Wyze has recently issued an update for the RTSP firmware applicable to the Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam Pan, a positive development for users who want to integrate their cameras with Home Assistant or other Network Video Recorder (NVR) software. This update brings the inclusion of new features, bug fixes, and essential security updates that were missing in the previous RTSP firmwares. However, it remains unclear if this update signifies a lasting commitment from Wyze towards the continuous development of RTSP firmware alongside its standard offerings.
Contents
Evaluating RTSP Support's Future for Wyze Cams
The release of new RTSP firmware for the Wyze Cam V2 and Pan is a step towards improving functionality, yet it doesn't firmly establish Wyze's long-term dedication to maintaining RTSP firmware development. The possibility of merging RTSP with standard firmware remains uncertain, though user feedback and market trends could influence Wyze's future strategy.
Wyze's Strategic Focus
The update to RTSP firmware does not guarantee ongoing support or integration for RTSP. Since introducing Cam Plus in 2020, Wyze appears to prioritize enhancing its proprietary ecosystem. While there's mention of a RTSP firmware for the Wyze Cam V3, the level of support and integration it will receive is yet to be determined.
Limitations of RTSP Firmware
The RTSP firmware update primarily provides an RTSP stream capability for the Wyze Cam V2 and Pan, with all other adjustments needing to be done through the Wyze app. Wyze's hesitation to enable comprehensive control through ONVIF or to merge RTSP with standard firmware suggests a cautious approach towards full integration with Home Assistant.
RTSP is widely used for streaming video feeds from IP security cameras and NVRs, facilitating compatibility with various software and systems. ONVIF, on the other hand, is a standard ensuring interoperability among different manufacturers' IP security products, offering advantages like easier system expansion, device management, and access to a standardized feature set.
Installing the New RTSP Firmware for Wyze Cam
Install the new RTSP firmware using the provided guide. It essentially boils down to renaming the firmware file and copying it to your camera's SD card. Once it is installed and booted, you will need to enable the feature in the settings.
- Download the firmware: Download the updated RTSP firmware for your specific camera model (Wyze Cam V2 or Wyze Cam Pan) from the Wyze website.
- Prepare the SD card: Format a microSD card (32 GB or smaller) using FAT32.
- Rename the firmware file: Rename the downloaded firmware file to 'demo.bin'.
- Copy the firmware file to the SD card: Copy the 'demo.bin' file to the root directory of the formatted microSD card.
- Power off the camera: Unplug the camera from its power source.
- Insert the SD card: Insert the microSD card containing the 'demo.bin' file into the camera's SD card slot.
- Hold the setup button: While holding the camera's setup button, plug the power source back in.
- Wait for the status light: Keep holding the setup button until the status light turns solid blue, then release the button. The camera will reboot, and the light will change to yellow, then start flashing blue and yellow. This process may take 3–4 minutes.
- Check the camera version: After the camera has rebooted, open the Wyze app, go to the camera's settings, and verify that the firmware version is the updated RTSP version.
- Enable RTSP: In the Wyze app, go to the camera's settings, tap on 'Advanced Settings,' and then tap on 'RTSP.' Enable the RTSP switch, and set a username and password. After saving, you will receive an RTSP URL, which you can use to access the camera's video feed in your preferred video player or NVR software, such as Home Assistant.
By following these steps, you can successfully install the updated RTSP firmware on your Wyze Cam V2 or Wyze Cam Pan, allowing you to integrate the camera with Home Assistant or other NVR software.
Review Changelogs of Previous Firmware Releases
To know what to expect from this firmware, you can read through the changelogs of the previous firmware releases. The original RTSP firmware for the Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam Pan was based on version 4.9.4.28, released in early 2019.
Selected highlights:
- Detection zone and sensitivity settings for local recordings
- Improved compatibility with mesh networks
- Person detection support (with Cam Plus)
- Improvements for syncing video and audio
- Support for a custom motion detection zone
Alternatives for Home Assistant Users
For those seeking cameras fully compatible with Home Assistant and providing more control, Amcrest and Loryta cameras are mentioned as alternatives. Both brands support ONVIF for easier integration and control within the Home Assistant ecosystem.
In conclusion, while the RTSP firmware update for Wyze Cam V2 and Pan addresses certain user needs for better integration and security, Wyze's commitment to the continuous development of RTSP firmware remains ambiguous. This update facilitates integration with Home Assistant and other NVRs but comes with limitations and leaves unanswered questions about future support. For users looking for more control, alternative camera options exist. Keeping informed on Wyze's updates will be essential for those relying on RTSP functionality.
