Why to connect a webcam to a Xiaomi TV and what you need
Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Google TV They support external webcams, but not all users know how to do it correctly. The main use cases are video calls via Zoom or Skype, streaming on the Internet. YouTube/Twitch, But there's a caveat: not every camera is firmware compatible with a smart home. MIUI TV, Some functions require manual adjustment.
In this article, we will discuss 5 Working methods of connection โ from simple USB-Connect before using wireless adapters, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors such as the lack of images or problems with drivers. TV 4S/5/5X/6 Redmi Smart TV, Because their firmware has unique limitations, if your TV is released before 2020 Some of the methods may not work, we will talk about this too.
Before you start, check: 1 Your TV should be on Android TV 9.0+ (How to find out the version: Settings โ On TV. โ Software version). 2) The webcam should support UVC-Protocol (most modern models from Logitech, A4Tech Xiaomi Mi Webcam is suitable. 3) Wi-Fi adapter or Mi Home Hub (if the camera is smart) will be required for wireless connection).
Method 1: Connecting the webcam through USB (simpler)
This is the basic variant that works on most Xiaomi TVs with a port. USB 2.0/3.0. Suitable for Plug & Play-enabled cameras (like Logitech) C920 Xiaomi Mi Webcam 1080p). The main advantage is that you do not need additional adapters or programs.
Step-by-step:
- ๐ Connect the camera to the free one. USB-port on the TV (it is better to use the rear port - it is more stable to eat).
- ๐บ Turn on the TV and wait for the notification "New Discovered" USB-Device" (if not, go to Settings โ Devices โ USB).
- ๐ Launch an app that will use the camera (e.g. Google Duo or Zoom for the camera). TV). In the application settings, select the connected camera as the video source.
- ๐ If the image does not appear, restart the TV with the camera connected (sometimes the driver is loaded only after the reboot).
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware older MIUI TV 3.0 (released through 2021) USB-The cameras may be unstable due to lack of full support. UVC 1.1.In this case, try to update the software or use it. HDMI-entrance (method 2).
Camera supports UVC-protocol
USB-Original cable (not damaged)
Port port USB It is good on the TV (check the flash drive)
TV Updated to the latest version of the software-->
Method 2: Use of the HDMI-Entrance (for professional cameras)
If your webcam has an exit HDMI (Like Sony. ZV-1 or Canon EOS clean HDMI), It can be connected directly to the TV via the appropriate port, which gives you better picture quality. 4K@30fps), It requires additional equipment:
- ๐ฅ Clean-supported camera HDMI-exit (without overlays of menus).
- ๐ Cable HDMI 2.0 (for permission above) 1080p).
- โก Power supply for the camera (if it does not have a built-in battery).
How to connect:
- Connect the camera and the TV HDMI-cable (use the port) HDMI IN TV).
- On the Xiaomi remote, click the Source (or Input) button and select the appropriate one. HDMI-port.
- Turn on the camera Clean mode HDMI Output (usually done in the camera settings menu).
- If the image doesn't show up, check if your TV supports external sources without delay (on some Redmi models). TV You need to turn on Game Mode in the screen settings).
โ ๏ธ Note: With this connection, the camera microphone will not work โ the sound will have to be transmitted separately via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm audio input (if it is on your Xiaomi model).
What cameras support Clean HDMI?
Method 3: Wireless Wi-Fi connection (for smart cameras)
If your webcam supports Wi-Fi Direct or works over the cloud (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera) 2K), It can be connected to a TV without wires, and it's convenient for video surveillance or calls, but it requires a stable Internet connection.
Instructions for Xiaomi Mi Home cameras:
- Install the Mi Home app on your TV (available from Google Play Store on Android) TV).
- Connect your camera to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV (via the Mi Home app on your smartphone).
- In the Mi Home app on TV, log in under the same Xiaomi account as on your smartphone.
- Select your camera from the device list โ the video stream should appear on the screen.
For other Wi-Fi cameras (e.g. TP-Link Tapo) C200):
- ๐ Use a browser on your TV (like Google Chrome) and go to IP-camera address (you can find it through the manufacturer's application).
- ๐ Enter the username/password from the camera (usually by default) admin/admin).
- ๐น In the web interface of the camera, find the Live View tab or RTSP Stream.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Wireless connectivity adds 1โ3 seconds latency, which is critical for streaming or calls. Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi to minimize lag or connect the camera via Ethernet cable (if the model supports the lag).
Po Po Po USB (simple and secure)
Po Po Po HDMI (maximum quality)
Wi-Fi (no wires)
Through Mi Home (for a smart home)-->
Method 4: Connecting through USB-hub OTG-adapter
If you only have one Xiaomi TV on your TV USB-port, and it is busy (for example, a flash drive or keyboard), you can use USB-It also solves the power shortage for backlit or autofocus cameras.
What you need:
- ๐ Active. USB-hub (network-powered) 5V/2A, For example, Anker. 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub).
- ๐ OTG-Adapter (if the hub does not directly approach the TV port).
- ๐ก Camera that consumes no more than 500 mA (otherwise you need a powered hub).
How to connect:
- Connect the hub to USB-TV port (if necessary, via the OTG-adapter).
- Connect the camera to the hub, and the hub itself to the outlet (if it is powered).
- Reboot the TV by holding the power button on the remote for 10 seconds (this will reset the cache) USB-device).
- Check the camera performance in the app (like Google Meet).
Critical nuance: Xiaomi TVs with Amlogic chipset S905 (2018-2020 models may not recognize hubs without external power. Check the processor model in Settings โ On TV. โ Hardware information.
๐ก
If the camera is not detected through the hub, try connecting it directly to the TV and then back to the hub, which sometimes helps you remember the driver.
Method 5: Connect via Capture Card (for streamers and gamers)
If you plan to use the TV as a monitor for streaming from a PC or console, and the camera as a source of overlay (picture-in-picture), you will need a video capture card (for example, Elgato Cam Link). 4K Or AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra, which is harder than most, but gives you the most flexibility.
Equipment required:
| Component | Model/characteristics | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Capture map. | Elgato Cam Link 4K or AVerMedia GC573 | Supports 4K@30fps or 1080p@60fps |
| Camera. | Any with HDMI/Clean Output (e.g. Sony) A6400) | The microphone will have to be connected separately. |
| Cables. | HDMI 2.0 (for) 4K) or USB-C 3.1 (to connect the card to the TV) | Cable length not exceeding 3 meters |
| Nutrition | Power supply for the camera (if there is no built-in battery) | Some cameras require Dummy Battery to work from the network |
Connection diagram:
- Connect the camera to the capture card via HDMI.
- Connect the capture card to USB-TV port (or hub if there are not enough ports).
- On TV in Settings โ Devices โ USB Select the capture card as the source of the video.
- In a streaming app (like Streamlabs on PC), add a source from the capture card.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 10+ Capture cards may not work properly due to limitations USB Video Class (UVC). In this case, use an intermediate PC to process video, and on the TV broadcast the screen via Miracast or Google Cast.
๐ก
Capture Card is the only way to bring video from the camera to Xiaomi TV in resolution 4K But it requires an extra PC or console.
Solving typical problems when connecting a webcam
Even if you do everything according to the instructions, there may be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: The TV cannot see the camera through the camera. USB.
- ๐ Check the cable and port (try plugging in the flash drive โ if itโs not detected, the port is faulty).
- ๐ Restart the TV with a connected camera (hold the power button for 15 seconds for a full reset).
- ๐ Update the TV firmware (path: Settings) โ On TV. โ Updating the system).
- ๐ ๏ธ If the camera requires drivers, connect it to the PC and install the software from the manufacturerโs website, then reconnect to the TV.
Problem 2: The image is there, but it is laggy or interrupted.
- ๐ถ If you connect to Wi-Fi, switch to 5 GHz or use a cable.
- ๐ Check the power of the camera (lack of power leads to artifacts).
- ๐ฎ In the settings of the TV, turn off Game Mode (it may conflict with the Game Mode). USB-device).
- ๐ Reduce the resolution of the camera in its settings (for example, with the camera). 1080p before 720p).
Problem 3: Apps (Zoom, Skype) canโt see the camera.
- ๐ Close the application and run again (sometimes you need to restart).
- ๐ฑ Install an alternative app (e.g. Google Duo instead of Zoom).
- ๐ ๏ธ In Android settings TV Give the app permission to access the camera: Settings โ Annexes โ [Title of the annex] โ Permits.
- ๐ง If the camera is connected through HDMI, In the application, manually select the source of the video (usually the option "External Camera").