How to specify playback time for RTSP recording in FFmpeg without using the Range header?

[furuya-kj]

Hello,

I have reviewed the VAPIX API Edge Storage documentation (https://developer.axis.com/vapix/network-video/edge-storage-api/#play-recording-using-rtsp) and understand that it is possible to specify playback time by using the Range header when playing back RTSP recordings.

However, I am facing the following issues when trying to play RTSP streams with FFmpeg:

• FFmpeg does not allow me to add a custom Range header to the RTSP request, so I cannot specify the playback time.

• I also tried specifying the time using URL query parameters (e.g., &starttime=xxxx), but the API does not recognize these and the playback range cannot be set.
  Therefore, I would appreciate it if you could share any methods to achieve the following:

• How to specify the start and end time for playback without using the Range header or query parameters.

• Alternative parameters or patches that enable time-specified playback using FFmpeg.

• Recommended workarounds if it is difficult to perform time-specified playback using FFmpeg alone.

If anyone has knowledge or experience on this topic, I would be very grateful for your guidance.

Thank you very much.

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[rocky-ji]

Try this one, it is to seek 200 second from the beginning of the recording ID:

ffplay -ss 200 rtsp://root:pass@192.168.1.104/axis-media/media.amp?recordingid=20250212_133419_3287_B8A44F284CF7

[furuya-kj]

Thank you very much for your suggestion.

Using ffplay with the -ss option to seek 200 seconds from the beginning of the recording is helpful and works for basic seeking.

However, I am looking for a method to specify exact start and end times for playback via the RTSP request itself, ideally compatible with FFmpeg, to utilize the VAPIX Edge Storage API features more effectively.

Thanks again for your assistance!

[vivekatoffice]

Hi @furuya-kj ,
Please check out this using openRTSP : 920

Related links:

I understand you are trying to do the same using FFmpeg, and openRTSP instructions may help you to understand the implementation from the RFC 2326 and achieve it using FFmpeg

You also have the option to use the deprecated method:

Image reference

Image reference

[vivekatoffice]

Feel free to re-open it OR share the solution/alternative/comment if already resolved👁️‍🗨️