Wyze's decision to update the RTSP firmware for the Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam Pan is a positive development for users who want to integrate their cameras with Home Assistant or other NVR software. This update addresses the lack of new features, bug fixes, and crucial security updates that the older RTSP firmware was missing. However, it's difficult to say whether this move indicates a long-term commitment by Wyze to actively develop the RTSP firmware alongside their standard firmware. There could be various reasons for this update, such as addressing the security concerns that may have been raised by users or simply ensuring compatibility with newer software.
Assessing the Future of RTSP Support for Wyze Cams
While the recent RTSP firmware update is a welcome improvement for Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam Pan users, it doesn't necessarily signal a long-term commitment by Wyze to actively develop the RTSP firmware in parallel with their standard firmware. It's also uncertain whether the two firmwares will be merged in the future. However, it's always possible that Wyze could change its approach based on user feedback and market demand, so it's important to stay updated on any future announcements or developments from the company.
Wyze's Priorities and Ecosystem Development
Updates to the Wyze Cam V2 and Wyze Cam Pan RTSP firmware do not necessarily guarantee continued support or integration for RTSP. Wyze has been focusing on building its walled garden ecosystem since the introduction of Cam Plus in July 2020. Although there are plans to release an RTSP firmware for the Wyze Cam V3, the extent of its support and integration remains uncertain.
Limited Control with RTSP Firmware
With the RTSP firmware, users can only obtain an RTSP stream from their Wyze Cam V2 or Wyze Cam Pan, but all adjustments must be made using the Wyze app. Wyze has not shown interest in enabling full control through ONVIF and appears hesitant to merge the standard and RTSP firmwares, which would allow Home Assistant integration without additional installations.
RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is commonly used in IP security cameras and network video recorders (NVRs) for streaming video feeds. It allows users to access live video feeds from their cameras using various media players or software, such as VLC or Home Assistant. This protocol helps provide flexibility and integration with third-party systems or software, making it popular among surveillance and home automation enthusiasts.
ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a global and open industry standard for IP-based security products, including IP cameras, video recorders, and software. While ONVIF and RTSP are both related to IP cameras and video streaming, they serve different purposes. RTSP is a protocol for controlling the streaming of media, while ONVIF is a set of standards and specifications to ensure that various IP security products can work together seamlessly. ONVIF can be considered better than just using RTSP for several reasons:
- ONVIF ensures that devices from different manufacturers can work together. This makes it easier for users to build or expand their security systems without being locked into a single brand.
- ONVIF simplifies the process of discovering and adding new devices to a network. It allows software or systems to automatically detect and manage ONVIF-compliant devices, reducing the effort required for setup and configuration.
- ONVIF provides a standardized set of features that are supported across multiple devices, such as pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) control, video analytics, and motion detection. This allows users to control and manage devices using a consistent interface, regardless of the manufacturer.
Alternative Security Cameras for Home Assistant Users
If you are looking for security cameras that are compatible with Home Assistant and offer more control, consider the following options mentioned in this previous article:
Amcrest Cameras
Amcrest offers a variety of IP cameras that are compatible with Home Assistant. These cameras support ONVIF, allowing for seamless integration and control within the Home Assistant ecosystem.
Loryta (Dahua OEM) Cameras
Loryta, a Dahua OEM, also provides cameras that are compatible with Home Assistant. Dahua is a well-known manufacturer of surveillance equipment, and Loryta offers a range of their products under their brand name. These cameras also support ONVIF, enabling easy integration and control within the Home Assistant platform. Both Amcrest and Loryta cameras provide reliable performance and offer a wide range of features, such as high-resolution video, night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio, depending on the model. Their compatibility with Home Assistant and support for ONVIF make them popular choices among home automation enthusiasts.
Installing the New RTSP Firmware for Wyze Cam
Download the Wyze beta RTSP firmware
To install the new RTSP firmware on your Wyze Cam V2 or Wyze Cam Pan, follow the steps outlined in the provided guide. Here's a summary of the process:
Follow the installation guide
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 (32GB 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
