Adding Cameras Through RTSP


For best results, we recommend using cameras on our officially supported list. We also understand that this isn’t always possible. Some installations need to make use of existing equipment or may have specialty cameras.
We offer RTSP as an option that allows adding cameras directly however it is not meant as a permanent solution. RTSP streams are unstable and we have limited troubleshooting options available if cameras are connected in this way. If ONVIF functionality is added in the future we can fully integrate the device for optimal configuration.

To add a camera through RTSP, we require a static IP for the camera and the RTSP URLs from the manufacturer. Although the RTSP protocol is standardized, the actual URLs for each device vary. Most brands include this information with the camera's documentation, however the installer may need to contact the manufacturer to gather this data. 

In the Eagle Eye interface:

When logged in as an administrator, enable RTSP cameras in Account Settings under Cameras.


Your Dashboard will show a yellow plus symbol in the top right of the Available Cameras section. Click on the plus symbol to add an RTSP camera.

Provide a static IP address for the camera along with the path section of the RTSP URL for the camera.

Ex.)

  • Eagle Eye Networks cameras: snl/live/1/1/Ux/
  • Axis Cameras: onvif-media/media.amp?profile=profile_name&sessiontimeout=60&streamtype=unicast
  • FLIR FC-348: ch0

The system will require two RTSP streams. The first will need to be configured as an H.264 format and the second set to MJPEG. We use the first stream for the full video while the second is intended for the preview stream.

Cameras added through RTSP will have different settings than ONVIF cameras. You can adjust the RTSP stream fields if necessary.

Specific settings, such as resolution, will need to be adjusted directly in the camera.