Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide Operation/Reference Guide 2® Vision Video Management/Distribution Latest Release: 3/07/2013
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Table of Contents Table of Contents Overview ............................................................................................................1 Vision2 Dealer Demo Systems .................................................................................. 1 Vision2 TDS............................................................................................................... 2 Vision2 Expansion Storage .......................................................................................
Table of Contents Configuring Your Set-Top Box ...................................................................................... 34 Using the Remote Control............................................................................................. 36 STB-02SB and STB-03CC Menus.................................................................................... 37 Live TV Channels ...........................................................................................................
Table of Contents User Access Control ...................................................................................................... 65 Restricting User Access to Content ............................................................................... 67 Live (MPEG) Service ..........................................................................................69 Configuring the MAX-CSE Encoder ........................................................................ 69 Service Settings...........
Table of Contents Configuring Metadata............................................................................................. 89 Creating a New Metadata Section ................................................................................ 89 Browsing and Managing Content .................................................................................. 91 Archive Sort Function ....................................................................................................
Table of Contents Viewing the Stream..................................................................................................... 114 Record Service ................................................................................................115 Configuration........................................................................................................ 115 Service Settings...........................................................................................................
Table of Contents vi Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Overview Overview Vision2 is a sophisticated, fully-integrated video capture, management, and broadcast system for organizations and homeowners wanting a comprehensive, yet simple-to-use, IP video delivery solution. Vision2 offers live, scheduled, or on-demand video, all managed from a convenient web interface.
Overview Vision2 TDS Vision2 TDS (FG3100-33K, -34K) provide multiple live Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) or MPEG multiplexed channels over a standard IP network. The FG3100-33K version is used to integrate DTV into an existing Vision2 system. The FG3100-34K version provides a stand-alone live system with support for 6 DTV streams and 6 MPEG streams.
Overview Supported Third-Party Encoders Vision2 supports the following third party encoding units to expand upon the available stream types: Visionary Solutions AVN200 - MPEG-2 (SD/Full-D1) single channel encoder appliance Visionary Solutions AVN420 - h.264 (SD/D1 MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC) audio video encoder blade VBrick WMV Encoder PN 9190-4200-000 Single Channel Encoder (Up to 640 x 480) The VBrick encoder has a Join Own Multicast setting.
Overview Server Specifications Vision2 servers can come installed with capture cards which enable you to capture and broadcast live video content in Windows Media Video (WMV). The system can also be supplied with a MAX encoder to broadcast live content in MPEG-2 format.
Overview The following table lists the specifications for the V2-MASTER server (FG3100-01): V2-MASTER Server Specifications Processor: 1 Intel® E5500 Xeon® 5500 series processor Memory: 6GB Memory (3x2GB), 1333MHz Single Ranked LV RDIMMs Storage: • 2 300GB 15K RPM SA SCSI 6Gbps 3.5in Hotplug Hard Drives • 4 1TB 7.2K RPM SATA 3.5" Hot Plug Hard Drives Power: High Output Power Supply Non-Redundant, 870W Front Panel Components: USB ports 2 USB 2.
Overview WMV Appliance The following table lists the specifications for the Vision2 WMV appliances: Vision2 WMV Appliance Specifications Processor: Quad Core Xeon X3323 Processor2x3MB Cache, 2.5GHz, 1333 MHz FSB Memory: 2GB 667MHz (2x1GB), single ranked DIMMs Storage: 2 250GB 7.2K RPM serial ATA 3Gbps 3.5-in cabled hard drives Power: Single 400W power supply Front Panel Components: USB ports 2 USB 2.
Overview Digital TV Appliance The following table lists the specifications for the Vision2 Digital TV appliance: Vision2 Digital TV Appliance Specifications Processor: One Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® 3420 series processor Memory: 2GB Memory (2x1GB), 1066MHz Single Ranked UDIMM Storage: 160GB 7.2k RPM Serial ATA 3Gbps 3.5-in Cabled Hard Drive-Entry Power: Single cabled power supply (250W) Front Panel Components: USB ports 2 USB 2.
Overview Video on Demand Server The following table lists the specifications for the Vision2 Video on Demand server (FG3100-02): Vision2 Video on Demand Server Specifications Processor: 1 Intel® E5500 Xeon® 5500 series processor Memory: 12GB Memory (12x1GB), 1333MHz Single Ranked LV RDIMMs Storage: • 2 300GB 15K RPM SA SCSI 6Gbps 3.5in Hotplug Hard Drives • 4 1TB 15K RPM SATA 3.5" Hot Plug Hard Drives Power: High Output Power Supply Non-Redundant, 870W Front Panel Components: USB ports 2 USB 2.
Overview MPEG Reflector Appliance The following table lists the specifications for the V2-MPEG-REFL MPEG Reflector Appliance: V2-MPEG-REFL Appliance Specifications Processor: One Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® 3420 series processor Memory: 2GB Memory (2x1GB), 1066MHz Single Ranked UDIMM Storage: 250GB 7.2k RPM Serial ATA 3Gbps 3.5-in Cabled Hard Drive-Entry Power: Single cabled power supply (250W) Front Panel Components: USB ports 2 USB 2.
Overview Dealer Demo System Specifications The following table lists the specifications for the V2-DLR-DEMO-SFF Dealer Demo Server: V2-DLR-DEMO-SFF Dealer Demo Server Specifications Power: 100-240VAC, 1.5A, 50/60Hz 90W (20V, 4.5A) AC Adapter Enclosure: SECC with black matte finish Front Panel Components: Status Blue LED indicates power status Power Switch Turns power on/off. USB ports 2 Type-B USB 2.0 ports for connecting USB mouse and keyboard Rear Panel Components: Power connector 90W (20V, 4.
Overview The following table lists the specifications for the V2-DLR-DEMO-1RU Dealer Demo Server: V2-DLR-DEMO-1RU Dealer Demo Server Specifications Processor: One Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® 3420 series processor Memory: 2GB Memory (2x1GB), 1066MHz Single Ranked UDIMM Storage: 250GB 7.2k RPM Serial ATA 3Gbps 3.5-in Cabled Hard Drive-Entry Power: Single cabled power supply (250W) Front Panel Components: USB ports 2 USB 2.
Overview V2-PVA 15TB Powervault Storage Archive The following table lists the specifications for the V2-PVA 15TB PowerVault Storage Archive (FG3101-10): V2-PVA 15TB PowerVault Storage Archive Specifications Storage: 15 1TB 7.2K RPM Universal SATA 3Gbps 3.5-in HotPlug hard drives Power: • 488W maximum continuous; 550W peak • 90-264V • 47-63 Hz • 7.2A at 100V, 3.
Overview STB-02SB and STB-03CC Set-Top Boxes The following table lists the specifications for the STB-02SB (FG3100-61) and STB-03CC (FG3100-62) Set-Top Boxes: STB-02SB and STB-03CC Set-Top Box Specifications Memory: 32MB Flash, 192MB RAM Power: • 5V DC at 1.5A via external power supply • Less than 8W typical usage (external supply input voltage 100-240V AC 50-60Hz 0.8A max) Front Panel LED: Power on IR command received (Red) Rear Panel Components: Power connector 1 connector port for a 5V DC at 1.
Overview STB-04 Set-Top Box The following table lists the specifications for the STB-04 Set-Top Box (FG3100-65): STB-04 Set-Top Box Specifications Memory: 128MB Flash, 256MB RAM Power: • 5V DC at 1.
Overview Network Switch Requirements Vision2 requires a Gigabit layer 2/3 network switch with IGMP Snooping/Querier support. Your network switch should have the following requirements: Network Switch Requirements Physical Interfaces: RJ-45 connectors for 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, 1000Base-T with 8, 16, 24, or 48 ports.
Overview 16 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Wiring and Device Connections Wiring and Device Connections Master Server Rear Panel Connections This section details the ports and connectors on the rear panel of the Vision2 Master server. Output port FIG. 2 Vision2 Power connector LAN ports Master server rear panel Some rear panel connectors are not available with certain solutions. See the Overview section on page 1 for information on the options included with your solution. LAN (RJ-45) Port FIG. 3 LAN (RJ-45) Port FIG.
Wiring and Device Connections The following table lists the pinouts, signals, and pairing associated with the LAN connector.
Wiring and Device Connections WMV Appliance Rear Panel Connections This section details the ports and connectors on the rear panel of the Vision2 WMV appliance: HD-15 Port The HD-15 input connector is used for WMV source streams. Use the male HD-15 port for WMV source streams. The female HD-15 port is available for an output device such as a PC monitor. FIG. 6 displays the location of the HD-15 WMV port on the rear of the Vision2 WMV appliance. FIG.
Wiring and Device Connections The following table lists the pinout configuration for HD-15 connector to S-Video connectors: HD-15 to S-Video Pinouts HD-15 Pin S-Video Signal S-Video Connector Pin 2 Luminance (Y) 3 3 Chrominance (C) 4 7 Luminance (Y) - Return 1 8 Chrominance (C) - Return 2 1 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 The following table lists the pinout configuration for HD-15 connector to Component (RGB) or Composite connectors: HD-15 to Component (RGB) or Composite Pinouts HD-15 Pin Com
Wiring and Device Connections Vision2 TDS Vision2 TDS provides multiple live Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) or MPEG channels over a standard IP network for up to 150 users for each type of channel. See the Vision2 TDS section on page 27 for information on setting up your Digital TV appliance. See LAN (RJ-45) Port section on page 17 for information on wiring cables for the port. To Client-side LAN To Video LAN FIG.
Wiring and Device Connections Set-Top Boxes The STB-02SB (FG3100-61), STB-03CC (FG3100-62), and STB-04 Set-Top Boxes (FG3100-65) support viewing live programming via a producer channel or a MPEG encoder. The set-top boxes access your Vision2 server and display available programming on a connected video source. The set-top boxes are used only for MPEG content. They support viewing MPEG Video on Demand, but support only Stop, Play, and Pause features. FIG. 10 STB-02SB Set-Top Box FIG.
Wiring and Device Connections FIG. 12 displays the rear panel of the STB-04 Set-Top box. Power LAN port HDMI port Audio/Video port SPDIF port USB port IR Extender/TVI port FIG.
Wiring and Device Connections 24 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Installation Installation This chapter provides instructions on how to connect the different types of Vision2 systems and servers. Dealer Demo Systems The V2-DLR-DEMO-1RU Dealer Demo System (FG3100-D1K) provides two live MPEG channels and two live Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) multiplexes for up to 10 users over a standard IP network.
Installation The following steps show you how to setup a typical configuration for the Dealer Demo Systems. 1. Connect the power supply to the rear of the Dealer Demo server. 2. Connect an RJ-45 LAN cable to LAN port one on the back of the Dealer Demo server. See FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 for connection locations for each type of Dealer Demo server. Connect the other end of the cable to a Gigabit port on a layer 3 network switch. Vision2 uses typical Cat5/5e/6 cabling for RJ-45 connections. FIG.
Installation Vision2 TDS Vision2 TDS provides multiple live Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) or MPEG channels over a standard IP network for up to 150 users for each type of channel. See LAN (RJ-45) Port section on page 17 for information on wiring cables for the port. To Client-side LAN To Video LAN FIG. 15 Digital TV appliance (rear panel) DVB Installation The following steps show you how to setup a typical DVB configuration for Vision2 TDS. 1.
Installation 4. Connect a coaxial cable to the RF IN connector on the rear of the digital TV transmitter (FIG. 17). Connect the other end of the cable to an available DVB source. If you are using the DTV-TX03-US transmitter, use the RCA-to-Coax adapter provided with the transmitter when connecting the coaxial cable to the TUNER IN connector on the rear of the unit. FIG. 17 DTV-TX01-DVB-T Transmitter - Rear Panel Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each DVB transmitter in your Vision2 solution.
Installation Master Servers You can install optional accessories into your Master server for redundant power or for connection to an Archive server. Installing a Secondary Power Supply The V2-POWER-1100 (FG3106-PS) is a secondary power supply that you can use to add redundant power to FG3106-XX Vision2 Master Servers. Master servers ship with a single 1100W power supply. You can add one additional V2-POWER-1100 to the server to provide power supply redundancy. FIG.
Installation Installing the V2-STORAGE-EXT810 External RAID Controller The V2-STORAGE-EXT810 External RAID Controller is the external RAID card that connects to the V2-STORAGE-2400 Direct Attached Storage unit, allowing you to add additional storage to your Vision2 Master server. This card is only compatible with specific Vision2 Master Servers (FG3106-XX), and you can only install one card per server. FIG.
Installation Archive Servers Vision2 Archive servers allow you to store and manage videos in Flash, WMV, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4 format for future use. The stored content can then be used to build your own channel and/or allow users to access it with Video on Demand. Vision2 Archive has an integrated search feature that allows you to find content based on titles and metadata. See the Archive Service section on page 87 for more information.
Installation Installing the V2-STORAGE-EXT800 External RAID Controller Before installing the V2-STORAGE-EXT800 External RAID Controller, be sure to discharge any static electricity from your body by touching a grounded object. Follow these steps to install the V2-STORAGE-EXT800 External RAID Controller: 1. Power off the V2-VOD-SERVER. 2. Unlock the cover of the server by flipping up the locking mechanism located on the cover of the server toward the front of the device.
Installation Set-Top Boxes The STB-02SB (FG3100-61), STB-03CC (FG3100-62), and STB-04 (FG3100-65) Set-Top Boxes support viewing live programming via a producer channel or an MPEG encoder. The set-top boxes access your Vision2 server and display available programming on a connected video source. The set-top boxes are used only for MPEG content. They support viewing MPEG Video on Demand, but support only Stop, Play, Pause, Fast Forward, and Rewind features. FIG.
Installation Configuring Your Set-Top Box Before you can use your set-top box to view a video source, you must configure it to access your Vision2 server. You can use the Amino Configuration Keyboard included with your set-top box to access the configuration pages for the unit. The keyboard is wireless and communicates with the set-top box via IR signal. Position the keyboard within a short range (1-3 ft or 0.3-1m) of the front of the set-top box before getting started.
Installation 5. In the Password field, enter the password (the default is leaves) and press Enter. The STB Management screen appears (FIG. 30). FIG. 30 STB Management screen 6. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to access the Browser Setup option, and press Enter. The Browser Setup screen appears (FIG. 31). FIG. 31 Browser Setup screen 7. Enter the address of your Vision2 server in the Home Page field.
Installation Using the Remote Control The set-top box includes a universal remote control you can use to control your video display and navigate through the Vision2 menus. Not all buttons on the remote work with your Vision2 setup. While Vision2 supports Video on Demand, you can use only the Play, Pause, Stop, Fast-Forward, and Rewind features. FIG. 32 highlights some of the buttons you can use with Vision2 and your set-top box.
Installation STB-02SB and STB-03CC Menus After the set-top box reboots, it accesses the Vision2 server you indicated and downloads the latest Vision2 menus you can use to navigate through the available channels. You can create channels and schedules through the Live (MPEG) service and Producer service. See the Live (MPEG) Service section on page 69 and Producer Service section on page 111 for more information.
Installation Video on Demand The Video on Demand menu displays a listing of all available video on demand channels (FIG. 35). FIG. 35 Video On Demand Use the remote control to scroll through the list of the channels and press OK on the remote control to select a channel. See the Using the Remote Control section on page 36 for more information on using the remote. FIG. 36 displays an example of video on demand programming.
Installation Technical Information The Technical Information screen displays information about your set-top box, network, and display. This information is view-only. FIG. 37 Technical Information Configuration The Configuration screen enables you to change your video display settings. On this screen, you can choose to configure your margins or display output. Use the up and down cursor buttons on the remote control to select an option, and press the OK button to open a new screen of options. FIG.
Installation Margins The Configure Margins screen enables you to adjust the position of the images on your display. Use the up and down cursor buttons on the remote control to select an option. Use the left and right cursor buttons to change the setting of the selected margin. The image on the screen moves as you increase or decrease the value of an individual margin, so you can see the results of your adjustments as you make them. Press the OK button to apply the new setting. FIG.
Installation The following table lists the configuration options. Use the up and down cursor buttons on the remote control to select an option. Use the left and right cursor buttons to change the setting of the selected option. Press the OK button to apply the new setting. Configuration Options TV Standard Enables you to indicate the television standard you are using. You can select NTSC or PAL. Resolution Enables you to select the resolution you want to display.
Installation The following table lists the Device and Template options available in the Template Editor. These options appear across the top of the screen. Device and Template Options Device Select a device from the available list to view its template. Any new devices you add appear in this list. Add New Device Click to add a new device to the template list. See Adding a New Device to the Device List section on page 42 for more information. Delete Device Click to delete the currently selected device.
Installation Creating a New Template Perform these steps to create a new template: 1. Click Create New Template. A series of options appears (FIG. 43). FIG. 43 Create a New Template 2. Enter the name of the template in the Template Name field. 3. Use the Create new template as a copy of options menu to select the model of template you want to use. 4. Click Create. The left side of the Template Editor screen displays a list of options you can configure for an individual template.
Installation The following table lists the settings available in the Template Editor. Template Settings Navigation: Menu Selector Color Use the color chart to select a color for the menu selector. Render top line navigation Click the check box to render the text on the navigation bar. Color Use the color chart to select a color for the text on the navigation bar. Font Size Use the spin box to indicate the size of the text on the navigation bar. You can set any value between 1 and 255.
Installation Template Settings (Cont.) Page Indicator: Render Click the check box to render the page indicator. Font Size Use the spin box to indicate the size of the page indicator text. You can set any value between 1 and 255. Height Use the spin box to indicate the height of the page indicator. You can set any value between 1 and 255. Y-Offset Use the spin box to indicate the y-offset at which you want to align the page indicator. You can set any value between 1 and 255.
Installation FIG. 45 displays the locations of the vertical text, thumbnails, and page indicator on the user interface. Vertical Text Thumbnail Header Horizontal Margin Page Indicator FIG. 45 User Interface Example 1 FIG. 46 displays the location of the info header on the user interface. Info Heading FIG.
Installation Upgrading the Vision2 Software Periodic upgrades will occasionally be available for the Vision2 interface. Upgrades are available by contacting AMX Tech Support at 800-932-6993. Before upgrading, it is recommended that you make a copy of the server for backup purposes. Upgrading to Vision2 Software Version 7.1 Perform the following steps to upgrade the Vision2 software to version 7.1: 1. Copy the V2upgrade7-1.exe file onto the desktop of the server. 2. Double-click the V2upgrade7-1.
Installation 5. When the upgrade is complete, navigate to the directory where the files were installed, and double-click the Vision2Updater.exe file. The AMX Vision2 Updater opens (FIG. 48). FIG. 48 AMX Vision2 Updater 6. Click Start Update. Once the update begins, it may be a few minutes before you see any progress. Once the upgrade is complete, you must manually reboot the server. Upgrading to Vision2 Software Version 7.2 Upgrading to version 7.2 is similar to the upgrade to version 7.
Accessing Servers Accessing Servers Overview Vision2 enables you to easily add and manage additional servers in the system. All Vision2 services are managed by the Vision2 ServicesManager web interface. Starting and Accessing Vision2 Perform these steps to access your server remotely: 1. Power on the Vision2 server. It may take a few minutes to boot. 2. Test that you can access the server via the LAN. You can run this test by accessing a Command Prompt using the Ping command.
Accessing Servers Accessing the Server There are two methods you can use to access the Vision2 server: directly and remotely. Accessing directly requires connecting a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the server and accessing it as you would with a typical PC. Accessing remotely requires using a remote desktop program to log in to the server. Accessing the Server Directly Perform these steps to access your server directly: 1. Connect a monitor to the VGA port on the front of the server. 2.
Accessing Servers 6. Click OK, and restart the server as requested. Next, you must add the new server name to Windows Media Services. 7. Click Start, select Administrative Tools, and Open Windows Media Services. You will see an RPC error box, so click OK to bypass it. 8. In Windows Media Services, select Action from the top menu, open Add Server, and enter the new server name. Click OK. 9. Close the Windows Media Services window and restart the server. The server name change is now complete.
Accessing Servers 7. To confirm the new server into the Master server configuration so it can be managed, select Import Server. The services from the new server are now added to the Master server’s main services menu. 8. Access the server’s Vision2 application. See the Accessing the Server section on page 50 for more information. 9. Change the Master Server Name to the Master R710 server’s name (FIG. 52). Change the Master server name FIG. 52 Vision2 Server application 10.
Master Service Master Service The Vision² Master Service is responsible for managing the licensing of all Vision² services on all of the servers in the system. It also creates the playlists for the live channels for the Windows Media Player and VLC Media Player, and creates a generic XML list for custom media players. Server Management When you select the Master Service, a representation of all of the available services appears (FIG. 53). FIG.
Master Service Managing a Specific Server To view server information, select the server on the left pane. The Vision2 Server Information screen appears (FIG. 54). FIG. 54 Vision2 Server Information The following options appear for the server: Server Options Current Status of Services This table lists all of the services on the selected server and if they are Licensed and Activated.
Master Service Adding and Activating Services After successfully adding a server, you must activate the available services for it with an appropriate license key. Perform these steps to add and activate a service: 1. Click Manage in the services list on the left side of the page to display the available services for the server. 2. Enter a valid license code in the New Service License Code field. 3. Click Check License Code.
Master Service The following options appear on the Manage Channel Order page. Manage Channel Order Options Add Unmanaged Channel Adds an unmanaged channel to the Channel Order list. Channel Name The name of the channel as it will appear in the Channel Order list. Type The type of stream for the channel. Channel URL Delete Unmanaged Channel The URL of the video source. Removes an unmanaged channel from the Channel Order list.
Master Service User Interface Configuration The User Interface Configuration options enable the administrator to configure which video formats are available to the users in the sample player. The Zoom setting on the web browser should be set to 100% or the video may not appear in browser window. The following user interfaces are available: Amino UI Selecting the STB-04 user interface configuration enables you to select a custom user interface. FIG. 58 displays the Amino UI player.
Master Service Tablet UI Selecting the Tablet user interface configuration enables you to select a custom user interface. FIG. 59 displays the Tablet UI player. You can select a template on this screen. You must click Apply prior to using the Amino clients to access the system. FIG.
Master Service V2 Player This is a fully featured player capable of displaying both live feeds and Video on Demand in multiple formats. FIG. 60 Sample Player 1 Click the sample player under UI Configuration in the left panel to display the configuration options for the player (FIG. 61). The options for the V2 Player and the V2 MPEG Player are identical with the exception that the WMV options are not available with the MPEG player. FIG.
Master Service If a specific configuration option is not supported by a particular player, that option cannot be selected. The following options are available: V2 Player Configuration Options Description A single line description shown in the management interface to help with identification. Test Player in a sample web page Clicking this button launches the player in a new web browser with the selected options. See the Testing the Player in a Web Page section on page 62 for more information.
Master Service Format Compatibility The following tables list the formats that are compatible with Live channels and Video on Demand. Live Channel Compatibility Amino VLC PC Client WMP WMV No No Yes Yes MPEG-2/ MPEG-2 TS Yes Yes Yes Yes H.264 (AVC)/ MPEG-2 TS Yes Yes No No H.264 (AVC)/ MP4 Yes Yes No No PC Client Yes Yes Yes Yes Video on Demand Compatibility Amino VLC PC Client WMP WMV No Yes Yes Yes MPEG-2/MPEG-2 TS Yes Yes Yes Yes H.
Master Service Testing the Player in a Web Page To view how the Vision2 player will appear, click the Test Player in a sample web page button on the V2 Player Configuration page. The player appears in a new tab in your current browser. The additional tabs in the player screen provide more options (FIG. 62). FIG. 62 Downloads tab The Downloads tab provides links to plug-ins and codecs you may need to use certain features of Vision2. The Widgets tab (FIG. 63) provides several different video tools.
Master Service Set-Top Box Management Set-Top Boxes support viewing live programming via a producer channel or an MPEG encoder. The set-top boxes access your Vision2 server and display available programming on a connected video source. The set-top boxes are used only for MPEG content. They support viewing MPEG Video on Demand, and supports Stop, Play, Pause, Fast-Forward, and Rewind features. See the Set-Top Boxes section on page 33 for information on setting up a set top box. FIG.
Master Service The Available Set Top Boxes area lists the set-top boxes currently detected. This list includes the name, status, channel type, and IP address of each set-top box. This list is view-only. You can select any set-top box from the list and use the options below to change its output. You can use Ctrl-Click to select multiple set-top boxes and Shift-Click to select a range of set-top boxes.
Master Service Configuring Vision2 for use with LDAP If you intend to use Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), then before you begin there is an XML file on the Vision2 server which must be edited manually. You must edit the ldsl.xml file located in the C:\Inetpub\wwwroot\v2Services\App_Code directory. The contents of this file are used to impersonate the specified user when communicating with the LDAP server.
Master Service The user access control options are as follows: User Access Control Options User Access Control Enable Enables user access control on the system Access Control Type Select the appropriate option to indicate whether user access control is controlled by Windows NT User Groups or LDAP. LDAP Server URL This is the LDAP URL to the Server. This option is only available if you select LDAP as the Access Control Type. Example values: Active Directory: LDAP//AMXVision2Dev.
Master Service Restricting User Access to Content In the Archive Service, when you navigate to a folder which contains videos the Restrict the users who gave access to the content in this category check box appears. When enabled, it displays the current DN selected for the restriction. The Change button displays a tree control which contains the LDAP tree from the LDAP Base DN (defined in the Master Service) downwards. You can then Apply a new DN. FIG.
Master Service 68 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Live (MPEG) Service Live (MPEG) Service The Vision2 Live (MPEG) Service provides a single live TV channel to the system. The Live MPEG service uses an AMX MAX-CSE encoder (FG2178-70) or other supported third-party encoder to provide the hardware encoding of video and audio signals into an MPEG-2 multicast stream. Live Services, as with all other Vision2 services, are managed by the Vision2 Services Manager web interface.
Live (MPEG) Service Service Settings FIG. 68 MAX Encoder Service Settings The top section of the page deals with the settings for the service itself and consists of the following options: Service Settings Options Channel Name The name of the service as it appears in the playlists. Encoder Type Use the options menu to select the type of MPEG encoder you want to configure. Encoder IP Address The network IP Address of the encoder.
Live (MPEG) Service Multicast Settings FIG. 69 MAX Encoder Multicast Settings The following options are available in the multicast section: Multicast Settings Options Protocol The protocol setting is fixed at UDP multicast. UDP multicast is the only supported protocol at this time. Address This is the multicast address that will be used. This option is pre-configured and cannot be changed. Port This is the multicast port number that will be used. This option is pre-configured and cannot be changed.
Live (MPEG) Service The following options are available in the encoding section: Encoding Settings Options Video Input The MAX encoder supports either S-Video or Composite video inputs. Video Standard The MAX encoder supports NTSC (USA and Japan) and PAL (rest of the world, excluding France) video standards. Aspect Ratio The MAX encoder is supports a 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio. Encoder Profile Vision2 supports only the MAX Custom encoder profile.
Live (WMV) Service Live (WMV) Service The Vision2 Live (WMV) Service provides a single live TV channel to the system. It uses an A/V capture card and Windows Media 9 (WM9) to provide the software encoding of composite, S-video, and component video and audio signals into a WM9 unicast stream. Live Services as with all other Vision2 services are managed by the Vision2 Services Manager web interface to provide a unicast stream over HTTP. This service is not available with Vision2 version 7.2.2-M.
Live (WMV) Service This page contains the following options: Service Settings Options Service Name The name of the service as it appears in the left pane of the main window. Encoder Type Use the options menu to select the type of WMV encoder you want to configure. Click Apply if selecting a new encoder type. Encoder Select the Enable check box to Start or uncheck to Stop the encoder. Encoder Number Selects the Capture card and Encoder (Encoder 1 or Encoder 2).
Live (WMV) Service Configuring the VBrick WMV Appliance Encoder When you select Configure Encoder from the WMV Encoder menu and select VBRICK WMV Appliance from the Encoder Type menu, the following page appears (FIG. 72): FIG. 72 Configure VBrick WMV Appliance Encoder Service Settings FIG.
Live (WMV) Service Perform these steps to configure the VBrick WMV Appliance Encoder: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Select Configure Encoder from the MAX Encoder Menu. The Live Service page opens (FIG. 71). In the Service Name text box, enter the name of the service as you want it to appear in playlists. Click Apply. Select the type of encoder you want to configure from the Encoder Type options menu. Click Apply. Enter the network IP Address of the encoder in the Encoder IP Address field.
Live (WMV) Service The following options are available in the encoding section: Encoding Settings Options Enable Click to enable WMV streaming through the encoder. Note: You will receive an error if you disable a Live channel while it is being accessed by another service. Multicast Address This is the multicast address that will be used. This option is pre-configured and cannot be changed. Port This is the multicast port number that will be used. This option is pre-configured and cannot be changed.
Live (WMV) Service Viewing the Stream The Vision2 Services manager provides a menu option to allow you to view the stream without having to start a user player. Click the View Stream option in the Services menu to view the stream. You must select Encoder Enable on the configuration page to view the stream. FIG.
Reflector Service Reflector Service The Vision2 Reflector Service provides a single live TV channel to the system. Reflector can multicast a Live WMV service, MPEG channel, or a stream from the Web. The MPEG Reflector accepts both unicast and multicast Windows Media streams as its input and can provide both unicast and multicast Windows Media streams as its output. Reflector services, as with all other services, are managed by the Vision2 ServicesManager web interface.
Reflector Service The following options appear on the Reflector service configuration page: Reflector WMV Service Options Service Enable This enables the service and will begin multicasting if appropriate. Note: You cannot edit any of the other settings while the service is enabled. Service Name The name of the service as it appears in the playlists Web Service URL The URL to the Web Services interface for this service.
Reflector Service MPEG Configuration The MPEG reflector can receive both unicast or multicast streams and output both unicast or multicast streams. When you select the Configure Reflector from the MPEG Reflector Service Menu the following page appears (FIG. 77). FIG. 77 Configure Vision2 MPEG Reflector Service The following options appear on the Reflector service configuration page: Reflector MPEG Service Options Service Enable This enables the service and will begin multicasting if appropriate.
Reflector Service Reflector MPEG Service Options (Cont.) NIC to multicast on Unicast options The IP address of the network to use for multicasting. The following options are only available if you select Unicast as the Stream type. NIC Select the unicast address for this channel. Port The unicast port for this channel. This option is pre-configured and cannot be changed. URL The unicast TTL for this channel. This option is pre-configured and cannot be changed.
DVB Service DVB Service The Vision2 DVB Service provides and manages a single Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) multiplex of live TV channels to the system. Terrestrial, satellite, and cable TV providers now use a digital rather than analog transmission systems to deliver their content. Where previously a single frequency was required for each TV channel, by using digital compression, multiple channels can be provided on a single frequency (known as a multiplex or bouquet).
DVB Service The Configure DVB Service page consists of the following sections: Service Settings FIG. 79 Service settings The top section on the page deals with the settings for the service itself and consists of the following options: Service Options Service Name The name of the service as it appears in the services menu Apply Click to apply any change to the service name. Use the Service Name field to enter a unique name for the DVB service.
DVB Service Scanning for Available Channels Perform these steps to scan for available channels on all frequencies: 1. Select Configure DVB from the DVB Service Menu on the left pane of the window. The Configure DVB Service page appears (FIG. 78). 2. Select the tuner you want to use from the Tuner Hardware options menu, and click Apply. 3. Enter the IP address you want to scan in the Address field. This IP address should be the multicast address of the applicable transmitter. 4.
DVB Service Channel List At the bottom of the page is the list of channels available on the selected frequency. This area of the page contains the following view-only information: Channel List Options Name The channel name as provided by the broadcaster Type The type of channel, either Digital TV or Digital Radio Multicast Checking the box multicasts the channel.
Archive Service Archive Service The Vision2 Archive service provides a multi-format, multi-bitrate storage system for videos within the system. Thumbnails for the videos are automatically-generated. You can attach metadata to each video. The archive can be accessed by means of Video on Demand and also provides the source for a Producer service, which provides a scheduled multicast TV channel. The Archive service supports four types of video files: WMV, MPEG2, MPEG4, and Flash Video (FLV).
Archive Service Supported Video on Demand Media Formats Video on Demand service supports four types of media files (WMV, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and FLV), however, Video on Demand can only support one file type at a time. To change the supported Video on Demand media format, an administrator must manually edit the vcArchiveBrowserConfig.xml file found in the /v2Service/UI folder. Flash Video (FLV) Flash video on the Vision2 server uses only standard definition and below video sizes.
Archive Service The bitrates specified above are for playback on a PC unless otherwise stated. Configuring Metadata When you select Configure Metadata from the Archive Service Menu the following page appears (FIG. 84). FIG.
Archive Service To create a new table section click Add new Table section, select the number of rows and columns, and click Add Table. Add New Table Section Options Section Name This is the name of the section as it appears on the left side of the page and also when editing metadata in the archive. It can be different to the Displayed Name so that related sections appear together in the lists.
Archive Service FIG. 86 displays how the information appears with actual metadata in the main archive. FIG. 86 Metadata Example If you make any changes that you want to keep, you must click the Save Changes button. Browsing and Managing Content All content is stored in the archive in a hierarchical structure, much like folders on a PC, and is displayed in a similar manner in the archive service menu. The descriptions folder and category are interchangeable.
Archive Service Archive Sort Function The Vision2 Archive Sort function provides the ability to alphabetize an existing Vision2 archive. Use the archive sort function by following the process outlined below: 1. Open the Vision2 Admin user interface on the Master server and select the archive tab. 2. Select the root Content folder, you will see a new button, Sort Entire Archive at the top right of the screen.
Archive Service Adding an Online Video to an Archive Vision2 enables you to provide content links to online videos from websites such as YouTube or MediaSite. Follow these steps to add an online video to an archive. 1. Click the Content folder under one of your archives on the left side of the page. 2. On the Content screen, click Add an online video. A new series of options appears (FIG. 89). FIG. 89 Add an online video screen 3. In the URL to WebPage field, enter the URL to the video you want to add.
Archive Service The default metadata consists of three sections: Metadata Options Video Formats This provides an visual representation of the currently uploaded file formats. Passing the cursor over an uploaded video format displays the upload date of the format. Video Information Provides technical information on the individual video files. Synopsis Provides a description of the video. You can edit this option by clicking Edit Info.
Archive Service If you select a text-based section (in this case Podcast Info) and click Edit Section, the options change appropriately to display the usual text editing options like font type, size, and weight (FIG. 91). Text editing options FIG. 91 Editing Metadata If you select a table-based section to edit, the options change again. The only options that appear are to insert or delete rows. The table shows gridlines and clicking on a table cell enables editing.
Archive Service 96 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Thumbnail Editor Thumbnail Editor The thumbnail editor allows users to create video thumbnails, effectively bookmarks to certain points in your video. Each thumbnail contains an image captured from the video at the time of creation along with some descriptive text to describe its purpose. The thumbnail editor consists of two screens: Archive Navigation Screen - this is the first screen. It is used to select those videos you want to work on.
Thumbnail Editor 1 Second Accuracy Depending on the characteristics of the recorded video, the accuracy with which a thumbnail can be created— defined as the time difference between the frame shown when the user creates a thumbnail and the actual captured frame—can vary. The following sections detail the recommended configuration settings if an accuracy of one second is required: Video Inputs Always use an encoder such as the MAX-CSE to encode the stream to an MPEG standard.
Thumbnail Editor Archive Navigation Screen The Archive Navigation Screen consists of two main areas (see FIG. 94): The Archive Navigation Pane - used to navigate through the video archive and select those videos you wish to create/view thumbnails for. The Selected Video Area - shows the videos selected in the navigation pane. You can now view, create, edit, or delete thumbnails for these videos. FIG.
Thumbnail Editor You can also select videos using the Search bar. Enter the text you want to search for and click the magnifying glass. Videos with a title, metadata, description, or thumbnail which contain this text are added to the Selected Video Area. FIG. 96 Search Bar Click Clear current selections to remove all videos from the Selected Video Area.
Thumbnail Editor Thumbnail Editor Screen The thumbnail editor screen (FIG. 99) consists of two main areas: Thumbnail bar - Contains a number of thumbnails arranged in time order. Thumbnails at the top occur earlier in the video than those further down. Video Playback Area - Plays the video selected in the previous screen. FIG.
Thumbnail Editor Creating a Thumbnail You can create up to 200 thumbnails for a video as follows: 1. Start the video playing, ether by clicking play in the video playback panel or by clicking play on a thumbnail image. 2. Wait until the video reaches the moment you want to mark. 3. Click Add new Thumbnail to add a new thumbnail to the Thumbnail bar. This thumbnail marks your current video playback position and a thumbnail image is captured from the video playback.
Thumbnail Editor Video Playback Area The video playback area is used for the following actions: Viewing a video. Finding the right position in a video to create a thumbnail. Viewing thumbnails that have already been created. You can control the playback using a small panel at the bottom of the screen, see FIG. 102. The main controls are as follows: Drag the slider to a position on the timeline to play the video from that position. Click a position on the timeline to play the video from then.
Thumbnail Editor 104 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Thumbnail Viewer Thumbnail Viewer The thumbnail viewer allows users to view video thumbnails, effectively bookmarks to certain points in your videos. Each thumbnail contains an image captured from the video at the time of creation along with some descriptive text to describe its purpose. The thumbnail viewer consists of two screens: Archive Navigation Screen - this is the first screen. It is used to select those videos you want to work on.
Thumbnail Viewer Archive Navigation Screen The Archive Navigation Screen consists of two main areas (see FIG. 103): The Archive Navigation Pane - used to navigate through the video archive and select those videos you wish to create/view thumbnails for. The Selected Video Area - shows the videos selected in the navigation pane. You can now view thumbnails for these videos. FIG.
Thumbnail Viewer You can also select videos using the Search bar. Enter the text you want to search for and click the magnifying glass. Videos with a title, metadata, description, or thumbnail which contain this text are added to the Selected Video Area. FIG. 105 Search Bar Click Clear current selections to remove all videos from the Selected Video Area.
Thumbnail Viewer Thumbnail Viewer Screen The thumbnail viewer screen (FIG. 107) consists of two main areas: Thumbnail bar - Contains a number of thumbnails arranged in time order. Thumbnails at the top occur earlier in the video than those further down. Video Playback Area - Plays the video selected in the previous screen. FIG.
Thumbnail Viewer Video Playback Area The video playback area is used for the following actions: Viewing a video. Viewing thumbnails. You can control the playback using a small panel at the bottom of the screen, see FIG. 108. The main controls are as follows: Drag the slider to a position on the timeline to play the video from that position. Click a position on the timeline to play the video from then. Click the play button to play the video. Click pause to halt playback. FIG.
Thumbnail Viewer 110 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Producer Service Producer Service Overview The Vision2 Producer Services provides a single scheduled TV channel to the system. Producer schedules a unicast of WMV files or a multicast of MPEG-2, MP4 H.264, or WMV files or a live channel from a Vision2 archive. Schedules run on a four week loop, then begin again after the four weeks have expired.
Producer Service You can configure the following options for the Vision2 Producer Service: Configure Options Service Enable This enables the service and will begin multicasting if appropriate. Service Name The name of the service as it appears in the playlists. Web Service URL The URL to the Web Services interface for this service. This value is automatically generated and should not be edited unless instructed by AMX. Note: You cannot edit any of the other settings while the service is enabled.
Producer Service Multicasting with Producer Perform these steps to multicast with Producer: 1. Select Configure Service from the V2Producer Menu on the left pane of the window. The Configure Producer page appears (FIG. 109). 2. Select the IP address of the network you are using from the NIC to Use options menu. 3. Click the Service Enable check box. Vision2 begins multicasting on the multicast address you assigned.
Producer Service Schedule Editing Producer runs a four week schedule which loops and starts again after the four weeks. To edit the schedule, select the Edit Schedule menu option in the service (FIG. 110). FIG. 110 Edit Schedule screen The following options are available on the top toolbar: Edit Schedule Options Snap When moving a program or adding a program to the schedule, the Snap limit defines the program time start boundary.
Record Service Record Service The Vision2 Record Service provides the ability to record a multicast MPEG-2 or unicast Windows Media stream into an Archive. The Record Service essentially serves as a Digital Video Recorder. You can record any Live MPEG, DVB-T, encoder WMV stream, or unmanaged channel continuously, creating files of a fixed duration, or you can manually record a specific event. (Recording unmanaged WMV channels is not supported.
Record Service Recording Settings FIG. 113 Recording Settings The bottom section of the page deals with the specific parameters for recording a stream. When you check the Recording Enable check box, the system starts the recording. With recording enabled, you cannot change any of the recording parameters. The following settings are available in the Recording section: Recording Settings Options NIC to use The Network interface from which you want to record.
Record Service Recording a Video Stream Perform these steps to record a video stream: 1. Select Configure DVR from the Record Services menu on the left pane of the window. The Record Service page appears (FIG. 111). 2. Select the IP address of the network you are using from the NIC to Use options menu. 3. Select Continuous from the Recording type options menu. 4. Select the length of each individual recording from the Segment length options menu. 5.
Record Service Scheduled Recording The Scheduled Record feature allows you to schedule when a live service is to be recorded. You must select the source from which to record and enable the service before editing the schedule. Scheduled recordings are only supported in the Live MPEG service and in 10 minute increments. 1. Select Configure DVR from the Record Services menu on the left pane of the window. The Record Service page appears (FIG. 114). FIG. 114 Scheduled Recording screen 2.
Appendix A: Graceful Startup/Shutdown Procedure Appendix A: Graceful Startup/Shutdown Procedure Overview In the event of a planned or unplanned network or electrical outage, the following steps should be taken to ensure a controlled shutdown and restart of the IPTV system. The order of restart is critical to provide data to the control components as to last operating configuration. If the system is brought back into service randomly or in improper order, it may perform with unexpected behaviors.
Appendix A: Graceful Startup/Shutdown Procedure s It may not be necessary to power down every Amino throughout the facility in the event of a planned network or power outage, but it is a recommended practice. When network and power are restored, it may be necessary to select a program to be played on each Amino.
Appendix A: Graceful Startup/Shutdown Procedure Troubleshooting In the case that this procedure is followed, but does not return the system to functionality, there are several steps which may be performed to verify which portion(s) of the system is not operating properly. For purposes of this document, these steps are bulleted, with more detailed information referenced. No TV signal on screen Verify that the display is connected to power and to the STB-04. Verify that the display is powered on.
Appendix A: Graceful Startup/Shutdown Procedure 122 Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide
Appendix A: Graceful Startup/Shutdown Procedure Vision2 Operation/Reference Guide 123
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