Strix

Strix is an open-source, self-hosted application that discovers IP camera stream URLs and generates configuration files for surveillance software. It uses automated network probing to identify camera devices and test potential stream paths, which removes the need for users to manually search for specific URL patterns in manufacturer documentation. The software is designed to simplify the setup of network video recorders by automating the identification of available video streams.

The software is deployed as a web application and can be run as a standalone static binary on Linux, a Docker container, or a Home Assistant add-on. It is primarily used by administrators of home automation systems and security infrastructure who need to integrate various IP cameras into a centralized monitoring platform. The application operates by probing a target IP address to identify open ports, MAC vendors, and HTTP servers before testing potential stream URLs.

Key features

• Database containing over 3,600 camera brands and 100,000 URL patterns
• Network probing via ports, ARP/OUI, mDNS, HomeKit, and HTTP
• Parallel testing of URLs with live screenshots, codec detection, and latency checks
• Support for RTSP, HTTP, RTMP, Bubble, and DVRIP protocols
• Automatic generation of Frigate configuration files with merge capabilities
• Local network auto-discovery for Frigate and go2rtc instances
• Zero-dependency static binary for Linux amd64 and arm64 architectures

Built with Golang and utilizing an embedded SQLite database, Strix targets users of home automation and surveillance systems. It integrates with Frigate and go2rtc to streamline the onboarding of new hardware. The application supports a wide range of protocols, including RTSP over TLS and Apple HomeKit cameras via HAP. For developers, Strix provides an HTTP API that allows the integration of camera discovery functionality into other smart home platforms. The system also includes a separate camera emulator for development and testing purposes.

Strix serves as a utility for infrastructure monitoring and media server setup in self-hosted surveillance environments.