Camera Bridge

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Camera Compatibility ​

Camera Bridge works by standard, not by brand. If your camera offers an RTSP stream, it can connect to Camera Bridge. If it also speaks ONVIF, you get automatic discovery, settings control, and the camera's own motion events.

What Works ​

RTSP Stream Only ​

  • Connection: Add the camera by its RTSP address
  • You get: Live view in Apple Home and on your Mac, HomeKit Secure Video recording
  • Motion events: Camera Bridge's built-in motion detection (the camera's own events aren't available)
  • Best for: Any IP camera or doorbell with an RTSP stream

ONVIF Profile S or T ​

  • Connection: Camera is discovered automatically on your network, or add it by address with an ONVIF user
  • You get: Everything above, plus automatic stream detection and adjustable settings
  • Motion events: The camera's own motion events and doorbell presses
  • Best for: Cameras that advertise ONVIF on the box or in the manual

ONVIF + Vendor API ​

  • Connection: Same as ONVIF
  • You get: Fuller settings control and one-click optimization for things ONVIF can't change
  • Motion events: Same as ONVIF
  • Best for: Popular camera models with well-documented APIs

Set these on your camera itself. Camera Bridge's Optimize for HomeKit checks them and applies what it can:

  • H.264 video codec: H.265 works but requires CPU conversion, which uses more of your Mac. Turn off "smart" or "plus" codec modes
  • Keyframe interval (I-frame): 1–2 seconds is ideal; 4 seconds or less is acceptable. Long intervals are the most common reason HomeKit clips go missing
  • Sub stream: Around 640×360 for fast live view and smoother playback
  • NTP time sync: Make sure the camera's clock is set correctly (via NTP)
  • ONVIF user (if supported): Many cameras keep ONVIF logins separate from the web admin. See ONVIF Setup

How to Check if Your Camera Qualifies ​

  1. Look for RTSP and ONVIF

    • Check the camera's web page, app settings, or manual for "RTSP" and "ONVIF"
    • Some cameras ship with these disabled — turn them on

  2. Find the RTSP address

    • Format: rtsp://user:password@camera-address:554/path
    • Port is usually 554; the path depends on your model (check the manual for main and sub stream URLs)
    • Some cameras use port 8554 or custom paths

  3. Check for ONVIF

  4. Not sure?

    • Add it in Camera Bridge anyway — the app detects the camera's type, available streams, and capabilities before you finish setup

What Doesn't Work ​

  • Cloud-only cameras: If the only way to see video is the maker's app, there's no RTSP stream for Camera Bridge to connect to
  • Battery cameras with on-demand streaming: Many solar and cellular cameras sleep and only stream when triggered. Check your model first — they may not support always-on streaming

Camera Profiles ​

Camera Bridge downloads a small list of known camera setup hints from this website, so it can give you the right steps for your model. The list contains only model patterns and setup steps — nothing about you or your cameras is sent to fetch it.

Still Not Sure? ​

See Troubleshooting: Common Issues or Diagnostics.