FAQs: RTSP | HDMI Codec

FAQs: RTSP

What's RTSP stream?

RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) is a network control protocol designed for controlling the delivery of multimedia data, such as audio and video, over a network. It enables the smooth transmission of live or pre-recorded audio and video content from a server to a client device and is commonly used for streaming media applications.

Here are a few key points about RTSP streams:
  1. Stream Control: RTSP is used to establish and control the delivery of streaming media. It enables a client to request the start, stop, and pause of a media stream, as well as to control playback functions such as fast-forward and rewind.
  2. Protocol Operation: RTSP operates over the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). It uses a client-server architecture, where a server hosts the media streams, and clients request and receive the media content.
  3. Media Types: RTSP can be used with various media formats, including audio and video streams. It supports the streaming of live content, on-demand content, and other interactive media applications.
  4. Interoperability: RTSP is an open standard that allows for interoperability between different multimedia devices, servers, and clients. This means that RTSP-compatible devices and software from different manufacturers can communicate and exchange streaming media.
  5. Usage: RTSP is commonly used for streaming live events, video on demand, IP camera feeds, and other real-time multimedia applications.
To access an RTSP stream, a client typically sends an RTSP request to the server detailing the desired media stream and related control operations. The server then responds with the necessary information to establish and maintain the stream. This could include the media stream's location, playback control commands, and other relevant parameters.

Overall, RTSP plays a vital role in enabling the efficient delivery and control of streaming multimedia content, making it a foundational protocol for many streaming applications.

How can we play RTSP stream?

To play an RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) stream and select specific stream mode, such as complex (combined audio and video), video only, or audio only, you can use media player software or applications that support RTSP streaming.

Here's how you can play an RTSP stream:
  1. Use RTSP-Compatible Media Players: You can use media player software or applications that support RTSP streaming, such as VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, or other media player applications that have RTSP support.
  2. Open the RTSP Stream: Launch the RTSP-compatible media player and select the option to stream complex(combined audio and video), video only, or audio only. In the provided dialogue box, enter the RTSP stream's URL or network location. Typically this will be in the format: rtsp://192.168.1.120:554/live/1_0.

What is the maximum number of simultaneous streams supported by the RTSP protocol?

It supports 6x RTSP streams, it means that it has been designed to handle up to six simultaneous Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) streams. This capacity should allow you to efficiently distribute video and audio content across multiple channels or devices. However, it's important to ensure that your network infrastructure, including your server and client devices, can effectively handle these streams without performance degradation. Additionally, consider the bandwidth requirements and the capabilities of the devices accessing these streams to ensure a smooth streaming experience. Typically, it is recommended to utilize media players such as VLC, PotPlayer, or OBS for pulling an RTSP stream from our encoder.

How can we get lower latency via VLC when playing video on your iPad?


How can we measure the actual frames per second by playing RTSP stream?

To test the real frames per second (FPS) of an RTSP stream using PotPlayer, you can use the built-in video playback statistics feature in the software. PotPlayer provides an option to display video playback information, including the current frames per second (FPS) rate. Here's how you can test the real FPS of an RTSP stream with PotPlayer:
  1. Install PotPlayer: If you haven't already done so, download and install PotPlayer on your computer. PotPlayer is a multimedia player that supports various streaming protocols, including RTSP.
  2. Open PotPlayer and Play the RTSP Stream: Launch PotPlayer and select the option to open a network stream or URL. Enter the RTSP stream's URL or network location to start playing the stream in PotPlayer.
  3. Display Video Playback Statistics: While the RTSP stream is playing, right-click on the PotPlayer window to access the context menu. From the context menu, select "Playback Information" or "Statistics" (the specific label may vary based on the PotPlayer version).
  4. View Frames Per Second (FPS): The video playback statistics window will display information about the video being played, including the real-time frames per second (FPS) rate. Monitor the FPS value to observe the actual frame rate of the RTSP stream.
By following these steps, you can use PotPlayer to test the real frames per second (FPS) of an RTSP stream. PotPlayer's video playback statistics feature allows you to monitor the real-time FPS rate, providing insight into the smoothness and performance of the video stream playback.

What's RTSP port?

The default port for RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) is 554. This port is used for establishing and controlling the delivery of streaming media, including audio and video, over a network. When setting up a media server or configuring network devices for RTSP streaming, this default port is used for communication between the server and client devices.

In some cases, when setting up RTSP streaming, you may need to do port mapping (also known as port forwarding) to allow external clients or devices to access the RTSP stream from outside the local network. Port mapping involves forwarding incoming network traffic from a specific port on the router to a designated device or server within the local network.

If you need to do port mapping for RTSP streaming, you'll want to ensure that traffic to port 554 on your external IP address is forwarded to the internal IP address and port of the server hosting the RTSP stream.

Here's a general overview of how to set up port mapping for RTSP streaming:
  1. Access Your Router's Configuration Interface: Open a web browser and log in to your router's configuration interface using the router's IP address. This is typically achieved by entering "http://192.168.1.1" or a similar address into the browser's address bar and providing the router's login credentials.
  2. Locate Port Forwarding or NAT Settings: Within the router's configuration interface, look for the port forwarding or NAT (Network Address Translation) settings. The location and labeling of these settings can vary among different router models, but they are typically found under the "Advanced" or "Security" sections of the router's configuration interface.
  3. Set Up Port Mapping for RTSP: Create a port forwarding rule to map incoming traffic on port 554 (the default port for RTSP) to the internal IP address and port of the server hosting the RTSP stream. Specify the internal IP address of the server and set the internal and external port to 554. Save the port mapping settings.
  4. Test the RTSP Stream: Once the port mapping is set up, external clients can now access the RTSP stream using the external IP address and port 554. Test the RTSP stream from an external device to ensure that the port mapping is functioning as intended.
It's important to note that the exact steps for setting up port mapping may vary depending on your router's make and model. Be sure to consult your router's documentation or manufacturer's support resources for specific instructions on configuring port forwarding for RTSP or any other streaming protocols.

How can we conduct a latency test between the encoder and decoder?


How can we conduct a latency test of encoder by playing RTSP stream?

Determining the cause of delay in RTSP streaming is often influenced by the RTSP player being used. To accurately test the performance, we recommend using specialized tools designed for RTSP streaming, as common media players can introduce buffering issues. Specifically, tool like EasyPlayerPro is optimized for real-time streaming and can provide more precise results for identifying and addressing delays in RTSP streaming. Just click the above EasyPlayerPro to download it for testing.

What specific steps should be followed to conduct a comparative latency test between VLC and EasyPlayerPro?

  1. Set up two computers: the 1st computer will serve as the video input source, and the 2nd computer will function as the video output device.
  2. Download and run OnlyStopWatch on the 1st computer to measure latency.
  3. On the 2nd computer, open EasyPlayerPro and pull the RTSP stream as below:
  1. Open VLC on the 2nd computer and pull the same RTSP stream as below:
  1. Use a high-speed camera on a mobile phone to capture images of the desktops of both computers. Use these images to calculate the specific latency times.
  1. Analysis: Compare the latency results. If the latency is around 100ms when using EasyPlayerPro, and significantly higher when using VLC, it indicates that the player itself influences the latency rather than the encoder/decoder used.
NOTE: Theoretical latency for both encoding and decoding is 33.3ms, based on the chip parameters.


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