Add a camera, NVR, or video address

Every onboarding route starts from Onboarding in the top navigation. The first time, choose only one of RTSP, ONVIF, and GB28181, move one channel into Asset details, and preview it.

Numbered RTSP, ONVIF, GB28181, resource tree, and inspector overview

This numbered image comes from an earlier console build. It shows how the entry points relate; use the labels and locations in your installed version when operating it.

In the figure: ① add RTSP manually; ② discover an ONVIF camera; ③ wait for GB28181 registration; ④ the onboarded device and channels appear in the resource tree; ⑤ select an object and verify its real mapping and state in the inspector.

Choose one method first

Site condition	Choose	Best goal
A known `rtsp://...` address	RTSP	Fastest video without discovery or device control
Camera on the same LAN, with discovery, PTZ, or image settings needed	ONVIF	Manage device capabilities and multiple Profiles
GB camera, NVR, or upstream/downstream platform	GB28181	Device registration, catalog synchronization, and GB playback

If unsure, read ONVIF, GB28181, or RTSP.

Resources pass through these states

flowchart LR
    A["Add URL / discover device / wait for registration"] --> B["Device or protocol channel appears"]
    B --> C["Generate pending channel"]
    C --> D["Choose node and policy"]
    D --> E["Activate unified video channel"]
    E --> F["Play and record under Asset details"]

A pending channel means the platform discovered a video resource but has not selected which media node will run it. After activation it becomes a formal channel that can be played, recorded, and authorized.

How the three entries work

Manual RTSP channel: paste one address per line, select a media node, and create.
ONVIF device: search or enter a device address, enter the ONVIF account, and select Complete onboarding and add to assets.
GB28181 device: enter the displayed SIP information on the device, wait for registration and catalog, then activate a channel.

See RTSP, ONVIF, and GB28181 for detailed steps.

Onboarding success criteria

The device or address has authenticated, not merely been saved.
At least one channel appears under Asset details and is no longer pending.
Selecting the channel starts a real stream and displays video in the browser.
Refresh or restart does not create duplicate devices or channels.
There are no repeated password errors, registration timeouts, or catalog failures.

If something fails

Symptom	Next step
Device cannot be found or is offline	Device is offline or cannot be discovered
ONVIF account is saved but no channel appears	Read Services, Profiles, and StreamUri, then run “add to assets”
GB28181 registered but has no channel	Check whether Catalog returns and device IDs match
Channel exists but has no video	No video or playback failed

Next step

When the channel enters Asset details, continue to Connect the first video. Read Control devices only when PTZ, image settings, or talk is needed.