Streaming Protocols Explained: NDI|HX, Dante AV-H, SRT, RTMP(S), and RTSP

PTZOptics cameras support several streaming protocols, each designed for a different workflow. The right choice depends on where the video is going and what you're doing with it.

Choosing a Streaming Protocol

• NDI HX is the right choice if you're working in a live production environment with NDI-compatible software such as vMix, OBS (with the NDI plugin), or a NewTek TriCaster. NDI sources are automatically discoverable on the network, making cameras easy to add to your production. NDI HX delivers low-latency, high-quality video that's ideal for live switching and monitoring. The trade-off is that it requires NDI-compatible software on the receiving end and is best suited for a reliable local network.
• Dante AV-H (on the Link 4K) is the right choice when you're distributing a camera feed over a Dante-enabled local network to Dante Studio or other Dante-compatible production systems. The camera appears automatically as a Dante device, and Dante Controller is used for device discovery and routing of the required audio and video streams. Dante AV-H is designed for managed AV-over-IP workflows, making it well suited for production, monitoring, recording, and routing across an existing Dante network. Unlike SRT, RTMP, or RTSP, it relies on Dante network infrastructure and compatible Dante software or hardware rather than sending a conventional standalone network stream directly to an online platform.
• SRT is an excellent choice when streaming over the public internet because it automatically recovers from packet loss and network fluctuations while maintaining low latency. For many remote production workflows, it provides a more reliable connection than traditional RTMP.
• RTMP (and RTMPS) is the right choice if you're streaming directly to an online platform such as YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook Live. The camera handles the video encoding and transmission; you simply enter the platform's server URL and stream key. RTMPS adds encryption for secure delivery. Because RTMP is a push protocol, the camera initiates the connection to the streaming service, making it ideal for direct platform streaming but less suited for local production workflows.
• RTSP is the right choice if you're bringing a camera feed into local software such as OBS, vMix, VLC, or a recording server. RTSP is a pull protocol, meaning your software connects to the camera and requests the stream. It provides efficient, low-latency video for monitoring and recording and is widely supported by professional video software. RTSP is primarily designed for local network use and typically requires additional infrastructure or conversion before being streamed over the public internet.

Simultaneous Multi-Protocol Streaming

In many professional workflows, cameras use multiple streaming protocols simultaneously. For example, you might use NDI HX (or Dante AV-H on Link 4K) for live production switching, RTSP for local recording or monitoring, and RTMP to stream directly to YouTube, all from the same camera at the same time, provided the camera supports simultaneous streaming.

For step-by-step configuration instructions for your camera model, see Camera Streaming.