Overview
Real-Time Streaming Protocol "RTSP" is a standard method used by network cameras and encoders to stream live audio and video over IP. Iris uses RTSP as one of its primary input methods for IP-enabled cameras and devices. You don’t need to be an engineer and you’ll be equipped to:
Understand what RTSP is and how it works
Find and use your camera’s RTSP stream URL
Add RTSP inputs to Iris
Troubleshoot connection issues
Optimize settings in both Iris and your camera firmware
What Is RTSP?
RTSP acts like a “network remote control” for media servers. Rather than carrying video itself, it negotiates how media (via RTP/RTP packets) is sent from a source (like a camera) to a client (like Iris).
Key characteristics:
Operates on TCP port 554 by default
Supports commands like PLAY, PAUSE, DESCRIBE, and SETUP to manage streams
Common in surveillance or IP camera setups where low latency is required
Relies on RTP/RTCP for actual media delivery
Iris Automatically Detects RTSP Streams via ONVIF
You may not need to read any further than this! Iris automatically detects RTSP Streams via ONVIF on your network when you open your Source Discovery window when adding sources. You will only need to continue past this point of the KBA if you are having trouble getting your RTSP enabled camera to show up on the Source Discovery workflow.
Step-by-Step Manual RTSP Setup in Iris
1. Find Your RTSP URL
Check your camera’s documentation or web UI. Common formats include:
You may discover these within your manufacturer's interface or ONVIF URL list.
2. Manually Add an RTSP Source in Iris
Open the Source Tray in Iris
Click the (+) Add Source button
Choose Video > Add via URL
Enter your RTSP URL (include credentials if required)
Click Add and wait for the video tile to appear
Recommended Secure RTSP URL Format
RTSP stream paths are defined by the camera manufacturer, not by Iris. For a secure, authenticated stream, always include a dedicated username and password, and specify the port number (TCP 554 by default). The recommended format is:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/<stream_path>
Example: rtsp://operator:StrongPass1@192.168.1.100:554/stream_path
Create a dedicated RTSP/ONVIF user on the camera rather than reusing the admin login.
Enable RTSP authentication in the camera's web UI so unauthenticated requests are rejected.
RTSP itself is not encrypted — keep RTSP traffic on a trusted local network or VLAN.
If a password contains special characters, URL-encode them (for example,
@becomes%40).
Camera-Specific RTSP Setup: Sony, Panasonic & Canon
The steps below cover the three most common PTZ brands. In every case, confirm RTSP is enabled in the camera's web UI first, then build the secure URL using the format above.
Sony (SRG / BRC / ILME PTZ series)
In the camera web UI, confirm RTSP streaming is enabled (port 554 by default).
Decide which stream you want:
video1(main),video2, orvideo3.Build the URL using one of Sony's two common path formats:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/video1or
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/media/video1
Use video2/video3 (or media/video2) for the secondary streams.
Panasonic (AW-UE / AW-HE PTZ series)
In the camera web UI, enable IP streaming / RTSP and choose the codec (H.264 or H.265).
Select the stream number you want (
stream_1throughstream_4).Build the URL:
H.264:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/mediainput/h264/stream_1H.265:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/mediainput/h265/stream_1
Change stream_1 to stream_2, stream_3, or stream_4 for the other configured streams.
Canon (CR-N PTZ series)
Important: Canon cameras often ship with the RTP/RTSP server turned off. If port 554 returns "connection refused," RTSP is disabled in firmware — enable it first.
In the camera web UI, open the RTP/RTSP server settings.
Enable the RTP server, set the RTSP authentication method, and confirm the port (554 by default).
Configure the stream profile you want (
config1,config2, …).Build the URL:
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<camera_ip>:554/rtpstream/config1
Use config2 for the secondary stream. If RTSP still won't connect after you've enabled it, fall back to NDI or ONVIF for that camera.
Possible Blockers and Troubleshooting
Common issues that can block RTSP ingestion in Iris:
Incorrect URL, port, or credentials
Firewall or NAT blocking port 554
Camera not sending audio/video via RTSP
Unsupported codecs by device or Iris
Network latency or packet loss causing stream freezes
Firmware not configured for RTSP or using proprietary output
Troubleshooting Tips
Test the stream in a tool like VLC
Use static IP addresses instead of DHCP
Avoid Wi-Fi when possible
Check manufacturer logs or firmware settings
Tips and Common Use Cases
Enable RTSP authorization for security
Choose encoding H.264 in camera or in Iris Advanced Settings
Ideal for low-latency IP-based ingestion
Common use cases: PTZ cameras, encoders, computer HDMI outputs, playback decks
Workflow Examples
Example 1: Integrating a PTZ IP Camera via Manual RTSP
Enable RTSP in the camera’s web UI
Obtain the RTSP URL: rtsp://user:pass@192.168.1.100:554/live
Add it to Iris via Add Source by Manually input RTSP URL
Confirm settings in Advanced Settings > Video
Monitor quality in the Iris Connection tab
Example 2: Setting Up a Remote RTSP Feed via WAN
Set up port forwarding for TCP 554 on your router
Use a public IP or DDNS in the RTSP URL
Add to Iris as a source
Monitor bandwidth and frame rate
FAQs
Q1: Can I use RTSP if my camera only supports H.264?
Yes. Iris supports H.264 via RTSP.
Q2: Why is my RTSP freezing or choppy?
Likely bandwidth or network issues. Test in VLC to confirm.
Q3: Can Iris pause or rewind RTSP streams?
No. RTSP playback control is not supported, only live feed ingest.
Q4: Is RTSP secure?
No. Use strong passwords, enable authentication, or secure the network.
RTSP is a powerful, low-latency standard for live video ingest in IP-based systems. Within Iris, RTSP provides a reliable way to bring in video from cameras, encoders, and streaming sources, especially when paired with ONVIF discovery or remote bridge deployment. With a little setup and awareness, even non-engineering users can confidently connect and manage RTSP streams in Iris.