Not every video surveillance scenario requires recording an archive. Often the task is simpler — displaying the camera's image on a monitor in real time. For example, to keep an eye on an entrance, a yard, or a room without any extra setup.

Let's go over how to display a camera's image on a monitor, what methods are available, and which solutions are relevant today.

Real-Time Viewing: The Main Approaches

There are several classic options for setting up a camera-to-monitor display. They differ in complexity, cost, and capabilities.

1. Camera + Monitor, Direct Connection

The simplest option is to use a camera and monitor that work together as a single system.

The camera connects to the screen via a coaxial cable with a BNC connector. This method works well for basic tasks, when all you need is to see the picture without any additional features.

Pros:

  • •          Simplicity
  • •          Minimal equipment

Cons:

  • •          Limited functionality
  • •          Difficult to scale

2. BNC-to-HDMI Converter

If the question is how to display a camera's image on a monitor or TV that only has HDMI, a special converter is used.

How it works:

  • •          The camera connects to the converter via BNC
  • •          The converter transmits the signal to the monitor over HDMI

This makes it possible to use modern TVs and screens.

Pros:

  • •          HDMI compatibility
  • •          Versatility

Cons:

  • •          An extra device in the system
  • •          No analytics or advanced features

3. DVR/NVR (Video Recorder)

One of the most common methods is connecting through a video recorder (DVR/NVR). It handles several tasks at once:

  • •          Combines multiple cameras
  • •          Displays the camera image on a monitor
  • •          Records an archive

The recorder connects to the monitor via HDMI or VGA, and the cameras connect directly to the recorder.

Pros:

  • •          Works with multiple cameras
  • •          Records video

Cons:

  • •          More complex setup
  • •          Dependent on the hardware

4. Video Multiplexer

If you need to display multiple cameras on a single screen, a multiplexer is used. It lets you:

  • •          Show several video streams at once
  • •          Switch between cameras
  • •          Control how the feeds are displayed

This solution works well for sites where it's important to monitor several zones at the same time.

Where's the Catch?

When choosing a method, it's important to understand that classic solutions only solve one task — displaying the camera's image on a monitor.

But they don't offer:

  • •          Analytics
  • •          Convenient access to the archive
  • •          Remote viewing without complicated setup

That's exactly why such systems are gradually giving way to more modern solutions.

Systems like Faceter offer a different approach:

  • •          Viewing from any device (phone, tablet, computer)
  • •          Cloud archive
  • •          Fast access without complicated setup

In practice, a monitor is no longer even necessary. You can pull up the image in the app or a browser at any time.

Faceter Video Surveillance

Faceter is a cloud video surveillance system where the camera, the app, and analytics already work together.

Instead of a complicated setup, the user gets:

  • •          A quick 5–10 minute setup
  • •          Access to cameras over the internet
  • •          A cloud archive with no DVR/NVR needed
  • •          Smart detection (people, motion, events)
  • •          A dual timeline for convenient viewing
  • •          Timelapses with automatic reports

You can also use an old smartphone as a camera. This lets you try out the system without buying any equipment.

Classic methods still work fine if all you need is to display the camera's image on a monitor.

But modern video surveillance goes further. It doesn't just show a picture — it also helps you understand what's happening, analyze events, and access video from anywhere. That's why, when choosing a solution, it's worth looking not just at how it connects, but at the system's overall capabilities.