diff --git a/core/streaming/readers.py b/core/streaming/readers.py
index ef89724..6f31cf1 100644
--- a/core/streaming/readers.py
+++ b/core/streaming/readers.py
@@ -90,24 +90,30 @@ class RTSPReader:
 
                 # Read frame immediately without rate limiting for minimum latency
                 try:
-                    ret, frame = self.cap.read()
+                    # Force grab then retrieve for better error handling
+                    ret = self.cap.grab()
+                    if ret:
+                        ret, frame = self.cap.retrieve()
+                    else:
+                        frame = None
                 except Exception as read_error:
-                    logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: cap.read() threw exception: {type(read_error).__name__}: {read_error}")
+                    logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: cap.grab/retrieve threw exception: {type(read_error).__name__}: {read_error}")
                     ret, frame = False, None
 
                 if not ret or frame is None:
                     consecutive_errors += 1
 
-                    # Verbose logging to see actual errors
+                    # Enhanced logging to diagnose the issue
                     logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: cap.read() failed - ret={ret}, frame={frame is not None}")
 
                     # Try to get more info from the capture
                     try:
-                        if self.cap.isOpened():
+                        if self.cap and self.cap.isOpened():
                             backend = self.cap.getBackendName()
-                            logger.debug(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: Capture still open, backend: {backend}")
+                            pos_frames = self.cap.get(cv2.CAP_PROP_POS_FRAMES)
+                            logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: Capture open, backend: {backend}, pos_frames: {pos_frames}")
                         else:
-                            logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: Capture is closed!")
+                            logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: Capture is closed or None!")
                     except Exception as info_error:
                         logger.error(f"Camera {self.camera_id}: Error getting capture info: {type(info_error).__name__}: {info_error}")