Camera Bridge

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Optimize for HomeKit ​

The Optimize for HomeKit tool checks your camera's settings and applies fixes when possible. This is the most important step after adding a camera — it ensures your HomeKit Secure Video clips are reliable and complete.

Running the Optimizer ​

  1. In Camera Bridge, click your camera
  2. Click Optimize for HomeKit button
  3. Review the checklist

What Gets Checked ​

The optimizer reviews all the settings HomeKit needs:

Video Codec ​

  • H.264 recommended ✓
  • H.265 works but requires conversion on your Mac, using more CPU
  • Turn off "smart codec" or "plus codec" modes that vary the compression

Keyframe (I-Frame) Interval ​

  • Ideal: 1–2 seconds
  • Acceptable: Up to 4 seconds
  • Too long: More than 4 seconds causes missed or late clips in HomeKit Secure Video
  • The most common issue: If clips go missing, this is usually why

Main and Sub Streams ​

  • Main stream: For HomeKit Secure Video recordings (720p or higher)
  • Sub stream: For Home app live view (around 640×360)
  • Both should be available for best experience

Bitrate and Quality ​

  • Main stream: At least 1000 kbps for good quality
  • Sub stream: 200–500 kbps is typical
  • Too low: Clips look pixelated
  • Too high: Uses unnecessary network bandwidth

Resolution ​

  • Main stream: 1080p or 720p
  • Sub stream: 640×360 or similar
  • Recommended minimum: 720p for main, 360p for sub

Frame Rate ​

  • Recommended: 20–30 fps (typical for cameras)
  • Most cameras default to 25 or 30 fps
  • Lower frame rates save bandwidth but may miss motion

ONVIF User Account ​

  • Created: Many cameras require a separate ONVIF user (not the web admin)
  • Verified: Camera Bridge checks that it can connect with ONVIF

See ONVIF Setup for creating an account.

NTP Time Sync ​

  • Enabled: Camera's clock should sync via NTP
  • Why: Ensures motion events and clip timestamps are accurate

ONVIF Motion Detection ​

  • Enabled: If the camera supports ONVIF, its motion detection can be used instead of Camera Bridge's analysis
  • Optional: Built-in detection works fine without it

The Checklist ​

For each setting, you'll see:

  • ✓ Checkmark: Setting is already correct
  • 🔧 Wrench: Camera Bridge can apply this setting (click Apply)
  • ℹ️ Info: You need to change this on the camera (click View Details for steps)

Applying Fixes ​

Fixes Camera Bridge Can Apply ​

Some cameras let Camera Bridge adjust settings over ONVIF:

  1. Click Apply next to the setting
  2. Wait for Camera Bridge to configure the camera
  3. A checkmark appears if successful

Fixes You Need to Apply ​

Other settings require you to change them on the camera:

  1. Click the info icon for step-by-step instructions
  2. Open the camera's web page or app
  3. Make the change
  4. Return to Camera Bridge and click Refresh to re-check

For best HomeKit Secure Video results, aim for:

  • H.264 video codec
  • Keyframe interval: 1–2 seconds (critical)
  • Main stream: 1080p or 720p, 20–30 fps, 1000+ kbps
  • Sub stream: 640×360 or similar, 20–30 fps
  • ONVIF user: Created if camera supports ONVIF
  • NTP time sync: Enabled

Re-Running the Optimizer ​

You can run Optimize for HomeKit anytime:

  • After changing camera settings to verify they took effect
  • If you're having issues with clips
  • Periodically to maintain optimal settings

Troubleshooting ​

Apply fails on a setting?

  • Some cameras don't allow ONVIF control for all settings
  • Change it on the camera's web page instead
  • Click the info icon for detailed steps

Clips still going missing?

  • Verify the keyframe interval is 4 seconds or less (critical)
  • Check that NTP time sync is on
  • See Recording Problems

Can't apply settings to ONVIF?

  • Make sure the ONVIF user has Administrator or Operator role
  • Try creating a new ONVIF user
  • See ONVIF Setup

Learn More ​