onvif vs rtsp - difference

Question

i have just started to delve into streaming libraries and the underlying protocols. I understand rtsp/rtp streaming and what these 2 protocols are for. But if we need the ip address, codec and the rtsp/rtp protocols to stream the video and audio from any cameras then why do we have onvif standard which essentially also aims to standardize the communication between IP network devices. I have seen the definitions of onvif so thats not what I am looking for. I want to know why at all we need onvif when we already have rtsp/rtp and what additional benefits it can provide.

Irregular

Answer 1

ONVIF is much more than just video streaming. It's an attempt to standardize all remote protocols for network communication between security devices. This includes things like PTZ control video analytics and is much more than just digital camera devices.

Selfdelusion

Does it mean that RTSP/RTP protocols will be replaced by ONVIF which is a standard for security devices (including IP cameras)? Is it an either-or choice between rtsp/rtp and onvif while developing the video streaming applications? What I am hoping to understand is whats the difference between RTSP and Onvif protocols in terms of its utility and objective for video streaming and if this is wrong question then why it is so. – Irregular

ONVIF is in no way a replacement for RTP/RTSP it merely employs the standard for streaming media. Most streaming devices that are ONVIF compliant allow RTP/RTSP streams to be initiated both within and separately from the ONVIF protocol. – Selfdelusion