How to Find RTSP URLs for Common Camera Brands

RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) URLs are essential for connecting IP cameras to video management systems, AI platforms like Visionify, and other streaming applications.

Use the RTSP URL Lookup Tool above to quickly find the correct URL format for your camera brand. Simply search for your camera brand, enter your camera's connection details, and get instant RTSP URLs ready to use.

Understanding RTSP URLs

An RTSP URL typically follows this format:

rtsp://[username]:[password]@[IP_address]:[port]/[path]

Components:

• Protocol: rtsp:// (always required)
• Username: Camera login username (often admin by default)
• Password: Camera login password
• IP Address: The camera's IP address on your network
• Port: RTSP port (usually 554 by default)
• Path: Camera-specific stream path (varies by brand and model)

Supported Camera Brands

The lookup tool above supports the following camera brands:

• Hikvision - One of the most popular IP camera brands
• Dahua - Widely used in commercial and residential settings
• Axis - Professional-grade network cameras
• Bosch - Enterprise security cameras
• Sony - High-quality IP cameras
• Panasonic - Professional surveillance cameras
• Vivotek - Network camera solutions
• Foscam - Affordable IP cameras
• Reolink - Modern IP camera systems
• Amcrest - Consumer and commercial cameras
• Uniview - Video surveillance solutions
• Hanwha (Samsung) - Enterprise security cameras
• TP-Link - Network camera products

Use the RTSP URL Lookup Tool at the top of this page to find the exact URL format for your camera brand.

How to Use the Lookup Tool

1. Search for your camera brand using the search bar
2. Click on your camera brand from the results
3. Enter your camera details:
   • IP Address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
   • Username (usually "admin")
   • Password
   • Port (usually 554)
4. Copy the generated RTSP URL for either main stream (high quality) or sub stream (lower quality)
5. Test the URL in VLC Media Player or your video management system

Detailed Brand Information

Hikvision

Hikvision cameras are among the most popular IP cameras. The RTSP URL structure varies by model and firmware version.

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/Streaming/Channels/[channel]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream (High Quality):

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/101
  

• Sub Stream (Lower Quality):

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/102
  

• Alternative Format (Older Models):

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/h264/ch1/main/av_stream
  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/h264/ch1/sub/av_stream
  

• DS-2CD Series:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/1
  

Channel Numbers:

• Channel 101 = Main stream, camera 1
• Channel 102 = Sub stream, camera 1
• Channel 201 = Main stream, camera 2
• Channel 202 = Sub stream, camera 2

Dahua

Dahua cameras use a similar structure to Hikvision but with different path formats.

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=[channel]&subtype=[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
  

• Alternative Format:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/channel1/stream0
  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/channel1/stream1
  

Stream Types:

• subtype=0 = Main stream (high quality)
• subtype=1 = Sub stream (lower quality, lower bandwidth)

Axis

Axis cameras typically use a simpler RTSP URL structure.

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/axis-media/media.amp

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/axis-media/media.amp
  

• With Profile:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/axis-media/media.amp?profile=Profile1
  

• Alternative Format:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/mpeg4/media.amp
  

Note: Axis cameras often have multiple profiles. Check the camera's web interface to see available profiles.

Bosch

Bosch cameras use a specific RTSP path structure.

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/videoinput_[channel]_[stream]_overlay.data

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/videoinput_1_1_overlay.data
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/videoinput_1_2_overlay.data
  

Stream Numbers:

• Stream 1 = Main stream
• Stream 2 = Sub stream

Sony

Sony IP cameras have a straightforward RTSP URL format.

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream1
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream2
  

Panasonic

Panasonic cameras use a simple path structure.

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/nphMpeg4/[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/nphMpeg4/1/main
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/nphMpeg4/1/sub
  

Vivotek

Vivotek cameras typically use this format:

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/live.sdp
  

• Alternative:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream1
  

Foscam

Foscam cameras use a simple structure:

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/videoMain

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/videoMain
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/videoSub
  

Reolink

Reolink cameras have a specific format:

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/h264Preview_[channel]_[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/h264Preview_01_main
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/h264Preview_01_sub
  

Amcrest

Amcrest cameras (often rebranded Dahua) use:

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=[channel]&subtype=[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=1
  

Uniview

Uniview cameras use:

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/101
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/Streaming/Channels/102
  

Hanwha (Samsung)

Hanwha cameras (formerly Samsung) use:

Generic Structure:

rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/[stream]

Common Formats:

• Main Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream1
  

• Sub Stream:

  rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream2
  

TP-Link

TP-Link cameras typically use:

Generic Structure:

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

Common Format:

rtsp://admin:password@192.168.1.100:554/stream1

How to Find Your Camera's RTSP URL

Method 1: Check Camera Documentation

1. Locate your camera's model number (usually on a label on the camera)
2. Search for the camera's user manual or technical documentation
3. Look for "RTSP" or "Streaming" sections

Method 2: Access Camera Web Interface

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the camera's IP address
2. Log in with your admin credentials
3. Navigate to:
   • Settings → Network → RTSP
   • Settings → Streaming → RTSP
   • Configuration → Video → Stream
4. The RTSP URL is often displayed in these settings

Method 3: Use ONVIF Device Manager

1. Download and install ONVIF Device Manager (free tool)
2. Scan your network for cameras
3. Select your camera and view the RTSP stream URLs
4. ONVIF-compliant cameras will show available RTSP paths

Method 4: Check Camera Configuration Tool

Many manufacturers provide configuration tools:

• Hikvision: iVMS-4200 or SADP Tool
• Dahua: SmartPSS or ConfigTool
• Axis: Camera Management Tool

These tools often display RTSP URLs for connected cameras.

Method 5: Test Common Formats

If you know the camera brand, try the common formats listed above:

1. Replace IP_address with your camera's IP
2. Replace username and password with your credentials
3. Test the URL in VLC Media Player or another RTSP client

Testing RTSP URLs

Using VLC Media Player

1. Open VLC Media Player
2. Go to Media → Open Network Stream
3. Enter your RTSP URL
4. Click Play
5. If the stream works, the URL is correct

Using FFmpeg

Test from command line:

ffplay rtsp://username:password@IP_address:554/path

Using Online RTSP Testers

Several online tools can test RTSP URLs, though be cautious with credentials.

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: Connection Refused

Possible Causes:

• RTSP port (554) is blocked by firewall
• Camera RTSP service is disabled
• Incorrect IP address

Solutions:

• Check firewall settings
• Enable RTSP in camera settings
• Verify camera IP address with ping

Issue: Authentication Failed

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect username or password
• Special characters in password need URL encoding
• Account doesn't have RTSP permissions

Solutions:

• Verify credentials in camera web interface
• URL encode special characters (e.g., @ becomes %40)
• Check user permissions in camera settings

Issue: Stream Not Found

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect RTSP path
• Channel number is wrong
• Stream type (main/sub) doesn't exist

Solutions:

• Try alternative path formats
• Test different channel numbers
• Try both main and sub streams

Issue: Port Not Standard

Some cameras use non-standard RTSP ports:

• Check camera documentation
• Common alternatives: 8554, 10554
• Verify in camera network settings

URL Encoding Special Characters

If your password contains special characters, encode them:

• @ → %40
• : → %3A
• / → %2F
• ? → %3F
• # → %23
• [ → %5B
• ] → %5D

Example:

Password: P@ssw0rd/123
Encoded: P%40ssw0rd%2F123

Security Best Practices

1. Change Default Passwords: Always change default admin passwords
2. Use Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords with mixed characters
3. Network Isolation: Place cameras on a separate VLAN if possible
4. Disable Unused Services: Disable RTSP if not needed
5. Regular Updates: Keep camera firmware updated
6. VPN Access: Use VPN for remote camera access instead of exposing RTSP

Quick Reference Table

Need More Help?

If you're still having trouble finding your camera's RTSP URL:

1. Check Manufacturer Support: Contact your camera manufacturer's support
2. Community Forums: Search manufacturer-specific forums
3. Visionify Support: Contact our support team for assistance with camera integration

Conclusion

Finding RTSP URLs can be straightforward once you know the format for your camera brand. Start with the generic formats listed above, and use the camera's web interface or manufacturer tools to verify the exact path. Remember to test your RTSP URLs before integrating them into your video management system or AI platform.

For Visionify users, once you have the RTSP URL, you can easily add it to your camera configuration in the Visionify dashboard to start monitoring your workplace safety scenarios.