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Version: 2.0 (Legacy)

Using Only an IP Camera

This guide covers OpenHD configuration using IP cameras as the primary video source.

Overview​

IP camera setups provide:

  • Network Flexibility: Connect cameras via Ethernet or WiFi
  • High Quality: Often better image quality than USB cameras
  • Remote Positioning: Camera can be positioned remotely
  • Advanced Features: Many IP cameras have built-in features

Supported IP Cameras​

H.264/H.265 IP Cameras​

  • Hikvision: Professional surveillance cameras
  • Dahua: Industrial IP cameras
  • Axis: High-quality network cameras
  • Generic: ONVIF-compatible IP cameras

Streaming Protocols​

  • RTSP: Real-Time Streaming Protocol
  • HTTP: Direct HTTP streaming
  • UDP: Low-latency UDP streaming
  • RTP: Real-time Transport Protocol

Network Configuration​

IP Camera Setup​

  1. Configure camera IP address
  2. Set video encoding parameters
  3. Enable streaming protocol (RTSP recommended)
  4. Configure authentication if required
  5. Test stream accessibility

OpenHD Configuration​

  1. Configure IP camera input in OpenHD
  2. Set camera stream URL
  3. Configure authentication credentials
  4. Set video parameters
  5. Test video reception

Connection Methods​

Ethernet Connection​

  • Direct Connection: Camera directly to air unit Ethernet
  • Network Switch: Multiple devices via switch
  • Power over Ethernet: PoE for power and data
  • Cable Length: Consider Ethernet cable limitations

WiFi Connection​

  • Built-in WiFi: Cameras with integrated WiFi
  • WiFi Bridge: Convert Ethernet to WiFi
  • Access Point: Create dedicated network
  • Security: WPA2/WPA3 encryption recommended

Stream Configuration​

Video Parameters​

  • Resolution: 1080p, 720p, or custom
  • Frame Rate: 30fps, 60fps based on requirements
  • Bitrate: Adjust for network bandwidth
  • GOP Size: Keyframe interval for latency

Network Settings​

  • Stream URL: RTSP or HTTP stream address
  • Port Configuration: Default or custom ports
  • Authentication: Username/password if required
  • Timeout Settings: Network timeout parameters

Quality and Performance​

Advantages​

  • High Quality: Professional camera sensors
  • Low Noise: Better low-light performance
  • Stability: Network protocol reliability
  • Features: Zoom, focus, exposure control

Limitations​

  • Latency: Network protocols add latency
  • Bandwidth: High-quality streams require more bandwidth
  • Complexity: More complex configuration
  • Power: Requires separate power source

Power Considerations​

Power over Ethernet (PoE)​

  • PoE Standard: 802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt
  • Power Budget: Calculate total power requirements
  • PoE Injector: Add PoE to non-PoE switches
  • Cable Quality: Use proper PoE-rated cables

Separate Power Supply​

  • DC Power: 12V or 24V DC power supplies
  • AC Power: Direct AC power connection
  • Battery Power: Portable battery solutions
  • Power Management: Monitor power consumption

Advanced Features​

Camera Control​

  • PTZ Control: Pan, tilt, zoom functionality
  • Focus Control: Remote focus adjustment
  • Exposure Control: Automatic or manual exposure
  • Image Enhancement: Built-in image processing

Streaming Options​

  • Multiple Streams: Different quality streams
  • Adaptive Bitrate: Dynamic quality adjustment
  • Recording: Built-in recording capabilities
  • Motion Detection: Trigger recording on motion

Troubleshooting​

Connection Issues​

  • Network Connectivity: Verify IP configuration
  • Firewall: Check firewall settings
  • Stream URL: Verify correct stream address
  • Authentication: Check credentials

Performance Problems​

  • High Latency: Optimize stream settings
  • Poor Quality: Adjust bitrate and resolution
  • Dropped Frames: Check network bandwidth
  • Freezing: Verify network stability

Example Configurations​

Basic RTSP Setup​

Camera IP: 192.168.1.100
Stream URL: rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/stream1
Username: admin
Password: password123
Resolution: 1920x1080
Bitrate: 5000 kbps

HTTP Streaming​

Camera IP: 192.168.1.101
Stream URL: http://192.168.1.101/video.cgi
Authentication: Basic
Resolution: 1280x720
Frame Rate: 30fps

Use Cases​

Professional Applications​

  • Broadcast: Professional broadcast cameras
  • Surveillance: Security and monitoring
  • Industrial: Equipment monitoring
  • Scientific: Research applications

Specialized Imaging​

  • Thermal: Network thermal cameras
  • Multispectral: Scientific imaging
  • High-speed: High frame rate cameras
  • 360 Degree: Panoramic cameras
Network Security

IP cameras can be security vulnerabilities. Use strong passwords and keep firmware updated.

Bandwidth Requirements

High-quality IP camera streams require significant bandwidth. Plan network capacity accordingly.

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