Connecting the camcorder to the TV is easiest via an HDMI or SDI cable. An IP camera can also be connected to a server via an SDI or HDMI connection to transmit the signal to a streaming app. Depending on your needs, there are many other options to connect a camera to a television.
Install an IP Camera and Streaming device
An IP camera is one of the most convenient ways to create a live stream in your church. It can be used with a TV and a camera. An Internet protocol camera (IP) is a digital camera that transmits the signal to your local WIFI. You can access the video feed via a web browser or special software.
You can connect a streaming device to your TV to view the feed. The Roku player and Amazon Fire TV stick are the most popular streaming devices.
You have two options to view the feed. There are apps available for streaming devices that some IP camera manufacturers make. The official app can be downloaded and used to access the camera instantly.
Many IP cameras broadcast their signal using real-time messaging protocol servers (RTMP). Many media players and media centers are available to stream these RTMP-enabled servers.
An IP camera and streaming device have the advantage that they can be used anywhere. There is no need to run a cable between the camera and the TV screen.
But not all IP cameras will be able to provide the live feed you desire. A handheld camera is a better choice if you need the operator to move with the camera, zoom in and pan to focus on different subjects.
Connect a Camcorder to Your Computer
A handheld camera can be connected to your computer to send the TV signal using any available methods.
You need to know what kind of outputs your camcorder uses to connect to your computer. Most camcorders have HDMI connections. If you own a high-end camcorder, it might have a serial digital interface (SDI).
Many computer graphics cards have HDMI inputs. You will need to upgrade your computer’s graphics card or buy an SDI-to-HDMI converter to make an SDI connection.
Once the camcorder is connected to your computer, it’s time to transmit the live signal to the television. Live streaming software can be used to stream live over an RTMP server, or you can set up your own digital network alliance (DLNA).
Live streaming software allows you to create live streams from one or more cameras. You can even connect your sound system directly to the computer.
Live streaming software is used by churches to create live streams for social media platforms. However, an RTMP server can be set up like an IP camera. The live feed can be viewed via an app for streaming devices.
If your television supports DLNA and you have a camcorder capable of transferring data using RTSP/RTP protocols, you can get rid of streaming software. For setting up a DLNA Server on your computer, however, you will need a program such as Serviio.
The DLNA server transcodes, encodes, and decodes digital signals from your camcorder to your computer. Once you have set up the server, you will be able to change the TV’s input to “DLNA” and select your DLNA host. You should see the live feed.
Connect the Camcorder directly to the TV
You can also connect your camcorder to the TV directly. Modern televisions have both HDMI and USB connections. These connections are often found on HD camcorders. Live feeds cannot be streamed via a USB connection. You can, however, use the HDMI connection.
An HDMI cable is not the best for connecting a camcorder to the TV. An HDMI to SDI converter can be used to connect the camcorder to the TV.
You should be able to see the live feed from your camcorder when you switch the TV’s input to either the HDMI or SDI connections.
A transmitter and receiver can be used to address the cable problem. You can use an HDMI or USB receiver to bridge the gap between your camcorder and the TV.
The receiver connects to the TV while the transmitter connects to the camcorder. The camera’s feed can be viewed from the TV as if it were physically connected.
Conclusion
There are several ways to connect your camera to your TV to stream live video to an online service or to record it. The type of camcorder and television you have will determine which option you choose.
A DLNA server can be created if the television supports DLNA and the camcorder can transmit data over RTSP/RTP. The server transmits the signal to the TV without the need for additional hardware.
A camera connected to an RTMP server can be used if you have a smart television or streaming device. IP cameras can already be connected to the RTMP server. You can also use live streaming software to set up an RTMP server if you are using a different camera type.
Connecting the camcorder and input on your TV is the final option. Many TVs come with an HDMI input. Simply connect the HDMI cable to the TV using the cable provided by the camcorder. An HDMI to SDI converter is also available to allow you to use a longer cable.
You can go wireless with an HDMI transmitter or HDMI receiver. This will send the signal from your camcorder directly to the TV.
Sources
- https://www.cableorganizer.com/learning-center/articles/ip-cameras-vs-analog-cameras.html
- https://www.dacast.com/blog/how-to-connect-a-network-camera-to-a-rtmp-online-video-platform/
- https://www.boxcast.com/blog/hdmi-vs-sdi-video-connections-whats-the-difference
- https://reolink.com/view-stream-ip-cameras-on-tv/