Hallo,
I have tried to create a "standard" component using RFC guidelines, but this fails to overcome the different interpretation of the standard (tag, CRC, UDP or TCP, hidden channels, video compressor, ...) that the manufacturers of cameras and video recorders (speaking of video surveillance) have then applied on their products.
I have not found anything better than VLC (I use PASLIB VLC as a wrapper) for the general use of RTSP.
I hope you find something better and independent.
Report it if you find it.