ONVIF is a standard that makes IP cameras from different manufacturers compatible with each other. Without it, you would need to buy your cameras and your NVR from the same company. With ONVIF, a camera certified to Profile T works with any NVR certified to Profile T – regardless of brand.
ONVIF defines several profiles covering different capability sets:
- Profile S – basic video streaming, PTZ control, event handling – the baseline profile
- Profile G – adds onboard recording, playback, and storage management
- Profile T – adds H.265 streaming, metadata transmission, and HTTPS
- Profile Q – quick installation via zero-config device discovery on the local network
- Practical use – always check which specific profiles both the camera and NVR are certified to, not just ONVIF in general