💡 At a Glance
Coram supports integration of analog cameras through a video encoder: a device that converts analog signals into digital streams that are compatible with Coram Point. This allows you to add existing analog camera setups to your Coram organization, providing basic video management alongside IP cameras.
⚡ Key Tasks
Prepare your Hardware
Ensure physical and network access to analog cameras, acquire a compatible video encoder (Coram recommends Axis encoders), and connect cameras to the encoder using coaxial cables. Power all devices and connect the encoder to the same network as your Coram Point appliance.
Configure the Video Encoder
Access the encoder’s web interface via its IP address and complete initial setup. Assign a static IP, set any desired video stream parameters (like resolution and frame rate), and note each connected camera’s IP addresses and RTSP URL paths.
Manually Add Analog Cameras in Coram
In the Coram web app, go to Devices > + New Camera. Select Manually Add Cameras, choose the correct location, and input each camera's name, IP address, username, password, and RTSP port. Click the plus icon ( + ) to add additional cameras, select them, then click Activate.
Set Custom RTSP URL Paths for Each Camera
For each newly added camera, click its Settings button, disable Auto set RTSP URL, enter the correct RTSP URL path, then save your changes. Verify that the camera feed appears correctly in your dashboard.
Overview
While IP cameras are highly recommended for their easy integration and advanced features, Coram also supports analog cameras. If you have an existing analog camera setup, Coram enables basic integration of your analog cameras through a video encoder.
Video encoders convert analog video signals into digital formats that can be recognized and managed by Coram. This guide provides instructions on setting up analog cameras with a video encoder, and adding them to your organization.
Tip: Coram offers a range of powerful IP cameras that suit a wide variety of use-cases and integrate seamlessly with your network. To learn more, contact your Coram sales representative.
Adding Analog Cameras to your Coram Organization
Before you begin, ensure the following:
You have physical and network access to all the analog cameras that you want to integrate.
You have purchased a video encoder that outputs an RTSP stream that Coram can recognize.
Tip: Coram recommends Axis Video Encoders from Axis Communications. These encoders are reliable and fully compatible with Coram's integration requirements.
You have connected the encoder to the same network as your Coram Point.
You have an active Coram user account with access to the Coram web app.
To connect your analog cameras to the encoder:
Use coaxial cables to connect each of the cameras to the input ports on the encoder.
Ensure that the cameras and encoder are both properly powered.
To configure the encoder, consult the manufacturer documentation. Generally, the process involves the following steps:
Open a web browser and enter the encoder's IP address to access its web interface.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup.
Assign a static IP address to the encoder.
Configure the video stream settings, such as resolution and frame rate.
Take note of the IP addresses and RTSP URL paths for all the cameras you have connected.
Then, to connect the cameras to your Coram Point and add them to your organization:
Access the Coram web app and sign in to your account.
From the main navigation menu, click Devices.
In the top-right corner of the page, click + New Camera.
The Add New Cameras page appears.Select the Manually Add Cameras tab.
From the Location dropdown menu, select the physical location where your Coram Point, cameras, and encoder are connected.
To add a camera to the list, do the following:
Type an optional name for the camera to help identify it for your organization.
Type the IP address for the camera.
Type the username and password for the camera.
Ensure the RTSP port value is correct, according to the camera manufacturer. The default RTSP port value for most camera manufacturers is: 554.
To add another camera, at the bottom of the list, click + New Camera, then repeat step 6.
Select the checkboxes for all the cameras you want to add, then click Activate.
The cameras appear in the main list of active cameras.Click the close icon ( X ) to hide the Add Cameras page then, for each camera you want to connect, do the following:
Find the camera in the list, and click the corresponding Settings button.
Disable the Auto set RTSP URL toggle switch.
To add the RTSP URL path, click the padlock icon. Type or paste the URL path, then click the checkmark icon to confirm your changes.
To add the camera, click Save.
Verify that the camera feed appears correctly in your dashboard.