RTSP Setup Guide

Uniview RTSP Setup

Use the documented stream for your Uniview (UNV) camera or recorder. Check the exact model, firmware and local account; IPC, NVR and PTZ products do not necessarily expose identical functions.

RTSP Stream URL
rtsp://<username>:<password>@<IP>:554/unicast/c1/s0/live
Port
554
Protocol
RTSP
ONVIF
Yes
Codec
H.264/H.265

Official Documentation and Verification Scope

Documentation checked: 2026-10-18. Uniview documents separate camera and recorder uses of the unicast stream resource. Confirm the configured port, channel, enabled stream and local permissions; published examples do not establish discovery, PTZ or ONVIF conformance for every product.

These instructions are based on published documentation. This guide does not certify a physical camera, every model in the brand, or all audio, PTZ, event and recording functions in SmartRTSP.

How to Enable RTSP on Uniview Cameras

1

Log in to the camera web interface

Open a browser and navigate to http://<camera-IP>. Sign in with your admin credentials. On first login, Uniview cameras prompt you to set a new password — make note of it. Default username is typically admin but do not assume a blank or universal password. For lost credentials, follow the exact model’s official recovery procedure before considering a reset.

2

Verify RTSP port is enabled

In the web UI, navigate to Configuration → Network → Port. Confirm that the RTSP port is set to 554 and the service is enabled. On some firmware versions, this is found under Configuration → Network → Basic Settings. While you are here, also confirm that ONVIF is enabled if you plan to use auto-discovery — look for an ONVIF section or "Integration Protocol" tab within the Network settings.

3

Use ONVIF scan or enter your RTSP URL manually

Recommended — ONVIF Auto-Discovery: Tap the scan icon in SmartRTSP. If the exact model supports ONVIF, confirm enablement and viewing permissions. Discovery also depends on the local network and does not establish every feature.

Alternative — Manual RTSP URL: Tap + → Manual in SmartRTSP, then enter:

rtsp://admin:YourPassword@192.168.1.100:554/unicast/c1/s0/live
4

Access additional channels on a Uniview NVR

When connecting through a Uniview NVR, use the NVR's IP address and change the channel segment of the URL. Channel 1 = c1, Channel 2 = c2, Channel 3 = c3, and so on. For the sub-stream, replace s0 with s1. Assign a static IP to your NVR via your router's DHCP reservation table to avoid the URL changing after a reboot.

Uniview RTSP URL Reference

Uniview cameras use a unicast/c[channel]/s[stream]/live URL pattern. The channel index starts at 1, and the stream index starts at 0 (main) or 1 (sub).

Stream RTSP Path
Channel 1 — Main stream /unicast/c1/s0/live
Channel 1 — Sub-stream /unicast/c1/s1/live
Channel 2 — Main stream /unicast/c2/s0/live
Channel 2 — Sub-stream /unicast/c2/s1/live
Channel 3 — Main stream /unicast/c3/s0/live
Third stream (tertiary) /unicast/c1/s2/live

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I connect to my Uniview camera via RTSP?
The most common causes are: (1) RTSP is disabled or the port is incorrect — double check Configuration → Network → Port that port 554 is active; (2) Firewall on the camera or your router is blocking port 554; (3) Wrong credentials — Uniview passwords are case-sensitive; (4) Your iPhone or Mac is on a different network than the camera. Ensure both devices share the same subnet. You can also try the ONVIF scan in SmartRTSP as an alternative to manual RTSP entry.
Does Uniview support ONVIF?
Check the exact model’s ONVIF profiles, service enablement and account permissions. Discovery, video playback, PTZ and events are separate checks. Do not assume every device will be discovered, particularly across isolated VLANs.
How do I access different channels on a Uniview NVR?
For Uniview NVRs, point SmartRTSP at the NVR's IP address and increment the channel number in the path. Channel 1 main = /unicast/c1/s0/live, Channel 2 main = /unicast/c2/s0/live, etc. The sub-stream for each channel uses s1 instead of s0. Using ONVIF scan on the NVR's IP will often enumerate all channels automatically.
Why should I check the path for the actual device?
A path copied from another device family, such as /Streaming/Channels/101 should not replace the documented resource for your device, such as /unicast/c1/s0/live. Match the actual camera or recorder, port, enabled encoder and local account. A familiar path or codec name does not certify compatibility.
Where can I find the official Uniview documentation?
Official resources are available at uniview.com. Product datasheets, quick start guides, and firmware downloads are accessible through the Support section after registering an account. Check the exact model and firmware for conformance profiles; do not infer the same capabilities for every IPC, NVR or PTZ device.