The Real Time Streaming Protocol ( RTSP ) , developed by the IETF and created in 1998 as RFC 2326 , is a protocol for use in streaming media systems , which allows a client to remotely control a streaming media server , issuing VCR-like commands such as `` play '' and `` pause '' , and allowing time-based access to files on a server . The Real Time Streaming Protocol ( RTSP ) is a network control protocol designed for use in entertainment and communications systems to control streaming media servers .