In this article, we will discuss the Rhombus feature, secure raw streams, how it differs from Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), how to use it in the console, and how to view the stream in a Video Management Software (VMS) or video player of your choosing.
Note: This feature can only be utilized while viewing cameras on your Local Area Network (LAN)
Why Secure Raw Streams?
Rhombus's decision to go to an alternative to RTSP is based on security for both our clients and their information. This method will give the ability to stream live video over your LAN, from Rhombus cameras to either a third-party application or devices. The method we choose provides an H.264 stream over HTTPS. This is one of the most reliable and widely-used video streaming protocols for online videos.
What does the stream provide?
The Rhombus secure raw streaming feature is a live stripped-down H.264 stream of the camera feed. Using this stream in an NVR/DVR setup will start to download the footage to that storage device, and depending on the VMS capabilities, will allow you to view previous downloaded footage as well as real time footage.
Note: The stream of the camera will not have any AI analytics, timestamp, or event markers.
Why is RTSP not secure?
Real-Time Streaming Protocol does not meet the requirement of Rhombus standards for the reasons below:
- RTSP is not encrypted via the channel or route the stream is coming from
- This can cause an individual to packet sniff the network and acquire that individual stream.
- RTSP violates Rhombus's user privacy and security
- Having RTSP as a default on our Rhombus cameras would not pass our routine third-party security audits
- Lack of end-to-end encryption
- Passwords exposed as plain text in RTSP URLs
How to get the stream
To find where to create the secure raw stream follow the pathway below and see the screenshot.
Devices > 'Click on a camera of your choice' > Scroll down to More Detail & click drop-down > Secure Raw Streams
After clicking on the 'Secure Raw Streams' option you will be shown the option to create the stream. Seen below.
After clicking the 'Create' button you will be prompted to provide a name to the stream.
After entering a name and clicking the create button the final window will open where you can get the link for the stream which is the same resolution as the camera currently and the low res option will be 640p resolution.
How to implement the stream
This part will show how to take the secure raw stream link and implement it into a video player or VMS. Secure Raw Streaming is ideal for customers who want to integrate Rhombus cameras with their existing NVR/DVR system as they gradually deploy Rhombus throughout their organization, enabling a smoother transition process.
VMS/NVR
Our secure raw streams can be used in video management software and on an NVR/DVR system. This lets customers stream live footage within third-party apps to facilitate powerful and niche analytics.
Video Player
Below is an example of how to use the video player VLC to play the secure raw stream. Where you can take the secure raw streams link and play it in the VLC player.
Helpful Links
If you have any further questions please reach out to our Rhombus Support at help@rhombus.com. If you would like to talk to a Rhombus Sales Representative please reach out to sales@rhombus.com.
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