What is ONVIF?

The surveillance industry has created an open standard protocol called ONVIF that allows cameras to communicate with each other and with network recording devices. ONVIF has different versions of compatibility that dictate which features can be integrated into the system. In some cases, a camera can have basic video compatibility but lack the ability to do more advanced features such as motion detection or analytics.

Many of SCW's IP products are ONVIF Conformant IP security cameras. Camera models made by Honeywell, Panasonic, Dynacolor, Sony, Samsung, Pelco, Bosch, Axis, HikVision, and Arecont Vision can be ONVIF conformant. (Note that not all cameras made by these companies are ONVIF Conformant, so it is important to check the ONVIF website database with the specific model you are cosnidering.

How to check if your product (camera, recorder, software, etc) is ONVIF Conformant:

If you want to go with a non-SCW camera, you will need to contact the manufacturer or retailer of your device and ask them what ONVIF Profile the product supports. You may also check on the ONVIF website.

Another note: Firmware may also impact the success of third party/ONVIF connection with our products. We recommend that your third party hardware is updated to the latest firmware for the highest chance of success.

Realistic Expectations of ONVIF

It's almost always best to stick to a singular product line for your cameras. Here are three reasons why:

1. Third Party Cameras will not support plug and play

You cannot plug anything but SCW brand cameras into the NVR directly. This will require manual IP setup, and sometimes even external PoE switches for it to work.

SCW cameras

ONVIF

2. ONVIF may not include motion detection, settings changes, or PTZ control

When using ONVIF, especially with older security cameras, you should not expect anything beyond being able to see and record video.

Camera settings, video analytics, motion detection, and PTZ control are not guaranteed to work. This is especially true for older IP cameras on older versions of ONVIF.

3. Some firmware updates have broken or disabled ONVIF in the past

We've witnessed some manufacturers’ products that were sold as "ONVIF" that removed that compliance on a firmware update. In some cases - disabling ONVIF by default in the camera, or in some cases removing support entirely.

The ONVIF Profile matters

ONVIF has expanded beyond just security camera interoperability. Please make sure that you have the correct ONVIF profile. There are 6 ONVIF profiles. Make sure your cameras or NVR is Profile S compliant.