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Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 9 views

HEVC RTC: Understanding the Limitations and Workarounds

Introduction

The integration of WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) in Home Assistant (HA) has made it possible to stream video feeds from IP cameras directly to the browser. However, users have reported issues with HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) streams, which are commonly used in modern IP cameras. In this article, we will delve into the issue of HEVC RTC only working with the force mode and explore possible workarounds.

Background on WebRTC and HEVC

WebRTC is a set of APIs and protocols for real-time communication over peer-to-peer connections. It allows for the exchange of video, audio, and data between browsers and devices. HEVC, on the other hand, is a video compression standard that offers improved compression efficiency compared to H.264. Many modern IP cameras use HEVC to provide high-quality video streams with reduced bandwidth requirements.

The Issue with HEVC RTC

Users have reported that HEVC streams only work with the force mode enabled in the browser. This means that even if the IP camera is set to use HEVC, the stream will still be delivered using the MSE (Media Source Extensions) protocol, which is not optimized for real-time communication. To switch to RTC (Real-Time Communication) mode, users need to manually set the mode to webrtc in the browser.

Possible Causes and Workarounds

There are several possible reasons why HEVC RTC only works with the force mode:

Browser Support: HEVC support in browsers is still limited, and some browsers may not support HEVC decoding natively. Enabling the force mode may bypass these limitations and allow the stream to work.
Codec Compatibility: HEVC is a relatively new codec, and some browsers may not have native support for it. The force mode may allow the browser to use a software-based decoder, which can improve compatibility.
Stream Configuration: The stream configuration may not be optimized for HEVC RTC. Enabling the force mode may allow the browser to adjust the stream settings to work with HEVC.

To work around this issue, users can try the following:

Enable the force mode: As mentioned earlier, enabling the force mode can allow the stream to work with HEVC RTC.
Use a different browser: Some browsers may have better support for HEVC decoding or may be able to handle the stream configuration better.
Adjust the stream settings: Users can try adjusting the stream settings, such as the codec, resolution, or bitrate, to see if it improves the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.
Use a different IP camera: If the issue persists, users can try using a different IP camera that supports H.264 or other codecs that are more widely supported.

Conclusion

The issue of HEVC RTC only working with the force mode is a complex problem that may be caused by a combination of factors, including browser support, codec compatibility, and stream configuration. While there are workarounds available, such as enabling the force mode or using a different browser, users may still experience issues with HEVC RTC streams. Further research and development are needed to improve the support for HEVC RTC in browsers and IP cameras.

Additional Tips and Resources

Check browser support: Before trying to use HEVC RTC, users should check if their browser supports HEVC decoding natively.
Adjust stream settings: Users can try adjusting the stream settings to see if it improves the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.
Use a different IP camera: If the issue persists, users can try using a different IP camera that supports H.264 or other codecs that are more widely supported.
Consult the documentation: Users should consult the documentation for their browser and IP camera to see if there are any specific settings or configurations that can improve the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.

References

WebRTC documentation
HEVC documentation
Home Assistant documentation
HEVC RTC: Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The integration of WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) in Home Assistant (HA) has made it possible to stream video feeds from IP cameras directly to the browser. However, users have reported issues with HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) streams, which are commonly used in modern IP cameras. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about HEVC RTC and provide additional information to help users troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Q: What is HEVC RTC and why is it important?

A: HEVC RTC (Real-Time Communication) is a technology that allows for the streaming of HEVC video feeds directly to the browser using WebRTC. This is important because it enables users to view high-quality video feeds from IP cameras in real-time, without the need for additional software or hardware.

Q: Why do I need to enable the `force` mode to use HEVC RTC?

A: Enabling the force mode allows the browser to bypass some of the limitations of HEVC decoding and use a software-based decoder instead. This can improve compatibility and allow the stream to work even if the browser does not support HEVC decoding natively.

Q: What are the benefits of using HEVC RTC?

A: The benefits of using HEVC RTC include:

Improved video quality: HEVC offers improved compression efficiency compared to H.264, resulting in higher-quality video feeds.
Reduced bandwidth requirements: HEVC requires less bandwidth to transmit the same quality video feed, making it ideal for use in low-bandwidth environments.
Real-time communication: HEVC RTC allows for real-time communication between the browser and the IP camera, enabling users to view video feeds in real-time.

Q: What are the limitations of HEVC RTC?

A: The limitations of HEVC RTC include:

Browser support: HEVC support in browsers is still limited, and some browsers may not support HEVC decoding natively.
Codec compatibility: HEVC is a relatively new codec, and some browsers may not have native support for it.
Stream configuration: The stream configuration may not be optimized for HEVC RTC, which can cause issues with the stream.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with HEVC RTC?

A: To troubleshoot issues with HEVC RTC, users can try the following:

Check browser support: Before trying to use HEVC RTC, users should check if their browser supports HEVC decoding natively.
Adjust stream settings: Users can try adjusting the stream settings to see if it improves the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.
Use a different IP camera: If the issue persists, users can try using a different IP camera that supports H.264 or other codecs that are more widely supported.
Consult the documentation: Users should consult the documentation for their browser and IP camera to see if there are any specific settings or configurations that can improve the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.

Q: What are some common issues with HEVC RTC?

A: Some common issues with HEVC RTC include:

Stream not working: The stream may not work at all, or may be delayed or distorted.
Poor video quality: The video quality may be poor, with artifacts or other issues.
Browser crashes: The browser may crash or freeze when trying to use HEVC RTC.

Q: How can I improve the performance of HEVC RTC?

A: To improve the performance of HEVC RTC, users can try the following:

Adjust stream settings: Users can try adjusting the stream settings to see if it improves the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.
Use a different IP camera: If the issue persists, users can try using a different IP camera that supports H.264 or other codecs that are more widely supported.
Consult the documentation: Users should consult the documentation for their browser and IP camera to see if there are any specific settings or configurations that can improve the performance of the HEVC RTC stream.

Conclusion

HEVC RTC is a powerful technology that enables users to stream high-quality video feeds from IP cameras directly to the browser. However, it can be challenging to troubleshoot and resolve issues with HEVC RTC. By understanding the benefits and limitations of HEVC RTC, users can take steps to improve the performance of the stream and resolve issues.