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How to Connect to Mercusys IP Camera in C# .NET

Video Capture SDK .Net Media Blocks SDK .Net

Brand Overview

Mercusys is a networking and smart home brand owned by TP-Link. Mercusys targets the budget-conscious segment with affordable routers, mesh systems, and security cameras. Mercusys cameras share design and firmware similarities with TP-Link Tapo cameras, offering standard RTSP support at lower price points.

Key facts:

  • Product lines: MC (indoor cameras), MB (outdoor cameras)
  • Protocol support: RTSP, ONVIF (select models), HTTP
  • Default RTSP port: 554
  • Default credentials: Set during app setup (no factory defaults)
  • ONVIF support: Yes (newer models, must be enabled)
  • Video codecs: H.264
  • Parent company: TP-Link
  • Companion app: Mercusys Security app

Mercusys and TP-Link Tapo

Mercusys cameras share firmware architecture with TP-Link Tapo cameras. The RTSP URL format (/stream1, /stream2) is similar. If you are familiar with Tapo integration, the same approach works with Mercusys. See our TP-Link connection guide for additional details.

RTSP URL Patterns

Standard URL Format

Mercusys cameras use a stream-number-based RTSP URL:

rtsp://[USERNAME]:[PASSWORD]@[IP]:554/stream1
Stream URL Pattern Description
Main stream rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Full resolution
Sub stream rtsp://IP:554/stream2 Lower resolution, less bandwidth

Camera Models

Model Type Resolution Main Stream URL Audio
MC50 (indoor PT) Indoor pan/tilt 1920x1080 rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Yes
MC60 (2K indoor PT) Indoor pan/tilt 2304x1296 rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Yes
MC70 (4MP indoor PT) Indoor pan/tilt 2560x1440 rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Yes
MB50 (outdoor bullet) Outdoor 1920x1080 rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Yes
MB60 (2K outdoor) Outdoor 2304x1296 rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Yes
MB70 (4MP outdoor) Outdoor 2560x1440 rtsp://IP:554/stream1 Yes

Enabling RTSP / ONVIF

RTSP and ONVIF may need to be enabled in the camera settings:

  1. Open the Mercusys Security app
  2. Select your camera → Settings
  3. Navigate to Advanced Settings
  4. Enable RTSP and/or ONVIF
  5. Set a username and password for RTSP access

Connecting with VisioForge SDK

Use your Mercusys camera's RTSP URL with any of the three SDK approaches shown in the Quick Start Guide:

// Mercusys MC70 (4MP indoor pan/tilt), main stream
var uri = new Uri("rtsp://192.168.1.90:554/stream1");
var username = "rtsp_user"; // set in Mercusys Security app
var password = "rtsp_pass";

For sub-stream access, use /stream2 instead of /stream1.

Snapshot URLs

Type URL Pattern Notes
JPEG Snapshot http://IP/cgi-bin/snapshot.cgi Requires basic auth

Troubleshooting

RTSP not accessible

Mercusys cameras require initial setup through the Mercusys Security app. RTSP may also need to be explicitly enabled in the advanced settings. After enabling RTSP, the credentials set in the app must be used for RTSP authentication.

Camera IP discovery

Find your Mercusys camera's IP address in:

  1. The Mercusys Security app → Device Info
  2. Your router's DHCP client list
  3. ONVIF discovery (if enabled)

If standard Mercusys troubleshooting does not resolve your issue, check our TP-Link Tapo guide for additional troubleshooting steps, as the firmware is similar.

FAQ

What is the default RTSP URL for Mercusys cameras?

Mercusys cameras use rtsp://username:password@CAMERA_IP:554/stream1 for the main stream and /stream2 for the sub stream. The username and password are set during RTSP enablement in the Mercusys Security app.

Is Mercusys the same as TP-Link?

Mercusys is a brand owned by TP-Link that targets the budget segment. Mercusys cameras share firmware architecture with TP-Link Tapo cameras and use similar RTSP URL formats.

Do Mercusys cameras support ONVIF?

Newer Mercusys camera models support ONVIF, but it must be enabled through the Mercusys Security app. Older models may not include ONVIF support.

How do Mercusys cameras compare to TP-Link Tapo?

Mercusys cameras are positioned as a more affordable alternative to Tapo. They share similar firmware and RTSP URL patterns. Tapo cameras generally have more model options and broader community support.