Why Use RTSP or ONVIF?

 

Most cameras from Tapo that are designed to use a hardwired power connection, whether through Micro-USB, USB-C, or an AC Adapter, are compatible with RTSP and ONVIF – allowing you to use them to monitor your home from outside of the Tapo ecosystem – given the correct credentials. Most often, these features are used to record your footage to some sort of networked storage.

 

What is RTSP?

RTSP, or Real Time Streaming Protocol, manages and distributes media streams within a network environment. This protocol is not exclusively reserved for cameras, and is often used for streaming media and videos throughout the network. RTSP also provides a baseline functionality for controlling a media stream (play, pause, resume).

 

What is ONVIF?

ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is actually an organization working to provide seamless and interoperable video streams on your network.  They support multiple standards to help standardize video streams on networks. In particular, Tapo cameras will use ONVIF Profile S.

 

RTSP is one of the underlying technologies and standards used to provide ONVIF, which allows for increased control and monitoring of your cameras, rather than simply providing a video stream on your network.  When using an ONVIF Stream you may have additional control over your devices, as RTSP only handles the video feed on the network.

 

Essentially, RTSP is the Video Stream on Your Local Network; ONVIF is the Protocol Used for Managing and Interacting with IP Cameras

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We recommend checking out the Homepage for ONVIF at www.onvif.org  for details on the features and goals of ONVIF – as they encompass more than simple Smart Home cameras and NVRs.

 

Learn How to Configure the RTSP Streams for your Tapo Cameras in our FAQ

(including Ports and both HQ and LQ streams):

 

How to View a Tapo Camera on a PC through RTSP (VLC Media Player)

 Which Tapo Cameras Support RTSP and ONVIF?

ONVIF and RTSP are only available on Tapo Cameras with a wired power connection (not including solar connections). Please ensure you check your device’s user guide and data sheet for ONVIF/RTSP compatibility before purchasing a camera for use with RTSP.

 

 

Note: Some devices may not be listed on the official site despite working with the features, as devices may follow the ONVIF specification but are still awaiting official certification from the organization. If you are unsure of compatibility please feel free to reach out to our team.

 

See our Full Lineup of Tapo Cameras Here

 

 

Important Note: Tapo Care’s Cloud Storage cannot be used simultaneously with NVR or a microSD card due to the limited number of video streams supported by each model.

Attempting to enable all three storage methods simultaneously will disable the camera account and prevent recording to the NVR. Remove the SD card from the camera to restore the camera account’s functionality

 

 

General Questions:

Why Do Not All TP-Link Cameras Support RTSP or 24/7 Recording?

As a rule of thumb, if the camera is battery-powered the device will not be using ONVIF/RTSP to help save power and extend its battery life.

If these features were added to battery cameras, you could expect to see a dramatically short battery life—potentially reducing the potentially year-long battery life down to a few weeks, or even days.

 

Where can I find the RTSP or ONVIF login credentials for my Tapo Camera?

The login used for RTSP and ONVIF is Different from the Login Used to Log Into the Tapo App. You will need to configure the camera account feature in the Tapo App with a new Username and Password.

See the following FAQ for more information on where to find the setting:

How can I connect my Tapo camera to a NAS or NVR?

 

What is the URL Address Where the RTSP Streams Can be Accessed?

• ONVIF Service Port: 2020
• RTSP Service Port: 554

 

• High-Quality Stream 1:  rtsp://IP Address:554/stream1
• For Low-Quality Stream 2:  rtsp:// IP Address:554/stream2

 

If you are not given fields to input your camera account credentials and your camera will not connect after trying, you may need to add your camera account credentials to the RTSP address in the format

rtsp://username:password@IPAddress:554/stream1

Tapo Cameras supports the RTSP protocol to work with third-party devices such as NVRs and NAS. To use this feature, you must create a separate account from your TP-Link ID.

 

What is the Risk of Using RTSP and ONVIF?

While Tapo’s Dynamic Video Transmission methods are encrypted and secure, but using third-party devices along with the RTSP protocol increases the risk to the device. RTSP is a common feature for these devices and is not something to be concerned about, however it is important to take a few additional steps to keep your devices secure:

• Only Enable the Camera Account Feature when Needed
• Set a highly secure and complex username and password – different from your app login
• Do not use the feature on public networks, only enable the feature on trusted private networks.

 

 

What Features Are Supported by ONVIF?

For more information about device and feature compatibility (such as Event Handling, Audio Passthrough, and Pan Tilt Control), please see the official documentation on the official list of conformant products on the ONVIF site. 

In general, your camera can provide the video stream, along with potentially a few basic controls, such as Pan-Tilt Control; however, feature compatibility will vary by model and the supported features of the destination platform.

Learn More about the Tapo H500 on our Early Spotlight Page from CES

Stay Tuned for More Information!

 

Note on Compatibility with Wired and Kasa Cameras:

ONVIF will use the camera's 24/7 Video Recording, Event Detection, and Network Connections. Due to these increased requirements and power usage, ONVIF and RTSP are only compatible with non-battery powered cameras from Tapo – meaning the cameras will always have a consistent source of power, whether through Micro-USB, USB-C, AC Adapter, or PoE. 

 

Please see your Device’s Specifications or Data Sheet for Detailed Information on Model, Feature and Version Compatibility.

 

Related:

How can I connect my Tapo camera to a NAS or NVR?

ONVIF Conformant Products

How to View a Tapo Camera on a PC through RTSP (VLC Media Player)