Camera Configuration Overview
This overview describes how Matrix Interactive works and the general process for data entering and configuring network cameras and NVRs. This documentation is intended for users who are unfamiliar with the setup and use of their devices.
If you are familiar with the configuration of your devices, proceed to the Camera Setup and applicable camera brand documentation for instructions.
Notes on terminology
The terms camera and NVR are occasionally interchangeable when explaining data entering credentials or completing basic setup. In these cases, the term device is used.
The term camera refers to a device used to capture and record video.
The term NVR refers to a Network Video Recorder. NVRs are used to connect multiple cameras to a single IP and port.
RTSP
Real Time Streaming Protocol. This section will help you understand what RTSP is and what it’s used for within Matrix.
This protocol is responsible for viewing camera streams and generating manual alarms. The configuration of RTSP credentials is done within Camera Setup.
RTSP uses the device’s IP and RTSP port to connect to camera video streams to display video. This connection allows you to view live footage from the camera. Generating a manual alarm within Camera Setup verifies the RTSP connection is valid and working.
What you need
To data enter devices within Camera Setup you will require the following information.
- Public IP of the device
- RTSP port of the device
- RTSP path the camera follows when communicating video data
- Username used to log in to the device
- Password used to log in to the device
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. This section will help you understand what SMTP is and what it’s used for when delivering video alarms.
This protocol is responsible for the delivery of video alarms to Matrix Monitoring. The configuration of SMTP credentials is done within the device’s browser interface. Network cameras and NVRs do not follow a defined standard when configuring SMTP information. As such, DICE provides step-by-step SMTP setup instructions for 18 different device brands. If the brand you are configuring is not on this approved list, please contact DICE for an integration request.
SMTP uses the recipient token and SMTP port to deliver video clips to DICE. These clips are attached to their respective alarms so operators can view and analyze activity on site as they are handling the alarm.
What you need
To configure SMTP communication you will require the following information.
- Server address automatically generated within Camera Setup
- Server port
- Recipient token automatically generated within Camera Setup
NVRs and cameras
When data entering and configuring SMTP for devices, the steps taken will differ depending on if an NVR is being used to connect cameras. This section briefly describes these differences so you know what to expect when configuring their devices.
Camera Setup
When data entering NVR connected streams within Camera Setup, the only data entry information that will differ from camera to camera is the RTSP path; which indicates the appropriate channel that should display.
Tip: The Copy option in Camera Setup duplicates the selected stream’s credentials. If the cameras are NVR streams, you can select this option and update the RTSP path accordingly for faster data entry.
If an NVR is not being used, it is likely all RTSP information will be different when adding individual cameras to the account.
SMTP
When configuring SMTP for NVR connected streams, you only have to follow the SMTP setup instructions for the NVR. Once configured, the NVR will allocate alarms to to the appropriate streams accordingly.
If an NVR is not being used, you will have to follow the SMTP setup instructions for each camera in order to allocate alarms.
IP addresses
IP addresses define devices on a particular network. This section will help you understand which IPs should be used when identifying devices and data entering them within Matrix.
Note: It is assumed the reader has a fundamental understanding of IP addresses and how they function within a network.
The IP address used to identify the device within Matrix is the IP assigned to the router that provides the device with internet. Note that this IP should be publicly accessible across the internet. If you attempt to use a private IP, DICE will be unable to reach the device.
Identifying IPs
When data entering devices or providing DICE with credentials, a publicly accessible IP address is required. Private IP addresses are categorized into predefined ranges. These IPs will not work when data entering devices in Camera Setup.
Private IP Ranges
10.0.0.0-10.255.255.255172.16.0.0-172.31.255.255192.168.0.0-192.168.255.255
Ports
Port numbers define particular applications or services on a system. This section will help you define different ports and what information they provide.
Default ports
The following ports are the defaults used to communicate to different capabilities of the device.
Note: Your devices might not use the defaults. To obtain the proper ports, you may have to ask your IT department or personnel responsible for the network connectivity of the devices.
| Port | Use |
|---|---|
| 26 | SMTP. These are the ports used to configure SMTP connectivity between the device and DICE. These ports are data entered within the device GUI. |
| 80 | HTTP. This port is used to connect to the device GUI over the internet. Unless otherwise specified, this is the port you would enter into a browser window (along with the device’s corresponding public IP) to log in and configure settings. |
| 554 | RTSP. This port is used to connect to the camera’s view. Unless otherwise specified, this is the port you would enter into the RTSP Port field within Camera Setup. |
Creating a video account
Creating an account that will receive video alarms requires a fair amount of data entry within Matrix. This section will outline the process to provide a general overview of account creation.
Steps Overview
- Create account
- Configure flag
- Configure schedule
- Data enter devices
- Configure SMTP
Create account
A subscriber account must first be created within Data Entry. The account’s basic configuration will be determined by your central station.
Configure flag
For video accounts, the Supervised Schedule flag must be set to Y to properly deliver video alarms.
Configure schedule
Once created, the account’s Schedules must be configured. Supervised schedules must exist on the account so the system knows when the property should receive alarms.
Supervised schedules determine when the account should be supervised by the system. This means, if activity occurs during the set time frame, the system will generate an alarm to be handled accordingly.
Note: Zones and/or Areas must also be configured so the received video signals are properly labeled.
Data enter devices
Once the account is created and has supervised schedules assigned, you can begin data entry within Camera Setup.
Data enter all streams and confirm their thumbnails and live views display correctly. Generate a manual alarm to confirm RTSP is connected and DICE can reach the device to obtain a clip.
Configure SMTP
Once the streams have been data entered, you can begin SMTP configuration for the streams. To properly configure SMTP functionality, you will require access to log in to the device interface from your browser. Follow the applicable device brand documentation for step-by-step instructions.