How to test an RTSP camera stream
Before you connect a camera to a platform, confirm the RTSP URL itself works. Here are three quick ways.
1. With VLC
Media → Open Network Stream → rtsp://user:pass@CAMERA_IP:554/Streaming/Channels/101
2. With ffmpeg
ffmpeg -rtsp_transport tcp -i "rtsp://user:pass@CAMERA_IP:554/Streaming/Channels/101" -t 5 -c copy test.mp4
3. With ffprobe
ffprobe -v error -show_streams "rtsp://user:pass@CAMERA_IP:554/Streaming/Channels/101"
If it works in ffprobe, it works in Gobi
That's the practical bar. Gobi pulls RTSP exactly the way ffmpeg does.
Frequently asked questions
Does Gobi work with my existing cameras?
Yes. If your cameras stream RTSP (most IP cameras and NVRs do), Gobi can usually pull them in without replacing hardware.
Is Gobi priced per camera?
No. Gobi uses flat per-node pricing. You can grow your camera footprint without growing the bill.
How fast do AI events appear?
AI motion events typically appear in the searchable log within 5–12 seconds of being captured.
Do I need port forwarding or special IT setup?
No. The Gobi node creates an outbound connection to the cloud. No inbound ports, no VPN, no static IPs required.
How long does setup take?
A typical single-site deployment is under one hour once the node has internet and the cameras are reachable on the local network.