Multi-Lens & Dual-Stream Setup
Advanced cameras like the Tapo C246D feature dual lenses (Fixed Wide-Angle and Pan/Tilt Telephoto) that can be streamed simultaneously via RTSP. This guide explains how to access both lenses and optimize your recording quality.
CRITICAL: Camera Account Setup
To use RTSP/ONVIF with Tapo or VIGI hardware, you must create a specialized "Camera Account" within the Tapo app. This is separate from your TP-Link ID.
- Open the Tapo App.
- Go to Camera Settings > Advanced Settings.
- Select Camera Account.
- Create a username and password specifically for RTSP streaming.
Accessing Different Lenses
The C246D and similar dual-lens models assign different lenses to specific stream identifiers. Depending on which lens you want to monitor or record, you must use the correct RTSP path:
Lens 1 (Fixed Wide)
Accessible via the standard RTSP path:
/stream1 (High Quality)/stream2 (Low Quality)
Lens 2 (PTZ Tele)
Uses specific stream identifiers:
/stream6 (High Quality)/stream7 (Low Quality)
Recording Strategy
If you intend to use Microsoft Store applications or professional NVR software to record high-fidelity audio and video, we recommend streaming Lens 2 via stream6. This provides the highest bitrate and resolution for the Pan/Tilt lens, making it ideal for identifying distant objects or faces.
Summary of Identifiers
| Lens Type | High Quality | Low Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Lens 1 (Static) | /stream1 |
/stream2 |
| Lens 2 (PTZ) | /stream6 |
/stream7 |