Manual IP Camera Setup

Setting up an IP camera manually can be a straightforward process, even for users with limited technical background. UniCam offers two primary methods for manual camera setup: using the ONVIF protocol or directly through RTSP/HTTP URLs. This guide will walk you through both methods, providing clarity on how to find your camera's IP address, enter device details, and understand the URL structure for successful integration.

Finding the Camera's IP Address

When manually setting up your camera or device, the initial step is to determine the IP address. To accomplish this, you can refer to the camera's documentation, which often includes this information. Alternatively, you can access your network's router interface to discover the IP address.

Steps for Manual Camera Setup

1. Accessing Manual Setup:

Open the UniCam app and tap on the plus (+) icon.
Choose 'Add Device' to proceed to the manual entry screen.

2. Adding a Camera via ONVIF Protocol:

Select 'Device' to add a camera using ONVIF.
Enter the camera's IP address.
The app will attempt to connect using the ONVIF protocol, similar to the automatic setup process.

3. Adding a Camera via RTSP/HTTP URL:

Choose to input the direct URL of the stream.
The stream can be from a device channel or a web stream.
For streams requiring authentication, provide the username and password.

Understanding URL Structure:

RTSP URLs: Usually start with rtsp:// followed by the IP address and optionally, the port number (default is 554).
HTTP/HTTPS URLs: Begin with http:// or https:// , followed by the IP address. Standard ports (80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS) can be omitted, but custom ports must be specified.
Example Structure: protocol://ip-address:port/path
Authentication: If required, URLs can include the username and password in the format protocol://username:password@IPaddress:port/path or specified in Authentication section.

Tips for Successful Setup

Check Compatibility: Ensure that your camera supports the chosen method (ONVIF, RTSP, HTTP).
Network Consistency: Make sure the camera and the device running UniCam are on the same local network.
Consult Documentation: Refer to your camera's manual for specific URL formats and authentication details.