Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) remains one of the most preferred video streaming protocols for IP cameras, surveillance systems, and real-time applications — even as newer technologies like WebRTC and HLS dominate HTML5 streaming.
What is RTSP?
RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) is a network remote control for multimedia servers. It enables real-time control (play, pause, record, teardown) of live streams without downloading media files. RTSP typically works alongside RTP and RTCP, ensuring stable low-latency transmission for CCTV, conference, and surveillance feeds.
Learn more about what is RTSP and how it works
.
RTSP vs RTMP
While RTMP was once the gold standard for ingesting live video, it’s now deprecated on most browsers. RTSP continues to be ideal for first-mile delivery from IP cameras to servers, while WebRTC is preferred for real-time playback with ultra-low latency (0.5 seconds).
Compare RTSP vs RTMP
to find the right protocol for your use case.
RTSP vs WebRTC
For sub-second latency and browser-native playback, WebRTC streaming is the best alternative. It requires no plugins, works across all devices, and supports adaptive bitrate and secure transmission.
Discover WebRTC streaming
in Ant Media Server.
RTSP vs HLS and CMAF
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) offers adaptive bitrate and reliability but with higher latency (5–20s). CMAF streaming, on the other hand, delivers low-latency HTTP-based delivery (around 3–5 seconds) with reduced cost and workflow complexity.
Explore HLS streaming
and CMAF streaming
technologies.
RTSP and IP Cameras
Most IP cameras natively use RTSP for live feeds. It doesn’t require an external encoder, making it perfect for real-time monitoring or video surveillance streaming
.
Set Up an RTSP Server for Free
You can set up an RTSP server for free using Ant Media Server Community Edition
— a self-hosted solution supporting RTMP, HLS, WebRTC, and RTSP.
Want advanced scalability and 0.5s ultra-low latency? Try the Enterprise Edition
— ideal for large-scale deployments, adaptive bitrate streaming, and hardware acceleration.
Follow this 7-step RTSP setup guide
to install your free RTSP server in minutes or watch the RTSP setup video tutorial
.
Why Use Ant Media Server for RTSP
Supports all major streaming protocols — RTSP, RTMP, WebRTC, HLS, and CMAF
Ultra-low latency streaming (0.5 seconds)
Easy deployment on AWS, Azure, or on-prem
Open-source Community Edition and scalable Enterprise Edition
Start your free RTSP streaming server
today and experience the future of real-time video streaming with Ant Media Server.
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