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Media From File

Overview​

Media From File allows ITVDesk to stream local media files as a virtual ONVIF IP camera.

This feature enables video files, images, or audio files to be exposed as:

  • ONVIF devices
  • RTSP / RTSPS streams
  • Inputs for Combined Media layouts
  • Recordable sources inside VMS / NVR systems

It is commonly used for:

  • Playback of recorded footage
  • Test streams for VMS/NVR integration
  • Demo and training environments
  • Static image cameras
  • Audio-only playback sources
Media from file selection

Supported Media Formats​

ITVDesk supports the following file types:

Video​

  • MP4
  • FLV

Images​

  • JPEG
  • JPG

Audio​

  • MP3

Multiple files can be added and managed within a single virtual camera.

Selecting Media From File​

To add media files as a source:

  1. Create a new Virtual ONVIF IP Camera
  2. In Camera Media Source, enable Media From File
  3. Click Add
  4. Select a local video, image, or audio file
  5. Confirm the selection

Each added file becomes a playable media source.

Automatic Transcoding​

ITVDesk uses automatic transcoding to ensure maximum compatibility.

This means:

  • Input media is decoded
  • Stream is re-encoded on-the-fly
  • Output is converted to the selected stream format and codec

Automatic transcoding allows:

  • Resolution adjustment
  • Codec conversion
  • Bitrate control
  • Audio mixing with other sources
  • Seamless RTSP and ONVIF delivery
tip

No manual conversion of files is required.

Playback Behavior​

Depending on the media type:

  • Video files are streamed as continuous video sources
  • Image files are streamed as static video (virtual camera with still image)
  • Audio files are streamed as audio-only ONVIF/RTSP sources

Playback behavior (looping, timing, stream parameters) is controlled through the main camera (front) settings after the camera is created.

Performance and Decoding​

Media From File decoding is optimized for stability and performance.

  • CPU multi-threaded decoding is used by default
  • GPU decoding is used automatically when supported and beneficial (for example H.264 / H.265 video files)

If GPU decoding is not available or supported, ITVDesk seamlessly falls back to optimized CPU decoding without user intervention.

Integration with Other Media Sources​

Media From File sources can be:

  • Combined with desktop or webcam streams
  • Used inside Combined Media layouts
  • Mixed with live audio sources
  • Recorded like any other IP camera stream

This allows file-based media to behave exactly like a real camera inside your VMS or NVR system.

Summary​

Media From File allows ITVDesk to:

  • Stream local video, image, or audio files
  • Automatically transcode media for ONVIF and RTSP
  • Use files as virtual IP cameras
  • Combine file playback with live sources
  • Provide reliable test and demo streams

This makes ITVDesk suitable not only for live capture, but also for media playback and simulation scenarios.

Next Steps​

👉 Live Stream Pusher

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