This guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring the Stream Settings on your Reolink cameras, helping you optimize video quality, bandwidth, and storage for your specific needs.

Applies to: All Reolink Cameras.

This article is divided into three sections:

1. Stream Settings Overview for Reolink Cameras

2. Step-by-Step Instruction of Setting up Reolink Stream Settings

3. Notes on Using Reolink Stream Settings

1. Stream Settings Overview for Reolink Cameras

Reolink camera Stream Settings are divided into Clear (Main Stream) and Fluent (Sub Stream).

  • Clear Stream: A video stream that provides high resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, offering the best video quality. It's typically used for live viewing and high-quality recordings, ideal for detailed surveillance in areas where image clarity is essential.

  • Fluent Stream: A video stream that uses lower resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, designed to reduce bandwidth and storage usage. It is typically used for remote viewing, playback, or when network conditions are limited, where lower video quality is acceptable for general monitoring.

Both of two stream settings include three main configurations:

  1. Resolution: Determines video clarity. Higher resolution provides clearer images but requires more bandwidth and storage. It’s ideal for monitoring areas that need detailed views.

  2. Frame Rate: Determines video smoothness. A higher frame rate is suitable for fast-moving scenes (e.g., doorways, parking lots), while a lower frame rate works well for static or low-activity areas.

  3. Max Bitrate: Affects video quality and bandwidth usage. Higher bitrate offers better quality but demands more bandwidth, lower bitrate is suitable for limited bandwidth environments.

Usage Recommendation: Adjust settings based on your network bandwidth and storage capacity. For high-quality video, increase resolution, frame rate, and bitrate. If bandwidth is limited, lower these settings to optimize performance and storage.

In addition, some models also support I-frame interval settings, Frame Rate Mode, and Bitrate Mode. You can click on the corresponding feature to be redirected to the relevant articles for more detailed information.

2. Step-by-Step Instruction of Setting up Reolink Stream Settings

The following sections will introduce how to configure stream settings for Reolink cameras on different software platforms.

  • Via Reolink App

    Here's a video for your reference.

    Step 1. Go to Device Settings > Display > Stream page. Please note that if the camera is connected to an NVR, the position of the display option may vary, but it will still be under the Device Settings interface.

    lumus settingsdisplaystream menu

     

    Step 2. Under Stream settings, select Clear/Fluent to configure the parameters, then tap Save in the top-right corner to save the settings. For some models, you can also configure Frame Rate Mode and Bitrate Mode in the Stream settings page.

    stream settingsclear

  • Via Reolink Client

    Follow the steps below to set up the Encode settings via Reolink New Client.

    Step 1. Launch Reolink Client and log in to the device, then go to Device Settings >Device > Stream page. Under Stream settings, click Clear/Fluent settings icon to enter their respective configuration interfaces. For some models, you can also configure Frame Rate Mode and Bitrate Mode in the Stream settings page.

    streamresolution

    Step 2. Select video parameters for Clear/Fluent steam, then tap Save to save the settings.

    clear

    fluent

  • Via Reolink Web browser

    Applies to: Which Cameras/NVRs/Home Hub Can be Accessed via Web Browsers.

    Step 1. Log in to your camera via a web browser. Click the gear icon on the top right to get to the device settings page.

    log in on IE browser

    Click settings icon web

    Step 2. Click Camera > Stream. You can set the Clear Mode and Fluent Mode separately. Then you can configure the Resolution, Frame Rate, Max Bitrate, I-frame Interval, etc. for the camera. 

    stream

    clear page

    fluent page

    For some of the models, you can also set up Frame Rate Mode and Bitrate Mode.

    the frame rate mode

    If the web interface of your camera is an old version, you can refer to the steps below. 

    Step 1. Log in to your camera via web browser and go to the device settings page. 

    Step 2. Go to Device Settings > Recording Encode page.

    Note: The Record Audio can be enabled only for devices that support this function.

    Step 3. Change the video parameters, then click the OK button to save the settings.

    Recording Encode Page

  • Via Reolink NVR (New UI)

    Applies to: RLN8-410 (hardware version H3MB18/N2MB02/N3MB01/N7MB01), RLN16-410 (hardware version H3MB18/N6MB01), RLN36 and RLN12W.

    Here is a video to show how to reduce the main stream resolution of the camera on the monitor:

    Step 1. Log in to the NVR and go to Settings > Camera > Stream page.

    click NVR settings

    Stream page

    Step 2. Select the channel (Camera No.) you need. 

    Select the channel

    Step 3. Under Stream settings, click Settings bottom to configure the parameters for Main Stream (Clear) and Sub Stream (Fluent). For some models, you can also configure Frame Rate Mode and Bitrate Mode in the Stream settings page.

    If you want to apply the same settings to another camera of the same model, click Apply to Other Camera and select that camera to copy the settings.

    change setting

    Stream Settings

  • Via Reolink NVR (Old UI)

    Applies to: RLN4-410 (hardware version H3MB17), RLN8-410 (hardware version H3MB02), RLN8-410-E, RLN16-410 (hardware version H3MB02/H3MB06)

    Step 1. Log in to the NVR and go to Menu > Recording > Encode page.

    POE main menu

    encode poe nvr

    Step 2. Select the channel (Camera No.) you need and change the settings as you need for Main Stream (Clear) and Sub Stream (Fluent). If you want to apply the same settings to another camera of the same model, click Apply to Other Camera and select that camera to copy the settings. Click Apply to save the settings.

3. Notes on Using Reolink Stream Settings

  1. Stream Settings Application: The adjusted stream settings will apply to both the live view and recording video quality. To switch between the clear and fluent stream for live view or playback, you can use the stream icon in the live view or playback interface on Reolink App/Client/Web browser.

  2. Adjusting I-frame Interval: If you need to adjust the I-frame Interval, please use the website, client, or NVR monitor, as this feature is not available in the Reolink App.

  3. Camera Reboot on Resolution Change: The camera will reboot if you change the resolution setting and save it.

  4. Fixed Resolution on Some Models: Some models have a fixed resolution and cannot be changed. This is normal for models like the Doorbell series, TrackMix series, battery-powered models, etc.

  5. TrackMix Series - Limited Stream Settings: The TrackMix series can only configure stream settings for the wide-angle lens.

  6. Display Settings Not Visible: If you cannot see the display settings, it may be that you are using a user account, which lack the permissions to view or change display settings, so make sure you are logged in as an admin account.

  7. Restoring Stream Settings to Factory Defaults: To restore stream settings to factory defaults, visit the official website to check the specifications for your model, or you can restore the camera to factory settings (this will reset all settings except Wi-Fi information and recordings).

By following these steps, you can easily configure stream settings on your Reolink cameras. Ensure the settings align with your network and storage capabilities for optimal performance. Should you have any question, click "Submit to request" below to contact Reolink Support.