ONVIF

ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) defines SOAP/HTTP APIs so IP cameras, NVRs, and VMS software interoperate across vendors.

Source

• ONVIF Profile S Specification v1.2 (PDF)
• Local copy: ONVIF_Profile_-S_Specification_v1-2.pdf
• onvif.org

Profile S (streaming)

Covers live video streaming, PTZ control, and event handling for surveillance devices:

Area	Capabilities
Discovery	WS-Discovery on the LAN
Media	RTSP stream URIs, profiles, codecs
PTZ	Pan/tilt/zoom, presets
Events	Motion, tamper, digital inputs

Integration tips

• Discover devices with onvif-cli or libraries (python-onvif-zeep, node-onvif)
• RTSP URL often obtained via GetStreamUri — credentials required
• Verify firmware profile support; not all “ONVIF” badges implement full Profile S

Related

• IP Camera Protocols
• IP Cameras