Device Management
The Devices page provides an overview of all cameras configured in the system. From here you can organize cameras into groups, view connection details at a glance, and access controls to modify, preview, or manage each device.
Device List
The device list displays all cameras configured in the currently selected group. Each row represents one channel slot and shows the following information:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Channel | The channel number for this slot within the group |
| IP | The IP address of the configured camera |
| Port | The control port used to communicate with the camera |
| Type | The control protocol (e.g., VISCA UDP, NDI, ONVIF) |
| Baudrate | The baud rate used for serial communication |
| Address | The device address identifier |
| Type | The camera communication type (e.g., VISCA, Pelco P, or Pelco D) |
| Operate | Action buttons for managing the device (see below) |
| Preset Names | Opens the preset naming editor for that channel |
Groups
The left panel displays five groups: GROUP 1 through GROUP 5. Each group is an independent set of seven channel slots (channels 1–7), functioning like a scene, with the exception of Group 5. Group 5 supports up to 255 channel slots.
Each group maintains its own complete camera configuration, separate from all other groups. This allows you to define multiple distinct camera setups — for example, GROUP 1 configured for one studio layout and GROUP 2 configured for another — and switch between them as needed.
Groups are not organizational folders. Each group contains its own independent channel slots. The same physical camera can be configured in multiple groups with different settings.
Assigning a Camera to a Specific Group and Channel
The group and channel a camera belongs to is set at the time it is added, either through the Search page or manually. Once saved, these assignments are fixed and cannot be changed through the modify editor. To assign a camera to a different group or channel:
- Navigate to Search and locate the camera.
- Click Add.
- In the Add dialog, select the desired Group and enter the desired Channel number.
- Configure the remaining settings and click Save.
The original group/channel slot will retain its previous configuration. If it is no longer needed, open it via modify and update or clear the connection settings.
Operate Buttons
Each camera row includes three action buttons in the Operate column.
| Button | Description |
|---|---|
| modify | Opens the Editor panel to update the camera's connection settings |
| snap | Captures a snapshot from the camera's current video output |
| home | Sends the camera to its home position |
Name
The Name Presets button opens the preset naming editor for that camera, allowing you to assign descriptive labels to each saved preset position.
Modifying a Camera
Clicking modify opens the Editor panel with the current settings for that camera. The Editor contains three tabs: Connection, HDMI Output, and Trigger.
The Group and Channel fields are locked in the Editor and cannot be changed after a camera has been added. All other fields are editable.
Connection Tab
The Connection tab controls how the system communicates with the camera and how it authenticates.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Network/Analog | Select whether the camera connects over the network or via an analog signal |
| Protocol | The control protocol used to communicate with the camera |
| Address | The IP address of the camera |
| Ctrl Port | The port used for camera control communication |
| Authentication | The method used to verify credentials when connecting to the camera |
| User | The username used for authentication |
| Pwd | The password used for authentication |
Protocol Options
| Protocol | Description |
|---|---|
| VISCA UDP | VISCA control over UDP — common for PTZ cameras |
| VISCA TCP | VISCA control over TCP — more reliable delivery than UDP |
| VISCA UDP SONY | VISCA UDP variant for Sony protocol compatibility |
| VISCA WEBSOCKET | VISCA tunneled over WebSocket |
| PANASONIC | Panasonic proprietary camera control protocol |
| ONVIF | Open standard for IP-based security and PTZ cameras |
| NDI | NewTek NDI protocol for network video and control |
Authentication
Authentication Types
PTZ cameras secure access to their control interfaces and video streams using HTTP authentication. Two methods are supported: Basic and Digest.
Basic Authentication
Basic authentication transmits credentials with every HTTP request.
Characteristics
- Credentials are transmitted with every request
- Compatible with virtually all clients and systems
- Minimal processing overhead
- Must be paired with HTTPS/TLS to be considered secure
Digest Authentication
Digest authentication uses a challenge-response mechanism to verify credentials without transmitting the password over the network.
Characteristics
- Password is never transmitted over the network
- Nonce-based challenge prevents replay attacks
- Provides meaningful security over unencrypted HTTP
- Supported by most modern PTZ cameras and NVR systems
- Low processing overhead
Comparison
| Feature | Basic | Digest |
|---|---|---|
| Password transmitted | Yes (Base64) | No (MD5 hash only) |
| Replay attack protection | No | Yes |
| Requires HTTPS to be secure | Yes | No (recommended) |
| Compatibility | Universal | Broad |
| Processing overhead | Minimal | Low |
Recommendation
Use Digest authentication whenever it is supported by your camera and integration. If Digest is unavailable and Basic authentication must be used, the connection must be secured with HTTPS/TLS to protect credentials in transit.
Using Basic authentication over an unencrypted HTTP connection exposes credentials to interception and is not recommended in any production environment.
The authentication method is also used by features that target the currently selected camera via HTTP, including the Current_Cam device in HTTP Trigger custom buttons and the Snap and Home buttons. If the authentication method does not match what the camera actually requires, those features will fail to communicate with the camera. Make sure this field is set correctly for each camera.
HDMI Output Tab
The HDMI Output tab configures the RTSP stream credentials and URL for receiving the camera's video output.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Rtsp User | Username for accessing the camera's RTSP video stream |
| Rtsp Pwd | Password for accessing the camera's RTSP video stream |
| Rtsp Url | The full RTSP stream URL (e.g., rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/1) |
Trigger Tab
The Trigger tab allows you to associate a custom button action with this camera.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom Button | Assign a previously configured custom button to this camera |
When a custom button is assigned, it will be sent automatically whenever this camera (channel) is selected on the controller.
Custom buttons must be created under the Custom tab before they can be assigned here.
Saving Changes
Click Save to apply any changes made in the Editor. The device list will reflect the updated settings immediately.