How to - Stream an IP Camera To a TV

lojix

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One of the benefits of IP cameras over analog is the added versatility. Integration with the digital network has made accessing and viewing cameras much easier. One way of adding extra visual control of an IP camera system, is by having its stream accessible to be monitored on a standard modern television. This can be convenient for in-home use and can provide additional security.

Purpose and Uses of the Project

An example where displaying the image from a camera on your TV might be convenient, is by using it like an intercom. Imagine you're sitting down, finally watching that movie you've been waiting to see when the doorbell rings. You don't want to answer the door because it's probably just one of those annoying salesman again, right?... oh wait, what if it's that ebay order you're expecting! ...not to worry, just flip the channel on the TV and have a look! or what if baby is having a nap and dad is busy doing some "house work", it might be easier to view the baby monitor right on the TV.

The necessary equipment for this project

> IP Video Camera capable of data transfer over RSTP/RTP;
> DLNA compliant TV (Pre-configured);
> LAN (Pre-configured network devices);
> A Windows based PC, which will be acting as the video server.
Note: Mac OS and Linux can also be used. I am only using the Windows for the purpose of this guide.

This project assumes your TV already has the DLNA settings configured and is attached to the local network. Setting up DLNA is not the focus of this giude. If you have not done this step, there is a great article to get you started here: http://www.techhive.com/article/2020825/how-to-get-started-with-dlna.html


System Topology Diagram

IP cameras usually broadcast multiple video streams at different resolutions, compressed using MPEG, MJPEG or H.264 codecs. A standard TV generally cannot decode these streams over the local network. So to get around the limitation, we can make use of a free software application named Serviio which will create a DLNA server inside Windows. The DLNA server can transcode (decode and re-encode) streams "on the fly", taking the stream from the camera and translating it into an acceptable format for the TV to display.

Setting Up The System

> Download Serviio from the source: http://serviio.org/download and Install, following the prompts.
> After installation, go to the Programs menu to open the 'Serviio' folder, and run 'Serviio Console'.
> From the Serviio Console, select the 'Library' tab, and then 'Online Sources'.
> Within the Online Sources window, click the 'Add' button. Another window will open, prompting for user data.
> For the 'Source type', choose 'Live stream' from the drop-down list.


Setting the data stream

Next we need to find out the address of the video stream for the IP camera. The live stream is sent to the streaming engine over the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), which is an application-level protocol for controlling the delivery of real-time data such as audiovisual media. IP camera manufacturers use proprietary URL syntax for their cameras and you may need to consult your camera documentation for the URL syntax of the stream. Another possible way to find out the address is by checking the large Camera Database on the iSpy website, available at the source: http://www.ispyconnect.com/sources.aspx Simply search your IP camera model.

An RSTP URL format looks like: rtsp://[IP_ADDRESS]:[PORT]/usr=[USERNAME]&pwd=[PASSWORD]_channel=1_stream=0.sdp?videoMain
(This is only an example RSTP address format)

> Enter the RSTP URL value in the 'Source URL' field.
> Click the 'Check URL' button. If the link location and credentials are correct, a green check-mark will be displayed. A red 'X' will indicate an error.
> Set a name for the stream in the 'Display name' field and leave the 'Media type' as the default 'Video' value.
> Click the 'Add' button at the bottom-left of the window.


Checking the RSTP stream value

Now that the server is accepting the stream from your IP camera, it's time to turn on your TV (pre-configured and network connected). For the TV to begin accepting the transcoded stream, we need to check that the server has recognised the TV on the network and that it assigns the correct DLNA device profile so the stream is rendered correctly.

> From the Serviio Console, go to the 'Status' tab.
> Click under 'Profile', on the entry for your TV in the list of DLNA-enabled connected devices.
> If your TV is in the list and has not been recognised correctly by Serviio, set the correct rendering profile and click the 'Save' button.


Selecting the rendering profile

> Go to the TV, and set the source to DLNA, the Serviio server should be listed under the available devices to connect to.


Choosing the DLNA source

> Scroll through the available video folders to find the folder named 'Online', which is where the IP camera stream is located.


Accessing the IP camera stream

Finally, if everything is done correctly you will see your IP cameras' stream on your TV!


Displaying the IP camera stream

The picture quality will depend on you TV and IP Camera. There will also be the occasional loss of packets during data transmission due to the stream being converted on the fly, resulting in the odd minor glitch or a short delay... but after testing, I found it to be very stable and the image quality is very good.

The setup is very simple and should take about 10 minutes to complete.
 

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olli

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Good guide, thanks for it! Just please fix those first images not working. Also it would be nice to include some application recommendations for OS X & Linux, too.

EDIT: Stupid me, Serviio seems to be available for both OS X & Linux...
 
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lojix

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Good guide, thanks for it! Just please fix those first images not working. Also it would be nice to include some application recommendations for OS X & Linux, too.

EDIT: Stupid me, Serviio seems to be available for both OS X & Linux...
hhmmm, the images look fine in firefox, but after a check in Chrome they're not showing! ...not sure why, but I'll fix that now.

Thanks for letting me know olli :loyal:

Edit: Re-upped images. Looks okay in IE/FF/Chrome, should be fixed?
 
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avi6581

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Great write up. Looks like you're lucky that it's easy to get dlna from your tv. I tried something like this, but it takes so long to get through the menus on my tv to dlna, it was useless and whoever was at the door would be long gone :). I now just use a Google chromecast, either casting from my chrome on my laptop, or direct from the blue iris android app. Much simpler and I only have to flick between hdmi1 and hdmi2 on my tv (one press of the remote)
 

lojix

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Great write up. Looks like you're lucky that it's easy to get dlna from your tv. I tried something like this, but it takes so long to get through the menus on my tv to dlna, it was useless and whoever was at the door would be long gone :). I now just use a Google chromecast, either casting from my chrome on my laptop, or direct from the blue iris android app. Much simpler and I only have to flick between hdmi1 and hdmi2 on my tv (one press of the remote)
I had troubles getting DLNA to work in the past, especially from the few DLNA-enabled integrated routers I tried it with, but I had no trouble getting it set up with Serviio at all. I highly recommend giving it a try just to see if it does work, there's nothing to loose.

My absolute goldmine-find for DLNA is Universal Media Server: http://www.universalmediaserver.com/
> "It is free, regularly updated and has more features than any other media server, including paid media servers." - quoted from their home page, but absolutely true!
Linux, Mac OS and Windows versions, it really deserves some attention. Only reason I didn't use that for this write up, is because a plugin needs to be installed and to keep the process trim, Serviio is ready to go out-of-the-box.
 

avi6581

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Yeah. It works great. It just takes 8 remote presses and about 30 seconds to get to the dlna option from my TV via ll the smart menus :) . you're lucky its right there on your source options
 

cdisciullo

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One of the benefits of IP cameras over analog is the added versatility. Integration with the digital network has made accessing and viewing cameras much easier. One way of adding extra visual control of an IP camera system, is by having its stream accessible to be monitored on a standard modern television. This can be convenient for in-home use and can provide additional security.

Purpose and Uses of the Project

An example where displaying the image from a camera on your TV might be convenient, is by using it like an intercom. Imagine you're sitting down, finally watching that movie you've been waiting to see when the doorbell rings. You don't want to answer the door because it's probably just one of those annoying salesman again, right?... oh wait, what if it's that ebay order you're expecting! ...not to worry, just flip the channel on the TV and have a look! or what if baby is having a nap and dad is busy doing some "house work", it might be easier to view the baby monitor right on the TV.

The necessary equipment for this project

IP Video Camera capable of data transfer over RSTP/RTP;
DLNA compliant TV (Pre-configured);
LAN (Pre-configured network devices);
A Windows based PC, which will be acting as the video server.
Note: Mac OS and Linux can also be used. I am only using the Windows for the purpose of this guide.

This project assumes your TV already has the DLNA settings configured and is attached to the local network. Setting up DLNA is not the focus of this giude. If you have not done this step, there is a great article to get you started here: Everything you need to know about DLNA: The de facto home-entertainment network standard


System Topology Diagram

IP cameras usually broadcast multiple video streams at different resolutions, compressed using MPEG, MJPEG or H.264 codecs. A standard TV generally cannot decode these streams over the local network. So to get around the limitation, we can make use of a free software application named Serviio which will create a DLNA server inside Windows. The DLNA server can transcode (decode and re-encode) streams "on the fly", taking the stream from the camera and translating it into an acceptable format for the TV to display.

Setting Up The System

Download Serviio from the source: Download and Install, following the prompts.
After installation, go to the Programs menu to open the 'Serviio' folder, and run 'Serviio Console'.
From the Serviio Console, select the 'Library' tab, and then 'Online Sources'.
Within the Online Sources window, click the 'Add' button. Another window will open, prompting for user data.
For the 'Source type', choose 'Live stream' from the drop-down list.

Setting the data stream

Next we need to find out the address of the video stream for the IP camera. The live stream is sent to the streaming engine over the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), which is an application-level protocol for controlling the delivery of real-time data such as audiovisual media. IP camera manufacturers use proprietary URL syntax for their cameras and you may need to consult your camera documentation for the URL syntax of the stream. Another possible way to find out the address is by checking the large Camera Database on the iSpy website, available at the source: Connecting iSpy to IP Cameras Simply search your IP camera model.

An RSTP URL format looks like: rtsp:/[IP_ADDRESS]:[PORT]/usr=[USERNAME]&pwd=[PASSWORD]_channel=1_stream=0.sdp?videoMain
(This is only an example RSTP address format)

Enter the RSTP URL value in the 'Source URL' field.
Click the 'Check URL' button. If the link location and credentials are correct, a green check-mark will be displayed. A red 'X' will indicate an error.
Set a name for the stream in the 'Display name' field and leave the 'Media type' as the default 'Video' value.
Click the 'Add' button at the bottom-left of the window.

Checking the RSTP stream value

Now that the server is accepting the stream from your IP camera, it's time to turn on your TV (pre-configured and network connected). For the TV to begin accepting the transcoded stream, we need to check that the server has recognised the TV on the network and that it assigns the correct DLNA device profile so the stream is rendered correctly.

From the Serviio Console, go to the 'Status' tab.
Click under 'Profile', on the entry for your TV in the list of DLNA-enabled connected devices.
If your TV is in the list and has not been recognised correctly by Serviio, set the correct rendering profile and click the 'Save' button.
Hello, I am completely new to the IP camera world and understand this is an older post but hopefully can get pointed in the right direction. I entered the URL and it stated it was successful. After that though I get nowhere. I turn on my TV(Vizio PX65-G1) and when I go into status the TV is not found, only a Samsung that my son has upstairs). What are my option to resolve this. I also have no DLNA source when I tab through the sources. Is that normal until servo can actually see the TV? Last question should the URL I use end in Main or Sub? I used main, but like I said it was found and added in "online sources" Thanks for all the help

Selecting the rendering profile

Go to the TV, and set the source to DLNA, the Serviio server should be listed under the available devices to connect to.

Choosing the DLNA source

Scroll through the available video folders to find the folder named 'Online', which is where the IP camera stream is located.

Accessing the IP camera stream

Finally, if everything is done correctly you will see your IP cameras' stream on your TV!


Displaying the IP camera stream

The picture quality will depend on you TV and IP Camera. There will also be the occasional loss of packets during data transmission due to the stream being converted on the fly, resulting in the odd minor glitch or a short delay... but after testing, I found it to be very stable and the image quality is very good.

The setup is very simple and should take about 10 minutes to complete.
 

cdisciullo

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Hello, I am new to IP cameras and understand this post is old but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. I successfully aded my URL but do not find my TV in the status tab, it is a Vizio PX65-G. It found my sons Samsung upstairs though. I also se no source caled DLNA, is that normal until servo can se the TV? Should my URL end in Main or Sub? Thanks for any help that can be provided.
 

StratRider

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I was trying to figure out this thread and maybe DLNA was necessary long ago but with adapters I believe you can now run the signal as far as you need with Cat5 cable.
I run a 32" 1080p TV as my blue Iris computer monitor now just using the VGA out and TV has a VGA in. My BI computer doesn't have HDMI out or I'd use that.
If I want to run this signal to the living room 55" TV, I can get a VGA splitter for the computer and use an adapter for VGA to RJ45 Ethernet then RJ45 to VGA or HDMI on the other end and plug it into that TV.
At that point, it's usually a single click or so on the TV remote to call up what type of input signal I want to look at.
Just thought I'd throw some options out there that make more sense for my situation anyway. Maybe others have even better methods by now.
 
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