Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Stream IP Camera VLC



Here's how to stream the live video from your Foscam or Foscam Clone Wireless IP Security Camera.






Create a text file and enter the following line replacing the username/pass/ip/port with yours.

http://username:password@IPAddress:port#/videostream.cgi

Save the text file as Security.asf (asf is the extension of the file so your media player will recognize it and open it) now double-click the security.asf file or drag and drop it into VLC and it should start streaming intermediately.

The above process worked fine with the administrator account. But for streaming only, its a good idea to create a Visitor account with restricted access, but the line above doesn't seem to work with Operator or Visitor accounts, so instead use the line below in the security.asf file instead of the one above.

http://IPAddress:port#/videostream.cgi?user=username&pwd=password

You can even use this file from a hotel or anywhere, any place in the world if you forward the port your camera is on on your router. So you can stream your camera from anywhere without having to log into the web interface, that is why I recommend creating a Visitor account for this purpose.

17 comments:

  1. Awesome! I've been searching for god-knows-how-long and I've finally come accross an instant solution. Anyone with a Tenvis wireless IP camera out there, this works. However, I use VLC as my main media player, movies mainly, and I can't seem to find another player that works as well. Can you recommend another player I can stream my IP camera too?

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  2. Thank you SO MUCH for this! Instant & easy access to my babyCam!

    ReplyDelete
  3. works great bro!
    for further help with your particular model see http://www.bluecherrydvr.com/2012/01/technical-information-list-of-mjpeg-and-rtsp-paths-for-network-cameras/

    ReplyDelete
  4. No problem. This is why I do this blog, to hear how I helped people out.

    Thanks for the comments!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. HI,

    the security.asf file with vlc works fine when i try with my pc in local but at distance from another pc it's not working.
    why please?
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for taking long to reply, been busy. For this to work over the internet(outside of your house), you need to forward the camera port on your router. Then find out your public IP(go to ipchicken.com) put this info into the .asf file and it should work.

      So you should use ur public ip or dns(sign up for a free dns service like dyndns, in case ur ip changes) in the asf file instead of the 192.x.x.x .

      So for example your camera has an ip address of 192.168.1.10 that you access via port 80, you go to your router(192.168.1.1) and go to Applications and Gaming in your router, enter the IP of the camera(192.168.1.10) and port 80 internal and external, click save. Then in ur asf file put the public IP and port 80. If you wish you may choose a different external port when forwarding the camera(for example port 90 or 1010, just make sure to use that in your asf file.

      Delete
  6. Here are two examples, both with live demos. Both are free.

    For MJPEG IP Cameras: Click Here for MJPEG IP Cameras

    For H.264 Cameras: Click Here for H.264 IP Cameras

    ReplyDelete
  7. How do I get it to stop showing my password and ip address for the first few seconds?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not sure, I've been a bit busy. But Ill check and let you know, I've been meaning to do this myself.

      Delete
    2. Why not set up another username like guest to use for this purpose?

      Delete
  8. Wow! Thank you SO much, not only for the information that enabled me to stream to VLC, but also for presenting it in a simple, step by step, understandable way, with examples too. And doing that respectfully, without talking down to your audience or treating them like idiots demonstrates a rare talent for teaching. Yes, sharing knowledge and information is rewarding just for itself - and what I personally like about doing it is that you can give it away AND still keep it. My sincere thanks - you're a real star!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment and compliment, I appreciate it.

      I see I am accomplishing what I wanted to do by starting this blog, helping people out.

      Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays !

      Delete
  9. you contains this website find article around unique concept designed for cctv camcorder it is extremely attractive and even implemented.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello, I am trying to follow as I am not at home. I can access video on google but not audio which is where I discovered VLC. I have a DDNS set up with no-ip. I cannot seem to get this to work, I tried my standard IP and port with guest user name and pwd. I then tried to use my no-ip address but I gather I am doing something wrong, can you provide direction? Thank you

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  11. OK - I had everything working at home. I cannot get it to work external to the home. I tried to update IP address with the public IP address at home on the security file and that did not seem to work. I know with router I had previously set things up so I can view from away from home use the no-ip. The problem is I believe work filters something that I cannot access it on IE at work and Google Chrome doesn't allow recording. I am not very technical but should be able to follow simplistic steps. THANKS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the late reply, Forward port 80 on your router and it should work using your public IP or np-ip DNS.

      In your router you forward the following:

      Internal Port: 80 External Port:80 IP: 192.168.1.5 Enable Checkbox

      The IP when forwarding should be the IP address of the camera.

      Delete
  12. Thanks for this informative article. Home security is basic need for every home. I recommend wireless burglar alarm system is best way to secure your home and family from burglaries. It easy to use and install by yourself. It fills all your security needs.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your input.

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