Multi-camera viewing
RTSP Multiviewer
An RTSP multiviewer, or multiple RTSP stream viewer, shows several IP camera feeds on one screen. SmartRTSP does this with a hardware-accelerated multi-camera grid on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Quick answer
Use substream URLs for each camera when building an RTSP multiviewer. Substreams reduce CPU, battery, Wi-Fi load, and disconnects while keeping all cameras visible.
Flexible camera grid examples
A good multi-camera viewer should adapt to the job: one critical camera large, several small overview feeds, or a clean equal grid for a wall display.
Use substreams
Prefer lower bitrate feeds in multi-camera mode.
Keep cameras local
Local RTSP avoids cloud delay and subscription limits.
Add ONVIF
ONVIF helps discovery and PTZ control.
Grid planning checklist
| Decision | Recommendation | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Main vs substream | Use substream in grid, main stream on full screen. | Reduces decode load and network traffic. |
| Layout | Give the most important camera the largest tile. | A monitor wall should communicate priority at a glance. |
| Device | Use Mac for desktop monitoring, Apple TV for wall display. | Each screen has a different viewing distance and control model. |
| Testing | Add a Mac webcam RTSP test stream before adding more cameras. | It verifies the viewer and LAN path safely. |
FAQ
What is an RTSP multiviewer?
It is a viewer that displays multiple RTSP camera feeds on one screen, usually as a grid.
How many cameras should be in one grid?
Use only the cameras needed for the task. Smaller grids are easier to read; larger grids need substreams and careful layout.
Should I use main streams or substreams?
Use substreams for grid tiles and switch to the main stream when you need full-screen detail.