Stream Endpoints

TheRelay provides your camera streams through multiple cloud endpoints using different protocols. Each protocol has unique advantages - choose the best one for your specific use case.

WebRTC Endpoint

Real-time communication protocol optimized for low-latency browser-based viewing.

WebRTC Advantages

• Lowest Latency: Typically 300-500ms end-to-end
• Browser Native: Works in any modern web browser
• No Plugins: Pure HTML5, no Flash or special software
• Bidirectional: Supports two-way audio and data channels
• Secure: Encrypted peer-to-peer communication

WebRTC Endpoint URL Format

webrtc://therelay.net/camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}

Using WebRTC in Browser

Embed in a web page or use directly in TheRelay player:

• Paste URL into TheRelay web player
• Use JavaScript WebRTC libraries (Pion, etc.)
• Integrate into custom applications
• Works on mobile browsers

WebRTC Limitations

• Best with stable network connections
• May consume more CPU than RTSP
• Viewer limit varies by server capacity

RTSP Endpoint

Industry-standard streaming protocol for compatible players and systems.

RTSP Advantages

• Universal: Supported by VLC, ffmpeg, NVRs, and more
• Reliable: Proven protocol with 20+ years of deployment
• Flexible: Works with any RTSP-compatible client
• Efficient: Minimal overhead
• Standard: No proprietary libraries needed

RTSP Endpoint URL Format

rtsp://therelay.net:554/camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}

Using RTSP

RTSP streams work with:

• VLC Media Player
• ffmpeg and ffplay
• NVR and VMS systems
• IP camera players
• Custom applications with RTSP libraries

Example: Playing with VLC

1. Open VLC Media Player
2. Go to Media > Open Network Stream
3. Paste RTSP endpoint URL
4. Click Play

Example: ffplay Command

ffplay "rtsp://therelay.net:554/camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}"

SRT Endpoint

Secure Reliable Transport protocol for encrypted and resilient streaming.

SRT Advantages

• Encrypted: AES-256 encryption built-in
• Reliable: Forward error correction and retransmission
• Low Latency: Optimized for live streaming
• Adaptive: Adjusts to network conditions
• Secure: No unencrypted media data on network

SRT Endpoint URL Format

srt://therelay.net:6379?streamid=camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}

Using SRT

SRT streams work with:

• ffmpeg and ffplay (with SRT support)
• OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)
• VLC Media Player 3.0+
• Hardware encoders with SRT support
• Professional streaming software

Example: ffplay with SRT

ffplay "srt://therelay.net:6379?streamid=camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}"

SRT Performance

• Excellent for unreliable network conditions
• Ideal for long-distance streaming
• Broadcasting and contribution use cases
• Lower latency than RTMP with better reliability

HLS Endpoint

HTTP Live Streaming protocol for adaptive, scalable streaming.

HLS Advantages

• Adaptive Bitrate: Automatically adjusts quality
• Scalable: Uses standard HTTP - CDN friendly
• Universal: Works in all browsers
• Mobile Friendly: Optimized for mobile networks
• Buffering: Provides smooth playback

HLS Endpoint URL Format

https://therelay.net/hls/camera/{camera_id}/playlist.m3u8?token={access_token}

Using HLS

HLS works with:

• All modern web browsers (HTML5)
• Mobile apps (iOS/Android native HLS support)
• VLC Media Player
• ffplay
• JavaScript libraries (HLS.js, etc.)

Example: HTML5 Video Tag

<video controls>
  <source src="https://therelay.net/hls/camera/{camera_id}/playlist.m3u8?token={access_token}" type="application/x-mpegURL">
</video>

HLS Characteristics

• Latency: 10-30 seconds (higher than WebRTC/SRT)
• Quality: Adapts to available bandwidth
• Reliability: Excellent for streaming to many users
• Use Case: Public streaming, CDN distribution

RTMP Endpoint

Real Time Messaging Protocol for streaming and recording applications.

RTMP Advantages

• Recording: Native support for stream recording
• Live Streaming: Push streams to social media
• Professional Tools: OBS, Streaming software support
• Reliable: Proven protocol for broadcasting
• Flexible: Works with recording and streaming systems

RTMP Endpoint URL Format

rtmp://therelay.net/live/camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}

Using RTMP

RTMP endpoints work with:

• OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software)
• ffmpeg with RTMP support
• Streaming software and encoders
• Social media live streaming
• Professional recording systems

Example: ffmpeg Record Stream

ffmpeg -i "rtmp://therelay.net/live/camera/{camera_id}?token={access_token}" -c copy output.mp4

RTMP Use Cases

• Recording streams to disk or cloud storage
• Streaming to YouTube/Twitch/Facebook Live
• Integration with streaming platforms
• Professional broadcasting workflows

Endpoint Management

Getting Endpoint URLs

To get endpoint URLs for your cameras:

1. Log into TheRelay Dashboard
2. Navigate to Cameras section
3. Click on desired camera
4. Look for "Stream Endpoints" section
5. Copy desired protocol endpoint
6. Add access token if not already included

Endpoint Security

• Always include access token in endpoint URL
• Tokens restrict which cameras can be accessed
• Tokens can be set to expire
• Create separate tokens for different users
• Revoke tokens to disable access instantly

Token in Endpoints

Tokens can be included in endpoints as:

• Query Parameter: endpoint?token=xyz
• URL Fragment: endpoint#token=xyz
• Header: For API clients using Authorization header

Rotating Endpoints

If you need to change endpoints:

1. Create new tokens with desired permissions
2. Update all clients with new endpoint URLs
3. Revoke old tokens when transition complete
4. Monitor logs for any connection issues

Choosing the Right Protocol

Use WebRTC When...

• You need lowest latency (<1 second)
• Building web-based applications
• Browser playback is primary use case
• Users expect real-time interaction

Use RTSP When...

• Integrating with existing VMS/NVR systems
• Using standard media players (VLC, etc.)
• Need maximum compatibility
• Have stable, reliable network connections

Use SRT When...

• Encryption is required for compliance
• Network conditions are unreliable
• Using professional streaming software
• Need to transmit over untrusted networks

Use HLS When...

• Streaming to many concurrent viewers
• Mobile viewing is important
• Want to leverage CDN for distribution
• Acceptable latency is 10-30 seconds

Use RTMP When...

• Need to record/archive streams
• Integrating with broadcasting systems
• Using OBS or streaming software
• Streaming to social media platforms