Here is the discord server:
For those wondering, V3 firmware saves the stream into a temporary MP4 file on a temporary folder on the SD card. Once this is done, the YI component is able to get it as a mjpeg stream. The problem is that we have absolutely no control of when the camera will flush it’s buffer to the SD card nor if the last data available is the actual last captured image, so this can be pretty slow.
The only alternative available now is to use @TheCrypt0 's V4 as it enables live stream through the RTSP protocol. His implementation is pretty clever and, from other user reports, works pretty well. The downside is that, in order to have access to the RTSP component, he is asking for financial support. I understand his reasons for this, but I strongly disagree as it goes against the FOS philosophy of home assistant and the open source community in general. (BTW, I contributed to the Linux Kernel project for over 10 years, so I feel really passionate about this topic)
So, if already have a YI camera, the only way to have a live feed is to contribute. If you are looking for a camera, DON’T BUY THE YI CAMERAS. I will repurpose my camera and order one from another brand.
Mate, crypto is only taking donations so he can buy cameras to test Yi hack v4. In fact, the guys such a legend he’s donating, anything extra he receives, he’s worked his ass off. Nothing but respect for crypto
1 Like
Hey, thanks for giving me a shoutout. I understand the point that having to donate to a project to get part of its functionality might sound contrary to the FOS philosophy but I’m actively supporting other projects as well with the donations I’m collecting. The Supporters can choose what organization will get part of the amount collected by the community.
Moreover, since the donation is a “Donate What You Want” type-of contribution the amounts I receive are usually just about what I need to continue to work on it. I managed to buy other camera models to support them.
I’ll be honest with you, if it wasn’t for the first supporters I couldn’t have developed the project any further. The donation gives you access to the RTSP but it’s used to support the whole open source firmware, which takes about 5/6 hours daily.
A lot of new features are being developed, like MQTT, ONVIF and more. (See the development roadmap on Trello). All of this stuff will be free to use for anyone!
Cheers
Crypto
@dowdie, but no means I’m demeaning him or his work and I truly appreciate his efforts. Also, my post was not a rant, just some information for people looking for answers on this topic.
@TheCrypt0, please don’t take my previous post as a complaint. We have different views, but there’s room for everybody. And repeating what I mentioned, I do understand your reasons.
@rafaborges I guess this is the same project but free: https://github.com/wregen/yi-stream
Have you checked it? I haven’t used yet.
1 Like
Thank you! It’s interesting that I didn’t find this one during my original search. I will give it a try and report later. Thanks!
Which one would u advise?
Reolink is working just fine. It’s a cheap and high quality alternative. The only downside is that I can’t make the PTZ work with hassio.
I have 4 bullet Reolinks. The have no integration and as i understood, in ONVIF mode i can not use motion detection. So for me only the useless stream.
How do you use it, which integration, at least motions detection work?