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.
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 (Optional)
If your camera has a microphone and you want audio recording:
- Sampling Rate: 16kHz
- Codec: G.711A (also called A-law or PCMA)
- Enable on: Both main and sub streams
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.
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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