The display of numerous cameras puts high demands on the performance of the processor and the RAM, especially for videos with a high resolution. However, live displays do not always require a high resolution. Often, the camera window in the player is significantly smaller than the full resolution when several cameras are displayed simultaneously. Thus, a Full HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels might be displayed in the player with only 640 x 480 pixels. As in this case a lower resolution is sufficient, you can configure alternative streams with a lower resolution for the live views of each camera. Thus, processor and RAM are relieved.

If the server administrator has configured an additional stream, the live view automatically switches to the lower resolution if the size of the player is accordingly small.

The alternative live streams only affect the live view. They are only created for the live view and are not being recorded. The videos are recorded with the resolution configured under Video configuration.

You can configure up to 2 alternative live streams for each camera. The following settings may serve as an orientation:

Ratio 4:3

Ratio 16:9

1 alternative live stream

640 x 480

640 x 360

2 alternative live streams

1. stream: 800 x 600

2. stream: 320 x 240

1. stream: 800 x 450

2. stream: 320 x 180
Configuration

You can configure live streams for Axis IP, ONVIF compatible and RTSP camera types.

  • Axis cameras

Set a checkmark in the area Additional streams for 1 or 2 alternative live streams. For Axis IP cameras, you can select the resolution directly from the drop-down menu. Moreover, you can enter the frame rate in the entry field.

  • ONVIF compatible cameras

Set a checkmark in the area Additional streams for 1 or 2 alternative live streams. For ONVIF compatible cameras, you have to choose an ONVIF profile. In this profile, the resolution is defined. It might be necessary to configure such profiles in the camera.

  • RTSP sources

Set a checkmark in the area Additional streams for 1 or 2 alternative live streams. You have to enter an URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) for RTSP sources. In this URI, the video parameters are defined with an according resolution.

Display of alternative live streams in the Player

In the camera view, the user can define which live stream will be displayed. Open the context menu in the respective camera view with a right mouse click. (For a description, see chapter Submenu Live stream)

You can see in a tooltip, which camera is currently running. Just move the mouse over the camera name in the info toolbar. Furthermore, the tooltip displays the name of the video server.