Real‑Time Streaming Protocol

Real‑Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is supported to enable live video streaming to third‑party software applications such as video players, video management systems (VMS), and recording tools.

RTSP enables the Flir Si2a to deliver live optical video to third‑party systems using a widely supported, standards‑based protocol. This allows easy integration into existing monitoring and recording infrastructures while keeping acoustic analysis and system control within the Flir Si2a platform.

RTSP provides a standards-based method that can show or record the Flir Si2a optical video stream over an IP network. This allows the camera to be integrated into existing monitoring, security, or visualization systems without the need for proprietary software. The video stream provides the same video as displayed in the camera’s web interface.

Use only RTSP for video streaming. Camera configuration, acoustic analysis, alarms, and system management are handled via the camera's web interface, REST API, or supported FLIR software solutions.

Supported RTSP streams

The Flir Si2a provides an RTSP stream from its integrated optical camera for situational awareness and visual context.

  • Typical use cases:

    • Remote visual monitoring.

    • Integration with VMS or SCADA systems.

    • Recording via third‑party media players.

  • Streaming mode: unicast RTSP

The RTSP stream does not include raw acoustic data, beamforming data, or quantitative acoustic measurements. Acoustic detection results (e.g. leak or partial discharge events) are available via the user interface and API, not via RTSP.

Accessing the RTSP stream using VLC media player

The RTSP stream can be viewed or recorded using standard third‑party media players such as VLC Media Player.

To view the live stream:

  1. Make sure the camera is turned on and connected to the network.

  2. Open VLC Media Player. Use Open streaming and type in address, for example rtsp://<camera-ip-address>.

  3. Select Media > Open Network Stream.

  4. Enter the RTSP URL for the Flir Si2a camera.

  5. Click Play.

  6. The live video stream from the camera will be shown.

Protocol Features: It is described as a protocol that supports commands like PLAY, PAUSE, and SETUP, which allow for controlling media without downloading files.

Recording the RTSP stream

Many RTSP‑compatible applications, including VLC Media Player and VMS software, allow recording of the live stream.

Recording functionality and file formats depend on the third‑party application used. For long‑term recording or centralized video management, Flir recommends using a dedicated VMS or recording platform that supports RTSP.

Network considerations

For reliable RTSP streaming performance:

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection where possible.

  • Ensure sufficient network bandwidth for continuous video streaming.

  • Avoid routing RTSP traffic over congested or high‑latency links.

  • Configure firewalls to allow RTSP traffic (typically TCP or UDP on port 554, depending on configuration).

RTSP and other interfaces

The Flir Si2a supports multiple interfaces, each serving a distinct purpose:

Interface

Purpose

RTSP

Live optical video streaming

Web interface

Configuration, visualization, and system management,

REST API

Status, events, alarms, and integration

This separation ensures predictable performance and simplifies system integration.

Limitations:

  • RTSP provides video only.

  • RTSP is read‑only and cannot be used to configure the camera.

  • Acoustic analysis results are not embedded in the RTSP stream.

  • Availability and performance depend on network conditions and client compability.

Troubleshooting RTSP Streaming

If the RTSP stream is not visible:

  • Verify the camera's IP address and network connectivity.

  • Confirm that RTSP is enabled in the camera configuration.

  • Ensure no firewall or network security policy is blocking RTSP traffic.

  • Test the stream using a different RTSP‑compatible client.