NewTek Spark Plus Users Manual

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configu

NewTek Spark Plus

™

Operating Instructions

3G-SDI & HDMI

NDI® Encoder/Decoder

Revised – April 27, 2020

Trad emarks: NewTek, NewTek VMC, NewTek VMC1, NewTek VMC1 IN, NewTek VMC1 OUT, NewTek NC1, NewTek NC1 IN, NewTek NC1 I/O, NewTek NC1 I/O IP, TriCaster, TriCaster TC1, TriCaster Advanced Edition, TriCaster XD, TriCaster 8000, TriCaster TCXD8000, TC XD 8000, Tri Caster 860, Tri Caster TCXD860, TCXD860, TriCaster 460, TriCaster TCXD460, TCXD460, Tri Caster 410, T riCaster TCXD410, TCXD410, Tri Caster Mi ni SDI, TriCaster Mini, TriCaster TC Mini, TriCaster 40, TriCaster TCXD40, TCXD40, TriCaster 855, TriCaster TCXD855 , T CXD855, Tri Caster 455, Tr iCaster TCXD455, TCXD455, TriCaster EXTREME, TriCaster 850 EXTREME, T ri Caster T CXD850 EXTREME, TCXD850 EXTREME, TriCaster 450 EXTREME, Tri Caster TCXD450 EXTREME, TCXD450 EXTREME, TriCaster 850, TriCaster TCXD850, TCXD850, Tri Caster 450, Tr iCaster TCXD450, TCXD450, TriCaster 300, TriCaster TCXD300, TCXD300, TriCaster PRO, TriCaster STUDIO, TriCaster BROADCAST, TriCaster DUO, Med iaDS, MDS1, 3PLAY, 3Pl ay, 3Play 3P1, 3Play 4800, 3PXD4800, 3Play 440, 3PXD440, 3Play Mini , 3Play 820, 3PXD820, 3Play 425, 3PXD425 3Play 330, 3PXD330, Tal kShow, TalkShow VS 4000, TalkSh ow VS100, Netwo rk Dev ice Inter face, NDI, NewTek Co nnect, NewTek Spark, NewTek Connect Spark, NewTek Connect Spark Plus, NewTek Spark Pro, NewTek IsoCorder, ProTek, Pro Tek Care, ProTek Eli te, iVGA, SpeedEDIT, IsoCorder, LiveText, LiveGraphics Creator, Li veGraphics, Live Story Creator, DataLi nk, LiveSet, Liv eGraphics, Tri Caster Virtual Set Edi tor, Virtual Set Edi tor Ad vanced Edition, TriCaster VSE, Tri Caster VSE Adv anced Ed ition, LiveMatte, TimeWarp, VT, VT[3], VT[4], V[T5], Vid eo Toaster, Toaster, Inspire 3D, 3D Ars enal, Aura, LightWave, LightWave 3D and LightWave CORE are trad emark s, serv ice marks, and registered trademarks of NewTek. All o th er brand n ames, pro duct n ames, or trad emarks belo ng to t heir respec tive holders.

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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Spark P lus is very easy to use. In many installations, all you need to do is supply power, connect a video source and your network, and you‘re ready to go.

Sometimes, though, you will want to access your input module’s local settings, perhaps to configure login credentials, update firmware, etc.

Settings are made available by means of Spark’s configuration webpage, which you can access from any suitable device (i.e., one with a web browser) on the same network.

Note: You may occasionally find it necessary to delete cached files (sometimes referred to as the browser’s “history”) before the display refreshes to properly show some recent change. This can happen, for example, after a firmware update.

Some devices provide direct, easy access to Spark’s configuration webpage.

For example, when you select output from a Spark as the source for a NewTek TriCaster

switcher input, a convenient “Device Webpage” button is shown in TriCaster’s Input Configuration panel. Simply click this to open the corresponding web control page.

1.3.2 STUDIO MONITOR

For other platforms, you can use the Studio Monitor application you installed back in Section 1.2 in a similar manner.

Windows platform users can launch Studio Monitor from the system’s Start menu (Figure 7), where it will appear in the NewTek NDI

Tools folder. Among its capabilities, Studio Monitor (Windows) can detect and

display NDI sources available on your network.

OS X users will also find a similar NDI Video Monitor application available to them after installing the NewTek NDI Tools pack for their preferred platform.

LOCATI NG SPARK PLUS ON THE NET WORK – WI NDOWS

1. Launch Studio Monitor and click the small menu (‘hamburger’) gadget at

upper left to open the application menu.

Among other things, this menu displays all NDI sources detected on your network.

2. Shortly, you should see a new main entry named NDI_SPARKIO added to

the menu. Roll the mouse pointer over this label to show the channel names for NDI output streams from any Spark Plus units detected.

Hint: Detection of newly connected NDI sources can take a few moments; in network settings with a great number of NDI sources available, a complete refresh of the source list can take a minute or even more.

When the sub-menu lists multiple NDI channels with the same name, the device IP addresses are shown to further identify them. (NDI users seldom need to bother with mundane matters such as IP addresses. )

FIGURE 10

FIGURE 8

FIGURE 9

Select the newly listed channel for the Spark unit you wish to configure. In a few moments, its video output will appear in the Studio Monitor window.

3. For NDI sources that, like Spark Plus, host a configuration web page, a

small configuration (gear) icon appears at lower right when you the mouse pointer is over the Studio Monitor window –

4. Click the gear to open the corresponding web page, popping up a request

for you to enter login credentials (Figure 8).

Note: The Microsoft Edge web browser is not fully supported at this time. On Windows platforms, please use another modern web browser or Internet Exp lorer.

LOCATI NG SPARK PLUS ON THE NET WORK – OS X

The process is very similar for OS X users.

1. Having launched the Video Monitor

application, use the File menu at the top of the Desktop to locate a new main entry named

(unit serial number) orSPARKIO_4K_HDMI (unit serial number).

Rolling the m ouse po inter over t his

SPARKIO_3G_SDI

label shows the individual names for the NDI output channels of any Spark Plus units detected on the network.

When the sub-menu lists two or more NDI channels with the same name, the source device IP address is shown to further identify them. (Otherwise, NDI users seldom need to bother with mundane matters such as IP addresses. )

FIGURE 11

FIGURE 12

Select the newly listed channel for the Spark unit you wish to configure. In a few moments, its video output will appear in the Studio Monitor window.

3. The Video Monitor Settings menu shows an option near the bottom that lets you open the Device

Webpage in your system web browser. Select this item and continue as follows.

1.3.3 LOGGING IN

Enter the Username “admin” and the default Password - also “admin”.

1.3.4 AUDIO/VIDEO SETTINGS

At this point, the Spark Plus encoder configuration webpage will be displayed (Figure 12).

FIGURE 13

FIGURE 14

Update Your Firmware

We encourage you to keep the firmware on your NewTek device up to date. Firmware updates may contain bug-fixes, provide improved performance, or even enable new features.

The update process is not complicated – simply follow the steps listed below:

1. Download and unzip the m ost recent firm ware update

archive to extract the ‘.bin’ file.

2. Click the System Setup tab at the top of Spark’s webpage (Figure 13) and com pare the Firmware

Update shown to the number in the filename of the firmware version you downloaded. If the download has a higher revision number, continue below to perform the update.

3. Click the Update Firmware button and click Choose File to show a file explorer.

4. Use the file explorer to locate the firmware .bin file and follow the prompts to perform the update.

Spark will reboot during this process, which can take up a few moments. Please be careful not to interrupt power to the device during the update process.

5. Follow ing a firm ware update, w e recom mend perform ing a Restore operation. A Reset buttonhole is

located on the underside of the device, or you can use the Restore function fro m the web page.

Hint: On some web browsers, you may occasionally need to clear the browser’s cache (history) to see the result of a firmware update or Factory Reset. Also, please note that it can take a minute or two before the NDI channel name shown in Studio Monitor refreshes.

The IP address of the device can change as a result of a Restore operation. You may need to use Studio Monitor to locate the device on the network and log in again afterward. Also, if you have previously set a manually configured IP address for the unit, you will need to reconfigure the IP settings again following a Restore operation.

FIGURE 16

FIGURE 17

FIGURE 15

Hint: Should you set a custom password and then forget it; you can reset the device to factory defaults using the Factory Reset process. (Figure 15)

1.3.5 UTILITIES

Reset, Reboot and Restore buttons are in the pull-down menu under System Setup tab at top of webpage.

• Reconnect – breaks and re-establishes the connection between the source and NDI-enabled devises and systems.

• Reboot – restarts the device (a ‘warm’ reboot)

• Reset Factory Settings – has the same effect as pressing

the recessed Reset pin near the RJ-45 NDI connector on the back of the device for a few seconds. This resets all settings to their as-shipped default states. (On selection, the tally LEDs on the front of the unit progressively cycle to off, then on again a short while later after defaults have been restored and the unit has rebooted.)

• Firmware Update - may contain bug-fixes, provide improved performance, or even enable new features.

1.3.6 DEVICE DETAILS

The uppermost section of the web page (under device name) shows Audio/Video format details, the current bitrate and the unit’s serial number. These values are automatically detected and are not editable.

1.3.7 DEVICE AND CHANNEL NAME

Just beneath, under the heading Basic Settings, you will find Device Nam e and NDI Channel Nam e boxes. The entries here determine how your Spark device is identified on your NDI network. These names are editable, allowing you a convenient way to identify the output of specific Spark units to downstream NDI-enabled devices and systems.

Hint: The default name includes the unit serial number, which is also provided on a sticker on the chassis to help you identify a specific device.

FIGURE 18

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FIGURE 20

1.3.8 AUDIO

Just below, you will see the Audio Source menu (Figure 18). It offers two options, labeled Mic In and HD MI. These determine whether Spark Plus IO uses the embedded audio source (digital audio included with an HDMI video source) or analog audio supplied to its 1/8” line level stereo input connector. The nearby volume control governs the audio output level. The device’s nominal audio level is +4dBu.

1.4 NETWORK SETTINGS

On the top panel of the webpage you will find the Network heading, which is host to NDI Connection, Ethernet, and Local –Link settings NDI Connection.

1.4.1 NDI CONNECTION

If choosing multicast mode, NDI transmission will be executed in multicast mode. Click Generate, a m ulticast IP will be generated randomly, or you can configure it manually and click Apply to take effect. (Figure 20)

Managed vs. Unmanaged

managed ( a.k.a., ‘dum b’) network switch will broadcast a m ulticast stream to all devices on the network, with

For example, even though a device

unicast packets to downstream switches and clients. This can flood the network with unnecessary traffic and slow it down as upstream devices are forced to wait for

saturated

fai rly

enial of

Service attack and will not endear

CON NECTION: DEF AULT O R M U LTI CAS T

Although it serves no useful purpose when connecting directly to dedicated NDI inputs, this option may be helpful in some more sophisticated environments. Select Multic ast to transmit video using multicast, rather than the default unicast method. A suitable multicast address is generated, but you can edit the result manually if you need to. To update the address to another random value, click Generate.

Please take time to consider the following information before enabling this feature.

MU LT I CA ST O R UN ICAST?

Multicast can seem like a bandwidth-saving miracle. Unlike NDI’s default mode (unicast), multicast does not require a unique stream from the source to each receiver. When using unicast, each connection to the sender reduces the bandwidth available by a similar amount.

By contrast, multicast connections do not add significantly to the bandwidth required as connections multiply. You could be forgiven for wondering why anyone would ever turn this option off - yet, it is off by default. Why?

An un-

potentially very serious ramific ations.

broadcasts a multicast stream, the un managed switch will pass

responses from the overdevices.

The result of a poor setup can be likened to a self-inflicted D

you to your col leagues.

This is because multicast requires m ore careful network configuration. While you might not notice any issues in a simple network setting; a poorly configured environment can have serious impact on more complex networks.

• Specifically, it is essential that IGMP snooping be enabled for each switch on the network. This lets

the device listen to traffic between other hosts, switches and routers, and identify receiving ports using various IP multicast streams.

• In addition, we strongly recommend that all network switches be of the ‘managed’ type (see the

sidebar “Managed vs. Un-managed”).

FIGURE 22

FIGURE 21

1.4.2 ETHERNET

Controls in this section will be quite familiar to anyone who has connected a co mputer or mobile device to a network and require little explanation.

Typically, networks are configured to automatically supply IP addresses to devices you connect to it by means of a DHCP server. Your device’s IP Address resolution method is set to Dynamic by default, to take advantage of this scheme. To assign a static IP address to your unit, change the IP Address setting to Manual.

1.4.3 LOCAL-LINK (FAILSAFE)

If Spark’s default IP Address setting (Dynamic) should ever fail to provide a usable IP address within a minute or tw o – as when an active DHCP server is not found on the network – you c an locate y our Spark Plus on the network using its failsafe Local-Link f eature.

FIGURE 23

In this scenario, temporarily set the network adapter of your computer to a static IP address such as

192.168.100.1, with a netm ask of 255.255.0.0 and connect the Spark Plus.

Then run Studio Monitor on the computer, as described earlier to locate the unit. This will allow you to use Spark‘s web page to set a suitable static IP of your choosing, following which you can restore the computer’s normal network configuration settings.

1.4.4 NDI DECODING CONFIGU RATION

Before using decoding function, please check the Ethernet IP address and log into the webpage for management with this address, and then switch to decoding function.

Note: Encoding and decoding functions of the device cannot be carried out simultaneously. If the devise is switched to decoding function, encoding function will be stopped. Yo u will receiv e a popup reminder before moving forward.

FIGURE 24

FIGURE 26 FIGURE 25

DISCOVER NDI SOURCE

In the same subnet, NDI® sources can be displayed in the source list through automatic disc overy .

1.4.5 OUTPUT OF NDI DECODING

Under Source List, you can add up to nine preset decoding sources. By clicking on the NDI source, the device will start to decode the corresponding NDI source, and can be switched and decoded by clicking other NDI sources.

FIGURE 27

FIGURE 28

FIGURE 29

In the Decoding Preset section, there is a blank output box, if switching without video output, the device will output the set color. It can also be used for testing the output to the mointor by choosing a different color.

To the right of the Decoding

Preset header, this button is f or setting parameters for a smooth switch. For example, a video or slow transm ission can be set to have a longer smooth time - Figure 28.

1.4.6 DECODING PARAMETER SETTINGS

Current Decoding Output will display the information of the current decoding NDI source name, channel name, resolution/refresh rate, audio parameters, source IP address, real time bit rate and frame rate.

NOTE: If the current decoding source is disconnected, a red warning notice will be displayed on the upper-right corner, showing the device offline.

FIGURE 30

FIGURE 31

The gear button allows output

parameters to be configured. The resolution of the decoding output will be the same as that of the source. Fram e rate and audio sample rate can be set accordingly.

By clicking the pencil button, you

will be able to find Discoverable Information by group, device name and NDI channel name.

1.5 TALLY

Your Spark Plus unit provides ‘tally’ notification from NDI devices supporting it. Specifically, a row of LEDs will light up in red or green to tell you when video output from the device is visible on the Program output or Preview row of a video switcher respectively, as illustrated above.

CREDITS AND TRADEMARKS

CREDITS

Engineering: Andrew Cross, Alvaro Suarez, Brian Brice, Cary Tetrick, Charles Steinkuehler, Dan Fletcher, Heidi Kyle, James Killian, Jarrod Davis, Jeremy Wiseman, John Perkins, Karen Zipper, Kevin Rouviere, Kirk Morger, Mahdi Mohajer, Matt Gorner, Menghua Wang, Michael Joiner, Michael Watkins, Mike Murphy, Nancy Sanchez, Nathan Kovner, Naveen Jayakumar, Ryan Cooper, Ryan Hansberger, Shawn Wisniewski, Steve Bowie, Troy Stevenson

TRADEMARKS

NewTek, NewTek VMC, NewTek VMC1, NewTek VMC1 IN, NewTek VMC1 OUT, NewTek NC1, NewTek NC1 IN, NewTek NC1 I/O, NewTek NC1 I/O IP, Tri Caster, TriCaster TC1, TriCaster Advanced Edition, TriCaster XD, Tri Caster 8000, T riCaster TCXD8000, TCXD8000, TriCaster 860, Tri Caster TCXD860, TCXD860, TriCaster 460, TriCas ter TCXD460, TCXD460, TriCaster 410, TriCas ter TCXD410, TCXD410, Tri Caster Min i SDI, Tr iCaster Mini, TriCaster TC Mini, TriCaster 40, TriCaster TCXD40, TCXD40, T riCaster 855, TriCaster TCXD855, TCXD855, TriCaster 455, TriCaster TCXD455, TCXD455, TriCaster EXTREME, TriCaster 850 EXTREME, TriCaster TCXD850 EXTREME, TCXD850 EXTREME, Tr iCas ter 450 EXTREME, T riCaster TCXD450 EXTR EME, T CXD450 EXTREME, TriCaster 850, TriCaster TCXD850, TCXD850, TriCaster 450, Tri Caster TCXD450, TCXD450, TriCaster 300, Tri Caster TCXD300, TCXD300, TriCaster PRO, TriCaster STUDIO, Tri Caster BROADCAST, Tri Caster DUO, Med iaDS, MDS1, 3PLAY, 3Play, 3Pl ay 3P1, 3Pl ay 4800, 3PXD4800, 3Play 440, 3PXD440, 3Play Min i, 3Play 820, 3PXD820, 3Play 425, 3PXD425 3Play 330, 3PXD330, TalkShow, TalkShow VS 4000, TalkShow VS100, Network Dev ice Interface, NDI, NewTek Connec t, NewTek Spark , NewTek Connect Spark, NewT ek Connect Spark Plus, NewTek Spark Pro, NewTek Spark Plus IO 3G-SD I, NewTek Sp ar k Plus IO HMDI, NewTek Is oCorder, ProTek, ProTek Care, ProTek Elite, iVG A, SpeedEDIT, IsoCorder, LiveText, LiveGraphi cs Creator, LiveGraphics, Liv e Story Creator, DataLink, LiveSet, LiveGraphics, TriCaster Virtual Set Ed itor, Virtual Set Edi tor Adv anced Edition, Tri Cas ter VSE, TriCaster VSE Advan ced Edition, Li veMatte, TimeWarp, VT, VT[3], VT[4], V[T5], Video Toas ter, Toaster, In spire 3D, 3D Arsen al, Aura, Ligh tWave, Lig h tWave 3D and Li ghtWave CORE are trademarks, service mark s, and registered trademarks of NewTek. All other brand names, product names, o r trad emarks belong to their respective holders.