This website requires JavaScript.
Last Updated · February 19, 2024

How to Easily Connect a Webcam to a Smart TV for Video Calls?

webcam to tv

There has been a shoot-up in the number of individuals all over the globe working from home. It increases the need to discover methods to maintain communication with others. Television is one method used to accomplish this goal. Television, as we know it today, has long since expanded well beyond the capabilities of a simple broadcast program. With the advancements in technology, you can now use your TV to connect with loved ones and friends through instant messaging platforms such as Zoom and Skype. However, to make video calls on your TV, you will need to connect a webcam to your smart TV first.

Most modern smart TVs come with input for connecting a camera, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a larger screen while participating in video calls. In this article, we will show you how to easily connect a webcam to a smart TV in just a few minutes.

What Do You Need to Prepare?

Look into a few things before connecting your webcam to the TV.

1. Connection Cable

To begin with, you need to make sure that your smart TV has a connection open for a USB or HDMI input. Newer smart TVs should have a USB port for connecting USB devices.

Option 1: Smart TV Has a USB Input

If the TV connection supports USB input, things will be easier. Ensure your webcam is compatible with your TV and has a USB cable plugged into the TV's USB port.

Option 2: Smart TV Has an HDMI Input

If the TV connection supports HDMI input, you need an HDMI adapter to transcode it, as most webcams are USB connections. OBSBOT UVC to HDMI Adapter is one of the best choices. It provides HDMI connectivity for OBSBOT webcams and other USB-C UVC webcams, supporting popular VESA standard resolutions up to 4K Video transcoded to HDMI for superior visual performance.

Key Features:

  • Superb 4K UVC to HDMI conversion
  • Plug and Play
  • Low Latency
  • OBSBOT Remote Control Support
  • Firmware Upgrade Support

2. Internet Connection and Video Call Software

The last item to look for is a stable internet connection and an app allowing you to make video calls on your TV such as Zoom, Skype, etc. Once you have the above items ready, you should be able to connect the webcam to your smart TV and use it for video calls.

How to Hook Your Webcam Up to a Smart TV?

Now follow these steps to connect a webcam to your television and begin video chatting.

Step 1: Connect the camera to your smart TV's empty USB/HDMI input port using a USB/HDMI cable.connect webcam to tv

Step 2: Power on your TV and press the Source or Input button on your TV remote.

Step 3: Cycle through all the input sources until your camera picture appears on your smart TV screen.

Step 4: Adjust the camera to see yourself on your smart TV screen.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the webcam to the Internet.

Step 6: If your TV has a built-in video call app, open the app and check if your webcam has been successfully detected and connected. If not, you may need to adjust the settings in the app.

Step 7: If you're planning to use a third-party video calling app like Zoom or Skype, ensure that the app is compatible with your TV. Once you have the app open on your TV, you should be able to make and receive video calls using your webcam.

Note:
Some TVs might require additional settings before connecting the webcam, please check the user manual of your TV if you have trouble connecting the webcam.

Bonus Tip: The Best 4K PTZ Webcam for TVs

With the continuous update of the technology, the new generation of webcams has become more advanced. If the image quality from your current webcam is not satisfactory or if it is incompatible with your TV, you can consider investing in a high-quality webcam. It will greatly improve your video calling experience on the TV.

Here we would like to recommend the OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam. It's an AI-powered PTZ 4K webcam, featuring Voice Control and Gesture Control. With 4K ultra high-definition picture quality and wide-angle lens, it is the perfect choice for connecting to a TV for video calls.

Here is what makes the OBSBOT Tiny 2 stand out:

  • 4K Ultra HD with HDR: OBSBOT Tiny 2 is allowing it to record 4K/30 fps and 1080p/60 fps videos. You can also enable the beauty mode on the OBSBOT Center (Formerly OBSBOT WebCam) software to make your face sharper and brighter in low-light environments.
  • AI Auto Tracking with Auto-framing: Featured with a powerful AI tracking algorithm, OBSBOT Tiny 2 will track the target smoothly and stably and always keep it focused on the center of the image.
  • 4K Faster Focus: With the new All-Pixel Auto Focus technology, every pixel over the 100-megapixel sensor surface provides accurate and 4x faster focusing, even in dim light.
  • Voice Control: The Tiny 2 has a voice control function that allows for hands-free operation, making it easy to adjust the camera angle while doing activities with a hand gesture.
  • Magical Gesture Control: You can easily control the OBSBOT Tiny 2 with three simple gestures.
  • Dual-native ISO CMOS: The Tiny 2 has a 1/1.5" dual-native ISO CMOS that can deliver 4K video in improved HDR, making it well-suited to coping with low and bright light.

To hook the OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam to your TV, you can use the magnetic mount that comes with the webcam. It is adjustable and helps to attach the device to a display. 

Tips for Making Video Calls on TV

There are many tips for making a video call on television using a camera. However, we picked the five best that will help you improve your video calls on TV.

1. In video calls, raise your hand when you want to speak.

The first rule of video calls is a simple one. You should devise a formal but simple method for passing the conversation on to the next participant. Otherwise, participants struggle to know when to speak. It can feel impolite to interrupt, but if you don't, you may vanish because a two-dimensional image is not the same to our brains as a natural person. Unless remote participants assert themselves from time to time, the other meeting attendees may forget they are present. However, doing so can appear arbitrary, clumsy, or overly aggressive.

2. Before video meetings, prepare a plan.

For effective video conversations, prepare a plan, mainly if the meeting will take more than 10 minutes, and stick to it. A meeting agenda allows participants to prepare their contributions, which helps to balance out participation levels. It is beneficial to delegate responsibility for leading an agenda item to other team members rather than keeping it all to oneself. If your remote team meets regularly, rotate who is in charge of putting out a call for agenda items and leading the meeting.

3. All video calls should begin with an audiovisual check.

Because individuals are sometimes too polite to raise communication concerns on their end, you should start with an audiovisual equipment check-in around the participants to identify any local issues that may affect the call, such as timing issues. Remember that your energy levels will vary if you work from various time zones. Most of us have more energy in the morning and less later in the day - but not all of us.

4. To mediate, choose a video call facilitator.

Create a new job, a meeting facilitator, to act as a referee and coach for video conferencing, ensuring that all participants feel heard. The facilitator's job is to maintain track of the conversation at a level that everyone feels comfortable with and to ensure everyone's opinion is heard. If possible, the facilitator may also assist you in summarizing points, comparing people's points of view, noting actions to do, ensuring that the plan is followed, and doing any other work necessary to keep the meeting on track.

5. Use a proper webcam.

You should use the right camera for your video calls to get the most out of it. Many webcams have poor image quality and tiny viewing areas. If you operate from a mobile location, look for a conference camera with a wider-angle lens, high-quality video, and audio, that is portable.

Some of the best webcams for TV are Logitech StreamCam, Logitech Brio 4K, and our recommended OBSBOT Tiny 2. These high-end cameras will ensure you have a smooth and successful video call.

FAQs About Webcam to TVs

1. Do smart TVs have webcams? 

Smart TVs generally do not come with built-in webcams. However, there are some models that offer the option to connect an external webcam for video conferencing or other purposes.

2. Can a webcam be connected to a smart TV?

Yes, you can connect a webcam to a smart TV as long as the TV has USB ports or HDMI ports. You can connect the webcam using a compatible cable and adjust the TV settings to recognize the webcam as a video input source.

3. What's the best webcam for TVs?

Here are a few highly recommended webcams that are compatible with TVs:

  • OBSBOT Tiny 2
  • Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
  • Microsoft LifeCam Studio
  • Razer Kiyo
  • Logitech Brio Ultra HD Webcam
  • Jabra PanaCast

Remember to check the compatibility of the webcam with your specific TV model before making a purchase.

Conclusion

There are many reasons to use the best webcam for smart TVs. After connecting the camera, you can begin making video calls within a few minutes since the setup should be pretty simple for most people.

It would be best if you did some research beforehand to ensure that you know which app you would like to use with other people. Also, ensure the app is available for your smart TV or gaming console. Connecting the webcam for the Android TV box and starting up should be quick and painless.