In short
ONVIF is an open standard created by security manufacturers so that cameras, recorders, video software and access-control equipment from different brands understand each other. It is organised in profiles: T and S for video, G for recording, M for metadata and analytics, and C, A and D for access control. It guarantees the profile’s basic functions, not every vendor-specific feature.
ONVIF profiles
| Profile | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Profile T | Advanced video: H.264 and H.265, events, two-way audio, HTTPS. Recommended today. |
| Profile S | Basic video. ONVIF announced the end of its support in 2025 and recommends Profile T. |
| Profile G | On-device recording and storage, search and playback. |
| Profile M | Analytics metadata and events: people, vehicles, number plates. |
| Profile C | Basic physical access control: doors, events and alarms. |
| Profile A | Advanced access-control configuration: credentials and permissions. |
| Profile D | Access-control peripherals such as readers and locks. |
The end of Profile S
In October 2025 ONVIF announced it is ending support for Profile S because its authentication mechanisms no longer match current cybersecurity recommendations. Installed systems keep working, but for new equipment Profile T should be required: it includes virtually everything in Profile S and adds features such as H.265 and encrypted communication.
What it guarantees and what it does not
- Guaranteed: live video, recording, PTZ movement control and the profile’s basic events.
- Not always guaranteed: each manufacturer’s advanced analytics and some special settings or features.
- Check the product appears as conformant on ONVIF’s official list; the box saying so is not enough.
- The best integration is still cameras and recorder from one manufacturer; ONVIF gives flexibility to combine.
Good practice
- Use Profile T and encrypted communication (HTTPS/TLS) where the device allows.
- Create a dedicated ONVIF user with a strong password, separate from the administrator.
- Keep camera and recorder firmware up to date.