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Stream Snapshot to RDB

The Stream Snapshot to RDB action captures snapshots from multiple cameras in a branch and uploads them in batch. It intelligently generates RTSP URLs based on your NVR configuration.

Overview​

Unlike the single-camera Snapshot Stream action, this utility action processes multiple cameras at once. It's designed for:

  • Initial setup when onboarding a new branch
  • Scheduled thumbnail refresh across all cameras
  • Bulk camera verification

The "RDB" refers to the Remote Database (cloud database) where the snapshot URLs are stored.

What It Does​

1. Reads NVR Configuration​

The action reads the branch's NVR (Network Video Recorder) settings:

  • NVR IP address
  • NVR type (Hikvision, Uniview, Dahua)
  • Authentication credentials
  • Number of channels

2. Generates RTSP URLs​

Based on the NVR type, the action automatically generates the correct RTSP URL format for each camera channel. Different NVR brands use different URL patterns:

NVR TypeURL Pattern
Hikvisionrtsp://user:pass@ip:554/Streaming/Channels/101
Uniview (UNV)rtsp://user:pass@ip:554/media/video1
Dahuartsp://user:pass@ip:554/cam/realmonitor?channel=1

3. Batch Processing​

The action iterates through camera channels (typically 1 to 16, or up to 60):

  • Attempts to connect to each channel
  • Captures a frame if successful
  • Skips channels that fail (may not have cameras connected)

4. Uploads and Updates​

For each successful capture:

  • Uploads the image to cloud storage
  • Updates the stream record in the database with the new URL
  • Records success/failure for reporting

Configuration​

This action reads configuration from the Branch record:

Branch SettingRequiredDescription
NVR IPYesIP address of the Network Video Recorder
NVR TypeYesBrand/type (Hikvision, Uniview, Dahua)
NVR UsernameYesAuthentication username
NVR PasswordYesAuthentication password
Max ChannelsNoMaximum channel number to check (default: 16)

Supported NVR Types​

1. Hikvision​

Market-leading NVR brand. Supports:

  • Main stream and sub-stream capture
  • Channel numbers 1-256 (depending on model)
  • Standard Hikvision RTSP format

2. Uniview (UNV)​

Popular professional brand. Supports:

  • Multiple video stream types
  • Channel-based access
  • Standard Uniview URL format

3. Dahua​

Common professional brand. Supports:

  • Realmonitor protocol
  • Channel-based access
  • Standard Dahua URL format

Understanding Results​

ResultMeaningDetails
capturedBatch processing completeReview success/failure counts in result message
partial_successSome cameras succeeded, others failedCheck which channels failed
configuration_errorNVR settings missing or invalidVerify branch NVR configuration

Result Details​

The result message includes:

  • Total channels attempted
  • Successful captures
  • Failed captures
  • List of failed channels (for troubleshooting)

Common Use Cases​

New Branch Setup​

  • Trigger: Run once after configuring a new branch
  • Purpose: Populate all camera thumbnails
  • Benefit: Verify all cameras are accessible and properly configured

Scheduled Refresh​

  • Schedule: Run daily during low-activity hours (e.g., 3 AM)
  • Purpose: Keep all thumbnails current
  • Benefit: Dashboard shows recent views for all cameras

Post-Maintenance Verification​

  • Trigger: Run after NVR or camera maintenance
  • Purpose: Verify all cameras are online and accessible
  • Benefit: Quick identification of cameras that didn't come back online

Camera Inventory​

  • Trigger: Run manually or on schedule
  • Purpose: Discover which channels have active cameras
  • Benefit: Document actual camera deployment vs. configured channels

Troubleshooting​

Configuration Error​

  1. Check NVR Settings: Verify the branch has NVR IP, type, username, and password configured.

  2. Verify NVR Type: Ensure the correct NVR brand is selected. Wrong type means wrong URL format.

  3. Check IP Accessibility: Verify the NVR IP is reachable from the ResEngine server.

All Channels Failed​

  1. Network Connectivity: Verify network path between ResEngine and NVR.

  2. Credentials: Test username/password by accessing NVR directly.

  3. Firewall: Ensure RTSP port (typically 554) is open.

  4. NVR Status: Verify the NVR is powered on and functioning.

Some Channels Failed​

  1. Empty Channels: Not all NVR channels may have cameras connected. This is expected.

  2. Camera Issues: Individual cameras may be offline. Check physical connections.

  3. Channel Numbers: Verify the expected channel numbers for your NVR model.

Poor Image Quality​

  1. Stream Type: The action typically captures sub-stream (lower quality but faster). Main stream settings are on the NVR.

  2. NVR Compression: High compression on the NVR reduces image quality.

  3. Camera Settings: Individual camera resolution and quality settings affect output.

Upload Failures​

  1. Internet Connection: Verify ResEngine server has internet access.

  2. Storage Credentials: Check cloud storage API credentials.

  3. Storage Quota: Verify storage quota isn't exceeded.

Best Practices​

  1. Schedule Off-Peak: Run batch snapshots during low-activity hours to minimize network impact.

  2. Verify NVR Settings First: Before running, confirm NVR credentials work by testing one camera manually.

  3. Review Results: After running, review the success/failure report to identify any problematic cameras.

  4. Regular Schedule: Set up weekly or daily snapshots to keep thumbnails current.

  5. Document Channel Mapping: Maintain a record of which channel numbers correspond to which physical cameras.

  • Snapshot Stream: Single-camera snapshot for specific capture needs
  • Streams Generator: Similar batch capability with different triggering options