What is RTSP?
RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) is a set of rules that lets a computer or device ask a server to start, stop, or control video and audio streams over a network, much like a remote control for media playback.
Let's break it down
- Real Time: happening now, with little delay.
- Streaming: sending continuous media (video/audio) over the internet instead of downloading a whole file first.
- Protocol: a agreed-upon language that devices use to talk to each other.
- Control: commands such as PLAY, PAUSE, TEARDOWN that tell the server what to do with the stream.
Why does it matter?
Because it lets you watch live video (security cameras, online lectures, sports) without waiting for the whole file to download, and you can pause or rewind just like a DVD player, all from a web browser or app.
Where is it used?
- IP security cameras that stream live footage to monitoring software.
- Video-on-demand services in corporate training platforms that need precise play-back control.
- Live broadcasting tools for webinars and remote events.
- Home media servers that stream movies to phones, tablets, or smart TVs.
Good things about it
- Low latency: streams start quickly and stay close to real-time.
- Fine-grained control: pause, fast-forward, and seek without re-loading the whole file.
- Works over standard network ports, making it firewall-friendly.
- Compatible with many media players and devices that support the protocol.
Not-so-good things
- Requires a separate media server to handle the stream; setup can be complex.
- Not as widely adopted for large-scale consumer streaming as protocols like HLS or DASH.
- Can be blocked by strict corporate firewalls if ports aren’t opened.
- Limited built-in encryption; security must be added via additional layers (e.g., TLS).