HTTP Server Setup for PTZ Cameras

Beginners
1

Hello there,

I am new with TouchDesigner and I want to setup an HTTP server in order to send requests to PTZ cameras for controlling and streaming.
Should I use the ‘Web Client’ DAT or is there a better way? What are the steps in order to setup the connection ?

Thanks for the help,
– Luca

2

You do not need a server. The cameras do host their own server. You only need the webclient DAT to send the request.
You simply define the endpoint and trigger press the send command.
depending on your PTZ cam you have to either send additional data or attach query params.
Mozilla has some nicr basics about http requests.

3

Thanks for replying,

I am trying to use Canon PZT cameras, which operate following the XC Control Protocol.
Can the webclient DAT be used to receive the video stream from the cameras as well ?

4

No. They either have NDI or you need to setuo the videoStreamInTOP with rtsp.
afaik they should have ndi though.

5

Heya @lucaperrin Did you end up working how to control your PTZ through touch ? I’m using the same PTZ cameras and looking into control systems without the ptz control desk.

6

Hi there,

Depending on your PTZ camera and the control protocol it supports, you can use the web client DAT to send HTTP request to the camera. I use it to control Canon PTZ cameras and it works great. I recommend using a script DAT to send the request to the web client.

7

Thanks Luca.
That’s super helpful. I’m also using Canon cameras (Crn-300). I haven’t been able to find any information in Canon’s documentation or online about the syntax (not 100% sure that’s the right terminology, I just mean what http request to send control x/y camera rotation/zoom/focus). Any resources / documentation that you’ve seen that you can share ? tysm.