Frequently Asked Question
DeskCamera can take an HTTP video stream, such as MJPEG or H.264, and expose it to an NVR/VMS as a DeskCamera ONVIF camera.
Use this when your NVR/VMS cannot connect to the original HTTP stream directly, or when you want DeskCamera to manage the stream together with other DeskCamera media sources.
Before you start
- Make sure the DeskCamera PC can open the original HTTP stream URL.
- If the source requires credentials, prepare the username and password.
- If the source is on another network, first make sure the DeskCamera PC can reach that network.
Add the HTTP source
1) Open DeskCamera.
2) Go to Video & Audio Settings.
3) Click Add Media Source.
4) Select Other source, then choose HTTP.
5) Enter a name for the source.
6) Paste the HTTP stream URL into Source URL.
7) Enter the source username and password if required.
8) Click Probe. DeskCamera will try to fill the video format, resolution, and FPS automatically.
9) Click Validate Connection to test the source.
10) Save the media source and start DeskCamera.
If Probe cannot read the stream but you know the stream settings, enter the video format, resolution, and FPS manually, then test again.
MJPEG stream option
For most MJPEG HTTP streams, leave Multipartdemux enabled.
If the source connects but does not show video, change this option and run Validate Connection again.
Adding the stream to an NVR/VMS
After DeskCamera starts, add DeskCamera to the NVR/VMS by ONVIF discovery or by the DeskCamera ONVIF address.
If you need the direct DeskCamera RTSP URL, see How to retrieve direct RTSP URLs for DeskCamera streams.
For firewall and port requirements, see Ports used by DeskCamera and Configuring firewall rules.
Troubleshooting
Probe cannot read the stream.
Check that the URL opens from the DeskCamera PC. Also check credentials, firewall rules, and whether the source allows connections from this PC.
The source connects but the video is unstable.
Check the network connection to the source and test with a lower resolution or FPS if the source allows it.
You need to convert an RTSP stream instead.
See Convert an External RTSP Stream to ONVIF.