FAQs
Do you have question for us? We wrote down frequently asked question for you.
What is a network camera? CamStreamer App
A network camera (or IP camera) is a small computer and a camera combined in one unit. Once connected to the Internet, it works completely autonomously/independently. See a definition here.
Do I need a public IP? CamStreamer App
No, your camera initiates a connection to RTMP servers (YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, DaCast…). It works as a Plug&Play from almost any network with sufficient bandwidth. CamStreamer App is compatible with CamStreamer Cloud which is a cloud camera management.
Do I need a running computer? CamStreamer App
No, the video itself is pushed directly from your camera to streaming services. You need a computer just for the initial setup. You don't need a running computer as with other solutions.
I have a strict firewall. What is the correct setting? CamStreamer App
I have a strict firewall. What is the correct setting?
DNS (UDP port 53) ... see DNS settings on the camera
NTP (UDP port 123) ... see NTP settings on the camera
RTMP (TCP port 1935) ... connection to the streaming server
HTTPS (TCP port 443) ... connection to our server (required only for trial license and Facebook and YouTube streaming)
What is the required connection speed? CamStreamer App
It depends on video quality and motion in the video. A video in resolution 720p at 25fps would need at least 2Mbps in the upload direction. The ping time should be less than 100ms.
Check also recommendations from YouTube here.
How can I measure my connection speed? CamStreamer App
You can measure it e.g. on speedtest.net. See the upload speed value and ping time. Be sure you are on the same network as the camera.
Can I broadcast my camera 24/7? CamStreamer App
Yes, you can broadcast 24/7 e.g. to YouTube. For YouTube we run a watchdog on our server to notify you if the camera disconnects and to keep the broadcast running.
Can I record a video? CamStreamer App
Yes, a video can be recorded on YouTube. YouTube enables recording for 4-12 hours based on a quality and streaming latency mode. You can use a YT video editor to trim a video. If you need a local recording or more hours, please contact us.
Can I display some information (e.g. weather) over the video? CamStreamer App
Yes. See application called CamOverlay App.
What happens if I need to replace a camera because it is broken and I have a full license? CamStreamer App
If you have an RMA number from Axis we will transfer the license for free. If you do not have RMA and your license is not older than 2 years you can transfer it for $50/45€. In both cases contact us on sales@camstreamer.com.
Is there an API? Can I integrate CamStreamer in my product? CamStreamer App
Yes. See CamStreamer App API documentation.
Is there a partner program? CamStreamer App
Yes, please contact us. Currents partners and benefits are available here.
How much information can I display at the same time?
Cameras with an Artpec-6 and higher processor (check here) enable up to four overlays in a stream/view area. Older cameras enable max 2 overlays in one stream.
Can I set the projection of info for specific times?
Yes, you can set weekly schedules.
Where can I upload my own graphics?
Images can be uploaded via CamOvelray’s user interface to an SD card (recommended), internal memory, or a cloud can be used (image on HTTP link).
How fast are graphics uploaded from the camera to the image?
This depends on the size of the graphics. Cameras with an Artpec-6 and higher processor (check here) support up to 25fps. Older cameras support refresh rate around 1fps. When reading images from the SD card, data is stored in the camera’s cache when the first image is displayed, which may cause the upload to take longer. The next display of the same graphic is up to 90% faster. The camera’s cache cannot be used for displaying images stored on a cloud.
What is the max. size of the picture?
The same as the video resolution – the picture can't extend beyond the borders of the camera video. Nevertheless, we do not recommend the max size of the picture as it consumes too many resources of the camera.
How does the size of the graphics change if I want to use different resolutions from the camera?
Graphics stays the same - 1:1, any position/offset is set in pixels, so it is possible to set up for just one specific resolution.
Is there any API? Can I integrate CamOverlay App into my own products?
Yes, see the API documentation.
Is there any partner program?
Yes, please contact us. Currents partners and benefits are available here.
I need to view the info from a service you do not support yet.
We will try to find solution for you, contact us.
What happens with my licence if my camera brakes down?
If you have an RMA number from Axis we will transfer the license for free. If you do not have RMA and your license is not older than 2 years you can transfer it for $50/45€. In both cases contact us on sales@camstreamer.com.
What graphic formats are supported?
Supported image formats are jpeg and png (with alpha channel).
Where can I display graphics in my video?
Graphics can be placed anywhere in the video either with the help of preset locations or x/y coordinates.
Is AXIS the only supported IP camera manufacturer ? General
We support only Axis cameras, because there is an open application platform for third party applications like CamStreamer App or CamOverlay App and Axis stands for high quality and reliability, which we can confirm based on many years of experience working with Axis.
Axis has many beautiful cameras to choose from. Almost all Axis cameras are supported by CamStreamer App and CamOverlay App, see the list of compatible models here.
How can I solve YouTube embedding problems ? CamStreamer App
If you want to embed your video into any web page, you must enable Monetization first: YouTube Account > Creator Studio > Channel > Monetization > Enable.
This guide may help you. You must also connect your channel with an AdSense account. You will probably have to stop & start a stream and then use the new link for embedding.
Unfortunately, YouTube stopped to allow embedding for new accounts at the start of the year 2020 as we know from our customers. Youtube did not announce it officially.
What should I do when I Can't connect to target video server ( Please check DNS settings ) ? CamStreamer App
Your camera is not able to resolve DNS address. There are two recommended solutions, pick one :
1) Set DNS server 8.8.8.8 on your camera and allow DNS traffic to 8.8.8.8 and on your firewall
2) Or configure a local DNS server to the camera. See Setup > System Options > TCP/IP > Advanced
Can I stream to more streaming platforms simultaneously ? CamStreamer App
Yes, with CamStreamer App 3.x you can stream to more streaming platforms simultaneously. Please check https://camstreamer.com/download-app for availability of CamStreamer App 3.x for your camera model.
How do I purchase CamStreamer full license? CamStreamer App
Choose the product you want at https://camstreamer.com/#pricing and select the button "buy online". You can pay by a card or with PayPal. The best deal is the bundle with CamOverlay app ( for graphics added to the stream).
I need a suitable Axis IP camera, which one should i choose? CamStreamer App
If you need help with the camera selection and installation, please check if there is our partner near you or just find the local Axis reseller/distributor. Before the purchase please check https://camstreamer.com/download-app as well and find out if the camera you want is compatible with CamStreamer App and/or CamOverlay App. In case you still need help with picking the right one, please contact us at sales@camstreamer.com.
I want to stream live to YouTube, is there any guide about encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions? CamStreamer App
What's the right way to enter my license code of CamStreamer app? General
After you pay for one of our application licenses you will receive an email with your license code. The license code must be put into the application directly after you open it from the Axis application list. Please check the installation guide to do it the right way. Note: The most common mistake is that some users put it to the Axis user interface in the license key field. This does not work.
Supported browsers General
CamStreamer applications work on the latest versions of modern browsers like Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge and Opera. Microsoft Internet Explorer is not supported.
Errors: Get camera time error, cannot check camera time General
In most cases, this is due to incorrect settings of the DNS server. You can configure the local DNS server of the camera in the System>TCP/IP section.
I have a trial license, but it doesn’t work without the internet General
The trial license requires an internet connection on the camera and port 443 to be opened in your firewall. The first option is to connect the camera to the internet and the second is to buy a full license.
Are there any compatibility issues between CS products and Axis Camera Station? General
CamStreamer applications are independent of any video management systems. Therefore, they can run simultaneously.
I have CS 2.0.7 and CS tells me to downgrade to 1.5.3 CamStreamer App
Your camera has an ARTPEC-4 processor (e.g. P1427-LE). These cameras are officially supported by CS 1.5.3 because their CPU is slightly less powerful then the ARTPEC-5.
CS 2.x is appropriate only when you want to push multiple streams to different streaming platforms. If you don't need this feature, we recommend using CS 1.5.3.
If the camera has FW 6.40 or newer, you can install CS v2 as well – just download the ARTPEC-5 package. In all situations, please install CS 1.5 or 2.1 – they are both more reliable than 2.0.
How can I start/stop streams via API? CamStreamer App
First, you’ll need the ID of your stream, which can be found via an API call or in the Server Report of the camera.
Second, you can call API to stop/start
Below are some examples of calls for CamStreamer App 2.x (more info in API section). You’ll need to change the password, IP address and ID of your stream.
- Active services http://root:password@192.168.100.71/local/camstreamer/stream/list.cgi
- Call for stop http://root:password@192.168.100.71/local/camstreamer/stream/set.cgi?stream_id=13959&enabled=0
- Call for start http://root:password@192.168.100.71/local/camstreamer/stream/set.cgi?stream_id=13959&enabled=1
I need to stream sound from a different source/ my camera does not have a microphone CamStreamer App
CamStreamer App supports external audio sources via URL. If you want to use audio from another camera in the same network, use the URL rtsp://root:password@IPaddress/axis-media/media.amp?audio=1&video=0.
Works also with P8221 audio module as: rtsp://root:password@IPaddress/axis-media/media.amp?audio=1
I can’t see overlay in the live view
In older FW, switch off the text overlay in Axis settings or upgrade to the newest FW if it is available.
Not possible to stream to YouTube as usual CamStreamer App
Please check amount of events in Creator Studio -> Live steaming -> Events. If you have them about 100, delete any of them. (error message: youtube account isn't setup for streaming)
Is there a way to keep a current URL for a YouTube stream on my web pages? CamStreamer App
Yes! There is a solution in the CamStreamer App interface in the stream settings. At the bottom of the stream settings page, you'll see a preview window of the running stream. Beside this window, you'll find a permanent link and permanent player (embeddable code to your page). Your viewers will go to our redirector first and receive a valid link to your YouTube stream.
Do I need to start my streams after restart of the camera? CamStreamer App
No. All streams that were running or active will continue in streaming or will start to stream within set time.
Lagging/choppy stream CamStreamer App
If you find that your stream is lagging or choppy, go through and test the following points:
1. Check your connection speed at speedtest.net – UPLOAD has to be set with a reserve that is larger than your set bitrate. Latency should be a minimum of 100ms.
2. DPI: Deep Packet Inspection causes random network latency to your firewall, which the RTMP does not like.
3. Camera load – an overloaded camera will leave out frames. Reduce the camera load by:
a) Checking/reducing the number of outgoing streams from the camera
b) Turning off the other ACAP applications on the camera
c) Reducing the audio sample rate
4. Use the default “Video Quality”. Selecting “custom” can lead to video sent to YouTube with the wrong parameters. See here.
I can´t verify CamStreamer App license code and I get message to verify it repeatedly CamStreamer App
If you have lower version of CamStreamer App than 1.5.3 please upgrade to the latest one which is available in our download section (Support -> Download + Compatible cameras)
Is it possible to access camera remotely? General
Yes, we have solution for this. If you are interested, please contact as on sales@camstreamer.com
License issue General
If you have not found a solution for your license problem, please contact us at sales@camstreamer.com
Inverted colors in CamOverlay App
Some cameras have unfortunately swapped color mode and sometimes it depends on camera orientation.
a) swapped colors based on the orientation
If you install an application in a fixed position of the camera, the app checks color mode and use the right one. If you change camera orientation for e.g. 180° after installation and your camera has this issue, it is necessary to restart the application so it will be checked again and changed.
If a restart is not successful, turn off the app, go to the system and change the orientation of the camera, set it back, and turn on the application again.
b) swapped colors in all orientations
I such cases contact us here and we will send you a modified version of the CamOverlay App with swapped Red and Blue channel.
An issue with Facebook streaming CamStreamer App
If you have an issue with Facebook streaming, please check the following:
- Your stream does not have a higher resolution than 1280x720
- You do not use audio in MP3, for Facebook use only AAC in MKA
- Your audio does not contain music with copyright, Facebook closes streams with e.g. radio in the background
Where I can find some example apps? CamScripter App
Our example apps are available on our GitHub here.
How can I load micro-application to the camera? CamScripter App
Upload the whole zip file via the CamScripter App user interface and start it.
Cannot stream with FW 6.50.4 and CamStreamer 1.5.4 CamStreamer App
Unfortunately, our app in version 1.5.4 is not able to create the user in the FW 6.50.4/ 6.50.5.2 on older cameras.
Solution:
a) install older FW (e.g. 6.50.3.1)
b) default your camera (Restore which keeps IP settings is sufficient)
c) install CamStreamer App 1.5.4 again
Impacted cameras: Q6128-E, P1428-E
YouTube requirement if your videos are made for kids CamStreamer App
From 13 November 2019 YouTube requires to set up if your videos are intended for kids or not. If it is not applicable for all your videos, you can set it for your entire channel in YouTube Studio -> Settings -> Channel -> Advanced settings
My GIF does not work
If your GIF image does not work in CamOverlay App convert it here and use edited version.
Firewall settings for YouTube broadcasting CamStreamer App
CamStreamer App connects to camstreamer.com via TCP port 443 for the following reasons:
1. It validates the license for trial cameras.
2. It helps to automate streaming based on a schedule.
3. There is a watchdog to check your camera is streaming to YouTube or not. You receive an email once the camera gets disconnected.
The RTMP live video is streaming on TCP port 1935 directly between the camera and YT servers. There isn't any proxy.
We have two addresses behind the domain right now:
194.228.200.28
88.86.101.197
We are going to use AWS CloudFront (CDN) for our domain in two months (the article has been written at March 2020). That means the IP addresses are going to change.
If that is a problem for your firewall, you can use manual RTMP configuration in CamStreamer App. It is not accessing our server at all. More info is mentioned here.
Deos CamStreamer App work with AVHS? CamStreamer App
CamStreamer App does not work via AVHS URL addresses. AVHS does not fully support communication via WebSockets which are used for communication with the camera. If you need remote access to your camera and CamStreamer App you can use CamStreamer Cloud solution for this. In such case contact us on sales@camstreamer.com
Where I can check YouTube embedding options? CamStreamer App
Check this video
How to run stream to Microsoft Teams via CamStreamer App CamStreamer App
In the app use service: Microsoft Stream
Copy the RTMP address, e.g. rtmp://abcdefghijklmnopq12345678-euwe.channel.media.azure.net:1935/live/abcdefgh123456 to field „Server ingest URL“
Before copying the stream address from Microsoft settings to CamStreamer App press button "Start setup". We check the address via DNS and it does not exist before its creation.
Does Facebook support 24/7 streaming? CamStreamer App
Facebook cancelled 24/7 streaming on 31 March 2020. More info here.
Failed to update server status: Security token is missing. Please log in to connected account again. CamStreamer App
You can get this message in the following cases:
a) you have cleared your cookies or used different browser than the one which has been used for set-up (in the browser is not saved YouTube/Facebook token)
b) you have set some strict privacy policy in your browser. It means we are not able to save YouTube/Facebook token to your browser cookies. You should check your privacy settings or try to set it up in a different browser? (Chrome/Firefox/Safari/new MS Edge with Chromium)
How to enable streaming in H.265 codec? CamStreamer App
a) check that your camera supports H.265 codec
b) check that your video platform supports h265 codec. Please note that codec H.265 is NOT supported in RTMP.
c) Use HLS, SRT, MPEG-TS for streaming H.265 codec video feed.
d) Add parameter "videocodec=h265" in CamStreamer App's "Video options" use Vapix RTSP parameter.
Is it possible to control applications via mobile phone? CamStreamer App
Yes it is, but we register some issues in Safari on iOS. The mobile version of the Chrome browser is preferred.
How to set up HLS streaming on AWS CamStreamer App
To set up HLS streaming from Amazon Web Services via RTMP from the camera follow this guide: https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/media/part1-how-to-send-live-video-to-aws-elemental-mediastore/
How to turn-off live chat on YouTube CamStreamer App
Unfortunately, this function cannot be controlled via API so you need to disable live chat on YouTube directly.
- go to your YouTube Studio > Videos > Live > Edit video > Show more
- check "Enable live chat" > Save it
- uncheck "Enable live chat" > Save it
It is not logical, but works!
Failed to establish full communication with camera. Application won´t work properly. If refreshing this page won't help please try different internet browser or restart CamStreamer App. CamStreamer App
In this case, your browser can´t properly communicate with the camera. Please clarify:
a) you proxy does not block traffic between your computer and camera
b) you do not use Axis Companion SW for access, please access the camera directly on its IP address, as Axis Companion blocks web socket communication
Allow embedding option does not save on YouTube CamStreamer App
YouTube does not allow embedding for new accounts without 1K subscribers, 4K watch hours, and connection with an AdSense account. Unfortunately, they do not reflect it in the stream settings and do not display any information about the reason.
Error: Failed to create Facebook Live Stream. We limit how often you can post, comment or do other things in a given amount of time in order to help protect the community from spam. You can try again later. Learn More CamStreamer App
It is a Facebook issue. We have found out that the password change of the FB account fixes this problem.
Public PTZ Controls CamStreamer App
To control your PTZ you can use our cloud on address https://cloud.camstreamer.com. Cloud is for camera administrators or guest accounts with limited rights.
To integrate public PTZ controls on your web page you have to do the following:
- use AXIS API to to control PTZ (whole moves or changing PTZ positions)
- solve situation when more users are on your page, so you need to write some queuing logic
- be carefull to do not disclose admin credentials in requests to API
Here is the link to Axis API library https://www.axis.com/vapix-library/subjects/t10037719/section/t10036011/display, you need to be registered as Axis partner.
How to embed YT video with auto play CamStreamer App
Embed code has to contain parameter autoplay with value 1 and mute with value 1. Chrome blocks autoplay with unmuted audio. See the modified example below. The ID of broadcasting has to be copied from embed code beside stream preview within stream settings.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://camstreamer.com/embed/broacastingID?autoplay=1&mute=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>