Getting Started

Step 1 — Pick where it runs (server)

• Watchman‑managed (we host it): Best if your cameras can be reached from the internet. It will appear in Servers when ready.
• User Server (you host it): Use the server utility tool (not available for public download yet) and create an API key with scopes in Settings → API Keys. Register the server and it shows up in Servers.

Step 2 — Verify the server works

In Servers, make sure status is healthy and there is capacity before attaching streams.

Step 3 — Add your camera streams

Go to Streams and paste your RTSP URL. Quick guide:

• RTSP URL looks like rtsp://user:pass@camera-ip:554/stream-path.
• Username/Password are optional fields; they sync with the URL.
• Region Layout: pick 1, 4, or 9. 9 works best for most scenes.
• Agent: choose who will analyze events from this camera (optional).
• Run Target: choose User Server to select from your registered servers; Unassigned leaves it unbound.
• Server: when using User Server, pick which server processes the stream.

New to RTSP? See What are IP cameras and RTSP? and How to find your RTSP URL.

Step 4 — Tell an agent what to watch for

Create an agent in Agents, then assign it to streams.

• Instructions: plain English (“Alert when someone enters dock after 7pm”).
• Agent Rule: optional concise criteria.
• Alert contacts: who to notify. Create contacts in Directory.
• Context files: PDFs/images with site rules, maps, signage.

Learn more in Agents.

Step 5 — Monitor and “talk” to your cameras

Open Monitoring to see events in real time. Search with normal sentences:

• “Show people wearing red jackets near the front entrance in the last 10 minutes.”
• “Any trucks at the loading dock after 7pm yesterday?”