Glossary
What is ONVIF?
Definition
ONVIF is an open industry forum, and the family of interface specifications it publishes, for IP-based security products. The specifications let cameras, recorders and video management software from different manufacturers discover each other, stream video, control pan-tilt-zoom and exchange events. Features are grouped into profiles, such as Profile S and Profile T for video streaming.
ONVIF explained
The profiles most relevant to video surveillance are Profile S (basic video streaming, PTZ and audio), Profile T (advanced streaming, including H.265, imaging settings and metadata), Profile G (recording and storage on the device) and Profile M (analytics metadata and events). A product is conformant only for the profiles it is listed for.
Two devices that conform to the same profile should interoperate for the features that profile covers, but implementations vary, and manufacturer-specific features may still require a vendor SDK. ONVIF normally delivers the video itself over RTSP, so the two are often used together.
OrionAlerts
How OrionAlerts handles it
ONVIF is one of three ways Nebula OS connects to devices, alongside RTSP and vendor SDKs. A universal device layer translates all three into one internal device model, which keeps an OrionAlerts deployment brand-neutral and lets existing cameras be brought onto the platform rather than replaced. Support for each camera model is confirmed during solution design.
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ONVIF: common questions
What is the difference between ONVIF and RTSP?
RTSP is a protocol for setting up and controlling a media stream. ONVIF is a broader interoperability standard that also covers device discovery, configuration, PTZ control, events and recording search, and it normally relies on RTSP to deliver the video. A camera can offer an RTSP stream without being ONVIF conformant.
Does ONVIF guarantee full compatibility?
No. Conformance to the same profile makes interoperability likely for that profile's features, but implementations differ between manufacturers and firmware versions. Brand-specific features, such as some analytics or camera settings, may only be available through a vendor SDK. Check each product's conformance and test each camera model before a large rollout.
Does OrionAlerts support ONVIF cameras?
Yes. The Nebula OS device layer connects supported IP cameras and recorders through ONVIF, RTSP and vendor SDKs and presents them in the same console, whatever the brand. Because ONVIF implementations vary, support for each specific camera and recorder model at your sites is confirmed during solution design.
Related terms
RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol)
A network protocol used to set up and control live video streams from IP cameras and recorders.
Read moreVideo management system (VMS)
Software that connects cameras and recorders so operators can view live video, record, play back and export footage from one place.
Read moreNVR vs DVR vs VMS
A DVR records analog cameras, an NVR records IP cameras, and a VMS is software that manages cameras and recorders across sites.
Read more
See it on your own cameras
Book a walkthrough of OrionAlerts on Nebula OS, from camera connection to alerts on the dashboard, mobile app and email.