Which Protocol Should I Use to Stream My Video?

Our cameras support a variety of protocols to send your video across the network. This overview can help you make informed design choices by highlighting the unique advantages and disadvantages of each protocol. Please note that this article does not cover the full depth of each protocol due to their extensive differences. Often, your choice is dictated by the receiving platform. For example, YouTube only accepts RTMP streams, leaving no alternative options.

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Setup

Camera Outputs

All CM7x series cameras have simultaneous outputs for IP, HDMI, SDI, and USB.

Independent Streams

The IP/LAN output offers two independent streams:

• Main Stream: Supports resolutions of 1920x1080 and 1280x720 with a maximum frame rate of 60fps. Note that NDI will use the Main Stream.
• Sub Stream: Supports resolutions of 320x180, 320x240, 640x360, 1280x720, and 1920x1080 with a maximum frame rate of 30fps.

The main stream delivers high-definition video with rich detail and accuracy to a display or recording/storage unit. The sub-stream provides lower or standard-definition video, which is suitable for monitoring, recording, or scenarios with bandwidth, storage, or CPU limitations.

Configuring Streams

Both streams are fully configurable from the camera's Web GUI under the VIDEO tab, starting with the Video Encoder menu. Here, you can adjust the resolution, frame rate, codec (MJPEG, H.264, H.265), bit rate, and more.

Streaming Video Configuration

The Streaming Video menu allows you to configure the protocol (RTMP, SRT), host address, and other settings.

Multicast Streaming

The Multicast Streaming menu provides additional streaming options.

Streaming Locally

When streaming locally over IP, it can be beneficial to adjust encoder settings for optimal performance. These configuration tips are particularly useful for onsite demonstrations but may not be suitable for all scenarios.

Setting the Video Format

Ensure your camera is set to the 1080P60 video format. You can do this using the following methods:

• Key combination on the remote control: [#] → [#] → [0]
• Via the Web GUI: Navigate to VIDEO > Video Format and click the SAVE button.

Adjusting Encoder Settings

Next, optimize the encoder settings in the VIDEO tab under Video Encoder:

• Change the "Bit Rate" from the default 4096 to 15000 Kb/s.
• Increase the "Frame Rate" from 25 to 60 FPS.
• Adjust the "I Frame Interval" from 75 to 20.
• Click SAVE.

Note: These settings cannot be changed using an IR remote control.

Now you can stream over IP!

Using Streaming Software

For example, you can use Onvif Device Manager or PotPlayer to manage and view your IP stream.

To open your IP stream in PotPlayer:

1. Click MENU > Open > Open URL…
2. Enter the URL of your IP stream, for example: rtsp://192.168.5.160/live/av0
3. Click OK to view your stream in full screen.