How do I set up a basic RTSP server with gortsplib?

Use the 'server' example in the repository as a starting point; it demonstrates handling client requests and serving streams, but you'll need to integrate your own media sources and logic in Go code.

gortsplib vs GStreamer for RTSP streaming: which is better?

gortsplib is ideal for Go-native applications needing fine-grained control over RTSP, while GStreamer offers a broader, cross-platform multimedia framework with more plugins but higher complexity. Choose based on your language and customization needs.

Does gortsplib support H.265 encoding and decoding?

Yes, it fully supports H.265 with built-in encoder and decoder for RTP payload formats, as confirmed in the video codecs table, making it suitable for modern high-efficiency video streaming.

How to handle secure streaming with RTSPS in gortsplib?

Refer to the 'server-secure' example, which shows configuring TLS for RTSPS; you'll need to provide certificates and manage SRTP keys programmatically, adding setup complexity.

Can gortsplib stream to web browsers without plugins?

Not directly, as browsers don't support RTSP natively; you'd need to transcode to HLS or WebRTC using other libraries, though gortsplib's RTSP-over-WebSocket tunneling can help in some edge cases.

What's the performance like for high-concurrency streaming?

It's optimized for Go's concurrency model and used in production with MediaMTX, but you'll need to benchmark for your use case, as performance depends on factors like transport protocol and codec processing overhead.

gortsplib — Go RTSP Client & Server Library

What is gortsplib?

gortsplib is a Go library that implements the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) for both client and server applications. It enables developers to build systems that can query, play, and record media streams over networks, solving the need for a native, feature-complete RTSP stack in the Go language. It supports secure variants, multiple transport protocols, and a broad array of audio and video codecs.

Target Audience

Go developers building video streaming applications, media servers, IP camera systems, or any real-time multimedia service that requires RTSP communication. It's particularly relevant for those working on IoT, surveillance, or broadcast streaming projects.

Value Proposition

Developers choose gortsplib because it's a comprehensive, production-ready library written purely in Go, eliminating dependencies on external C libraries. Its extensive feature set, adherence to standards, and proven use in projects like MediaMTX provide reliability and performance for complex streaming scenarios.

RTSP client and server library for the Go programming language

Use Cases

Best For

Building custom RTSP media servers in Go
Creating RTSP client applications to consume IP camera streams
Developing video proxy or gateway services
Implementing secure (RTSPS/SRTP) streaming pipelines
Handling ONVIF-compliant camera back channels
Processing and transcoding multiple video/audio codecs in real-time

Not Ideal For

Projects built in programming languages other than Go
Applications needing adaptive bitrate streaming for web browsers (e.g., HLS, DASH)
Teams looking for a configuration-only media server without custom development

Pros & Cons

Pros

Complete RTSP Implementation

Provides both client and server functionalities with support for secure variants like RTSPS and SRTP, as outlined in the protocol features, ensuring comprehensive coverage for streaming applications.

Extensive Codec Support

Handles a wide range of video and audio formats including modern codecs like AV1 and Opus, with built-in encoders and decoders for many, per the RTP payload formats table.

Production-Proven Reliability

Core of the popular MediaMTX media server, indicating it's battle-tested in real-world streaming applications and trusted for production use.

Advanced Streaming Features

Includes capabilities like pause/seek without disconnect and ONVIF back channels, enhancing usability for complex real-time streaming scenarios, as detailed in the features list.

Cons

Go-Only Dependency

Locked into the Go ecosystem, making it unsuitable for polyglot projects or teams unfamiliar with Go, forcing a language-specific investment.

Steep Learning Curve

Requires deep understanding of RTSP and RTP protocols, as evidenced by the numerous detailed examples needed for basic operations, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Limited Protocol Scope

Focused solely on RTSP; does not natively support other streaming standards like HLS or WebRTC, forcing integration with additional libraries for broader media delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gortsplib?

Target Audience

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Building custom RTSP media servers in Go
Creating RTSP client applications to consume IP camera streams
Developing video proxy or gateway services
Implementing secure (RTSPS/SRTP) streaming pipelines
Handling ONVIF-compliant camera back channels
Processing and transcoding multiple video/audio codecs in real-time

Not Ideal For

Projects built in programming languages other than Go
Applications needing adaptive bitrate streaming for web browsers (e.g., HLS, DASH)
Teams looking for a configuration-only media server without custom development

Pros & Cons

Pros

Complete RTSP Implementation

Provides both client and server functionalities with support for secure variants like RTSPS and SRTP, as outlined in the protocol features, ensuring comprehensive coverage for streaming applications.

Extensive Codec Support

Handles a wide range of video and audio formats including modern codecs like AV1 and Opus, with built-in encoders and decoders for many, per the RTP payload formats table.

Production-Proven Reliability

Core of the popular MediaMTX media server, indicating it's battle-tested in real-world streaming applications and trusted for production use.

Advanced Streaming Features

Includes capabilities like pause/seek without disconnect and ONVIF back channels, enhancing usability for complex real-time streaming scenarios, as detailed in the features list.

Cons

Go-Only Dependency

Locked into the Go ecosystem, making it unsuitable for polyglot projects or teams unfamiliar with Go, forcing a language-specific investment.

Steep Learning Curve

Requires deep understanding of RTSP and RTP protocols, as evidenced by the numerous detailed examples needed for basic operations, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Limited Protocol Scope

Focused solely on RTSP; does not natively support other streaming standards like HLS or WebRTC, forcing integration with additional libraries for broader media delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

gortsplib

What is gortsplib?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

gortsplib

What is gortsplib?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?