How to use CCTV IP Camera with Zoom Meeting and Go | DOITEK
# How to Use a CCTV IP Camera with Zoom Meeting and Google Meet Using RTSP
**Educational Technology Tutorial**
This tutorial explains how to connect an IP CCTV camera to video-conferencing applications such as **Zoom** and **Google Meet** using an **RTSP video stream**.
The procedure is intended for cameras that you own or are authorized to configure and use. Always follow the applicable privacy, security, and organizational policies when using CCTV equipment.
**Last Updated: February 5, 2026**
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## 📚 What Can You Use This Setup For?
An IP camera can be used as a video source for several legitimate applications, including:
- Online classes and educational demonstrations
- Online meetings and discussions
- Business presentations
- Displaying a physical board or diagram during a meeting
- Demonstrating equipment remotely
- Live video demonstrations
- Events and authorized live-streaming applications
The same basic method can be useful whenever you want to use an IP camera as a video source on a Windows computer.
---
# Hardware Requirements
You will need the following equipment:
### 1. IP CCTV Camera
An IP camera supporting **RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol)** is required.
For this tutorial, a Hikvision IP camera is used as an example. Other IP camera brands may also work if they provide an RTSP stream.
### 2. Computer
A Windows desktop or laptop can be used.
Recommended configuration:
- Intel Core i3 processor or equivalent
- 4–8 GB RAM
- 500 GB storage or higher
- Windows operating system
### 3. Network / Internet Connection
A stable network connection is recommended.
For internet-based video conferencing, the required bandwidth depends on the camera resolution, stream quality, frame rate, and the video-conferencing application.
### 4. Network Connection Between Camera and Computer
The camera and computer must be configured so that the computer can access the camera's authorized RTSP stream.
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# Software Requirements
This tutorial uses two software applications:
### VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player can be used to test whether the camera's RTSP stream is working correctly.
Use the official VideoLAN website to download VLC.
### SplitCam
SplitCam can be used to make a video source available as a virtual camera to applications that support webcam/video input.
Download SplitCam from its official website.
> Always download software from the official website or another trusted source and keep the software updated.
---
# Step 1: Connect the IP Camera
Connect the IP camera to your local network.
Depending on your camera and network configuration, the camera may be connected using:
- Ethernet/LAN cable
- Network switch
- Router
- Another supported network connection
Make sure the computer can communicate with the camera on the local network.
---
# Step 2: Configure the Camera Network Settings
Log in to the camera using the normal administration interface provided by the camera manufacturer.
If the camera is new, complete the manufacturer's activation/setup procedure and create your own secure administrator password.
### Security Recommendation
Do not publish real camera usernames, passwords, IP addresses, or other private configuration information in screenshots, videos, articles, or public websites.
Use example values when creating tutorials.
For example:
```text
Camera IP: 192.168.1.100
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
RTSP Port: 554These are example values only. Your actual network configuration may be different.
Step 3: Check the RTSP Port
Open the camera's network configuration and locate the RTSP settings.
The commonly used RTSP port is:
554However, the actual port can be different depending on the camera configuration.
Make a note of the RTSP port configured on your camera.
Step 4: Find the Camera RTSP Stream
Hikvision and other IP camera manufacturers provide RTSP stream formats that can be used by compatible media players and applications.
A typical Hikvision RTSP URL has a structure similar to:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera-ip>:<rtsp-port>/Streaming/Channels/102Important
The values above are placeholders.
Replace them with the credentials and network information for a camera that you are authorized to manage.
Never publish your actual password or private camera address.
Main Stream and Sub Stream
Many IP cameras provide multiple video streams.
For example, a Hikvision camera commonly uses:
101 = Main Stream
102 = Sub StreamThe exact stream options can vary by camera model and firmware.
Main Stream
The main stream normally provides higher image quality but may require more network bandwidth.
Sub Stream
The sub stream normally uses lower resolution and bandwidth.
For online meetings, a sub stream can be useful when bandwidth is limited.
If the image quality is not sufficient, you can select an appropriate higher-quality stream supported by your camera.
Step 5: Test the RTSP Stream Using VLC
Open VLC Media Player.
Go to:
Media → Open Network Stream
Enter the RTSP address for your authorized camera.
For example:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera-ip>:<rtsp-port>/Streaming/Channels/102Click Play.
If the camera and network settings are correct, VLC should display the live video stream.
Step 6: Verify the Video Stream
Before moving to Zoom or Google Meet, make sure the RTSP stream works correctly in VLC.
Check:
Video is displayed
Image quality is acceptable
There is no excessive delay
Network connection is stable
Camera remains accessible
The selected stream uses suitable bandwidth
If VLC cannot display the video, first troubleshoot the camera/network/RTSP configuration before continuing.
Step 7: Add the Camera Stream to SplitCam
Open SplitCam on the Windows computer.
Add a new video source and select the appropriate IP camera/network stream option supported by your SplitCam version.
Enter the camera's authorized RTSP stream.
For example:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera-ip>:<rtsp-port>/Streaming/Channels/102Save the configuration.
If everything is configured correctly, the camera video should appear in SplitCam.
Step 8: Configure Zoom
Open the Zoom application.
Go to the video settings.
Select the SplitCam virtual camera/video source as the camera input.
You should now be able to see the IP camera video in the Zoom video preview.
Start or join an authorized meeting and verify the video.
Step 9: Configure Google Meet
Open Google Meet in your web browser.
Open the meeting settings and select the video/camera option.
Choose the SplitCam virtual camera as the video source.
The IP camera video should now be available as the camera input for the meeting.
Complete Connection Flow
The complete setup can be understood as:
IP CCTV Camera
↓
RTSP
↓
VLC / SplitCam
↓
Virtual Camera
↓
Zoom / Google Meet
↓
Video ConferenceThis allows an IP CCTV camera to provide video to applications that accept a standard webcam or virtual-camera input.
Troubleshooting
No Video in VLC
Check:
Camera network connection
Camera IP address
RTSP port
RTSP stream format
Camera account permissions
Network firewall settings
Camera firmware/configuration
Make sure you are using the RTSP format supported by your specific camera model.
VLC Works but SplitCam Does Not Show Video
If VLC successfully displays the stream but SplitCam does not, check:
SplitCam version
RTSP source configuration
Network connectivity
Video codec compatibility
SplitCam permissions
Camera stream settings
You can also try a lower-resolution camera stream if the higher-quality stream is not compatible.
Zoom or Google Meet Does Not Show SplitCam
Check whether SplitCam is running and displaying the camera feed.
Then:
Open the video settings.
Select the SplitCam virtual camera.
Check the preview.
Restart the application if necessary.
Make sure another application is not exclusively using the virtual camera.
Network and Security Recommendations
When using IP cameras, security should always be considered.
Use Strong Passwords
Create a unique and strong password for the camera.
Do not publish camera credentials in tutorials, screenshots, videos, or source code.
Keep Camera Firmware Updated
Use firmware provided by the camera manufacturer when updates are available.
Avoid Exposing the Camera Directly to the Internet
Whenever possible, use appropriate network security controls rather than unnecessarily exposing the camera's management interface or RTSP service to the public internet.
Use Authorized Cameras Only
Only configure and stream cameras that you own or have explicit permission to manage.
Protect Private Video
CCTV footage can contain sensitive information. Use appropriate access controls and follow applicable privacy and organizational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an IP camera with Zoom?
Yes. An IP camera can be used with Zoom when its video stream is converted into a video source that Zoom can recognize, such as a virtual camera.
Can I use an IP camera with Google Meet?
Yes. A compatible IP camera stream can be provided to Google Meet through a supported virtual-camera application.
What is RTSP?
RTSP stands for Real Time Streaming Protocol. It is commonly used by IP cameras and network video devices to provide live video streams over a network.
What is the difference between 101 and 102 in a Hikvision RTSP URL?
On many Hikvision cameras, 101 represents the main stream and 102 represents the sub stream. The exact stream structure can vary by model and firmware.
Why use the sub stream?
A sub stream generally requires less bandwidth than the main stream. This can make it useful for video conferencing when network bandwidth is limited.
Can other IP camera brands be used?
Yes. The same general concept can work with other manufacturers if the camera supports a compatible RTSP stream and the required software can decode it.
Conclusion
Using an IP CCTV camera with Zoom or Google Meet is possible by taking the camera's RTSP stream and making it available to the video-conferencing application through a compatible virtual-camera solution.
The basic process is:
IP Camera → RTSP → VLC/SplitCam → Virtual Camera → Zoom/Google Meet
This setup can be useful for online education, business meetings, technical demonstrations, equipment monitoring presentations, and other authorized video applications.
If you are troubleshooting your own IP camera, first verify that the RTSP stream works correctly in VLC. Once the stream is working, configure the virtual-camera software and then select that camera inside Zoom or Google Meet.
About This Tutorial
This article is provided for educational and authorized technical use.
Always protect camera credentials, private network information, and recorded/live video.
Website: doitek.net
YouTube: CCTV Networking Technical Support
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