CCTV cameras are very commonly used for security, but archiving and remote viewing the footage can be a nightmare.  In this article we’ll help you connect your CCTV camera to HighlightCam, so you can review a whole day’s security footage in just minutes, even from a remote location.

Hardware Requirements:

CCTV cameras most often use either RG-59 coaxial cables (with BNC-type connectors) or RCA cables/connectors. To communicate with HighlightCam you need to connect your camera directly to a computer, which will probably require an adapter.

We’ll cover what is probably the simplest and cheapest adapter to use.  These specific instructions are for computers running Windows, but similar hardware will work with MacOS or Linux:

1. Buy a Composite-video to USB adapter with an RCA jack.  We tested the EasyCAP USB 2.0 Video Capture Adapter.  (Further instructions are specifically for this model.)
   
2. If your camera has a BNC plug, buy a BNC to RCA adapater.  (If your CCTV setup already has RCA outputs, you can skip this step.)
   Here’s the one we’ve got: Lorex BNCB BNC to RCA Adapter

Software Setup:

Once you have the hardware adapter, you’re ready to configure your computer to communicate with your CCTV camera.

1. Install the EasyCAP video capture drivers (specific instructions come with the device).
2. In addition to the drivers, install Ulead Video Studio (which comes on the bundled CD). This is required to put the EasyCAP into NTSC mode (if you’re in the US) and to enable Composite Video Mode rather than TV Tuner.
3. Connect your camera to the yellow plug on the EasyCAP (using the BNC-to-RCA adapter if necessary). Connect the EasyCAP to a USB port on your computer.
4. Start Ulead VideoStudio and configure it following these steps:
   • Select the Capture tab
   • Click on Capture Video
   • Select the Syntek STK1150 device in the Source drop-down.
   • Click on Options and select Video and Audio Capture Property Settings…
   • Under Input Source select Video Composite.
   • Under TV System select NTSC if in the US, PAL if you’re not.
   • Press OK. Then you can close Ulead Video Studio.
5. Go the recording page on HighlightCam. If your CCTV camera isn’t selected automatically as the recording source, you’ll need to choose it manually.  Right click on the Recording screen, select “Settings…” and click the Webcam tab (the rightmost one).  Choose the Syntek STK1150 dropdown list of cameras.
6. You’re all set! You should be able to see the feed from your CCTV camera in the video input box.  Click “Start Recording”!

Setting up a CCTV camera can be tricky.  Contact support@hlcam.com with any issues that might arise, and we’ll help you in any way we can.