Overview

This article outlines how to stream RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) from a UVC camera.

 
NOTES & REQUIREMENTS:
  • For airCams (screenshots not shown), firmware v1.2 is required.
  • For UVCs and UVC-G3s, firmware v3.2 or newer is required.
  • A 3rd party program that supports RTSP is required.
  • For best results configure the client device to prioritize TCP connections via RTP over RTSP.
    • As an example, on VLC this can be enabled in the following locations:
      • Windows: Preferences > Input / Output Codecs > RTP over RTSP (TCP)
      • macOS: Preferences > Show All > Input /Codecs > Demuxers >
        RTP/RTSP > Use RTP over RTSP (TCP)

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Steps: How to do RTSP Directly from the Camera
  3. Related Articles

 Introduction

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In the current versions of UniFi Video and Ubiquiti cameras, there are three supported configurations:

  1. UniFi Video: all configuration, streaming and recording is done via the UniFi Video interface.
  2. RTSP: all configuration is done from the camera's web interface. Streaming and recording is done via a third party program that supports RTSP.
  3. UniFi Video & RTSP: within the UniFi Video interface, RTSP can be enabled. In this case, the video is streamed to the UniFi Video interface and then can be re-streamed back out to a third party program. To enable, go to Cameras > Select Camera > Manage > RTSP and tap the toggle to enable.  The RTSP URL will appear when it is enabled. Copy that into your third party program.

This article outlines option number 2. For demonstration purposes, VLC player is used as the 3rd party program.

Steps: How to do RTSP Directly from the Camera

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1. Connect the camera to the network as outlined in the Quick Start Guide (QSG) that came with your camera. QSG's current versions are also downloadable https://www.ui.com/products/#default","UBNT Products page")">in the Downloads page, within each product's Documentation section.

2. Update the camera's firmware to the newest available (also found in the https://www.ui.com/products/#default","UBNT Products page")">Downloads page).

3. Log in to the camera.

a. On a new install, the wizard will appear. Select Standalone mode.

b. If this camera is already in use, go to the Configure tab and ensure it is set to Standalone mode and Save.

4. Change any settings if desired, save, then copy the RTSP URL.

5. Copy the RTSP URL into the third party program.

6. Enable RTSP authentication (password protected stream) if desired at the bottom of that screen.

Enter the credentials when prompted in the third party program. Not all programs will necessarily support this feature or may be formatted differently.