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Set up RTSP streaming

RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) allows you to stream live video feeds over a network, making it easy to integrate with third-party applications, such as smart homes, video management systems and websites. This is an advanced feature for users with specific technical requirements and some networking knowledge. If you’re a regular user looking to access live video remotely, we recommend using our PC software or smartphone app.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure the recorder is connected to the internet.
  • Have a computer on the same network as the recorder to test the RTSP stream.

Step 1: assign a static IP address to the recorder (optional)

To keep the recorder accessible at the same network address and prevent network issues, we recommend assigning a static IP address:

Use the recorder (with a monitor and mouse)
  1. Move your cursor to the bottom edge of the screen to reveal the menu bar.
  2. In the bottom-left corner, click the menu icon  .
  3. Click Settings and unlock the recorder if prompted.
  4. Go to Network > General.
  5. Unselect the DHCP checkbox to disable dynamic IP.
  6. Enter a static IP. Consult your network administrator if you’re unsure which one to use.
  7. Click Apply to save your changes.
Use the PC software
  1. At the top of the application window, click the recorder settings icon  .
  2. Go to Network > General.
  3. Click the DHCP toggle to disable dynamic IP.
  4. Enter a static IP. Consult your network administrator if you’re unsure which one to use.
  5. Click the Save button.
Use the smartphone app
  1. Tap the menu icon  .
  2. Go to Recorder settings and select your recorder.
  3. Depending on your recorder type, go to:
    • Network, or
    • Network > Network > General.
  4. Tap the DHCP toggle to disable dynamic IP.
  5. Enter a static IP. Consult your network administrator if you’re unsure which one to use.
  6. In the top-right corner, tap Save or the save icon  .

If your network doesn't support IPv6 and you see the message “Incorrect IPv6 parameters”, set the IPv6 address and gateway to 2000::1.

Step 2: create the RTSP URL

To create an RTSP URL that can be used to view the live camera feed, use this format:

 rtsp://IP:80/rtsp/streaming?channel=CHANNEL&subtype=STREAM

Replace each part as follows:

  • IP: IP address of the recorder.
  • CHANNEL: two-digit channel number (e.g., 01 for camera one, 02 for camera two).
  • STREAM: 0 for mainstream (high quality) or 1 for substream (low bandwidth).

Example:

rtsp://192.168.1.123:80/rtsp/streaming?channel=02&subtype=1

Step 3: test the RTSP stream

  • Open a media player that supports RTSP streaming, such as VLC media player.
  • Go to File > Open Network Stream (or a similar option).
  • Paste your RTSP URL into the Network URL field.
  • Click Play.
  • Enter the recorder’s login credentials when prompted.

If everything is set up correctly, you should see the live video feed. If not, double-check the RTSP URL, IP address, and credentials.

For integrations that don’t support entering authentication details separately, you can include them directly in the URL, like this:

rtsp://USERNAME:PASSWORD@192.168.1.123:80/rtsp/streaming?channel=02&subtype=1

When using RTSP in production environments, we recommend creating a separate user account with view-only permissions for the individual camera being streamed, adding an extra layer of security.

Step 4: enable port forwarding (optional)

To access the RTSP stream from outside your local network, set up port forwarding on your router to direct external traffic to the recorder.

  1. Consult your network administrator if you're unsure how to configure port forwarding. Ensure the forward points to the recorder's local IP address and port 80.
  2. Once port forwarding is set up, update the RTSP URL with the external IP address and port.
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