Stream an IP Camera with RTSP & KODI on Raspbian.

Overview

I wrote a previous article covering the RTSP function of Arcdyn cameras and NVR/DVRs and how to use VLC to get a viewable live stream. In this write-up, I will walk you through the process to add your camera stream into LibreELEC which is powered by KODI.

LibreELEC powered by KODI

KODI is an open source entertainment HUB that is 100% free. I'm going to use the LibreELEC version of KODI that can be easily installed on your Raspberry Pi via NOOBS. You don't need a Raspberry PI to run KODI; it is supported on all platforms.

Creating the STRM file for KODI

Using a text editor of your choice, you will create the .strm file that KODI needs. Open a new file in your text editor and enter the RTSP information into the document. The RTSP stream for an arcdyn camera looks like this below.

RTSP://UserName:Password@IPAddress:RtspPort/Streaming/channels/XXYY

Username: admin

Password: admin12345

NVR/DVR/CAMERA IP Address: 192.168.1.174

RTSP Port: 554

XX(Channel): 1

YY (Main Stream): 01

Your document should look similar to this before you save, only enter the RTSP URL.

Next, you will need to save the file as a .strm file, so KODI understands what to do with it. I am going to save the file to a USB drive that can plug that right into the Pi. Make sure to set the save as type to All Files, if you do not the file may not run correctly.

After you select the save as type of "All Files" go ahead and name your file and make sure to add the .strm at the end of the file name. (i.e. garageCamera.strm). Once you plug in your USB drive to the Pi you can then go to videos and find your garage.strm and click to launch the live view.

Playing the RTSP Stream in Kodi

Open Kodi and go to Videos>Files

Add the File Directory that contains the .strm file.

After you add the Directory, go ahead and open it to see your .strm files. Click the stream that you want to play.

Success!