Niagara® 2200 User Guide
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Niagara 2200 User Guide Contents Before You Begin ......................................................................................................... 1 Product description............................................................................................................. 1 Audience ............................................................................................................................. 2 Conventions for this guide ..........................................................
Contents Basic Operations .........................................................................................................27 Logging in .......................................................................................................................... 27 Viewing all encoders ......................................................................................................... 29 Creating an encoder...........................................................................................
Niagara 2200 User Guide Additional Settings and Features ...............................................................................75 Configuring Niagara 2200 properties................................................................................ 75 Changing computer name................................................................................................. 76 Changing the login password from the factory default ....................................................
Contents Configuring SNMP Agent contact and location (optional) ....................................... 108 Use UDP Port Other Than 161 for SNMP Requests ........................................................ 109 ViewCast SNMP Agent Logging ....................................................................................... 110 Disable IIS Logging for ViewCast Encoders Web Service ................................................ 110 ViewCast SNMP Agent MIB Files........................................
Niagara 2200 User Guide Before You Begin Thank you for purchasing the ViewCast Niagara 2200 streaming media appliance. This user guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and using your new streaming media appliance. For the latest ViewCast product information and news, visit our website at www.viewcast.com. Product description The ViewCast Niagara 2200 streaming media appliance is a low-cost, easy-to-use, streaming media appliance that supports Adobe Flash® H.
Before You Begin Audience The audience for this publication includes anyone who uses or administers the Niagara 2200. They should have a basic technical understanding of streaming media. This user guide provides information on the Niagara 2200 only. Conventions for this guide This guide uses the document conventions specified in the following table to help you identify different types of information.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Rack mount safety instructions Operating Temperature The operating ambient temperature of a rack environment may be greater than room ambient if installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly. Therefore, users should install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature of 40° C. Reduced Air Flow You must not compromise the airflow required for safe equipment operation when you install the equipment in a rack.
Before You Begin FCC notice WARNING! You must connect this device and peripherals using shielded cables that comply with FCC radio emission limits. WARNING! Modifications to this device not approved by ViewCast Corporation could void the FCC-granted authority for the user to operate the device. WARNING! The Niagara 2200 complies with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Installing additional software The Niagara systems run an embedded version of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system (OS), which is a sub-set of the normal retail version. The Microsoft License agreement limits the use of the system to what the machine is designed to do. The Microsoft Update process is turned off by default to prevent interruptions during live streaming events.
Before You Begin Environmental notices Product Disposal Information: Dispose of this product in accordance with local and national disposal regulations (if any). Include those regulations governing the recovery and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). RoHS Compliant: ViewCast Corporation commits to compliance with the European directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2002/95/EC, the RoHS directive.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Warnings Only trained and qualified personnel should install, replace, or service this equipment. Do not attempt to open the case of the appliance. If you do so, you incur a high risk of electrical shock that may cause damage to the appliance or personal physical injury or death to you and/or others. No user-serviceable parts exist inside the appliance. If you open the appliance case or make unauthorized changes to the case, ViewCast voids your warranty.
Before You Begin Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel. You must have authorized personnel only service any damaged appliance.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Overview Before you can use your Niagara 2200 streaming media system, you will first need to set up and configure it. This chapter provides you with the details and step-by-step instructions you need to make your installation as quick-and-easy as possible.
Overview Install overview This section addresses the high-level actions you must perform to physically connect and setup your Niagara 2200 system. You must complete the following primary tasks to install the Niagara 2200: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Address and comply with all prerequisites. Connect the Niagara 2200 streaming media appliance using its power source. Connect the video source (camera or video recorder) to the system. Connect the Niagara 2200 to an IP network. Configure the Niagara 2200 system.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Package contents Completely unpack all contents from the box and inspect each item for damage.
Overview Niagara 2200 front panel You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara 2200. Besides the basic buttons for power, start/stop, and audio volume control, several indicator lights also exist. Figure 2 and the table below illustrate the buttons and lights that constitute the front panel functions and interfaces. Figure 2. Niagara 2200 Front Panel A Starts the Niagara 2200. Press this button once to turn off the Niagara 2200 when it is on.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Allows exporting files to USB devices and installing updates or firmware. F Audio feedback meters. Shows incoming left and right channel input. G Allows for connection of headphones to the Niagara 2200 for audio monitoring. H Audio level headphone control. This control changes the volume on the headset output only. I This indicator illuminates when a system alert occurs. J Displays to indicate a remote user.
Overview Review the Niagara 2200 back panel Figure 3 illustrates all connectors and other components of the Niagara 2200 back panel. Figure 3. Back panel A Qualified ViewCast field technicians should be the only ones to use this connection. B Direct current (DC) power supply for power input (12 Volt). This port allows you to connect the Niagara 2200 to its power supply. C Connects the Niagara 2200 to the IP network. D Connects the composite video for the Niagara 2200.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Connecting the Niagara 2200 The following steps refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 2200. The example uses composite video input and unbalanced audio. To configure the Niagara 2200: 1. Connect the composite video (CVBS Pb – item D on Figure 3). Ensure you have a tight connection by rotating the cuff to connect. 2. Connect the right and left audio. Refer to Figure 3 item I for left and right connections. 3.
Overview Niagara 2200 home page The home page menu bar (Figure 4) allows you to use the commands described in the following table. Figure 4. Menu bar Menu bar commands The home page menu bar allows you to use the commands described in the table below. Menu Home Encoders Command Function Configuration Status 16 View general administrative information about the ViewCast Niagara 2200. Use the menu bar commands.
Niagara 2200 User Guide and date for each alert. Maintenance Product Registration - Register your Niagara system to protect your investment. Log Out Allows users to log off the system’s web interface.
Overview Niagara 2200 browser windows flow Figure 5 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available configuration windows you may use to configure the Niagara 2200. Figure 5.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Easy Setup The easy setup option explores the optimal configurations for the novice user to set up the Niagara 2200 quickly and easily.
Easy Setup Easy first time setup You should read all instructions, notices, and warnings before getting started with your new Niagara 2200 hardware for the first time. Also, ensure you have all required parts and meet all system requirements before installing this product. Do not continue with the installation if you find any components missing or damaged. Contact the ViewCast reseller where you purchased your Niagara 2200 system for assistance in obtaining any missing or replacement parts.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Performing the initial startup The steps in the following table refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 2200 only. To perform the initial startup: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Ensure that you connect all devices (power cords, appliances, streaming devices, etc.) to the Niagara 2200. Press Power on the front panel to start the Niagara 2200. Locate the serial number on the bottom of the appliance (in the format vpxxxxxxxx).
Easy Setup 7. The first time you start the Niagara 2200 and log in, the system prompts you for the date, time, and video standard (Figure 7). You may accept the default date, time, and video standard or enter your desired date, time, and video standard then click Submit. Figure 7. Date and time settings 8. Note: The appliance reboots. If it doesn’t you need to manually reboot the system from the Machine Properties window.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Registering your product You have 30 days to register your product when you first activate the system. A reminder displays at the bottom of the Home and Encoders pages. You can register your system using three different methods: Product Registration page ViewCast website ViewCast Support help desk (Call 972-488-7157 and provide the serial number and SKU.) To register online: 1. Access the Product Registration page: Click Maintenance Product Registration.
Easy Setup 3. 4. 5. Copy the registration URL. From another computer, open a browser and paste the URL into the address bar. Enter your name and contact information in the spaces provided. Figure 11. Contact Information 6. Select the type of product. The serial number and SKU are automatically populated. Figure 12. Product information 7. 24 Click Submit. After a few seconds, a confirmation message displays.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Connecting to an IP network The Niagara 2200 network settings for its network interface defaults to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the network. If a DHCP server is not available or is not on the network, Niagara 2200 assigns its own IP address. Note: If you are not familiar with network protocols, contact your network administrator for assistance.
Easy Setup Defining the network properties The following table provides Network Properties and the actions you can choose for each. To view this window, click Configuration Network Properties, and then click Use the following IP information.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Basic Operations Basic operations include but are not limited to the following: Viewing all encoders Creating an encoder Starting an encoder Editing an encoder Stopping an encoder Logging in To log in: 1. 2. 3. Locate the serial number on the side or bottom of the appliance (in the format vp11xxxxxx). Open the web browser on your computer. You can either: Type the Niagara 2200 serial number in the Address bar (Figure 14) and press Enter. Figure 14.
Basic Operations 5. password admin. System administrators should previously configure all user names and passwords for those who they allow to log on to the system. Press Login. The Niagara 2200 Welcome window and Menu Bar appear (Figure 17). Figure 17.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Viewing all encoders The Encoders window provides a list of all of the encoder profiles loaded on the Niagara 2200. On the home page, click Encoders All Encoders. Figure 18. Encoders window A B C D E F G H I J K L ViewCast Click this link to edit the encoder properties, streaming settings, and advanced streaming settings. Click this link to delete an encoder from the list. Displays the encoder type. Click this link to sort the encoders by type.
Basic Operations Creating an encoder To create an encoder, on the home page click Encoders. To create an encoder: 1. Click the Create New Encoder link. The Create New Encoder window displays (Figure 19). Figure 19. Create New Encoder window 30 2. 3. Select the Encoder Type from the drop-down list. Enter the name of the encoder. 4. 5. 6. Note: Valid characters are alphanumeric, space, dash, and dot. To use the same properties from another encoder, enable Clone Properties From.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Starting an encoder To start an encoder, on the home page click Encoders All Encoders. To start an encoder: 1. Click the red circle Stopped icon (Figure 20) in the Streaming column for the encoder you want to start streaming. Figure 20. Stopped Icon Messages appear detailing the encoder start progress (Figure 21). Figure 21.
Basic Operations Starting an encoder with the stream button Use the Stream button on the front panel to start the assigned encoder group. To start an encoder with the stream button: 1. Press Stream . The video encoding status blue light displays (V) to indicate a positive video stream and the audio meters display to indicate positive audio tracking. WARNING! Limitations exist for the number of streams you can encode simultaneously.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Stopping an encoder To stop an encoder, on the home page click Encoders All Encoders. To stop an encoder: 1. Click the blue Started icon of the encoder you wish to stop streaming (Figure 23). Figure 23. Started Icon 2. Messages appear detailing the encoder stop progress (Figure 24). Figure 24.
Basic Operations Stopping an encoder with the stop button To start an encoder with the stream button: 1. Press Stop . The Niagara 2200 browser displays the list of encoders and shows the status of each session. Shutting down To shut down: 1. Briefly press Power on the front panel. The Niagara 2200 front panel status light starts blinking and turns off once it is ready to stop streaming. The Niagara 2200 powers off after a few seconds. CAUTION: Allow the Niagara 2200 to power down normally.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Advanced Operations Advanced operations include but are not limited to the following: Editing a Flash encoder Editing an MPEG encoder Editing a WME encoder Streaming to a TS container Adobe Flash H.264 encoder When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The Encoder Properties windows for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the audio and video settings for each encoder type.
Advanced Operations Figure 26.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Figure 27. Video tab To configure video input settings: 1. 2. 3. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. In the Size field, select the pre-determined size of the encoded video from the drop-down list.
Advanced Operations 8. Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 30). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine. – Switches dynamically between the two modes as the content changes. – Available for NTSC video only.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Audio tab Figure 31. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the source connected to the back of the system and your audio source. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. ViewCast Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting. Click the Audio Format from the drop-down list.
Advanced Operations Output tab Figure 32. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Click the Enable Streaming check box to enable live Flash streaming. Enter the proper IP address in the Server Address field. Enter the Stream Name. Select the Authentication Type from the drop-down list. Options are available for streaming directly to Adobe, Akamai, and Limelight CDNs. Enter the User Name and Password. Click the Embed System Time as Timecode checkbox.
Niagara 2200 User Guide WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. 11. ViewCast A better practice would be to use the Flash media server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you inadvertently fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations H.264 presets tab These advanced settings affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations (Figure 34). Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Refer to Appendix B for suggested values for the type of video you are streaming. Figure 34. H.264 presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 42 Click Edit next to the setting you want to modify.
Niagara 2200 User Guide MPEG4 encoder To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings. Begin with configuring the video and audio settings, then the server and destination settings.
Advanced Operations Video tab Figure 36. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 3. In the Size field, select the pre-determined size of the encoded video from the drop-down list. You can also specify a custom size for your video.
Niagara 2200 User Guide IMPORTANT! Choose the container type (MP4, TS, 3GP, and 3G2) on the Output tab. If you select MPEG4 from the drop-down list, the MPEG-4 Presets tab displays (see MPEG-4 Presets tab). The fields on the Video, Audio, and Output tabs will change depending on the type of video encoder you select. See TS Container for steps on streaming to a TS container. 5. Enter the frames per second in the Frame Rate field. 6. Enter the kilobits per second in the Bitrate field. 7.
Advanced Operations Note: Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not used for PAL and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL as the video standard. 11. Click Save Settings. Table 1. MPEG encoder and container descriptions MPEG4 – MP4 MPEG-4 Part 2 is for situations where low bit rate and low resolution are mandated by other conditions of the applications, such as network bandwidth or device size.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Table 2. Valid output container selections for video encoder types Container H.263 Video MP4 H.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Figure 40. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. 2. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting. Click the Audio Format. 3. 4. Click the Audio Type. The drop-down list box provides two choices: Main – The same as Low Complexity, but adds backward prediction.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 9. ViewCast Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: This tab is dynamic depending upon which encoder you select on the Video tab. The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 41. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. 2. Select Enable Streaming to stream your audiovisual content via RTSP. Set the appropriate streaming properties. Note: The default settings will enable multicast streaming.
Niagara 2200 User Guide degradation and encode session failure. 4. 5. 6. Select Save to File to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file. Select Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. Accept the default location that displays in the File Name field or choose your own location for the file (Figure 42).
Advanced Operations H.264 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the H.264 presets analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 43. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. Refer to the H.
Niagara 2200 User Guide MPEG-4 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Figure 44. MPEG-4 Presets tab To configure MPEG-4 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. Refer to the H.264 Presets section for suggested values for the type of video you are streaming. 2. Change the Value. 3. Click Update. 4.
Advanced Operations MPEG-2 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-2 presets analog input settings for an MPEG2 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 45. MPEG-2 Presets tab To configure MPEG-2 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. Refer to the H.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Windows Media encoder To create an encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field. When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The steps for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, Output, and DRM tabs to edit the settings.
Advanced Operations Video tab Figure 47. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, select the video input. 3. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. In the Size field, select the pre-determined size of the encoded video from the drop-down list. You can also specify a custom size for your video.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 5. Note: Click Restore to the right of each filter to return the setting to the default. Click the De-Interlace settings you want to apply (Figure 50). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind. Auto – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Applies motion adaptive de-interlacing to all video that is not telecine. – Switches dynamically between the two modes as the content changes. – Available for NTSC video only.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Figure 51. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 58 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. 2. 3. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting. Select the Embedded Closed Caption to embed the closed captions. 4. Drag the slider to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 5. (Optional) Select Mute Audio to silence audio. 6. Click Save Settings.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Output tab Windows Media is both a storage format and a streaming format. In addition to the ability to output to a file, the Windows Media encoder can stream to a Windows Media Server. The settings for Windows Media encoder include the ability to set parameters for connecting and streaming to the server. Some Windows Media Capture Profiles have pre-defined video resolutions and input selections.
Advanced Operations Figure 52. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Click on a Windows Media Capture Profile from the drop-down list. 2. Select Enable Pull. 3. Enter a port number that the server will use to pull the stream from the Niagara system. 4. Select Enable Push. IMPORTANT! Be sure to enter a port number not already assigned to another encoder. If two encoders attempt to use the same port number, one or both encoders will fail to start. 5.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles with a default file name of capture.wmv. Figure 53. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 13. Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations DRM tab You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream. Users are required to obtain a license to play to content. This license contains the key to unlock the content and the rights that govern its use (Figure 54). Refer to Appendix A on how to set up and import a DRM profile.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide TS Container When you configure an MPEG4 encoder you can select MPEG2 Transport Stream as the container type for the Video Encoder. To enable TS container streaming, you need to create either a new MPEG4 encoder or edit an existing MPEG4 encoder. Note: The Type on the Encoders page (Encoders All Encoders) displays as 264. Streaming to a TS container Figure 55. MPEG4 encoder To configure TS container settings: 1.
TS Container 2. On the Output tab, Select TS as the Container Type. Figure 56. MPEG4 Output tab 3. Click on the Video tab. Two additional fields display: Video Bitrate and Mux Bitrate. 4. Select either: Video Bitrate and enter how much bandwidth to use for the video in the Bitrate field. Mux Bitrate and enter the total bitrate the stream will consume (video and audio) in the Bitrate field on the Audio tab. Figure 57. New Video Encode Settings 5. Click on the Audio tab. Figure 58.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 7. View all the bitrates on the Output tab in the MPEGTS Muxer Settings. Figure 59. MPEGTS Muxer Settings Note: The total isn’t simply Audio Bitrate + Video Bitrate. A small amount of overhead is built in ~10% of the Mux.
TS Container Streaming Streaming to a file with the TS container is the same for the other containers. Streaming is slightly different. Output tab Figure 60. Output tab Enable Streaming To configure streaming: 1. Select Enable Streaming on the Output tab. 2. Select the protocol. Currently only UDP and RTP are supported. Figure 61. Server Settings Scheme 3. Select either: Unicast – To stream to a single computer or device. Multicast – To stream to many computers and/or devices. Figure 62.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 5. Enter the Destination IP (must be an IPv4 address). If you select Unicast, then the IP address can not be in the 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255 range. If you select Multicast, then the IP address must be in the 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255 range. Enter a valid Port. 6. Enter a Time to Live. 7. Click Save Settings. 4.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide Encoder Groups Encoder groups represent the cornerstone for streaming on the Niagara 2200. You must have at least one group assigned on the Niagara 2200 and one encoder profile assigned to that group. Viewing encoder groups The Encoder Groups window (Figure 63), a subset of Encoders (on the Encoders window), allows you to view the list of encoder groups available on the Niagara 2200. Click Encoders Groups from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 63.
Encoder Groups Creating encoder groups If two encoders try to use the same port number at the same time, an error will occur. Select the Create New Group link on the Encoder Groups window. The encoder groups fields display (Figure 64). Figure 64. Encoder Groups window To create encoder groups: 1. 2. 3. 4. Enter the name of the group. Click on the preset button you want to assign to this encoder group. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Assigning encoder groups You can assign an encoder or group of encoders to the front panel Stream button using the Active Encoder Group window (Figure 65). Click Encoders Active Group. Figure 65. Active Encoder Group window To assign encoder groups: Click on the encoder group from the Select a Group drop-down list. 1. Note: Click on the Create New Group link to display the Encoder Groups window and add new groups. Click Submit. 2.
Encoder Groups Starting an encoder group To start an encoder group, click the Start link to the right in the Start column of the group you want to start. The encoder group will start in a few seconds. The system displays any errors on the Starting window while the group starts. Note: With each encoder started, more system resources (CPU cycles) are consumed. ViewCast recommends the total CPU threshold not exceed 80 %.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Editing encoder groups Click the Edit link on the Encoder window. The Encoder Groups window displays (Figure 66). Figure 66. Encoder Groups window To edit encoder groups: 1. 2. 3. 4. ViewCast Enter the name of the group. Click Yes or No. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide Additional Settings and Features Configuring Niagara 2200 properties The Niagara 2200 Machine Properties window (Figure 67) provides details on software versions, network name, serial number, and hard drive configurations. Click Configuration Niagara 2200 Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 67. Machine Properties window Most of the data on this window provides information only and users cannot alter it.
Encoder Groups Changing computer name The Computer Name field contains the current network name for the Niagara 2200. This name is the same name you typed into the web browser to access the Niagara SCX web interface. To change the computer name: 1. Click the Edit link next to the Computer Name field (Figure 68). Figure 68. Computer Name field 2. 3. The screen refreshes and the Computer Name field becomes an editable text field. Type in a new name for the Niagara 2200.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Changing the login password from the factory default The Niagara 2200 Properties section has two fields: User Name and Serial Number. You can only change the User Name field, which changes the User Password from the factory default (Figure 69). Figure 69. Properties section To change login password: 1. Click the admin link in the User Name field. Note: The system displays a new window (Figure 70) that allows you to change your login password for the web interface. Figure 70.
Encoder Groups Restoring the login password to the factory default If you forget or lose your password, you can restore the default password by running the Restore Niagara 2200 Factory Defaults option. For more information, see Restore Niagara 2200 Factory Defaults in the System Configuration section later in this chapter.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Configuring alerts Click Configuration Alerts from the menu bar on the home page. The Alerts window (Figure 71) allows you to configure alerts for different situations that may occur during streaming or other operations. Figure 71. Alerts window To configure alerts: A B C Click this link to configure email settings on the System Configuration Settings window. Click the Edit link next to the alert you want to change settings on.
Encoder Groups Configuring network properties The Network Properties window (Figure 72) provides detailed information on the current network settings for the Niagara 2200 Network Cards. Click Configuration Network Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 72. Network Properties Configuring network card(s) The Niagara 2200 has two Gigabit network connections available on the Network Properties window, Network Card(s) field).
Niagara 2200 User Guide Configuring IP address Depending on your system configuration, you may need to configure the IP Address (Figure 74). Figure 74. IP address To configure IP address: 1. 2. 3. Click the Use the following IP information checkbox. Enter the appropriate information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server fields. Click Submit.
Encoder Groups IP Route table This window enables you to change the IP destination. Only experienced professionals should adjust these settings. Figure 76.
Niagara 2200 User Guide System configuration settings The System Configuration Settings window (Figure 77) allows you to modify your Niagara 2200 default system settings. You can configure email settings to enable Niagara 2200 to send an email to predefined email addresses any time the Niagara 2200 encoder encounters an alert condition. You can also customize the information the Niagara 2200 displays on its front panel when the system exists in idle mode.
Encoder Groups Setting current system configuration You can set the current time, date, and the video standard for all encoders (Figure 78). Figure 78. Current System Configuration To set current system configuration: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 84 Click the Hour in the drop-down list. Click the Minutes in the drop-down list. Click AM and PM in the drop-down list. Click the Change Date link. A calendar appears. Click the date on the calendar. Click the Video Standard from the drop-down list. Click Submit.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Configuring email settings Figure 79. Email/SMTP Setting fields To set current system configuration: 1. 2. 3. 4. Enter the email address you want the system to send the email. Separate multiple email addresses with a comma. Enter a valid originating email address. Enter a subject line for your email alert. Enter the SMTP user name for server access.
Encoder Groups Configuring default directory setting The Niagara 2200 stores AV files when you click the Save to File option in the encoder profile in the Default AV folder. Refer to the Save to File option under the Flash Encoder Properties (Figure 80) sections for information on setting an encoder profile to create an AV file. Note: ViewCast strongly recommends you do not alter the default directory setting unless you understand the risk of saving your files to a directory not located on the D: drive.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Figure 83. Encoder Startup Settings Note: ViewCast recommends a CPU threshold setting of 80% or lower. Setting SimulStream filters You may indicate the number of SimulStream filters per video device using the SimulStream Settings field (Figure 84). Figure 84. SimulStream settings Restoring Niagara 2200 factory defaults Restore to Factory Defaults allows you to restore drive C to its original factory system defaults.
Encoder Groups Figure 86. Restore Factory Defaults Note: Restore to Factory Defaults rebuilds the Niagara 2200 primary disk drive C with the original system image. You lose all custom settings and any files saved to drive C. You cannot reverse this process. However, you can manually re-enter your custom settings once the Niagara 2200 restore process completes. Use the default directory, D:\AV Files\, for saving your audio and video files.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Viewing the activity log The Activity Log records the encoder Start and Stop events. The system updates the log for every event including the date and time. To view the activity log, on the home page click Status View Activity Log. Figure 87. Activity Log window A B C D E F ViewCast Displays the system date and time stamps for each event. Click this link to sort the activities by date. Indicates the type of activity. Click this link to sort the activities by type.
Encoder Groups Viewing alerts Click Status View Alerts from the home page. The Alerts Window updates with every alert event on the Niagara 2200. The alerts include any specific alert events for the encoder. Figure 88. Alerts window A B C D 90 Displays the date and time that the alert occurred. Displays the message ID number for the alert and the description. Indicates the total number of alerts. Click this icon to clear all alerts.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Connecting an external storage device The Niagara 2200 provides two USB ports, one on the front panel and one on the rear panel. You can connect almost any standard USB memory device to one or both of these ports. This allows you to export any AV files you created on the local storage drive of the Niagara 2200. The encoder defaults to set the local storage drive D when you use the Save to File setting with the Niagara 2200 web interface.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide SNMP This section provides installation and setup information for the ViewCast SNMP agent service. This release supports SNMP v1 and SNMP v2c. SNMP v3 will be supported in future releases. It is assumed that the SNMP agent service will be installed and run in the Niagara® system on Windows 7 platform.
SNMP SNMP UDP Ports Used by SNMP Manager and SNMP Agents UDP Port for SNMP Requests When the external SNMP manager expects to “talk” to the ViewCast SNMP agent, it sends SNMP requests to the ViewCast SNMP agent over the default SNMP UDP port 161 with the following parameters: Correct IP address of the encoder system Other parameters such as an appropriate community name Configure the corresponding community name Note: For SNMP v1/v2c version, a community name is treated as a password to access the
Niagara 2200 User Guide Install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service Installing for the first time Perform the following steps to install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service for the first time. To install SNMP Agent the first time: 1. Locate and run the ViewCast SNMP agent installation file, e.g. ViewCast SNMP Agent Installer_1.0.4.0.msi to install the ViewCast SNMP agent service. Note: If a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent has ever been installed, see Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service.
SNMP Figure 91. Installation Folder 4. Click Next. Figure 92.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 5. Click Next. Figure 93. Installation Complete 6. Click Close. After the installation is complete, the ViewCast SNMP agent will be installed as an Automatic (delayed start) service. After the next reboot, it starts automatically. Typically, you don’t need to reboot the machine after installation.
SNMP Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service If a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent is installed, then the following window appears and you need to uninstall the previous version before continuing. Figure 95. Windows Installer To uninstall a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent: 1. Go to Start Menu Control Panel Programs and Features. Figure 96.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 2. Select and uninstall (or double click) ViewCast SNMP Agent as shown in the program list. Figure 97. Programs and Features dialog box 3. Click Yes. If ViewCast SNMP agent service is currently running, the following window displays. Figure 98. ViewCast SNMP Agent dialog box 4. 5. ViewCast Select to automatically close the application and click OK. The ViewCast SNMP agent will be stopped automatically and uninstalled.
SNMP Install and Configure Supero Doctor III Agent Service In order to monitor some devices in the Niagara system such as fan speeds, CPU temperature, system temperatures, etc., you need to install the third-party Supero Doctor III client and Supero Doctor III SNMPagent service (also called SuperMicro Health Assistant service) in the system. Note: You need to enable the monitoring for the associated devices on which SNMP traps are expected in case the device parameters are out of the pre-defined range.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Configure Supero Doctor III SNMP Agent Service Disable health monitoring for devices not in use While the Supero Doctor III SNMPAgent Service is running, you need to disable health monitoring for the devices, such as fans, that are not installed. To determine and disable devices not in use: 1. 2. Run Supero Doctor III client by clicking Start All Programs SUPERMICRO Supero Doctor III client. In Supero Doctor III client, click on the Item icon.
SNMP Enabling health monitoring for devices not in use To enable health monitoring for devices not in use: 1. 2. Run Supero Doctor III client by clicking Start All Programs SUPERMICRO Supero Doctor III client. In the Supero Doctor III client, click Item. The following figure displays an example on a Niagara 7550. Figure 100.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Configure ViewCast SNMP Agent Service Complete the steps in the following tables to configure ViewCast SNMP Agent service. When the configuration is complete, restart the system. Configuring community names To configure community names: 1. 2. 3. Run Windows service management tool services.msc Right click on SNMP Service then click Properties. Click on the Security tab. Figure 101. Security tab 4. Click Add to add community names.
SNMP right. Community names with NOTIFY permission can be used to monitor traps only, READ ONLY community names can be used to retrieve data only while READ CREATE ones can perform SNMP SET as well as GET requests, etc. Configuring permitted SNMP managers To configure permitted SNMP managers: 1. 2. 3. Run Windows service management tool services.msc right click on SNMP Service. Click on Properties. Click the Security tab. Figure 103. SNMP Service Properties – Security tab 4. 5. 6.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Figure 105.
SNMP Configuring trap destinations To configure trap destinations: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Run Windows service management tool services.msc Right click on SNMP Service then click on Properties. Click on the Traps tab. In the Community Name section, enter one of the community names that are defined through the Security tab, for example, notifypassword. Click Add to list. Figure 106. Traps tab 6. In the Trap destinations section, enter the IP address of each trap destination at which the trap listener may run.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 7. After all the IP addresses under the trap destination section are added, click Apply. Figure 108.
SNMP Configuring SNMP Agent contact and location (optional) After community names, permitted SNMP managers and trap destinations are configured, you may configure the contact and location information for the associated SNMP agent. To configure SNMP Agent contact and location: 1. 2. 3. 4. Run Windows service management tool services.msc Right click on SNMP Service then click on Properties. Click on the Agent tab. Enter appropriate Contact and Location information.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Use UDP Port Other Than 161 for SNMP Requests The default UDP port used for SNMP requests sent from SNMP manager to SNMP agent is 161. The ViewCast SNMP agent supports the use of a different UDP port. To make this change, perform the following steps: 1. 2. 3. After ViewCast SNMP Service Agent is installed, go to the default installation directory C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ Make a copy of file vcst_snmp_agent_cfg_example.
SNMP ViewCast SNMP Agent Logging By default, all ViewCast SNMP Agent related files are installed into the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ The ViewCast SNMP agent log files are generated under the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\log These log files may be collected for trouble-shooting purposes. They are kept for up to seven days in the system. The ViewCast SNMP agent automatically deletes outdated log files.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 6. Open Feature (Figure 111). Figure 111. Feature 7. On the right side under Actions, click Disable. Note: After IIS is restarted, the IIS logging for the EncodersWebService would remain disabled. 8. ViewCast Repeat steps 1 through 7 to enable the IIS logging for the EncodersWebService in case debugging is needed.
SNMP ViewCast SNMP Agent MIB Files By default, all standard MIB files and ViewCast private MIB files that come with the installation package will be installed into the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ You may load the following MIB files into the SNMP manager tool. VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-MIB.txt (ViewCast private MIB) VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt (ViewCast private) SUPERMICRO-HEALTH-MIB.txt ( 3rd-party MIB from SuperMicro Computer ) RFC1213-MIB.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Start/stop an encoder through SNMP Use the same steps to load and expand VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-MIB until .iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.viewcast.avencoder.avencoderMIB.avencoderObjects.avencod erTable.avencoderEntry.avencoderCommand. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Set object ID to something like: .iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.viewcast.avencoder.avencoderMIB.avencoderO bjects.avencoderTable.avencoderEntry.avencoderCommand.77.80.69.71 where 77.80.69.
SNMP 6. 7. Select Set Value to start_all_encoders or stop_all_encoders. Send SNMP SET request message to the targeted ViewCast SNMP agent. Start SNMP trap listener 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 114 Locate the VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt under C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\. Load the VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt into the SNMP manager. Verify the Port field is set to 162. Specify community such as notifypassword with at least community right of NOTIFY.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide Appendix A: DRM for Windows Media You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream. Users will be required to obtain a license to play the content. This license contains the key to unlock the content and the rights that govern its use.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings To open a remote desktop connection: 1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection (Figure 112). Figure 112. Remote Desktop Connection 2. Click Options. The setting tabs display. 3. Click the Local Resources tab. 4. Under Remote computer sound, click Leave at remote computer option from the dropdown list (Figure 113). Figure 113.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 5. Click the General tab (Figure 114). Figure 114. General tab 6. In the User Name field, type scxuser. 7. In the Password field, type viewcast to connect the system using remote desktop. WARNING! When exiting from Remote Desktop Connection, do not log off. Instead, exit/close the session from the system. This step allows its internal programs to continue running. 8. 9. Go into Windows Explorer and change the folder settings to show all files and show protected files.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings 10. Start the Windows Media Encoder application on the system (Figure 116). Figure 116. Starting Windows Media Encoder 11. When the New Session Wizard displays, click Cancel (Figure 117). Figure 117. New Session Wizard 12. Click Properties under the top menu bar (Figure 118). Figure 118. Properties tab 13. Click the Security tab. 14. Click Import and browse to the location of the DRM profiles on the system’s hard drive.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 15. Select the DRM profile you wish to import and click Open (Figure 119). Figure 119. DRM Profile 16. Repeat this process for each DRM profile you wish to import. 17. Exit from the Windows Media Encoder application when finished. Note: If the system prompts if you want to save your encoding session, click No option. 18. Disconnect Remote Desktop Connection from the system (Figure 120). Do not log out. Figure 120. Disconnect Remote Desktop 19. Restart the system.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings H.264 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the Advanced Encoder Settings values in each line. This section includes some information to help you select Advanced Encoder Settings.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings Baseline profile is for video conferencing and mobile applications and has the lowest demands on CPU load and memory usage, but the lowest resulting quality. Main profile is for standard-definition TV, while high profile is best for HD video. Note: You can use each profile for any resolution video with expected increases in video encode quality and corresponding impacts to CPU and memory.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Setting LookaheadFrames NoiseReduction QuantizerMax QuantizerMin ReferenceFrames SceneChangeDetectThreshold TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast Explanation lower than -3 and higher than 3 are usually not used, but could be if so desired. This value is the amount of frames the encoder keeps in its buffers to perform various calculations.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings MPEG-4 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the Advanced Encoder Settings values in each line. This section includes some information to help you select those Advanced Encoder Settings.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Settings Setting BFramesMax GOPSize GOPSizeMin InterlacedDCTComparison LookaheadFrames MotionEstimationComparison Explanation This value sets the maximum number of concurrent Bframes that you can use. More B-frames improve video quality but also increase CPU load, in some cases considerably. Setting B-frames to a value more than 0 changes the video encoding format from Simple Profile to Advanced Simple Profile. This value sets the maximum interval between key frames.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings Setting MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison Explanation compensation for any errors that arise in the motion estimation while encoding the video. The actual value of 256 corresponds to a value of 1.0 and is set to maximum as the default. Setting this value causes the encoder to select the subpixel motion estimation comparison. 0 is the default for MPEG4 Simple Profile encoding because only Advanced Simple Profile allows for sub-pixel motion estimation.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Setting ViewCast Explanation optimal encoding: the higher the value, the better the video quality but the higher the CPU usage. This value can also improve visual quality at lower bit rates.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings MPEG-2 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the Advanced Encoder Settings values in each line. This section includes some information to help you select those Advanced Encoder Settings.
Niagara 2200 User Guide Settings Setting BFramesMax GOPSize GOPSizeMin InterlacedDCTComparison LookaheadFrames MotionEstimationComparison Explanation This value sets the maximum number of concurrent Bframes that you can use. More B-frames improve video quality but also increase CPU load, in some cases considerably. Setting B-frames to a value more than 0 changes the video encoding format from Simple Profile to Advanced Simple Profile. This value sets the maximum interval between key frames.
Appendix A: H.264 Advanced Settings Setting MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison Explanation 256 corresponds to a value of 1.0 and is set to maximum as the default. Setting this value causes the encoder to select the subpixel motion estimation comparison. 0 is the default for MPEG2 Simple Profile encoding because only Advanced Simple Profile allows for sub-pixel motion estimation. You can use higher values but they can increase CPU and memory usage, sometimes with minimal significant gain in quality.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup Setting up the network drive for the Niagara 2200 to export files, requires setting up two administrator accounts on a remote PC where the shared folder will be located: One account for the username N2200 One account for the username SCXUser The shared folder is created on the remote PC with full access for both Niagara 2200 and SCXUser.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive 9. Enter viewcast for the Confirm password. 10. Disable User must change password at next logon. 11. Enable User cannot change password. 12. Enable Password never expires. Figure 122. New User window 13. Click Create. 14. Repeat steps 5 through 13 to create the user SCXUser using the password viewcast. 15. Click Close. 16. The two new users appear in the users list. Figure 123.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 17. In Computer Management, click Groups. Figure 124. Groups 18. Double-click on Administrators. 19. Click Add. Figure 125. Administrators Properties window 20. Click Add. The Select Users window displays. 21. Click Locations. 22. Select the PC, then click OK. Figure 126.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive 23. Enter niagara2200 for the object name, and then click OK. 24. The user niagara2200 appears in the list of Administrators. Figure 127. Administrator Properties 25. Repeat steps 19 through 22 to add SCXUser as an administrator.
Niagara 2200 User Guide To create the shared folder: Note: The shared folder(s) must be created on the remote PC. 1. Open Computer. 2. Open the drive where the shared folder will be created. 3. Right click, select New, then Folder. Figure 128. Create new folder 4. Enter a name for the folder (for example, N2Share). Figure 129.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive 5. Right click on the folder, and then select Properties. Figure 130. Folder Properties window 136 6. Click on the Sharing tab. 7. Click Share. The File Sharing window displays. 8. Type a name and then click Add, or click the arrow to select someone from the drop-down list.
Niagara 2200 User Guide 9. Use the drop-down list under permission level for this user and select Read/Write. Figure 131. Read/Write permissions 10. Click Share. 11. Repeat steps 2 through 9 to add SCXUser to the Share Permissions. 12. Click Done. Figure 132. File Sharing window 13. Click Close to close the share properties.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive To map the network drive: Note: Create a mapped network drive to the remote shared folder that will reconnect at logon. Once the mapped drive is created and the Niagara 2200 is rebooted, the user will be able to export to the network drive. 1. On the Niagara 2200, open Computer. 2. Under Tools, select Map Network Drive. 3. Select a drive. 4. 5.
Niagara 2200 Series User Guide Index A Active Encoder Group window, 71 Active Network Link field, 81 Activity Log window, 89 Added Users, 132 Address bar, 27 Admin Log In window, 21, 27 Administrator Properties, 134 Administrators Properties window, 133 Advanced Network Settings, 81 Advanced Settings, 81 MPEG4 Audio settings, 48 H.
Index C (cont.
Niagara 2200 User Guide I Network Card(s) field, 80 Importing DRM profile, 115 Network Cards, 80 Install Overview, 10 Network Properties window, 80 Installing the Supero Doctor III client and Supero Doctor III SNMPAgent Service, 100 New User window, 132 Installing ViewCast SNMP Agent Service the first time, 95 IP address, 27, 81 IP Route table, 82 Network Properties, 80 Niagara 2200 Back panel, 14 Browser Windows Flow, 18 Front Panel diagram, 12 Network name, 81 Web Interface, 19 L Niagara SCX
Index R (cont.
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