NewTek Spark Plus Users Manual
configu
NewTek Spark Plus
™
IO
Operating Instructions
3G-SDI & HDMI
NDI® Encoder/Decoder
Revised – April 27, 2020
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Section 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND SETUP ..................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Getting Ready ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Making Connections ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3.2 Studio Monitor .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.3.3 Logging In .........................................................................................................................................................................................10
1.3.4 Audio/Video Settings .....................................................................................................................................................................10
1.3.5 Utilities..............................................................................................................................................................................................12
1.3.6 Device Details ..................................................................................................................................................................................12
1.3.7 Device and Channel Name ............................................................................................................................................................12
1.3.8 Audio .................................................................................................................................................................................................13
1.4 Network Se ttings .....................................................................................................................................................................................13
1.4.1 NDI Connection ...............................................................................................................................................................................13
1.4.2 Ethernet ............................................................................................................................................................................................15
1.4.3 Loc al-Link (Failsafe) ........................................................................................................................................................................15
1.4.4 NDI Decoding Configuration .........................................................................................................................................................16
1.4.5 Output of NDI Decoding ................................................................................................................................................................17
1.4.6 Decoding Parameter Settings .......................................................................................................................................................18
1.5 Tally............................................................................................................................................................................................................19
CREDITS AND TRADEMARKS ..................................................................................................................... 20
Trademarks .....................................................................................................................................................................................................20
FIGURE 1
Section 1 INTRODUCTION AND SETUP
This guide explains how to connect power, sources and audio-visual sources to your
NewTek Spark Plus IO. It also explains how to update, and where you can find additional
NDI® software to extend your workflow . After com pleting this section, y ou’ll be ready to
begin using your device.
1.1 OVERVIEW
Thank you for purchasing this NewTek™ product. NewTek is extremely proud of its record of innovation,
and its commitment to excellence in design, manufacture, and superb product support.
NewTek provides some of the most advanced live production tools available anywhere, and we are confident
you will find them exceptionally po werful and versatile. Your NewTek input module delivers a huge amount
of functionality in a compact package. Prosumers and video professionals alike will appreciate the
convenience and flexibility it provides in connection with both video production and capture.
Unlike typical encoders and capture card systems, your NewTek Spark Plus™ IO leverages NewTek’s
NDI-based IP workflow, supported by leading video software and hardware developers around the globe.
This manual will assist you to install and configure your new device. First let’s go over product highlights
from both models:
Spark Plus™ IO 3G-SDI
Spark Plus IO 3G-SDI not only converts 3G-SDI Video to NDI® (Encoding) but also converts NDI to
3G-SDI (Decoding). It supports up to 1080/60 video input (Encoder) or up to 1080/60 video output
(Decoder).
It features an 3G-SDI input and 3G-SDI loop through for view on the monitor while NDI streaming, or 3G-SDI
output while decoding. It also includes 3G-SDI video input/output with embedded audio - Figure 1.
FIGURE 2
Spark Plus™ IO HDMI
Spark Plus IO HMDI converts 4K UHD HDMI Video to NDI® (Encoding) and converts NDI to 4K UHD HDMI
(Decoding). It supports up to UHD 4K/60 video input (Encoder) or up to 4K/60 video output (Decoder).
It features an HDMI input and HDMI loop through for view on the monitor while NDI streaming, or HDMI
output while decoding. It also includes HDMI video input/output with embedded audio - Figure 2.
Included in Spark Plus IO 3G-SDI and
• Bi-directional conversion
• Built-in tally light
• 3.55mm audio input
• 1GbE port with PoE support
• Threaded screw camera mount
• DC 5V-18V power supply
Spark Plus IO HDMI
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 3
1.2 GETTING READY
Your NewTek Spark Plus™ uses the NDI® protocol for audio/video transmission, and more. Your first step
will be to install a few NDI utilities appropriate for your computer platform or device:
1. Navigate to https://www.ndi.tv/tools/ in your web
browser, and follow directions to download and install the
NewTek NDI Tools pack, available at no cost.
NDI Tools provides a very valuable array of practical NDI
learning tools and utilities, including NewTek’s NDI Studio
Monitor, which will not only locate and display the network
video output from your Spark Plus unit, but also makes it easy
access to its settings.
1.3 MAKING CONNECTIONS
Spark Plus IO 3G-SDI Back Panel
1. 1GbE port with PoE
Support
2. SDI Input
3. SDI Output
4. 3.5mm Audio
5. USB-C
Spark Plus IO HDMI Back P anel
1. 1GbE port with PoE
Support
2. HDMI Output
3. HDMI Input
4. 3.5mm Audio
5. USB-C
6. Tally
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6
Spark Plus IO Front Panel
1. Type-C Extension 2. Tally 3. Status Indicator
1. Supply power supply to the unit, by connecting the supplied power adapter to Spark’s USB-C port,
located beside the audio input connector. The unit boots as soon as power is supplied. At this point,
the 3 small LED Status Indicator lights will illuminate. (If this does not happen, check your
connections and retry.)
2. Continue to connec t one end of a network cable to Spark’s RJ-45 Ethernet port.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to your network switch or router.
4. Optional steps:
a. Connect an HDMI video cable from a suitable video source to Spark’s
HDMI input connector.
b. If you wish, connect an analog audio source to the 6.35mm stereo
audio input.
If you connected a video source in step 4 above, your Spark Plus is already
sending NDI audio and video to your local network. We’ll talk about how
to access and use it soon, but first let’s discuss how to access Spark’s
settings and features.
Hint: In ‘mission’ critical installations, it is wise to use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
Likewise, consider A/C “power conditioning”, especially in situations where local power is unreliable
or ‘noisy’. Surge protection is especially important in some locales. Power conditioners can reduce
wear on power supplies and other electronics, and provide a further measure of protection from
surges, spikes, lightning and high voltage
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