Niagara® 9100 Series User Guide
© 2011 ViewCast Corporation. All rights reserved. ViewCast, Niagara SCX, ViewCast logo, SimulStream, Niagara, GoStream, Niagara logo, and Osprey are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries. Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows, Windows Media, and Silverlight are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation QuickTime, iPhone, iPad, and iPod are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Contents Before You Begin ................................................................................................................ 1 Product description.......................................................................................................................... 1 Audience .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Conventions for this guide ..................
Contents Creating an encoder....................................................................................................................... 29 Viewing all encoders ...................................................................................................................... 30 Starting an encoder........................................................................................................................ 31 Stopping an encoder ......................................................
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab ................................................................................................................................. 95 Audio tab ................................................................................................................................. 99 Output tab ............................................................................................................................. 100 Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder with digital inputs ....
Contents Changing the login password from the factory default ........................................................ 155 Configuring alerts ......................................................................................................................... 156 Configuring network properties .................................................................................................. 157 Configuring network cards ...................................................................................
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Before You Begin Thank you for purchasing the ViewCast Niagara 9100 series streaming media system. The Niagara 9100 is a high-density/high-performing multiple encoder platform for service providers, broadcasters, and enterprises. The Niagara 9100 can be configured for a variety of video and audio inputs including HD SDI, component, Y/C, composite video with balanced, unbalanced, embedded, and AES/EBU audio. For the latest ViewCast product information and news, visit www.
Before You Begin Conventions for this guide This guide uses the following document conventions to help you identify different types of information. Convention Bold text Note: IMPORTANT! 2 Description Characters to enter when referenced in a procedure. The name of fields or keys to press. Provides supplemental information. Provides important data that affects how the system or software responds. Example In the example, enter DTMF as the group type. Press Enter to save your changes.
Niagara 9100 Series 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, you 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 to comply with FCC radio emission limits. WARNING! Modifications to this device not approved by ViewCast Corporation could void the FCC-granted authority for you to operate the device. WARNING! The Niagara 9100 series complies with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Installing additional software 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) including those regulations governing the recovery and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Warnings Only trained and qualified personnel should install, replace, or service this system. Do not attempt to open the case of the system. If you do so, you incur a high risk of electrical shock that may cause damage to the system or personal physical injury or death to you and/or others. No userserviceable parts exist inside the system. If you open the system 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 system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Overview Before you can use your Niagara 9100 series streaming media system, you first need to set up and configure it. This chapter is dedicated to providing you with the details and step-by-step instructions you need to make your installation as quick-and-easy as possible.
Overview Install overview You must complete the following primary tasks to install the Niagara system: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Address and comply with all prerequisites. Connect the Niagara system using its power source. Connect the video source (camera or video recorder) to the system. Connect the system to an IP network. Configure the Niagara system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide System requirements Ensure your computer meets the following system requirements. Browser interface Any Firefox or Internet Explorer (IE)-based computer, workstation, or laptop that interfaces to a dynamic host configuration protocol/domain name server (DHCP/DNS)compatible network User Interface High-speed Internet and dial-up users Specifications ViewCast Multi-core processors 500 GB SATA HDD 1U rack mount system (1RU x 17” W x 25.6” D) 41 lbs (18.
Overview Niagara 9100 series front panel You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara 9100 series. Remove the front panel to access additional functionality such as USB ports and the power button. Figure 2 and the table below illustrate the buttons and lights that constitute the front panel functions. Figure 2. Niagara 9100 series front panel A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. Hard-drive bays. Pull the lever to release the bay.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide N. Universal information LED light: Fast blinking red – fan failure Slow blinking red – power failure Solid red – CPU overheat Solid blue – Local UID button depressed Blinking blue – IPMI-activated UID O. P. Press the reset button to reboot the system. The main power button is used to turn off the power supply to the server system. Turning off system power removes the main power but keeps standby power supplied to the system.
Overview Niagara 9100 series back panel Figure 3 illustrates all connectors and other components of the Niagara 9100 series back panel. The connectors vary depending on the Osprey capture card installed. Figure 3 depicts the connectors for two Osprey 700e cards. Figure 3. Niagara 9100 series back panel 14 A. Provides system power. B. Use this port to connect a PS/2 mouse. C. Use this port to connect a PS/2 keyboard. D.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Connecting the system The following steps refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 9100 series systems only. To connect the system: 1. Connect the appropriate video and audio connectors (item J on Figure 3). 2. Connect the power AC adaptor (item A on Figure 3). 3. Attach the system to the network input (item H on Figure 3). 4. Press Power (item P on Figure 2).
Overview Niagara 9100 series directional buttons The Niagara 9100 series directional buttons (Figure 4) are located on front panel. The buttons direct the system menu that is also on the front panel. The menu allows you to view the status of the system and monitor. The system menu displays automatically when the Niagara 9100 is booted up. See Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) for a complete reference guide to the functions available through the system menu. Figure 4.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Niagara 9100 series home page The home page (Figure 5) is the first page presented after you log into the Niagara SCX remote management software. From this page, you can access the different windows for configuring, controlling, and monitoring the activities and alerts of the Niagara system. Figure 5. Series home page Menu bar commands The home page menu bar allows you to use the commands described in the table below.
Overview Menu Status Command Function Log Out 18 View Activity Log – View all system activities including the time and date of each event. View Alerts – View all alerts including the time and date of each alert. Log out of the system and return to the login screen.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Niagara 9100 series browser windows flow Figure 6 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available configuration windows you may use to configure the Niagara 9100 system. Figure 6.
Overview 20 ViewCast
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Easy Setup You should perform most setup and operations by accessing the web interface from a computer that resides on the same network as your Niagara system. The web interface provides the ability to control your Niagara system remotely from a computer that can be rooms or continents away from the system if both your Niagara system and the computer have Internet access to communicate with each other.
Easy Setup Web interface The web interface presents a logical flow of configuration information for the encoding system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Easy first time set up You should read all instructions, notices, and warnings in the Before You Begin section before getting started with your new Niagara system 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.
Easy Setup Performing the initial startup The steps in the following table refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 9100 series systems only. To perform the initial startup: 1. Ensure that you connect all devices (power cords, cables, audio/video sources, etc.) to the system. 2. Remove the front panel by pressing the release button and gently pulling the cover toward you. 3. Press Power on the front panel to start the system. Allow the system to boot. 4.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 6. The first time you start the Niagara 9100 and log in, the system prompts you for the date, time, and video standard. You may accept the default date, time, and video standard or enter your desired date, time, and video standard (Figure 8). Note: The Video Standard options in the drop-down list will vary depending on the configuration of your system. Figure 8. Date and time settings 7. Click Submit. 8.
Easy Setup Connecting to an IP network The Niagara 9100 series systems have two 1 Gbit network interface ports. The network settings for these ports default to dynamically obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the network. If a DHCP server is not available or is not found on the network, the system assigns its own IP address. Note: If you are not familiar with network protocols, contact your network administrator for assistance.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Basic Operations Basic operations include but are not limited to the following: Creating an encoder Viewing all encoder Starting an encoder Editing an encoder Stopping an encoder Logging in To log in: 1. Locate the serial number on the side or bottom of the system (in the format fe11430001). 2. Open the web browser on your computer. 3. You can either: Type the Niagara 9100 serial number in the address bar (Figure 10). Figure 10.
Basic Operations 6. Press Log In. The Niagara 9100 Welcome window and menu bar appear (Figure 13). Figure 13.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Creating an encoder The Niagara 9100 does not have any default encoders. You must create an encoder before you start streaming. To create an encoder, click Encoders All Encoders. The Encoders window displays (Figure 14). Figure 14. Encoders window To create an encoder: 1. Click the Create New Encoder link. The Create New Encoder window displays (Figure 15). Figure 15. Create New Encoder window 2. Select the Encoder Type from the drop-down list. 3.
Basic Operations Viewing all encoders The Encoders window provides a list of the encoders loaded on the Niagara 9100 series system. On the home page, click Encoders All Encoders. Figure 16. Encoders window 30 A. Click this link to edit the encoder properties, streaming settings, and advanced streaming settings. B. Click this link to delete an encoder from the list. C. Displays the encoder type (for example the Flash icon D. Displays the name you assigned to the encoder. E.
Niagara 9100 Series 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 17) in the Streaming column for the encoder you want to start streaming. Figure 17. Stopped icon Messages appear detailing the encoder start progress (Figure 18). Figure 18.
Basic Operations Stopping an encoder To stop an encoder, on the home page click Encoders All Encoders. To stop an encoder: 1. Click the blue circle (started) icon of the encoder you wish to stop streaming (Figure 20). Figure 20. Started icon Messages appear detailing the encoder stop progress (Figure 21). Figure 21. Encoder status The Encoders window appears with the encoder status updated to reflect the Stopped mode and the streaming indicator changes to a red circle Stopped icon (Figure 22).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Connecting an external storage device The Niagara 9100 series systems have two USB ports on the front panel and two on the back panel. You can connect almost any standard USB device to one or both of these ports. You can then export any audiovisual files you may have created on the system’s local storage drive. The local storage drive is drive D when you use the Save to File setting from the web interface.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Advanced Operations The Niagara system includes a web interface, which allows you to access the advanced system settings. The web interface also provides detailed settings and controls over the encoder profiles installed on the Niagara system.
Advanced Operations Adaptive Apple HTTP Live streaming encoder with analog inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an Adaptive Apple HTTP live streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 24. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Advanced Operations Figure 25. Custom fields 5. Enter the seconds for the GOP/Segment Length. 6. In the adaptive encoder video stream table, indicate which stream the player will use first (see Adaptive encoder video stream table). Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 26). 7. Figure 26. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 27).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. 9. 10. Select Add Statistics to overlay video statistics within the video stream for diagnostic purposes. Click Save Settings. Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 28) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first.
Advanced Operations Figure 29. Additional functions 40 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.” Initial Click this link to have the player use this stream first. The settings for the initial stream appear in bold.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an Adaptive Apple encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 30. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. Drag the slider to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an Adaptive Apple encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 31. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Network Host. CAUTION! Simultaneously publishing to server and file system increases CPU usage. 42 2. Select the Host Address. Note: When you select ftp://, the Passive FTP Mode displays.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 10. Accept the default location that displays in the Folder field or choose your own location for the file. To choose your own personal location, select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the Folder field to display the options. Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. Figure 32. 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.
Advanced Operations Adaptive Adobe Flash Dynamic streaming encoder with analog inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash dynamic streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 34. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Advanced Operations When you click Custom, two additional fields appear so you can enter the exact size you want the resulting video to be (Figure 35). Note: The size in the Width and Height fields must be divisible by 2. Figure 35. Custom fields 5. 6. 7. Enter the seconds for the GOP/Segment Length. In the adaptive encoder video stream table, indicate which stream the player will use first (see Adaptive encoder video stream table).
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 or SECAM as the video standard. 9. 10. 11. 12. Select Add Statistics to overlay video statistics within the video stream for diagnostic purposes. Select Embed Timecode to enable embed system time as timecode. This action tags individual video frames with timecode data.
Advanced Operations C. The bit rate displays in kilobits per second. This field can only contain whole numbers. Note: Two streams at the same bit rate cannot run simultaneously. D. Displays the frames per second. You can enter up to two decimal places. E. Displays the width of the picture frame in the stream. F. Displays the height of the picture frame in the stream. G.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash dynamic streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 40. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. Drag the slider to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash dynamic streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 41. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Flash Media Server. CAUTION! Simultaneously publishing to server and file system increases CPU usage. 2. Enter the destination FMS Address.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 a Flash Media 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. 6. Select Create unique folder to create a file that the system does not overwrite. 7. Enter the user authentication Type.
Advanced Operations Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder with analog inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 44. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Advanced Operations Note: The size in the Width and Height fields must be divisible by 2. Figure 45. Custom fields 5. 6. 7. Enter the seconds for the GOP/Segment Length. In the adaptive encoder video stream table, indicate which stream the player will use first (see Adaptive encoder video stream table). Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 46). Figure 46. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 or SECAM as the video standard. 9. 10. Select Add Statistics to overlay video statistics within the video stream for diagnostic purposes. Click Save Settings. Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 48) contains five default streams.
Advanced Operations Figure 49. Additional functions 56 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 50. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. Drag the sliders to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 51. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Publish to IIS Host. 2. Enter the destination Host Address. Note: The Stream Path that displays is a combination of the host address and the publish point. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 58 Enter the Publish Point.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide right of the Folder field and display the options (Figure 52). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. See Connecting an external storage device for instructions on saving video files to a USB storage device. Figure 52. 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.
Advanced Operations Adobe Flash H.264 encoder with analog inputs 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 H.264 Presets tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 54. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Advanced Operations When you click Custom, two additional fields appear so you can enter the exact size you want the resulting video to be (Figure 55). Note: The size in the Width and Height fields must be divisible by 2. Figure 55. Custom fields 5. Select the Video Encoder from the drop-down list. 6. Enter the frames per second in the Frame Rate field. 7. Enter the Bitrate. 8. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 56). Figure 56.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 or SECAM as the video standard. 10. Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 58. 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 on the back of the system and your audio source. 64 2. Click the audio Format from the drop-down list. 3. Click the Bitrate from the drop-down list. 4.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 59. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to enable live Flash streaming. 2. Enter the proper IP address in the Server Address field. 3. Enter the Stream Name. 4. 5. Select the Authentication Type from the drop-down list.
Advanced Operations capture.f4v. Figure 60. 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. 11. 66 Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide H.264 Presets These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations (Figure 61). Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Refer to Appendix B for suggested values for the type of video you are streaming. Use the following table to configure the H.264 analog presets for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 61. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1.
Advanced Operations AVI encoder with analog inputs 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 63. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Advanced Operations Figure 64. Custom fields 5. 6. 7. Select the Format from the drop-down list. Enter the Frame Rate. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 65). Figure 65. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 66). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. 9. ViewCast Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 67. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 72 2. Click the Audio Format from the drop-down list. 3.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 68. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. You can: Use the default setting, Save to File, to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file. Click Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. 2.
Advanced Operations Figure 69. 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. 3. 74 Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide MPEG4 encoder with analog inputs 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.
Advanced Operations Video tab Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 71. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide When you click Custom, two additional fields (Figure 72) appear so you can enter the exact size you want the resulting video to be. Note: The size in the Width and Height fields must be divisible by 2. Figure 72. Custom fields IMPORTANT! Ensure all of the encoders using the same video Proportion and Size settings also use the same Video and Audio Source settings. For example, all encoders capturing at Standard proportion and CIF size are set to Video Device 1.
Advanced Operations Inverse Telecine – Drops the redundant fields and reassembles the video in a 24 fps progressive format. – Applies inverse telecine de-interlacing to all telecine video. – Performs no de-interlacing of video that is not telecine. –Available for NTSC video only. Motion Adaptive – Is an algorithm for de-interlacing pure video (non-telecine) content. – Applies motion adaptive interlacing to all video.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide H264 – 3G2 This setting creates an H.264 stream stored in a 3G2 container. MPEG4 – 3GP This setting creates an MPEG-4 stream stored in a 3GP container. MPEG4 – 3G2 This setting creates an MPEG-4 stream stored in a 3G2 container. H263 – 3GP This setting creates an H.263 stream stored in a 3GP container. H263 – 3G2 This setting creates an H.263 stream stored in a 3G2 container. Table 2. Valid output container selections for video encoder types Container MP4 H.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 75. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. 80 2. Click the Audio Format. 3. Click the Audio Type. The drop-down list box provides two choices: Main – The same as Low Complexity, but adds backward prediction.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 76. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to stream your audiovisual content via RTSP. 2. Set the appropriate streaming properties. Note: The default settings will enable multicast streaming.
Advanced Operations 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 77). To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 78. 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.
Advanced Operations MPEG-4 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-4 presets analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 79. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Microsoft Windows Media encoder with analog inputs 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 Use the following table to configure the video analog input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 81. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Note: When SimulStream is enabled, you may use the same input source in another encoding profile.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide When you click Custom, two additional fields appear so you can enter the exact size you want the resulting video to be (Figure 82). Note: The size in the Width and Height fields must be divisible by 2. Figure 82. Custom fields IMPORTANT! Ensure all of the encoders using the same video Proportion and Size settings also use the same Video and Audio Source settings. 5. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation. Figure 83.
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 or SECAM as the video standard. 7. 88 Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio analog input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 85. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. 2. Drag the slider to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3. (Optional) Select Mute Audio to silence audio. 4. Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Figure 86. 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.
Advanced Operations 12. Accept the default location that displays in the File Name field or choose your own location for the file. To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options (Figure 87). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles with a default file name of capture.wmv. Figure 87. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 88).
Advanced Operations Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder with digital inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 90. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. The Input field setting is SerialDigital. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the system and your video source. 3.
Advanced Operations 7. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 92). Figure 92. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 93). 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 94) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 94. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Advanced Operations Figure 95. Additional functions 98 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.” Initial Click this link to have the player use this stream first. The settings for the initial stream appear in bold.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 96. Audio tab To configure audio settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. Drag the sliders to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3. (Optional) Select Mute Audio to silence the audio. 4. Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an Adaptive Apple encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 97. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Network Host. CAUTION! Simultaneously publishing to server and file system increases CPU usage. 2. Select the Host Address: http:// ftp:// Note: When you select ftp://, the Passive FTP Mode displays.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 10. Accept the default location that displays in the Folder field or choose your own location for the file (Figure 98). To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or …) to the right of the Folder field to display the options. Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. See Connecting an external storage device for instructions on saving video files to a USB storage device. Figure 98.
Advanced Operations Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder with digital inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. 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 audio and video settings for each encoder type. Use the Video, Audio, and Output tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 100. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Input field, the video input is SerialDigital. 3. In the Size field, select the pixel size of the encoded video from the pre-determined sizes in the drop-down list.
Advanced Operations Figure 102. Video Filter Settings Note: Click the Restore button to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 6. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 103). 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 104) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 104. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Advanced Operations When you hover your cursor over a stream setting, additional functions display (Figure 105). Figure 105. Additional functions 106 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 106. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. Drag the slider to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 107. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Stream to Flash Media Server. 2. Enter the destination FMS Address. Note: The Stream Path that displays is a combination of the FMS (Flash Media Server) address and the stream name. 3. Enter the Stream Name. 4.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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 a Flash Media 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. 6. 7. Select Create Unique file. Enter the Filename. Note: The File System that displays is a combination of the Folder and Filename. 8.
Advanced Operations Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder with digital inputs To create an adaptive encoder, Encoders All Encoders Create New Encoder link Encoder Name field Publisher drop-down list. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 110. 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.
Advanced Operations 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 112). Figure 112. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 113). 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Adaptive encoder video stream table The adaptive encoder video stream table (Figure 114) contains five default streams. You can add a new stream, edit, delete, disable, and set which stream the player will use first. You can sort each column by clicking on the column heading. The system validates the stream settings according to the capabilities of your Niagara system. Figure 114. Adaptive encoder video stream table A. The table displays five streams at a time.
Advanced Operations Figure 115. Additional functions 114 Edit Click this link to change the settings for a particular stream. Click Update to accept the changes. Note: Click Cancel to stop this action. Del Click this link to delete the stream. Disable Click this link to disable this stream. The settings are still visible but appear to be “crossed out.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down lists may vary. Figure 116. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. Drag the sliders to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an Adaptive Microsoft Smooth Streaming encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 117. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Publish to IIS Host. 2. Enter the destination Host Address. Note: The Stream Path that displays is a combination of the host address and the publish point. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 116 Enter the Publish Point.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide right of the Folder field and display the options (Figure 118). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles. See Connecting an external storage device for instructions on saving video files to a USB storage device. Figure 118. 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.
Advanced Operations Adobe Flash H.264 encoder with digital inputs 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 H.264 Presets tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 120. 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 Niagara 9100 and your video source. 3.
Advanced Operations 5. Enter the frames per second in the Frame Rate field. 6. Enter the Bitrate. 7. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 122). Figure 122. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 8. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 123). Options include: None – Performs no de-interlacing of any kind.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide ViewCast 121
Advanced Operations Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 124. 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 on the back of the system and your audio source. 122 2. Click the audio Format from the drop-down list. 3. Click the Bitrate from the drop-down list.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for a Flash encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 125. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to enable live Flash streaming. 2. Enter the proper IP address in the Server Address field. 3. Enter the Stream Name. 4. 5. Select the Authentication Type from the drop-down list.
Advanced Operations Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles\ with a default filename of capture.f4v. Figure 126. 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 Flash Media 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. 11. Click Save Settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide H.264 Presets tab Each preset has multiple properties that you can edit. These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations. See Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings for a complete list of typical settings. Use the following table to configure the H.264 digital presets for a Flash encoder. Figure 127. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 settings: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify.
Advanced Operations AVI encoder with digital inputs 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 129. 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.
Advanced Operations 6. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 131). Figure 131. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of the filter to reset the settings to the default. 7. Click the De-Interlace setting you want to apply (Figure 132). 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 133. 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 connectors on the back of the system and your audio source. 2. Click the Audio Format from the drop-down list. 3.
Advanced Operations Output tab Use the following table to configure the output digital input settings for an AVI encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 134. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. You can: Use the default setting, Save to File, to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file. Click Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. 2.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Figure 135. 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. 3. ViewCast Click Save Settings.
Advanced Operations MPEG4 encoder with digital inputs 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 H.264 Presets tabs to edit the settings.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Video tab Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for an MPEG encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 137. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Size field, select the pixel size of the encoded video from the pre-determined sizes in the drop-down list. You can also specify a custom size for your video.
Advanced Operations IMPORTANT: Choose the container type (MP4, 3G2, and 3GP) on the Output tab. 4. 5. 6. 7. If you select MPEG4 from the drop-down list, the MPEG-4 Presets tab displays (see MPEG4 Presets tab). Enter the frames per second in the Frame Rate field. Enter the kilobits per second in the Bitrate field. In the Format field, indicate the color space format. Drag the sliders to adjust the Gamma, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation (Figure 139). Figure 139.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. 9. Click Save Settings. Table 3. 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. Examples of video applications for MPEG-4 are cell phones, some low-end video conferencing systems, and surveillance systems.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 141. 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 connectors on the back of the Niagara system and your audio source. 136 2. Click the Audio Format. 3. Click the Audio Type.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Use the following table to configure the output analog digital settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 142. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Select Enable Streaming to stream your audiovisual content via RTSP. 2. Set the appropriate streaming properties. Note: The default settings will enable multicast streaming.
Advanced Operations 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 143). To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide H.264 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the H.264 presets digital input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 144. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced settings affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations.
Advanced Operations MPEG4 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG-4 presets analog input settings for an MPEG4 encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 145. MPEG-4 Presets tab To configure MPEG-4 presets: 1. Click Edit next to the property you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced settings affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Windows Media encoder with digital inputs 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 Use the following table to configure the video digital input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 147. Video tab To configure video settings: 1. Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. 2. In the Size field, click the pre-determined size of the encoded video from the drop-down list. You can also specify a custom size for your video.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 3. Drag the sliders to adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Hue, and Saturation. Figure 149. Video Filter Settings Note: Click Restore to the right of each field to return the setting to the default. 4. Click the De-Interlace settings you want to apply (Figure 150). 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.
Advanced Operations Audio tab Use the following table to configure the audio digital input settings for a Windows Media encoder. Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary. Figure 151. 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 on the back of the Niagara system and your audio source. 144 2. Drag the slider to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. 3.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Output tab Microsoft® 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 152. Output tab To configure output settings: 1. Click on a Windows Media Capture Profile from the drop-down list. 146 2. Select Enable Pull. 3. Enter a port number that the server will use to pull the stream. 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 9100 Series User Guide 12. Accept the default location that displays in the File Name field or choose your own location for the file. To choose your own personal location select the link (horizontal ellipses or … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options (Figure 153). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles\ with a default filename of capture.wmv. Figure 153. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D.
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 154). Refer to Appendix A on how to set up and import a DRM profile.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Viewing encoder groups Encoder groups represent the cornerstone for streaming on the Niagara system. The Encoder Groups window (Figure 155), a subset of Encoders (on the Encoders window), allows you to view the list of encoder groups available for assignment to the Niagara system. Click Encoders Groups from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 155. Encoder Groups window A. Indicates the CPU usage. B. Click this link to create a new group. C.
Advanced Operations 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 156). Figure 156. Encoder Groups fields To create encoder groups: 1. Enter the name of the group. 2. 3. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit. Note: It is possible to assign an encoder to two different encoder groups.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 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. It is recommended that the total CPU threshold not exceed an average of 80 %. Refer to the Setting CPU thresholds section.
Advanced Operations Editing encoder groups Select the Edit link on the Encoder Groups window. The encoder group fields display (Figure 157). Figure 157. Encoder Groups field To create encoder groups: 1. Enter the name of the group. 2. 3. 152 Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configuring machine properties The Machine Properties window (Figure 158) provides details on software versions, network name, serial number, and hard drive configurations. Click Configuration Machine Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 158. Machine Properties window Most of the data on this window provides information only and users cannot alter it.
Advanced Operations Changing the computer name The Computer Name field contains the current network name for the Niagara system. This name is the same name you typed into the web browser to access the Niagara SCX web interface. To change computer name: 1. Click the Edit link next to the Computer Name field (Figure 159). Figure 159. 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 system.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Changing the login password from the factory default The Niagara 9100 Properties section has two fields: User Name and Serial Number. Only the User Name field can be changed, which changes the User Password from the factory default (Figure 161). Figure 161. Properties section To change the login password: Click the admin link in the User Name field. 1. Note: The system displays a new window (Figure 162) that allows you to change your login password for the web interface.
Advanced Operations Configuring alerts Click Configuration Alerts from the menu bar on the home page. The Alerts Window (Figure 163) allows you to configure alerts for different situations that may occur during streaming or other operations. Figure 163. Alerts window A. Click this link to configure email settings on the System Configuration Settings window. B. Click the Edit link next to the alert you want to change settings on. C.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configuring network properties The Network Properties window (Figure 164) provides detailed information on the current network settings for the Network Card. Click Configuration Network Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 164. Network Properties window Configuring network cards Each Niagara 9100 series system has two 1 Gbit network connections available on the Network Properties window, Network Card(s) field.
Advanced Operations Configuring IP address Depending on your system configuration, you may need to configure the IP Address (Figure 166). Figure 166. IP address To configure IP address: 1. Enable Use the following IP information. 2. Enter the appropriate information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server fields. 3. Click Submit.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide System configuration settings The System Configuration Settings window (Figure 168) allows you to modify your default system settings. You can configure email settings to enable the system to send an email to predefined email addresses any time the system encounters an alert condition. You can also customize the information the system displays on the touch panel when the system runs in idle mode.
Advanced Operations Setting current system configuration You can set the current time, date, and the video standard for all encoders (Figure 169). Figure 169. Current System Configuration To set current system configuration settings: 1. Click the Hour in the drop-down list. 2. Click the Minutes in the drop-down list. 3. Click AM or PM in the drop-down list. 4. Click the Change Date link. A calendar appears. 5. Click the date on the calendar. 6. Click the Video Standard from the drop-down list.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Configuring email/SMTP settings Figure 170. Email/SMTP Setting fields To configure email settings: 1. Enter the email address you want the system to send the email. Separate multiple email addresses with a comma. 2. Enter a valid originating email address. 3. Enter a subject line for your email alert. To configure SMTP (mail settings): 1. Enter the SMTP user name for server access.
Advanced Operations Configuring default directory setting The system stores audiovisual files when you select 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 171) sections for information on setting an encoder profile to create an audiovisual file.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Setting CPU thresholds You may set the CPU Threshold field (Figure 172) to accommodate optimal encoding capabilities. You also may set the time between repetitive intervals for checking the CPU threshold. Figure 172. Encoder Startup Settings Note: ViewCast recommends a CPU threshold setting of 80% or lower.
Advanced Operations Restore Niagara factory defaults Restore to Factory Defaults allows you to restore drive C to its original factory system defaults. This action removes all data (including stored files) on the primary drive and reinstalls the original factory image. Note: Select this option only if you wish to return your system to its factory defaults. Selecting this option erases all data currently stored on drive C and stops all currently running programs.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Viewing the activity log The Activity Log records the encoder Start and Stop events (Figure 174). 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 174. Activity Log window A. B. C. Displays the system date and time stamps for each event. Indicates the type of activity. Select the types of activity you wish to view.
Advanced Operations Viewing alerts Click Status View Alerts (Figure 175) from the home page. The system records the encoder events that register as alerts. The Alerts Window updates with every alert event on the Niagara system. The alerts include any specific alert events for the encoder. Figure 175. Alerts window A. B. C. D. 166 Displays the date and time that the alert occurred. Displays the message ID number for the alert and the description. Indicates the number of alerts.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Connecting an external storage device Each Niagara 9100 series systems provide two USB ports on the rear panel and two on the front panel. You can connect almost any standard USB storage device to these ports. This allows you to export any audiovisual files you created on the local storage drive of the Niagara system. The encoder defaults to set the local storage drive D when you use the Save to File setting with the Niagara system’s web interface.
Niagara 9100 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: DRM for Windows Media To open a remote desktop connection: 1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection (Figure 176). Figure 176. 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 177). Figure 177.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 5. Click the General tab (Figure 178). Figure 178. General tab 6. In the User Name field, type niagara. 7. In the Password field, type password 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.
Appendix A: DRM for Windows Media 9. Start the Windows Media Encoder application on the system (Figure 180). Figure 180. Starting Windows Media Encoder 10. When the New Session Wizard displays, click Cancel (Figure 181). Figure 181. New Session Wizard 11. Click Properties under the top menu bar (Figure 182). Figure 182. Properties tab 12. Click the Security tab. 13. Click Import and browse to the location of the DRM profiles on the system’s hard drive.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 14. Select the DRM profile you wish to import and click Open (Figure 183). Figure 183. DRM Profile 15. Repeat this process for each DRM profile you wish to import. 16. 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. 17. Disconnect Remote Desktop Connection from the system (Figure 184). Do not log out. Figure 184. Disconnect Remote Desktop 18. Restart the system.
Niagara 9100 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 B: 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 9100 Series User Guide Setting Explanation smooth out low bit rate video encodes. In general, values lower than -3 and higher than 3 are usually not used, but could be if so desired. LookaheadFrames This value is the amount of frames the encoder keeps in its buffers to perform various calculations.
Appendix B: 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 9100 Series User Guide Settings Setting Explanation BFramesMax 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. GOPSize This value sets the maximum interval between key frames.
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings Setting Explanation 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. MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison 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 9100 Series User Guide Setting ViewCast Explanation can also improve visual quality at lower bit rates.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup Setting up the network drive for a Niagara system 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 (for example, N9100) One account for the username SCXUser The shared folder is created on the remote PC with full access for both the Niagara system and the SCXUser.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 12. Enable Password never expires. Figure 186. New User window 13. 14. 15. 16. Click Create. Repeat steps 5 through 13 to create the user SCXUser using the password viewcast. Click Close. The two new users appear in the users list. Figure 187. Added Users 17. In Computer Management, click Groups. Figure 188.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 18. 19. Double-click on Administrators. Click Add. Figure 189. Administrators Properties window 20. 21. 22. Click Add. The Select Users window displays. Click Locations. Select the PC, then click OK. Figure 190.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 23. 24. Enter the name of the system (for example, niagara 9100) for the object name, and then click OK. The user name you entered in step 6 appears in the list of Administrators. Figure 191. Administrators Properties 25. Repeat steps 19 through 22 to add SCXUser as an administrator. 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.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide 4. Enter a name for the folder (for example, N7Share). Figure 193.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 5. Right click on the folder, and then select Properties. Figure 194. Folder Properties window 188 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 9100 Series User Guide 9. Use the drop-down list under permission level for this user and select Read/Write. Figure 195. Read/Write permissions 10. Click Share. 11. Repeat steps 2 through 9 to add SCXUser to the Share Permissions. 12. Click Done. Figure 196. File Sharing window 13. Click Close to close the share properties.
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup 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 system is rebooted, you will be able to export to the network drive. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. On the Niagara system, open Computer. Under Tools, select Map Network Drive. Select a drive.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) This section provides information on the front panel LCD display. The display is informational only. You cannot perform any functions from the display. System status menu CPU Displays CPU information. Memory Displays memory information. HDD Displays HDD information including the HDDs in the system and network. Operating System Displays OS information.
Appendix D: System Menu (LCD Display) Monitor status menu CPU&Mem Used Monitors the usage of CPU and memory. Up Time Monitors the up time since the last boot.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Index A Active Network Link field, 158 Activity Log window, 165 Adaptive Apple Analog inputs, 36 Audio tab, 41 Output tab, 42 Video tab, 37 Digital inputs, 94 Audio tab, 99 Output tab, 100 Video tab, 95 Adaptive encoder video stream table, 39, 55, 97, 105, 113 Adaptive Flash Analog inputs, 44 Audio tab, 49 Output tab, 50 Video tab, 45 Digital inputs, 102 Audio tab, 107 Output tab, 108 Video tab, 103 Added Users, 184 Additional functions, 40, 48, 56, 98, 106, 114 Admin Log In
Index Video tab settings, 69 Digital inputs Audio tab settings, 129 Output tab settings, 130 Video tab settings, 127 default directory setting, 162 email settings, 161 Flash Analog inputs Audio tab settings, 64 H.264 Presets tab settings, 67 Output tab settings, 65 Video tab settings, 61 Digital inputs Audio tab settings, 122 H.264 presets tab settings, 125 Output tab settings, 123 Video tab settings, 119 IP address, 158 MPEG4 Analog inputs Audio tab settings, 80 H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide Local Resources tab, 170 New Session Wizard, 172 Properties tab, 172 Remote Desktop Connection, 170 Starting Windows Media Encoder, 172 E easy first setup, 21 Easy first time set up, 23 easy first time setup, 21 Edit Encoder Groups, 150 Editing Encoder Groups, 152 email alert, 156 Email/SMTP Setting fields, 161 Enabling DRM function in Niagara SCX, 169 Encoder Groups field, 152 Encoder Groups fields, 150 Encoder Groups window, 149 Encoder Startup Settings, 163 Encoder status
Index H.
Niagara 9100 Series User Guide directional buttons, 16 Niagra SCX web interface, 167 V Valid output container selections for video encoder types, 79, 135 Video Filter Settings, 38, 46, 54, 62, 70, 77, 87, 96, 103, 112, 120, 128, 134, 143 ViewCast Niagara 9100 Series, Picture of, 1 Viewing activity log, 165 alerts, 166 list of encoder groups, 149 W Warranties, iv web interface, 22 Welcome window, 25, 28 WME Analog inputs, 85 Audio tab, 89 DRM tab, 93 Output tab, 91 Video tab, 86 Digital inputs, 141 Audio
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