An RTSP URL is a specific type of URL used to access live video streams from IP cameras. It's a crucial part of connecting and viewing video feeds from these devices and is what the Brownrice streaming servers use to pull one video stream from your cameras.
The general format for an RTSP URL is: rtsp://username:password@ip_address:port/server_URL.
How do you find your camera's RTSP URL? Here are a few options:
- Use our ChatGPT transcript to get started: https://chatgpt.com/share/6838d458-5970-8012-a77f-fb3f390c8102 and then enter your camera make and model and IP address at the bottom of the chat and ChatGPT will likely be able to give you its RTSP URL.
- Consult your device's manual:
The user manual for your camera or NVR should provide information on how to find the RTSP URL, often including specific examples.
- ChatGTP "I have an Axis 504 camera and it lives at this public IP address. Please tell me what my RTSP URL is." And ChatGPT should give you the answer.
- Google "Camera make and model RTSP URL" (replace Camera make and model with your camera's make and model) will often lead you to the RTSP URL.
Test it! Once you feel like you've found your ip camera's RTSP URL, you can then test that it actually works with our RTSP URL tester at: https://brownrice.com/webcam_rtsp_test
Example RTSP URL:
rtsp://admin:password@208.188.111.111:554/axis-media/media.amp
(This example uses an Axis camera's default RTSP URL and a fake, public IP address).
Important notes:
- Usually you'll need to forward port 554 from the internet to your camera's LAN IP address in order for the RTSP URL to work. Port forwarding instructions are here..
- Some devices might have different stream types (e.g., main stream, sub-stream), which can affect the URL.
- It's always a good idea to secure your RTSP streams with strong authentication credentials.
- Feel free to contact us and we'll help you figure this out!