COBHAM M2D Operation Manual
Technical Operations Manual
The most important thing we build is trust.
Messenger 2 Decoder
(M2D)
Cobham Surveillance
GMS Products
1916 Palomar Oaks Way Ste 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
100-M0134X1B 07/15/10 T: 760-496-0055
F: 760-496-0057
www.cobham.com/gms
Table of Contents
1. ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 ABOUT THE MANUAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 THE MANUAL IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MAIN SECTIONS: ...................................................................................................... 6
2.3 WARRANTY .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4 SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................................ 6
3. GENERAL SYSTEM INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 M2D DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 KEY SYSTEM FEATURES .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 THEORY OF OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 N
4. INITIAL CHECK OUT ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
5. HARDWARE OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................................... 11
ORMAL OR ULTRA-LOW LATENCY MODES .......................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 F
RONT PANEL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................................. 11
5.1.1 ON/OFF Power Switch ............................................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.2 Local Control Panel ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.3 Status Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.4 A/V Connectors ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.2 REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2.1 DC PWR .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.2.2 LAN ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.3 ASI IN ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2.4 ASI OUT ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2.5 HD-SDI/SDI ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.6 SNYC .................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.7 Y,Pb,Pr ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2.8 VID ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.9 DVI ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.10 MISC I/O ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.11 AUD 1 & AUD 2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.12 RF1 & RF2 .................................................................................................................................................................... 14
6. LOCAL FRONT PANEL DISPLAY & SCREENS EXPLAINED ................................................................. 14
6.1 F
LOW CHART (INCLUDING THE GENLOCK OPTION ) .......................................................................................................... 15
6.1.1 Main Menu ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.1.2 Status Menu .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1.3 Setup Menu ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.1.4 System Setup .................................................................................................................................................................. 21
7. GENLOCK (OPTION) ..................................................................................................................................................... 23
8. EMBEDDED AUDIO (OPTION) .............................................................................................................................. 23
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9. MULTI PROGRAM TRANSPORT STREAM ..................................................................................................... 23
10. SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 24
11. UPGRADING NEW FIRMWARE THROUGH THE IP PORT ................................................................. 29
12. TROUBLESHOOTING SECTION ............................................................................................................................ 36
List of Figures
Figure 1 Block Diagram ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2 Check Out ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3 Front Panel .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 4 Rear Panel ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 6 Main ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 7 Status Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 8 Setup Menu ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 9 Genlock Menu ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 11 Web Interface .................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 12 Authentication ................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 13 Main Screen ......................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 14 Browse for File .................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 15 Progress Screen .................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Figure 16 Status Screen ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 17 Xilinx Browse Screen ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
List of Tables
Table 1 Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Table 2 Ethernet Connector ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
Table 3 Pin Out MISC I/O ................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 4 Video Scaler Modes ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
Table 5 T/S................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36
List of Appendices
Appendix A – Cable, M2D, Mic Conn Pigtail (780-C0485) ............................................................................................... 38
Appendix B – Cable, M2D/MVRD ext Power, Pigtail (780-C0484) ............................................................................... 39
Appendix C – Power Cable (473-064) ......................................................................................................................................... 40
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Revision History
Version Date Main Changes from Previous Version Created by
X1 02-17-10 Initial Release TG
X1A 05-13-10 Add Embedded Audio feature TG.
X1B 07-15-10 Update LCD front menu to correspond to latest
Firmware release
TG.
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1. Acronyms
This section lists and describes the various acronyms used in this document.
Table 1 Acronyms
Name Meaning
A/V Audio/Video
AVC Advance Video Coding
CBR Continuous Bit Rate
CIF Common Intermediate Format 352 X 288 resolution
COFDM Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
CVBS Composite Video
DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DVI Digital Video Interface
GUI Graphical User Interface
HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface
I/O Input/ Output
KBaud Kilobaud per second
Kbps Kilobits per second
LAN Local Area Network
M2D Messenger 2 Decoder
M2T Messenger 2 Transmitter
Mbps Megabits per second
MDL Messenger Digital Link
MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group
MPTS Multi Program Transport Stream
NAL Network Abstraction Layer
NTSC National Television System Committee
PAL Phase Alternation Line
PID Packet Identifier
PMT Program Map Table
RF Radio Frequency
RX Receiver
TX Transmitter
VDC Volts (Direct Current)
UDP User Datagram Protocol
VBR Variable Bit Rate
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2. Introduction
2.1 About the Manual
This manual provides information on how to operate the M2D (Messenger 2 Decoder) as well as
pertinent technical information related to the overall system.
2.2 The manual is divided into three main sections:
Getting started and basic operation (sections 3 & 4)
This section describes to users how to deploy and use a M2D unit. It also provides basic theory
and general information regarding the M2D.
Advanced operation (sections 5 - 8)
This section describes the operation of the system, hardware details and optional features in more
depth.
Technical Specifications (section 9)
This section provides technical specifications and control protocol data and will be of interest to
those integrating the M2D into larger systems or using unusual configurations.
2.3 Warranty
GMS offers a 12 month standard product warranty. During this period, should the customer
encounter a fault with the equipment we recommend the following course of action:
Check the support section of the website (www.cobham.com/gms) for information on
that product and any software/firmware upgrades.
If a fault persists call our support line (760-496-0055, 888-880-9339) and report the
fault. If you are informed to return the product, please obtain an RMA number from the
GMS support department or website and ship the equipment with the RMA number
displayed and a description of the fault. Please email the airway bill/consignment number
for tracking purposes to our customer support department.
Depending on the nature of the fault GMS will attempt to repair the equipment and return it to
the customer within 14 days of the item arriving at our factory. Obviously at times there will be
circumstances beyond our control and delays are sometimes inevitable.
2.4 Safe Operating Procedures
If using an off the shelf power supply ensure it meets the requirements (see specifications
under section 9) before powering up the M2D.
Operate within the environmental limits (see section 9, specifications) specified for the
product.
Warranty could be voided if the unit is opened. There are no functions that required the user to
gain access to the interior of the product
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3. General System Information
3.1 M2D Description
The Messenger 2 Decoder (M2D) is a companion product to GMS’ Encoders and Transmitters
providing the highest Video Quality with Ultra-Low Latency and Fast Recovery essential for
Wireless coverage of Real-Time events such as Sports and Surveillance Applications. It supports HD
& SD AVC Baseline Profile Decoding with certain additions and exclusions as described in the
specification section below including interlaced support.
It provides AVC (Advance Video Coding) decoding with resolutions from CIF (Common
Intermediate Format) up to 1920 x 1080, frame rates to 60 frames per second with Progressive or
Interlaced formats, CBR (continuous bit rate) or VBR (variable bit rate) all with just 45 mS delay
when encoded with a GMS AVC encoder. Additionally with GMS’ AVC Encoders Instantaneous
Decoder Refresh or re-lock can occur on slice boundaries providing the fastest recovery from
corrupted streams. Both Frame and Field based Decoding is supported.
Note: The M2D supports Ultra-Low Delay mode of GMS Messenger 2 TXs (M2T & M2T-
C) only. Normal Mode is not currently supported.
3.2 Product Highlights
Provides Ultra-Low-Latency for Real-Time Applications(<44mS) when used with GMS’
Messenger 2 AVC Encoders and Transmitters
Built-in HD to SD Down-Conversion
Compact Design with Local Control & Monitoring
Optionally mounts to GMS MSR COFDM Rx
3.3 Key System Features
DVB-ASI and LAN** Inputs & Outputs
Supports ISO 13818 Transport Stream Demuxing & NAL Streams
Support up to 60 megabits per second H.264 stream processing
Pre-processing adaptive noise filter – MCTF
HD-SDI, DVI, Component & Composite Video Outputs
Balanced Analog Audio Outputs plus Digital Audio
SDI embedded audio
Optional Genlock Capability
Ethernet Port Connectivity (10/100 Mbits/s) for Streaming** and Control/Monitoring**
** Note: In Development
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3.4 Theory of Operation
The M2D Decoder includes both DVB-ASI and Ethernet ports (refer to figure 1 block diagram
below). The system also offers a choice of transport protocols with support for AVC embedded
within a MPEG-2 TS (ASI input or over IP**) and raw H.264 bit streams. Both transport mechanisms
can be delivered over UDP** and RTP/UDP**. A compressed stream can be input from the DVB-ASI
interface, and reformatted for IP Streaming** and output at the same time that it is being locally
decoded.
Optional AES
Decryption
DVB-ASI
Input
Circuit
DVB-ASI
Output
Circuit
TS Demux
User Data
Extraction
AVC Decoder
Audio Decoder
User Data
HD-SDI/
SDI
DVI
Component
Composite
GEN Lock
Front Control Panel
Streaming
Streaming
Embedded
Controller
Processor
Control & Status
Control & Status
Figure 1 Block Diagram
The Decoder can be set to tune both video and audio in two ways: Auto or Manual. In Auto
mode the unit will self acquire the first MPEG program in the transport stream and decode the first
audio & video PID listed in the PMT for that Program.
In Manual mode the program number can be selected when Multi Program Transport Streams
(MPTS) are present. Within the selected MPEG program, each of the two** audio processors can
have an audio PID from that program selected.
The M2D can be controlled through its front-panel control interface. Additionally, it has two LED
status lights. The green “Lock” LED notifies user that the M2D has a valid ASI stream and is able to
decode the Transport Steam. The second red LED status light is for “Error” conditions.
The Decoder incorporates error resiliency features. In the event of damaged bit-stream the
Decoder can replace the corrupt slice with skips and resume decoding at the next NAL (Network
Abstraction Layer) unit. Alternatively it can freeze the output until a new I-frame is received.
** In Development
LAN
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3.5 Normal or Ultra-Low Latency Modes
All GMS Messenger products include two operating modes that relate to system latency. In
“Normal” latency mode GMS offers full compatibility with conventional digital video products. In
this mode, delay will be equivalent to the normal delay found in commercial equipment (250msec
to 500msec, decoder dependant).
The Ultra-low latency mode provides an incredibly low system latency of down to ~44msec plus“
propagation time! This unique capability provides the fastest response times to time critical
situations. The main contributor to normal operating mode latency is the size of the “I” or IntraRefresh frame and the time it takes for this to travel through the wireless link. The ‘I’ frame is
normally 5-7 times larger than the “P” or Progressive frames. In Ultra-low latency mode we perform
a non-conventional compression operation. We break-up the I-frame and send it in pieces along
with multiple P-frames. This tends to level or smooth the data throughput through our Constant Bit
Rate (CBR) wireless link. This allows the latency to be dramatically reduced!
.
This non-conventional operating mode is part of the MPEG standard. However, it is not universally
supported by all commercial vendors because many applications do not need to deal with its
complexity.
4. Initial Check Out
Prior to installing a M2D unit into the desired target environment, an initial checkout should be
performed to ensure proper operation of the unit. The initial checkout consists of taking an ASI
source and feeding it into the ASI IN of the M2D and ensuring video and audio are decoded.
The M2D is pretty much a ‘plug & play’ unit and thus is ready to work “right out of the box”.
Just supply a power source and power cable along with an ASI stream, switch on the unit and it will
start to decode without any input from the user.
The following power supply and power cable are available from the factory as follows:
780-C0485 Cable, M2D Mic Conn Pigtail
473-064-G Power Supply with Mic Connector
If a +12Vdc source is already available with the proper current handling capability (see
specifications under section 9) then only a pigtail cable with the proper connector needs to be
ordered.
780-C0484 Cable
The basic setup is shown in Figure 2 below.
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Audio
ASI Source
Power Supply
+12Vdc
Figure 2 Check Out
Provide power to the M2D by attaching GMS # 473-064-G pigtail mic connector to the M2D
“DC PWR” connector and to GMS power supply 780-C0485. Plug the supply into a wall
socket.
Note: If using an off the shelf power supply ensure it can source at least 1.5A at
+12VDC and use GMS pigtail cable # 780-C0484 to attach to the M2D.
Attach a known good ASI stream (DVB compliant) into the ASI IN connector of the M2D.
Attach video cables from the video outputs to a monitor.
Attach audio cables from the audio XLR connectors to speakers.
Power on the M2D by toggling the “PWR” switch on the front panel to up position. The two
LEDs on the front panel momentarily turn on & off. After a few seconds the front panel LCD
lights and displays the “AVC Messenger 2 Decoder” logo and then displays the TS (transport
screen). It should decode the video and audio from the program on the TS. The front “LOCK”
green LED should light.
The initial checkout described above is simply to check the basic video operation of the M2D
unit.
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5. Hardware Overview
5.1 Front Panel Description
Front Panel view of M2D is shown in Figure 3 below. A brief description of the LEDs, power switch,
connectors, and front panel are stated below.
Figure 3 Front Panel
5.1.1 ON/OFF Power Switch
The PWR switch is a toggle type switch, up for ON and down for OFF.
5.1.2 Local Control Panel
The Local Control Panel consists of a backlit LCD Display (dual line, 16 characters per line) and
4-button keypad, ENTR, CTRL, the up and the down arrows.
Refer to the flowcharts (see section 6).
The CTRL key allows the user to sequence through each of the available menus.
The ENTR key allows the user to enter sub-menus when available and to confirm a
selection.
The UP and DOWN arrows are for toggling through various selections when available.
5.1.3 Status Indicators
The green LOCK LED lights when the M2D receives a valid MPEG Transport Stream (TS).
The red ERROR LED lights when an error occurs in the unit:
When the unit first powers up and when there is no TS, a corrupt TS or a non-valid TS
For units with the optional Genlock :
Genlock function is enabled but the M2D can’t lock to the reference Genlock
clock.
The Genlock reference input signal does not match the video format which is
decoded.
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Note: If the red error LED lights on the front panel and the unit has Multi-Program or
Genlock optional features installed then it’s a good idea to check the STATUS menu (see
section 6.2.2) for clues as to why the errors are occurring.
5.1.4 A/V Connectors
VID yellow RCA-F type connector is the port for Composite Video. When processing HD
AVC the composite video out is from an internal video scaler. When unable to scale the
output displays color bars.
Note: The Video Scaler does not always accurately represent the HD signal. Test
patterns with very narrow lines can be distorted by the scaler. However, it does an
acceptable job of converting normal video from a camera.
AUD 1 and AUD 2 red and white respectively are single ended audio outputs, type RCA-
F connectors. Audio levels are not adjustable from the M2D.
5.2 Rear Panel Description
Figure 4 shows the rear view of the M2D. A brief description of the connectors (type and
function) is mentioned here. Refer to the specifications section (section 9) for additional detailed
information.
5.2.1 DC PWR
The DC PWR consists of a three pin connector:
Pin 1: +Vcc (+12Vdc)
Pin 2: Return
Pin 3: Chassis Ground
Mating Connector Type: AMD Tyco Electronics PN: 172166-1
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Figure 4 Rear Panel
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