How to set up RTSP and Telemetry Streaming on the Skydio X10/X10D

RTSP streaming allows the Skydio X10 system to send live video over a network to a compatible viewing application, video management system, or command center display.

The Skydio X10D Controller can also provide KLV metadata with the video stream. KLV, or Key-Length-Value metadata, carries telemetry and geospatial information such as aircraft position, sensor orientation, timestamps, and target or frame center location.

Skydio’s KLV implementation is intended to align with common video metadata standards, including MISB and STANAG-compatible workflows, so downstream systems that support these standards can ingest and interpret the metadata.

Supported Standards

Skydio X10 RTSP and KLV streaming supports workflows aligned with:

• STANAG 4609 Ed. 5
• MISB 0601
• MISB 0903

Required for Set Up

Before setting up RTSP streaming, make sure you have the required hardware, network configuration, and software.

Hardware required:

• Skydio X10
• Skydio X10 Controller, preferably on the latest available software release
• USB-C to Ethernet adapter for wired networking (Reliable options include Dell, UNI, and Anker adapters)
• Receiving a computer, tablet, server, or video system on the same reachable network

Network and Software required:

• DHCP-enabled network, unless static IP support has been configured
• RTSP-compatible viewing software or video management system
• Receiving system that supports MISB/STANAG KLV metadata, if metadata is required
• DTED data available on the system when geospatial KLV fields that depend on terrain elevation are required
• IP address of either: The Skydio X10 Controller internal streaming server, or the external receiving server, depending on your setup

DTED Requirement for KLV Fields:

Some KLV fields require terrain elevation data in order to be calculated correctly. To populate the applicable geospatial KLV fields, DTED data must be available to both the X10 and the Controller. DTED provides terrain elevation information that can be used to calculate or refine metadata values related to ground location, frame center, target position, or line-of-sight intersection with terrain.

Without DTED, the system may still stream video and may still provide basic KLV metadata. However, some terrain-dependent fields may be missing, unavailable, or less complete.

RTSP Streaming Settings

Select Global Settings > Sharing

Use this menu to configure RTSP streaming, select the internal or external server mode, and enable KLV metadata when needed.

Option 1: Set Up the Internal RTSP Server

In an internal server configuration, the Skydio Enterprise Controller hosts the RTSP stream directly.

A receiving device connects to the stream using the RTSP URL provided by the system. This requires the Skydio Enterprise Controller to have a valid IP address on the network.

A DHCP-enabled network is typically required so the internal streaming server IP address is populated automatically.

Internal Server Requirements

When using the internal RTSP server:

* The port is always 8554
* The stream name cannot contain spaces
* The stream name cannot contain symbols other than a dash `-`
* The stream name is case-sensitive

RTSP URL Format

Use the details shown in the controller UI to access the stream on the network.

Example format:

rtsp://<Controller IP Address>:<port>/<stream-name>

Example:

rtsp://192.168.1.25:8554/skydio-x10

Use the exact RTSP URL shown in the C18/X10 interface whenever available.

If the internal server IP address does not appear, try the following:

1. If using Wi-Fi, toggle the connection in the device settings.
2. If using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter, unplug and reconnect the adapter.
3. Check the small adapter LEDs to confirm that data is passing.
4. Confirm that the network or router is set up for DHCP.
5. Try another USB-C to Ethernet adapter if the issue continues.

Optional: Configure Static IP Support

By default, many networks use DHCP to automatically assign an IP address.

The Skydio Enterprise Controller can also be configured with a static IP address when the appropriate feature flag is enabled. This can be useful in controlled network environments where devices must always use known, fixed addresses.

When static IP support is enabled, make sure the configured IP settings match the network design, including:

• IP address
• Subnet mask
• Gateway
• DNS settings, if required

Use caution when assigning a static IP address. Incorrect settings may prevent the Skydio Enterprise Controller from communicating on the network.

Contact Skydio Support or your account team if you are interested in enabling static IP support.

Option 2: Stream to an External RTSP Server

If you already have a video server, you can configure the system to stream to that server using the appropriate IP address, port, and stream name.

This configuration is used when you want the video server to receive the stream and rebroadcast it to other viewers or systems.

An external RTSP server is required if you need to make the stream available over the internet or to a wider audience outside the local network.

[accordion heading="Troubleshooting"]

The Internal Server IP Address Does Not Populate

• Confirm that the Skydio Enterprise Controller is connected to a DHCP-enabled network.
• Without DHCP, the system may not receive an IP address, and the internal streaming server address may remain blank.
• If the deployment requires fixed addressing, confirm that static IP support is enabled through the correct feature flag and that valid static network settings have been configured.

The RTSP Stream Does Not Open

Confirm that the receiving device can reach the Skydio Enterprise Controller or external server over the network. Verify that:

• The IP address is correct
• The RTSP URL is entered correctly
• RTSP streaming is enabled
• The correct internal or external server mode is selected
• Firewalls or network rules are not blocking the connection

Video Appears, but KLV Metadata Is Missing

• Confirm that KLV metadata is enabled in the streaming settings.
• Check that the receiving system supports MISB/STANAG-compatible KLV metadata and is configured to parse it. Some viewers may display the video stream but ignore metadata.

KLV Metadata Appears, but Some Fields Are Missing

Some metadata fields depend on aircraft state, sensor state, positioning data, or terrain elevation data.

• If fields related to frame center, target position, ground intersection, or terrain-relative calculations are missing, confirm that DTED is available for the operating area.
• Confirm that the receiving system supports the specific KLV fields being transmitted.

DTED-Dependent Fields Are Not Populated

• Confirm that DTED is loaded or available for the area of operation.
• If the required terrain elevation data is unavailable, the system may not be able to calculate the applicable KLV fields.

Video Is Delayed, Unstable, or Choppy

This is usually caused by limited network performance:

• Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
• Reduce bitrate or resolution
• Move devices closer to the network access point
• Reduce other network traffic
• Confirm that the external server has enough bandwidth and processing capacity

The Stream Worked Previously, but Now Fails

• If DHCP is being used, the Skydio Enterprise Controller IP address may have changed after reconnecting to the network.
• Check the current IP address and update the RTSP URL if needed.
• For fixed installations, consider using static IP support if the feature is enabled and the network design supports it.

Stream Issues Occur When Switching Between IR and Color

If you run into issues when switching between IR and color streams, toggle Stop Stream and then Start Stream.

Best practices for the most reliable RTSP and KLV performance:

• Use a DHCP-enabled network for initial setup
• Confirm that the internal server IP address is populated before testing
• Use static IP only when the correct feature flag is enabled, and the network settings are known
• Use Ethernet when possible
• Keep the Skydio X10 Controller and receiving system on the same reachable network
• Use the full RTSP URL shown by the system when available
• Confirm that the receiving system supports MISB/STANAG-compatible KLV
• Confirm that DTED is available when terrain-dependent KLV fields are required
• Verify video and metadata separately during setup
• Avoid congested Wi-Fi networks
• Ensure firewalls and routing rules allow the required traffic

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