Camera setup
Vivotek Camera RTSP and ONVIF Setup for OmniNVR
Connect a compatible Vivotek camera or recorder channel to OmniNVR using the device's verified RTSP or ONVIF profiles.
Compatibility is model- and firmware-specific. OmniNVR and TardisLabs are not affiliated with or endorsed by Vivotek.
Check compatibility before you start
Record the exact model, hardware revision, and firmware before setup. Check the device or recorder interface for RTSP, ONVIF, integration, or network-service settings and create a dedicated account with only the permissions needed for viewing and PTZ.
If cameras are attached to a vendor NVR's private PoE network, the recorder may be the only reachable endpoint. In that case, verify its channel numbering and stream roles instead of copying a direct-camera URL from another model.
Add the camera or NVR channel
Run ONVIF discovery in OmniNVR first and inspect the profiles returned by the device. Choose a main stream for detail and a lower-bitrate sub stream for continuous history. If discovery is unavailable, use only the RTSP path published by the exact model's manual or shown in its own interface.
Keep credentials in the dedicated fields, verify live video, then make a short recording and play it from the timeline. Confirm the same behavior after an app restart and a brief camera-network interruption.
Choose recording roles
Use the lower-bitrate sub stream for continuous history when it has enough detail, and reserve the main stream for focused live view or event clips. This reduces storage and decode load without giving up high-quality evidence around important moments.
Before scaling up, record one camera for at least fifteen minutes, play it from the timeline, disconnect the network briefly, and restart OmniNVR. A working live preview alone does not prove that timestamps, recovery, and storage are reliable.
Troubleshooting checklist
- No device is found: confirm ONVIF is enabled, the camera and Apple device share a reachable network, and VLAN rules allow discovery.
- Authentication fails: test a dedicated local user and check whether ONVIF has a separate account list.
- Wrong channel appears: compare recorder channel numbers with the local monitor.
- Recording is unstable: test H.264 and the sub stream first, then increase resolution or bitrate gradually.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Vivotek camera work with OmniNVR?
No. The camera or recorder must expose a compatible RTSP, RTSPS, ONVIF, or HLS stream, and support varies by model, firmware, codec, power mode, and network topology.
Should I connect to the camera or the brand NVR?
Connect directly when the camera is reachable and you want independent streams. Connect to the NVR when cameras are isolated behind its PoE network or the recorder is the only endpoint that exposes each channel.
Can I expose the RTSP port to the internet?
Do not forward camera RTSP ports for long-term remote access. Keep cameras local and use a trusted VPN when remote viewing is required.
Sources and further reading
Build your NVR on the Apple devices you already own.
Monitor, record, review, and retain RTSP and ONVIF camera video locally.