8.2. Connecting cameras
How do I connect cameras through a DVR/NVR?
In a DVR or NVR, each connected camera is accessible via a unique connection string, even though the device has a single IP address. The modifiable part is the channel or stream number. For example, two cameras through one DVR might be accessible at:
rtsp://{dvr_ip}:554/ch1-s1 rtsp://{dvr_ip}:554/ch2-s1
or
rtsp://{dvr_ip}:554/live/ch01_0 rtsp://{dvr_ip}:554/live/ch02_0
To connect, use the automatic search function first, then adjust the connection strings for the remaining cameras. If the app only detects one camera, you will need to add the others manually by specifying the correct channel numbers.
Tip: To ensure the application connects to the exact URL you specify, disable all "Search For" options in the camera settings panel.
The camera is not displayed via ONVIF — what should I do?
If the camera does not appear in the ONVIF search results, try switching the profile in the ONVIF panel. Modern cameras often broadcast multiple streams with different characteristics, and the default profile may use a codec that is not compatible with AnyCam. There are usually two or three profiles available — try each one until the image appears.
How do I switch between ONVIF stream profiles?
In the ONVIF connection panel, you can switch between available profiles. Each profile may have different resolution, frame rate, or codec settings. If the default profile produces a black screen or is not displayed, try the other available profiles.
Should I use ONVIF or RTSP?
ONVIF is recommended if you need PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) control. For cameras that do not support PTZ, RTSP is generally more efficient — it uses less bandwidth and puts less strain on your network and PC. ONVIF connections may cause performance issues with multiple high-resolution cameras.
Tip: If you are already connected via ONVIF and experience performance issues, consider switching to RTSP. You can find the RTSP stream URL in your camera's documentation or web interface.
How do I connect a camera using a specific URL?
To connect a camera using a specific RTSP or ONVIF URL, go to the page for adding a new camera, enter the camera's IP address or full connection string, and click Connect. To force the application to use only the URL you specify, disable all "Search For" options in the camera settings panel.
Common RTSP URL formats:
rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/11 rtsp://{camera_ip}:554/cam1/onvif-h264
Multiple USB cameras with the same name — how do I connect all?
If multiple USB cameras share the same device name, AnyCam may have trouble distinguishing them. Try connecting them one at a time, and disable automatic search options so the application uses the exact connection string you provide.
How do I find my camera's IP address?
If you do not know your camera's IP address, check your router's admin page — it lists all devices connected to your network. Look for the camera by its MAC address or manufacturer name. Once you identify the correct IP address, enter it in AnyCam.
Tip: To prevent the camera's IP address from changing in the future, assign a static IP (or DHCP reservation) based on the camera's MAC address in your router settings.