Back-Up Camera Basics
Safety beyond the driveway
Reverse cameras add safety and convenience to vehicles.
Reverse cameras add safety and convenience to vehicles.
Adding a Back-Up Camera
Back-up cameras (also called ‘reverse cameras’) come standard on many new cars and add a new level of safety when backing up in parking lots and driveways. If your vehicle does not have a factory-installed back-up camera, options for adding one include:
• Factory Camera Offered as an Option – Some vehicles have built-in electronics that support a back-up camera, even if this option was not originally included with the vehicle. This makes it possible to install a camera with a factory-like fit and finish. Even in these cases, a LCD monitor may be needed to view the camera image. If the vehicle has an existing video receiver, a video screen interface adapter can connect the camera’s video image to the screen.
• No Factory Camera Option - If the vehicle is not equipped to support a back-up camera, adding an aftermarket camera is still possible. There are wired and wireless camera options available, but both require an LCD monitor or in-dash video receiver to view the camera image.
• Factory Camera Offered as an Option – Some vehicles have built-in electronics that support a back-up camera, even if this option was not originally included with the vehicle. This makes it possible to install a camera with a factory-like fit and finish. Even in these cases, a LCD monitor may be needed to view the camera image. If the vehicle has an existing video receiver, a video screen interface adapter can connect the camera’s video image to the screen.
• No Factory Camera Option - If the vehicle is not equipped to support a back-up camera, adding an aftermarket camera is still possible. There are wired and wireless camera options available, but both require an LCD monitor or in-dash video receiver to view the camera image.
Back-Up Camera Options
There are many back-up camera options available that will fit just about any vehicle:
• Factory-Style Camera - This style is similar in appearance and installation to cameras that are factory-installed, and is intended for cars sold without a factory installed back-up camera. The actual location varies by vehicle application.
• Surface-mount Camera – This style is self-contained with mounting tabs or brackets that attach the camera to the vehicle using mounting screws. It is installed at the top of the hatch (on SUVs and hatchbacks) or under the license plate light housing.
• Flush-Mount Camera - This style is installed into an existing or custom drilled hole allowing the camera to fit ‘flush’ into the vehicle body, rear light housing, or trunk lid.
• License Plate Mount Camera - This style is built into a license plate frame or an attachment to the existing license plate mount. This style is installed by replacing the existing license plate bracket and does not require drilling holes.
• Factory-Style Camera - This style is similar in appearance and installation to cameras that are factory-installed, and is intended for cars sold without a factory installed back-up camera. The actual location varies by vehicle application.
• Surface-mount Camera – This style is self-contained with mounting tabs or brackets that attach the camera to the vehicle using mounting screws. It is installed at the top of the hatch (on SUVs and hatchbacks) or under the license plate light housing.
• Flush-Mount Camera - This style is installed into an existing or custom drilled hole allowing the camera to fit ‘flush’ into the vehicle body, rear light housing, or trunk lid.
• License Plate Mount Camera - This style is built into a license plate frame or an attachment to the existing license plate mount. This style is installed by replacing the existing license plate bracket and does not require drilling holes.
Evaluate Camera OptionsFeatures to consider when choosing a camera include:
• Video Quality – Back-up cameras use either CMOS or CCD image sensors. CCD image sensors offer the best image quality because the sensors operate in a wide range of lighting conditions. CMOS image sensors are less costly but have lower image quality. The main advantage of CCD-based cameras in a car is they are less susceptible to noise and interference, which appears as lines in the screen or a blurry picture. • Night Vision - Infrared (IR) cameras can detect longer wavelength light outside the visible light range. This allows IR cameras to provide better imaging in dark conditions than normal cameras. IR cameras are physically larger to accommodate the ring of IR LEDs around the camera lens. • Wiring - Wired back-up cameras have a few common installation considerations: o Power Connections – Most back-up cameras require a wired power and chassis ground connection. This is usually provided by connecting the camera wires to the vehicle’s reverse light wiring and a metal ground point on the body of the vehicle in the trunk/hatch area. o Video Signal – The video signal wiring is run to the front of the vehicle where the driver’s video monitor is mounted. For many cameras, the video wire is a composite video (yellow RCA) connection. Some cameras use a multi-pin cable that contains both power and video signal, which eliminates the need for additional wiring connections in the trunk. |
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o Wireless Camera Systems – Wireless systems uses a camera installed in the rear of the vehicle and a receiving module installed in the dash area. The camera still requires power and chassis ground connections to the vehicle electrical system in the trunk/hatch area. However, the image is then transmitted wirelessly to the receiving module. Compared with wired cameras, the image quality is more susceptible to noise and interference from the vehicle electrical system and other nearby radio frequency signals, such as Bluetooth, GPS, AM/FM, Satellite Radio (if installed) and cellular frequencies.
• Install Tip - Installing the receiving module closer to the camera delivers a better picture with less chance of interference. Use a video output cable to connect the receiving module to the display screen.
• Install Tip - Installing the receiving module closer to the camera delivers a better picture with less chance of interference. Use a video output cable to connect the receiving module to the display screen.
Screen Options for Viewing the Camera Image
If the vehicle lacks an existing video screen with an available video input, you will need to purchase a stand-alone in-dash or on-dash video/LCD monitor. Many video receivers have video inputs designed for adding a back-up camera.
• Existing screen in the dash - This option usually requires a video signal interface adapter specific to the year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle. The interface connects the specific wiring and circuitry behind the dash with the camera. In some cases, the interface reprograms the factory computer to recognize and power the camera. This is the most factory-like option (if available), but it is also more costly and complex. Consider professional installation with this approach.
• Video receiver with screen - Many video receivers are capable of displaying an auxiliary or dedicated back-up camera video signal. Installation often requires only a few wires. This makes adding a back-up camera an easy upgrade.
• Rear view mirror with screen - Adding an aftermarket rear view mirror with a built-in LCD screen is a good option if an in-dash screen is not available. This option preserves the dashboard, and some models provide additional features like built-in GPS navigation and Bluetooth hands-free functionality.
• Stand-alone video screen - Adding a video monitor to receive the back-up camera input is another option. This requires finding a suitable location, typically on the dash or attached to the windshield, for the LCD monitor and mounting it in a manner that does not impede the driver’s view. Some portable GPS navigation devices have an AUX video input to add back-up camera. Some back-up camera systems include an LCD monitor as a part of a complete package.
• Mirror Image - If the back-up camera does not display a 180-degree reversed image (sometimes called ‘mirror image’), select a display method that reverses the image on the screen. This is a minor, but important detail when installing ‘universal’ cameras, which may not be manufactured with back-up camera application in mind.
• Existing screen in the dash - This option usually requires a video signal interface adapter specific to the year, make, model and trim level of the vehicle. The interface connects the specific wiring and circuitry behind the dash with the camera. In some cases, the interface reprograms the factory computer to recognize and power the camera. This is the most factory-like option (if available), but it is also more costly and complex. Consider professional installation with this approach.
• Video receiver with screen - Many video receivers are capable of displaying an auxiliary or dedicated back-up camera video signal. Installation often requires only a few wires. This makes adding a back-up camera an easy upgrade.
• Rear view mirror with screen - Adding an aftermarket rear view mirror with a built-in LCD screen is a good option if an in-dash screen is not available. This option preserves the dashboard, and some models provide additional features like built-in GPS navigation and Bluetooth hands-free functionality.
• Stand-alone video screen - Adding a video monitor to receive the back-up camera input is another option. This requires finding a suitable location, typically on the dash or attached to the windshield, for the LCD monitor and mounting it in a manner that does not impede the driver’s view. Some portable GPS navigation devices have an AUX video input to add back-up camera. Some back-up camera systems include an LCD monitor as a part of a complete package.
• Mirror Image - If the back-up camera does not display a 180-degree reversed image (sometimes called ‘mirror image’), select a display method that reverses the image on the screen. This is a minor, but important detail when installing ‘universal’ cameras, which may not be manufactured with back-up camera application in mind.
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When to Consider Professional InstallationBefore attempting any DIY installation, assess your comfort level with the installation of electronics and mechanics of your vehicle.
Consider a professional installer if: 1. You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels. 2. You do not have a suitable work area available. 3. You do not have the recommended tools for the job. 4. You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model. Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs. Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type. |
THANKS: amazon.com