Video streaming from Grandstream intercom to 3cx Android/iOS app

[eska]

Currently we are using the Grandstream GDS3710 in combination with our 3CX system. Videostreaming works fine with the 3CX Windows app, and in combination with our Yealink T58 IP phone.

But when i try to get video working on my 3CX android/iOS app, it doesn't work. Is this a possibility?

We would like to use an Android tablet in our office space, in combination with the 3CX app, to control the Grandstream intercom.

Here you can see the basic Grandstream settings we use.

 

[Vali_3CX]

The other phone (your Grandstream in this case) should support and be configured to use VP8 codec, otherwise video won't work.

 

[Evolute IT]

Unfortunately, the GDS doesn't support VP8 and Grandstream is not interested in adding it.

 

[eska]

Thanks for the replies!

That's not good to hear, sadly. From what I can understand, from other forums, is that h264 is considered to be the standard video codec in contrast to VP8. Which is also something lots of intercom devices don’t support.

I wish 3CX (or Grandstream ofc.) is ever going to add more options regarding video codecs.

For more info regarding this particular subject, including a potential workaround, i’d check out this this thread: VP8 Codec Support for GDS3710 for 3CX App Compatibility - Facility Access Systems / GDS3710 Video Door Station - (grandstream.com)

 

[NickD_3CX]

That's not good to hear, sadly. From what I can understand, from other forums, is that h264 is considered to be the standard video codec in contrast to VP8.

It is true, h264 is a pretty commonly used codec, however it is subject to royalties. If we did implement this, we would possibly though no longer be able to offer the Mobile Apps for free, which is something we don't want.

 

[eska]

I see. Thanks for the support u guys!

 

[Brandan Hermo]

Thank Nick.

We have exactly the same problem. Not only with GDS3710. With others intercoms is the same, only wortks with H264.

Another app like GSWave works with H264 over ANDROID OS. We think taht would be so good tha 3CX app's can implentented support for this codec. 3CX would have a paid version of the app for H264 only for user that demand this funtcion...

 

[NickD_3CX]

Thank Nick.

We have exactly the same problem. Not only with GDS3710. With others intercoms is the same, only wortks with H264.

Another app like GSWave works with H264 over ANDROID OS. We think taht would be so good tha 3CX app's can implentented support for this codec. 3CX would have a paid version of the app for H264 only for user that demand this funtcion...

I don't think that we will head in that direction, at least not with a codec that is subject to royalties, but rest assured that if something changes in this area and we do find some commonly accepted free codec, we shall inform everyone via our blog post (the AV1 codec looks promising... it just needs to be adopted by more manufacturers).

 

[Brandan Hermo]

Ok, thanks Nick

 

[eska]

We’re currently stepping away from the 3CX app and are implementing GS wave. This seems to work out reasonably well. The only downside of course being that it’s a seperate app. Can’t help but wonder why Grandstream is able to offer a free app which supports the H264 protocol. They take the loss maybe?

 

[Evolute IT]

We’re currently stepping away from the 3CX app and are implementing GS wave. This seems to work out reasonably well. The only downside of course being that it’s a seperate app. Can’t help but wonder why Grandstream is able to offer a free app which supports the H264 protocol. They take the loss maybe?

Just know that Wave sucks and has no Push support. It works fine on Android as it can run in the background but never use it on iOS.

Also, I am unsure how the licensing works for H264 on Wave, but my guess is yes they take the loss or they use a variant of H264 that is open-source, like https://github.com/cisco/openh264.

 

[SyncWave]

It is true, h264 is a pretty commonly used codec, however it is subject to royalties. If we did implement this, we would possibly though no longer be able to offer the Mobile Apps for free, which is something we don't want.

Although 3CX recently cut licensing costs in half... Another option is to offer two clients in the store. For those that need it for their business they can get the paid client with "Enhanced Video capability" Maybe even have video conferencing work in that one too. As of right now you're pushing clients to other apps when they need this so why not get the money? I'm sure the code base would be the pretty much the same but with one having that codec and royalty associated (unless you also add more full video conference capability).

Also it works in GS-Wave client, last I tested, which is free.

 

[SyncWave]

The other phone (your Grandstream in this case) should support and be configured to use VP8 codec, otherwise video won't work.

I have yet to see any Video doorbell hardware or really any enpterise grade video equipment that natively supports VP8. I think the common denominator is that you guys don't support H264 on mobile but you do in most other endpoints and the PBX itself as pointed out here.

 

[Evolute IT]

I will reiterate once more that H264 can be open sourced so the codec licensing is IMO a very bad excuse nowadays. Maybe a few years back it was okay but now, we have options.