January 6, 2025

Security Monitoring with OptiSigns: Turn Any Screen into Security Monitor

security monitoring with optisigns banner image

OptiSigns allows more versatile security monitoring. Using our software, you can turn any screen in your home or business into a security monitor. 

This simple feature allows you to keep track of sensitive areas, protect your property, assets, and personal safety, and deter criminal activity with all the other conveniences of a properly configured digital signage software.

In this article, we’ll delve into several options for how to use OptiSigns for security monitoring, including:

  • What is OptiSigns?
  • Why Would I Use OptiSigns for Security Monitoring?
  • How OptiSigns Security Monitoring Works
  • How to Set Up Security Monitoring in OptiSigns
  • Advantages to OptiSigns Security Monitoring
  • Tips for Keeping Security Top of Mind

What is OptiSigns?

OptiSigns is the #1 rated digital signage software. Digital signage refers to using screens as signs, where a wide variety of content can be displayed, including security camera footage.

OptiSigns has two elements: the app and the player. The app can be remotely managed from any computer or mobile device, and functions as a cloud-based content management system (CMS). The player is installed on a device then attached to a screen, where it displays the content set up on the app based on your personalized settings.

Why Would I Use OptiSigns for Security Monitoring?

OptiSigns transforms any screen - TVs, monitor, touchscreen, mobile device, or anything else - into a digital sign. Digital signs are commonly used to display shifting or static images, video, web content, weather, or more. Using the RTSP app, live RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) video can be displayed as well.

The value of this is obvious - most CCTV and home security systems use RTSP video. These are usually streamed to offsite locations or directly to a secure monitoring app. These setups usually require frequent logons, or don’t allow you to self-monitor your system at all. When they do, they’re usually streamed to an RTSP-enabled media player, like VLC or something similar.

While functional, it’s not as user-friendly or versatile as OptiSigns. The feed from a security camera can be publicly displayed, serving as a deterrent, or a screen showing a live feed can be placed by the register, or at a workplace, allowing constant surveillance of a given space. This can be paired with traditional digital signage options.

These are not options unique to OptiSigns, but OptiSigns allows you to customize where and how your security feeds are displayed - above and beyond typical players commonly available. We will get into more detail on that later.

How Security Monitoring with OptiSigns Works

OptiSigns uses its RTSP integration to obtain footage from any RTSP-enabled camera you have a working URL for. It functions in a similar manner to other display options - such as VLC Media Player - but with an added level of security and more versatility.

Using OptiSigns allows access to additional security features that further restrict who can view your feeds, including multi-factor authentication, team assignments, user roles, folder security, SSO logins, and much more. Couple this with the features mentioned above, and it’s a clear upgrade over the usual RTSP streaming methods.

This can then be sent to any of your screens via the standalone OptiSigns app or through the OptiSigns Android Stick or OptiSigns Pro Player.

How to Set Up a Multi-Purpose Security Display Using OptiSigns

To begin, you’ll need an RTSP-enabled device set up at the location you want to monitor. Once it’s set up and configured, you’ll be able to stream video over your network connection directly to your screens. Even audio can be piped through, if desired. All that’s needed is to follow the relevant set of instructions below:

Advantages of an OptiSigns Multi-Purpose Security Display

Part of the value of OptiSigns for security video monitoring is that it is much more versatile than other RTSP players. We’ve already mentioned that it can be displayed on any type of screen, but it can also be used in conjunction with numerous other digital signage features, primarily Split Screen.

This is a powerful feature, as it lets signage continue its function while also providing real-time security footage. This can be paired with anything from real-time weather, to advertisements, to live video and sports feeds.

example of security monitoring splitscreen

7 Tips for OptiSigns Security Monitoring with CCTV Cameras and OptiSigns

1) Safeguard Your Security Network

With an RTSP setup, security is king. Keeping your network secure is of utmost importance. For businesses, create a secondary network for your CCTV setup, one with limited access. 

For homes, ensure you’re using WPA-2 network encryption and that you regularly change your WiFi password. You wouldn’t want hackers to gain access to your home security feeds!

2) Change Your Security Camera’s IP Account Name and Credentials

Most out-of-the-box RTSP cameras come with a boilerplate account name, IP, and credentials. Be absolutely sure to change these values as soon as possible. You’d be surprised how many people fail to do this - don’t be one of them. It’s not worth the risk.

3) Update Your Security Camera’s Firmware

Firmware updates can be kind of annoying, but it’s always best to put up with them. These deliver crucial updates to counter the latest cybersecurity threats which can infect your networks. You definitely don’t want the security video monitoring system you’ve spent so much effort setting up compromised just because you put off a firmware update a little too long.

4) Keep OptiSigns Software Up-to-Date

By the same token, OptiSigns releases frequent firmware updates, aimed at improving security and features. Should you use OptiSigns, make sure to allow it to auto-update and make sure it stays up to date. This goes for any software you want to stream RTSP video to.

5) Avoid Sharing Your RTSP Stream URL

This should be obvious: the URL of your RTSP stream lets you view your security footage at will. If you don’t want bad actors to gain access to it, diligently restrict who can see this URL.

6) Disable Unnecessary Features

Turn off any features or services on your IP camera you do not use. This is a little less obvious, but these extra features open your system up to additional vulnerabilities.

7) Keep Access to Who Needs It

This goes with tip #5, but this time we’re applying it to OptiSigns. OptiSigns has numerous layers of security protocols that let you restrict who has access to what. If you’re worried about giving low-level or unauthorized employees access to your security feed, simply keep your RTSP feed restricted in your OptiSigns portal.

Contact us today to learn how our digital signage software can optimize your security monitoring setup!