Table of Contents
Manual Camera Configuration
Your TetherBox automatically configures most Cameras for optimal performance - see Automatic Configuration for details. This page covers manual configuration for when you've disabled automatic defaults or your camera doesn't support remote configuration.
Tip: Only configure cameras manually if automatic configuration isn't working or you need custom settings. Enable Disable Defaults in camera advanced settings before making manual changes, otherwise your settings may be overwritten.
When to Use Manual Configuration
Manual configuration is needed when:
- Automatic configuration unavailable - Camera doesn't support ONVIF or native API
- Custom settings required - Higher bitrates for high-motion scenes or critical evidence cameras
- Disable Defaults enabled - You've opted out of automatic configuration for this camera
Tip: Most cameras work perfectly with automatic configuration. Check Automatic Configuration first before configuring manually.
Network Settings
DHCP (Recommended)
Set your camera to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP. This is the simplest approach and avoids IP conflicts.
Static IP
If DHCP isn't available, configure a static IP:
- IP Address: Unused address on
192.168.88.xnetwork - Gateway/DNS:
192.168.88.100(your TetherBox)
Warning: Avoid 192.168.88.100 - this is reserved for your TetherBox. Multiple cameras sharing the same IP will cause connection failures.
Recording Stream (Primary)
The recording stream is stored for playback and cloud backup. Use H.264 for maximum compatibility.
| Resolution | Recommended Settings |
|---|---|
| 4K | H.264, 20fps, VBR, 4096kbps, GOP: 20 |
| 1080p | H.264, 20fps, VBR, 2048kbps, GOP: 20 |
| 720p | H.264, 20fps, VBR, 1024kbps, GOP: 20 |
- Codec: H.264 (see H.264 vs H.265 for H.265 considerations)
- Profile: High
- Bitrate Type: Variable (VBR) - adapts to scene complexity
- Watermark: Disabled
Tip: VBR (Variable Bit Rate) uses fewer bits for static backgrounds and more for moving subjects - actual average bitrates are often much lower than peak settings.
Analytics Stream (Secondary)
The analytics stream is decoded locally for motion detection. Lower resolution reduces TetherBox CPU load.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Codec | H.264 |
| Resolution | 720p or lower (D1: 704x576 is ideal) |
| Framerate | 6 fps |
| Bitrate | 768-1024 kbps |
| Profile | Baseline |
| GOP | 6 frames |
Warning: Using resolutions above 720p or framerates above 6fps for analytics provides no detection benefit while significantly increasing CPU load - potentially limiting the number of cameras your TetherBox can process.
Tip: Dahua cameras have a third stream (Sub Stream 2) which is ideal for 720p analytics without affecting your recording or live view quality.
Image Conditions
These settings improve image quality in varying lighting conditions:
- Anti Flicker: 50Hz (UK/Europe) or 60Hz (US/Americas)
- BLC/WDR: Enable Wide Dynamic Range at medium level
- Exposure: Auto
Tip: Anti-flicker matches your local electrical frequency to prevent banding under artificial lights.
Audio Recording (Optional)
To record audio with your video footage, you need a camera with audio recording capability. Most cameras don't support audio at all - check your camera's specifications before proceeding. Cameras that do support audio typically have a built-in microphone, though some also accept external microphone input.
Enabling Audio (Hikvision Example)
Open your camera's web interface directly or via tunnel
Navigate to Configuration → Video / Audio
- Find the Video Type dropdown and change it from Video Stream to Video & Audio
- Click Save
Tip: The exact menu location varies by manufacturer. Look for Video/Audio, Stream Settings, or Encoding Settings.
Audio Encoding Settings
Once audio is enabled, configure these settings for optimal quality:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Sampling Rate | 44.1 kHz (or highest available) |
| Codec | AAC (preferred), WAV/PCM, or G.711A as fallback |
Codec priority: Use AAC if available for best quality and compression. If not supported, use WAV or PCM. Fall back to G.711A (A-law/PCMA) only if the others aren't available.
Enable audio on both the main stream (recording) and sub stream (analytics) if you want audio in both recordings and live view.
Warning: Audio recording may have legal implications depending on your jurisdiction. Ensure you have appropriate consent and signage where required.
Date and Time
Your TetherBox acts as an NTP server, keeping all camera clocks synchronised. Configure your camera to use it:
- NTP Server:
192.168.88.100(your TetherBox IP) - Timezone: Set to your local timezone
- DST: Configure daylight saving if applicable
Tip: Accurate timestamps are critical for event investigation. Using your TetherBox as NTP server ensures all cameras show the same time.
Vendor-Specific Guides
Some manufacturers require additional configuration steps:
- Dahua Setup - Three-stream configuration for optimal analytics
- Hanwha / Wisenet / Samsung Setup - Profile configuration for cameras, NVRs, and DVRs
- Hikvision Setup - RTSP URLs and remote firmware updates
- Mobotix Setup - ONVIF/RTP integration for classic Mobotix cameras
Related Articles
- Automatic Configuration - Let your TetherBox configure cameras automatically
- ONVIF - Enable ONVIF for automatic configuration support
- Camera Troubleshooting - Diagnose connection and recording issues
- Testing with VLC - Verify stream URLs before adding cameras
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