Frequently Asked Question
DeskCamera can use an image file as a media source and stream it as an ONVIF/RTSP video feed.
This is useful when you want to show a fixed picture, a status image, a floor plan, or an audio stream that also needs a video picture for NVR/VMS compatibility.
Create an image media source
1) Open DeskCamera.
2) Go to Video & Audio Settings.
3) Click Add Media Source.
4) Select Other source, then choose Image.
5) Enter a name for the source.
6) Select the image file.
7) Enable Watch disk file change if DeskCamera should update the stream when the image file changes.
8) Save the media source and start DeskCamera.
Updating the image
If Watch disk file change is enabled, DeskCamera watches the selected image file. When that file is replaced or updated, DeskCamera updates the stream.
For the most reliable result, replace the image file with the same file type and similar dimensions.
Using image sources with audio
An image source can be useful when your NVR/VMS does not support audio-only streams. Use the image as the video picture and assign audio to the stream.
For audio-only stream details, see Creating Audio-only RTSP Streams.
Using image sources in combined streams
Image sources can also be used inside Picture-in-Picture and Wall streams.
DeskCamera handles image updates reliably, including when the image source is used inside a combined stream.
For combined stream details, see Create Picture-in-Picture and Wall Streams.
Troubleshooting
The stream still shows the old image.
Check that Watch disk file change is enabled. Also make sure the file was replaced successfully and that DeskCamera can read it.
The NVR/VMS does not show the new image immediately.
Refresh the live view or restart recording for that stream in the NVR/VMS if needed.
The image does not load.
Use a common image format such as PNG or JPG and make sure the DeskCamera Windows user has access to the file.