#Instar camera tool how to

Some cameras allow the key frame to be created every second or a different amount by the user, refer to your cameras manual and support on how to do this. Snapshots generated by FFmpeg use the key frames (iFrames) to lower the CPU load, and since some cameras only produce a key frame every 2+ seconds with their default settings, this will effect how often a snapshot is produced. When using FFmpeg instead of a provided URL to create snapshots, it requires more CPU that you can turn on and off via the pollImage channel using a switch or rule. If your camera has a snapshot URL, provide it to the binding via the config called snapshotUrl after first testing the URL in any browser. This binding can turn a RTSP stream into snapshots (.jpg still pictures), create motion and audio alarms, cast the camera and much more.įFmpeg is required to be installed for these features to work and this must be done manually.įFmpeg can be installed very easily see Video Streams. # Special Notes for Different Brands # Generic Cameras

Only after doing the above ask for help in the forum and create a new thread.

Search the forum using any log messages to find how others have already solved it.

To enable TRACE logging, enter this in the openHAB console log:set TRACE.

Always look at the log files with TRACE enabled, as any FFmpeg and camera errors may not reach the INFO logs.

Check if the camera is offline, if so there will be a reason listed.

Check this readme for any setup steps for your brand.

To see what features each brand has implemented from their APIs, please see this post: They usually have better picture quality and more advanced features compared to lower priced cameras. I recommend purchasing a brand of camera that has an open API, as many features use far less CPU when done with an API camera. This binding allows you to use most IP cameras in openHAB and has many hidden features, so please take the time to read through this guide to learn different ways to work with cameras that you may not know about.

Instar camera tool