If you’re planning to buy a security camera for your home, it’s always a good idea to check the technical specifications first.
This happened to someone who had just purchased a Ring security camera. They wanted to connect it to another device in their home, an NVR. They assumed that Ring cameras worked like regular IP cameras and could connect to devices from different brands. However, after trying to set it up, they discovered that the Ring camera wouldn’t connect to their NVR, so they couldn’t view its footage on the same monitor as their other cameras.
In this article, I’ll explain how Ring cameras work and why they can’t be connected to other devices.
Ring Cameras and Their History
The company didn’t sell security cameras before.
Ring started out with its Video Doorbell as its first product. Over time, the company expanded its lineup to include security cameras, giving customers more options to choose from. Today, Ring offers a variety of cameras, including wired, battery-powered, and PoE models.
Since Ring cameras are designed for smart homes, they connect directly to your phone without the need for a recording device like an NVR or DVR.
That’s why you won’t find any NVR or DVR products on Ring’s official website.
Ring offers several types of security cameras, including:
- Indoor Cameras
- Outdoor Cameras
- Floodlight Cameras – Security cameras equipped with bright white floodlights.
- Ring Elite Camera – A camera featuring six lenses in a single unit.
Do Ring Security Camera Products Support ONVIF and RTSP?
Some users need security cameras that are compatible with devices from different brands.
That’s why there’s one fundamental question that Ring camera users often ask me: Can Ring cameras be connected to an NVR or DVR so that their footage can be displayed on a monitor alongside footage from other security cameras?
So, my answer is no.
Ring cameras can’t be connected directly to an NVR or DVR because current Ring models don’t support ONVIF. Instead, you can use the Ring app to view your camera’s live feed. If you want to save video recordings, you’ll need a cloud subscription. Unlike many other smart cameras, Ring doesn’t offer local recording with a memory card.
ONVIF is a standard that allows compatible devices to communicate and work together, even if they’re made by different brands. RTSP, on the other hand, is a protocol that lets you stream video from a camera to security camera software or other compatible devices.
For example, I use an RTSP URL EZVIZ camera to stream live footage from my EZVIZ camera in VLC Media Player.
How Much Does a Ring Cloud Camera Subscription Cost?
Ring offers four cloud subscription plans to choose from:
- Ring Solo
- Ring Multi
- Ring Pro
- Virtual Security Guard
1. Ring Solo
Starts at $4.99/month or $49.99/year. This plan covers just one device and lets you save video recordings to the cloud and receive notifications.
Other features include:
- Up to 180 Days of Video Playback
- Person, Package, and Vehicle Alerts
- Extended Live View
- Device Modes and more
2. Ring Multi
As the name suggests, Ring Multi lets you connect multiple Ring devices at the same location to save video recordings to the cloud and receive notifications. The plan starts at $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
Other features include:
- Up to 180 Days of Video Playback
- Person, Package, and Vehicle Alerts
- Extended Live View
- Device Modes
- Extended Warranty and more
3. Ring Pro
Satu level di atas Ring Multi, layanan cloud Ring Pro memberikan fitur-fitur yang pastinya tidak ada pada layanan sebelumnya seperti fitur intelligent assistant dan emergency response. Harga langganan Ring Pro mulai dari $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr.
Other features include:
- Includes everything in Multi
- Video Descriptions
- Familiar Faces
- 24/7 Professional Monitoring
- Active Warnings and more
4. Virtual Security Guard
This is Ring’s most comprehensive cloud subscription plan, offering all the features included in Ring Pro, Ring Multi, and Ring Solo. It also includes an intelligent assistant, threat deterrence, and live video monitoring by real agents. The plan starts at $99 per month, with no annual subscription option available.
Other features include:
- ncludes everything in Pro
- Live Video Monitoring
- Real-Time Intruder Deterrence
- Proactive Verified Dispatch Requests and more
Comparing Ring’s Cloud Plans for Cameras and Other Devices
| Feature | Solo | Multi | Pro | Virtual Security Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of devices | 1 | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
| Video history up to 180 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-camera support | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Device Modes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extended warranty benefits | — | Yes* | Yes* | Yes* |
| Video Descriptions | Add-on* | Add-on* | Yes | Yes |
| Familiar Faces | Add-on* | Add-on* | Yes | Yes |
| Active Warnings and Video Search | Add-on* | Add-on* | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Live monitoring by security personnel | — | — | — | Yes |
For more information about Ring’s cloud storage plans and how to subscribe, check out the official Ring website.
Although Ring cameras can’t be connected to other devices, you can add ONVIF-compatible cameras to the Ring app. However, you’ll need a Ring Alarm Pro and a Ring Pro subscription. Once connected, you can use the Ring app to access basic features like live view, video playback, and notifications.
Conclusion
So, for now, Ring cameras can’t be connected to other devices because they don’t support ONVIF or RTSP.
If you’re planning to buy a security camera and want to connect it to other devices, such as an NVR, DVR, or camera software, you might want to consider other brands that support ONVIF and RTSP, such as IMOU, EZVIZ, and TP-Link Tapo. I’ve personally tested cameras from these brands and was able to connect them to other devices thanks to their ONVIF and RTSP support.
I hope you find this article helpful. Thank you for stopping by my blog!