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PR720
User Manual
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NCast PR720 User Manual

NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual
NCast Product Specification
Presentation Recorder
Reference Manual
Revision 1.1
May 5th, 2011
PR-720 Software Release 6.1.7
Copyright © NCast Corporation, 2011
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NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Purpose .................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2. Document Overview ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.4. Presentation Recorders ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.5. Presentation Recorder Modes of Operation ........................................................................................... 9
1.6. Startup ................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.7. Connections ......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.8. Installation ............................................................................................................................................ 13
2. Theory of Operation ...................................................................................................................... 14
2.1. Presentation Recorder Component Block Diagram ............................................................................. 14
2.2. Capture Module Function ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.3. Compression ........................................................................................................................................ 15
2.4. Transmission ........................................................................................................................................ 15
2.5. Decompression .................................................................................................................................... 15
2.6. Display Function ................................................................................................................................... 15
2.7. Audio Subsystem ................................................................................................................................. 15
2.8. Archive Flash Disk ................................................................................................................................ 15
3. Configuration Settings and Parameters Reference ....................................................................... 16
3.1. Unit Options Settings ........................................................................................................................... 16
3.2. Passwords ............................................................................................................................................ 18
3.3. Web Control ......................................................................................................................................... 19
3.4. Display Settings ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.5. Custom Settings ................................................................................................................................... 22
3.6. Network Settings .................................................................................................................................. 26
3.7. Telnet Settings ...................................................................................................................................... 29
3.8. Scheduler ............................................................................................................................................. 30
3.9. Notifications .......................................................................................................................................... 36
3.10. Logs ................................................................................................................................................... 38
3.11. Update Tool ........................................................................................................................................ 40
4. The Channel Table ........................................................................................................................ 41
4.1. Channel Settings .................................................................................................................................. 41
4.2. Channel Settings - General .................................................................................................................. 42
4.3. Channel Settings - Recording .............................................................................................................. 49
4.4. Channel Settings - Layout .................................................................................................................... 51
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4.5. Channel Settings – Image Overlays ..................................................................................................... 56
4.6. Channel Settings – Text Overlays ........................................................................................................ 56
4.7. Channel Settings – Upload ................................................................................................................... 59
4.8. Channel Settings – Notifications .......................................................................................................... 61
5. Archives Page ............................................................................................................................... 63
5.1. Archive Settings ................................................................................................................................... 63
6. Sources Page ............................................................................................................................... 67
6.1. Sources Settings .................................................................................................................................. 67
7. Information Pages Reference ....................................................................................................... 72
7.1. Session Page ....................................................................................................................................... 72
7.2. Viewers Page ....................................................................................................................................... 73
7.3. View Page ............................................................................................................................................ 74
7.4. VLC Media Player ................................................................................................................................ 75
7.5. Media Players ...................................................................................................................................... 76
7.6. Closed-Caption Support ....................................................................................................................... 77
8. Custom Layouts ............................................................................................................................ 80
8.1. Frame Layouts and Presets ................................................................................................................. 80
9. Presentation Recorder Interfaces ................................................................................................. 85
9.1. Serial Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 85
9.2. Telnet Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 85
9.3. HTTP Interface – Archive Download .................................................................................................... 86
9.4. HTTP Interface – Image and Thumbnail Capture ................................................................................. 92
9.5. HTTP Interface – Graphics Overlay Upload ......................................................................................... 93
10. Techniques for Presentation Capture ....................................................................................... 96
10.1. Webcasting, Podcasting and Archiving .............................................................................................. 96
10.2. Capturing Graphics, Video and Audio ................................................................................................ 96
10.3. Conference Day Problems and Issues ............................................................................................... 98
10.4. Video Post-Production ........................................................................................................................ 99
11. References .................................................................................................................................. 102
11.1. MPEG Compression ......................................................................................................................... 102
11.2. Packet Transmission ........................................................................................................................ 102
11.3. Multicast ........................................................................................................................................... 102
12. Revision History .......................................................................................................................... 103
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NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual
Regulatory Compliance Information
Equipment Label
The Presentation Recorder meets all applicable FCC, CE and ICAN radiation and emission standards:
Report 3054-1
Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report
47 CFR Part 2 Subpart J Paragraph 2.906
Report 3054-2
44366 S. Grimmer Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538
Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report
ECD 2004/108/EC, LVD 2006/95/EC
(510) 490-4307 (510) 490-3441 Fax
(1) Connections between peripherals of this equipment may be made with low voltage non-
shielded computer data cables.
(2) Network connections may consist of non-shielded CAT 5 cable.
Warnings
(1) A non-shielded power cord may be used to connect AC power to every component and
peripheral of the system.
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC NOTICE – INFORMATION FOR THE USER
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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
(1)Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. (2)Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. (3)Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
(4)Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The user may find the following publication prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
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“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”
Stock Number 004-000-00345-4, available exclusively from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (telephone +1-202-512-1800).
FCC WARNING
Changes or modification not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance to Part 15 of the FCC Rules could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CE NOTICE – INFORMATION FOR THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to EN 55022 Rules. These limits are designed to 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 harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at the expense of the user.
The user may find the following publication prepared by the Federal Communication Commission helpful:
“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”
Stock Number 004-000-00345-4, available exclusively from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (telephone +1-202-512-1800).
WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance to EN 55022 Rules could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ICAN Class A Digital Equipment
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigencies due Réglement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
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1. Introduction
1.1. PURPOSE
The NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual is intended for the Audio/Video or Network engineer who will be tasked with the job of installing and setting up a Presentation Recorder or a system of multiple Presentation Recorders. This guide is designed to cover topics in depth and to assist in optimizing the performance of a Presentation Recorder.
1.2. DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document is divided into two major sections: the theory of operation and a discussion of parameter settings.
1.3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
A complete discussion of MPEG compression, Internet streaming, webcasting protocols and related topics is beyond the scope of this document. Other sources cover this material in great detail. The following are brief definitions of some of the terms used throughout this manual.
AAC – Advanced Audio Coding, a wideband audio encoding and compression algorithm.
Auto-detect – A capability to automatically sense if an input signal (graphics or video) is present and to lock onto that signal without further manual intervention.
CIF - Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 352x288 pixels.
DVI – Digital Visual Interface, a digital interface standard which provides for connection to LCD panels and displays.
H.264 – A compression format that delivers very high quality video at low bit rates. MPEG-4 Part 10 utilizes the H.264 codec for transmission.
IETF – Internet Engineering Task Force, the standards body for Internet protocols.
ISO – International Standards Organization
Latency – The end-to-end time delay between a change in the source image and the corresponding change in the remotely displayed image.
Line-Level – Sound level signals typically in the range of –10 dBu to +30 dBu.
Lip-sync – The synchronization of independent audio and video streams at a receiving decoder so that the presentation is in the same time relationship as the source.
Mic-Level – Sound level signals typically in the range of –70 dBu to –30 dBu.
MPEG Compression – MPEG is an acronym for Motion Picture Experts Group, an industry­wide committee which has defined a series of standards for the compression of audio and video source material.
MTU – The maximum transmission unit is the maximum number of bytes permitted in a transmitted packet.
Multicast – A family of computer transmission protocols where multiple receivers access a single transmitted packet stream.
NCCP – NCast Conference Control Protocol provides coordination, control and identification of participants in a multi-way collaborative conference session.
N-Way – An NCast proprietary service for multicast bridging and webcasting.
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PIP – A picture-in-picture function overlays one video or graphics image with a reduced-sized version of another video image.
RFC – Request for Comments, an Internet protocol standard.
RTSP – Real-Time Streaming Protocol is an IETF approved protocol for control of real-time streaming on the Internet.
S-Video – A video connector (usually DIN style) where luminance and chroma information are transmitted on separate wires or cable pairs. Provides for a higher fidelity image than a composite connection.
SDP – Session Description Protocol, for describing streaming media transmissions
SIF - Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 320x240 pixels.
SVGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 800x600 pixels.
SXGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. The aspect ratio for SXGA is 5:4. Support for a 4:3 aspect ratio is accomplished by utilizing a 1280×960 subset of the display surface.
Telnet – An IP network based protocol, which was originally used to connect remote consoles and terminals to mainframes, but is now used as a general, bi-directional, byte oriented communications facility. See RFC’s 854 and 855.
Unicast – Refers to a point-to-point connection between two Internet host machines.
UXGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1600x1200 pixels.
VGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 640x480 pixels.
WUXGA - Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels.
WXGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Some projectors use WXGA to refer to 1280x720 as well. This display size implements a 16:9 aspect ratio, as compared to a normal 4:3 monitor.
XGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
1.4. PRESENTATION RECORDERS
The Presentation Recorder is a stand-alone network communications appliance which captures RGB (VGA) or DVI signals from a desktop or laptop, compresses the image with an industry standard compression algorithm, packetizes and transmits the imagery as an internet media stream, receives a media stream from the internet, decompresses the imagery, and presents the received information to a viewing audience through use of a large-screen monitor or via a room projector. Presentation Recorders are able to archive the media stream in real-time while simultaneously webcasting, allowing for playback by the recipient at a later date.
The following Presentation Recorder models are covered by this documentation:
PR-720-R – A rack-mounted unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. The PR-720-R introduces
support for up to WUXGA (1920x1200) input resolutions with up to WXGA (1280x720) capture resolutions and PiP (Picture In Picture) video and graphics overlay.
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PR-720-D – A rack-mounted unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. The PR-720-D introduces
support for up to WUXGA (1920x1200) input resolutions with up to WXGA (1280x720) capture resolutions and PiP (Picture In Picture) video and graphics overlay. This unit has two independent and identical encoders in a single 1U rack-mount chassis (each encoder and its power supply occupy ½ rack).
The dual-encoding capabilities of this model enables many different applications, for example:
• Two independent 720p encoders – With identical inputs, one encoder may be setup to stream and record a high-bandwidth, high-resolution stream and the second encoder provides for a reduced resolution, reduced bandwidth stream.
• Dual wide-screen delivery – One encoder transmits a 720p hi-def camera stream, and the second transmits a wide-screen presentation. Telepresence at a budget price!
• Synchronized Encoders – Two 1280x720 wide-screens side by side, giving a 2560x720 panorama, or a 3D left-right image.
• Two-way Interactive – One encoder is configured for streaming send, and the second is setup for streaming receive.
• Fail-Safe System – Each encoder independently transmitting the same material. Should one fail, the receivers can switch to the other.
PR-720-P - A flange-mounted unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. This is a very small form-factor chassis suitable for mounting on the walls of a podium, on top of or underneath a podium shelf, in a mobile cart, or on a wall in an equipment room.
PR-720-M - A desktop unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. This is a very small form-factor case suitable for desktop or mobile cart applications.
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All PR-720 Series units share a core operating system and base set of features. The mainboard and connector set is identical for all units.
1.5. PRESENTATION RECORDER MODES OF OPERATION
The Presentation Recorders have four major modes of operation:
Streaming Send – In this mode of operation one of the Presentation Recorders is designated as the “Sender” and all of the other units are designated as “Receivers”. The media streams originate from the Sender and are decoded by one or more Receivers or desktop client media players. The transmission is strictly one-way, and no feedback or interactivity is provided for. The one-to-many operation is enabled via use of multicast connected networks. The unit is able to stream and record simultaneously.
Streaming Receive – In this mode of operation the Presentation Recorder is configured to receive a stream from another unit acting as a sender. See diagram above.
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Automatic Unicast – In this mode of operation the Presentation Recorder sends a unicast stream to a streaming server which then reflects the stream to one or more client PCs for live streaming playback. The unit is able to stream and record simultaneously.
Record Only – The Presentation Recorder only records the file to storage. Once the Session has ended the file may be automatically uploaded to a video-on-demand server for later playback by client PCs.
1.6. STARTUP
1.6.1. Really, Really Quick Start
Here’s a really short description on how to get started:
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1. Plug the unit into a network with DHCP, plug in a component display to the VGA Out (you'll need a VGA-->RGB breakout cable), plug your laptop into the VGA In, a camera into a video connector (if you have one) and turn on the power.
2. When you see the bootup screen with the IP network address, log into the unit at http://ipaddress using “admin” as the user and “ncast” as the password.
3. On the Sources page select your input feeds from the top two rows of buttons and then on the Channels page click the Channel Start button “1” on the left.
4. Go to the View page, click on “Launch Quicktime Player in window Multicast” and you’re done!
1.6.2. Mini Start
This is a short introduction on how to get started with a Presentation Recorder:
1. Plug the unit into a network, plug in a component display to the VGA Out (you'll need a VGA-­>RGB breakout cable), plug your laptop into the VGA In, a camera into a video connector (if you have one) and turn on the power. If you aren’t using DHCP and need to enter static IP addresses, edit a “ntwkconf.txt” file onto a USB stick and plug it into a USB port. See the Network Settings section for details on this file.
2. When you see the bootup screen with the IP network address, log into the unit at http://ipaddress using “admin” as the user and “ncast” as the password.
3. Go to the Configuration/Unit Options page and fill in all the information required.
4. On the Sources page select your input feeds from the top two rows of buttons. Select your Audio Input source. Also select the Main and PIP Window settings. Turn the audio meter on. You should see your captured graphics and video on the local display screen. Check your audio levels on the meter.
5. On the Channels page modify a Channel for the transmission rates and multicast or unicast addresses you wish to use. Use the Layout tab to specify the resolution and window placement desired. Review the Recording options. Update the Channel information. Click the Channel Start button on the left for the Channel you have modified.
6. You will see a Session Start page come up with details about your ongoing transmission. If you wish to start recording the Session, press the Record button.
7. Go to the View page. This page allows you to connect different media desktop players using multicast protocol. If you have Quicktime installed on your PC, click on “Launch Quicktime Player in window Multicast”. If your network is not multicast enabled you must be on the same LAN segment as the encoder. Your client player should launch and you should see your captured graphics and video. For other client players, try clicking on the “SDP” link. You’re done!
1.6.3. Long Start
Read this whole manual from cover to cover (RTFM). There are hundreds of different configuration options for a Presentation Recorder, allowing the setup and composition of many different formats, resolutions, PIP options, layouts, bit-rates, frame-rates, start and stop and scheduling options and the like. You can automatically upload your archives to a video server. You can tag your archives automatically with course numbers and notes. You can add your own customized graphic overlays to the captured graphics and video. Transmission can be automated so that all that is required is to press the power-on button.
Please feel free to contact NCast Corporation if you have any questions about the use or configuration of the Presentation Recorder.
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1.7. CONNECTIONS
The following diagram describes the back-panel connectors available:
• Serial Control – Wired control from a touch panel, such as Crestron or AMX
• Ethernet – Connection to the Internet
• XLR Audio – Balanced XLR input connector and additionally a balanced 0.25” connector
• VGA or Component – Input from the presenter's PC or a component hi-def camera
• VGA Loopback – VGA output, usually to the room projector
• Component Out – Y-Pb-Pr output to the local display, VGA → Y-Pb-Pr breakout cable required
• USB – For specifying a static IP connection with a USB drive
• Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In - Unbalanced 3.5 mm. audio connections
• HDMI – Video input from cameras, audio not supported
• DVI-I – Digital or Analog DVI input
• Y/C – S-Video NTSC or PAL input
• Composite – NTSC or PAL input
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1.8. INSTALLATION
The diagram below shows a typical room installation:
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2. Theory of Operation
2.1. PRESENTATION RECORDER COMPONENT BLOCK DIAGRAM
The Presentation Recorder consists of these main hardware functions:
Capture Hardware – A custom designed, high-performance module is used to grab and digitize the RGB or video signals created by the presenter or media source. This module accepts VGA, Y-Pr-Pb, DVI-I, HDMI, PAL/NTSC composite or PAL/NTSC S-Video connections and converts those signals to YUV digital format. Two of these inputs may be active simultaneously for generation of a picture-in-picture (PIP) display.
Central CPU – A general-purpose ARM processor is used to compress and decompress audio streams, to encapsulate and decapsulate outgoing and incoming packets streams, to enable the web interface, serial interface and telnet interface, and to prepare data for display on the attached monitor. A highly secure open­source operating system underlies and supports all of this functionality.
DSP – A custom DSP is used to compress and decompress YUV video and graphics images to H.264 streams.
Display Output Sub-system – Media streams, which are received and decoded, are presented on the attached display for viewing. Currently, only component output (Y-Pb-Pr) is supported.
Audio Sub-system – A sound system with stereo input-output capabilities and with support for microphone and line-level inputs and line-level outputs is used to create the AAC audio streams transmitted in conjunction with the associated graphics or video imagery. Balanced XLR inputs are also supported
Ethernet Interface – Industry-standard ethernet connectors are used to connect the Presentation Recorder with the Internet network used for communications.
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2.2. CAPTURE MODULE FUNCTION
The capture module selects one of the available six inputs (VGA, DVI-D, DVI-A, HDMI, Composite, S-Video) and locks onto the signal. The signal is converted into the appropriate digital formats, and each pixel in the image is stored in a local memory buffer on the module. Any required sizing and re-scaling is done in the module. At an appropriate time the pixels in module are transferred to the DSP where they are processed and compressed.
If PIP mode is enabled, two signals may be selected (exceptions: Composite and S-video share one video decoding chip and are the same signal, VGA and DVI-A share one input chip and are the same signal).
2.3. COMPRESSION
The digitized RGB signals are converted in format from an {R,G,B} representation to {Y,U,V}. Industry­standard compression algorithms implemented in the DSP are then used to reduce the source data to a more manageable size, and to generate sequences of I-P-B frames found in MPEG-4 media streams.
2.4. TRANSMISSION
The MPEG media stream is split into segments, which are then encapsulated into RTP packets according to the protocol standards set forth in IETF RFC 3016 or RFC 3984 (H.264). These packets are presented to the Ethernet hardware interface for subsequent transmission on the attached IP network.
2.5. DECOMPRESSION
The received packet stream is decompressed and the resulting image is placed into a video frame buffer. At that instant it will become visible to the receiving viewers.
2.6. DISPLAY FUNCTION
The display will output imagery from two different sources. If the unit is configured as the sending unit, a local copy of the captured image (prior to compression, but after capture and conversion to digital format) will be displayed. If the unit is a receiving unit, the displayed image will be from the remote sender.
2.7. AUDIO SUBSYSTEM
Each Presentation Recorder supports an audio subsystem consisting of an high-quality codec and associated input/output connectors. The unit has microphone and line-level input signals, and a line-level output signal. Each line-level connector supports stereo signals. An XLR connector provides for mono balanced audio input. Audio input via the HDMI connector is not currently supported.
2.8. ARCHIVE FLASH DISK
A flash memory card in the Presentation Recorder is available for recording transmitted sessions. The file format is standard MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264, .mp4), which can be played on a variety of desktop client players, or these same files can be installed on a video-streaming server for on-demand playback over the Internet. All unit come with 32 GB of storage standard, and an additional 32 GB of storage may be purchased as an option.
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3. Configuration Settings and Parameters Reference
3.1. UNIT OPTIONS SETTINGS
The Unit Options page gives the Presentation Recorder its unique ID and provides a place to enter system­wide settings. The ID and contact information are transmitted over the Internet to identify this Presentation Recorder as a member of an ongoing conference session.
3.1.1. Unit ID
The Unit ID uniquely identifies a Presentation Recorder within a conference. The Unit ID can be descriptive of the location of the unit, or it can reflect the departmental ownership, or any other characteristic that clearly differentiates it from its peers.
Examples:
PR720 West Campus
PR720 Engineering
The Unit ID is written to the XML meta-data file which accompanies each recording, and may be used to index the recorded file based on information about which unit sourced the recording.
3.1.2. Contact name
The Contact name is typically the name of the owner or administrator of the unit responsible for being the source of the generated media stream. It could also be the name of the person in charge of the course material being webcast. This item is transmitted in real-time over the network as an SDES element in the RTP protocol (see IETF RFC 1889 for a more detailed description of the Real-Time Protocol). Other SDES items include the Contact e-mail, Contact phone, Contact location, and Contact web page.
3.1.3. Contact e-mail
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The Contact e-mail should be the address of the owner/administrator of the unit or an address where questions or service requests concerning the unit are sent. The email address should be formatted according to RFC 822, for example, info@ncast.com.
3.1.4. Contact phone
The Contact phone should be the number of the owner/administrator of the unit or a number of a service desk, which a user could contact for help with regards to the media stream being generated. The phone number should be formatted with a + sign replacing the international access code. For example, a phone number in the United States would appear as “+1-800-555-1212”.
3.1.5. Contact location
The location of the unit. The degree of precision of the location is at the discretion of the systems administrator. For example, one might enter “Sunnyvale, CA” or “Room 23B, Building 5, San Jose Campus, 2050 Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA”.
3.1.6. Contact web page
The Contact web page can be the URL of the Contact name’s personal web page, department, service group, help page or course material outline.
3.1.7. Date & Time - Time zone
The Time zone setting is required so that the timestamp information embedded in the archive filenames correctly matches the local time-of-day.
3.1.8. Date & Time - Network Time Protocol
When enabled the unit’s system time is synchronized with public or private NTP servers. When stopped the system time is not synchronized and may drift over longer time periods. This option is controlled by the “Stop NTP” button, which will terminate any active Session and reconfigure the system. If the NTP client has been stopped an additional setting for manual time and date setup appears. The NTP client requires a proper DNS configuration to work correctly.
Selection of this option requires that the network in use allows the Presentation Recorder to access external, publicly available time servers. If you are on a private or closed network, local NTP servers may be listed in the “NTP server N” fields.
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Disable this selection if access to the network time servers is not available (closed network) or if the unit is being used in a temporary location with a standalone hub or router (e.g. a tradeshow, conference or demo). Bootup time will be substantially reduced if the system does not wait for a response from non-existent time servers.
3.1.9. Serial Number and Revision Information
At the bottom of the Unit Options page internal system information is listed including:
• Serial number of the hardware unit
• Hardware architecture in use and firmware revision numbers
• Software release revision and date for firmware and digitizers
• System date and time
3.1.10.Configuration/Reset Buttons
On the right side of the web page are six buttons which may be used to configure, restart or reset the unit:
• Shutdown – Powers down the unit and is recommended as the proper means to turn off a
Presentation Recorder if it will be idle for some time or is to be moved or reconfigured. All operating parameters will be properly saved and restored.
• Reboot – Shuts down and then restarts the unit. This operation may be needed to clear problems
after a power brownout or other unexpected glitch.
• Date & Time – Controls setup of Date & Time and access to internal or external time servers.
• Factory Defaults – All operating parameters are reset to the Presentation Recorder’s initial factory
configuration. Nothing is saved and the reset is irreversible.
• Export Settings/Import Settings – Export or Import ALL configuration settings for this unit.
3.2. PASSWORDS
The Passwords page provides for entry of four different password types to control access to the Presentation Recorder.
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3.2.1. Admin password
The Admin password grants rights to all configuration and setup options for the Presentation Recorder. This password should be chosen carefully and with security in mind. Avoid use of common names, dictionary words and the like. A randomly chosen string greater than 8 characters in length is suggested.
3.2.2. Coordinator password
The Coordinator password allows access to the Archive files.
3.2.3. Viewer passwords
The View page allows desktop or laptop users to access the live media streams being encoded by the Presentation Recorder. This access may or may not be restricted, depending on the content and needs of the installation and/or organization. If the “Verify viewer password” checkbox is enabled, then access is restricted and a viewer needs to enter a password to see the media stream.
There is provision for four different viewer names and passwords.
3.2.4. HTTP API password
The HTTP API password allows access to archived files. This password permits HTTP access to the archive list, allows downloading of the archive and details file and the removal of one or more archived files. All of these operations utilize special HTTP URLs described in Section 9.3. Commonly available programs such as “wget” may be executed from shell scripts to automate this archive download function. There is no login page for a backup operator using the web interface.
3.3. WEB CONTROL
The Web Control page allows configuration of security settings related to use and access of the web administrative interface.
3.3.1. HTTP/HTTPS Access
Normal web access, which is unprotected and insecure, is accomplished through use of the HTTP protocol typically utilizing port 80. Secure access using HTTPS (the SSL protocol) utilizes port 443. Administration of
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the Presentation Recorder in open and insecure networks without the use of HTTPS presents a security risk and should be avoided.
The Web Control page allows three different options related to Viewer and Administrative access.
• All HTTP – Utilizes HTTP for Viewer and Administrative access.
• Viewer HTTP/Admin HTTPS – Utilizes HTTPS for Administrative access
• All HTTPS – Viewers and Administrators must use HTTPS
The downside of using HTTPS is that SSL Certificates (which usually require an annual fee or license payment) are required for each Presentation Recorder unit. Non-authoritative certificates may be used, but Viewers will see ominous warning notices in their browsers about the certificate, asking the user to accept the validity of the connection. Also, client players such as Quicktime, which need to download .sdp files using HTTPS protocol, may not function correctly if the certificate is not valid. Consult with your network administrator about certificate availability for your organization.
Access using HTTPS is straightforward. Simply use the “https” prefix:
https://pr720.ncast.com
This will automatically direct the request to port 443, the standard for HTTPS access.
3.3.2. Certificates and RSA Keys
If an organization has purchased an official SSL Certificate, or has created a non-authoritative one (which can be done with many different SSL tools) this new certificate may be uploaded and installed on the Web Control page.
When HTTPS is turned on, the Apache server requires that the certificate be authenticated with a password. Since this is not possible inside the Presentation Recorder, a private RSA key may be used instead of a password. If there is not a valid private RSA key available, then Apache will not start. This is used to disable third parties launching HTTPS with stolen certificates. More information on this topic is at http://www.apache.org. The pass-phrase should be removed from the private key before upload.
3.4. DISPLAY SETTINGS
The Display settings control activity relative to the local display attached to the Presentation Recorder. If activated this display normally loops back the graphics or video signals selected on the input connectors (after digitization of the signal). The displayed material shows the final-form composition of what will be compressed and recorded (except for the audio-meter, if present). Also, if graphic overlays are being used, these will appear on the local loopback display.
3.4.1. Display Loopback
Turns on and off the loopback of locally generated graphics or video input. If local loopback is not being used in an installation this setting should be set to “Disabled” as that will free up CPU cycles which are required to generate the loopbacked image.
3.4.2. Display Loopback Framerate
If local loopback has been selected, the CPU will maintain on the local screen a copy of the material which is being digitized and sent out as a webcast or recorded as an archive. The process of refreshing this screen consumes CPU cycles, especially if large resolutions and fast framerates are involved. Excessive CPU utilization can negatively impact maximum outbound framerates.
This parameter allows the operator to decrease the local loopback refresh loading. The local screen will still be updated, but at a rate which provides some relief from excessive use. Reduce the setting from the “Full” value if needed to maximize outbound transmission performance.
Obviously, a very low setting will impair the visual quality (in terms of motion) of the local display.
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3.4.3.
Display Component Output Only
At this time the Presentation Recorders only support Component output (Y-Pr-Pb) and this will usually require use of a VGA-to-Component breakout cable. A VGA-to-VGA cable will not function correctly with many LCD displays.
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3.5. CUSTOM SETTINGS
The Custom Settings page allows users of the Presentation Recorder to define unique dimensions for the Frame Size (capture window), Aspect Ratios, Main and PIP windows, and Graphics and Text Overlay
images. These custom definitions are used in conjunction with Layout options in the Channel Table (see Section 4.4) and settings on the Sources page(see Section 6.1), so it is necessary to understand Channel Layout options and Source selections first to fully appreciate the custom definitions which are entered here.
3.5.1. Custom Frame Sizes
The Channel Table permits the selection of many common, industry standard frame sizes. However, if a special composite image is desired (some combination of Main, PIP and Overlay windows) then the user would probably have to define a custom Frame Size.
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The two entry fields define, in pixels, the width and height of the frame. The width must be in the range 128­1280, and the height must be in the range 128-720.
3.5.2. Custom Aspect Ratios
The aspect ratio defines the visual geometry of the Frame (capture surface). If the frame width (in pixels)
divided by the frame height (in pixels) is the same as the aspect ratio, then square pixels will be displayed. Otherwise the pixels will be non-square, which is common in many video systems.
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The values entered for W,H are integers in the range 1-1000.
3.5.3. Custom Windows
The Main and PIP input streams must be associated with a Window to define their placement and size on the frame surface area. The Channel and Sources page defines common settings (such as Full-screen and Top-right corner), but for custom compositions ten new Windows may be defined.
The values for X,Y,W,H may be entered as integers or percents. If integers are used then these are pixel widths and heights or pixel offsets from the upper left corner of the frame. If percents are used, then the dimensions are scaled to the current size of the frame area (e.g. if the frame area is 960x720, then a 50% window width would be equivalent to entering a value of 480 pixels). The use of percents is convenient when the frame changes in dimension. The top-left corner is the origin and has an (X,Y) value of (0,0).
3.5.4. Custom Image Overlays
Customized images may be added to the media stream being created. These images would typically be corporate or organizational logos, trademarks or watermarks, copyright statements, media content or date annotation, or descriptive information on the course or presentation being viewed (speaker, topic, etc.).
These images must be created in .jpg, .png, .gif or animated .gif format (up to 1280x720 pixels) and may use transparency to limit the amount of underlying graphical material which is blocked.
The X,Y entries in these fields are integers or percents. The X,Y offset defined will position the image relative to the top-left corner of the frame.
The enable/disable setting will cause the image to be included or not included in the composite media stream being created. More than one image (all four, in fact) may be included if required.
THE ENTRIES ON THIS PAGE ARE OVERWRITTEN BY CHANNEL TABLE VALUES WHEN A SESSION IS STARTED!
The corresponding Channel Table Image Overlays are transferred to the operating Session parameters and thus initialize the image overlays used during Channel startup. This page may be used to alter Session image overlays being displayed after a Session has started.
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For example, if Image Overlay 4 contains the presenter's name and topic in a multi-presentation recording, Overlay 4 on this page can be uploaded and enabled when that presenter begins his/her delivery.
3.5.5. Overlay n to upload
Use the “Browse …” button to select the image file to be uploaded and then press the “Upload Files” button.
Overlay graphics can be uploaded dynamically, allowing scheduling tools and scripts to automatically change the presentation graphics and layouts at prescribed times (e.g. to conform to speaker times and track changes at a conference). Dynamic upload is not supported while in a Session.
3.5.6. Custom Text Overlays
Text Overlays are windows which contain text to be displayed on the frame. The text can be inserted from fields on administration web pages (Channel settings and the Configuration menu), or can be sent via serial RS-232 or Serial Telnet IP commands. See the Presentation Recorder Serial Interface Specification for details on these commands.
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Text overlays can implement dynamically displayed text such a news tapes, stock tickers, closed captions, and for other purposes such as changing the name of the speaker for a presentation due to a last-minute change of presenters or participants
Details of using Custom Text Overlays are discussed in Channel Table setup (Section 4.6).
THE ENTRIES ON THIS PAGE ARE OVERWRITTEN BY CHANNEL TABLE VALUES WHEN A SESSION IS STARTED!
Use this page when a Text Overlay needs to be modified after Session start.
3.6. NETWORK SETTINGS
The Network Configuration page is used to set and report parameters related to the IP address of the unit and its behavior on an Internet network. The network parameters are normally set using this page, but alternatively, they may be entered through the use of commonly available USB memory sticks.
When shipped the units are setup with DHCP enabled. The DHCP setting means that any network or router which provides DHCP services will automatically assign an IP address to the unit. This address is reported on the display screen during initial bootup. Once that address is noted, the installer may use the web interface and Network Configuration page to assign the unit to any statically desired IP address, which will take effect on the next power-on cycle. If this method does not work, use the USB stick method discussed below.
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The following parameters may be configured on the Network page:
3.6.1. DHCP
If DHCP is enabled the unit will automatically receive an IP address from the network’s DHCP server. Some networks require MAC address registration with the DHCP server before an IP address can be allocated. The MAC address is on a label on the bottom of the chassis, and is also reported on the Network Configuration page. If DHCP is disabled, a static IP address must be provided by the installer. Consult with the IT staff or network management to obtain the IP address allocated for the unit.
3.6.2. IP Address
The static IP address to be used by the unit in numeric form (www.xxx.yyy.zzz). Not required if DHCP is enabled.
3.6.3. Netmask
The IP netmask in use for this LAN segment (e.g. 255.255.255.0).
3.6.4. Gateway
The numeric IP address of the gateway host on this LAN segment (e.g. www.xxx.yyy.1).
3.6.5. Primary DNS
The numeric IP address of the primary Domain Name Server (DNS) for this LAN segment (e.g. www.xxx.yyy.10). Domain name servers translate symbolic domain names to numeric IP addresses. Various processes within the Presentation Recorder may, on occasion, require contact with a valid name server.
3.6.6. Secondary DNS
The numeric IP address of the secondary (or backup) Domain Name Server.
3.6.7. Ethernet Mode
Adjusts the hardware link level settings for the connection between the Presentation Recorder and its network switch. Normally Auto-negotiation will be sufficient to establish the correct settings, but under special circumstances the installer may wish to force the Ethernet hardware to assume a different configuration. The link speed and full/half duplex settings are adjusted through use of the pulldown menu tab.
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3.6.8. MAC Address
The Ethernet address of the Presentation Recorder. There is no provision for changing this address. Some networks may require registration of the MAC address for proper operation.
3.6.9. Use HTTP proxy
Software updates for the Presentation Recorder are achieved through use of HTTP protocol. If the network being used is firewalled and requires the use of HTTP Proxy services, then this checkbox must be enabled for proper downloads of new software updates.
3.6.10. Proxy server
The IP address (symbolic or numeric) of the network’s proxy server.
3.6.11. Proxy port
The proxy server port (e.g. 80).
3.6.12. Proxy user
If the proxy server requires a username and password for access, enter the username.
3.6.13. Proxy password
If the proxy server requires a username and password for access, enter the password.
All changes to these network settings require a reboot of the unit. Press the “Update & Reboot” button when all entries are complete and you have double-checked the correctness of these entries.
3.6.14. USB Stick Network Settings
An alternative way to configure network parameters for the unit is to edit a special text file on a USB memory stick and to insert that memory stick into any USB slot in the unit during power-on. The operating software looks for the presence of a USB memory and searches for the presence of a specially named file. If this file is found, the network parameters are read from the file, installed into unit and used during the network boot process. Once the unit has booted, the USB memory may be removed and is not required again. The network settings from the file will be reflected as permanent entries shown on the Network Configuration page.
The file on the USB stick must be named “ntwkconf.txt” and has the following lines of information:
dhcp=(bool)0 dns_1=(string)204.89.223.4 dns_2=(string)204.89.223.44 ethernet=(string)auto gateway=(string)204.89.223.1 ipaddress=(string)204.89.223.25 netmask=(string)255.255.255.0 ntp=(bool)1
The “dhcp” keyword accepts two values: 0 which means disabled (no dhcp, use static addresses) or 1 which means enabled (use dhcp, dynamic addresses). The “dns” values identify the domain name servers. The “ethernet” keyword accepts these link-level values: auto, 10fd, 10hd, 100fd, 100hd, 1000fd, 1000hd (auto negotiation, 10, 100, 1000 Mbps, Full or Half Duplex). These values are case sensitive. The other keywords require numeric IP addresses or netmasks as shown above.
The “ntp” parameter enables or disables network time protocol within the unit. If enabled, the Presentation Recorder must be on a network where access to public network time servers is available. Disable (ntp=(bool)0”) this parameter if the unit is on a closed network. Setting this parameter to 0 is useful when the Presentation Recorder is being used with a simple hub or switch. Long bootup times will be shortened as the box is no longer searching for network time servers.
This file should be created/edited with any simple ASCII text editor (e.g. Notepad, Teachtext). Do not use an advanced word-processing editor to alter this file. Each key=value pair must be on a separate line with no whitespace prior to the key, and no blank lines in the file.
3.6.15.IP Address Display
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If the audio meter is displayed (on the local loopback screen) the current IP address of the unit will be shown with the meter, allowing verification of the unit’s address.
3.7. TELNET SETTINGS
The Telnet Configuration page is used to enable the Telnet Serial Interface to the unit, an interface, which may be used to send and receive command and control, strings over IP-based networks. See the Serial Interface Specification Manual for complete information on the serial command interfaces.
If the interface is enabled, secure the interface with a unique and non-dictionary password, and configure the IP restriction field to only allow the IP address of the controller unit to command the Presentation Recorder.
Note that for security reasons the default Telnet port is not utilized.
3.7.1. Telnet Access
Disable access if the serial command interface is not in use.
3.7.2. Password
Choose a password, which has random characters and numbers and is at least 8 characters in length. Unfortunately, Telnet protocol sends this password in clear-text, so network sniffers may be able to compromise this entry.
3.7.3. IP restriction
This limits the valid IP addresses, which may send commands to the Presentation Recorder. Normally this field should contain a single IP address, which is the IP of the controller in charge of the Presentation Recorder. Thus, if the password is compromised an attacker will still not gain access to the unit. This field may contain:
www.xxx.yyy.zzz A single address
www.xxx.yyy.* An address range
www.xxx.yyy.0/24 A subset of a network (CIDR notation)
www.xxx.yyy.zzz,sss.ttt.uuu.vvv A comma-separated list of addresses
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www.xxx.yyy.zzz,sss.ttt.uuu.* A comma-separated list of addresses and ranges
Standard CIDR notation is documented in IETF RFC 4632.
3.8. SCHEDULER
3.8.1. Overview
The PR-720 Series Scheduler is a feature that allows the manager of one or more Presentation Recorders to schedule these appliances through use of a Google calendar or through use of industry-standard iCalendar files. The manager can start and stop each Presentation Recorder at a predetermined time, load unique settings for each individual presentation, send serial control commands to each Presentation Recorder to provide additional functionality, and specify how and where the Presentation Recorder sends its output, all without touching the actual Presentation Recorder user interface. All that is required is one or more Presentation Recorders, each with a connection to the Internet, and access to a Google calendar or an iCalendar file, no matter where in the world the equipment is located.
3.8.2. Components of the Solution
The Scheduler Implementation uses three components to allow automatic start/stop scheduling of one or more Presentation Recorders in a network. These components are:
• An administrative interface based on Google Calendar or other Calendar system using iCalendar
• A scheduler process which queries the calendar information and activates the Presentation
Recorder.
• The Presentation Recorder IP serial command interface, which receives commands at the
scheduled times.
3.8.3. Scheduler Overview
The following sections describe how to use a Google Calendar account or an iCalendar file to setup a schedule for one or more Presentation Recorders and how to use the Scheduler web page.
Complete documentation for the serial command set is in the “Presentation Recorder Serial Interface Specification”. Please refer to this manual for a more complete description of commands which may be used. This guide lists a few basic commands which allow the user to start and stop a unit from the Scheduler interface.
3.8.4. Google Calendar Events
Google Calendar is a web-based interface used to enter calendar events such as meetings and appointments. It allows multiple personal calendars (e.g. business and home) and allows sharing of public and private calendars with friends and associates.
One interesting and important aspect of this calendaring system is that Google has defined a standards­based software API (called “gdata” for many of their services) which allows programmatic access to the calendars and the events contained within them. The API is implemented in Java and several other languages, and allows outside programs (e.g. clock widgets, PDA’s, other calendar systems) to access and create events within a Google calendar.
NCast has taken advantage of this programmable API to implement a scheduling system for Presentation Recorders where the web-based Google Calendar is the administrative interface for defining session start/stop times for one or more Presentation Recorders within a customer’s network.
The process works in three steps:
1. An administrator enters one or more scheduled events for a Presentation Recorder
2. The scheduling process queries the calendar at regular intervals and captures these events.
3. Commands sent to the IP Serial Interface of a Presentation Recorder starts and stops the unit.
The calendar interface allows an administrator to setup single or repeating events. The example below shows a single event scheduled for Tuesday, a Monday-Wednesday-Friday repeating event, and a Monday-
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