In this article, I show how to view an IP camera on Roku TV.
The picture below is an example o a Hikvision Mini PTZ camera on a Roku TV.
Hikvision Mini PTZ camera on a Roku TV
The setup is very straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes.
The App to view security camera on TV
I tested the IP Camera Viewer developed by Ioan Ghip.
There are different apps with similar names on the Android and Apple stores.
The version I'm talking about works with a Roku streaming stick or a Roku TV.
See the picture below for a reference on the app.
You can download a Basic version for free; it works with a single camera.
The Pro version allows you to display multiple cameras on the TV and use the live camera feed as a screen saver while the Roku is idle. Pretty cool, huh? 😉
==> I've seen a lot of people complaining about wasting money ($5) because their security cameras didn't work with this app. So, please use the free version to test with your camera before using your credit card.
It's important to understand that the app configuration can involve a few technical details, and sometimes the lack of knowledge can lead to a failed setup.
Let's take a look at some of these essential details.
Installing the IP Camera Viewer Basic
The App installation is very straightforward.
Open the Roku Search Menu and look for "IP Camera Viewer".
You are going to add the App as a channel.
The picture below shows the App installed.
Let's take a look at the IP camera requirements.
The security camera requirements
The idea is to have a security camera working on a Roku device, right?
This setup is NOT for smart cameras
Please don't get me wrong, but smart cameras are not the same as security cameras, even if some are marketed that way to push for more sales.
Smart cameras usually come ready to work with their own app and are Alexa and Google Home Assistant compatible. They don't need to use third-party software.
==> If you have a smart cameras read the articles:
You can have your security camera working with Alexa and Google Home to display the video on the TV or displays such as Echo Show or Google Hub.
The situation is different for security cameras; let's talk about that...
Security camera compatibility
The IP Camera Viewer App works with cameras that are compatible with some international standards such as ONVIF and RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol).
The app also works with some commands that pull the video from the camera by sending a Stream URL and the camera credentials (username and password).
Here's an example of Stream URL for my Hikvision IP camera.. .
/Streaming/channels/102/htttppreview?
Cameras listed on the IP Camera Viewer App
Some popular security cameras listed on the App are:
- Axis companion
- ATD
- AirLink101
- AirLink101
- Amcrest
- Blue Iris (software)
- Bosch
- Canon
- Dahua
- Dlink DSC
- 3S N*
- Fitvision
- Foscam
- Foscam R2
- Geovision
- Hikvision
- IP Webcam
- IPCC
- Linksys
- Loftek
- Panasonic
- Reolink
- Sony
- Sumpple
- SunEyes
- TrendNet
- Toshiba
- Wanscam
- Wansview
What if my camera is not on the list
You are not limited to this list.
As long as you have the Stream URL for your camera, you can try the following:
- Read your camera's manual;
- Use the IP Camera Viewer discover feature;
- Use the ONVIF DEVICE MANAGER software.
- Use the ONVIFER App.
- Take a look at this security camera URL list.
Add the security camera on the Roku device
OK, now that you know the requirements, let me show you how to add a security camera on a Roku device. I will use a Hikvision PTZ and a Samsung bullet camera.
Adding a Hikvision camera to a Roku TV
The IP Camera Viewer App lists Hivision camera as a compatible brand; however it's necessary to enable t0he ONVIF protocol and the CGI on the camera.
Enable ONVIG and CGI on the camera (click to enlarge)
You also need change the authenticatiom method to "digest/basic".
==> On most cameras, the ONVIF protocol comes enabled by default, and there's no way to disabled. This Hikvision camera is an exception to the rule.
Save the changes and make sure you have the following information.
- Camera IP address
- TCP port number (usually 80)
- Camera's username administrator (usually admin)
- Camera's password
- Stream URL command ( if possible)
Here's the example for my Hikvision camera (model DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3).
- 192.168.0.64
- 80
- admin
- mypassword
- /Streaming/channels/102/htttppreview
Using the ONVIF Auto Discovery
I knew the Stream URL for this camera because I used it before. Still, I didn't enter it for this configuration because (in theory), the IP Camera Viewer App could automatically find it during the setup process.
>> Let's pretend I don't have the Stream URL <<
I just fill the camera information (Name, Description, IP, Port, and credentials) and then click on the "ONVIF Auto Config" button.
Unfortunately, the IP Camera Viewer does NOT find the camera.
As you can see, even with a well-know brand (Hikvision), with ONVIF enabled, the App can't find the camera automatically. It's time to try something else.
Using the Scan button
The next step is trying the "Scan" button and see what happens.
Just click it and wait for the camera to test the different Stream URLs.
The App tests hundreds of od Stream URLs available on its database.
Good news. The IP Camera Viewer found the Hikvision Stream URL.
Now, I just press the "Test Camera Config" button and voilá...
It's working, I hit the save Camera button, and it's done. 😉
An extra click and I can see the camera on full screen on my TCL Roku TV.
Hikvision Mini PTZ camera on a TCL Roku TV
Adding a Samsung camera to a Roku TV
To add a Samsung camera to the IP Camera Viewer App, follow the steps below.
- Open the App;
- Click on "Add new camera..."
- Enter the camera name and description.
- Click on "Discover..."
- Wait for the App to locate it in the network
- Select the camera
- Enter the username and password
- Click on "ONVIF Auto Config"
- Select one of the Stream URLs
- Click on "Test Camera Config"
- Click on " Save Camera"
See the pictures below for more detail...
Enter the necessary information.
Use the "Discover button" to locate the camera.
The App finds the cameras automatically. That's cool, huh? 😉
Test and save the configuration.
The picture below shows an example of the Samsung camera added to the app.
I could find the Stream URL for a Samsung SNO-5084R camera by using the IP camera viewer to discover it, even if Samsung is not listed as an available brand in the software.
As you can see, the camera works even if the camera is not listed on the app.
The stream URL for this camera is: /cgi-bin/video.cgi?msubmenu=jpg
And it's done. Easy, huh?
Now it's your turn. You have all the information you need in this article.
And I have some extra ones...
Video: Add a Hikvision camera to Roku TV
See the video that shows how to add a Hikvision camera to a Roku TV.
Related articles
Here's a list with related article that may help you.
Last words and conclusion
You can easily add your security camera to a Roku device, but sometimes this task becomes a tedious and frustrating process. Just keep calm and try again.
I tested five different cameras and could make four of them work on my Roku TV.
Some brands won't work, but you need to try hard and pay attention to the details.
It's a good idea to test your camera with the IP Camera Viewer Basic before moving to the Pro version to avoid wasting your money.
I hope this article can help you; please leave your comments below.
And don't forget to share with your friends 😉
