Can a TV screen be used as a camera? Well, the answer is yes and no, depending on the type of TV you have.
Long gone are the days when TVs used to serve just as a screen. With the significant developments in technology, you can now improvise your TV to perform more functions.
Today, you can purchase a smart TV or another secondary device to connect to your TV and use it as a camera.
Some TVs have in-built cameras, while others need to be tweaked to function as a camera screen. If you have an internet connection, you can improvise your TV screen to become a camera.
You can convert your TV screen to a camera provided the TV input and camera output match by using a USB or HDMI cable.
Components to Look Out for When Using Your TV Screen as a Camera
You have already asked the question; can my TV be used as a camera? But, have you ever wondered whether your TV screen can connect to a camera? Here are some components to look out for.
- Your TV is a smart TV.
- Your camera and TV are from the same manufacturer.
- Your TV has USB or HDMI ports.
Note: Converting your TV screen to a camera exposes you to spying and hackers on the internet.
Can a TV Screen Be Used as A Camera?
Yes, you can do that. For this, you can use either a USB or HDMI cable to connect your TV screen to a camera.
Instructions For Using A USB Cable or Drive
To use your TV screen as a camera for video chat, you can use a USB drive or cable and connect it to your TV. Depending on the type and manufacturer of your TV, you can use your TV screen as a camera.
Most smart TVs can be connected using your phone and a third-party app. For analog and LED TVs, you can use the USB or method.
Step #1: Connect A USB Cable or Drive To The USB Port On Your TV
Most TVs come with a USB port at the back or side of the TV. Connect a USB cable or drive to one USB port of your TV. If your TV does not have an in-built USB port, you can use a USB adapter to establish a connection.
Step #2: Use Your Remote to Find Source Options
On your remote, click the ‘input’ button to find a list of source options on your TV.
If you are connecting the USB cable to your phone, you can select your phone as the source option. Once the list of sources is displayed, click on ‘webcam.’
Step #3: Adjust Your Webcam Settings
After you have selected your webcam and it has appeared on your TV screen, adjust the camera angle to your preference.
Step #4: Connect to The Internet
If the purpose of the connection is to video chat using an online application, follow the screen prompts to connect your webcam to the internet.
Step #5: Log In To Your Video Chat App
Navigate to your selected video chat and input your login credentials and make a video call.
Instructions Using an HDMI cable
The next method involves connecting the TV via an HDMI cable to make it work like a “camera”.
Step #1: Turn Your Camera Off
If you are using an external camera, you will first need to turn it off before connecting.
Step #2: Connect Your Camera And TV
Before you connect, you need to inspect the connectors and establish they match. If not, you will need to purchase external connectors that match your Tv’s input and your camera’s output.
Ensure the connectors have been fully inserted and do not use an HDMI cable while a USB cable is inserted into your TV.
Step #3: Switch to HDMI Mode
On your remote, press ‘input’ and scroll to the ‘HDMI’ option.
Step #4: Turn the Camera On
Once all the connections have been inserted, turn your camera on and press the “play“ button.
You can adjust the camera angle to set your preferences. You can also change the settings on the camera to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation.
Step #5: Use TV Controls to Adjust the Volume
Once you connect your camera, the camera controls become inactive. Use the TV controls to adjust your volume.
What to Do if My TV Cannot Connect to a Camera?
If you have attempted the above methods and your TV screen does not connect to your camera, you need to try out some troubleshoot options. We recommend some steps to get to the root of the problem.
1. Turn Your TV And Camera Off
Sometimes, switching off your devices for a brief moment solves the problem automatically. Restart your devices and try connecting again.
2. Use a different HDMI or USB cable
In other instances, you may find out that you are using a corrupted cable when connecting your camera to the TV screen. Consider changing the cables and try connecting again. Ensure the cables are securely connected to the TV input and camera output.
3. Ensure Your TV Is Switched to The Correct Input
In some instances, TVs have more than one USB and HDMI port. When switching to the input to connect your camera, ensure you match the USB or HDMI cable to the input mode to receive the correct signal.
4. Try Connecting to A Different USB Or HDMI Port
For TVs that have more than one USB and HDMI port, try switching your connection to the different ports and try connecting again. Sometimes, the ports are full of debris and may interfere with a stable connection.
If all else fails, you can contact your TV manufacturer for further assistance and guidance on how to use your TV screen as a camera.
Note: If the above methods do not work, read the manual and check whether your TV supports your camera model. Sometimes, TVs do not support various models and may not work.
How to Protect My TV from Malicious Activity When I Connect to a Camera
Whereas your TV screen can be used as a camera, you need to be aware of the safety precautions to take before converting it. Since you will be on the internet, you need to:
- Secure your network connection.
- Track all devices connected to your network.
- Use a complex password.
- Update your device’s security settings regularly.
Avoid connecting to networks you do not trust or sharing your connection with too many people if you use your camera as a TV screen to avoid being exposed to internet risks.
Read Next: How to Tell if TV Power Supply is Bad?
Conclusion
Connecting your TV screen to your camera is an excellent way to screen-mirror and enlarge items on your TV. The above methods prove that you do not need to be an expert to convert your Tv screen to a camera.
If you have been asking yourself, can a TV screen be used as a camera? You now have the answers.
Always ensure you have a stable internet connection and secure your connection from hackers to prevent spying. Also, ensure that your TV input and camera output match to avoid causing damage to your TV.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.