What is the URL format for RTSP Hikvision?
In this post, we will cover the current RTSP unicast streaming format for Hikvision NVRs, network cameras, and network PTZ cameras. Please note that RTSP streaming is not supported by vehicle-mounted recorders. We'll provide examples and a general guide to help you set up and manage your streams effectively.
Understanding RTSP
The Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is a network control protocol designed for use in entertainment and communication systems to control streaming media servers. It is used to establish and control media sessions between end points. Clients use RTSP to issue commands like play, pause, and record.
Difference Between Unicast and Multicast
- Unicast: In a unicast setup, each client (viewer) establishes a separate connection to the server. This is useful for on-demand streaming and provides a dedicated stream for each viewer, ensuring higher quality and reliability.
- Multicast: In a multicast setup, the server sends a single stream that multiple clients can join. This method is more efficient for broadcasting live streams to multiple viewers, as it conserves bandwidth by sharing the same stream among all clients.
Benefits of Using RTSP
- Flexibility: RTSP allows you to control media playback and supports various types of media servers and clients.
- Scalability: It can handle a large number of clients, making it suitable for both small and large-scale deployments.
- Interoperability: RTSP is compatible with a wide range of devices and software, ensuring that your streaming setup can work with different platforms and applications.
RTSP Format for Hikvision Cameras
For most Hikvision devices, the RTSP format follows this structure:
rtsp://username:password@IP:554/Streaming/Channels/101
NVR Streaming Examples
Main Stream Preview of the First Channel
To access the main stream preview of the first channel on your NVR, use the following RTSP link:
rtsp://admin:hik12345@10.16.4.25:554/Streaming/Channels/101
Sub Stream Preview of the First Channel
For the sub stream preview of the first channel, use this link:
rtsp://admin:hik12345@10.16.4.25:554/Streaming/Channels/102
Third Stream Preview of the First Channel
To view the third stream preview of the first channel, use the following link:
rtsp://admin:hik12345@10.16.4.25:554/Streaming/Channels/103
Main Stream Preview of the Twelfth Channel
For the main stream preview of the twelfth channel, use this link:
rtsp://admin:hik12345@10.16.4.25:554/Streaming/Channels/1201
Network Camera and PTZ Camera Streaming Examples
URL for Main Stream
To access the main stream of your network camera or network PTZ camera, use this RTSP URL:
rtsp://admin:hik123456@192.168.1.64:554/Streaming/Channels/101
RTSP Unicast Path
If you prefer unicast streaming, the path structure includes the 'transportmode=unicast' parameter. Here’s the format you should use:
rtsp://username:password@IP:554/Streaming/Channels/101?transportmode=unicast
Unicast Streaming Example for NVR
Main Stream Preview of the First Channel
To view the main stream preview of the first channel with unicast, use the following link:
rtsp://admin:hik12345@10.16.4.25:554/Streaming/Channels/101?transportmode=unicast
Additional Unicast and Multicast Examples
(Unicast)
For a unicast stream, use this example:
rtsp://admin:12345@172.6.22.106:554/Streaming/Channels/102?transportmode=unicast
Multicast
For a multicast stream, use the following link:
rtsp://admin:12345@172.6.22.106:554/Streaming/Channels/102?transportmode=multicast
Default to Unicast
If you prefer to omit the ?transportmode parameter, it will default to unicast. Here’s an example:
rtsp://admin:12345@172.6.22.106:554/Streaming/Channels/102
By following these formats and examples, you can easily set up and manage RTSP streaming from your Hikvision devices, ensuring robust and reliable surveillance coverage.
