basis for providing power and transmitting your video to the gaming PC. Usually, people set it up near the computer, and its ports should equal the number of cameras plus one port for computer/router connection.

·        PoE Injector and Splitter: A typical IP CCTV camera requires coaxial power and network cable. A PoE injector and splitter will convert a simple ethernet cable to a coaxial power cable and data transmitting connection. Just ensure that they are IEEE 802.3at/aft compatible.

·        Ethernet Cable: The whole system communicates using the ethernet cable. Calculate the distance between the camera and the PoE switch after routing. There are various categories of ethernet cable available. Their price depends on the quality. We recommend using a Cat5e for its price/performance ratio. Anything above the Cat5e grade is also compatible.

**Note: A typical setup will have a line running underneath the carpet alongside the edges of the wall. Make sure to take proper measurements.

·        Router: You will need a router to connect the complete setup to the internet and ensure your PC remains connected. If you are an online gamer, then you own one. We will explain how to connect all the pieces and make them start working.

Step 3: Camera Placement

Strategically placing your  camera is essential. Ensure it is not easily accessible, and you can route the wire hidden away from eyesight. Following are some of the areas where you can place your camera for surveillance:

·        Front Door Entrance

·        Back Door Entrance

·        Vulnerable Windows

·        Garage

·        Drive Way

·        Hallway

·        Common Rooms

The areas might not relate to your setup, but be sure to cover maximum entrances. Observe where you can mount the camera for complete and precise coverage.

Step 4: Complete the CCTV Setup

Let’s start connecting all the puzzles. Before we mount the camera in their respective location, check connections and equipment healthiness by performing a test. Complete the following process to complete your CCTC setup.

1.   Connect your PoE switch to the power outlet and ensure the lights are on.

2.   Now connect the ethernet cable in one of the ports of the PoE switch and connect the other end to a PoE injector and splitter.

3.   Now take a camera and connect its wires with the PoE injector and splitter. Your camera will now have power.

4.   Take a new ethernet cable, insert it into one of the ports on the PoE switch, and connect the other end with the computer router. Make sure you plug in your gaming PC to the same router.

5.   Download and install the  software from the camera manufacturer’s website. Follow the instruction to access your camera live feed.

6.   You have successfully tested your equipment if you can see the live feed.

7.   As the last step, install your CCTV cameras at their designated location, route the cable, and complete the setup.

Step 5: Start Monitoring CCTV with Gaming PC

Now that you have connected all your equipment let’s obtain the live video feed from your cameras and place an overlay on your favorite game. You will need a decent graphics card and Windows or MacOS computer.

1.   We will be using the VLC media player. Download and install the latest version. It is free to use.

2.   You will be accessing the camera through its IP address. It is usually written and provided by the manufacturer. Check the website or instruction manual.

3.   Start VLC media player.

4.   Navigate to Media > Open Network Stream

5.   Now type the address to your camera with the following settings

rtsp://admin:a1B2c4@192.168.1.5

·        Note that in the address given above, the camera username is (admin), the password is (a1B2c4), and the IP address is (192.168.1.5). Everything else will remain the same.

·        After you enter, you will start streaming your IP CCTV camera.

·        Now, right-click on the live stream, navigate to view, and always click on top.

·        Right-click on the live stream and navigate to view. Now click minimal interface.

·        Now you will have a constant stream on top of all your games.

Note: To view your surveillance streams live from anywhere around the world. Follow the camera manufacturer’s guidelines to enable the online setup. The process is easy to follow once you connect the PC to the internet router.

Conclusion:

There are tons of benefits of having a live stream over your gaming sessions. It improves spatial awareness and helps gamers concentrate on their gaming ventures. The gaming industry has reached a whopping $385 billion and still growing. It is logical to find your share within the broad field. A home surveillance CCTV can provide the comfort of security for gamers. What better than having a live view of your surroundings while gaming?

The process is easy, and anyone with a basic knowledge of computers can put a system together. To save time, you can order a pre-configured setup from an online website to immediately set up your surveillance. At last, we hope you find value in our article. So set up your watch and get gaming!

CAT cable to wire CCTV cameras

Using CAT cable to wire CCTV cameras 

In recent years the invention of the video balun has meant CAT cable can be used to connect CCTV cameras to CCTV DVR recorders. All the connections can be made using only a screwdriver, with no need for special tools or fiddly components. Before you start there are a couple of important things to know.

What components do I need?

Video is transmitted along the CAT cable using a pair of video baluns, one at the DVR end, and one at the camera end. We sell 2 types of video baluns, Standard definition and High definition designed to be used with our HD 1080P cameras and DVR recorders. Power is transmitted using screw-in DC plugs and sockets. The plug goes at the camera end and the socket at the DVR end. Locate the camera power supply close to the DVR.

Use the correct type of CAT cable

You must use pure copper CAT cable. Some CAT cable is not pure copper but CCA or copper-coated aluminium. Don't rely on the label or what the retailer says, actually check the cable yourself. CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6e can all be CCA rather than pure copper. CCA tends to break easily when bent and you can scrape the copper off to reveal silver-coloured metal in the centre. All the cable we sell is pure copper external grade.

Don't exceed the maximum cable run

The maximum distance video signal can be transferred with our video baluns is approximately 300 metres. If you are using the cable to power a camera as well as transfer video signal then we would suggest a maximum distance of about 50 metres to avoid voltage drop. This assumes you are using 3 pairs of wire for 12 volt supply and 1 pair for video signal transfer as per our images below.

Use a colour convention, stick to it and check carefully

It is important to check your wiring carefully. Choose a colour convention and stick to it. In the examples below we have used blue for the video signal and solid colour for +ve, white plus a coloured stripe for -ve.

You need to run 1 length of CAT cable from the DVR recorder to each camera. The cable is going to do 2 jobs. One pair of wires will handle the video signal, and the other 3 pairs of wires will be combined to take 12-volt power from the transformer located next to the DVR to the camera.

Firstly identify the polarity for all your connectors

Separate the 4 pairs of wires in the CAT cable. In this case, we are going to use the blue pair for transferring the video signal from the camera to the DVR. Keep this pair twisted, to reduce the chance of interference.

The green, brown and orange pairs are going to be used to take 12-volt power from the transformer to the camera. We use 3 pairs of wires combined to reduce the risk of voltage drop at the camera. Having unwound the wire use the solid colour for 12-volt +ve and the white with coloured trace for 12-volt -ve.

Here we can see the cables inserted into a video balun and a power plug.

Remember to strip back the outer plastic sheath to reveal the copper conductor before pushing into the fittings and tightening the connector with a small screwdriver.

Note how we have combined the 3 pairs of wires for the 12-volt DC fitting.

Be aware the DC power fittings are different for the DVR end of the cable and the camera end of the cable. The DVR end requires a female socket to take the 12-volt power from the power supply.

The camera end requires a male DC plug To take 12-volt power to the camera

It is important to protect the fittings from water so we recommend using weatherproof junction boxes for each camera. All the components you need are available in the CCTV accessories section of our online shop.

You can use Cat5 and Cat6 cables together in the same CCTV system.