epiphan VGA Grid User Manual

Epiphan Technical
Documentation

©2012

Epiphan Systems Inc.

All Rights Reserved

August 2012

VGA Grid™
User Guide

www.epiphan.com

Thank you for choosing Epiphan!

At Epiphan Systems Inc. (“Epiphan”), product function and quality are our top
priority. We make every effort to make sure that our products exceed our
customers’ expectations.

Product Feedback

We regularly contact our customers to ensure product performance and
reliability. We strive to continually enhance our products to accommodate your
needs. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for product improvements.
You can email your comments to [e-mail].

Specifications

You can go to the VGA Grid page of the Epiphan website to get information
about the VGA Grid.

Warranty

All Epiphan Systems products are provided with a 100% return to depot
warranty for one year from the date of purchase.

Technical Support

Epiphan is staffed by a professional support team. If, after checking the FAQs
for your product on the Epiphan website you continue to have outstanding
issues, email a problem report to [e-mail]. To help us solve the
problem efficiently, include the following info:
Your VGA Grid serial number.
The behavior of your VGA Grid LED indicators.
Technical description of the signal source including resolution, refresh rate,
synchronization, type of hardware.
Complete description of the problem you are experiencing.

Copyright © 2012 Epiphan Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Terms and Conditions

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trademarks of Epiphan. All other company and product names and logos may
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Copyright © 2012 Epiphan Systems Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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VGA Grid User Guide

DAMAGES, LOSSES, AND CAUSES OF ACTION RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF
THIS PRODUCT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE AMOUNTS YOU PAID TO
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For additional terms and conditions, please refer to additional sections in this
document.

1 Table of Contents

1 Table of Contents ........................................................................................ 1

2 Overview ..................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Introduction............................................................................................ 5

2.2 Available Product Configurations ........................................................... 7

3 Physical Attributes ...................................................................................... 8

3.1 System Hardware Features .................................................................... 8

3.1.1 VGA Grid Concentrator Hardware Features .......................................... 8

3.1.2 VGA Grid Remote Acquisition Device Hardware Features ..................... 9

3.2 Cables, Connectors and Adapters ........................................................ 11

3.2.1 3.5 mm Mini-jack ................................................................................. 11

3.2.2 VGA to DVI Cable ................................................................................. 12

3.2.3 DVI to DVI Cable ................................................................................... 13

3.2.4 HDMI to DVI Adapter ........................................................................... 14

3.2.5 RJ-45 Male ............................................................................................ 14

4 Getting Started .......................................................................................... 15

4.1 Powering on the system ....................................................................... 15

4.2 Network Connections ........................................................................... 15

4.3 Logging into the Web Admin Interface ................................................ 15

4.3.1 Epiphan’s Network Discovery Utility. ................................................... 16

4.3.2 Logging into the Web Admin Interface Using a Web Browser and the IP

Address of the System ....................................................................................... 16

4.4 Users Logging ....................................................................................... 17

4.4.1 The Administrator User ........................................................................ 17

4.4.2 The Viewer User ................................................................................... 17

4.5 Web Admin Interface ........................................................................... 18

5 Signal Flow Diagrams ................................................................................. 21

6 Signal Capture ........................................................................................... 23

6.1 Connecting Sources .............................................................................. 23

6.1.1 Connecting DVI, VGA or HDMI Input Sources ...................................... 23

6.1.2 Connecting Audio Input Sources .......................................................... 24

6.2 Sources Setup ....................................................................................... 24

6.2.1 Digital source setup ............................................................................. 24

6.2.2 Composite and S-Video Source Setup .................................................. 27

6.2.3 Remote source setup ........................................................................... 28

6.2.4 Adding a network grabber ................................................................... 29

6.3 Audio Configuration ............................................................................. 29

7 Channel Setup ........................................................................................... 30

7.1 Creating and Deleting a Channel .......................................................... 30

7.2 Multiple Sources Channel Setup .......................................................... 33

7.3 Select Video Codec ............................................................................... 35

7.4 Set Video Encoding Constraints/Parameters ....................................... 35

7.5 Select Audio Format ............................................................................. 38

8 Streaming .................................................................................................. 39

8.1 HTTP or RTSP Streaming ....................................................................... 41

8.2 Using an IP Multicast Network ............................................................. 41

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8.2.1 Setting up an RTP Multicast from Stream Setup .................................. 43

8.2.2 Setting up an RTP Multicast from Publish Stream ............................... 44

8.3 Using a Content Distribution Network ................................................. 45

8.3.1 Using Epiphan Portal for Streaming ..................................................... 46

8.3.2 Using Epiphan’s Partners as CDN Providers For Streaming ................. 50

8.4 Setting Up VGA Grid and StreamZilla for CDN Broadcasting ................ 51

8.5 Viewing Streaming Video ..................................................................... 58

8.5.1 Retrieving the Stream’s URL for Publishing ......................................... 58

8.5.2 Using the Channel Status Option ......................................................... 59

8.5.3 Testing How Participants Log In With a Viewer Password ................... 60

8.6 Viewing a Broadcast with a Browser .................................................... 60

8.6.1 Viewing a Broadcast with a Media Player ............................................ 60

8.7 Viewing a Broadcast on iPhone, iTouch, or iPad .................................. 61

8.8 Compatibility Information .................................................................... 61

8.8.1 Streaming format/Player Compatibility ............................................... 62

8.8.2 Browser Compatibility.......................................................................... 62

8.8.3 Media Player Compatibility .................................................................. 63

9 Recording .................................................................................................. 64

9.1 Selecting Recording File Format ........................................................... 64

9.2 Changing File Limits (Time and Size) .................................................... 65

9.3 Starting and Stopping Recording .......................................................... 66

9.4 Viewing the Current Recording ............................................................ 67

9.5 Recording a Stream on iPad, iPhone and iTouch ................................. 67

9.6 Recording Data in Motion JPEG Format ............................................... 67

9.7 Files Archive ......................................................................................... 67

9.7.1 Downloading Recordings ..................................................................... 68

9.7.2 Deleting Files ........................................................................................ 69

9.7.3 Renaming Files ..................................................................................... 69

9.7.4 Viewing Closed Recording Files ............................................................ 69

9.8 Recording Video from Multiple Sources on Separate Tracks in a File .. 70

9.9 Recording Video from Multiple Sources on One Track in a File ........... 71

9.10 File Transfer of Recorded Files ............................................................. 71

9.10.1 Copying Recorded Files to a USB Flash Drive or to an external HDD
71

9.11 Automatic File Upload .......................................................................... 73

9.11.1 Configuring Automatic File uploads................................................. 74

9.11.2 Configuring the CIFS Client .............................................................. 75

9.11.3 Configuring the RSync Client ........................................................... 76

9.11.4 Configuring the FTP Client ............................................................... 77

9.11.5 Testing the Automatic File Upload .................................................. 78

10 Networking................................................................................................ 79

10.1 Connecting Directly to the VGA Grid Concentrator ............................. 79

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10.1.1 Default Network Settings ................................................................ 80

10.1.2 Establishing Direct Connecting ........................................................ 80

10.2 Network Discovery of the System ........................................................ 81

10.2.1 Epiphan’s Network Discovery Utility ............................................... 81

10.2.2 Epiphan’s EpiphanTouch App for iPad, iPhone, iTouch ................... 82

10.3 Setting IP Address ................................................................................. 83

10.3.1 Set the System to use a static IP address ........................................ 84

10.3.2 Set the VGA Grid to use a DHCP server ........................................... 84

11 System Administration .............................................................................. 86

11.1 Setting the Date and Time .................................................................... 86

11.2 Users and Passwords ............................................................................ 88

11.2.1 Configuring the Administrator User Password ................................ 88

11.2.2 Deleting the Administrator password ............................................. 89

11.3 Configuring Viewer Access ................................................................... 90

11.3.1 To add or change the viewer password ........................................... 90

11.3.2 Configuring IP-based Authentication for Viewers ........................... 91

11.3.3 Delete the Viewer Password ........................................................... 92

11.4 Upgrading the System Firmware .......................................................... 92

11.4.1 Installing new firmware ................................................................... 92

11.5 Maintenance Controls .......................................................................... 93

11.5.1 Restoring the System Default Factory Configuration ...................... 94

11.5.2 Rebooting or Restarting System ...................................................... 94

11.5.3 Shutting down the System ............................................................... 94

12 Serial Port Configuring ............................................................................... 95

13 Customizing Presentation and Web Content ............................................. 96

14 Configuring Remote Support ..................................................................... 98

15 VGA Grid Information .............................................................................. 101

16 Disk Check ............................................................................................... 101

17 Disk Status Information ........................................................................... 102

18 Configuring using a Third-Party Application ............................................. 103

18.1 Serial Port Configuration .................................................................... 103

18.2 RS-232 Commands ............................................................................. 103

18.3 Syntax for HTTP API Commands ......................................................... 105

18.4 Keys for HTTP API Commands ............................................................ 106

18.5 Device Info Keys ................................................................................. 106

18.6 Broadcasting Setup Keys .................................................................... 107

18.7 ASF Encoder Keys ............................................................................... 108

18.8 RTP Unicast (Peer-to-peer connection) Keys...................................... 108

18.9 Recorder Keys ..................................................................................... 109

19 Examples ................................................................................................. 109

20 Sample Configurations ............................................................................ 110

21 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 113

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22 List of Figures .......................................................................................... 115

23 Configuration Worksheet ........................................................................ 120

Overview

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VGA Grid User Guide

2 Overview

2.1 Introduction

Epiphan’s VGA Grid™ is a streaming, recording, and multiviewer product that allows
you to capture and stream video and audio from up to 256 VGA, DVI, HDMI sources,
either local or remote. This appliance combines both Ethernet-based audio-video
broadcast streaming and recording functionalities and is ideal for multi audio-video
source event recording, control rooms, digital signage, security recording, training
and simulation systems.

VGAGrid’s multiviewer capability enables administrators to create multiple output

channels which are combinations of multiple input channels. Layout of multiview
channels supports flexible scaling/sizing and placement of any input signals to create
custom views. Multiview channels may also be recorded and streamed.

Supporting resolutions between 640x480 and 2048x2048, this solution is suitable for
a broad range of applications including medicine, black box recording, traffic
monitoring and simulators.

Depending on the model configuration the VGA Grid can capture video and audio
from 4 or 6 input sources such as:

 a DVI/VGA/HDMI display or camera source,
 an analog audio source.

Upon customer request Epiphan Systems can provide customized configurations of
VGA Grid.

This system supports both local and remote capture of video sources. Remote units
capture video sources and transmit the data to VGAGrid via Ethernet for recording,
streaming, and multiviewing.

VGAGrid supports multiple industry standard video codecs including Motion JPEG,
MPEG4 and H.264.

VGA Grid features the Publish Stream functionality that enables a user to direct
captured video and audio to servers or clients using available stream modes. VGA
Grid can be configured as a client to a Content Distribution Network and stream the
broadcast to an unlimited number of concurrent viewers. This functionality enables

you to stream video to the Epiphan’s portal (epiphan.net) where it can be viewed

directly from.

Overview

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VGA Grid User Guide

VGA Grid consists of the VGA Grid Concentrator with installed internal capture cards
and external frame grabber hardware devices:

- VGA Grid Central Unit (Concentrator) is a 4U rackmount server with hardware

for video/audio capture, Gigabit Ethernet and proprietary firmware. It connects
to local sources and remote sources (via network) capturing video and audio
and can be managed through the Web admin interface. The number of internal
VGA/DVI capture cards installed in the rackmount server chassis determines
how many local sources can be connected to the VGA Grid.

- External network frame grabbers used in conjunction with VGA Grid

Concentrator allow you to capture, broadcast and record video and audio from
the remote sources through the Ethernet connection.

The VGA Grid Concentrator is connected to a network with an Ethernet connection.
The VGA Grid Concentrator and external frame grabber hardware devices support
both DHCP and static IP address assignment. Once connected to the network, they
can be configured and operated through an easy to use web interface.

When recording content administrators have a choice between AVI and MOV file
formats. Channels may be recorded to separate single-track files or combined into a
single multi-track file. Recorded files may be downloaded from the VGAGrid via the
Ethernet port to enable playback from an external computer.

To view streamed content, viewers are simply provided with the corresponding
unique URL which is automatically assigned to each output stream

The VGAGrid supports a range of storage options including standard hard disks, solid
state devices, removable drive options, and RAID configurations for storing recorded
content.

The VGA Grid supports streaming over HTTP, RSTP, peer-to-peer and multicast RTP.
Except for peer-to-peer and multicast RTP, all streaming types can be sent to a
Content Distribution Network (CDN) to maximize the number of concurrent viewers.
The decision on how to stream a broadcast will depend on many factors including
the number of expected viewers, destination devices used for viewing (e.g. iPAD,
laptop), and network capabilities between source and destination. For further
details on broadcasting strategies, please refer to Streaming.
The figure below illustrates how the VGA Grid fits into a network to allow a
broadcast consisting of video and optionally audio to be streamed to local and
remote viewers. While the broadcast is running, the VGA Grid can be recording the
broadcast to be retrieved at a later time.

Overview

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 1 Epiphan's VGA Grid Delivering High Quality Video and Audio to Local and Remote
Clients

2.2 Available Product Configurations

The VGA Grid can be ordered in the following configurations to accommodate your
needs.

4-source VGA Grid

This VGA Grid version integrates four DVI2PCIe internal frame grabbers. It offers
maximum connection of four DVI/VGA sources collocated with VGA Grid.

6-source VGA Grid

This VGA Grid version integrates six DVI2PCIe internal frame grabbers. It offers
maximum connection of six DVI/VGA sources collocated with VGA Grid.

Physical Attributes

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VGA Grid User Guide

Number

Name

Description

1

Power

Power button

2

Factory Reset
Button

Resets the VGA Grid device to factory default settings.

3

Power LED

Indicates that the VGA Grid is turned on

4

Hard disk

activity LED

Blinks when the VGA Grid is making recordings.

If you need to broadcast or record data from remote inputs you can add a required
number of external network frame grabbers to your VGA Grid configuration.

It is possible to order any other configuration of VGA Grid on the Customize product
page upon customer request.

3 Physical Attributes

3.1 System Hardware Features

3.1.1 VGA Grid Concentrator Hardware Features

The VGA Grid Concentrator device is a standalone 4U rackmount chassis.
Dimensions are 235mm x 117.5mm x 73mm (9.25”x4.625”x2.875”).

Figure 2 Front View of the VGA Grid

Below is a table summarizing the connectors and indicators found on the front panel
of the VGA Grid.

Table 1 Summary of the Front Panel's connectors and Indicators

Physical Attributes

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VGA Grid User Guide

5, 6, 7

Not used

8, 9

USB port

This expansion port allows the connecting of any of the
following to the VGA Grid: an external HDD, a USB flash
drive, a remote mouse control for the starting/stopping
of a recording, or an RS-232 serial port for remote

controls, WiFi network connection.

Since VGA Grid can be delivered in multiple configurations, its back panel includes
RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet and power connectors, various number of DVI-I and audio in
ports.

3.1.2 VGA Grid Remote Acquisition Device Hardware Features

In order to capture, record and stream vide from remote sources VGA Grid uses the
VGA2Ethernet network frame grabbers. For the complete information about this
solution please refer to VGA2Ethernet User Guide. Below you can find the
description of its hardware features.

Figure 3 VGA2Ethernet (front view)

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VGA Grid User Guide

Table 2 Summary of the Front Panel's connectors and Indicators

Number

Name

Description

1, 2

Not Used

3

Power and
Capture LEDS

Red LED: during operation the red LED blinks each time

the VGA2Ethernet captures an image. You can use the

red LED as an indicator that the VGA2Ethernet is

capturing images.
Green and blue LEDs: when the VGA2Ethernet device
first starts up, the blue LED lights up. A few seconds
later the green LED lights up. After about another 20
seconds the blue LED turns off, leaving the green LED
on indicating that the VGA2Ethernet has started up and
can start capturing images. During operation the blue
LED blinks during video signal test operation and when
the system tunes video parameters (e.g. VGA
parameters)

4

Audio Out

Connects audio equipment, such as headphones or
speakers, to confirm whether the audio stream is
currently being captured by the VGA2Ethernet.

5

DVI Out

Used to verify and confirm that the connected video
source from DVI In port is being received. A DVI
monitor or projector can be used with this port using
the DVI to DVI cable. Alternatively, if the device to be
used to confirm the receiving DVI input signal is a VGA
monitor, use the DVI to VGA cable.

6

Audio In

Connects a microphone or audio source. The input can
be mic or line.

7

DVI In

Connects a DVI source to the VGA2Ethernet using the
included DVI cable. To connect a VGA source, use the
included VGA to DVI adapter. To connect an HDMI
source (non-copy protected content) use the included
HDMI to DVI adapter.

Physical Attributes

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 4 VGA2Ethernet (rear view)

8

Power

Connect the AC adapter to the VGA2Ethernet power
connector and to a power outlet

9

ETH1

Primary 10/100/1000 Base-T RJ-45 auto-sensing Ethernet
network port to connect the VGA2Ethernet device to an
Ethernet network. The VGA2Ethernet device Ethernet port
is auto-sensing.

10

ETH2

Secondary 10/100/1000 Base-T RJ-45 auto-sensing Ethernet
network port. This port is useful in case you need to
configure the Ethernet Bridge when there is only one
Ethernet connection.

Table 3 Connector, Interface and LED Descriptions

Physical Attributes

3.2 Cables, Connectors and Adapters

The VGA Grid can be connected to a number of different types of equipment using a
variety of cables, and adapters. This section describes a subset of connectors, cables
and adapters that are known to be compatible with the VGA Grid.

3.2.1 3.5 mm Mini-jack

A 3.5mm mini jack connector is used to carry audio signals. It can be connected to
VGA Grid to its Audio In port.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 5 3.5mm Mini-jack

Physical Attributes

3.2.2 VGA to DVI Cable

Connects a VGA source to either of the VGA Grid’s DVI-I Single-Link ports or DVI-I
dual link ports. This cable is included with the VGA Grid (one per DVI-I port)

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 6 VGA to DVI cable

Physical Attributes

3.2.3 DVI to DVI Cable

Connects a DVI source to the VGA Grid’s DVI ports. This cable is included with the
VGA Grid (one per DVI port).

Figure 7 DVI to DVI Cable

Physical Attributes

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VGA Grid User Guide

3.2.4 HDMI to DVI Adapter

Connects an HDMI source to either of the VGA Grid’s DVI ports. This cable is
included with the VGA Grid.

Figure 8 HDMI to DVI Adapter

3.2.5 RJ-45 Male

Connects the VGA Grid to an Ethernet network.

Figure 9 RJ-45 Male Cable

Getting Started

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VGA Grid User Guide

4 Getting Started

4.1 Powering on the VGA Grid

The main operation sequence for connecting and powering on the VGA Grid is as
follows:

1. Connect local video and audio sources to the Concentrator.

2. Connect all remote video and audio sources to the corresponding

VGA2Ethernet devices:

a. Connect a remote video source to the VGA2Ethernet device.
b. Use an RJ-45 Ethernet cable to connect the VGA2Ethernet Eth1 port to

the Ethernet network.

c. Connect the power cable to the VGA2Ethernet device. The

VGA2Ethernet device powers on and the power and image capture
activity LEDs light up as the device starts up.

d. Start up the remote video source.

3. Use an RJ-45 Ethernet cable to connect the VGA Grid’s Ethernet port to an

Ethernet network.

4. Connect the power cable to the VGA Grid Concentrator.

5. Press the Power button on the VGA Grid Concentrator front panel to turn on

the device.

6. The VGA Grid Concentrator powers on. The power and hard disk activity LEDs

light up as the device starts up following their start up sequence.

7. Log into the Concentrator configuration interface to confirm that the device is

connected to the network.

8. Start up the local video and audio sources.

4.2 Network Connections

Please to refer to the Networking chapter for the instructions on direct VGA Grid’s
connection to the Ethernet, discovering the VGA Grid on the network, IP address
settings and other details.

4.3 Logging into the Web Admin Interface

The VGA Grid comes with a Web admin interface that can be used to configure the
VGA Grid settings, view the files that have been recorded, and download recorded

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files. Additionally this control interface acts as a system monitor with options to
view the VGA Grid’s system status and its internal storage status.

The Web admin Interface is accessible by logging into it using one of the following
methods.

4.3.1 Epiphan’s Network Discovery Utility.

Epiphan Network Discovery Utility runs on a Windows based PC. It is used to
connect to the VGA Grid Web admin interface tool. Network Discovery Utility finds
the VGA Grid device on the network and displays its assigned IP address.

The Epiphan Network Discovery Utility can be installed and executed from a
workstation running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. Please refer to Networking
for the instructions on how to install the utility.

Follow the following steps to access the Web admin Interface through this utility:

1. Start the Epiphan Network Discovery Utility tool.

2. Click Search to find all of the available Epiphan devices on the network and

select the VGA Grid.

3. Click Web config.

4. A web browser starts and you are prompted for the VGA Grid’s administrator

user name and password.

5. Enter the following information:

- User Name: admin

- Password: configured password<return>, there is no default password so unless

a password has been configured, just hit <return>

The Web admin interface opens.

4.3.2 Logging into the Web Admin Interface Using a Web Browser and the

IP Address of the VGA Grid

The web browser can be running on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux or any other
operating system.

1. Start a web browser on any workstation connected to the same network as the

VGA Grid.

2. Browse to the VGA Grid.

http://<ip address of the VGA Grid>/admin
The IP address of the VGA Grid can be obtained using any of the following
methods:

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VGA Grid User Guide

a. The Epiphan Network Utility
b. The EpiphanTouch app
c. From the network administrator
d. Using the Factory Default static IP address. Only if the steps in section,

Connecting Directly to the , are followed

3. Log in as the VGA Grid’s administrator user

User Name: admin
Password: configured password<return>, there is no factory default password
so unless a password has been configured, just hit <return>

The Web admin Interface opens.

4.4 Users Logging

The VGA Grid comes with two pre-configured users which are used to log in the
control interface. The first is the administrator user, its user name is admin and the
second is the viewer user, its user name is viewer. Each can be assigned a password
but their user names cannot be altered. It is not possible to create new log in users.

4.4.1 The Administrator User

The administrator user is used to log into the VGA Grid and perform any of the
following functions:

1. Perform configuration changes to the VGA Grid.

2. Manage the current broadcast. This can include the starting or stopping of the

recording of the broadcast.

3. Manage previously saved broadcasts. Including the archiving of recordings.

4. System monitoring. This would involve retrieving any system statuses and

retrieving the hard disk status.

5. Upgrading the System Firmware from Epiphan Support. New firmware is

released to fix known problems or to add new features.

As a default factory setting, the administrator user does not come with a password
but it is recommended that a password is configured as early as possible for security
reasons.

4.4.2 The Viewer User

The viewer password is used to log in to view broadcasts and does not have any
administrative ability.

Getting Started

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VGA Grid User Guide

As a default, the viewer user does not come with a factory configured password.
Configuring a viewer password is optional.

4.5 Web Admin Interface

The VGA Grid comes with a Web admin interface that can be used to configure the
VGA Grid settings, create and configure output channels, view the files that have
been recorded, and download recorded files. Additionally it acts as a system

monitor with options to view the system’s status and VGA Grid’s internal storage

status.

This chapter describes how to use all of the VGA Grid’s Web admin interface
features.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 10 Web Admin Interface's Main Menu

Getting Started

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VGA Grid User Guide

Table 4 The Channel section of the Web admin Interface

 VGA Input
 Channel 2
 Channel 3
 Multiple Sources

Here you can configure the output channels. You can
map combinations of input sources to one or more
output channel views.
Each channel can be recorded separately or combined
with another channel in a video file. Select a channel
under this section to open its sub-menu in a drop­down list. The system allows you to configure the
channel and view necessary information about it.
Note: You can create different channels and name
them as you like. The number and names of the
channels displayed on the images simply illustrate one
of possible configurations of the VGA Grid channels.

“All in one” recorder

Records all channels simultaneously in one video file

Channel Status
This option as well as the
other options in this table
described below can be

found in each channel’s

section. They are selected
and configured for each
channel individually.

View URLs of the broadcast and services state

Stream Setup

Change the stream settings

Publish Stream

Sends the stream to a remote streaming server

Video Source Setup

Select a video source(s)

Files Archive

Start/stop recordings and manage video archive

Sources :

 D2P83385.video
 D2P83385.vga

The serial numbers of all local and
remote frame grabbers found by the
system in the network are displayed in
the Web admin interface in this section.
Select a source under this section to
open its sub-menu in a drop-down list. It
allows you to perform necessary settings
for the source.

Getting Started

Table 5 The Sources section of the Web admin Interface

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VGA Grid User Guide

Table 6 The Configuration section of the Web admin Interface

Admin Access

Change the admin account password.

Viewer Access

Change the viewer account password.

Network

Change the VGA Grid network configuration.

Audio

Change and adjust the audio input and headphone output.

Date and Time

Change VGA Grid date and time settings.

Branding

Customize design of the browser where the broadcast is viewed.

Firmware
Upgrade

Upgrade the VGA Grid firmware.

Maintenance

Reboot or shut down the VGA Grid device. Restore factory

configuration.

Info

Display information about the VGA Grid Firmware, CPU, Frame

Grabber and VGA Mode.

Automatic File
Upload

Automatically copy files from the VGA Grid device to a network
storage device.

Serial Port

Integrate the VGA Grid with other equipment featuring an RS­232 port and control your device over the RS-232 connection.

Disk Check

Set a Maintenance Schedule for checking the VGA Grid solid­state memory for errors.

Disk Status

View the total hard disk space in GB, the used and available hard
disk space in GB, and also the amount used as a percentage of
the total space.

5 Signal Flow Diagrams

A series of diagrams below depicts how signal capture, multiplexing, encoding,
streaming and recording is performed.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 11 Data Capture Flow

Signal Flow Diagrams

Figure 12 Data Recording Flow

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 13 Data Streaming Flow

Signal Capture

6 Signal Capture

6.1 Connecting Sources

It is recommended that prior to powering up the VGA Grid, the input local sources
where the data is captured from are connected first. These input sources can be DVI,
VGA, HDMI, composite or s-video sources. Any one of DVI, VGA, or HDMI sources
would be connected to the VGA Grid using its DVI-I input port. Audio input will be
connected to the VGA Grid’s Audio In port. Composite or s-video sources will be
connected to the VGA Grid’s analog port. The ports’ numbers and characteristics
depend on the VGA Grid’s configuration you have ordered.

6.1.1 Connecting DVI, VGA or HDMI Input Sources

All DVI, VGA or HDMI input sources are connected to the VGA Grid using the DVI-I
input port. How this connection is made and using which cable is dependent on the
input source.

DVI input sources are connected using the DVI to DVI dual link cable, Figure 7 DVI to
DVI Cable.

Signal Capture

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VGA Grid User Guide

VGA input sources are connected to a DVI Single-Link port using the VGA to DVI
cable, Figure 6 VGA to DVI cable.

HDMI input sources are connected using the HDMI to DVI adapter, Figure 8 HDMI to
DVI Adapter should only be non-copy protected content.

6.1.2 Connecting Audio Input Sources

All audio sources are connected to the VGA Grid using the audio input port.

6.2 Sources Setup

This section explains how to configure the digital and composite sources connected
to the VGA Grid.

6.2.1 Digital source setup

A frame grabber is an electronic device that captures individual still frames from a
video source and transmits them in a digital form. The number and technical
characteristics of the Epiphan frame grabbers (VGA and/or DVI) installed in the VGA
Grid depend on the ordered product configuration. They capture video from the
local sources, are subsystem components in the VGA Grid and can be configured
separately. Serial numbers of the internal frame grabbers installed in the VGA Grid
are displayed under the Sources title in the left part of the Web admin interface. In
our example it is D2P83385.

The VGA Grid automatically adjusts image capture settings every time it starts up.
The automatic image adjustment is repeated every 60 seconds during operation.
The interval between automatic adjustments can be changed to have them occur
more or less often. The capture settings attempt to produce the best quality
captured image for the equipment being used.

Normally, making manual image adjustments should not be necessary. This means
that there are no default Frame Grabber adjustment settings. However, special
requirements may exist that produce image quality problems that can only be fixed
by making image adjustments.

The Frame Grabber adjustments page within the Web admin interface contains
most of the information needed to make image adjustments. This includes a brief
description of the effect created as a result of each adjustment and the adjustment
range.

Signal Capture

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VGA Grid User Guide

Use signal from

Specify the signal captured by the frame grabber

Autoadjustments interval

Change the interval between automatic adjustments
if you want them to occur more or less often. To
suspend automatic adjustments, enter 0.

Vertical shift

Configure the vertical shift to offset the captured

image’s position. For example, a captured image that

is shifted slightly downward or vertically can be
corrected with minor adjustments to the vertical shift
settings.
Increasing or decreasing the value entered in the
Vertical Shift field shifts the image up or down.

Horizontal shift

Configure the horizontal shift to offset the captured

To make an adjustment, add a value to one or more fields and select Apply.

To clear any adjustments, delete the value from one or more fields and select Apply.

Figure 14 Digital Source Setup

The following settings can be made for the digital source:

Table 7 Settings available on the frame grabber page

Signal Capture

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VGA Grid User Guide

image’s position. For example, a captured image that

is shifted slightly to the right or horizontally can be
corrected with minor adjustments to the horizontal
shift settings.
Increasing or decreasing the value entered in the
Horizontal Shift field shifts the image to the right or
left.

Phase

Configuring the phase, or sampling phase as it is also
known, adjusts the horizontal resolution of the
image. An improperly adjusted phase will result in a
fuzzy image. Adjust the sampling phase in small steps
until a sharper image is displayed.

PLL adjustment

Configuring the PLL adjusts the vertical
synchronization properties of the image. The PLL
adjustment may need to be changed when there is a
repetitive distortion or blurriness on the horizontal
axis of the image. Adjust the PLL setting in small steps
until a sharper image is displayed.

Offset

Use the offset and gain controls together to optimize
image quality. Increasing the offset reduces
background noise but also reduces the overall signal.
Balance offset and gain values to achieve the best
quality image. Adjust these settings by the smallest
values possible to achieve the best results.
Compensate for a large change to one by making a
large change to the other, but setting both offset and
gain to high values can result in poorer video quality.

Gain

Use the offset and gain controls together to optimize
image quality. Increasing the gain amplifies weak
signals but also increases noise. Balance offset and
gain values to achieve the best quality image. Adjust
these settings by the smallest values possible to
achieve the best results. Compensate for a large
change to one by making a large change to the other,
but setting both offset and gain to high values can
result in poorer video quality.

Aspect ratio

Sets the aspect ratio of the captured image. The
default aspect ratio is 4:3. The aspect ratio can be set
to wide mode in order that the VGA Grid can
accurately capture wide aspect ratio modes.

HSync threshold

Adjusts horizontal sync detection

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VGA Grid User Guide

VSync threshold

Adjusts vertical sync detection

Rotate

Select a required value to rotate the video while
streaming:

 No rotation
 90⁰ clockwise
 90⁰ counter clockwise
 180⁰

Use signal from

Specify the signal captured by the frame grabber

Autoadjustments interval

Change the interval between automatic
adjustments if you want them to occur more or less
often. To suspend automatic adjustments, enter 0.

Vertical shift

Configure the vertical shift to offset the captured

image’s position. For example, a captured image

that is shifted slightly downward or vertically can be
corrected with minor adjustments to the vertical
shift settings.
Increasing or decreasing the value entered in the
Vertical Shift field shifts the image up or down.

Horizontal shift

Configure the horizontal shift to offset the captured

image’s position. For example, a captured image

that is shifted slightly to the right or horizontally
can be corrected with minor adjustments to the
horizontal shift settings.
Increasing or decreasing the value entered in the
Horizontal Shift field shifts the image to the right or
left.

Signal Type

Select a signal type:

 Composite
 S-Video

Rotate

Select a required value to rotate the video while
streaming:

 No rotation

6.2.2 Composite and S-Video Source Setup

To adjust a composite source, click its name under the Sources section.

Table 8 Composite and S-Video settings

Signal Capture

Signal Capture

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VGA Grid User Guide

 90⁰ clockwise
 90⁰ counter clockwise
 180⁰

Device password

If needed you can set a password
preventing an unauthorized person from
viewing the broadcast from this source.

Rotate

Select a required value to rotate the
video while streaming:

 No rotation
 90⁰ clockwise

6.2.3 Remote source setup

If you have connected remote video sources to the VGA Grid Acquisition units
(VGA2Ethernet), they are found by the VGA Grid on the network and shown in the
Sources section of the Web admin interface. It displays information about the
device’s serial number, admin page URL, IP address, videomode and the channels
where this source is being streamed.

The following settings are available:

Figure 15 Remote video source settings

Table 9 Settings available on the remote video source page

Signal Capture

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VGA Grid User Guide

 90⁰ counter clockwise
 180⁰

6.2.4 Adding a network grabber

The system is able to search for and find available frame grabbers on the network.

There are two ways to add these frame grabbers as new sources to the VGA Grid:

1. Click Add network grabber in the Sources section of the Web Admin

interface.

2. Select check boxes near required devices found by network discovery.

3. Click Add selected devices.

or (if you know the device’s IP address)

1. Click Add network grabber in the Sources section.

2. Enter the IP address of the device in the Device address field.

3. Click Add selected devices.

The selected devices will appear in the Sources section of the Web admin interface.

6.3 Audio Configuration

Use the Audio section of the Web Admin interface to configure the audio settings
that control the audio input. All available video formats support audio except
Motion JPEG.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 16 Audio Configurable Options

Input Source

Select the input source

 Microphone

 Front Microphone
 Line

Input Amplifier Volume

Reduce the input volume if the line in signal volume is
too high for the VGA Grid’s line in amplifier. The default
input amplifier volume setting is 100%. If the input
volume is too high, change the setting to between 5%
and 90% to reduce the input volume.

Headphones Amplifier
Volume

Set up the headphones amplifier volume

Channel Setup

Table 10 Audio Configurable Options

Configurable Options

7 Channel Setup

7.1 Creating and Deleting a Channel

The Channels Setup page from the Web admin interface’s main page allows for the

configuring channel settings and view necessary information for the selected

Channel Setup

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VGA Grid User Guide

channel. Depending on your needs you can create new channels and configure
them.

Setting pages for the video sources from which you will record and/or broadcast
video can be accessed by clicking the channel name under the Channels section.

As long as you select a required channel node from the list, it expands the sub-menu
where the following options are available:

 Channel Status
 Stream Setup
 Publish Stream
 Video Source Setup
 Files Archive

All these options are discussed below.

To create a channel, name it and assign a video source to a channel:

1. Log in to the Web Admin interface.

2. In the Channels pane click Add channel. A new channel appears in the

channels list.

Figure 17 The Add Channel Command

3. The Video Source Setup section is displayed. Select a source from the

drop-down list near the Use video source field and click Apply. All local
and remote video sources found by the system in the network are

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VGA Grid User Guide

displayed here. The option Multiple sources is discussed in the next

No signal

This channel is not used

Serial numbers of the digital frame
grabbers installed in your VGA Grid and
remote VGA2Ethernet units are
displayed here.

Video from the selected video source is
streamed through this channel
Multiple sources

Video from multiple inputs is streamed
through this channel

section.

4. Click Stream Setup. In the Channel name field specify the name of the

channel.

Figure 18 Naming the Channel

Channel Setup

5. Click Apply.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 19 New Channel Named “Video Channel”

Channel Setup

To delete a channel:

1. Click on its name.

2. Click Delete this channel.

Figure 20 Channel Deletion

7.2 Multiple Sources Channel Setup

When you are capturing video from multiple video sources, usually you will need to
configure a separate channel which creates a layout for the recording/broadcasting,
i.e. specify how all videos are positioned on a screen relative to each other. This
operation is performed using the Multiple Sources option under the Channels
section of the Web Admin interface.

If you selected Multiple sources in the channel’s Use video source field, this channel
will be used to stream videos from multiple source through this channel. The system
allows you to configure a layout for the streaming when more than one source is
being used. The position and size of each source stream in the channel is adjustable.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Source

Select a source for which position and size are currently
specified. Any of the available local or remote sources can
be selected in this field.

Position

For the selected source specify the location of the video
stream picture on the screen (in percents, starting from
the left upper corner)

Size

For the selected source set size of the video stream picture
on the screen as percentage of screen size (height and
width)

Delete

Delete this source and all related settings

Add source

Add another source for setting layout

Use audio from

Select a check box near the source if you want to add
audio signal from this source to the channel.

Figure 21 Setting Position and Size for Multiple Sources

Channel Setup

The following multiplexing features are available:

To create and configure a multisource channel:

1. Create a channel as described above and select the Multiple source

Channel Setup

35

VGA Grid User Guide

option.

2. Click Add source.

3. Select the source from the drop-down list.

4. Specify position and size for the video streaming from this source.

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for all sources you want to use in this channel.

6. Specify the source from which you will use audio signal during streaming.

7. If you want to delete a source, click Delete.

Note that you can create different Multiple source channels and configure them as
required.

7.3 Select Video Codec

Before starting the video recording process, you have to specify the video codec for
your recording. It can be selected on the Stream Setup section of each channel’s
page.

To select the video codec:

1. Select the required channel.

2. Click the Stream Setup menu option.

3. Click an arrow in the Stream Type field.

4. Select the required codec from the drop-down list. The following values are

available for selection:

 Flash using H.264,
 ASF with either MPEG4 or H.264 codecs,
 Motion JPEG
 RTSP with either MPEG4 or H.264 codecs.

Flash video and Motion JPEG can be viewed using many operating systems and web
browsers.
ASF can be viewed with the Windows Media Player on Windows systems, and the
VLC Media Player on Windows and other operating systems.
RTSP supports many media players including QuickTime and MPlayer.

7.4 Set Video Encoding Constraints/Parameters

The following parameters can be additionally specified for a channel:

Channel Setup

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VGA Grid User Guide

Fast encoding

Enables fast encoding. Using this check box may affect
the streaming quality to some extent.

Video encoding profile
Select one of the following encoding profiles that target

specific classes of applications:

1. Baseline: for applications requiring additional

data loss robustness

2. Main: for standard-definition broadcasts

3. High: for broadcast and disc storage

applications

Show time label

If the video needs to be time labeled or timestamped,
this parameter allows you to specify how the date and
time will be displayed. You can add here some text if
necessary.
Click on Show substitutions and use the Format
substitutions commands to select the desired date and
time format. The commands are described in Table 11
Format Substitutions Commands below. If time labeling
is not required, leave this field blank.

Frame size

Select a frame size from the available values depending
on aspect ratio. This setting allows you to limit the width
and height of the video image. If the video source is
sending resolutions larger than the resolution limit
configured, the video image will be scaled to the
resolution limit. Limiting the file resolution can help to
reduce bandwidth usage.
To enter non-listed resolutions use the blank fields next
to available values.

Key frame interval

Controls the number of frames. Key frames define the
starting and ending points of any smooth transition.

Limit frame rate

Enter a value in terms frames per second. This field is
used to set a frame rate that is lower than the maximum
frame rate at which the VGA Grid can capture images.
Reducing the frame rate reduces the number of images
being captured by the device.

Bitrate

Enter a signal bitrate. A lower bitrate produces lower
quality videos and smaller file sizes. A higher bitrate
produces better quality videos and larger file sizes.

Rate control mode
Used for H.264 and MPEG4 codecs. It specifies the

bitrate encoding for the signal. Select one of the

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VGA Grid User Guide

following:

- Low Delay

Means Constant Bitrate encoding (CBR) will be used.
CBR is useful for streaming multimedia content on
limited capacity channels since it is the maximum bit
rate that matters, not the average. Therefore, CBR
would be used to take advantage of all of the
channel capacity.

- Storage

Means Variable Bitrate Encoding (VBR) will be used.
This produces a better quality-to-space ratio
compared to a CBR file of the same data. VBR files
vary the amount of output data per time segment
and the FPS value may be lower.

Stream port

The number of the port being used to stream the
broadcast. This value is part of the URL used to access
the broadcast. In the case where there are two streams
from different ports, this value remains the same for
both of the URLs being used.

Command

Value

date

%F

year

%G

month (as 01)

%m

month (as Jan)

%b

month (as
January)

%B
day of month

%d

weekday (as Thu)

%a

weekday (as
Thursday)

%A
time

%T

hour

%k

minute

%M

second

%S

ms

%#m

Table 11 Format Substitutions Commands

Channel Setup

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 22 Stream Settings

Channel Setup

Figure 23 Common Settings

7.5 Select Audio Format

The Audio settings pane in the control interface can be accessed by clicking the
Stream Setup option from the menu.
Select the Enable audio checkbox and specify the audio signal parameters.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 24 Audio Settings

Enable audio

Select this checkbox to enable audio for
the broadcast.

Audio format

Select either MP3 or Raw PCM (Pulse
Code Modulation) formats.

Audio sample rate (Hz)

Number of samples per second that are
used to digitalize audio input.

Audio bitrate

Select the audio bitrate value for the
broadcast.

Streaming

8 Streaming

There are several decisions that need to be made when planning the creation of a
broadcast, besides its exact content of the broadcast. Will the broadcast include an
audio component coming from an analog audio source? What video format to use,
what video standard to use, how to stream the broadcast are all questions that have
to be answered when creating a broadcast. Most of the answers depend on the
intended audience of the broadcast, how are the viewers going to view the
broadcast, and how many simultaneous viewers are expected to view the
broadcast? Where are the viewers located in relation to the where the broadcast is
being streamed? What are the performance expectations? These are the types of
questions that will determine the overall design of the broadcast.

Streaming

40

VGA Grid User Guide

This chapter outlines how a suitable design of a broadcast can be architected based
on these types of questions and their resulting answers and how the VGA Grid can
be used in this design.

The VGA Grid supports streaming of various standards and formats. The choice of
video format will depend on the broadcast content and performance requirements.
For example, Motion JPEG does not support audio from an external source. It also
depends on how the intended viewers are planning to receive and play the
broadcast. Keep in mind that browser viewer capabilities and compatibilities are
subject to change.

With the VGA Grid, the video stream format is selected by an administrator. All
users must view the broadcast in this format. In the case where an experienced user
wants to view the same broadcast but requires different stream formats, it is
possible to configure channels for streaming different video formats of the same
broadcast to meet this requirement.

The figure below is representation of the protocol stack diagram showing how the
video data is processed.

Figure 25 Protocol Stack Diagram

Streaming

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VGA Grid User Guide

How the broadcast will be delivered to its viewers depends on the number of
intended viewers and where the viewers are in relation to where the broadcast is
originating. Are they on the same LAN or will they be accessing the broadcast from
an external network? The answers to the above questions will help decide the
delivery method of the broadcast.

The VGA Grid can support streaming over HTTP, RTSP, peer-to-peer RTP connection,
multicast RTP and a Content Distribution Network (CDN) broadcast network. Each
broadcast delivery method will be now discussed in more detail.

8.1 HTTP or RTSP Streaming

For HTTP or RTSP streaming the only information required to view the broadcast is
the URL of the broadcast. The VGA Grid is ready to go straight out of the box,
without any additional settings. If your broadcast needs to be accessed by many
clients, use a Content Distribution Network as explained in the Using a Content
Distribution Network section.

8.2 Using an IP Multicast Network

A multicast RTP stream provides a one-to-many broadcasting framework. In a
multicast RTP configuration, the VGA Grid sends a packet only once to a router that
supports multicasting. This router then distributes the packets to all intended viewer
nodes using a multi-cast protocol.

Sending multicast streams requires equipment that supports multi-casting,
configuring your network and enabling specific multicasting features on the VGA
Grid. Multicast architectures are used predominantly within a high bandwidth
corporate LAN and not on Internet based architectures. Multicast RTP streaming is
not usually propagated outside the LAN though it may be propagated through VPNs
connecting several LANs. Multicast transmission is available during RTP streaming.

A special case of multicasting is a peer-to-peer connection. In this scenario, a logical
connection is established with a single client node. It does not require a request
from the viewer to start sending data. Only one copy of the data is sent. The
multimedia stream is always sent to the specified IP address configured in the
RTP/UDP Push settings. A peer-to-peer connection is only available during RTP or

Streaming

42

VGA Grid User Guide

Flash streaming. The VGA Grid provides about 100 peer-to-peer connections in case
of satisfactory bandwidth.

Figure 26 Peer-to-peer Connection

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 27 Multicast RTP Broadcasting to More than One Viewer

Streaming

Figure 28 RTP/UDP settings in Stream Setup

8.2.1 Setting up an RTP Multicast from Stream Setup

To set up an RTP Multicast, enter the following settings in the channels’ Stream
Setup menu item:

1. Select the RTSP/H.264 stream type in the Stream Type field and click

Apply.

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VGA Grid User Guide

2. In the RTP/UDP stream section specify the following additional fields

Enable RTP/UDP stream

Select this checkbox to enable RTP/UDP streaming.

Destination IP

Enter the IP address of the target host.

Audio Port

Configure the audio port for the stream.

Video Port

Configure the video port for the stream.

(refer to the Figure 28 RTP/UDP settings in Stream Setup):

Table 12 RTP Multicast Specific Configurations

3. An SDP file is now generated. It is available in the Info section of the Web

Admin interface. Select a name and location for the SDP file and save it.
Then pass the SDP file to your audience.

Figure 29 RTP/UDP Settings in Publish Stream

Streaming

8.2.2 Setting up an RTP Multicast from Publish Stream

Alternatively, you can set up an RTP Multicast from the Publish Stream functionality:

1. Click the channels’ Stream Setup menu item.

2. Select the RTSP stream type in the Stream Type field and click Apply.

3. Click Publish Stream menu item.

4. Select RTP/UDP Push from the drop-down list.

5. Select the Enable RTP/UDP stream check box.

Streaming

45

VGA Grid User Guide

6. Enter a destination IP address. At this target point the broadcast will be

viewed.

7. Specify the numbers of the video and audio ports where the broadcast will

be received. Usually an administrator is aware of which ports are unused
and can be specified here.

8. Click Apply.

9. An SDP file is now generated.

8.3 Using a Content Distribution Network

A content delivery network (CDN) is a system of computers or servers that ingest an
incoming stream source and rapidly provides this content to numerous users by
duplicating the content on multiple servers and directing the content to users.

CDNs distributes a heavy load of traffic to multiple locations in order to avoid

congestion on a network that could impact a user’s Internet experience. A CDN is

highly scalable and can make financial sense to website owners as you will not need
to pay for additional server hardware or routing should your website traffic start to
increase or even decrease. The use of CDN technology has obvious advantages to
those users whose broadcasts have large audiences from locations all over the
world. If dozens or hundreds of viewers happen to select the same Web page or
content simultaneously, the CDN sends the content to each of them without delay
or time-out.

To stream to multiple users, the VGA Grid can be configured as a client to CDN.
Please click http://epiphan.net/cdn-partners.php to view the list of CDN providers
preferred by Epiphan. By connecting to a CDN server, the broadcast from the VGA
Grid can be streamed to multiple viewers. By using a CDN, the maximum number of
concurrent clients is increased, while at the same time reducing the load on the
uplink internet connection.

CDN streaming is a very effective approach when you are broadcasting streams from
the Epiphan solutions and want to add scalability to your broadcast. The VGA Grid
features the Publish Stream functionality that enables you to stream the broadcast
either via Epiphan’s portal or CDN providers to multiple viewers. You can use the
following protocols for CDN streaming: RTSP (H.264), Flash (H.264), ASF (H.264).

Streaming

46

VGA Grid User Guide

Using CDN it is possible to set a user name and a password for the broadcast. Each
viewer will have to request it from you before viewing the broadcast. This function
allows you to to manage access to your content ensuring visibility only to the
appropriate and authorized viewers.

Figure 30 Using a CDN Service Increases Scalability of Concurrent Viewers

8.3.1 Using Epiphan Portal for Streaming

To set up and perform streaming via Epiphan’s portal:

1. Click the Publish Stream option in the main menu of the control interface.

2. Select to xxxxx.epiphan.net from the Publish drop-down list where xxxxx

is the unique serial number of the VGA Grid.

3. Select Enable publishing and click Apply. The system informs you that

stream will be available on the Epiphan’s portal and provides a link.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 31 URL to Epiphan Server

4. Click this link and access the portal where the stream is being broadcast in

a new window.

5. In case the bitrate of your broadcast exceeds 500 kbit/s, the system will

give you a warning (see Figure 32 System Message in Case of Excessive
Bitrate Speed). Click on fix by reducing bitrate to 500. The bitrate will be
set to 500 kbit/s automatically.
Note: Epiphan.net is a demonstration service to help customers
experiment with publishing streams to content distribution networks.
Therefore certain bandwidth and performance limits are applied. To
upgrade to a full service please select one of Epiphan’s CDN partners.

Figure 32 System Message in Case of Excessive Bitrate Speed

Streaming

Now connection through the media tunnel is established. The VGA Grid starts
streaming to the Epiphan’s portal – epiphan.net.

It is required to set up audio format as MP3 when streaming through the
epiphan.net. This setting is performed in the control interface’s Stream Setup
section (see Select Audio Format).

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 33 Selecting Options for Streaming through Epiphan.net

Switch to

Click this button to select a plugin which will be used for viewing the
stream. Refer to Figure 35 Plugins Available for Selection on the
PortalFigure 35 Plugins Available for Selection on the Portal.

- Flash RTMP

- Flash HTTP

- QuickTime

- VLC Player

Embed

Displays a code that allows you to embed video stream into your
web page. Refer to Figure 36 Code for Stream Embedding

Direct URL

Displays a list of URLs for different types of broadcasting. Refer to
Figure 37 Listing of Direct URLsFigure 37 Listing of Direct URLs.

Streaming

There are several buttons available at the bottom of the epiphan.net portal page
(see Figure 34 Epiphan’s Portal):

6. Click Switch to button and select a plugin for viewing the stream.

7. If you need to embed the stream into your web page, click Embed to

obtain the code.

8. Click Direct URL to obtain the list of URLs for different types of

broadcasting.

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Figure 34 Epiphan’s Portal

Streaming

Figure 35 Plugins Available for Selection on the Portal

Figure 36 Code for Stream Embedding

Streaming

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 37 Listing of Direct URLs

Alternatively you can configure your VGA Grid to stream their content through
epiphan.net directly on the portal.

To view the stream directly on the portal:

1. Type http://epiphan.net in the address bar of your browser.

2. Enter serial number of your VGA Grid. It is displayed in the Info section of

the Web admin interface.

3. Click the Go! button.

8.3.2 Using Epiphan’s Partners as CDN Providers For Streaming

Use this option if you need to perform streaming on a remote streaming server
other than epiphan.net. It is required to set up audio format as MP3. This setting is
performed in the control interface’s Stream Setup section (see Select Audio Format).

To use this option:

1. Select RTSP Announce from the drop-down list.

2. Enter the host/server name. For example, 172.30.209.150.

3. Enter the number of port which is used for streaming to server. Usually for

RTSP streaming it is port 554.

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4. In the Mount point field enter the full path to locate an SDP file on server.

This path is got from the CDN provider.

5. If necessary, enter the user and password information.

6. Click Apply.

Figure 38 RTSP Announce Functionality

Streaming

The last option available in the Publish field (using RTP/UDP push) is described in
the Setting up an RTP Multicast from Publish Stream section.

8.4 Setting Up VGA Grid and StreamZilla for CDN

Broadcasting

Epiphan VGA Grid supports broadcast streaming to multiple users through a Content

Distribution Network. It can be configured as a client to Epiphan’s preferred CDN

partners. By using a CDN, the maximum number of concurrent clients is increased,

while at the same time reducing the load on the uplink internet connection.

In this section it is explained how to configure a VGA Grid channel to broadcast
through StreamZilla.

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1. Make sure that the VGA Grid system has been properly deployed.

2. Log in to the VGA Grid Web Admin interface.

3. Select Channel 1.

Figure 39 VGA Grid Channel Selection

Streaming

4. In the drop-down menu click Stream setup and select RTSP (H.264 codec) in

the Stream type field. Note that the RTP/UDP stream section is displayed at
the bottom of the page. Do not close this page.

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Figure 40 Stream Setup

Streaming

5. Open a new tab in your browser and log in to your CDN Manager’s account.

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6. Click the Manage live streams icon. Then click Add a live stream.

Figure 41 Adding a Live Stream

7. A new window is displayed. Configure it as shown on a screenshot below.

8. Select QuickTime in the Stream type field and enter a user name. Then click

Next.

Figure 42 Stream Type Selection

Streaming

9. StreamZilla displays a live stream settings window with UDP audio port,

UDP video port and Core Server IP address values.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 43 Live Stream Settings

10. Leave this window open and go back to the VGA Grid Web Admin interface

window.

11. Fill in the fields in the RTP/UDP stream section using the information shown

on the StreamZilla window.

12. Click Apply.

Figure 44 RTP/UDP stream settings

Streaming

13. Now click Channel status. Then download the SDP file and save it on your

computer's local disk.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 45 Downloading SDP file

14. Go to the StreamZilla window. Upload the SDP file and click Next.

Figure 46 Uploading the SDP File

Streaming

15. CDN Server will finalize the process. Wait a few minutes until live stream

setup process is complete.

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Figure 47 Finalizing Process

16. Click Embed code/URL.

Figure 48 Embed Code/URL

Streaming

17. In this window you can generate a code that allows watching your stream

anywhere. Check all settings and click the Generate embed code button.

Script and http‐link information will be generated. After embedding this

script in your website you will be able to watch the broadcast from there.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 49 Generate Embed Code

Streaming

8.5 Viewing Streaming Video

The VGA Grid may broadcast audio and video at resolutions of up to 2048 x 2048
depending on the configuration. Viewers can access the broadcasted video streams
with a web browser that supports Motion JPEG, MPEG4 or Flash Video/H.264
compression or with a media player that is compatible with the stream format being
transmitted. The video stream format is selected by the administrator. Audio is
available for all formats except from Motion JPEG.

8.5.1 Retrieving the Stream’s URL for Publishing

In order for viewers to log in to VGA Grid as viewers and view a stream, the
administrator must release the URL(s) of the stream. The administrator is able to
provide separate URLs for all streams coming in from the local and remote sources
connected to the VGA Grid either physically or throughout the network.
Alternatively, one URL can be provided that allows viewers to see mapped
combinations of input sources mapped by an administrator to an output channel
view. The administrator can retrieve the appropriate stream URL or URLs as
explained below.

Streaming

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8.5.2 Using the Channel Status Option

Regardless of which URL the administrator needs, all of the information about the

channel’s stream and its respective URLs can be retrieved by selecting the Channel
Status menu item from the selected channel’s page.

The following indicates where each URL for the stream can be found on that page:

Figure 50 URLs of the Broadcast Displayed in the Channel Status Section

Live broadcast is an URL for the simultaneous stream from video and audio sources
depending on channel settings.
Direct stream URL is an URL for the broadcast coming from the separate source of
the VGA Grid.
iPhone/iPad stream is an URL for streaming on iDevices.

Streaming

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8.5.3 Testing How Participants Log In With a Viewer Password

1. Start any web browser.

2. Using a browser or media player, open the Open URL dialog box and enter the

IP, DNS or URL address of the VGA Grid device. For example, if the URL IP

address of the device’s stream is 192.168.23.45:552/vga.sdp, then browse to:
http://192.168.23.45:552/vga.sdp

3. Enter the following when prompted:

User Name: viewer
Password: enter the viewer password

4. Press Enter. If the VGA Grid is capturing images and is streaming images over

the network, the viewer can see the visual information as it is transmitted.

8.6 Viewing a Broadcast with a Browser

If the administrator has configured a viewer password, participants must obtain the
password in order to log in. The administrator will also provide the IP Address or the
URL to be used by the viewer’s browser.

To log in to view the broadcast using a browser:

1. Start any web browser.

2. Browse to the IP, DNS or URL address of the VGA Grid’s broadcast stream.

For example, if the IP address of the VGA Grid’s broadcast is 192.168.23.45,
then browse to: http://192.168.23.45

3. Enter the following:

User Name: viewer
Password: (enter the viewer password).

4. Press Enter.

5. The broadcast begins to play within the viewer’s browser.

8.6.1 Viewing a Broadcast with a Media Player

If the administrator has configured a Viewer password, participants must obtain the
password in order to log in. The administrator will also provide the IP Address or the
URL to use within the media player.

To log in to view a stream using a media player:

1. Launch the media player.

2. Use the Menu bar to open the URL dialog box and enter the IP, DNS or URL

address of the stream.

3. When prompted, enter the following:
a. User name: viewer

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b. Password: enter the viewer password.
c. Press Enter.

4. The stream begins to play within the viewer’s browser.

Figure 51 Viewing a Broadcast Using a Web Browser

Streaming

8.7 Viewing a Broadcast on iPhone, iTouch, or iPad

You can view a broadcast on iDevices using EpiphanTouch™. This discovery and
remote control application is available as a free download from iTunes and the App
store. It allows you to log into the device as the administrator user. Refer to
Epiphan’s EpiphanTouch App for iPad, iPhone, iTouch section for details.

8.8 Compatibility Information

This section provides information on compatibility of video streaming formats,
browsers and viewers which is necessary for streaming video.

Streaming

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Browser

Motion JPEG

ASF

RTSP

Flash Video

(H.264)

Internet

Explorer 8

8.8.1 Streaming format/Player Compatibility

The VGA Grid can stream video using Flash (H.264), ASF (MPEG4 or H.264 codecs),
Motion JPEG or RTSP (MPEG4 or H.264 codecs). A quick definition of these video
streaming methods and the type of application that a viewer would use to watch
that particular video stream is now provided.

The Adobe Flash Video file type is proprietary but is supported on most web
browsers and on many media players including the VLC Media Player. This file type
supports the H.264 standard. This video supports analog audio from an external
source.

The Advanced System Format (ASF) file type also called Advanced Streaming
format, can be viewed with the Windows Media Player or the VLC Media Player.
Additional codecs may need to be installed to view ASF files. This file type supports
H.264 and MPEG4 standards. This video supports analog audio from an external
source.

The Motion JPEG file type records each frame in the video in JPEG format and can
be viewed using most web browsers. This video format does not support analog
audio from an external source.

The RTSP type supports many media players including QuickTime and MPlayer. This
file type supports H.264 and MPEG4 standards. This video supports analog audio
from an external source.

8.8.2 Browser Compatibility

Below is a list of browsers, operating systems and their supported video formats,
which is believed to be accurate at time of writing. For additional media browser
platform support, compatibilities and capabilities, please visit our website and/or
the relevant browser or plug in documentation.

Table 13 Browsers and Video Formats

Streaming

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Mozilla

Safari

Chrome

Media Player

Motion

JPEG

ASF

RTSP

Flash Video (H.264)

Windows Media

Player (v.12)

MPlayer (Windows,

Mac OS, Linux)

QuickTime (Mac

OS)

VLC (Windows,

Mac OS, Linux)

In order to play ASF, RTSP, and Flash Video formats in browsers ensure that all
appropriate plug-ins are installed.

Browser/viewer capabilities and compatibilities are

subject to change.

8.8.3 Media Player Compatibility

Here below you can find a list of media players, operating systems and their
supported video formats, which is believed to be accurate at time of writing. For
additional media player support, compatibilities and capabilities, please visit our
website and/or the media player documentation.

Table 14 Media Players and Supported Video Formats

The following media players support working with independent streams:

- VLC

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- SMPlayer

- Windows Media Player

9 Recording

The VGA Grid captures video and audio data which is associated with a channel or
channels. This data can be encapsulated in a file or files and recorded.
The Web admin interface provides the administrator user with the ability to start,
stop and configure the recording. Additionally, recorded video files might need to
be downloaded or copied to another device for archiving purposes; also they might
need to be deleted in order to manage disk space on the VGA Grid. For organizing,
recorded video files may need to be renamed. All of these management tasks are
available via the VGA Grid’s Web admin Interface.

9.1 Selecting Recording File Format

The required recording file format – MOV or AVI – can be specified for each channel
you are working with.

To select a file format:

1. Select a required channel in the Channel menu point of the Web Admin

interface.

2. Click Files Archive. The ability to manage a recording with the Web Admin

interface is done using the Recorded Files channel’s page.

3. Click the change command above the Recorded Files title (see Figure 52

Select Recording Format).

Recording

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 52 Select Recording Format

4. Use the File Type drop-down list to select the recording format (MOV or

AVI).

5. Click Apply.

9.2 Changing File Limits (Time and Size)

The VGA Grid can record the channel to one or more files according to time and file
size limit parameters. It will automatically create and start recording to a new file
whenever either limit is reached.

To specify the time and file size limit parameters:

1. Click the change command.

2. Select the parameters values from the drop-down list (see Figure 53

Changing Time Limit and Size Limit).

Figure 53 Changing Time Limit and Size Limit

Recording

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VGA Grid User Guide

Time limit

Specify the maximum amount of time to record to a file.
When either the time limit or the size limit is exceeded,
the system starts recording data to a new file.

Size limit

Specify the maximum size of the recorded file. When
either the time limit or the size limit is exceeded, the
system starts recording data to a new file.

3. Click Apply.

Table 15 Time and file size limit parameters

9.3 Starting and Stopping Recording

The recording buttons and recorder status for each channel is shown in its Files
Archive section. To navigate to this section, click the Channel menu point of the

Web Admin interface. It is located on the left hand side of the screen above the Web
Admin interface’s main menu. Then select a required channel and click Files Archive.

Figure 54 Recorder Status

To start a recording, click the Start button in the Recorder status section of the main
menu.

To stop a recording, click the Stop button in the Recorder status section of the main
menu.

To restart recording to the same file, click the Reset button. The device will append
data to the existing file

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VGA Grid User Guide

To close the file being recorded and start recording to a new file, click Stop. Then
click the Start button again.

9.4 Viewing the Current Recording

You can view the broadcast as it is being recorded.

If the channel is configured to record video from two sources:
Click the Live broadcast URL in the Channel Status section of the required channel. A
preview of the broadcast that is currently being recorded appears in the web
browser. The preview is exactly the same as what is being recorded.

To view video from the source click the Direct stream URL.

If the channel is configured to record video from a single source:
Click the Live broadcast URL in the Channel Status section of the required channel.

9.5 Recording a Stream on iPad, iPhone and iTouch

You can record a stream on iDevices using EpiphanTouch™. This discovery and
remote control application is available as a free download from iTunes and the App
store. It allows you to log into the device as the administrator user. Refer to
Epiphan’s EpiphanTouch App for iPad, iPhone, iTouch section for details.

9.6 Recording Data in Motion JPEG Format

To configure the channel before recording data in Motion JPEG format:

1. Select Motion JPEG in the Stream Type field (Stream setup section of the

channel page).

2. Use the Page refresh time parameter in the MJPEG webpage section on this

page to specify how often the browser updates the visual information coming
from the VGA Grid. In other words, how often the page is refreshed.

3. Click Apply.

9.7 Files Archive

The files archive for each channel lists all of the video files recorded by the VGA Grid
through this channel that are saved on it. To navigate to the files archive, click the
Channel menu option of the Web Admin interface. Then select a required channel
and click Files Archive.

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For each file, the list includes the name of the file, start and end times, duration, and
size in MB. Each recording file listing also includes icons that can be used to
download, delete, or rename the file.

Figure 55 Files Archive

9.7.1 Downloading Recordings

Download recordings to either save or view them. You can download a single file or
multiple files as a single .zip file.

1. Click Files Archive.

2. Select the checkbox beside the file you want to download, or to download

multiple files, select the checkboxes beside all of them. Then select the
Download Selected button at the bottom of the file list.

3. Follow the instructions to download the file or files provided by the system.

If you select the Download Selected button, all of the files that you have selected
are downloaded in a single zip file. You must unzip this file to view the individual
video files.

If you have downloaded multiple files, select Continue to return to the Recorded
Files page.

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9.7.2 Deleting Files

The administrator user can delete files from the VGA Grid to free up space on the
hard disk. Files can be selected one at a time, or multiple files can be selected to be
deleted. Alternatively there is an option to delete all files that have been previously
downloaded.

1. Click Files Archive.

2. To delete individual recordings, select the Delete File icon

beside the file you want to delete. To delete multiple files, select
the checkbox beside the files you want to delete and then select
Delete Selected.

3. Follow the instructions to delete the file or files. The files are

deleted from the hard disk.

9.7.3 Renaming Files

The administrator can rename one file at a time. Again, this function is done by
going to the Recorder Setup section from the Web admin interface main menu.

To rename a file:

1. Click Files Archive.

2. Select the rename file icon .

3. Enter the new name for the file.

4. Select Submit.

9.7.4 Viewing Closed Recording Files

Closed recordings can be viewed using the Web Admin interface and a compatible
media player.

The instructions below explain how to view a closed recording file using the default
media player installed on a computer. These instructions will only work when using
the default player. To view a closed recording file using another player the closed
file will need to be downloaded or copied to a host computer where this player is
installed. Once you have downloaded or copied the file to the host computer, the
recorded file can be opened from within the player itself.

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1. Once the recording is completed, log into the Web Admin interface.

2. Select a channel from the main menu, then click Files Archive and click the file

that is to be viewed.

3. The system will suggest you to open the file with the computer’s configured

default viewer. For example, for systems running Windows, the default player
is the Windows Media Player.

4. The player opens the window with the channel. If you have recorded two

channels in separate video tracks of the file, the player will display them in
separate windows. If you have recorded two channels in one track, the player
will display them both in one common window.

9.8 Recording Video from Multiple Channels on Separate

Tracks in a File

You can record video and audio from multiple channels currently being used in a
single file with video and audio tracks. This can be either channels streaming video
from the separate sources or channels streaming combined video from multiple
sources.
It is assumed that you have multiple sources connected to the ports of the VGA Grid
accordingly. The recording is made in one file with separate tracks.

To make recording:

1. Select the first channel in the Channels pane of the Web Admin interface.

2. In the channel’s Video Source Setup section, select the required input from the

Use video source drop-down list.

3. Perform the steps 1-2 for all channels.

4. Select All-in-one-Recorder.

5. Click Start to start recording video. All video tracks and the audio track are now

being recorded to a multi-track file. This file can be found in the Recorded Files
list on the same page.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 56 “All-in-one” Recorder

Recording

9.9 Recording Video from Multiple Sources on a Single

Track in a File

Video and audio from multiple sources can be recorded on one video and one audio
track. It is assumed that you have multiple local or remote sources connected to the
VGA Grid. The recording is made in one file with separate tracks.

To make recording:

1. Configure the Multiple Sources channel as explained in Multiple Sources

Channel Setup.

2. Select the channel’s Files Archive section.

3. Click Start to start recording video. The data is now being recorded to a file. This

file can be found in the Recorded Files list on the same page.

9.10 File Transfer of Recorded Files

The VGA Grid provides several options to automatically copy recordings to a
network storage location, to an external HDD or a USB Storage Key.

9.10.1 Copying Recorded Files to a USB Flash Drive or to an external HDD

The VGA Grid is equipped with USB ports that can be used to copy recorded data
from the VGA Grid to an external HDD or USB flash drive formatted with one
partition in one of the following file systems: FAT32, ext3, ext2, ISO 9660, HFS. This

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VGA Grid User Guide

is a great feature for professional AV service providers that want to provide a copy

of the presentation to the speaker before they leave the presentation venue.

An HDD or a flash drive can be connected to the VGA Grid any time.

To copy recorded files to a USB flash drive:

Stick a flash drive into a USB port on the device and press lightly. The stick fits into
the port only one way. After inserting, the VGA Grid will recognize the stick,
however, this occurs without any user notification whatsoever.

The VGA Grid copies to the inserted USB flash drive, all previously recorded files

starting from the oldest record to the newest. The flash drive’s LED (if any) will be

blinking indicating data transfer. The VGA Grid copies data to the flash drive until
there is not enough storage space for additional files or all recorded files have been
copied.

Due to speed limitations flash drives are not capable of recording data on the fly.
This means that while the previously recorded data captured by the VGA Grid on its
internal solid state memory will be copied to the flash drive, the currently opened
recording file cannot be copied until the file is closed. Once closed, it is then
available for copying.

Once the data has been copied, safely remove the flash drive.

To safely remove the flash drive:

1. Right-click the USB icon marked with a checkmark. It is located on the bottom

right of your taskbar. From the pop-up menu, click Safely Remove Hardware. A
small window will be displayed.

2. Select the USB flash drive you want to unplug then click the Stop button. A

confirmation window will appear. Click the appropriate hardware device, then
click OK. The Safe to Remove Hardware window will inform you that it's now
safe to unplug the USB flash drive from your computer.

To check its free storage, files that have been copies and their size, insert the drive
into a computer and see its properties.

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Enable Automatic File Upload

Check this box to enable this feature,
uncheck this box to disable this feature.

Protocol

Select the upload client.

How often

Select how often video files are to be
uploaded. By selecting On file rotation,
the VGA Grid uploads each video file
after it stops recording the current video
file and starts recording the next one.
You can also configure the VGA Grid to
upload all video files every 1, 6, 12, or 24
hours.

Remote path

The path on the upload server to upload
the video files to. This path must match
an actual path on the server.

Remove after upload

If you select this checkbox, the video
files will be deleted on VGA Grid after
uploading.
In case the check box is not selected, the
system check if there is enough place for
a new file based on the size limit value. If
there is not enough place, the system

deletes the oldest files.

Mark file as downloaded

Select the checkbox to keep the files on
VGA Grid after uploading copies to the
server. The filenames before uploading
are displayed in blue. The filenames
after uploading are displayed in purple.

Show log of automatic file upload

Use this command to display the log of
file uploads

9.11 Automatic File Upload

The automatic file upload feature will automatically copy recorded video files from
the VGA Grid to another device on your network. This feature’s page is reached
from the Web admin interface’s main menu by clicking on Automatic File Upload.

By uploading recorded files to another network device, these files become available
to be viewed from other device without using the VGA Grid. This feature also
provides a method of automatically archiving recorded files after they are closed.

Table 16 Automatic File Upload Configurable Options

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 57 Configuring the Automatic File Upload Feature

Recording

9.11.1 Configuring Automatic File uploads

Recorded files can be uploaded to a CIFS server (a Windows share), an RSync server,
or an FTP server.

To configure Automatic File Upload:

1. Select Enable Automatic File Upload.

2. Set Protocol to FTP Client, RSync Client, or CIFS client depending on what

upload server is being used.

3. If the How often option is set to On file rotation, the VGA Grid will upload

each video file after it stops recording to it. A file rotation can be forced by
clicking Reboot Now button in the Maintenance section. Alternatively, the
VGA Grid can be set to upload all video files every 1, 6, 12, or 24 hours.

4. Set Remote Path to the path on the upload server to upload the video files

to. This path must match an actual path on the server. If a path is not
provided, the files are uploaded to the root location.

5. Select the Remove after upload checkbox to delete all video files on the

VGA Grid after uploading them.

6. Select Mark file as downloaded to keep the files on the VGA Grid device

after uploading copies to the server. On the Web admin interface the

download icons for the uploaded files change to .
Note: In case you select both checkboxes (Remove after upload and Mark
file as downloaded) the files uploaded to server will be removed from the
device.

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7. Configure the appropriate client for the designated upload server:

 If the upload server is a CIFS server (for example, a Windows

shared folder), select and configure the CIFS Client. See
Configuring the CIFS Client.

 If the upload server is an RSync server, select and configure the

RSync client. See Configuring the RSync Client.

 If the upload server is an FTP server, select and configure the FTP

Client. See Configuring the FTP Client.

8. Click Apply.

The first copy is made after the time period set in how often expires. For example, if
the System is set to upload files every hour, the first set of files is uploaded after one
hour. If five video files are saved in the first hour, those five video files are uploaded.
One hour later, all of the video files saved since the start of that hour are uploaded.

Video files saved before you selected Apply are not uploaded. For Files saved
before Automatic File upload is configured, a manual upload process will have to be
done.

9.11.2 Configuring the CIFS Client

Use the CIFS client configuration to have the VGA Grid behave as a CIFS client
connecting to a CIFS server (such as a Windows shared folder) when uploading
broadcast files. Different networks may have different CIFS server configurations. If
required, contact your network administrator for assistance with getting the System
to connect to the server. Depending on your CIFS server configuration you may not
have to enter information in every field shown in the following diagram.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 58 Configuring a CIFS Client

To configure the CIFS client:

1. Select CIFS Client in the Protocol field.

2. Enter the Server port if the CIFS server uses a non-standard port. If your

CIFS server uses standard ports you should not have to add any information
to this field. If your server uses non-standard ports or looks for a non­standard port first, enter the port number in this field.

3. Enter the Server address. This can be the numeric IP address or fully

qualified domain name of the CIFS server.

4. Enter Server share. This is the CIFS share name or the name of the

Windows shared folder on the CIFS server.

5. If required, enter the name of the CIFS Domain. The Domain can be a

Windows Domain or Work Group name.

6. Enter the Login and Password required to authenticate with the CIFS server

to connect to the server share.

7. Select Apply.

Recording

The VGA Grid will then attempt to connect to the CIFS server. The Web admin
interface displays messages about whether the System is able to connect to the CIFS
server and the status of the connection.

9.11.3 Configuring the RSync Client

Use the RSync client configuration to have the System act as an RSync client
connecting to an RSync server. Different networks may have different Rsync server

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VGA Grid User Guide

configurations. If required, contact your network administrator for assistance with
getting the System to connect to the server.

Figure 59 Configuring the RSync Client

To configure the RSync client:

1. Select RSync Client in the Protocol field.

2. Enter the Server address.

3. Enter Server module which is a directory on the RSync server.

4. Enter the Login and Password required to authenticate with the RSync

server to connect to the server share.

5. Select the Checksum checkbox to enable computing checksums algorithm

applied during file synchronization between sender and recipient servers.

6. Select Apply.

The VGA Grid will then attempt to connect to the RSync server. The Web admin
interface displays messages about whether the System is able to connect to the
RSync server and the status of the connection.

9.11.4 Configuring the FTP Client

Use the FTP client configuration to have the VGA Grid act as an FTP client to an FTP
server to upload broadcast files. Different networks may have different FTP server
configurations. If required, contact your network administrator for assistance with
getting the System to connect to the server.

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VGA Grid User Guide

Figure 60 Configure a FTP Client

To configure the FTP client:

1. Select FTP Client in the Protocol field.

2. Enter the Server port if the FTP server uses a non-standard port. The

standard FTP port is TCP 21.

3. Enter the Server IP address.

4. Enter the Login and Password required to authenticate with the FTP server

to connect to the server.

5. Select Apply.

Recording

The VGA Grid will then attempt to connect to the FTP server. The Web admin
interface displays messages about whether the VGA Grid is able to connect to the
FTP server and the status of the connection.

9.11.5 Testing the Automatic File Upload

Test the automatic file upload to ensure all settings are correct.

To test automatic file upload:

1. Confirm that the upload server is operating.

2. Start recording a broadcast.

3. Log into the Web admin interface.

4. Select Automatic File Upload, from the main menu.

5. Set the How Often setting to On file rotation. The currently recording file

will be closed and saved.

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6. The recording will then be uploaded to the configured remote path using

the configured client.

7. Check the server to confirm that the most recently saved video file has

been uploaded to it and it is in the proper path location on that server.

If the file is not uploaded, verify that the client configuration and Automatic File
Upload configuration settings are correct. Check the remote device’s root path, if
the remote path is incorrectly configured, the file will be uploaded to that location.

Check the Files Archive section in the Channel menu point from the Web admin
interface:

If the Remove after upload checkbox is selected, the uploaded file should have been
deleted from the Archive section. If the Mark file as downloaded checkbox is

selected, the uploaded broadcast file download icon should be .

10 Networking

Changing the network configuration involves setting how the VGA Grid receives an
IP address. IP addresses can be assigned statically or dynamically with the use of a
DHCP server. For network configuration changes to take effect, the System device
must be rebooted after making the changes, refer to the section Rebooting or
Restarting System.

If the IP address is changed, the VGA Grid must be removed from the Network
Discovery Utility and then re-discovered by selecting Search.

Additionally, the System’s MAC address is displayed on the Network Configuration
page. Providing the MAC address to your network administrator may be helpful for
managing your network.

10.1 Connecting Directly to the VGA Grid Concentrator

This section discusses how to directly connect to the VGA Grid Concentrator using
the factory default network settings. This method must be used if the network
where the Concentrator resides does not have a DHCP server, or it is desired to
simply connect a controlling computer and the Concentrator without a router, by
simply using a direct connect Ethernet cable.

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The next section discusses tools that can be used to discover the VGA Grid
Concentrator that has been plugged into the local network and been assigned an
appropriate IP address for the given network by a DHCP server. This network
discovery also applies if the device was assigned a static IP.

Either method, connecting directly or connecting using network discovery, is
required to access the VGA Grid Concentrator to allow for further configuring of the
device.

10.1.1 Default Network Settings

The VGA Grid comes with the following factory defaults:

IP: 192.168.255.250

Netmask: 255.255.255.252

User Name: admin (no password)

For more information on the admin user, see the section Users and Passwords.

10.1.2 Establishing Direct Connecting

Using the default network settings, perform the following steps:

1. Record the network settings of the controlling computer being used to connect

to the VGA Grid so that they can be restored later if needed.

2. Temporarily change the network configuration on the controlling computer to

the following:

a. Static IP assignment
b. IP address: 192.168.255.249
c. Subnet mask: 255.255.255.252

3. Establish an Ethernet connection between the VGA Grid and the controlling

computer by one of the following methods:

a. Connect the VGA Grid’s Ethernet port to the same Ethernet network as

the controlling computer.

b. Connect the VGA Grid’s Ethernet port to an Ethernet network switch

and connect the controlling computer’s Ethernet to that same switch.

c. Connect the VGA Grid’s Ethernet port directly to the controlling

computer’s Ethernet port using either a regular or a crossover Ethernet
cable.

4. Start a web browser on the workstation and browse to:

http://192.168.250/admin/

5. Log in as the administrator user:

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User Name: admin
Password:<return>

6. The VGA Grid’s Web interface Admin opens. Review the section Networking to

set and configure a proper static IP address relevant to the network being used.

7. Restore the previously save network configurations on the workstation.

10.2 Network Discovery of the System

Instead of connecting directly as described in the previous section, to the System,
the System can be discovered on the network and its IP address can be obtained.

By default the System device is configured for DHCP. When it has been plugged into
a network with a DHCP server, the DHCP server automatically assigns an IP address
to the System relevant to the network. Determining the IP address assigned to the
System is required to access the System to allow for further configuring of the
device.

There are tools that will return the System’s IP address. Epiphan provides two such
tools and they are described in the following section.

Alternatively, contact the relevant network administrator to retrieve the System’s IP
address.

Regardless of the method used to obtain the System’s IP address, its assigned IP

address is required to allow for any further configuring.

10.2.1 Epiphan’s Network Discovery Utility

Epiphan’s Network Discovery Utility runs on a Windows based PC. It finds the
System device on the network and displays its assigned IP address. The Network
Discovery Utility can also be used to connect to the System Web admin interface
tool.

To install Epiphan’s Network Discovery Utility Tool:

1. Find the latest Network Discovery Utility on the website’s download page

(http://www.epiphan.com/downloads/).

2. Select Download Network Discovery Utility. Ensure to note the download

destination folder.

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3. Run NetworkDiscovery.exe from the above noted download destination

folder.

4. Select Search to find the Epiphan devices connected to the network.

The Network Discovery Utility can only find the Epiphan devices on the same
network as the Windows PC that is running this utility.

10.2.2 Epiphan’s EpiphanTouch App for iPad, iPhone, iTouch

EpiphanTouch™ is a discovery and remote control application available as a free
download from iTunes and the App store.

EpiphanTouch finds, provides the IP address, and can be used as a remote control to
start and stop broadcastings and recordings on the System. It will list all Epiphan
devices including the System operating on the same network as the iPhone, iTouch,
or iPad that is running the EpiphanTouch application.

To install and use EpiphanTouch from iTunes:

1. Either follow the URL to go directly to the EpiphanTouch page in the App

store:http://itunes.apple.com/pk/app/epiphantouch/id424405619?mt=8#
or search for the EpiphanTouch application in the App Store using the
Search field.

Figure 61 Search for EpiphanTouch in the App Store

2. Install the EpiphanTouch App on your iDevice.

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3. The EpiphanTouch will discover all Epiphan devices. The IP addresses of all

devices will be displayed. Record the IP address corresponding to the
System you want to configure. If there is more than one Epiphan device
on the network, you can identify your System by the serial number
displayed.

4. To use EpiphanTouch’s remote control feature, select the desired System

and log into the device as the administrator user. See the section Users
and Passwords for more details about logging into the System.

Figure 62 Log into the System as the Administrator

Networking

5. Start or stop video capturing and recording.

10.3 Setting IP Address

Changing the network configuration involves setting how the System receives an IP
address. IP Addresses can be assigned statically or dynamically with the use of a
DHCP server. For network configuration changes to take effect, the System device
must be rebooted after making the changes. If the IP address is changed, the System

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must be removed from the Network Discovery Utility and then re-discovered by
selecting Search.

Additionally, the VGA Grid’s MAC address is displayed on the Network Configuration
page. Providing the MAC address to your network administrator may be helpful for
managing your network.

10.3.1 Set the System to use a static IP address

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Network from the main menu.

3. Select Use static address.

Enter an IP Address, Network Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Server that
are valid for your network. Ensure that this gateway setting is the gateway
of your local LAN, i.e. the local router. Contact your network administrator
if you are not sure what information to use. The IP address, Network Mask,
Default Gateway, and DNS Server assigned must be compatible with your
network.

4. Select Apply to save these changes.

5. Select Maintenance.

6. Select Reboot Now.

7. It takes a few minutes for the VGA Grid device to reboot.

8. After a few minutes log into the Web admin interface. Logging into the

Web admin interface can be done by:

a. Using a browser and browsing to the new IP address assigned to

the System.

b. Using the Network Discovery Utility.

9. Re-log into the Web admin interface using the administrator username and

password.

10.3.2 Set the VGA Grid to use a DHCP server

By default, the VGA Grid is configured to connect to a network using a DHCP server,
the DHCP server will automatically configure the network settings and assign a

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relevant IP address to the VGA Grid. This section describes how to re-enable DHCP
settings if they have been disabled.

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Network from the main menu.

3. Select Use DHCP. The other fields can be left as is.

4. Select Apply to save these changes.

5. Select Maintenance.

6. Select Reboot Now. It takes a few minutes for the VGA Grid to reboot.

7. After a few minutes log into the Web admin interface. Logging into the

Web admin interface can be done by:

a. See the section Network Discovery of the System on how to obtain

the IP address for VGA Grid.

b. Using a browser and browsing to the new IP address assigned to

VGA Grid.

c. Using the Network Discovery Utility, see the section Logging into

the Web Admin Interface Using a Web Browser and the IP Address

of the for more details.

8. Re-log into the Web admin interface using the administrator username and

password.

The following diagram shows the network page from the Web admin interface and
enabling DHCP.

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Figure 63 Enabling DHCP

System Administration

11 System Administration

11.1 Setting the Date and Time

The date and time can be set manually or time synchronization can be enabled on
the VGA Grid. Configuring how the date and time is managed on the System is done
by selecting Date and Time from the Web admin interface’s main menu.

Clicking Enable Time Synchronization on the Date and Time page results in the date
and time being received from a public network time protocol (NTP) server. This is
done by having the System connect to the server over the Internet. NTP uses UDP
and port 123. The default NTP server is time.nrc.ca. This should be changed to an
NTP server that is recommended for your location. This information should be
available from your network administrator.

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For more information about NTP, including a list of recommended NTP servers, refer
to the following webpage: The NTP Public Services Project.

To get the correct time from the NTP server, ensure that the correct Time Zone for
the location of the System is selected.

If the VGA Grid device cannot connect to the Internet and there is an RDATE server
on the network, you can set time synchronization to use RDATE (as defined by RFC

868). Contact your network administrator for the address of the RDATE server and
enter the RDATE server IP address into the Server IP Address field.

In both cases, how often the date and time is updated can be configured. The Time
Update interval can be every 1, 6, 12, or 24 hours.

Figure 64 Setting the Date and Time

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Time Zone

Select the appropriate time zone

Enable time
synchronization

This parameter enables time synchronization with a NTP
or RDATE server

Protocol

Select the time protocol

Server IP
Address

Enter the IP address of the NTP or RDATE server
Update interval

Specify the frequency of time synchronization

Set time
manually

This parameter enables manual time setting

Date (yyyy-mm­dd)

Specify the date
Time (hh:mm:ss)

Specify the time

RTC calibration:
(-31..+31).

This field allows RTC calibration, the slowing or speeding
the clock up to 10 sec/day. Negative numbers slow the
clock down up to 5 seconds a day and positive numbers
speed up the clock up to 5 seconds a day.

The following table summarizes the configurable options for setting the date and
time.

Table 17 Date and Time Configurable Options

11.2 Users and Passwords

11.2.1 Configuring the Administrator User Password

Initial factory settings provide no password for the administrator user. For security
reasons, a password to control access to the administration functions should be
added. The administrator user’s password can be added or changed at any time in
the Admin Access section.

If you lose or forget the admin password you can reset the device to its factory
default setting. See Restoring the System Default Factory Configuration in order to reset
the device to factory defaults.

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To add or change the Administrator password:

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Admin Access.

3. Enter and repeat the new password. The password is case sensitive and can

include up to 255 ASCII characters.

4. Select Apply. The Web admin interface will log off the current

administrator user.

5. When prompted, re-log into the Web admin interface with the admin user

name and the new password.

Figure 65 Adding or Changing the Administrator's Password

11.2.2 Deleting the Administrator password

The administrator password can be deleted if it is not required. However, by
removing the administrator password, it makes it easier for unauthorized users to
change the System’s configuration.

To delete the Administrator password:

1. Log into the Web admin interface

2. Select Admin Access. The password fields will be blank.

3. Select Apply. Leaving the password fields blank.

4. When prompted, re-log in leaving the password field blank.

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11.3 Configuring Viewer Access

Controlling viewer access to a broadcast can be done in two different ways. The first
is to assign a password to the VGA Grid’s viewer password and the second is to
enable IP Address based authentication. By default the viewer user does not have a
password to control access and no IP Address based authentication is enabled.

Figure 66 Changing the Viewer Password or IP Based Authentication

11.3.1 To add or change the viewer password

Used to add or change the password associated with the viewer user. The viewer
access password is the same for all viewers until it is changed. Any viewer that
knows the password will continue to have access until the password is changed. It is
good practice to change the password each time there is a change in the users that
should be authorized to access the broadcast. Please contact your network security
administrator with respect to password management required for your applications.

Once a viewer password is configured, participants must obtain the current viewer
password in order to log in. The user name is always the same: viewer. It cannot be
changed. If the viewer password is changed during a broadcast, the broadcast is
interrupted and all viewers will be required to re-log in using the new viewer
password in order to continue receiving the broadcast. Depending on how the
viewer is receiving the broadcast, this will involve clicking the refresh button in the
viewer’s browser or clicking on the play button in the viewer’s media player.

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

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2. Select Viewer Access.

3. Enter and repeat the new password. The password is case sensitive and can

include up to 255 ASCII characters.

4. Select Apply.

5. Distribute or communicate the viewer access password to authorized

viewers of the broadcast.

11.3.2 Configuring IP-based Authentication for Viewers

This function allows the option of providing access to the broadcast to a large
number of users without having each individual user log in with the viewer
username and password. This is done by configuring individual IP addresses or a
range of IP addresses that are either granted access or denied access to the
broadcast. Once set up, users can access the broadcast just by clicking on a supplied
link. The administrator for the broadcast would continue to access the Web admin
interface using the administrator user credentials to access all features.

The list of allowed IP addresses has a higher priority over the list of denied IP
addresses. An example of how this is implemented would be the following:

1. In the Deny IP’s field enter 192.168.1.1-100.

2. In the Allow IP’s field enter 192.168.1.22, 192.168.1.33.

Access to the broadcast will be forbidden for the entire subset of addresses except
for 192.168.1.22, 192.168.1.33.

The set of users must have a fixed IP address or a range of IP addresses through
which they connect to the internet. Individual computers may have dynamic server­assigned addresses but as long as they use a gateway with a static address to access
the internet, this feature can be configured

IP authentication is primarily about convenience, rather than extra security. The
level of security is comparable with that of a password-based authentication. Bear in
mind that anyone who has access to a computer within the specified range will be
able to access the broadcast without having to provide log in credentials. Also it is
probably not possible to restrict access to a single computer since in most networks
a number of computers share a single gateway to the internet.

The table below shows the fields used in configuring IP-based Authentication for
Viewers.

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Deny IP’s

Enter individual IP addresses separated by a comma or a range of IP
addresses that are denied access to the broadcast. To specify a range
of addresses, use a hyphen (-).

Example 1: 192.168.1.17, 192.168.1.32

Example 2: 192.168.1.1-100

Allow IP’s

Enter individual IP addresses separated by a comma or a subset of IP
addresses that are granted access to the broadcast. To specify a range
of addresses, use a hyphen (-).

11.3.3 Delete the Viewer Password

The viewer password can be deleted if viewers are not required to enter a password
to access the broadcast.

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Viewer Access. The password fields should be blank.

3. Select Apply without adding characters to the password fields. The

password is deleted.

11.4 Upgrading the System Firmware

New firmware is released to fix known problems or to add new features. When
available, new firmware versions can be obtained from Epiphan Support.

Installing new firmware can take several minutes. Once a firmware upgrade is
started, the VGA Grid cannot broadcast or record streams until the firmware
upgrade is complete.

11.4.1 Installing new firmware

Do not interrupt or power down the VGA Grid device during the firmware update.

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Firmware Upgrade from the main menu.

3. Click the Check for updates command. The VGA Grid will indicate whether any

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updates are available. If updates are available, select Browse and then select

the downloaded firmware file.

4. Select Apply. The firmware file is uploaded to the VGA Grid. It then unpacks the

firmware file, verifies the contents and then upgrades the firmware.

5. To complete the firmware upgrade you must reboot the VGA Grid. Refer to the

section Rebooting or Restarting System.

6. Log into the Web admin interface and confirm that the VGA Grid is now running

the new firmware version by selecting Info from the main menu and by viewing
the firmware version.

Should the firmware update fail, restore to the default factory configuration. Refer
to the section Restoring the System Default Factory Configuration.

Figure 67 Firmware Upgrade

11.5 Maintenance Controls

From the Web admin interface’s main menu, select Maintenance to perform
operations such as restoring the factory configuration, and rebooting the System.

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Figure 68 Maintenance Options

System Administration

11.5.1 Restoring the System Default Factory Configuration

Select Restore beside Restore Factory Configuration to reset the broadcasting and
Frame Grabber settings back to the default factory configuration. The default
factory configuration is the configuration that the VGA Grid had when it was
received from Epiphan. It can be useful to return the VGA Grid to this configuration
if a number of configuration changes have been made that need to be reversed.

Pressing the reset button on the VGA Grid will also perform a reset to the default
factory configuration. See the section, System Hardware Features, for information
on the location of the reset button and the proper steps that need to be followed to
perform a hardware based factory reset.

11.5.2 Rebooting or Restarting System

Many VGA Grid configuration changes require you to reboot the System in order to
have these changes come into effect, the following outlines the steps to reboot the
System.

To reboot or restart the system:

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Maintenance.

3. Select Reboot now.

The reboot process is not lengthy and once completed, the System will resume
normal operation.

11.5.3 Shutting down the System

You can shut down the system either pressing the Power button on the device or
selecting the Shutdown command in the Web admin interface.

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Flow control

Flow control means the ability to slow down the flow of
bytes in a wire. For serial ports this means the ability to
stop and then restart the flow without any loss of bytes.

Specify by what means this control will be performed:

- Hardware

- Software

- None

To shut down the system:

1. Log into the Web admin interface.

2. Select Maintenance.

3. Select Shutdown now.

12 Serial Port Configuring

The System can be integrated with control equipment that uses an RS-232 interface.
This RS-232 interface is used to trigger the device to perform various actions by
sending a command over the RS-232 connection, refer to the RS-232 Commands
chapter for more information about these commands.

To connect your control equipment to the VGA Grid, use a standard RS-232 null­modem cable. Then an RS-232 serial adapter is connected to the RS-232 null-modem
cable before inserting it into one of the two USB ports on the System.

The standard VGA Grid package does not include an RS-232 serial adapter but one
can be purchased from Epiphan as an optional accessory.

Flow control is the only configurable item for this feature. This is done by navigating
to the Serial Port section of the Web admin interface.

Table 18 Configuring the Serial Port Feature

Customizing Presentation and Web Content

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Figure 69 Configuring the Serial Port Feature

13 Customizing Presentation and Web Content

This feature allows the customizing of the viewer’s Web browser’s display of the
broadcast. For example, the event’s name, company logos and other pertinent data
can be displayed to the viewer. To use this option, select Branding from the Web
admin interface’s main menu.

To customize the design you need to create an .xsl file using XML document
formatting. The creation of this file is beyond the scope of this document.