Camera setup
Axis Camera RTSP and ONVIF Setup for OmniNVR
Use Axis VAPIX RTSP media paths, stream profiles, camera channels, and ONVIF discovery with OmniNVR.
Compatibility is model- and firmware-specific. OmniNVR and TardisLabs are not affiliated with or endorsed by Axis.
Check compatibility before you start
Enable RTSP on the Axis device, create an operator or viewer account, and keep the camera on a managed local network. Many Axis products expose several view areas or physical channels, so identify the intended source before tuning recording quality.
Saved stream profiles are preferable to very long URLs because camera-side settings remain understandable and can be changed without editing every client.
Add the camera or NVR channel
The default path is rtsp://CAMERA-IP/axis-media/media.amp. Add ?streamprofile=PROFILE to request a saved profile or ?camera=2 for another video channel on supported devices. Axis also documents codec, resolution, audio, and transport parameters.
Use ONVIF in OmniNVR for discovery and profile selection, or enter the VAPIX URL for an exact stream. Separate a low-bandwidth continuous profile from the detailed event profile.
Choose recording roles
Use the lower-bitrate sub stream for continuous history when it has enough detail, and reserve the main stream for focused live view or event clips. This reduces storage and decode load without giving up high-quality evidence around important moments.
Before scaling up, record one camera for at least fifteen minutes, play it from the timeline, disconnect the network briefly, and restart OmniNVR. A working live preview alone does not prove that timestamps, recovery, and storage are reliable.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Wrong view area: set the camera parameter or choose the correct ONVIF media profile.
- Authentication loops: verify RTSP digest access and the user's permissions.
- Long URL is fragile: save the desired values as an Axis stream profile.
- Metadata is missing: video, event, and analytics metadata are distinct capabilities; test them separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Axis camera work with OmniNVR?
No. The camera or recorder must expose a compatible RTSP, RTSPS, ONVIF, or HLS stream, and support varies by model, firmware, codec, power mode, and network topology.
Should I connect to the camera or the brand NVR?
Connect directly when the camera is reachable and you want independent streams. Connect to the NVR when cameras are isolated behind its PoE network or the recorder is the only endpoint that exposes each channel.
Can I expose the RTSP port to the internet?
Do not forward camera RTSP ports for long-term remote access. Keep cameras local and use a trusted VPN when remote viewing is required.
Sources and further reading
Build your NVR on the Apple devices you already own.
Monitor, record, review, and retain RTSP and ONVIF camera video locally.