DIY: Home Security Systems

Decide on the location to place your security camera. Set up the tripod. Screw the tripod socket in the bottom of the security camera into the screw on the top of the tripod.

Plug the security camera's power cord into a wall outlet for power. Connect an extension cord between the camera's power cord and the wall outlet if the distance is too great.

Aim the lens of the camera so that it faces toward the area you want monitored.

Screw an end of the coaxial video cable into the video output connector on the camera. Run the video cable over to the TV.

Place the video receiver next to the TV. Plug the receiver's power cord into a wall outlet. Screw the free end of the coaxial video cable into the video input connector on the receiver.

Insert one end of a video cable (a.k.a., "Composite" video cable) into the video output on the receiver. Insert the other end into a video input on the back or side panel of the TV.

Turn the TV on with its remote. Press "Menu," followed by "System," followed by "Video." Select the "Video input" that the video cable is connected to. Press the "Menu" button to exit the settings.

Turn the receiver on. If the receiver is able to switch between more than one camera, rotate the selector knob or slide the selector switch -- depending on the receiver's make -- to select the input for the camera that sends a video picture to the TV.