Direct answer
Use rtsp://USER:PASS@DEVICE_IP:RTSP_PORT/cam/realmonitor?channel=1&subtype=0. Channels start at 1. subtype=0 is main and subtype=1 is sub stream. For a recorder channel, use the NVR/XVR IP, recorder account, configured RTSP port, and logical channel shown in Camera Management.
What each parameter controls
| Part | Meaning | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| DEVICE_IP | Camera or recorder serving the stream | Camera IP directly; NVR/XVR IP through recorder |
| channel | Logical channel starting at 1 | Read the recorder assignment; do not assume PoE port order |
| subtype=0 | Main stream | Highest quality and load |
| subtype=1 | Sub stream | Lower load; first test for multi-view |
| subtype=2 | Extra stream 2 on some devices | Only if supported by the model |
| RTSP_PORT | RTSP service port | 554 is default; use the configured value |
Camera IP or NVR/XVR IP?
| Goal | Endpoint and account | channel |
|---|---|---|
| Direct camera | Camera IP and account | Usually 1 for one sensor |
| Through NVR/XVR | Recorder IP and account | Logical channel in Camera/Registration |
| Multi-sensor camera | Camera or recorder | Verify mapping in the device UI |
Copyable URL patterns
ONVIF or manual RTSP?
ONVIF can discover the device and profiles. A manual realmonitor URL selects one exact recorder channel. ONVIF availability, permissions, and menu names vary by firmware.
Add a Dahua channel to SmartRTSP
- Read the logical channel under Camera, Registration, or Remote Device.
- Keep the Apple device and recorder on the same LAN for the first test.
- Enter NVR/XVR IP, recorder account, RTSP port, channel, and subtype.
- Test subtype=1 before subtype=0.
- For direct access, use the camera IP and account.
View this NVR in SmartRTSP
SmartRTSP is an RTSP and ONVIF camera viewer for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Once this stream works, add it manually or use ONVIF discovery on your local network.
- Use the sub stream in a multi-camera grid and the main stream for detail.
- View up to eight cameras in supported multi-camera layouts; the Apple TV grid currently supports four.
- Connect locally without bridge hardware or a required cloud subscription.
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| channel=1 works; 2 fails | No camera on logical channel 2 | Check the NVR list rather than the PoE label. |
| subtype=1 works; 0 is black | Codec, resolution, bitrate, or load | Temporarily test H.264 or lower main-stream load. |
| 401 Unauthorized | Wrong endpoint account | NVR account for NVR IP; camera account for camera IP. |
| Timeout | Wrong port or network isolation | Check RTSP port and subnet. |
| subtype=2 fails | No extra stream 2 | Use 0/1 or verify the model. |
| Wrong camera appears | Channels were reordered | Update the URL from the current assignment. |
Check your model and firmware
Channel assignment, stream count, codec, RTSP port, authentication, and menu names can vary by model and firmware. Check the current device settings before setup. For remote access, use a VPN instead of exposing RTSP to the public internet.
FAQ
What does subtype=0 mean?
Main stream; subtype=1 is sub stream.
Is channel=2 the sub stream?
No. channel selects the camera and subtype selects the stream.
Why does direct camera access work but the NVR fails?
The NVR has its own IP, account, port, and channel list.