RTSP - Real Time Streaming Protocol

The RTSP (Streaming Protocol) was developed to provide users with efficient and simple control over the playback of multimedia files, such as video or audio, from remote content. It allows pausing, rewinding or fast-forwarding of streaming media, such as video streams. This protocol is a kind of "remote control" for multimedia servers and is often used when live broadcasts or on-demand content from media libraries are transmitted.

A typical example of the use of RTSP (streaming protocol) is a live webinar. Here, the webinar is transmitted in real time from the server to the client (i.e. to the viewer), and viewers can pause or rewind the webinar if the content provider allows this.

Another example would be a surveillance camera in an airport. The camera images can be streamed to a central server via RTSP (streaming protocol). The staff in the airport tower can view the images in real time and analyse previous situations if necessary.

However, G&D does not use RTSP (streaming protocol) for its products. In our opinion, the protocol does not have sufficient security features to prevent third parties from intercepting the transmission. In addition, there are techniques that enable significantly higher pixel accuracy.

To compensate for the disadvantages of RTSP (streaming protocol), we have therefore developed our in-house compression logic bluedec™. Data security is guaranteed with bluedec™ and the image quality is also significantly better than with RTSP (streaming protocol).

FAQ:

How does RTSP work?

RTSP works as a control protocol on the application layer of the network stack and enables interaction with streaming media servers. It initiates and controls media sessions by sending commands to the server to pause, resume, rewind or fast-forward media streams, similar to using a remote control.

What is the difference between RTSP and HTTP?

While HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is primarily used for the transmission of websites on the Internet, RTSP (Streaming Protocol) has been specially developed for the streaming of audio and video content. In contrast to HTTP, which enables static data transmission, RTSP allows interactive and controlled media transmission.

Is RTSP secure?

The RTSP (Streaming Protocol) itself does not offer end-to-end security. Therefore, additional security measures such as encryption or the use of Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) should be considered when using RTSP. It is important to keep RTSP-based applications and systems up to date to minimise potential security risks.