Matter 1.5.1 Released: Enhancing Smart Home Camera Functionality

The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced the release of Matter version 1.5.1 today. This update focuses on refining the camera and video doorbell support initially introduced in the Matter 1.5 release last November.

Developed by major tech companies including Apple and Google, Matter continues to evolve as a key smart home standard. Although 1.5.1 is considered a minor revision, it delivers significant enhancements for both consumers and device manufacturers.

More Efficient Multi-Stream Camera Access

The most significant improvement in Matter 1.5.1 addresses camera streaming efficiency. This new capability is designed to substantially lower bandwidth consumption when several users or systems access a single video feed concurrently.

Cameras can now deliver multiple video streams simultaneously, each customized with specific quality settings. For instance, a video recorder might receive a high-resolution stream for archival needs.

Simultaneously, mobile devices like phones and tablets will be served a lower-resolution stream optimized for mobile viewing. This tailored approach ensures optimal performance across all connected endpoints.

New Format and Streaming Protocol Support

Matter 1.5.1 introduces broader media compatibility through the addition of new standards. The update now supports HEIC images, which provide superior quality compared to JPEGs while maintaining smaller file sizes.

Furthermore, the update incorporates support for the HLS and DASH streaming formats. This integration ensures greater compatibility with modern cloud and media platforms that widely utilize these streaming technologies.

Upgrades for Advanced Camera and Doorbell Features

Device control has also seen notable advancements in this release. Matter 1.5.1 brings improved positioning and movement capabilities specifically for pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras.

Video doorbells are receiving expanded functionality related to their chimes. Devices will now be able to play more than just the default alert sound, allowing for options such as fun seasonal alternatives.

Crucially, the activation of these custom chimes can now trigger specific automations within the smart home ecosystem, adding another layer of interconnected functionality.