Extron electronics VNM Enterprise User Manual

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User Guide

Streaming AV Products

VNM Enterprise Controller

VN-Matrix® Enterprise Controller

68-1999-01 Rev. C

07 13

Safety Instructions

Safety Instructions • English

WARNING: This symbol, , when used on the product, is intended to

alert the user of the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may present a risk of electric shock.

ATTENTION: This symbol, , when used on the product, is intended to alert

the user of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature provided with the equipment.

For information on safety guidelines, regulatory compliances, EMI/EMF compatibility, accessibility, and related topics, see the Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide, part number 68-290-01, on the Extron website, www.extron.com.

Instructions de sécurité • Français

AVERTISSEMENT: Ce pictogramme, , lorsqu’il est utilisé sur le

produit, signale à l’utilisateur la présence à l’intérieur du boîtier du produit d’une tension électrique dangereuse susceptible de provoquer un choc électrique.

ATTENTION: Ce pictogramme, , lorsqu’il est utilisé sur le produit,

signale à l’utilisateur des instructions d’utilisation ou de maintenance importantes qui se trouvent dans la documentation fournie avec le matériel.

Pour en savoir plus sur les règles de sécurité, la conformité à la réglementation, la compatibilité EMI/EMF, l’accessibilité, et autres sujets connexes, lisez les informations de sécurité et de conformité Extron, réf. 68290-01, sur le site Extron, www.extron.fr.

Sicherheitsanweisungen • Deutsch

WARNUNG: Dieses Symbol auf dem Produkt soll den Benutzer darauf

aufmerksam machen, dass im Inneren des Gehäuses dieses Produktes gefährliche Spannungen herrschen, die nicht isoliert sind und die einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen können.

VORSICHT: Dieses Symbol auf dem Produkt soll dem Benutzer

in der im Lieferumfang enthaltenen Dokumentation besonders wichtige Hinweise zur Bedienung und Wartung (Instandhaltung) geben.

Chinese Simplified（简体中文）

警告：产品上的这个标志意在警告用户该产品机壳内有暴露的危险

电压，有触电危险。

注意：产品上的这个标志意在提示用户设备随附的用户手册中有

重要的操作和维护(维修）说明。

关于我们产品的安全指南、遵循的规范、EMI/EMF 的兼容性、无障碍使用的特性等相关内容，敬请访问 Extron 网站 www.extron.cn，参见 Extron 安全规范指南，产品编号 68-290-01。

Chinese Traditional（繁體中文）

警告: 若產品上使用此符號，是為了提醒使用者，產品機殼內存在著

可能會導致觸電之風險的未絕緣危險電壓。

注意 若產品上使用此符號，是為了提醒使用者。

有關安全性指導方針、法規遵守、EMI/EMF 相容性、存取範圍和相關主題的詳細資訊，請瀏覽 Extron 網站：www.extron.cn，然後參閱《Extron 安全性與法規遵

守手冊》，準則編號 68-290-01。

Japanese

警告: この記号が製品上に表示されている場合は、筐体内に絶縁されて

いない高電圧が流れ、感電の危険があることを示しています。

注意: この記号が製品上に表示されている場合は、本機の取扱説明書に

記載されている重要な操作と保守(整備)の指示についてユーザーの

  注意を喚起するものです。

安全上のご注意、法規厳守、EMI/EMF適合性、その他の関連項目については、エクストロンのウェブサイト www.extron.jp より

『Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance Guide 』 (P/N 68-290-01) をご覧ください。

Weitere Informationen über die Sicherheitsrichtlinien, Produkthandhabung, EMI/EMF-Kompatibilität, Zugänglichkeit und verwandte Themen finden Sie in den Extron-Richtlinien für Sicherheit und Handhabung (Artikelnummer 68290-01) auf der Extron-Website, www.extron.de.

Instrucciones de seguridad • Español

ADVERTENCIA: Este símbolo, , cuando se utiliza en el producto,

avisa al usuario de la presencia de voltaje peligroso sin aislar dentro del producto, lo que puede representar un riesgo de descarga eléctrica.

ATENCIÓN: Este símbolo, , cuando se utiliza en el producto, avisa

al usuario de la presencia de importantes instrucciones de uso y mantenimiento recogidas en la documentación proporcionada

con el equipo.

Para obtener información sobre directrices de seguridad, cumplimiento de normativas, compatibilidad electromagnética, accesibilidad y temas relacionados, consulte la Guía de cumplimiento de normativas y seguridad de Extron, referencia 68-290-01, en el sitio Web de Extron, www.extron.es.

Korean

경고: 이 기호 , 가 제품에 사용될 경우, 제품의 인클로저 내에 있는

접지되지 않은 위험한 전류로 인해 사용자가 감전될 위험이 있음을 경고합니다.

주의: 이 기호 , 가 제품에 사용될 경우, 장비와 함께 제공된 책자에 나와

있는 주요 운영 및 유지보수(정비) 지침을 경고합니다.

안전 가이드라인, 규제 준수, EMI/EMF 호환성, 접근성, 그리고 관련 항목에 대한 자세한 내용은 Extron 웹 사이트(www.extron.co.kr)의 Extron 안전 및 규제 준수 안내서, 68-290-01 조항을 참조하십시오.

FCC Class A Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part15 of the FCC rules. The ClassA limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference; the user must correct the interference at his own expense.

NOTE: For more information on safety guidelines, regulatory compliances, EMI/EMF compatibility,

accessibility, and related topics, see the “Extron Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Guide” on the Extron website.

Trademarks

All trademarks mentioned in this guide are the properties of their respective owners.

The following registered trademarks®, registered service marks RGBSystems, Inc. or Extron Electronics:

Registered Trademarks

AVTrac, Cable Cubby, CrossPoint, eBUS, EDID Manager, EDID Minder, Extron, Flat Field, GlobalViewer, Hideaway, Inline, IPIntercom, IPLink, Key Minder, LockIt, MediaLink, PlenumVault, PoleVault, PowerCage, PURE3, Quantum, SoundField, SpeedMount, SpeedSwitch, System Integrator, TeamWork, TouchLink, V-Lock, VersaTools, VN-Matrix, VoiceLift, WallVault, WindoWall, XTP and XTP Systems

Registered Service Mark

AAP, AFL (Accu-Rate Frame Lock), ADSP (Advanced Digital Sync Processing), AIS (Advanced Instruction Set), Auto-Image, CDRS (Class D Ripple Suppression), DDSP (Digital Display Sync Processing), DMI (Dynamic Motion Interpolation), DriverConfigurator, DSPConfigurator, DSVP (Digital Sync Validation Processing), FastBite, FOXBOX, IP Intercom HelpDesk, MAAP, MicroDigital, ProDSP, QS-FPC (QuickSwitch Front Panel Controller), Scope-Trigger, SIS, Simple Instruction Set, Skew-Free, SpeedNav, Triple-Action Switching, XTRA, ZipCaddy, ZipClip

(SM)

: S3 Service Support Solutions

Trademarks (™

(®)

)

(SM)

, and trademarks

(TM)

are the property of

iii

Conventions Used in this Guide

Notifications

The following notifications are used in this guide:

DANGER: A danger indicates a situation that will result in death or severe injury.

WARNING: A warning indicates a situation that has the potential to result in death or

severe injury.

CAUTION: A caution indicates a situation that may result in minor injury.

ATTENTION: Attention indicates a situation that may damage or destroy the product or

associated equipment.

NOTE: A note draws attention to important information.

TIP: A tip provides a suggestion to make working with the application easier.

Software Commands

Commands are written in the fonts shown here:

^AR Merge Scene,,Op1 scene 1,1 ^B 51 ^W^C

[01] R 0004 00300 00400 00800 00600 [02] 35 [17] [03]

Computer responses and directory paths that do not have variables are written in the font shown here:

Variables are written in slanted form as shown here:

Selectable items, such as menu names, menu options, buttons, tabs, and field names are written in the font shown here:

Specifications Availability

Product specifications are available on the Extron website, www.extron.com.

E X! *X1&* X2)* X2#* X2! CE}

NOTE: For commands and examples of computer or device responses mentioned

in this guide, the character "0" is used for the number zero and "O" is the capital letter "o."

Reply from 208.132.180.48: bytes=32 times=2ms TTL=32

C:\Program Files\Extron

ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx —t

SOH R Data STX Command ETB ETX

From the File menu, select New. Click the OK button.

Introduction............................................................ 1

About this Guide ................................................. 1

About the VNMEnterpriseController .................. 2

About the Web-based User Interface .................. 2

About Dual (Redundant)

VNMEnterpriseControllers ................................ 3

Transport Protocols Used for Streaming ............. 4

Multicast RTP — An Overview ........................ 4

Unicast RTP — An Overview .......................... 5

Unicast TCP — An Overview .......................... 5

Deﬁnitions ........................................................... 6

Features ............................................................. 6

Panels and Cabling .............................................. 7

Installation Overview ........................................... 7

Front Panel Features ........................................... 7

Rear Panel Features ........................................... 9

Controller Conguration and Operation ....... 10

Power Up Procedure ........................................ 10

Web-based User Interface Overview ................. 10

Accessing the Web-based User Interface ......... 11

Power Down Procedure.................................... 12

Single Enterprise Controller Conguration . 13

Setup Overview ................................................ 13

Single VNMEnterpriseController Settings

Conﬁguration ................................................... 14

Configuring the Network Settings ................. 14

Setting the Role ............................................ 15

Configuring the Transport Protocol................ 16

Conﬁguring a Single Enterprise Controller

as the System Controller ................................. 17

Adding the VNMEnterpriseController

to the Controller List .................................... 17

Conﬁguring the VN-Matrix Devices ................... 18

Advanced Controller Conguration ............... 19

Network Page .................................................. 20

Password Page ................................................ 21

Role Page ......................................................... 22

Time Page ........................................................ 23

Reported Time Panel .................................... 23

Clock Synchronization Panel ......................... 24

Clock Settings Panel ..................................... 25

Time Zone Panel ........................................... 26

Upgrade Page .................................................. 27

Version Page .................................................... 27

System Conﬁg Page ......................................... 28

About the System Info Page ............................. 30

About the Default Multicast Address ................. 31

VN‑Matrix Device Conguration

and Control .......................................................... 35

Devices Page Overview .................................... 36

About the Devices Page ................................... 36

Sorting Devices by Column ........................... 38

Sorting Devices by Group ............................. 39

About the Actions Menu Bar ............................. 40

General Device Conﬁguration ........................... 40

Info Menu ..................................................... 40

Connections Menu ...................................... 41

Configure Menu ............................................ 42

Format Menu ................................................ 43

Format Menu (Decoders only) ....................... 48

Compression Menu (Encoders only) .............. 50

Peripherals Menu .......................................... 53

License Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices) ............ 54

Upgrade Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices) ........... 56

Mode Menu .................................................. 57

Misc Menu .................................................... 58

Group Menu ................................................. 60

Recorder Conﬁguration ..................................... 60

Info Menu ..................................................... 60

Recorder Menu ............................................. 61

Configure Menu ............................................ 62

License Menu ............................................... 63

VNS104 Software Decoder Conﬁguration ........ 64

Actions Menu Bar ......................................... 64

VNS104 Decode Windows .......................... 68

About the Switcher Page .................................. 70

Hidden Devices ............................................ 72

VNM Enterprise Controller • Contents v

Preset Manager ................................................... 73

Presets Overview .............................................. 73

Preset Manager Page ....................................... 74

Preset List ........................................................ 75

Preset List Controls ...................................... 75

Matrix Devices List............................................ 77

Preset Design Panel ......................................... 78

Preset Design – Device Icons ........................ 78

Preset Design – Connection Rules ................ 78

Device Attributes .............................................. 79

Device Attributes – Codecs........................... 79

Device Attributes – Encoders ........................ 79

Device Attributes – Decoders ........................ 80

Device Attributes – VN-Matrix Recorder:

Play Mode ................................................... 80

Device Attributes – VN-Matrix Recorder:

Record Mode .............................................. 81

Device Attributes – VNR100 Player .............. 82

Device Attributes – VNR100 Recorder ......... 82

Device Attributes – VNS104 Software

Decoder: Decode Window........................... 83

Recorder Directory and File Management ......... 84

Directory Management Overview .................. 84

File Management Overview ........................... 88

Completed Directory Structure...................... 89

Player File Management ................................ 89

Creating Presets .............................................. 90

Create a New Preset ..................................... 90

Saving Presets .............................................. 93

Using the VNS104 in a Preset ...................... 94

Recorder Presets .......................................... 96

Player Presets ............................................... 97

Launch Behavior ........................................... 98

Selecting a File for Playback ........................... 101

Transport Bar Shortcut ............................... 104

Chase-Play Feature (VNR100 only) ................ 105

About the Format Editor Page ...................... 107

About Custom Source and Display Formats ... 108 Creating a New Source Format

(Input Mode) .................................................. 109

Creating a New Display Format

(Output Mode) ............................................... 123

Deleting Formats ............................................ 126

About the Source Format Editor ..................... 127

About the Display Format Editor ..................... 128

About Alarms ..................................................... 130

Overview ........................................................ 130

Alarms Page ................................................... 130

Sorting Alarms by Column .......................... 131

Sorting Alarms by Group ............................ 131

Alarm Reference Tables .................................. 132

Alarm Type Description — Encoder ............ 132

Alarm Type Description — Decoder ............ 133

Alarm Type Description —

System Controller ...................................... 133

Dual (Redundant) Controller

Conguration ..................................................... 134

Setup Overview .............................................. 134

Conﬁguring Dual VNMEnterpriseControllers .. 135

Configuring the Network Settings (Eth0)...... 135

Setting the Role of the Primary

Enterprise Controller .................................. 137

Setting the Role of the Secondary

Enterprise Controller .................................. 138

Configuring the Primary

Enterprise Controller Time Settings ............ 139

Configuring the Secondary

Enterprise Controller Time Settings ............ 140

Conﬁguring Dual Enterprise Controllers

as the System Controller ............................... 141

Adding the VNMEnterpriseControllers

to the Controller List .................................. 141

Configuring the Transport Protocol.............. 142

Setting the Cluster IP Address .................... 143

Setting the Crossover Subnet

IP Address (Eth1) ....................................... 144

Pairing the VNMEnterpriseControllers ....... 145

Conﬁguring VN-Matrix Devices for Dual

VNMEnterpriseControllers ............................ 145

About the Cluster Properties Pages ................ 146

Cluster Page ............................................... 146

Node Test Page .......................................... 149

System Control ................................................. 151

HLI Overview .................................................. 152

HLI Features ................................................... 152

HLI Connection and Control ........................... 152

Ethernet Connection .................................. 152

Serial Port (COM) Connection ..................... 153

Using the VNMEnterpriseController

User Interface ............................................ 153

HLI Command Tables ..................................... 154

HLI Responses ........................................... 154

VNM Enterprise Controller • Contents vi

Controller Firmware and

License Updates ............................................... 155

Updating the VNMEnterpriseController

License .......................................................... 155

Updating the Firmware of a

Single Enterprise Controller ............................ 157

Updating the Firmware of

Dual (Redundant) Enterprise Controllers ........ 158

VN‑Matrix Product Variants ........................... 161

VNMEnterpriseController with

CompactFlash Overview ................................ 161

Installing and Conﬁguring the

CompactFlash Replacement Card ................. 161

Obtain the Configuration Settings of the

VNMEnterpriseController ......................... 162

Install the CompactFlash Card .................... 164

Configure the Settings of the

VNMEnterpriseController ......................... 164

Browser Conguration .................................... 167

Microsoft Internet Explorer

(version 7 or above) ....................................... 167

Mozilla Firefox

(version 1.3 or above) .................................... 170

Reference Information .................................... 171

Default Factory Settings .................................. 171

VN-Matrix System Port Usage ........................ 171

Mounting ........................................................ 173

Rack Installation ......................................... 173

UL Guidelines for Rack Mounting ................ 173

Basic Rack Mounting .................................. 174

Rack Mounting Using Rack Rails ................ 175

HLI Command Overview ................................. 178

HLI Command Examples ................................ 179

General Commands ....................................... 180

Preset Commands.......................................... 198

VNM Enterprise Controller • Contents vii

VNM Enterprise Controller • Contents viii

Introduction

This section gives an overview of the user guide and describes the Extron VNMEnterpriseController and its features. Topics that are covered include:

• About this Guide

• About the VNMEnterpriseController

• About Dual (Redundant) VNMEnterpriseControllers

• Transport Protocols Used for Streaming

• Definitions

• Features

About this Guide

This guide contains installation, configuration, and operating information for the VNMEnterpriseController.

In this guide:

• The terms "controller" and "Enterprise Controller" refer specifically to the

VNMEnterpriseController.

• The term "codec" refers to either a VN-Matrix encoder or decoder.

• The term "stream" refers to multimedia that is constantly received by (and normally

presented to) an end-user while being delivered by a VN-Matrix encoding device.

• The term "element" refers to the video/graphics, audio, (user) data, and whiteboard

(annotation data) content that is contained within a stream.

• The VN-Matrix system model prefix "VNM" is used generically to refer to the

VNC(codec), VND (decoder), and VNE (encoder) models, and is used with both the 2xxseries and 3xx series devices. If specific models need to be referenced, the exact model name will be used.

NOTE: This user guide details menus that are used to configure and control

VN-Matrix200/225/300/325 devices, VNM recorders, and VNS software decoders. The menus on the VNMEnterprise Controller contain configuration and control menus for these devices. Where necessary, differences in the configuration and operation of controls for a specific VN-Matrix model or series is identified.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Introduction 1

About the VNMEnterpriseController

The VNMEnterpriseController is a dedicated control device for VN-Matrix systems. The VNMEnterpriseController simplifies managing a large VN-Matrix deployment by allowing users to view, manage, and dynamically control multiple VN-Matrix systems and networked VN-Matrix domains from a single user interface. Figure 1 shows a simple VNMEnterpriseController application.

Browser Based User

Control

VNM Enterprise Controller

Network

Multicast Enabled

Network

™

TouchLink

External User Control

Touchpanel

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

Multiple VNM 200 and 225 Series Encoders

(or CODECs conﬁgured as encoders)

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

Multiple VNM 200 and 225 Series Decoders

(or CODECs conﬁgured as decoders)

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Figure 1. Single VNMEnterpriseController System with No Redundancy

Two versions of the VNMEnterpriseController are available:

• VNMEnterpriseController with fixed hard disk drive

• VNMEnterpriseController with removable CompactFlash® card

NOTE: Both VNMEnterpriseControllers function the same, with the only difference

being that one has a removable flash card. For additional information on the VNMEnterpriseController with removable CompactFlash card, see VN‑Matrix

Product Variants on page161.

The VNMEnterpriseController is recommended when:

• More than ten VN-Matrix units are configured into a system.

• A system of VN-Matrix units are interfaced to an external control system requiring

dynamic control of the units in a switching solution.

• Preset configurations must be prepared and recalled.

• Redundant system control is required.

For information on setting up a single VNMEnterpriseController system, see the

Single Enterprise Controller Configuration section page 13.

About the Web-based User Interface

Every VN-Matrix product includes a basic embedded web browser interface for configuring and controlling itself and a few additional units. This interface is useful when control is limited to a few units and the units are configured then remain in a fixed operational state.

However, for large systems (more than ten devices) the VNMEnterpriseController provides a more sophisticated user interface that simplifies the configuration and usability of a VN-Matrix system.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Introduction 2

About Dual (Redundant) VNMEnterpriseControllers

For applications where it is essential to maintain system control, a second VNMEnterpriseController can be added with both units configured as part of a redundant pair (see figure 2). In a redundant system, an internal database stores the current system configuration. The internal database is held on both units.

A crossover network cable is fitted to the eth1 port of each VNMEnterpriseController. This connection is used to monitor the health of the system.

NOTES:

• The crossover connection must use a subnet that is different from the main

VN-Matrix network (eth0).

• The crossover cable must be directly connected between the two

VNMEnterpriseController devices without using extra network equipment (such as a switch or router).

When the VN-Matrix system is started, the VNMEnterpriseControllers communicate with each other and one is chosen as the controller for the system. While the VN-Matrix system runs, each VNMEnterpriseController continually monitors the health of the other. If the primary device (acting as the system controller) fails, the secondary unit takes over control of the VN-Matrix system. Transparent operation and communication within the system is maintained.

The two controllers in a redundant system are known as a "cluster". Each device has its own unique physical IP address (eth0) assigned. A third IP address, known as the cluster address, is also assigned. The cluster IP address is used as the controller IP address for all of the VN-Matrix devices in the system.

For information on setting up a dual (redundant) VNMEnterpriseController system, see the

Dual (Redundant) Controller Configuration section on page 134.

™

TouchLink

VNM Enterprise Controller (Primary)

Eth1

Cluster Port

Crossover

Cable

192.168.253.0

Eth1

Cluster Port

VNM Enterprise Controller (Secondary)

Eth0 Physical Port

(VN-Matrix Network)

192.168.254.254

Cluster Address

192.168.254.250

Eth0 Physical Port

(VN-Matrix Network)

192.168.254.253

Network

Multicast Enabled

Network

External User Control

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

Multiple VNM 200 and 225 Series Devices

Browser Based User

Touchpanel

Control

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Figure 2. Dual (Redundant) VNMEnterpriseController System

VNM Enterprise Controller • Introduction 3

Transport Protocols Used for Streaming

The source data from a VN-Matrix encoder can be distributed to multiple displays/decoders (one-to-many) or to a single display/decoder (point-to-point). A previously recorded stream can be distributed in the same way and may be thought of as an encoder in this context.

A stream may be transported from the source (encoder, recorded stream) to the display (decoder) using one of three methods:

• Multicast Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP)

• Unicast Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP)

• Unicast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

These transport protocols are summarized in this section. For information on how to change the transport protocol used by the VNMEnterpriseController (see System Config Page on page28).

Multicast RTP — An Overview

Multicast Real-time Tranport Protocol (RTP) allows a source to be viewed on multiple displays. This method uses a real-time variation of UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

SOURCE DISPLAY(S)

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

Encoder sends data using RTP to a multicast group.

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RTPRTP

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Network

RTP

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Multiple decoders can be part of the multicast group.

Figure 3. Multicast RTP Streaming

The source encoder uses RTP to send data to a multicast group. The source does not need to know the IP address of the decoders that are using the source.

RTP provides very low latency which is important for video streaming. Unlike other protocols, RTP packets include a time stamp. If packets are received in the wrong order, they are sorted into the correct order for display or discarded if the time stamp is out-of-date.

However, because RTP is a connectionless protocol, data delivery is not guaranteed. When data packets are lost (for example, due to excessive network traffic) the VN-Matrix 200 / 225 / 300 / 325 devices carefully manage the data stream to minimize image disruption.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Introduction 4

Unicast RTP — An Overview

SOURCEDISPLAY

Similar to multicast RTP, this method uses a real-time variation of UDP, called unicast RTP. Unicast RTP is used where the network infrastructure does not support multicast traffic. Typically, this protocol is used for point-to-point configuration (single source to single display), but can be configured to stream to a maximum of four displays.

NOTE: The encoder sends an individual stream to each decoder. This means that the

total bandwidth of the VN-Matrix system increases as more decoders are added.

SOURCE DISPLAY(S)

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Network

Encoder sends data using RTP to up to 4 specified decoders.

Figure 4. Unicast RTP Streaming

RTP (1 - 4)

image disruption.

RTP 1

RTP 2

RTP 3

RTP 4

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Unicast TCP — An Overview

This method transports data using standard Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and should only be used for single point-to-point transfer of data.

TCP is a connection-based protocol and, therefore, data delivery is guaranteed. However, in the event of excessive network traffic, delivery can be delayed, impacting real-time performance.

VN-MATRIX

(encoder)

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Figure 5. Unicast TCP Streaming

The decoder defines which source it connects to. Other than defining an IP address and source type (if required), no special source encoder setup is required.

TCP TCP

Network

VNM Enterprise Controller • Introduction 5

VN-MATRIX

(decoder)

LAN-1 LAN-2 STATUS

Decoder makes a TCP

VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES

RGB/DVI OVER IP

Definitions

PURE3 — PURE3® is specifically designed for network transmission of real time media (such as video or graphics, audio, data, and whiteboard elements). It features both spatial and temporal image compression, which allows for efficient bandwidth usage and eliminates the need for forward error correction.

• PURE3 streams always contain video or graphic elements.

• PURE3 streams may contain audio, data, and whiteboard elements that are associated

with the video and graphic elements.

Streaming media (stream) — Multimedia that is constantly received by (and normally presented to) an end-user while being delivered by a streaming provider. Internet television is a commonly streamed medium. Streaming media (stream) in this guide refers to a PURE3 media stream that is produced by a VN-Matrix encoding device.

Element — This term refers to the video/graphics, audio, (user) data, and whiteboard (annotation data) content that is contained within a stream.

Device license — This term refers to the number of licensed features that are available on a device within a VN-Matrix system. All devices contain a default license that offers a default level of functionality. See License Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices) on page54 for information about device licenses.

Controller license — This term refers to the license that is applied to the VNMEnterpriseController. See Controller Firmware and License Updates on page155 for information about controller licenses.

(User) Data — This term refers to the transfer of user data between an encoder and a decoder. User data is created at the encoder, placed into the PURE3 stream, and sent to the decoder. The data is received in the same form that it was transmitted. This method of data transfer is unidirectional and can only be sent from an encoder to a decoder.

Whiteboard (wb) data — Also known as annotation data, whiteboard data outputs text and/or simple pointer annotation onto local displays that are connected to VN-Matrix encoders or decoders. This type of data is bidirectional, which allows a decoder to send whiteboard data to an encoder.

Cluster — This refers to VNMEnterpriseControllers that are paired in a redundant configuration. A cluster IP address is used to access both VNMEnterpriseControllers at the same time.

Cluster IP address — This refers to a single IP address that is used to access paired VNMEnterpriseControllers. A unique IP address on the same subnet as assigned to the eth0 port of the primary and secondary VNMEnterpriseControllers is used as the cluster IP address.

Features

NOTE: When configuring the controller IP address of VN-Matrix devices, use the

VNMEnterpriseController cluster IP address.

• Monitor, configure, and manage all VN-Matrix units as a system.

• Supplies the network heartbeat for encoder and decoder synchronization and

communication.

• High-level interface provides single point of control for external control systems.

• Manage multiple VN-Matrix systems in combined or independent domains.

• Provides redundant control in mission critical applications.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Introduction 6

Panels and Cabling

This section provides information on:

• Installation Overview

• Front Panel Features

• Rear Panel Features

Installation Overview

1. Turn off and disconnect the VNMEnterpriseController and all existing devices.

2. Mount the controller (see Mounting on page173).

3. Connect all devices to the controller (see Front Panel Features below and Rear

Panel Features on page 9).

4. Reconnect and power on all devices.

5. Configure the controller.

6. Configure all connected devices.

Front Panel Features

NOTE: Some features listed in this user guide may not be available on some units. This

will not affect the overall functionality of the VNMEnterpriseController.

The front panel of the VNMEnterpriseController is shown in figure 6 below.

Figure 6. VNMEnterpriseController Front Panel

a CD/DVD drive — Insert any compatible CD or DVD into this drive. This drive is used

to update the VNMEnterpriseController software. The drive is not required for normal operation.

A compact flash drive can replace the CD/DVD drive. For more information on the compact flash drive, see VN‑Matrix Product Variants on page161.

ATTENTION: Do not remove the compact ﬂash drive when the

VNMEnterpriseController is powered on. Power down the controller before removing the compact ﬂash drive.

2 3 4

VNM Enterprise Controller • Panels and Cabling 7

b Status LEDs — Five LEDs provide the status of the VNMEnterpriseController

(see figure 7).

NetworkOverheat NetworkDrive Activity Power

Activity (2)Activity (1)

Figure 7. Status LED Icons

• Overheat LED — When this LED is lit, the controller has achieved a condition

which can cause it to overheat. The LED remains on for as long as the condition exists.

NOTE: If this LED is continuously lit, it can be caused by cables obstructing

the airflow of the controller or the ambient room temperature. Check the routing of the cables and make sure all fans are operating normally. If necessary, move the controller to a cooler location or adjust the room temperature.

• Network Activity LED (2) — This LED flashes to indicate activity on the second

network.

• Network Activity LED (1) — This LED flashes to indicate activity on the first

network.

• Drive Activity LED — This LED flashes to indicate hard drive and CD/DVD drive

activity.

• Power LED — This LED lights when the controller is receiving power.

c Reset button — This button reboots the system. d Power button — This is the main power button, used to apply or turn off the main

power. When the main power is turned off, standby power is actively supplied to the controller.

e USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports — Insert any compatible USB device into these

ports. The ports are not required for normal operation.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Panels and Cabling 8

Rear Panel Features

NOTES:

• Some features listed in this user guide are not be available on each unit. This does

• Items a, g, and h are required for normal operation. The other items are

The rear panel of the VNMEnterpriseController is shown in figure 8 below.

Figure 8. VNMEnterpriseController Rear Panel

a Power input (IEC connector) — Plug a standard IEC power cord into this connector

to connect the controller to a 100 to 240 VAC, 50 Hz or 60 Hz power source.

not affect the overall functionality of the VNMEnterpriseController.

normally used when upgrading the VNMEnterpriseController.

1 2

43 5 7 86

b PS/2 mouse connector (optional) — Connect a PS/2 mouse to this port. c PS/2 keyboard connector (optional) — Connect a PS/2 keyboard to this port. d USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors — Insert any compatible USB device into

these ports.

e COM1 serial connector (optional) — Connect a compatible device to this 9-pin serial

port. This port can control the VNMEnterpriseController using HLI commands (see

System Control on page151).

f VGA connector (optional) — Connect a compatible VGA monitor to this port. g Ethernet connector (eth0) — Connect an RJ-45 cable to this port. This port connects

to a primary network and is the default network port to connect the controller to a VN-Matrix network.

h Ethernet connector (eth1) — Connect an RJ-45 cable to this port. This port connects

to a second VNMEnterpriseController and is used to monitor the status of the primary VNMEnterpriseController in a redundant configuration. This port is also referred to as the "cluster" or "service" port.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Panels and Cabling 9

Controller Configuration and Operation

This section provides information on:

• Power Up Procedure

• Web‑based User Interface Overview

• Accessing the Web‑based User Interface

• Power Down Procedure

Power Up Procedure

NOTE: Before turning on the VNMEnterpriseController, ensure that all necessary

devices are powered on and connected properly.

1. Plug the IEC power cord into the VNMEnterpriseController (see Rear Panel Features

on page9).

2. Press the power button on the front of the unit (see Front Panel Features

on page7). The power LED lights indicating the unit is powered. The VNMEnterpriseController takes about 60 seconds to boot before it is fully operational.

Web-based User Interface Overview

The web-based user interface is used to configure the controller and operate connected devices in a VN-Matrixnetwork. It is accessed by entering the IPaddress of the VNMEnterpriseController into a compatible web browser (see Browser Configuration on page167). The user interface provides system level configuration, monitoring, and operation of VN-Matrix devices connected to the VNMEnterpriseController. The following list outlines the main features of the user interface.

NOTE: The Web-based user interface currently supports VN-Matrix 200/225/300/325

devices, VN-Matrix recorders, and VN-Matrix software decoders.

• Codec device configuration includes device name, compression settings, peripheral

communications, and device mode.

• Monitor the network bit rate and active connections in a VN-Matrix system.

• Enable and configure the on-screen display (OSD) feature for VN-Matrix devices.

• Update the firmware of connected VN-Matrix devices.

• Record and play back video using a connected VN-Matrix recorder.

• Create and save presets to quickly reconfigure devices.

• Stream to desktops with VN-Matrix software decoders.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Controller Configuration and Operation 10

Accessing the Web-based User Interface

To access the web-based user interface:

1. Configure the network settings of a control PC so that it is compatible with the

VN-Matrix network and connect the control PC to the VN-Matrix network.

2. Open a compatible web browser (Microsoft® Internet Explorer® version 7 or above or

Mozilla® Firefox® version 1.3 or above) running on the PC or laptop connected in step1.

NOTE: See Configuring the Network Settings on page14 for information on

how to configure the network settings of the VNMEnterpriseController.

3. Enter the IP address of the Controller (default IP address is192.168.254.254) into the

address bar. The login screen appears in the browser (see figure9). The controller is security protected.

NOTE: If the web browser cannot access the web-based user interface, the

security settings of the web browser may need configured. See Browser

Configuration on page167 for more information.

Figure 9. VNMEnterpriseController Login Page

4. Enter the appropriate username and password. Two profiles are available.

NOTES:

• The procedures detailed use the administrator username and password

to conﬁgure the VNMEnterpriseController. Extron recommends that the administrator username and password be given only to those who require it. Others should can the guest login information to access the controller ensuring that important conﬁguration settings are not changed.

• Username and password entries are case sensitive.

• For information on how to change the password, see Changing the login

password on page21.

Guest — This profile hides the Configuration and Format Editor tabs prohibiting system changes to the Enterprise controller.

• Guest username — Default: user

• Guest password — By default, no password is required.

Administrator — This profile allows full access to all of the web-based user interface configuration settings and is the default configuration profile.

• Administrator username — Default: admin

• Administrator password — By default, no password is required.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Controller Configuration and Operation 11

5. Click Login or press the <Enter> key. The Devices page appears (see figure 10) and

the VNMEnterpriseController is now ready for configuration and operation.

NOTE: The Devices page only displays devices properly configured to operate

with the VNMEnterpriseController. See the user guides for individual devices for more information. The VNMEnterpriseController must also be configured properly.

192.168.254.254 (11 Items)

192.168.254.253 (7 Items)

Actions:

Power Down Procedure

192.168.0.30

192.168.0.33

192.168.0.32

192.168.0.45

192.168.0.39

192.168.0.49

192.168.0.47

192.168.0.35

192.168.0.38

192.168.0.31

192.168.0.51

192.168.0.34

192.168.0.42

192.168.0.43

192.168.0.48

192.168.0.50

192.168.0.54

192.168.0.56

192.168.254.254

192.168.254.253

UpgradeCompression Peripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Figure 10. Devices Page

Three tabs and associated pages; Alarms, Configuration, and System Info are used to configure and operate the Enterprise Controller. The remaining tabs and pages; Devices,

Preset Manager, and Format Editor can configure and operate connected devices.

To power down the VNMEnterpriseController, press the power button on the front of the controller (see Front Panel Features on page7). The power LED turns off.

NOTE: Turning off the controller using the power button removes the main power, but

standby power is still supplied to the system.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Controller Configuration and Operation 12

Single Enterprise Controller Configuration

This section details basic information needed to configure the settings of a single VNMEnterpriseController. For detailed information about the configuration page, see

Advanced Controller Configuration on page19. For information on how to set up

redundant VNMEnterpriseControllers, see Dual (Redundant) Controller Configuration on page134.

This section provides information on:

• Setup Overview

• Single VNMEnterpriseController Settings Configuration

• Configuring a Single Enterprise Controller as the System Controller

• Configuring the VN‑Matrix Devices

Setup Overview

NOTE: For additional configuration information, see Advanced Controller

Configuration on page19.

1. Use a network switch to connect the primary VN-Matrix network to the rear panel

Ethernet connector (eth0) of the VNMEnterpriseController (see Rear Panel Features on page9).

2. Power on the VNMEnterpriseController, all VN-Matrix devices present in the system,

and all necessary devices (see Power Up Procedure on page10).

3. Connect a control PC to the VN-Matrix network and navigate to the web-based user

interface of the VNMEnterpriseController (see Accessing the Web‑based User

Interface on page11).

4. Configure the settings of the VNMEnterpriseController (see Single

VNMEnterpriseController Settings Configuration on page14).

5. Configure the VNMEnterpriseController as the VN-Matrix system controller (see

Configuring a Single Enterprise Controller as the System Controller on

page17).

6. Configure the VN-Matrix system devices (see Configuring the VN‑Matrix Devices on

page18).

7. If necessary, update the license of the VNMEnterpriseController (see Controller

Firmware and License Updates on page155).

8. Power down the VNMEnterpriseController (see Power Down Procedure

on page12) and all configured devices. After a few seconds, power on the VNMEnterpriseController and all necessary devices.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Single Enterprise Controller Configuration 13

Single VNMEnterpriseController Settings Configuration

This section details procedures on how to set up and configure a single VNMEnterpriseController. See Advanced Controller Configuration on page19 for additional configuration information.

Configuring the Network Settings

The VNMEnterpriseController is pre-configured with the following network settings.

IP address: 192.168.254.254 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.254.1 MTU: 1500

NOTE: With these settings, the units connected to the VN-Matrix network must use

IP addresses within the range of 192.168.254.2 through 192.168.254.253 and use the same subnet mask.

Use the following procedure to change the network settings of the VNMEnterpriseController, if necessary.

1. Log on the VNMEnterpriseController (see Accessing the Web‑based User

Interface on page11).

2. Click the Configuration tab.

The Configuration page opens (see figure 11).

Figure 11. Configuration Page — Conguring the Network Settings

3. Under Device Properties, click the Network link (see figure 11, c).

NOTE: Make sure the VNMEnterpriseController is not "paired". If it is paired, the

unit must first be unpaired (see Unpairing controllers on page148). Be aware that unpairing and then pairing a VNMEnterpriseController deletes device files and custom input or output modes.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Single Enterprise Controller Configuration 14

4. Change the IP Address, Netmask, Gateway, and MTU fields as necessary

5. Click Apply Changes (see figure 11, e), to save and apply the configuration.

6. Configure the IP address of the control PC so that it is within the address range of the

7. If necessary, restart the control PC to save the configuration.

Setting the Role

Use the following procedure to set the role of the VNMEnterpriseController. See

Accessing the Web‑based User Interface on page11 for information on how to log

in.

1. Click the Configuration tab. The Configuration page appears (see figure 12, a).

(see figure11, d).

NOTE: The default value of 1500 in the MTU field is the correct setting in most

instances.

VNMEnterpriseController.

NOTE: Complete this step only if the IP address of the VNMEnterpriseController

is using a network prefix other than 192.168.254.xxx or subnet mask other than 255.255.255.0.

Figure 12. Configuration Page — Single VNMEnterpriseController Role

Setting

2. Click the Role link (see figure 12, b).

3. From the Device Mode drop-down list, select singleton (c).

NOTE: For information on the other device modes, see Role Page on page22.

4. Click Apply Changes (d).

NOTE: The web-based user interface returns to the login page after saving the

configuration.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Single Enterprise Controller Configuration 15

Configuring the Transport Protocol

Use the following procedure to configure the transport protocol that will be used throughout the VN-Matrix system. See Accessing the Web‑based User Interface on page11 for information on how to log in.

1. Click the Configuration tab.

The Configuration page opens (see figure 13, a).

Figure 13. Configuration Page — Conguring the Transport Protocol

2. Click the System config link (see figure 13, b).

3. From the Protocol drop-down list, select the preferred transport protocol that will be

used throughout the VN-Matrix system (c).

NOTE: The default transport protocol is Unicast. For more information on

transport protocols, see Transport Protocols Used for Streaming on

4. Click Apply Changes (d), to save the configuration.

page4 .

VNM Enterprise Controller • Single Enterprise Controller Configuration 16

Configuring a Single Enterprise Controller as the System Controller

This section details how to assign a single VNMEnterpriseController as the system controller. Before proceeding, make sure the procedures detailed in Single

VNMEnterpriseController Settings Configuration on page 14 are completed first.

NOTE: For information on how to configure dual VNMEnterpriseControllers as

system controllers, (see Configuring Dual Enterprise Controllers as the System

Controller on page141).

Adding the VNMEnterpriseController to the Controller List

Use the following procedure to add the VNMEnterpriseController to the controller list. See

Accessing the Web‑based User Interface on page11 for information on how to log

in.

1. Click the Configuration tab.

The Configuration page opens (see figure 14, a).

Figure 14. Configuration Page — Adding Controllers to the Controller List

2. Click the System config link (see figure 14, b).

3. Click Add (c). The Add IP dialog box opens.

Enter the IP address of this VNMEnterpriseController and click OK.

NOTE: If necessary, clear the Controllers field by highlighting the displayed

IP addresses and clicking Delete.

4. Click Apply Changes (d) to save the configuration.

The VNMEnterpriseController restarts the user interface, and is assigned as the system controller.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Single Enterprise Controller Configuration 17

Configuring the VN-Matrix Devices

For the VNMEnterpriseController to function properly with connected devices:

1. Update each VN-Matrix device with the IP address of the VNMEnterpriseController

and configure each device to operate on the same network as the VNMEnterpriseController.

2. Access the VNMEnterpriseController web-based user interface by entering the

IP address of the VNMEnterpriseController into the address bar of a web browser.

3. Use the web-based user interface to select one or more devices from the Devices page

and use the Actions menu bar at the bottom of the page to configure the selected devices (see About the Actions Menu Bar on page40, and Mode Menu on page57).

For information on configuring VN-Matrix devices, see the user guide for each device.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Single Enterprise Controller Configuration 18

Advanced Controller Configuration

The Configuration page contains nine additional pages to configure the general settings of the VNMEnterpriseController. This section presents a detailed overview of each page. The following configuration pages are available.

• Network Page

• Password Page

• Role Page

• Time Page

• Upgrade Page

• Version Page

• System Config Page

• About the System Info Page

• About the Default Multicast Address

NOTE: The Cluster Page on page146 and Node Test Page on page149 appear

only when paired VNMEnterpriseControllers are used.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuratione 19

Network Page

The Network page configures the primary physical (eth0) IP address of the VNMEnterpriseController.

Figure 15. Network Page

The following fields are available for configuration.

• IP Address — Enter a valid IP address into this field.

• Netmask — Enter a valid subnet mask into this field.

• Gateway — Enter a valid gateway address into this field.

NOTE: The gateway address field is only required if devices are on different

subnets.

• MTU — Enter a valid MTU into this field.

NOTE: The default value of 1500 in the MTU field is the correct setting for most

systems.

• eth0 MAC address — This field details the Media Access Control (MAC) address

assigned to the primary physical (eth0) IP address. This field cannot be modified.

• eth1 MAC address — This field details the MAC address assigned to the secondary

(eth1) IP address. This field cannot be modified.

For information on how to change the network settings of the VNMEnterpriseController see

Configuring the Network Settings on page14.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 20

Password Page

The Password page is used to set the passwords for the administrator and user profiles.

Figure 16. Password Page

Changing the login password

1. From the User drop-down list, select one of the following account names.

• Select user to change the user password.

• Select admin to change the administrator password.

NOTE: The user name entries (user and admin) cannot be changed.

2. Enter the desired password in the top Password field. The password can consist of

letters, numbers, and the underscore character. Password entries are case sensitive.

3. Re-enter the password in the bottom Password field.

4. Click Apply Changes, to save the password.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 21

Role Page

The Role page is used to set the mode of the VNMEnterpriseController.

Device Properties

Network

Password

Role

Time

Upgrade

Version

System Properties

System cong

Device Mode:

singleton

Figure 17. Role Page

The following device modes are available.

• singleton — Select this option when a single VNMEnterpriseController is the system

controller.

• redundant_primary — Select this option when a VNMEnterpriseController is running

as the first (primary) unit of a redundant pair.

• redundant_secondary — Select this option when a VNMEnterpriseController is

running as the second (secondary) unit of a redundant pair.

NOTE: If the Device Mode field is set to redundant_primary or

redundant_secondary, the cluster properties pages are available for

configuration (see About the Cluster Properties Pages on page146).

For information on setting the different device modes, (see Setting the Role on page15,

Setting the Role of the Primary Enterprise Controller on page137, and Setting the Role of the Secondary Enterprise Controller on page138).

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 22

Time Page

The Time page is used to manage the clock-related functions available on the VNMEnterpriseController.

Figure 18. Time Page

Reported Time Panel

This panel contains a read-only field that displays the current system time of the controller that is logged in to.

NOTE: When logged into a cluster, the time of the primary controller is displayed in this

field.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 23

Clock Synchronization Panel

This panel is used to determine the master clock source for the controller.

NOTE: If there is only one VNMEnterpriseController in the system, it is not necessary

to configure clock synchronization.

All devices in a VN-Matrix system (controllers, encoders, decoders, and recorders) reference a master system clock, sourced from the controller.

If the Enable Clock Synchronization check box is selected, the controller that is logged in offsets its own time to match the system time of the first VNMEnterpriseController in the

Sources list. If the first controller fails, the system time of the second controller in the list is

used as the reference, and so on.

If the Enable Clock Synchronization check box is not selected, the controller that is logged in references its own clock for the system time (in the case of a singleton system with one VNMEnterpriseController) or the time of the controller acting as the primary (in the case of a paired VNMEnterpriseController cluster).

NOTES:

• Only physical IP addresses of VNMEnterpriseControllers should be added to the

Sources list. Do not use service (cluster) IP addresses.

• The order of the controllers in the Sources list should be identical for each

VNMEnterpriseController.

Adding controllers to the Sources list

NOTE: Only IP addresses of valid controller devices can be added to this list.

1. To add a controller to the list, click the button located below the Sources list.

2. The following dialog box appears.

3. Enter the desired IP address and click OK.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each controller in the VN-Matrix system.

5. When finished adding controllers, click Apply Changes located at the lower right corner

of the web page.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 24

Removing controllers from the Sources list

1. To remove a controller from the list, select a controller from the Sources list.

2. Click the button located below the Sources list to remove the selected IP

address.

3. When finished, click Apply Changes located at the lower right corner of the web page.

Enabling clock synchronization

1. Add all of the controller IP addresses to the Sources list (see Adding controllers to

the Sources list on page24). Do not add service (cluster) IP addresses.

2. Select the Enable Clock Synchronization check box.

3. Click Apply Changes, located at the lower right corner of the web page, to save the

setting.

4. Repeat this procedure for each controller device listed in the Sources list.

Disabling clock synchronization

1. Deselect the Enable Clock Synchronization check box.

2. Click Apply Changes, located at the lower right corner of the web page, to save the

setting.

Clock Settings Panel

This panel is used to set the local time and date on the controller that is logged into.

NOTES:

• Do not alter these ﬁelds if logged into the cluster IP address.

• If Enable Clock Synchronization is selected in the Clock Synchronization

panel, the values in this panel are dimmed.

• Set time — Enter the local time into this field or use the drop-down menu button

located at the right side of this field to select the desired time.

The time is entered as follows.

• Use the HH:MM:SS (hours:minutes:seconds) format based on the 24-hour clock.

For example, 08:25:00 or 20:35:10.

• Set date — Enter the current date into this field or use the calendar button located at

the right side of this field to open a calendar and select the desired date.

The date is entered as follows.

• Use the MM/DD/YYYY (month/day/year) format. For example, 05/14/2012.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 25

Setting the time and date

NOTES:

• Set the time zone before manually setting the time and date (see "Setting the

time zone" below).

• Do not alter these ﬁelds if logged into the cluster IP address.

1. Make sure Enable Clock Synchronization is not selected.

NOTE: If Enable Clock Synchronization is checked, the Set time and Set date

fields are dimmed.

2. Enter the time in the Set time field.

• Use the HH:MM:SS (hours:minutes:seconds) format based on the 24-hour clock.

For example, 08:25:00 or 20:35:10.

3. Enter or select the date in the Set date field.

• Use the MM/DD/YYYY (month/day/year) format. For example, 05/14/2012.

4. Cick Apply Changes, located at the lower right corner of the web page, to save the

configuration.

Time Zone Panel

This panel is used to set the time zone.

• Set timezone — Use the drop-down menu located at the right side of this field to

select the desired time zone.

NOTE: Setting the time zone automatically adjusts the field in the Reported Time

Panel (see Reported Time Panel on page23).

Setting the time zone

1. Select the desired time zone from the Set timezone drop-down menu.

2. Click Apply Changes, located at the lower right corner of the web page, to save the

configuration.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 26

Upgrade Page

Version Page

The Upgrade page is used to update the firmware of the VNMEnterpriseController.

• For information on updating the firmware of a single VNMEnterpriseController, see

Updating the Firmware of a Single Enterprise Controller on page157.

• For information on updating the firmware of dual (redundant) VNMEnterprise

Controllers, see Updating the Firmware of Dual (Redundant) Enterprise

Controllers on page158.

The Version page details the versions of firmware running on various components of the VN-Matrix system.

Figure 19. Version Page

The following fields are read-only (cannot be edited).

• enterprise controller — This field displays the version of software that is running on

the VNMEnterpriseController.

• matrix controller — This field displays the version of firmware that is running on the

VNMEnterpriseController.

• heartbeat — This field displays the Heartbeat clustering software version that is

running on the VNMEnterpriseController. The Heartbeat and Pacemaker software work together to create a cluster.

• pacemaker — This field displays the Pacemaker clustering software version that is

running on the VNMEnterpriseController. The Heartbeat and Pacemaker software work together to create a cluster.

• drbd — This field displays the Distributed Redundant Block Device (DRBD®) version

that is running on the VNMEnterpriseController. DRBD is used to manage and sync a cluster of VNMEnterpriseControllers.

• linux kernel — This field displays the version of Linux that is running on the

VNMEnterpriseController.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 27

System Config Page

The System Config page is used to configure the following sets of control options.

• Transport protocol (multicast RTP, unicast TCP, unicast RTP)

• Multicast addressing schemes

• Clean switch

• Controller listing

Figure 20. System Config Page

The following options are available for configuration.

• Protocol — This drop-down list sets the default transport protocol. Three transport

protocol selections are available.

• multicast — This transport protocol supports unlimited endpoints (displays) per

single stream (source) (see Multicast RTP — An Overview on page4).

• unicast — This transport protocol supports up to four endpoints (displays) per

single stream (source) (see Unicast RTP — An Overview on page5).

• tcp — This transport protocol supports one endpoint (display) per single stream

(source). (see Unicast TCP — An Overview on page5).

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 28

• Multicast Address Scheme — This drop-down list selects the algorithm that

calculates the multicast addresses within the VN-Matrix system.

NOTES:

• This option needs to be set only if multicast is selected in the Protocol ﬁeld

• Class C (255.255.255.0) subnet addresses are supported by default. Contact

the Extron S3 Sales and Technical Support Hotline regarding other addressing schemes.

Three multicast address schemes are available.

• default — This setting assumes that VN-Matrix devices on the system use

Class C (255.255.255.0) subnet addresses. This is the default setting (see About

the Default Multicast Address on page31).

• octet-0-1-3 — This is specific to systems that have special addressing schemes.

This scheme is not suitable for use on standard system configurations and should not be used.

• octet-1-3 — This scheme is specific to systems that have special addressing

schemes. This scheme is not suitable for use on standard system configurations and should not be used.

Select the default multicast address scheme and click Apply Changes, located at the lower right corner of the web page, to save the setting.

• Clean Switch (VN‑Matrix 2xx only) — The clean switch feature allows glitch free

transitions when switching between decoded streams. Select the check box to activate the clean switch option or deselect to deactivate the clean switch option. Click Apply

Changes, located at the lower right corner of the web page, to save the setting.

NOTES:

• The scale output feature must be activated on the decoder when using

clean switch.

• VN-Matrix 300 / 325 devices do not support Clean Switch and ignore this

setting.

• Controllers — This field is used to add the IP addresses of all singleton and service

(cluster) controllers. This field is used to keep the VNMEnterpriseController that is logged into aware of the devices it is controlling and the devices that are managed by the other controllers in the system. This field allows streaming between devices managed by other controllers, as well as editing configuration options of devices connected to other controllers.

NOTE: If only one controller is used in the VN-Matrix system, the IP address of the

controller still needs to be added to this field. If the IP address is not added, the

Devices page will be empty (see About the Actions Menu Bar on page40).

Adding and removing controllers from this field is similar to adding and removing controllers on the Time page. See Adding controllers to the Sources list on page24 and Removing controllers from the Sources list on page25 for information on how to add and remove controllers.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 29

About the System Info Page

This page is accessed by selecting the System Info tab (see figure 21).

Figure 21. System Info Page

The System Info page displays general information about the VNMEnterpriseController. If the VN-Matrix system contains multiple controllers, they are displayed on this page by IPaddress using individual columns. The following information is displayed.

• cluster_server — This field displays the role of the VNMEnterpriseController cluster

as follows:

• singleton for a single Controller that is NOT running as part of a redundant

• primary for a Controller running as part of a cluster, with the unit configured as the

• secondary for a Controller running as part of a cluster, with the unit configured as

• hli.memory_usage — This field displays the amount of memory the

VNMEnterpriseController cluster is currently using for the web-based user interface.

• hli.uptime — This field displays the number of days the VNMEnterpriseController

cluster web-based user interface has been operational.

• server.disk_usage — This field displays the amount of disk space being used by the

VNMEnterpriseController cluster to keep the VN-Matrix system operational.

• server.memory_usage — This field displays the amount of memory being used by the

VNMEnterpriseController cluster to keep the VN-Matrix system operational.

• server.uptime — This field displays the number of days the VNMEnterpriseController

cluster server has been operational.

• time.delta — This field displays the time difference between the clock of this Controller

and the reference time source. This value is normally less than one video frame.

• time.last_mark — This field displays the date and time that the cluster was last

updated.

• time.last_rejam — This field displays the date and time that the cluster was force

updated.

• time.last_switch — This field displays the date and time that the cluster last switched

roles (primary to secondary or secondary to primary).

• time.source — This field displays the device being used for clock synchronization

within the VN-Matrix system.

192.168.254.10 192.168.254.10 192.168.254.10

cluster.

redundant_primary unit in control of the cluster.

the redundant_secondary unit in control of the cluster.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 30

About the Default Multicast Address

When multicast is chosen as the transport protocol, the VNMEnterpriseController assigns multicast IP addresses automatically. Three schemes are available. Each of these schemes is designed to calculate and assign a multicast address based on the IP address of an encoder device. This section details how the default multicast address scheme operates.

The default multicast address scheme is used for all VN-Matrix systems. It creates at least one and a maximum of four multicast addresses for each encoder. This is dependant on how many stream elements are selected for transport. The table below details how the IPaddress is derived.

Default Multicast Address Scheme

Address Type Address Format Description and Comments

VN-Matrix device IP address

VN-Matrix device subnet mask

Derived multicast address

aaa.bbb.ccc.ddd

255.255.255.0

239.192.bbbxxxyy.zzzzzzzz

aaa.bbb.ccc. is the subnet.

ddd is a host number in the range 1 to 254.

Subnet mask set on all devices.

b represents bits 8, 7, and 6.

– These bits are always 0.

x represents bits 5, 4, and 3 and

is the channel number in the range 0 to 4.

– Encoders are always 0. – Recorder channels are 0 to 4

as appropriate. y represents bits 2 and 1 and is

the stream element number.

– 00 = audio – 01 = video – 10 = whiteboard – 11 = data

z represents the value of the

fourth octet in the host IP address.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 31

An example of how video multicast addresses are created is shown in the table below.

Video Multicast Address Example for IP Address 192.168.0.102

Item Value Binary Comments

Default Value for the First Two Octets

First octet Second octet

239

192

All multicast addresses in this scheme use these values.

Deriving the Third Octet This is a binary value

derived as follows.

Bits 8, 7, 6 (bbb)

0 000 xxx yy

The most significant three bits are always 0.

Channel number (xxx)

0 bbb 000 yy

The channel number for an encoder is 0.

Video stream element (yy)

1 bbb xxx 01

The value for the video stream element is 01.

Resulting third octet

1 000 000 01

Deriving the Fourth Octet

Fourth octet (z)

102

Takes the value of the last octet in the device IP address.

Final Multicast Address

Video stream multicast address

239.192.1.102

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 32

For each of the multicast group addresses, the VNMEnterpriseController creates two port numbers. The table below details how port numbers are derived.

Default Multicast Address Port Numbers

Port Type Port Format Description and Comments

Base port number Derived port

number (even)

9004

9004 + xxxyyzzzzzzzzE

x represents the channel number in the range 0 to 4.

– Encoders are always 0. – Recorder channels are 0 to 4

as appropriate. y represents the stream element

number.

– 00 = audio – 01 = video – 10 = whiteboard – 11 = data

z represents the value of the last

octet in the host IP address. E represents the last bit.

– 0 makes the port number an

even value.

– 0 + 1 makes the port number an

odd value.

Derived port

9004 + xxxyyzzzzzzzz0 + 1

Derived even port number plus 1.

number (odd)

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 33

An example of how port numbers are created is shown in the table below.

Video Port Number Example for IP Address 192.168.0.102

Item Value Binary Comments

Base port number

9004

All multicast port numbers in this scheme start from this value.

Deriving the Port Number Offset

Channel number (xxx)

0 000yyzzzzzzzzE

The channel number for an encoder is 0.

Video stream element (yy)

1 xxx01zzzzzzzzE

The value for a video stream element is 01.

Fourth octet (zzzzzzzz)

102 xxxyy01100110E

Takes the value of the last octet in the device IP address.

Last bit (E)

0 xxxyyzzzzzzzz0

Always 0 to make the port number an even value.

Port number offset value

716 00001011001100

716 is the decimal value of the binary number.

Creating the Final Port Number

NOTE: There are two port numbers associated with each multicast address.

The even port number is for RTP stream data. The odd port number is for the associated RTCP data.

Final port number (RTP, video)

9720

The sum of 9004 and the port offset value,

716.

Second port number (RTCP, video)

9721

Even port number plus

VNM Enterprise Controller • Advanced Controller Configuration 34

VN-Matrix Device Configuration and Control

The VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller is the center of an audio and video streaming network that connects and controls VN-Matrix hardware encoders, decoders, and recorders, and software decoders.

The controller can control all VN-Matrix devices residing on the same network. Each matrix device must have its system controller set to the IPaddress of the controller.

The matrix devices are monitored and configured from the device list page. The Preset Manager page can build connections between VN-Matrix devices, which are then saved for later use enabling rapid system configuration.

This section provides instructions on how to view VN-Matrix codecs, recorders, and software decoders on a VNM Enterprise Controller, configure the devices for proper operation, and to operate those devices in a VN-Matrix network.

Sections include:

• Devices Page Overview

• About the Devices Page

• About the Actions Menu Bar

• General Device Configuration

• Recorder Configuration

• VNS104 Software Decoder Configuration

• About the Switcher Page

For the VNMEnterpriseController to operate and control devices on the network:

• Update each VN-Matrix device with the IP address of the VNMEnterpriseController and

configure them to operate on the same network as the VNMEnterpriseController (see the User Guide for the device).

• Access the VNMEnterpriseController web-based user interface from a

control computer on the same network by entering the IP address of the VNMEnterpriseController into the address bar of a web browser (see Accessing the

Web‑based User Interface on page11).

• Use the web-based user interface to select one or more devices from the Devices page

and use the Actions menu bar at the bottom of the page to configure the selected device (see About the Devices Page on page36).

For information on the configuration of VN-Matrix devices, see the user guide for each device.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 35

Devices Page Overview

The VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller is the center of an audio and video streaming network that connects and controls VN-Matrix hardware encoders, decoders, recorders, and software decoders. The controller provides support for third party system control using the HLI protocol.

The following VN-Matrix devices are discussed in this section:

Device Description

VNM 2xx Series DVI and RGB encoders, decoders and codecs VNM 3xx Series 3G-SDI codecs VNR100 Single channel recorder/player VNMRecorder Five-channel recorder/player VNS104 Multi-stream software decoder

To use the devices in a VN-Matrix system, the Enterprise Controller is required. The devices are added to the system, then configured for control from the EC. The controller connects the devices together in smaller systems to support specific operations and tasks using the Preset Manager (see Preset Manager on page73).

About the Devices Page

The Devices page lists all VN-Matrix devices detected on the network and is the main page for configuring and managing devices. This is also the default page open after logging in (see figure 22).

1 2

3 4

192.168.254.254 (11 Items)

192.168.254.253 (7 Items)

192.168.0.30

192.168.0.33

192.168.0.32

192.168.0.45

192.168.0.39

192.168.0.49

192.168.0.47

192.168.0.35

192.168.0.38

192.168.0.31

192.168.0.51

192.168.0.34

192.168.0.42

192.168.0.43

192.168.0.48

192.168.0.50

192.168.0.54

192.168.0.56

6 7

192.168.254.254

192.168.254.253

Figure 22. Devices Page

NOTE: If devices are added after the page has opened, they may not automatically

appear on this list. Refreshing the page or clicking the Devices tab updates the list.

When a VN-Matrix device is detected and listed on the Devices page, an entry is always displayed even if the device is subsequently disconnected. All valid devices are listed by device name and followed by their current IP address.

NOTE: Some listed devices may not show an IP address. These devices are inactive. A

device is considered inactive if it is disconnected from the network or powered down.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 36

The columns on the devices page detail important information about VN-Matrix devices.

DVI

SDI

Each recognized device is listed on its own row.

Status Icons — The status of a device is indicated by a colored icon.

A device under active control and connected to the VN-Matrix network.

A device that is not under active control (not online in the VN-Matrix network).

b Mode Icons — The current configuration status of each device is identified by an icon.

An undefined device. This icon is shown whenever a codec device is connected to the VN-Matrix system for the first time and before it has been configured as a source or a display.

A VN-Matrix device configured as an encoder (source).

A VN-Matrix device configured as an encoder (source). The warning icon represents that there is something wrong with the device (such as the device not containing an active source). Search for the device in the

Alarms Page to see if the device contains an active alarm.

A VN-Matrix 200 / 225 device configured as a decoder (display).

A VN-Matrix 300 / 325 device configured as an encoder (source).

A VN-Matrix 300 / 325 device configured as an encoder (source). The warning icon represents that there is something wrong with the device (such as the device not containing an active source). Search for the device in the Alarms Page to see if the device contains an active alarm.

A VN-Matrix 300 / 325 device configured as a decoder (display).

A VNR100 recorder.

A VN-Matrix 5-channel recorder.

A single sub-channel of a VN-Matrix 5-channel recorder.

A VNS104 software decoder.

A single VNS104 window. The lit window indicates the position of the window being stream to.

c Device ID — The devices unique identifier is shown in this column. d Device Name — The device name is shown in this field. To change the name of the

device, see Device Name in the Configure Menu section on page 43.

e IP Address — The IP address of the device is shown in this column.

NOTE: The IP address of a device is shown only if the device is currently present

on the network and configured to use the VNMEnterpriseController.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 37

f Controller — This column shows the IP address of the device acting as the system

controller.

g Device Type — This column shows the type of device connected to the

VN-Matrix system.

h Version — This column shows the current firmware version installed on each device.

NOTE: To avoid compatibility issues, all devices of the same model must have the

same version of firmware installed on each device.

Sorting Devices by Column

Columns can be sorted by clicking directly on any of the column names. Clicking on a column name sorts the list in ascending or descending order. Figure 23 shows the devices sorted by device ID number. The Device Id column is darkened and contains a > icon to indicate the devices are sorted by the device ID number and in ascending order.

Figure 23. Sort by Device ID

Hovering over the right side of a column name reveals a pull-down arrow that, when clicked, accesses the advanced column sorting menu (see figure 24). Use this menu to sort columns in ascending or descending order and populate the page with necessary information by adding and subtracting columns. A checkmark indicates the column is visible.

Figure 24. Advanced Column Sorting

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 38

Sorting Devices by Group

Devices can be sorted in groups using the Group By menu (see figure 25, a).

Figure 25. Grouping Devices

The following group options are available.

NOTES:

• After selecting a grouping option, groups can be further sorted using column

sorting. Figure 25 shows the devices grouped by mode and sorted by device ID in ascending order.

• Grouped devices can be expanded and collapsed by clicking on the square icon

located next to the group name (see red highlights in ﬁgure 25, b).

192.168.0.32

192.168.0.38

192.168.0.39

192.168.0.30

192.168.0.31

192.168.0.35

192.168.0.37

192.168.0.33

192.168.254.254

• None — Removes group sorting.

• Status — Organizes the devices into the following groups.

Active or No device

• Mode — Organizes the devices into the following groups.

• Display • Recorder

• Source • None

• Type — Groups the devices by their description (type). For example, all VN-Matrix 200 /

225 / 300 / 325 codec devices are grouped together, all VN-Matrix decoder devices are grouped together, all VN-Matrix encoder devices are grouped together, and so on.

• Controller — Groups the devices by system controller. When a VN-Matrix system

contains more than one system controller, use this option to link the devices to each system controller.

• Version — Groups the devices by firmware version.

• Source — Groups each source by device ID. Displays or connections associated with

each source are also grouped together. Similar devices that are not connected to a source are also grouped together.

• Expand All — Reveals all the devices. The devices are displayed under the appropriate

group name.

• Collapse All — Hides all devices. Only the group names are displayed on the page.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 39

About the Actions Menu Bar

The Actions menu bar, located at the bottom of the Devices page when a device is selected, is used to check information, configure, license, and upgrade controlled devices. Actions menu options change with each selected device (see figure 26).

Encoder

Actions:

Decoder

Actions:

VN-Matrix Recorder

Actions:

VN-Matrix Recorder Sub-channel

Actions:

VNS 104

Actions:

VNS 104 Decode Windows

Actions:

Info Misc Group

Format

Figure 26. Actions Menu Bar

Using the actions menu bar, the following sections provide individual configuration and connection details for the various VN-Matrix devices.

Click on a device on the Devices page (see About the Devices Page on page36) to reveal its action bar. Click on the action bar item to open a dialog box with options to configure the device for its intended operation. Configuration of individual devices is similar regardless of the device selected.

LicenseInfo Recorder Misc Group

UpgradeCompression Peripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

UpgradePeripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

UpgradeLicenseInfo Recorder Configure Misc Group

AudioInfo Connections Configure Misc Group

General Device Configuration

The next section describes the general configuration of VN-Matrix devices and applies mainly to VN-Matrix hardware encoders, decoders, and codecs. For details on the configuration of VN-Matrix Recorder and software decoder devices see Recorder

Info Menu

Configuration on page 60 and VNS104 Software Decoder Configuration on page

64. For a full description of a specific function, see the user guide for the device.

Click the Info button to open the Device Information dialog box to display basic information for the selected VN-Matrix device (see figure 27).

Figure 27. Device Information (Encoder or Decoder Shown)

The following fields are read-only (cannot be edited).

• Device ID — Displays the device ID number of the selected device.

• Device Name — Displays the name of the selected device.

Device ID:

1021150

device1021150

192.168.0.31

Active Good

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 40

• IP Address — Displays the IP address of the selected device.

• Device Status — The status of the selected device. Normally it shows Active and the

quality of the link is indicated in the Link Status field. If the device is missing or cannot be contacted on the network, it shows No Device.

• Link Status — A link status of Good indicates little or no management packet loss.

A link status of Fair indicates a small amount of packet loss. A link status of Poor indicates a bad link; investigate whether the link to the device has sufficient bandwidth to carry the data and management traffic.

Connections Menu

Click the Connections button to open the Connections dialog box that displays information about the active connections of the selected VN-Matrix device (see figure 28).

VN-Matrix 2xx

VN-Matrix 3xx

Figure 28. Connections Dialog Box

NOTE: The VN-Matrix 3xx connections screen changes the Whiteboard column to

FEC Rows and the Data column to FEC Cols.

The following fields are read-only (cannot be edited).

• Description — For a source, this field is the name of devices receiving a stream from

the selected source. For a display, it has the name of the device providing the stream.

• id — Displays the device ID of the connected device.

• Source — For unicast transports, displays the IP address and port number of the

source stream. For multicast transports this value is zero on an encoder.

• Destination — Displays the IP address and port number of the stream receiver device.

• Locale — This field displays loc when the data streaming between source and display

are controlled by the same controller (loc). It displays ext if the data stream is exported across two different controllers or if the transport protocol is multicastRTP.

• Slot — This field displays information depending on the type of transport protocol used.

• Using the unicast RTP transport protocol, the stream number is displayed. Four

streams are available, numbered 0, 1, 2, and 3.

• Using the multicast RTP transport protocol, this field displays 0 for a source and

-1 for a display.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 41

Configure Menu

Encoder Decoder

Click the Configure button to open the Configure Device Settings dialog box that sets global parameters specific to the VN-Matrix 2xx and 3xx devices. It differs slightly between encoder and decoder (see figure 29).

Figure 29. Configure Device Settings

Device Setup panel

• Device Name — Enter a user defined name for the device in this field. This name

appears in the device list and can be comprised of letters, numbers, and the underscore character. Spaces are not allowed.

• Mode — A device can be configured using one of four modes.

• enable — This is normal operation.

• disable — Use this mode on a source device to stop streaming to the network, but

still show pass-through output. A display device outputs a splash screen.

• standby — Use this mode on a source device to stop streaming and also disable

pass-through output. On a display device this mode disables all output.

• test — Use this mode on a device (source or display) to show a splash screen with

the words "Test Mode". Normal streaming is suspended.

• Enable Splash Screen (Decoder only) — Check this box to display a splash screen

on the video stream when no video is available.

• Identify Display (Decoder only) — Check this box to show the device name on

the local screen. The position and appearance of the label can be modified (see OSD

Identifier Editor (Encoders and Decoders) on page59).

NOTE: The Identify Display check box is only available on decoders.

• Identify Source — Checking this box causes the device name to be shown on

the local screen. The position and appearance of the label can be modified (see OSD

Identifier Editor (Encoders and Decoders) on page59).

• User Param [1, 2, 3] — These fields are used to enter user defined parameter names.

When entering HLI or CLI commands into a control program from an external control system, the parameter names identify devices. The names can be comprised of letters, numbers, and the underscore character. Spaces are not allowed.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 42

Networking panel

• Multicast TTL — This field specifies the number of hops multicast traffic can make

Format Menu

Click the Format button to open the Source Format dialog box used to view information about the incoming source. It is also used to make adjustments to the signal and set the EDID options (see figure 30). The menus differ slightly between the VN-Matrix 2xx and VNMatrix 3xx series.

between routed domains when it exits a source. It is not used for TCP or unicast RTP traffic.

VN-Matrix 2xx Series VN-Matrix 3xx Series

Figure 30. Source Format DialogBox

NOTES:

• The Status panel and Measured Video Properties panel contain ﬁelds that are

read-only (cannot be edited).

• This menu works differently when a decoder or a display device is selected.

For information on how to use the menu for decoders and display devices, see

Format Menu (Decoders only) on page48.

Status panel

• Source — This field details the video input connection. Active means a video source

is recognized at the input. Unplugged means no source is connected or no video is being presented.

• Stream — When this field displays (1,1) the source has been recognized and is ready

to be streamed. When this field displays (0,1) the source is either not connected or has not been recognized.

• Lock — If this field displays a value of 0, the VN-Matrix device has not locked on to

the incoming source. A value of 1 indicates the VN-Matrix device has locked on to the source.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 43

Measured Video Properties panel

This panel provides information about currently connected sources. The following fields are read-only (cannot be edited).

• Current Mode — This field details the current video resolution of the connected

source. A complete list of supported resolutions is available in the VN‑Matrix 200, VN‑Matrix 225, VN‑Matrix 300, and VN‑Matrix 325 User Guides.

• Type — This field details the type of video format that is connected to the source.

NOTE: The VN-Matrix 2xx reports DVI or analog. The VN-Matrix 3xx reports SDI.

• Line Count — This field details the total number of lines used in the connected source.

• Line Period (ms) — This field details how often the lines of information are updated in

milliseconds (ms).

• Active Pixels — This field details the number of active pixels used in the connected

source.

• Active Lines — This field details the number of active lines used in the connected

source.

• First Pixel — This field details the position of the first active pixel in a line.

• First Line — This field details the position of the first active line in a frame.

• Phase — This field details the current waveform phase setting. The phase setting can

be adjusted in the Input panel (see below).

Measured Audio Properties panel (VN-Matrix 2xx only)

This panel provides the sampling rate of the incoming audio source for the VN-Matrix2xx. The line is blank for the VN-Matrix3xx. See Ancillary Audio Panel (VN‑Matrix3xx Only) on page46 for audio details of the VN-Matrix3xx.

Input panel (VN-Matrix 2xx only)

This panel is only active for VN-Matrix 2xx models and provides timing information for the connected analog sources.

NOTE: This panel is only active when configuring analog source types.

• Mode — VN-Matrix codecs support automatic video format detection for most

standard source types. However, if a non-standard source type is used, the video format can be manually specified using this drop-down menu.

• Phase — This drop-down menu is used to adjust the waveform phase setting. This

value should normally be set to auto. However, if a waveform suitable for automatic detection is not available, manually select a phase value to provide better image quality.

Automatic phase adjustment maximizes the contrast between pixels. A good image for phase adjustment should have adjacent black and white pixels.

NOTE: Phase adjustment is only required on analog sources.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 44

• Color Space — This drop-down menu selects between RGB and YPbPr video source

types.

NOTES:

• When auto is selected from the Mode drop-down menu, the color space

cannot be determined.

• Component sources are detected as an RGsB video type.

• Macrovision Defeat — Macrovision copy protection is often applied to commercially

produced videos and DVDs. This adds additional sync level pulses to the waveform which must be ignored for proper video detection.

• Select this check box if the source contains content protected with Macrovision

copy protection.

• Deselect this check box for all other sources. Selecting this check box for

non-Macrovision sources may result in tearing at the top of the image.

Blanking panel (VN-Matrix 2xx only)

• Blanking — This drop-down menu adjusts the blanking setting. This value is normally

set to auto. However, if it is important that pixels on the very edge of the display are visible, setting this value to manual will activate the Pixels and Lines fields so that offsets can be entered. The offsets are made relative to the First Pixel and First

Line values of the source format selected on the Format Editor page (see Format

Menu on page43).

NOTE: Blanking adjustment is only required on analog sources.

• Pixels — This field is used to enter an offset to adjust the horizontal blanking. The value

is entered as a positive (for example, 6) or negative (for example, -6) integer.

• Lines — This field is used to enter an offset to adjust the vertical blanking. The value is

entered as a positive (for example, 6) or negative (for example, -6) integer.

EDID panel (VN-Matrix2xx Only)

• From Monitor — This field reports the EDID of the locally connected display. If no

display is present or the display does not support EDID, No Device will be reported. This is a read-only field (cannot be edited).

• To Source — This drop-down menu specifies what EDID device type the VN-Matrix

unit identifies itself as when connected to a source. Values can be chosen from any of the stored EDID codes used on previously connected devices.

NOTE: If the transparent option is used, the EDID of the last display or the

currently connected display is reported.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 45

Ancillary Audio Panel (VN-Matrix3xx Only)

The VN-Matrix 3xx models replace the Input, Blanking, and EDID panels with an AncillaryAudio panel for audio configuration (see figure 31). Configuration options change depending upon the model and the transport mode selection. The differences are noted in the following descriptions.

16 none

transparent

Groups

none

0% (0 Mbps)

Transparent Mode

stereo

Stereo Pairs 1

none

2345 67

no data

pack20

Stereo Mode (VNM325 Only)

Figure 31. Ancillary Audio Menus

• Audio Channels — This field reports the number of available audio channels.

• VN‑Matrix 300: 4, 8, 12, or 16 depending on the number of licensed groups.

• VN‑Matrix 325: Reads 16 when the transport mode is set to Transparent.

• Transport Mode — A drop-down menu with two selections:

Reads 2 when the transport mode is set to Stereo.

• Transparent: Audio is transported in groups of 4 channels. Multiple groups (see

Selection Boxes below) can be selected for transport with payloads depending on

the data: SDI (8 Mbps) or HDSDI/3G-SDI (16 Mbps).

Transparent mode is supported on both the VN-Matrix300 and 325.

• Stereo: Audio is transported in stereo pairs. Only one pair can be selected at a

time. Stereo pairs have a payload of 2.4 Mbps.

Stereo mode is supported on the 325 only.

• Selection Boxes — These boxes (Groups or Stereo Pairs), when checked, indicate

different items depending on the selected transport mode.

• Transparent: Each box, when selected, indicates the number of audio groups that

are transported with the video stream.

• VN‑Matrix 300: The number of groups depends on the license of the

connected device. 300 series can be licensed for up to four groups (see

AudioChannels above).

• VN‑Matrix 325: Up to four groups can be selected.

• Stereo: The selection boxes indicate the stereo pair selected for transport with the

video stream. Only one stereo pair can be selected at a time.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 46

• Audio Type (Stereo mode only) — This field reports the format of the audio data

stream.

• PCM 24, 48 KHz: HDSDI and 3GSDI (typical)

• PCM 20, 48 KHz: SDI (typical)

• Compression (Stereo mode only) — This drop-down list selects the compression to

apply to the stereo audio signal. The normal bitrate for a stereo pair is 2.4 Mbps.

• Pack 24: Sends all audio (20 or 24 bits) without compression and sends audio

control data once per second.

• Pack 20: Same as Pack 24 except the least significant 4 bits of audio data are

removed and set to zero. The bit rate is 1.92 Mbps.

• Pack 16: Same as Pack 24 except the least significant 8 bits of audio data are

removed and set to zero. The bit rate is 1.54 Mbps.

• Decimate 2: Same as Pack 16 except the sample rate is reduced to half. The bit

rate is 768 Kbps.

• Decimate 4: Same as Pack 16 except the sample rate is reduced to one-quarter.

The bit rate is 384 Kbps.

• FEC Mode (Transparent mode only) — FEC (Forward Error Correction) can be

applied to the ancillary audio to protect against errors caused by packet loss when the data is transported over a network. FEC enables the decoder to recreate data that has been lost or corrupted without the need for retransmission. The FEC data is sent separate from the image and ancillary data. The level of FEC can be set to protect against different levels of data loss. This produces a corresponding change in the amount of data that is transported and thus, the bit rate is increased or decreased in proportion to the amount of FEC applied.

• FEC Overhead (Transparent mode only) — This field reports the calculated

overhead as a percentage of the signal bitrate.

• FEC Rows (Transparent mode only) — Row FEC protects against the loss of a single

packet. It is the simplest method of protection and results in the lowest overhead in terms of bitrate and latency. However, it is not able to handle consecutive (burst) packet loss. Refer to the VN-Matrix3xx Series User Guide for details on how to configure this setting.

• FEC Columns (Transparent mode only) — Column FEC protects against burst

packet losses, providing that the burst of packet losses are not in the same row. Column FEC is known as 1D (dimension) FEC, as correction data is only calculated on one dimension. Refer to the VN-Matrix3xx Series User Guide for details on how to configure this setting.

NOTES:

• The values set in the FEC row and column drop-down lists depend on the

quality of the network link in use.

• The FEC data can add a large overhead to the overall bit rate. Some settings,

while providing a high level of reliability, are inefﬁcient.

• Settings that add little overhead may not provide a sufﬁcient level of protection

on networks with a poor Quality of Service (QoS).

• The recommended starting point for the FEC row and column error correction

is 5,5.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 47

Format Menu (Decoders only)

When a decoder device is selected, click the Format button to open the DisplayFormat dialog box used to configure the output format of a decoder (see figure 32 and figure33). The menu differs slightly depending on the selected VN-Matrix device.

NOTES:

• The Current Format ﬁeld is read-only (cannot be edited).

• This menu works differently when an encoder or a source device is selected.

For information on how to use the menu for encoders and source devices, see

Format Menu on page43.

VN-Matrix 2xx Display Format

Figure 32. VN‑Matrix2xx Series Display Format Dialog Box

• Current Format — This read-only field displays the current output video format of the

selected VN-Matrix device.

• When the Output Format field is set to auto, this field displays the resolution

of the decoded stream. If an exact match is not possible, then this field displays

Special followed by the available resolution closest to the decoded stream.

• When the Output Format field is not set to auto, this field displays the chosen

resolution.

• If the Enable Splash Screen check box is selected and the device is not

• Output Format (VN‑Matrix2xx only) — This drop-down menu contains a list of

connected to a stream (or not decoding), this field displays splash screen

1024x768.

preset output video formats, plus an additional option called auto. Selecting a preset format forces the output of the VN-Matrix device to the selected format. Selecting auto matches the output video format to the native resolution of the decoded stream.

NOTE: When a preset output format is selected, the Scale to Output Format

check box must be selected.

• Scale to Output Format (VN‑Matrix2xx only) — When selected, this check box

enables scaling of the decoded stream to the resolution selected in the Output Format drop-down menu. Upscaling and downscaling are supported.

NOTES:

• For smooth playback, select an output format with approximately the same

frame rate as the source.

• Scaling adds two frames of latency to the delay between source capture and

display output.

• Scaling is disabled when auto is selected in the Output Format

drop-down menu or when the scaling ratio is 1:1

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 48

• Sync on Green (SoG) (VN‑Matrix2xx only) — This check box, when selected,

enables Sync on Green on the output analog waveform. When SoG is enabled, separate horizontal and vertical syncs are present on the analog output.

NOTE: SoG is currently limited to the output of progressive modes. If an interlace

mode is selected, the SoG request is ignored.

• Playback Delay (s) — This field is used to enter the amount of time (in seconds) that

the display waits before playing back the source stream.

VN-Matrix 3xx Display Format

Figure 33. VN‑Matrix3xx Series Display Format Dialog Box

The VN-Matrix3xx series display format dialog box shares two configuration options with the VN-Matrix2xx:

• Current Format

• Playback Delay (s)

These configuration options function identically to those on the VN-Matrix2xx series Display Format menu.

Genlock is added to the VN-Matrix3xx menu, selected with the check box:

• Genlock — When selected, enables a local SDI source with the same refresh rate as

the streamed video to act as a digital genlock signal to synchronize the decoder.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 49

Compression Menu (Encoders only)

When an encoder device is selected, click the Compression button to open the

Compression Settings dialog box used to set the amount of compression on the encoded

source (see figure 34).

VNx 2xx Series VNx 3xx Series

Figure 34. Compression Dialog Box

The configuration options have a direct effect on the network bandwidth required for the encoded stream.

• Increasing compression decreases the network bandwidth requirements for the stream.

• Decreasing compression increases the network bandwidth requirements for the stream.

Alternatively, the desired bandwidth can be set using the Bitrate panel (see page 53) and the VN-Matrix adjusts compression and frame rate to meet the specified bandwidth limit.

NOTE: This menu is only available when an encoder device is selected.

Video Compression panel

• Transform (VN‑Matrix 2xx only) — Two transform types are supported.

• graphics — Optimizes the video to support text and sharp lines, such as are

present on most computer screens.

• video — Optimizes the video to support smooth tone changes such as are present

in movies and other video content.

• Luma Compression — This drop-down list sets the amount of compression on the

luma (black and white) portion of the signal. A value of 1 is the minimum amount of compression available; a value of 10 is maximum compression.

• Chroma Compression — This drop-down list sets the amount of compression on the

chroma (color) portion of the signal. A value of 1 is the minimum amount of compression available; a value of 10 is maximum compression.

NOTE: This field is available only when the Luma/Chroma Lock is not selected.

• Luma/Chroma Lock — Selecting this check box disables the Chroma Compression

field and automatically sets the chroma compression value two levels higher than the

Luma Compression setting.

When this check box is selected, the Chroma Compression field tracks the

Luma Compression field by a fixed value of +1 (Luma Compression = 1) or

+2 (Luma Compression > 1).

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 50

• Temporal Compression — Selecting this check box causes areas of the screen

to refresh only when a change between frames is detected. Enabling temporal compression can significantly reduce network bandwidth.

NOTE: For all normal operation, Temporal Compression should be enabled.

• Refresh Rate — This field controls how frequently static parts of the screen are

updated when the Temporal Compression check box is selected. This is useful when connecting new displays to a temporally encoded source and fills in gaps in the data when using a lossy network transport (such as RTP). A value of 1 refreshes the screen once a second; a value of 10 refreshes the screen once every ten seconds. A value of 0 disables the refresh. Valid settings are 1 though 17.

• Threshold — This drop-down list controls the sensitivity of the temporal change

detection algorithm. A value of 0 means any screen changes will be sent. Increasing the value increases the send threshold and reduces the network bandwidth. A setting of 0 is suitable for DVI computer generated sources. Sources with more noise or video-type motion should use a setting between 1 and 4. Camera sources should always use values greater than 0.

• Chroma Threshold — This check box controls whether the temporal algorithm should

consider changes in the color (chrominance) of the image. Selecting this check box provides better results when using digital simulation type sources. However, this can increase the transmit bandwidth by up to 200%, so it should be disabled on bandwidth sensitive systems.

NOTE: This option is normally not required for video or camera type sources.

• Motion (VN‑Matrix2xx only) — This drop-down list is used to adjust motion

compression. The value can be set from 0 to 15, where 0 is no additional motion compression and 15 is full motion compression. When enabled, motion detected on the area of the screen is heavily compressed. This reduces bandwidth when the eye cannot perceive significant detail due to the motion. When motion stops, the video is resent at the standard resolution preserving screen integrity.

Audio Compression panel (VN-Matrix2xx only)

NOTE: The audio compression settings for the VNM3xx series are located in

the source format menu (see Ancillary Audio Panel (VN‑Matrix3xx Only) on page46).

• Compression — VN-Matrix supports limited compression of S/PDIF audio sources.

This is controlled by the Compression setting. The S/PDIF digital data bus can carry two types of data: 2-channel uncompressed audio and encoded digital data, the latter often in AC-3 (Dolby Digital) format. The following compression values are supported.

Available Compression Settings

Compression Stereo Audio Tracks AC‑3 Data Track

No compression

24-bit to 16-bit

44 kHz to 22 kHz

44 kHz to 11 kHz

24 bit native data (2975 kbps) 24 bit native data (2975 kbps) 16 bit data, full sample rate

(1517 kbps) 16 bit data, 1/2 sample rate

(784 kbps) 16 bit data, 1/4 sample rate

(418 kbps)

16 bit data, zeros run length encoded (430 kbps)

16 bit data, zeros run length encoded (430 kbps)`

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 51

Bitrate panel

The Bitrate panel sets a specific bandwidth limit for the encoded stream.

• Limit Mode — This drop-down list contains management modes that limit the

instantaneous traffic on the network and drops traffic when the bandwidth rate is exceeded. This is useful when the network connection between the source and display has limited bandwidth.

NOTE: Rapidly changing content may produce instantaneous peaks in bandwidth

rate when using CBR-F and PBR-F management modes.

Eight bandwidth management modes are supported.

• None — This mode does not use bandwidth management. Only the underlying

compression settings are managed.

• Manual Frame Drop — This mode allows the user to specify the precise fraction

of frames to drop. This mode does not manage the bandwidth rate at a fixed level, but does result in a smoother display update when using rapidly changing video content types.

• Shared Flowrate (FD) — This mode limits the total video network traffic for the

source. Frames are dropped if the instantaneous data rate is higher than the flowrate entered in the Target Rate (Mbps) field.

• Peak Flowrate (FD) — This mode limits the video network traffic for a single

source stream. Frames are dropped if the instantaneous data rate is higher than the flowrate entered in the Target Rate (Mbps) field. Using N output streams increases the bandwidth N times unless the multicast RTP transport protocol is used.

• PBR‑F — This mode dynamically modifies the compression settings to limit the

transmitted bandwidth depending on the specified value entered in the Target

Rate (Mbps) field. The specified Compression setting is used as the minimum

compression value. This control mode averages the bit rate over a period of two frames.

• PBR‑F (FD) — This mode is the same as PBR-F except frames are dropped when

a larger bandwidth reduction (such as a reduction that cannot be achieved with compression settings alone) is required.

• Target Rate (Mbps) — This field is used in all bandwidth management modes (except

Manual Frame Drop) to specify the network bandwidth used by the source. This value

is specified in Megabits per second (Mbps).

• Frame Drop (%) — This field is used in Manual Frame Drop mode and specifies the

percentage of frames to discard. A value of 95% discards 19 out of every 20 frames reducing a 60 frames per second (fps) video signal to 3 fps. 1 fps is the minimum frame rate. A value of 99% results in all frames being dropped due to rounding.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 52

Peripherals Menu

Click the Peripherals button to open the Peripherals Settings dialog box to manage remote keyboard and mouse communications on a VN-Matrix 200 and 225 series codec device (see figure 35).

NOTE: Mouse and keyboard functions are supported by VN-Matrix 2xx series devices

only. For a complete description, see the VNM225 User Guide at www.extron.com.

Figure 35. Peripherals Dialog Box

Serial Port

The serial port panel configures the RS-232 port on VN-Matrix encoder and decoder devices. For a full description of the serial port configuration, including server/client setup, see the User Guide for the device.

• Mode: — The serial port can operate in one of three modes:

• None: The serial port is not used.

• Server: The serial port acts as a destination for other serial port clients.

• Client: The serial port can connect to server serial ports on other devices

A point to point link can be established by setting the serial port of one VN-Matrix device to Server mode and a second device to Client mode. The destination of the second device is set to the passthrough port on the first (server) device.

A server can accept multiple client connections. Under these conditions the data input by the server serial port is duplicated to all connected clients. The data received from the clients is multiplexed (in order of arrival) and output through the server serial port.

• RS‑232 Settings: Basic configuration of the serial port includes baud rate, data bits,

stop bits, parity, and handshake.

• Destination: — This option can only be modified when the serial port is in client mode.

The dropdown list allows a passthrough connection request from each VN-Matrix device in the network, regardless of whether the device is currently configured as a server.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 53

Mouse and Keyboard

VN-Matrix 2xx VN-Matrix 3xx

• Mode: — Device specific.

Encoder: Enabled, allows mouse and keyboard forwarding.

Decoder: The control has four options;

• Disable: The decoder does not forward mouse and keyboard information.

• Keyboard: The decoder forwards mouse and keyboard information.

• Keyboard + keepalive: the link is automatically established if broken.

• Force: Mouse and keyboard forwarding + keepalive is permanently enabled.

• IP Address: —

Encoder: Not Required.

Decoder: Used to specify the IP address of the target encoder when the transport

is multicast or when the encoder exists on a different controller domain.

NOTE: Leading zeros are not allowed.

• Status: — Read-only, is the current status of the Link

Encoder: Disabled, local or remote keyboard and mouse is displayed. Decoder: Disabled, local, or forwarding is displayed. In case of a connection error,

a reason is shown in brackets.

• Inactivity: — Read-only, (decoder only). Displays the number of seconds since the

mouse or keyboard reported a change.

License Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices)

Click the License button to open the Device License Management dialog box. This box displays the features enabled on the selected VN-Matrix unit and is also used to enable certain features on VN-Matrix devices (see figure 36).

Figure 36. License Menu

NOTE: The Licensed Features panel and Current Structure panel contain fields that are

read-only (cannot be edited).

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 54

Licensed Features panel

The Licensed Features panel details the features currently enabled on the device.

• Video — Details the input signal format type.

• Audio — Details the number of the supported audio channels.

VN‑Matrix 2xx series only

• Video Scaler — Details if video scaling is enabled or disabled.

• Whiteboard — Details if whiteboard data streaming is enabled or disabled.

• Data — Details if data streaming is enabled or disabled.

Current Structure panel

• Structure — Details the current structure key used by the selected device.

• Checksum — Details the current checksum used by the selected device.

Change Device Structure panel

NOTE: See Update a device license below for information on updating the structure

key and checksum.

ATTENTION: DO NOT place information for a VNMEnterpriseController

license into this menu. Doing this will cause the device to stop responding. This menu is used for updating a device license only. See Controller Firmware and

License Updates on page155 for information about VNMEnterpriseController

licenses.

• Structure — This field is used to update the structure key used by the device.

• Checksum — This field is used to update the checksum used by the device.

Update a device license

To obtain and install a new device license, follow the procedure below.

1. Contact the Extron S3 Sales and Technical Support Hotline and provide the following

information.

• The device ID of the VN-Matrix device. This can be obtained from the back of the

device.

• The order number of the VN-Matrix device.

2. The Extron S3 Sales and Technical Support Hotline provides a structure key and a

checksum.

• Enter the structure key into the Structure field.

• Enter the checksum into the Checksum field.

3. Click Update License to save the new license.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 55

Upgrade Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices)

Click the Upgrade button to open the Upgrade Device Firmware dialog box used to upgrade the firmware of one or more VN-Matrix devices (see figure37).

ATTENTION:

• Ensure that compatible ﬁrmware is used to upgrade the selected VN-Matrix

devices.

• Upgrading with incorrect ﬁrmware can cause the VN-Matrix devices to stop

responding.

Figure 37. Upgrade Menu

• Select a Version — This drop-down contains a list of previously uploaded firmware

versions that are available.

• Upload New Version — Click the Browse button to upload new firmware versions.

New firmware versions that are uploaded to the VNMEnterpriseController are added to the Select a Version drop-down menu.

To upgrade the firmware:

1. Select a device or multiple devices from the Devices page (see About the Devices

Page on page36).

2. Click Upgrade on the Actions toolbar.

3. Select the desired version from the Select a Version drop-down list and click

Upgrade.

If the desired version is not available in the Select a Version drop-down list:

1. Select a device or multiple devices from the Devices page (see About the Devices

Page on page36).

2. Click Upgrade on the Actions toolbar.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 56

3. Click Browse and navigate to the appropriate location of the firmware. When the

firmware is selected, it is uploaded to the VNMEnterpriseController.

4. After the proper firmware is uploaded, select the version from the Select a Version

drop-down list and click Upgrade.

NOTES:

• If a VN-Matrix device selected for upgrade already contains the latest version of

ﬁrmware, the upgrade status displays "Wait". If multiple devices are selected for upgrade, the devices already containing the ﬁrmware upgrade display "Wait" while the other devices are upgraded (see ﬁgure 38).

• See Update a device license on page55 for information on updating the

structure key and checksum.

• The ﬁrmware for the VN-Matrix 2xx series differs from the ﬁrmware for the

VN-Matrix3xx series. Upgrading multiple devices is possible only when selected devices are either all VN-Matrix 2xx series or all VN-Matrix 3xx series.

• The VNM Recorder can not be upgraded from this page (see the VNMRecorder

User Guide at www.extron.com).

Figure 38. Device Firmware Upgrade Status

Mode Menu

The mode menu assigns VN-Matrix codec devices as decoders or encoders.

NOTE: Choosing a mode or toggling a device between an encoder and a decoder can

take a few seconds after the selection is made.

To configure a codec device as a decoder or encoder:

1. Select a codec device or multiple codec devices from the Devices page (see About

the Devices Page on page36) .

2. On the action toolbar, click Mode.

The Mode menu opens.

3. Select Decoder to set the codec as a display device or select Encoder to set the codec

as a source device.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 57

Misc Menu

This menu contains five selections (see figure 39).

• Real‑time Bandwidth Monitor

• Delete Device

• Multiple Device Licensing

• OSD Identifier Editor

• Send HLI command

Figure 39. Misc Menu

Real-time Bandwidth Monitor

Select the real-time bandwidth monitor to open a new dialog box that monitors the bandwidth (measured in Mbps) used by the selected device or devices (see figure 40).

Figure 40. Bandwidth Monitor

NOTE: Bandwidth data is displayed only for decoder devices. A graph is displayed for

an encoder, but the data always shows 0 Kbps.

Delete Device

Select this option to delete the selected device or devices.

NOTES:

• Be certain the appropriate devices are selected when using this menu option.

The selected devices are deleted right away; no notiﬁcation or warning dialog box appears when the option is selected.

• A device can only be deleted when it is ofﬂine. Active devices can not be removed

from the device list.

Multiple Device Licensing

Select this option to open a dialog box to upgrade the feature sets of multiple devices simultaneously.

NOTE: This option is currently not available.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 58

OSD Identifier Editor (Encoders and Decoders)

Select this option to customize the appearance of the on‑screen display for the selected device or devices (see figure 41).

Figure 41. OSD Identifier Editor

• Foreground Color — This drop-down list selects the color of the text box font.

• Background Color — This drop-down list selects the text box background color.

• Font — This drop-down list selects the type of font used in the text block.

• X — This field selects the X (horizontal) position for the text block. The value is a

percentage of the screen width and references the center of the text block.

• Y — This field selects the Y (vertical) position for the text block. The value is a

percentage of the screen height and references the center of the text block.

• Show Time — Sets the length of time (in seconds) the name of the source device is

visible after a connection is made. A value of 0 keeps the name visible indefinitely.

NOTES:

• This control option only functions when the Identify Source check box is

selected on the Configure menu (see Congure Menu on page42).

• The OSD is not recorded.

• See VNS104 Software Decoder Conguration on page 64 for VNS104

OSD options.

Send HLI Command

Selecting this option opens a dialog box used to send High Level Interface (HLI) command strings to VN-Matrix devices (see figure 42).

Figure 42. HLI Command Window

To send a command, click in the (enter command line) text window, type the command,

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 59

Actions:

UpgradeCompression Peripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Actions:

UpgradePeripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Decoder

Encoder

and press <Enter>.

NOTE: The response is returned in the response area of the dialog box.

Example HLI commands and information on how to use them are available in System

Control on page151.

Group Menu

See Sorting Devices by Group on page39 for information on using this menu.

Recorder Configuration

This section details options available in the Actions menu bar located at the bottom of the devices page. The options associated with recorders are listed below (see figure43). The first action bar configuration displays when a recorder is selected. The next bar is available only on the sub-channels of a recorder device. Each sub-channel can be used to record video, audio, and data from an associated VNMatrix encoder. Clicking an action button opens a dialog box to configure the selected recorder.

VN-Matrix Recorder

Actions:

UpgradeLicenseInfo Recorder Configure Misc Group

VN-Matrix Recorder Sub-channel

Actions:

LicenseInfo Recorder Misc Group

Figure 43. Actions Bar Menu, VN‑Matrix Recorders

Info Menu

Click the Info button to open the Device Information dialog box. The box displays read-only information for the selected recorder or sub-channel. The display is the same for the VNR100 and VNMRecorder (see figure 44).

Figure 44. VN‑Matrix Recorders, Device Information

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 60

Recorder Menu

Click the Recorder button to open the Recording Browser dialog box. This box displays recorded files for the selected recorder and recorder sub-channels.

Figure 45. VN‑Matrix Recorders, Recording Browser

The user can select a recording from the default location or navigate to another location on the hard drive. The browser provides information on each recording, allowing a user to manage the recordings on the selected device (see File Management Overview on page88).

The menu items are:

4 5 6

a Directory Tree – The directory structure of the recorder. The tree functions like a

standard Windows directory structure.

b Name – The name of each channel in the recording. If a name is not set by the user, the

default name of the file is the device ID of the connected encoder.

c Record Time Stamp – The date and time a recording is created. d Length – The duration of the recording in hours, minutes, and seconds (HH:MM:SS). e Streams – The stream types included in the recording, v=video, a=audio, and d=data. f Description – A text string entered by the user when the recording is created.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 61

Configure Menu

Click the Configure button to open the Configure Device Settings dialog box used to change the device name or to configure up to three user parameters for the recorder. The dialog box is the same for the VNMRecorder and the VNR100.

Figure 46. Recorder Configure Dialog Box

Device Setup Panel

• Device Name — Enter a user defined name for the VN-Matrix recorder. This is the

name that appears in the device list. The name can be letters, numbers, and the underscore character. Spaces are not allowed.

• User Parameters — Up to three user parameters can be entered in these three fields

to customize the operation of the recorder.

Networking Panel

• Multicast TTL: — Specifies the number of router hops multicast traffic can make

between routed domains.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 62

License Menu

Click the License button to open the Device License Management dialog box provides information about the recorder features licensed for use on the VN-Matrix system. The information is read-only and shown for reference.

Figure 47. Device License Dialog Box, Recorders

Licensed Features

The Licensed Features panel is not functional at this time.

Current Structure

• Structure — This field details the current structure key for the recorder.

• Checksum — This field details the current checksum for the recorder.

Change Device Structure

The Change Device Structure panel is not functional at this time.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 63

VNS104 Software Decoder Configuration

Actions:

UpgradeCompression Pe ripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Actions:

UpgradePeripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Actions:

UpgradeLicenseInfo Recorder Configure Misc Group

Actions:

LicenseInfo Recorder Misc Group

Decoder

VN-Matrix Recorder

Encoder

VN-Matrix Recorder Sub-channel

The VNS104 Multi-stream Decoding Software decodes one or four video streams and one stereo audio stream from VN-Matrix 225 real-time encoders and VN-Matrix Recorder playback channels. It operates on a Windows PC and is managed from the VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller. Before you can view content, ensure the VNMEnterprise Controller is properly licensed with the VNS104 option and checksum provided by Extron. Once the Controller license has been updated, the VNS104 Multi-stream Software Decoder can be selected and configured.

The VNS104 appears in the devices list as five separate icons, one for the root and one for the each of the decode windows. Each decode window appends the device ID with a number from 1 to 4.

NOTE: The position of the highlighted display in the VNS104 icon is the screen

position target for the associated video stream (see figure 48).

Figure 48. Devices Tab, VNS104

Actions Menu Bar

The action bar menu items change when switching between the main VNS104 root icon and the individual decode windows. The Actions menu bar for the main device contains information and configuration common to the four decode windows. Selecting an action opens a dialog box to configure the device.

VNS 104

Actions:

VNS 104 Decode Windows

Actions:

Info Misc Group

Format

Figure 49. VNS104 Action Bar, Main Menu

AudioInfo Connections Configure Misc Group

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 64

Info Menu

Click the Info button to open the Device Information dialog box. There are no configuration settings in the device information dialog box, only information about the connected VNS104 device.

Licensed Desktop

Figure 50. VNS104 Root Device ‑ Device Information

The fields are:

Device ID – Displays the device ID of the connected VNS104.

Device Name – Displays the name of the connected VNS104.

IP Address – The IP address of the connected VNS104 device.

Device Status – Displays Active when there is a VNS104 connected, or No Device if a VNS104 is not detected. When the device is active, the Link Status indicates the quality of the management link.

Link Status – Displays Good when an active VNS104 device is connected with little or no management packet loss; Fair when a small amount of packet loss is detected and Poor for a bad link. When the Link Status is Poor, ensure the link has sufficient bandwidth to carry the data.

Connections Menu

Click the Connections button to open the connections dialog box. This box contains general information for the connected VNS104 device showing the active stream source for each of the four connections.

Figure 51. VNS104 Root Device ‑ Connections

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 65

The information includes:

Description – Displays the name of the stream source device.

ID – Displays the device ID of the stream source device.

Source – For unicast transports, displays the IP address and port number of the stream source device. For multicast transports this value is 0 on an encoder.

Destination – Displays the IP address and port number of the device receiving the stream.

Locale – This field displays loc when the data streaming between the source and display

are controlled by the same controller (loc). This field displays ext if the data stream has been exported across two different controllers or if the transport protocol is multicast RTP.

Slot – This field displays information depending on the type of transport protocol in use.

• Using the unicast RTP transport protocol, this field displays the stream number. Four

streams are available numbered 0, 1, 2, and 3.

• Using the multicast RTP transport protocol, this field displays 0 for a source and -1 for

a display.

Configure Menu

Click the Configure button to open the Configure Device Settings dialog box. This box contains general information for the connected VNS104 device showing the active stream source for each of the four connections.

Figure 52. VNS104 Root Device ‑ Actions Bar, Configure Device Settings

The configurations dialog box contains the following settings:

Device Name: – This field is used to enter a user defined name for the device. This name appears in the device list and can be letters, numbers, and the underscore character. Spaces and other characters are not allowed.

Mode: – Drop-down menu selects the operation of the VNS104. Selections are:

• Enable – Enables normal decoding of assigned streams.

• Disable – Disables decoding and displays a splash screen, if enabled, or black.

• Standby – Disables decoding and displays a black screen.

• Test – Disables decoding and displays a splash screen, if enabled, or black.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 66

Enable Splash Screen: – Enables the display of a splash screen when the display device

detects a break in the input data stream or a source stream is not assigned. When this check box is not selected, a black screen is displayed when a source stream is not present or when the display device detects a break in the input data stream. See the VNS104 User Guide for instructions on how to install and use a custom splash screen.

Identify Display: – Overlays the device name on the decode window or windows.

Identify Source: – Overlays the source name on the decode window or windows. If a source is not selected for the window, "No Stream Selected" is displayed.

User Parameters 1-3: – Up to three user parameters can be entered in these three fields to customize the operation of the VNS104.

Audio Menu

Click the Audio button to open the Configure Audio Settings dialog box. Only one of the connected video streams can have its audio selected for decode. The audio stream is assigned in the preset manager device attributes control. This dialog sets the level for that stream and also allows it to be muted.

Figure 53. Root Device ‑ Audio Settings Dialog Box

The audio output configuration dialog box provides the following settings:

Mute Output: – Placing a check mark in the box mutes the audio decode stream.

Volume Level: – Adjusts the audio level from -70 to +12. Default is 4.

VNS104 Misc Menu

The miscellaneous menu provides the following items:

Figure 54. Actions Bar ‑ VNS104 Root, Misc

Delete Device: – Deletes the VNS104 device from the Enterprise Controller Devices list.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 67

Send HLI command: – Sends an HLI command to the selected device.

Actions:

UpgradeCompression Peripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Actions:

UpgradePeripherals LicenseInfo Connections Configure Format Mode Misc Group

Actions:

UpgradeLicenseInfo Recorder Configure Misc Group

Actions:

LicenseInfo Recorder Misc Group

Actions:

AudioInfo Connections Configure Misc Group

Decoder

VN-Matrix Recorder

VNS 104

Encoder

VN-Matrix Recorder Sub-channel

NOTES:

• Be certain the appropriate devices are selected when using this menu option.

The selected devices are deleted right away; no notiﬁcation or warning dialog box appears when the option is selected.

• A device can only be deleted when it is ofﬂine. Active devices can not be removed

from the device list.

VNS104 OSD ID Editor – This dialog box allows customizing the format and placement of the display text entered in the configuration menu.

VNS104 Decode Windows

VNS 104 Decode Windows

Actions:

Figure 55. OSD ID Editor, VNS104 Shown

The OSD ID editor provides the following:

Foreground Color: – Sets the text color from a list of 11 colors and shades or transparent.

Background Color: – Sets the background color from a list of 11 colors and shades or

transparent.

Font – Sets the font and font size from a list.

Justify: – Sets the window position of the text from a list of nine locations.

Show Time: – Sets the time (in seconds) the text remains onscreen. 0 leaves the text onscreen permanently.

NOTE: These settings are applied globally to all VNS104 decode windows.

When the streams for each of the four displays are assigned using the Preset Manager (see

Preset Manager Page on page74), select an individual stream to view information

specific to that stream and also allow the stream to be customized for the preset.

Info Misc Group

Format

Figure 56. VNS104 Action Bar, Single Stream Menu

Info

The information dialog menu is the same as the main VNS104 root device.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 68

VNS104 Display Format

Click the Format button to open the Display Format dialog box. Each decode window provides a dialog box that allows several ways to customize the display of each stream.

Figure 57. VNS104 Display Format (One of Four Streams)

In this dialog box the following items are shown:

Stream Format (read‑only) – Displays the format of the assigned stream.

Screen Mode – Selects from the three screen modes; Fill, follow, or unity. See the VNS104

User Guide for more details on how these screen modes appear on a VNS104 display.

Screen Layout – Select Full screen or QuadSplit screen layouts.

• Full Screen: The selected decode window is displayed full screen. Only one decode

window can be set to full screen. The other decode windows are no longer visible. The decode window last set becomes the active full screen window.

• Quadsplit: The VNS104 is configured as four decode windows. Each decode window

is positioned as part of a 2x2 array.

Using either layout, streams are assigned to decode windows using the Preset manager control or the Switcher page (see Device Attributes – VNS104 Software Decoder:

Decode Window on page83 and About the Switcher Page on page70).

NOTES:

• Settings made here are intended to conﬁgure the VNS104 when the

VNMEnterprise Controller Switcher page is used.

• Screen Mode and Screen Layout conﬁguration settings are also available in the

Preset manager device attributes control for the VNS104.

• The settings operate on a last takes precedence basis. Modiﬁcations to the

settings made in either the device list page or preset manager page overwrite previous settings.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 69

About the Switcher Page

The Switcher page assigns encoders (sources) to decoders (displays). This allows the user to control streaming throughout the entire system using a single page. Use the following procedure to configure the Switcher page.

1. Click switcher (see figure below, a) to open the Switcher page (see Accessing the

Web‑based User Interface on page11 for information on how to log in).

192.168.0.30

192.168.0.31

192.168.254.254

A new window opens.

Figure 58. Switcher Window

NOTES:

• In the Switcher screen, VN-Matrix 2xx series devices appear in the upper

part of the screen and VN-Matrix 3xx devices appear below. VNS104 devices and recorders can appear in either.

• If a VNS104 is in full screen mode, only a single channel is available for

switching. The other three channels are still listed, but are dimmed.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 70

2. From the Sources column, click an encoder (source) (see figure 59, b).

The selected box darkens.

3. From the Displays column, click a decoder (display) (see figure 59, c).

The selected box darkens.

4. Click Take (see figure 59, c).

A connection is created between the selected encoder (source) and decoder(display).

• Figure 59 below shows that the JMP9600 Source is streaming media to

Rack_Decode.

• Also, the VN-Matrix 300 source, VNM300_Encode, is switched to the display,

VNM300_Decode (both highlighted in figure 59) after the Take button is pressed.

Figure 59. Switcher Window "Take"

5. Repeat this procedure to create other connections as necessary.

NOTES:

• To remove a connection, select a connection from the Connections column

and click Break Connection from the drop-down menu.

• To break all connections, select any connection and click Break All

Connections.

• Selecting Break All Connections immediately disconnects all devices. No

other warning is given.

6. If audio data is present within the stream, click on the edit link located at the top right

of the Switcher page and select the Switch audio with video option. This keeps the audio and video data together when creating connections.

Select Edit Hidden Devices (see next page) to display a pop-up that allows the selection of any device the user may not want to appear on the Switcher page.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 71

Hidden Devices

When there are too many devices on the screen, management becomes difficult. The switcher provides a way to hide unused or rarely used devices.

There are three ways to set and recover hidden devices:

1. Click the drop-down button on any source or display device and select Hide Device.

2. Display the Edit hidden devices menu by:

• Click the drop-down button from a source or display device and choose Edit

hidden devices. -or-

• Click Edit>Edit hidden devices on

the main switcher menu.

Both options of step 2 open the Edit Hidden

Devices menu (see right). The menu displays a list

of all connected system devices whether hidden, or not.

A checkmark in the box indicates the device is hidden. To display the device, uncheck the box. If a device or series of devices needs to be hidden, place a checkmark in each device box.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Device Configuration and Control 72

Preset Manager

This section provides instructions to connect, disconnect, and operate VN-Matrix Devices using the Presets Manager.

Sections include:

• Presets Overview

• Preset Manager Page

• Preset List

• Matrix Devices List

• Preset Design Panel

• Device Attributes

• Recorder Directory and File Management

• Creating Presets

• Launch Behavior

• Selecting a File for Playback

• Chase‑Play Feature (VNR100 only)

Presets Overview

Presets can quickly configure and connect devices to operate as a system and fall into three types:

• Switching presets (encoders and decoders only) – Connect an input device (encoder)

• Recording presets (encoders and recorders only) – Connect input devices to the

• Player presets (players and decoders only) – Connect recorder outputs (Play) to

to an output device (decoder).

inputs (Record) of the recorder in order to record the connected stream.

stream previously recorded programs to an output device.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 73

Preset Manager Page

The Preset Manager page enables connection of system devices from the device list for use in the VN-Matrix system. It allows users to create, save, and recall simple or complex system configurations using drag and drop rules under the following guidelines:

• A preset can contain a mix of VNM device types.

NOTE: Some device combinations are not allowed (see Preset Design –

• A preset can have a set of attributes that define the mode and configuration parameters

of devices in that preset.

• A preset can be named and saved for easy recall.

• A preset can be recalled by name using HLI commands.

• Presets are non-exclusive. The recall of one preset does not affect other devices in the

VNM system that are not part of that preset.

Connection Rules on page78).

Figure 60. Preset Manager Page

The preset manager page is divided into four panels:

3 4

a Preset List b Matrix Devices list c The Preset design workspace d Device attributes

In addition, there are two toolbars:

Ä To create, launch, stop, copy, rename, or delete a selected preset, a toolbar is located

at the bottom of the preset list area (a).

Ñ When a new preset is configured or an existing preset modified, it is saved using the

toolbar at the bottom of the preset design area (c).

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 74

Preset List

Preset List Controls

The Preset List panel (see figure 60, a) provides management and control of the system presets from the preset list toolbar.

System presets configure and connect groups of VN-Matrix devices for a specific task. They are built using devices in the Matrix Devices list (see figure 60, b). Once defined, presets are saved for use at a later time and provide a way to quickly reconfigure devices.

Each preset can contain a mix of matrix devices that includes encoders, decoders, codecs, and recorders. Controls to manage presets are provided at the bottom of the preset list box (see figure 60, Ä).

All presets are displayed in the Preset List area, listed in alpha-numeric order. If the list of presets is too long to display inside the available list area, a scroll bar is displayed on the right side of the window pane.

NOTE: Multiple presets can be active, however, the last preset launched takes

precedence when connections conflict with other active presets.

A toolbar at the bottom of the preset list workspace provides preset creation and control (see figure 60, Ä). It is not possible to select multiple presets.

New

Select the New button to create a preset. When selected, it clears any previously loaded preset from the preset design area (see Preset Design Panel on page78).

Note: Preset names must not include spaces or non alphanumeric characters such

as / \ *, % ! " £ $ % ^ & * ( )@~#?><. These characters are blocked from use. Underscore (_) and hyphen (–) are permitted.

Launch

The Launch button activates a preset, configuring and connecting devices included in the preset. To launch a preset:

1. Select the preset from the list.

2. Click Launch to activate the preset.

The Launch function is also available by right-clicking on a selected preset in the preset list.

Stop

The Stop button clears all settings made in a preset when it was launched, including:

• Connections between encoders or players and decoder or recorders are removed.

• An active recording or playback is stopped.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 75

Copy

The Copy button copies a previously defined preset and saves it to another name. To copy a preset:

1. In the preset list, select the desired preset.

2. Click Copy. The Copy Selected Preset

dialog box opens.

3. Enter the name for the new preset into the

Copy Selected Preset

Enter a name for the preset copy

Copy_of_preset_1

field entry area.

4. Click OK to save the new preset to the

preset list. -or-

Click Cancel to abandon the copy process.

5. The new preset appears in the preset list.

Note: Preset names must not include spaces or non alphanumeric characters such

as / \ *, % ! " £ $ % ^ & * ( )@~#?><. These characters are blocked from use. Underscore (_) and hyphen (–) are permitted.

Rename

The Rename button changes the name of a previously defined preset.

1. In the preset list, select the required preset.

2. Click Rename. The Rename Selected

Preset dialog box opens.

3. Enter the name for the new preset.

4. Click OK to save the new preset to the

preset list. -or-

Click Cancel to abandon the rename process.

5. The renamed preset appears in the preset list.

Rename Selected Preset

Enter the new name for the preset

Rename_Copy_of_Preset_1

Delete

The Delete button deletes a previously defined preset.

NOTE: The delete button does not clear existing

connections made by the preset. To clear those connections, first stop the preset.

Right-click Behavior

Select a preset from the preset list and <right-click> to access the following controls:

• Refresh: Update the preset list with the latest status.

• Launch: Activate the selected preset.

• Transport controls: For a player or recorder preset,

displays the transport controls pop up.

• Delete: Deletes the currently selected preset.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 76

Matrix Devices List

The available VN-Matrix devices display as a list in the Matrix Devices panel.

• Matrix devices are listed alphabetically by device name. It is not possible to sort or

group them.

• The icons representing each device are

the same as the icons on the devices page (see About the Devices Page on page36).

• The icon representing VN-Matrix

codecs depends on the mode of that device as set by the active preset. To determine the current mode, right-click anywhere inside the Matrix device area and select Refresh.

• Devices used in the currently selected

preset appear dim in the list. Note the difference between device11212054, not assigned in the selected preset, and device11212060 below it, which is assigned.

• After the first channel of a 5-channel

recorder is added to a preset, all channels show the same mode; either recorder or player.

• Single channel recorders are listed as

one player and one recorder device.

• When the list is too long to display all

devices, a scroll bar allows navigation of the list.

• Devices are selected one at a time. It is not possible to select multiple devices from the

list.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 77

Preset Design Panel

The Preset Design workspace can create new system presets and show details of a selected preset.

• Whether creating a new or modifiying a current

preset, devices are dragged from the Matrix Devices list into the design area to create a preset (see Creating Presets on page90).

• A new preset is saved the first time using the

Save As button. After that, updates are saved

using Save.

• Changes made to a preset can be discarded

by clicking Cancel.

• Save As copies a selected preset to a new

name.

• Devices are removed from a preset by

highlighting the device, then right-clicking and selecting Delete.

• When a preset is selected from the Preset list

(see Preset Manager Page on page74), the design workspace displays the configuration of all devices used in that preset.

Preset Design – Device Icons

Device Icons used in the preset design area are the same as those used on the Device page (see About the Devices Page on page36).

The icon used in a preset for certain devices depends on the device function in that preset.

• The function of VNM Recorder devices is set only when the channel is placed in

a preset. When the first channel is placed, all channels are set to the same mode (recorder or player).

• A codec device can be used as an encoder or decoder. The appropriate icon is shown

when the device is placed in the preset.

Preset Design – Connection Rules

Preset connections are subject to connection rules. "X" represents connections not allowed. The table below indicates invalid combinations for devices in a preset.

Connection Rules

2xx Codec Yes Yes Ye s Yes Ye s 2xx Decoder Ye s Yes Yes Ye s Yes

Output Device

3xx Codec X X Yes Ye s Yes 300 Decoder X X Ye s Yes Yes

Recorder Yes Ye s Yes X X

SW Decoder Yes Yes Yes Yes X

Additionally, it is not possible to place fixed function devices such as encoder-only or decoder-only devices into an illegal position in the preset.

Source (Input) Device

2xx Codec 2xx Encoder 3xx Codec Player SW Decoder

NOTE: The maximum number of connections made to an encoder in UNICAST

transport mode is four.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 78

Device Attributes

When a device is placed in the preset design panel, the Device Attributes panel provides access to preset-specific device settings available to the preset manager.

When the device is selected, an appropriate set of attributes for that device populates the device attributes panel. Attributes customize the device for a specific function within that preset and are a subset of the full configuration control set available in the device list view (see About the Devices Page on page36).

Figure 61. Preset Manager, Device Attributes (Player Shown)

The Device Attributes configuration panel populates differently depending on the selected device and its function in the preset. The following information details configuration options available in the attribute panel for each device.

Device Attributes – Codecs

Device attributes change depending on the role of the codec in the preset (see Device Attributes – Encoders and Device Attributes – Decoders in the following pages).

Device Attributes – Encoders

Encoders have no attributes configurable by the preset manager. The attribute panel for an encoder contains a read-only device name field.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 79

Device Attributes – Decoders

Decoder device attributes differ depending on the selected device (see figure 62).

2xx Series 3xx Series

Figure 62. Device Attributes Panel, Decoders

Name — Read-only field for the device name taken from the device list.

Stream settings — The following attributes enable or disable the connection of a specific stream. By default, the video stream is always made when a preset is built. A stream type can only be enabled if it is present in the connection from an encoder or player device.

• Audio (2xx series only) — Drop-down list enables or disables the audio channels.

• Whiteboard (VND2xx only) — Select Yes to decode available whiteboard data from

the stream (see License Menu on page63).

• Data — Select Yes to decode data information from the stream .

• Ancillary — See Ancillary Audio Panel (VN‑Matrix3xx Only) on page46.

• Column FEC — See Ancillary Audio Panel (VN‑Matrix3xx Only) on page46.

• Row FEC — See Ancillary Audio Panel (VN‑Matrix3xx Only) on page46.

NOTE: The configuration of individual streams is made on the appropriate device in

the device list page. For example, the video compression settings or the audio format for an encoder are set in the device list page.

Device Attributes – VN-Matrix Recorder: Play Mode

The 5-channel VN-Matrix Recorder in player mode operates with Ch1 set as the master for all channels.

The Player device attributes for a 5-channel device provide the following functions:

NOTE: The attributes for individual channels 2, 3, 4, and 5 (shown in figure 63, right)

are a reduced set of the attributes for Ch1.

Figure 63. Device Attributes, 5 Channel Player

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 80

Name — Read-only field displays the device name and selected sub-channel number.

Directory — Opens the recorder browser for directory level navigation and selection.

File — Opens the directory listed in the Directory field to enable selection of a single

recorded file and displays the filename.

Launch Status — Drop-down control to define the start condition of a Play or Record preset.

• Play (player channel 1 only) — When the preset is launched, playback begins

immediately.

• Provision — Delays playback until the appropriate command is sent from the transport

bar or from an external control system.

Repeat — A drop down control sets a player into loop mode.

Time Sync — A drop-down control that sets the timing relationship between the channels on multiple devices in a player preset.

Start offset — Editable field sets the start time of a selected file.

Stop offset — Editable field sets the stop time of a selected file.

File length — Displays the length of the recording in hh:mm:ss format.

Device Attributes – VN-Matrix Recorder: Record Mode

The 5-channel VN-Matrix Recorder in recorder mode operates with Ch1 set as the master for all other channels on that device.

The recorder device attributes for a 5-channel device provide the following functions:

Figure 64. Device Attributes, 5‑channel Recorder

Name — Read-only field displays the device name. For the 5-Channel recorder, if a subchannel is selected, this displays the device name and sub-channel number.

Directory — Type a new directory name directly into an editable field or use a file browser to create and delete directories (see Recorder Directory and File Management on page84).

File — An editable field and navigation tree to create and delete files.

Launch Status — Drop-down control to define the start condition of the preset.

• Provision — Places the recorder in pause when the preset is launched. The recording

begins only when the record button is clicked on the transport bar.

• Record — When the preset is launched, starts the recording immediately.

Description — A user defined text field used to describe the recording.

Audio — Select Yes to enable or No to disable the audio stream.

Whiteboard — Enable/disable whiteboard (see Recorder Configuration on page60).

Data — Enable/disable a data stream (see Recorder Configuration on page60).

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Device Attributes – VNR100 Player

The VNR100 single-channel device attributes panel provides the following functionality:

Figure 65. Device Attributes, VNR100 Player

The function of each attribute is the same as the 5-channel player.

NOTE: You cannot set a stop offset in chase-play (live) mode when using a single

channel recorder (see Chase‑Play Feature (VNR100 only) on page105).

Device Attributes – VNR100 Recorder

The VNR100 single-channel recorder device attributes provides the following functionality:

Figure 66. Device Attributes, Single Channel Recoder

Name — Read-only field displays the device name.

Directory — Type a new directory name directly into an editable field or use a file browser to create and delete directories.

File — An editable field and navigation tree to create and delete files.

Launch Status — Drop-down control to define the start condition of a Play or Record

preset.

• Provision — Places the recorder in pause when the preset is launched. The

recording begins only when the record button is clicked on the transport bar.

• Record — When the preset is launched starts the recording immediately.

Description — A user defined text field to describe the recording.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 82

Audio — Enables or disables audio recording.

Whiteboard — Enable and disable whiteboard data recording.

Data — Enable and disable data stream recording.

Device Attributes – VNS104 Software Decoder: Decode Window

Each VNS104 decode window has the following attributes (see figure 67 below):

Figure 67. Device Attributes, VNS104

Name — Read-only field for the device name.

Audio — Drop-down list enables (Yes) or disables (No) connection of specific stream types

within a decoder channel, if present.

Mute Audio — Mutes the audio stream.

Audio Volume — Sets the volume level of the audio stream.

Screen Mode — Selects from three screen modes; Fill, follow, or unity. See the VNS104

User Guide for more details on how these screen modes appear on a VNS104 display.

Screen Layout — Select between Full screen or QuadSplit screen layouts. In Full Screen layout, the selected channel is the only one available to the display (see VNS104 Software

Decoder Configuration on page64).

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Recorder Directory and File Management

VN-Matrix recorders can be used as a source (player) or display (recorder). The following section describes the recorder directory and file structure and rules to assist in their management.

Directory Management Overview

A recording can be made on single or multiple devices (recorders). A recording contains all files required to recreate the original stream from an encoder in a set. The set can consist of audio, video, and data file types. Each recording set is stored in a unique directory.

• Each directory can hold only the files for a single recording.

• Directories must have a unique name, duplicates are not allowed.

A new directory can be created in two ways. The same methods are used on both the single and 5 -channel devices.

NOTE: Directory names must not include spaces or non alphanumeric characters

such as / \ *, % ! " £ $ % ^ & * ( )@~#?><. These characters are blocked from use. Underscore (_) and hyphen (–) are permitted.

Create Directory – Directory browser method (preferred)

To create a new directory using the navigation tree:

1. Create a preset with an encoder and recorder (see Recorder Presets on page96).

2. Select a recorder (channel) in the preset design area to populate the device attributes.

3. Click anywhere inside the Directory field of the Device attributes area, then select the

drop down box on the right hand side (see figure 68).

Figure 68. Select Directory Drop‑down Box

4. The Recording browser dialog box opens.

Recording Browser (VNR100:r)

GFChaseTst

Create Folder

Rec

Delete Folder

Rec-2013-02-20-12-11-43

Rec-2013-03-01-15-52-44

Rec_2013-30-18-10-36-50

Figure 69. Recording Browser Window, Create Folder

Select the root folder, <right-click> on the folder, then click Create Folder. The Create Folder dialog box appears.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 84

5. Enter the directory name and click OK.

Recording Browser (VNR100:r)

GFChaseTst

Rec

Create Folder

Rec-2013-02-20-12-11-43

Enter the folder name

Rec-2013-03-01-15-52-44

Rec_2013-30-18-10-36-50

New_Directory

lost+found

OK Cancel

Open Close

Figure 70. Create Directory, Enter Name

NOTE: Using this method, the directory is created and displayed in the directory list

immediately.

The new directory is created and the Recording Browser dialog box displays all directories, including the new one. The browser remains open.

6. Select the new directory, and click Open to continue. Select Close to cancel the

process (the new folder remains).

Recording Browser (VNR100:r)

GFChaseTst

Rec

Rec-2013-02-20-12-11-43

Rec-2013-03-01-15-52-44

Rec_2013-30-18-10-36-50

New_Directory

lost+found

Open Close

Figure 71. Recording Browser, Select and Open Directory

7. A dialog box opens; the user can choose to automatically create the same directory on

other recorder devices in the preset.

Auto Populate other Recorders in Preset

Automatically Set the Recording Directory for the other Recorders in the Preset?

Ye sNo

Figure 72. Recording Browser, Auto Populate Other Recorders

NOTE: If multiple recorder devices (single or 5-channel) are in the preset, using

the same directory simplifies file selection for replay.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 85

Create Directory – Direct entry method (advanced)

To create a directory using direct entry:

1. Create a preset with an encoder and recorder (see Recorder Presets on page96).

2. Select a recorder (channel) in the preset design area.

3. In the Device Attribute panel, click in the Directory row and enter the new directory

name in the field. A red marker appears indicating a change in the device attributes.

Device Attributes

Name

File Management Overview

File and directory management are similar for the play and record functions. The recorder allows creation of both directories and files while the player can only select directories and files after they are created by the recorder.

File name

By default, the name of the encoding device is used as the name of the recorder file. The default name is changed by entering a new name in the Device Attributes File field.

Creating a File

A file is created when a recording begins. If the file field is blank when the recording starts, the device name of the encoder is used as the file name.

Figure 77. Create a File

NOTE: The file name field remains blank.

If a specific file name is desired, the name is entered in the file line, which then becomes the name of the file in the recording (see figure 78).

NOTE: File names must not include spaces or non alphanumeric characters such

as / \ *, % ! " £ $ % ^ & * ( )@~#?><. These characters are blocked from use. Underscore(_) and hyphen (–) are permitted.

Figure 78. Create a File Using Direct Text Input

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 88

Completed Directory Structure

A recording directory contains one set of files for each recorder (channel) in the preset. A file set can contain audio, whiteboard, and other data streams associated with the video file.

Figure 79. Recording Browser, One File per Channel

Deleting a File

Delete a file by highlighting it in the browser, <right-click>, then select DeleteFile.

Figure 80. File Browser, Delete a Channel

The browser must be refreshed after a delete.

Player File Management

All files for a single recording are in one directory. In a 5-channel device, the directory can contain up to five sets of files, one for each channel.

In a multi-player system, the same directory must be present on all devices, and each directory contains the files recorded for that channel.

When selecting a previously recorded file for playback, navigate to the directory using the

Recording Browser. When the directory is selected, files in the directory are loaded into all

players automatically. It is not necessary to select individual files for each player device.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 89

Creating Presets

Presets are created that configure devices to operate as a system. Once created, presets can be launched with a single button click. The Enterprise Controller then reconfigures and connects the devices in the preset to create the system.

The three preset types are:

• Switching – Connect inputs to outputs. Source devices must always be placed into the

• Record – Connect encoders to a record channel, select the stream and stream types

• Play – Connect decoders to a player and view previously recorded material. Players are

Several general rules for the preset design area are:

• The first device dragged into the design area is positioned vertically on the left hand side

• Once placed in this column, the space to the right of a source device becomes a

• Codecs can be added to a preset regardless of current mode. When dropped into the

design area first. Source devices (codecs, encoders, or players) are dragged from the matrix device area into any blank space in the Preset design area.

to record, and specify the directory and file names. Source devices are always placed first with the desired recording channel dropped on it.

always placed first followed by the decoder.

of the design area. Subsequent devices are positioned under the previous one in the order placed.

connection point for decoders or recorder channels.

design area first, a codec formatted as a decoder reconfigures to an encoder. Similarly, a codec formatted as an encoder, when dropped onto another encoder reconfigures to a decoder.

Create a New Preset

To create a new preset, drag and drop a device onto the Preset panel, then drag an appropriate device onto the first device. In this example, Encode1 is an encoder streaming video to the system. Decode1 is a decoder connected to a display.

To create an encoder to decoder preset:

1. Select the New button at the base of the Preset List panel to create a blank preset

(see Preset Manager Page on page74).

Figure 81. Preset List - New Preset

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 90

2. Add an encoder to the preset. Click and hold the encoding device (see figure 82, b).

Encode1

Decode5

Encode1

Figure 82. Preset Workspace, Place a Device

3. Drag the device to the top left corner of the preset panel (c).

4. Drop the device (d).

NOTE: Devices dragged into the design area are positioned in the first open

space vertically on the left hand side of the design area in the order they are placed.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 91

5. Add a decoder to the preset. Click on and hold the desired decoder (see figure 83, e).

Encode1

Decode5

Encode1

Figure 83. Preset Workspace, Add a Decoder

6. Drag the device to the top left corner of the preset panel (f).

7. While holding the decoder, place it on top the previously placed Encoder1, then

release(g).

The preset completes after a moment.

NOTE: The connection between the devices is made only when the preset is

launched.

VNM Enterprise Controller • Preset Manager 92

Extron electronics VNM Enterprise User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notifications

Software Commands

Contents

Introduction

About this Guide

About the Web-based User Interface

Transport Protocols Used for Streaming

Multicast RTP — An Overview

Unicast RTP — An Overview

Unicast TCP — An Overview

Definitions

Features

Panels and Cabling

Installation Overview

Front Panel Features

Rear Panel Features

Controller Configuration and Operation

Power Up Procedure

Web-based User Interface Overview

Accessing the Web-based User Interface

Power Down Procedure

Single Enterprise Controller Configuration

Setup Overview

Configuring the Network Settings

Setting the Role

Configuring the Transport Protocol

Configuring a Single Enterprise Controller as the System Controller

Advanced Controller Configuration

Network Page

Password Page

Role Page

Time Page

Reported Time Panel

Clock Synchronization Panel

Clock Settings Panel

Time Zone Panel

Upgrade Page

Version Page

System Config Page

About the System Info Page

About the Default Multicast Address

Devices Page Overview

About the Devices Page

Sorting Devices by Column

Sorting Devices by Group

About the Actions Menu Bar

General Device Configuration

Info Menu

Connections Menu

Configure Menu

Format Menu

Format Menu (Decoders only)

Compression Menu (Encoders only)

Peripherals Menu

License Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices)

Upgrade Menu (2xx and 3xx Devices)

Mode Menu

Misc Menu

Group Menu

Recorder Configuration

Info Menu

Recorder Menu

Configure Menu

License Menu

Actions Menu Bar

VNS 104 Decode Windows

About the Switcher Page

Hidden Devices

Preset Manager

Presets Overview

Preset Manager Page

Preset List

Preset List Controls

Matrix Devices List

Preset Design Panel

Preset Design – Device Icons