Installing CCTV cameras involves careful planning, proper installation, and proper equipment configuration. Below is a simplified guide to help you understand the process:

1. Site Planning and Survey

Identify key areas to monitor (entry points, doorways, hallways).

Decide on the number and type of cameras (wired, wireless, dome, bullet).

Draw a schematic showing camera locations and wiring.

Verify power supplies and internet connection (for remote access).

2. Gather Equipment

CCTV cameras (IP or analog)

DVR (digital video recorder) or NVR (network video recorder)

Monitor or smartphone for viewing

Power adapters, cables, connectors

Mounting brackets and tools (drill, screws, ladder)

3. Mounting the Cameras

Use brackets to attach the cameras to walls or ceilings.

Ensure unobstructed views and proper angles.

For outdoor cameras, use weatherproof housings.

4. Route and Connect Cables

Wired (DVR): Coaxial cables + power. Requires more drilling and cable management.
Wireless (NVR/IP): Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Easier setup, but requires a strong signal.
Connect the video and power cables to each camera.

Tidy the cables with conduit or cable ties.

5. Connect to the DVR/NVR and Monitor

Connect the camera cables to the DVR/NVR input ports.

Connect the DVR/NVR to the monitor via HDMI or VGA.

Power on the system and review the live feed.

6. Configure Settings

Set the date/time, resolution, and recording mode (motion detection or continuous).

Enable remote viewing via the app or browser (internet required).

Adjust camera angles and focus using the live view.

7. Test and finalize

Check the coverage and clarity of each camera.

Test the recording and playback functions.

Secure all connections and label cables for future maintenance.

1. Use a camera that supports RTSP or HTTP streaming

Most IP cameras (Dahua, Hikvision, CP Plus, TP-Link, EZVIZ, etc.) support RTSP or HTTP video streaming.

This means the camera sends the video over your local network or the internet, which your app can access.

Example RTSP link:

rtsp://username:password@camera_ip_address:port/streaming_path

2. Choose how to play the stream

On Android, you can’t play RTSP or HTTP video streams with regular VideoView.
You need a special video player library that supports live streaming.

Popular options:

ExoPlayer (Google library): Supports HTTP/HLS and RTSP streaming with some improvements.

VLC library for Android: Supports RTSP out of the box.

FFmpeg/LibVLC: Flexible, yet more powerful.

3. Add the player library to your app

Example of the VLC library (LibVLC) in Android Studio:

dependencies {
implementation ‘org.videolan.android:libvlc-all:3.4.4’
}

4. Use the player in your code

Example: Basic use of LibVLC for RTSP

import org.videolan.libvlc.LibVLC;
import org.videolan.libvlc.Media;
import org.videolan.libvlc.MediaPlayer;

LibVLC libVLC = new LibVLC(this);
MediaPlayer mediaPlayer = new MediaPlayer(libVLC);

SurfaceView videoSurface = findViewById(R.id.video_surface);
mediaPlayer.getVLCVout().setVideoView(videoSurface);
mediaPlayer.getVLCVout().attachViews();

String streamUrl = “rtsp://username:password@camera_ip/stream_path”;
Media media = new Media(libVLC, Uri.parse(streamUrl));
mediaPlayer.setMedia(media);
mediaPlayer.play();

5. Manage Network and Permissions

Add the INTERNET permission to the AndroidManifest.xml file:

<uses-permission android:name=”android.permission.INTERNET” />
Make sure your phone is connected to the same network or that the camera can be accessed via a public IP or DDNS.

6. Secure Your Camera

Never directly encrypt your username and password; use secure storage.

Use strong passwords on your camera.

If streaming over the internet, use secure RTSP (RTSPS) if supported.

7. Test the camera

Run the app and test the stream.

If the stream doesn’t load:

Check the RTSP URL.

Make sure the camera allows external connections.

Check your router/firewall if accessing remotely.

CCTV installation in India in 2025 typically costs between ₹25,000 and ₹2,50,000, depending on the complexity of the system. Small installations can cost between ₹40,000 and ₹80,000 per month, while large-scale commercial systems can range from ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,000,000. Costs vary depending on the camera type, storage, infrastructure, and city.