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Front Application Overview

Overview​

The Front Application is the main control interface of ITVDesk where all runtime camera behavior is configured and managed.

After a virtual ONVIF IP camera and its media source are created, all further configuration is done here.

This includes:

  • Video stream parameters
  • Audio routing and mixing
  • Recording control
  • OSD and overlay configuration
  • Motion and event handling
  • Preview, testing, and diagnostics

The Front Application works similarly to the configuration panel of a physical IP camera, but with significantly more flexibility.

ITVDesk Front Application overview

Media Source vs Front Application​

It is important to understand the separation of responsibilities in ITVDesk.

Media Source Configuration​

Configured during camera creation:

  • Defines where video/audio comes from
  • Desktop capture, webcam, external RTSP, ONVIF camera, combined media, etc.
  • Source selection only
  • No stream tuning or encoding control

Media source configuration answers the question:

tip

What is the video or audio source?

Front Application Configuration​

Configured after the camera is added:

  • Controls how the source is streamed, recorded, and exposed
  • Video resolution, bitrate, FPS, codec
  • Audio enable, mixing, and backchannel
  • Recording and storage
  • OSD and overlays (including POS data)
  • Motion detection and events
  • ONVIF and RTSP behavior

Front Application configuration answers the question:

tip

How does the camera behave and stream?

This design allows changing stream behavior without touching the media source, ensuring stable operation.

Main Front Application Layout​

The Front Application is divided into three logical areas:

1. Virtual IP Camera List​

Located on the left side:

  • Displays all configured virtual ONVIF IP cameras
  • Each entry represents one ONVIF device
  • Cameras can be enabled, disabled, edited, or removed

2. Camera Channels​

Located in the center:

  • Lists all video channels belonging to the selected camera
  • Each channel represents one video output
  • Multi-channel cameras display multiple channels here

Examples:

  • Desktop multi-monitor capture
  • Multiple webcams under one ONVIF device
  • Combined media streams

3. Camera Control Panel​

Located on the right side:

  • All runtime settings for the selected channel
  • Video stream configuration
  • Audio control
  • Recording and storage
  • OSD and overlays
  • Motion and intelligent detection
  • Preview and test tools
tip

All changes are applied in real time, without restarting ITVDesk.

Channel-Based Configuration​

ITVDesk uses a channel-oriented architecture.

  • Each channel has its own:
    • Video stream parameters
    • Audio settings
    • Recording options
    • OSD configuration
  • Channels can be:
    • Streamed independently
    • Recorded independently
    • Exposed via ONVIF and RTSP

This matches how professional IP cameras and VMS systems operate.

Typical Workflow​

A typical ITVDesk configuration workflow looks like this:

  1. Create a Virtual ONVIF IP Camera
  2. Select one or more media sources
  3. Open the Front Application
  4. Configure:
    • Video stream settings
    • Audio routing
    • Recording behavior
    • OSD and overlays
  5. Test the stream using preview or RTSP
  6. Connect the camera to a VMS, NVR, or RTSP client

Why This Design Matters​

The separation between media source and front configuration provides:

  • Stable and predictable operation
  • Easy stream tuning without breaking sources
  • Support for complex multi-channel setups
  • Compatibility with professional VMS and NVR systems
  • Enterprise-ready configuration workflow

This architecture allows ITVDesk to behave like a true virtual IP camera, not just a screen capture or streaming tool.

Next Steps​

Continue with detailed front application sections:

👉 Camera List and Channels
👉 Video Stream Settings
👉 Audio Stream Settings
👉 Recording and Storage
👉 OSD and Overlay Configuration

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