Most DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) support RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), which allows you to stream video over a network. RTSP is commonly used for accessing live video feeds from cameras connected to the DVR.
HikVision / HiLook DVR streams
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/Streaming/Channels/101
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/Streaming/Channels/201
Dahua DVR streams
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=2&subtype=0
The number of RTSP streams you can watch from a DVR simultaneously depends on several factors:
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- DVR Specifications:
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- The DVR’s hardware capabilities (CPU, GPU, RAM, and network interface) determine how many simultaneous streams it can handle.
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- Most DVRs specify a maximum number of concurrent streams in their documentation (e.g., 4, 8, 16, or more).
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- DVR Specifications:
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- Stream Resolution and Bitrate:
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- Higher-resolution streams (e.g., 4K) consume more bandwidth and processing power, reducing the total number of concurrent streams.
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- Lower-resolution streams (e.g., 480p or 720p) allow for more simultaneous connections.
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- Stream Resolution and Bitrate:
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- Network Bandwidth:
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- The available upload bandwidth from the DVR’s location affects how many streams can be sent over the network.
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- For example, if each RTSP stream requires 2 Mbps and your upload bandwidth is 10 Mbps, you can only support 5 streams simultaneously.
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- Network Bandwidth:
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- DVR Software Limitations:
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- Some DVRs impose artificial limits on the number of RTSP streams, even if the hardware could handle more.
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- DVR Software Limitations:
Typical Scenarios:
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- Consumer-grade DVRs: Often support 4–8 simultaneous RTSP streams.
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- Professional-grade DVRs/NVRs: Can handle 16, 32, or more streams, depending on the model.
How to Check:
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- Refer to the DVR’s user manual or specifications sheet for the maximum number of supported RTSP streams.
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- Test by connecting multiple clients (e.g., VLC media player) to the DVR’s RTSP URLs and monitor performance.
If you need more streams than the DVR supports, consider using a video management system (VMS) or reducing the resolution/bitrate of the streams.
