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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.

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# 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.

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# 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.

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# 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: 554

These 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:

554

However, 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/102

Important

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 Stream

The 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/102

Click 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/102

Save 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 Conference

This 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:

  1. Open the video settings.

  2. Select the SplitCam virtual camera.

  3. Check the preview.

  4. Restart the application if necessary.

  5. 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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