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Use VSS with TP-Link Kasa IP cameras for Cloud Recording, Backup, Monitoring and Playback

Contents

Introduction

Step 1: Check If The Camera Supports RTSP and Enable It

Step 2. Use CameraFTP VSS with TP-Link Kasa IP Cameras

Appendix 1: Make Changes; CameraFTP Viewer



Introduction


TP-Link has several very popular IP camera models in the Kasa series. Most of TP-Link Kasa IP cameras don't support FTP/SMTP based uploading. Only a few models may support RTSP. If a camera supports RTSP, then it is compatible with CameraFTP VSS software. Otherwise, it is not directly compatible. You can visit this support page for the detailed information about how to use CameraFTP VSS software with proprietary IP cameras.

   
TP-Link Kasa IP Cameras


Why use CameraFTP VSS with TP-Link Kasa cameras?

CameraFTP is a leading cloud recording service provider based in Silicon Valley. It has offered very broad cloud recording and monitoring features for over a decade. CameraFTP offers the most flexible service plans, including: Video Recording, Image Recording, Timelapse Recording and Local Recording plans. Users can customize a plan based on their budget and quality requirements.

TP-Link Kasa IP cameras do not support FTP/SMTP and cannot upload footage to the CameraFTP cloud directly. You need to check if the camera supports RTSP. If so, CameraFTP VSS software can connect to the camera's video stream, display live video on the PC screen, while recording footage to the cloud and/or local disk. In addition, It offers much better video recording options. It supports popular video resolutions like 720P and 1080P; it also supports frame rates from 1 to 20fps.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is based on our knowledge of the TP-Link Kasa IP Cameras. The information may not be accurate or up-to-date. Users shall contact the manufacturer for all camera-related issues and contact us for CameraFTP-related (CameraFTP cloud service / CameraFTP VSS) issues.

If you find any information to be incorrect, please report it to CameraFTP support and we will update the documents promptly,


Step 1: Check If The Camera Supports RTSP and Enable It


The TP-Link Kasa IP camera can only be configured with a smartphone. You need to download the "TP-Link" mobile app for Android or iOS. After you install the mobile app, follow the instructions in the app (or the product manual) to add the camera to the app. You can then check in the app to find if it supports RTSP. If yes, you can find the RTSP video stream URL.

You also need a PC/laptop connected to the same local network. Install CameraFTP VSS on the computer.


2. Use CameraFTP VSS with TPLink Kasa IP Cameras


CameraFTP VSS software can use a PC as a powerful CCTV NVR system. It can display live camera videos on your PC screen, while also recording the video/image to the cloud and/or the local disk.

If your TP-Link Kasa IP camera supports RTSP, and you have the RTSP URL, then it is very easy to add the camera to CameraFTP VSS.

If you have an old or spare PC, you can save the cost of buying an expensive NVR; otherwise, you can buy a low-end laptop/PC for less than $300. It can support many IP cameras and webcams.

Launch CameraFTP VSS software on your PC/laptop, click Add to add a camera, then click IP Camera.


Then click "Find IP Cameras in Local Network" to find IP cameras in your local network.



As you can see, VSS displays a list of devices/cameras found in your local network. The displayed camera names may not be clear, as shown in the above screenshot. If VSS found multiple cameras/devices and you cannot tell which one is the correct IP camera, you can use the following method: (1) turn off the camera, then use VSS to search the local network; record the device list; (2) turn on the camera, use VSS to search the local network again. The new device in the search result is the correct camera.

Select the correct TP-Link Kasa IP camera, then click Next. CameraFTP VSS will display a login dialog. Please enter the device's Local Account username and password to log in.

Click Next. CameraFTP VSS will search the camera's video stream URLs, and display a list of video streaming URLs:


You can select a video stream and click Next.

Note: If VSS cannot find the video stream URL, you can click "Add Camera Streaming URL Directly", then copy and paste the RTSP URL generated in Step 1.


The remaining steps are standard. Just click Next and follow the wizard to finish adding the camera. The camera will be added to VSS as follows:



Appendix 1: Make Changes; CameraFTP Viewer


If you need to make changes, you can open VSS's main window, move your mouse on top of the camera live view, then click the Edit icon in the popup toolbar. You can:
- Select a different source video stream;
- Bind the camera with a different camera license (if you ordered a subscription);
- Edit motion detection settings;
- Set recording schedules.


After a camera(s) is added, it will take about 1 minute for VSS to upload the first video or image. However, you can view the live video (with audio) immediately from anywhere.

You can use the browser-based viewer by logging in to www.cameraftp.com or download CameraFTP Viewer App for iOS, Android and Windows. All viewers support live view and playback from anywhere. Moreover, they support video-calling to the camera.


Cannot get it to work? Please read our Trouble-shooting Guide.