Camera setup
VIGI Camera ONVIF and RTSP Setup for OmniNVR
Connect TP-Link VIGI cameras to OmniNVR through ONVIF or RTSP, choose profiles, and diagnose third-party NVR connection failures.
Compatibility is model- and firmware-specific. OmniNVR and TardisLabs are not affiliated with or endorsed by TP-Link VIGI.
Check compatibility before you start
Sign in to the VIGI camera web interface, update the firmware for the exact hardware revision, and set a stable LAN address. Under advanced network settings, enable ONVIF and choose the connection type supported by the client. Current VIGI documentation lists port 80 as the default ONVIF port, but it can be changed.
VIGI cameras and VIGI NVRs are separate endpoints. Connect to the camera directly when possible; use a recorder channel only when the cameras sit behind the VIGI NVR network.
Add the camera or NVR channel
In OmniNVR, start with ONVIF discovery, select the VIGI device, authenticate, and inspect the returned main and sub profiles. For manual RTSP, copy the stream address documented or displayed by the exact camera firmware rather than assuming a Tapo path.
Assign the lower-bitrate profile to continuous recording and the higher-detail profile to events. Record a short sample, restart the app, and confirm the connection resumes before adding more cameras.
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
- ONVIF device found but login fails: verify the ONVIF connection type and account permissions.
- HTTPS-only ONVIF fails: confirm client and certificate support, or use the documented mixed mode on a trusted LAN.
- RTSP profile disappears: review the exact hardware revision's firmware notes.
- NVR works but direct camera does not: the camera may be on an isolated PoE subnet.
Frequently asked questions
Does every TP-Link VIGI 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.