ViewCast 4100 User Manual

Document Number: 40-03288-01-A

Date: December 2010

© 2010 ViewCast Corporation. All rights reserved.
ViewCast, GoStream, ViewCast logo, SimulStream, Niagara, SchedulStream, Niagara logo, Osprey,

and Niagara SCX are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its
subsidiaries.

Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows, and Windows Media are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

QuickTime, iPhone, and iPod, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Adobe and Flash are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.

Disclaimer

The information in this publication remains the property of ViewCast Corporation. Users may not use, reproduce, or disclose this information
without the implied consent and written approval of the company.

ViewCast Corporation makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual and specifically disclaims any
express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, ViewCast Corporation reserves the right to
revise this publication to make enhancements in the products described in this manual, at any time, without obligation to notify any person or
entity of such revisions or changes. In no event will ViewCast Corporation be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product or documentation, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

ViewCast Corporation is not responsible for any third-party license fees that may occur with the use of our products by an end user including
but not limited to creating or distributing content. The user is responsible for any fees the Multimedia Patent Trust may apply for creating and
distributing MPEG content.

Warranties

For complete warranty details, refer to the specific warranty included with each product. General warranty information includes the following:
Limited Warranty: ViewCast warrants its hardware products against defects in material and workmanship under normal use for the period of

one year (12 months) from date of sale. Where specific warranties exist that provide more substantial coverage, notwithstandi ng the warranty
provisions herein, such product warranties control and preempt or supersede the warranty provisions herein.

Reseller Pass Through of Standard Limited Warranties: Resellers pass the ViewCast standard limited warranties for the products through to
the customer without modification. Any modification of a product voids the ViewCast warranties or any other existing or available warranty.

Corporate Contact Information

ViewCast collaborates and partners with various clients to integrate products into their individual environments.
Niagara Technical Support: Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone] or submit the technical support online request from the ViewCast

website.
ViewCast USA Support: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time. Typical response time is within one business day for customers

without a Priority Support Agreement.

ViewCast Corporation 3701 West Plano Parkway, Suite 300, Plano, TX 75075-7840 USA

Toll Free (U.S. only): 800.540.4119 website: www.viewcast.com

Contents

About This Guide ............................................................................................................ 1

Product description............................................................................................................. 1

Audience ............................................................................................................................. 1

Conventions for this guide .................................................................................................. 2

Rack mount safety instructions .......................................................................................... 3

FCC notice ........................................................................................................................... 4

Environmental notices ........................................................................................................ 5

Warnings ............................................................................................................................. 6

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 9

Media appliance functions .................................................................................................. 9

Install overview ................................................................................................................. 10

Prerequisites ..................................................................................................................... 10

Package contents ....................................................................................................... 10

System requirements ........................................................................................................ 11

Specifications .................................................................................................................... 11

Installing additional software ........................................................................................... 11

Connecting to the Internet ............................................................................................... 12

Niagara 4100 front panel diagram .................................................................................... 13

Niagara 4100 back panel diagram .................................................................................... 14

Connecting the Niagara 4100 ........................................................................................... 15

Niagara 4100 EASE menu .................................................................................................. 16

Niagara 4100 home page .................................................................................................. 17

Menu bar commands ................................................................................................. 17

Niagara 4100 browser windows flow ............................................................................... 19

Niagara 4100 User Guide

Easy Setup ..................................................................................................................... 21

Web interface ................................................................................................................... 22

Easy first time set up ......................................................................................................... 23

Connecting to an electrical power source .................................................................. 23

Performing the initial start up .................................................................................... 24

Connecting to an IP network ...................................................................................... 25

Changing the network settings................................................................................... 25

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Contents

Basic Operations ........................................................................................................... 29

Starting up ......................................................................................................................... 29

Shutting down ................................................................................................................... 30

Starting an encoder........................................................................................................... 31

Checking CPU usage .......................................................................................................... 33

Stopping an encoder ......................................................................................................... 34

Connecting an external storage device ............................................................................ 35

Exporting captured video files .......................................................................................... 35

Advanced Operations ................................................................................................... 37

Logging in .......................................................................................................................... 37

Viewing all encoders ......................................................................................................... 39

Creating an encoder .......................................................................................................... 40

Starting an encoder........................................................................................................... 41

Stopping an encoder ......................................................................................................... 42

Editing an Adaptive Apple HTTP encoder ......................................................................... 43

Video tab .................................................................................................................... 44

Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 46

Apple HTTP Live Streaming Output tab ...................................................................... 47

Apple HTTP Live Streaming Security tab via FTP ........................................................ 49

Editing an Adaptive Adobe Flash encoder ........................................................................ 50

Video tab .................................................................................................................... 51

Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 54

Adobe Flash Dynamic Streaming Output tab ............................................................. 55

Adobe Flash Dynamic Streaming Security tab ........................................................... 57

Editing an Adobe Flash H.264 encoder ............................................................................. 58

Video tab .................................................................................................................... 59

Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 62

Output tab .................................................................................................................. 63

H.264 Presets tab ....................................................................................................... 65

Editing an MPEG-4 encoder .............................................................................................. 66

Video tab .................................................................................................................... 67

Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 71

Output tab .................................................................................................................. 73

H.264 Presets tab ....................................................................................................... 75

Editing a Windows Media encoder ................................................................................... 76

Video tab .................................................................................................................... 77

Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 79

Output tab .................................................................................................................. 80

DRM tab ...................................................................................................................... 83

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Niagara 4100 User Guide

Viewing encoder groups ................................................................................................... 84

Creating encoder groups .................................................................................................. 85

Starting an encoder group ................................................................................................ 86

Stopping an encoder group .............................................................................................. 86

Editing encoder groups ..................................................................................................... 87

Configuring the Preset ABC buttons ................................................................................. 88

Using Preset ABC buttons to start an encoder group ....................................................... 90

Viewing all encoders ......................................................................................................... 91

Editing preset encoders .................................................................................................... 91

Configuring machine properties ....................................................................................... 92

Changing the computer name .................................................................................... 93

Changing the login password from the factory default ............................................. 94

Restoring the login password to the factory default ................................................. 94

Configuring Alerts ............................................................................................................. 95

Configuring network properties ....................................................................................... 96

Configuring network cards ......................................................................................... 96

Configuring the IP address ......................................................................................... 97

Configuring advanced network settings ..................................................................... 97

System configuration settings .......................................................................................... 99

Setting current system configuration ....................................................................... 100

Configuring email/SMTP settings ............................................................................. 101

Configuring idle screen information ......................................................................... 102

Configuring default directory setting ....................................................................... 103

Setting CPU thresholds ............................................................................................. 104

Restoring Niagara 4100 factory defaults .................................................................. 104

Viewing the activity log ................................................................................................... 106

Viewing alerts ................................................................................................................. 107

Connecting an external storage device .......................................................................... 108

Using the Niagara SCX web interface ............................................................................. 108

Appendix A: DRM for Windows Media ...................................................................... 109

Importing a DRM profile ................................................................................................. 110

Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings ..................................................................... 115

CBR – Newscast ............................................................................................................... 117

CBR – Sports .................................................................................................................... 118

CBR – Action .................................................................................................................... 119

Mobile ............................................................................................................................. 120

VBR – Newscast............................................................................................................... 121

VBR – Sports .................................................................................................................... 122

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Contents

VBR – Action.................................................................................................................... 123

Settings ........................................................................................................................... 124

Other settings ................................................................................................................. 127

Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup .............................................................. 129

Appendix D: EASE Menu ............................................................................................ 139

Encoder menu ................................................................................................................. 140

Encoder start ............................................................................................................ 140

Encoder stop ............................................................................................................. 140

Encoder status .......................................................................................................... 140

Access Health menu ........................................................................................................ 141

CPU status ................................................................................................................ 141

Memory available ..................................................................................................... 141

Setup system menu ........................................................................................................ 142

Network link status .................................................................................................. 142

Network MAC address .............................................................................................. 142

View network settings .............................................................................................. 143

Enable DHCP ............................................................................................................. 143

Set static IP addresses .............................................................................................. 144

Set gateway address ................................................................................................. 145

Set date and time ..................................................................................................... 146

Set video standard .................................................................................................... 146

Factory restore ......................................................................................................... 147

Export files menu ............................................................................................................ 148

Export to USB drive .................................................................................................. 148

Shutdown Niagara 4100 ........................................................................................... 148

Index ............................................................................................................................. 149

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Niagara 4100 User Guide

About This Guide

Thank you for purchasing the ViewCast Niagara 4100 streaming media appliance. This user guide
provides step-by-step instructions for installing and using your new streaming media appliance. For the
latest ViewCast product information and news, visit our website at www.viewcast.com.

Product description

The Niagara 4100 is designed with a combination of simplicity, portability and power to quickly and
easily stream your high-definition (HD) content to broadband and mobile networks including live
Adapative streaming to Adobe® Flash Media Server and Apple® (iPhones® and iPads®), Adobe Flash®
H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, H.264, and Windows Media (Silverlight® compatible) SD and HD, as well as
container support for 3GPP and 3GPP2. With the ability to ingest HD video, the Niagara 4100 is ideal for
live sports, live newsgathering, webcasting or any streaming application where you need rock-solid HD
performance on the go.

This rugged, portable streaming appliance can ingest standard- or high-definition video sources through
its SDI input, and accommodates a variety of audio input formats, including embedded SDI, AES/EBU,
and balanced or unbalanced stereo.

Figure 1. ViewCast Niagara 4100

Audience

The audience for this publication includes anyone who uses or administers the Niagara 4100. They
should have a basic technical understanding of streaming media. This user guide provides information
on the Niagara 4100 only.

ViewCast 1

About This Guide

Convention

Description

Example

Bold text

Characters to enter when

referenced in a procedure. The
name of fields or keys to press.

Enter DTMF as the group type.
Press Enter to save all your
changes.

Note:

Provides supplemental

information.

Note: The prompt may not

display if …

IMPORTANT!

Provides important data that

affects how the system or
software responds.

IMPORTANT! You must install

Niagara SCX prior to
configuring SCX options…

WARNING!

Provides information to ensure
you avoid potential injury,
death, or permanent system
damage.

WARNING! Do not touch

exposed wires.

CAUTION!

Provides information to help
avoid possible damage to
hardware or a system crash
(without data loss).

CAUTION! Use case sensitive

commands to keep from
destroying…

Conventions for this guide

This guide uses the document conventions specified below to help you identify different types of
information.

2 ViewCast

Rack mount safety instructions

Operating Temperature

The operating ambient temperature of a rack environment may
be greater than room ambient if installed in a closed or multi-unit
rack assembly. Therefore, you should install the equipment in an
environment compatible with the maximum ambient
temperature of 40° C.

Reduced Air Flow

You must not compromise the airflow required for safe
equipment operation when you install the equipment in a rack.

Mechanical Loading

Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that you
do not cause a hazard due to uneven mechanical loading.

Circuit Overloading

Consider the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit
and the effect that the overloading of the circuits might have on
current protection and supply wiring. You must also consider and
use the equipment nameplate ratings when you address this
concern.

Reliable Earthing

You must maintain reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment.
Pay particular attention to supply connections other than direct
connections to the branch circuit (such as using power strips).

Niagara 4100 User Guide

ViewCast 3

About This Guide

FCC notice

WARNING! You must connect this device and peripherals using shielded cables to comply with FCC

radio emission limits.

WARNING! Modifications to this device not approved by ViewCast Corporation could void the FCC-

granted authority for you to operate the device.

WARNING! The Niagara 4100 complies with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15

of the FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when you
operate the equipment in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and may
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 will likely cause harmful interference. In this case you must correct the interference
at your own expense.

To CATV Installer: Pay special attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for
proper grounding. It particularly specifies that you must connect the cable ground to the grounding
system of the building as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

WARNING! Equipment installation must comply with local and national electrical codes.

4 ViewCast

Environmental notices

Product Disposal
Information:

Dispose of this product in accordance with local and
national disposal regulations (if any) including those
regulations governing the recovery and recycling of Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

RoHS Compliant:

ViewCast Corporation commits to compliance with the
European directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain
Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic
Equipment, Directive 2002/95/EC, the RoHS directive.
This product supplied to the European Union does comply
with the RoHS directive. ViewCast certifies that this
equipment shipped to the European Union conforms to the
2002/95/EC directive.

For current RoHS statement, see www.viewcast.com.

Underwriters Laboratories
Inc. Statement

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. has not tested the
performance or reliability of the security or signaling
aspects of this product. UL only tested for fire, shock, and

casualty hazards as outlined in UL’s Standard for Safety UL

60950-1. UL Certification does not cover the performance
or reliability of the security or signaling aspects of this
product.

UL does not represent, warranty, or certify the
performance of reliability of any security or signaling
related functions of this product.

Niagara 4100 User Guide

ViewCast 5

About This Guide

Warnings

Only trained and qualified personnel should install, replace, or service this equipment.

Do not attempt to open the case of the appliance. If you do, you incur a high risk of electrical shock that
may cause damage to the appliance or personal physical injury or death to you and/or others. No user­serviceable parts exist inside the appliance. If you open the appliance case or make unauthorized
changes to the case, ViewCast voids your warranty.

Install the appliance away from any heat sources. This remains vital to the safety of the product users.
Do not install the appliance near any heat sources such as:

 Radiators
 Heat registers
 Stoves
 Other heat-producing equipment

WARNING! Installing the appliance near heat sources could result in personal injury or death.

Never insert objects of any kind into the appliance through any appliance openings, as the objects
may touch dangerous voltage points, short out parts, and result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.

Do not stack the appliance atop or below other electronic devices as this can cause heat build-up and
vibration of the appliance. These conditions can damage the appliance thereby voiding the limited
warranty.

You may stack multiple Niagara 4100 units as these appliances accommodate stacking.

Do not install the appliance in any area where the temperature is less than 5°C or more than 40°C.
Transfer from temperature extremes may cause condensation. Let the appliance remain unplugged at
room temperature for at least 45 minutes before connecting it.

Use an outlet with surge suppression or ground fault protection when using the appliance. Unplug the
power cord from the wall outlet and disconnect the lines between the appliance and the video source
for added protection:

 During a lightning storm
 During dangerous weather conditions
 When the encoder remains unattended or unused for long periods

Reduce the risk of fire or electric shock. Do not expose the appliance to any rain or moisture. Exposing
the appliance to rain or other types of moisture could result in appliance damages. Do not place any
liquids on or near the appliance. If you place liquids in any form on or near the appliance, do so at your
own risk, for you incur a high risk of electrical shock that could occur and cause damage to the
appliance.

WARNING! Exposing the appliance to rain or other types of moisture could result in physical injury or

death. Any liquids on or near the appliance may result in electrical shock and personal injury or
death.

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Niagara 4100 User Guide

Refer all servicing to authorized service personnel. You must have authorized personnel only service any
damaged appliance. Relevant damage may occur with but is not limited to the following:

 An unplugged or damaged power supply cord
 Spilled liquid on the appliance
 Fallen objects in or on the appliance
 Appliance exposure to rain or other moisture or liquid
 Failure to perform as described in the User Guide
 A dropped appliance

ViewCast assumes no liability or responsibility for any damaged appliance that clients continue using.

Use only attachments, accessories, or equipment specified by the manufacturer with the appliance.
Using accessories or attachments not recommended by the encoder manufacturer voids the Limited
Warranty.

WARNING! When using 4-pin XLR to cigarette car plug cables, do not disconnect the car battery

adaptor or turn off the car engine before you turn off the player. Doing so may damage the player.

Do not attempt to service the appliance yourself. If you open or remove covers, you may be exposed to
dangerous voltage. Such action voids the Limited Warranty. Refer all servicing issues to authorized
service personnel only.

The plug-socket combination that serves as the main disconnecting device must be accessible at all
times.

Protect the power cord from anyone walking on it and being strained or pinched particularly at plugs,
electrical receptacles, and the point where the power cord exits the appliance.

Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable.

Use only the type of power source indicated on the marking label on the back panel of the unit to
operate the appliance. Unplug the appliance power cord by gripping the plug and removing it from the
power source. Do not pull the cord to remove the power source from the appliance.

Do not plug the appliance into a wall outlet that contains an overload of electrical cords or power
strips/extension cords. This type of overload may result in fire or electrical shock risks.

Always handle the appliance carefully. Always avoid excessive shock and vibration to the appliance.
Excessive shock or vibration can damage the appliance.

WARNING! Excessive shock or vibration to the appliance may result in electrical shock and personal

injury or death.

ViewCast 7

Niagara 4100 User Guide

Overview

Before you can use your Niagara 4100 streaming media appliance, you first need to set up and configure
it. This chapter is dedicated to providing you with the details and step-by-step instructions you need to
make your installation as quick and easy as possible.

All you need to get started are the four following requirements:

 AC power source (100 - 240 V)
 Your audio and video source (such as a camera, video player, or other A/V output device)
 A streaming media server or hosting provider
 IP connection and/or Internet connection

The Niagara 4100, an easy-to-use streaming device, allows you to:

 Connect to a compatible browser on a dynamic host configuration protocol/domain name server

(DHCP/DNS) network.

 Configure and connect your audio and video source to the Niagara 4100.
 Select your output formats and streaming settings.
 Enter your streaming server information.
 Start streaming your media.

You can configure and use the Niagara 4100 straight from the box for any streaming activities. Use the
web interface for setting options and controlling your Niagara 4100 from another networked computer,
as well as more advanced options.

WARNING! Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to the power source.

Media appliance functions

Although it has many features and capabilities, the Niagara 4100 streaming media appliance performs,
in its most basic functions, as follows:

 Takes analog audio and SDI video inputs
 Captures the signals
 Encodes the signals into digital IP video formats
 Delivers the IP audio and video content to a storage device or streams it over an IP network

ViewCast 9

Overview

Appliance

 Niagara 4100

Power Cables

 One of the following:

o North America power cable (110 vac)
o International power cable (220 vac)
o UK power cable (220 vac)

 AC to DC converter

Guides

 Package insert (end-user license agreement, welcome letter,

package content list)

 User guide (on CD in PDF format)
 Quick Start Guide

Software

 1 Niagara 4100 CD

Hardware

 Rugged carrying case

Install overview

This section addresses the high-level actions you must perform to physically connect and set up your
Niagara 4100 system.

You must complete the following primary tasks to install the Niagara 4100:

 Address and comply with all prerequisites.
 Connect the Niagara 4100 streaming media appliance using its power source.
 Connect the video source (camera or video recorder) to the system.
 Connect the Niagara 4100 to an IP network.
 Configure the Niagara 4100 system.

Prerequisites

Before installing and connecting the Niagara 4100, ensure you comply with the following prerequisites:

 All packaged items are undamaged and in working order.
 Your environment meets all system requirements.
 Safety instructions, notices, and warnings detailed in About This Guide including:

o Rack Mount Safety Instructions
o FCC Notice
o Environmental Notices
o Warnings

Package contents

Completely unpack all contents from the box and inspect each item for damage. Ensure that you have all
the components listed below:

10 ViewCast

Niagara 4100 User Guide

Browser Interface

Any Internet Explorer (IE)-based computer, workstation, or laptop that
interfaces to a dynamic host configuration protocol/domain name
server (DHCP/DNS)-compatible network

User Interface

High-speed Internet, dial-up, and mobile device users

If any components are missing or damaged, do not continue with the installation. Contact the ViewCast
reseller from which you purchased your Niagara 4100 streaming media appliance for assistance in
obtaining any missing parts or for parts replacement.

System requirements

Ensure your computer meets the following system requirements.

Specifications

 Intel i7 processor
 4 GB RAM or larger
 HDD (160 GB or larger)
 Osprey 710e HD technology
 4.5” H x 8” W x 12” D)
 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
 90 W power supply

Installing additional software

The Niagara appliances run an embedded version of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system (OS),
which is a sub-set of the normal retail version. The Microsoft License agreement limits the use of the
system to what the machine is designed to do.

The Microsoft Update process is turned off by default to prevent interruptions during live streaming
events. It is also not advised to use a Windows 7 installation CD to add features to the system or the
appliance may fail.

You may load additional software on the appliance; however, ViewCast does not support this additional
software. You also need to ensure the primary drive is not full or the appliance will fail. In the event of a
problem, you may need to perform a Factory Restore, which returns the appliance to the original
software load. You may save the current encoder profiles and reload them when the Factory Restore is
complete.

You can perform a Factory Restore at any time. This process returns the appliance to the software load
that came with the appliance. Perform a Factory Restore if the appliance becomes unstable due to
installed applications, viruses, etc. Please refer to the user guide for instructions.

ViewCast Support can provide assistance should the appliance fail to start. In most cases, you can
restore an appliance to operation without returning it to ViewCast. There is a fee in the event a user
returns an appliance due to applications the user installed or if the appliance failed because the primary
partition (drive C) is full.

ViewCast 11

Overview

Connecting to the Internet

The Internet is a dangerous place. Never connect a Niagara appliance directly to the Internet. Always
use a router. A basic router is sufficient to protect the appliance and you can configure the router as

needed to forward specific ports to the appliance. The router’s bandwidth should match or exceed the
speed of the appliance’s network card.

The Shields Up test by Gibson Research (http://www.grc.com/intro.htm) is a good utility to verify you do
not expose the Niagara appliance to the Internet. Select to test All service ports. The utility queries the
appliance’s outside IP address for all service ports less than 1056. All of these ports should report as
Stealth and the analysis should show the tests have passed. Ports the router has forwarded show as
open. This is OK and you should consider the test as passed.

12 ViewCast

Niagara 4100 User Guide

A

Press this button once to power up the appliance. When the appliance is powered up,
press this button once will power it down.

B

Allows exporting files to USB devices and installing updates or firmware.

C

Indicates audio input presence.

D

Allows headphones to be connected to the appliance for audio monitoring.

E

Controls the audio level on the headphones.

F

Press this button to stop an encoder when it is highlighted on the LCD display.

G

Press this button to start the encoder highlighted on the LCD display.

H

These buttons are used for EASE menu navigation on the LCD display.

I

Press this button to enter or accept the menu choice highlighted on the LCD display.
This button is used for EASE menu operations.

J

Press this button to activate the EASE menu on the LCD display.

K

When the Alarm Light indicator is lit, press this button to view a log of the most recent
alarms recorded.

Press Enter to clear these alarms from the log.

L

Displays menus and system messages.

M

This light indicates when the appliance detects that a video source is connected to one of
its video inputs.

Note: This light only illuminates when you start an encoder.

N

Indicates that another user is accessing the appliance across the network from a
computer.

O

Indicates that an application alert has occurred.

P

When an encoder profile is assigned to one of these buttons, press the assigned button
and then Stream to start the encoder.
Press the assigned button and then Stop to stop the encoder.

Niagara 4100 front panel diagram

You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara 4100 (Figure 2). Besides the
basic buttons for power, start/stop, up/down and menu access, there are indicator lights that are
hidden until illuminated.

Figure 2. Niagara 4100 front panel

ViewCast 13

Overview

A

Left/right XLR connector for balanced audio sources. XLR connectors are used by
professional audio engineers and are found on high-end audio and video playback
equipment.

Note: A microphone preamplifier or mixer with XLR preamp functions is required to

connect an XLR microphone to the balanced audio input.

B

Receives high-definition SDI video to the unit. This SDI input allows professional-grade video
connections.

C

Transmits high-definition SDI video from the unit.

D

Digital AES audio 1.

E

Digital AES audio 2.

F

Left/right RCA connectors for unbalanced audio sources.

G

Provides system power.

H

Connects USB control devices, such as a memory card (USB memory device, keyboard, and
mouse).

I

Use this auxiliary VGA output port to connect an external VGA monitor so you can view the
operating system interface.

J

Dual Ethernet ports provide redundant connections to your network to connect a video test
signal, such as a color bar generator, to calibrate the video settings for video capture
settings.

Niagara 4100 back panel diagram

Refer to Figure 3 for all the connectors and other components of the Niagara 4100 back panel.

Figure 3. Niagara 4100 back panel

14 ViewCast

Niagara 4100 User Guide

1.

Connect to the SDI digital input for video and audio (item B on Figure 3). Ensure you have a
tight connection.

2.

Connect the power adaptor (item G on Figure 3).

3.

Attach the Niagara 4100 to the network input (item J on Figure 3).

4.

Press Power (item A on Figure 2).

Connecting the Niagara 4100

Follow the steps in below to configure all Niagara 4100 connections. The example uses SDI video and
audio. The following steps refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 4100 only.

To connect the Niagara 4100:

ViewCast 15

Overview

Encode

 Start an encoding session.
 Stop an encoding session.
 View the status of an encoding session.
 Shut down Niagara 4100.

Access Health

 Check the CPU status.
 View available memory.
 Check the temperature of the unit.
 Check the versions.

Setup System

 Set the Preset A,B,C buttons.
 View network settings.
 Configure primary or secondary settings.
 View link status.
 Set the network MAC address.
 Set time and date.
 Set the video standard.
 Perform a factory restore.

Export Files

 Export files to a USB memory device.

Shutdown System

 Restart system.
 Power off system.

Niagara 4100 EASE menu

The Niagara 4100 EASE menu (Figure 4) is located on the LCD panel on the front of the unit. The menu
allows you to quickly and easily configure the Niagara 4100. You use the Up and Down arrow buttons to
navigate through the different functions on the EASE menu.

Figure 4. EASE menu

16 ViewCast

Niagara 4100 User Guide

Home

 View general administrative information about the ViewCast

Niagara 4100.

 Use the menu bar commands.

 All Encoders – View the encoder profiles available to start on

the encoder box.

 Preset A – Assign a loaded encoder profile to the A button on

the front panel of the Niagara 4100.

 Preset B – Assign a loaded encoder profile to the B button on

the front panel of the Niagara 4100.

 Preset C – Assign a loaded encoder profile to the C button on

the front panel of the Niagara 4100.

 Groups - Manage specific encoders assigned to groups.

 Niagara 4100 Properties – View details on the Machine

Properties of the Niagara 4100 including the Network Name,
Serial Number, and all software versions installed.

 Alerts – Modify the settings for each application alert Niagara

4100 can generate during normal operations.

 Network Properties – View information on Niagara 4100

network properties and addresses for both NIC ports and

Niagara 4100 home page

The home page (Figure 5) is the first page that appears after you log into the Niagara SCX Remote
Management Software. From this page, you can access the different windows for configuring,
controlling, and monitoring the activities and alerts from the Niagara 4100.

Figure 5. Niagara 4100 home page

Menu bar commands

The home page menu bar allows you to use the menu bar commands.

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Overview

modify these properties.

 System Configuration – Modify the system configuration

including setup for email alerts from Niagara 4100 whenever
it encounters an operation error.

 View Activity Log – View all Niagara 4100 activities including

the time and date for each event.

 View Alerts – View all alerts including the time and date for

each alert.

Log Out

 Log out of the Niagara 4100 and return to the website login

screen.

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Niagara 4100 User Guide

Niagara 4100 browser windows flow

Figure 6 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available windows you may use to configure the
Niagara 4100.

Figure 6. Niagara 4100 browser window

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Niagara 4100 User Guide

Easy Setup

You use two interfaces to operate your Niagara 4100 streaming media appliance.

 Niagara 4100 front panel LCD display and buttons
 Web interface through Niagara SCX remote management software

Most of the basic operations can be performed from the front panel of the Niagara 4100 streaming
media appliance.

You should perform most setup and operations by accessing the Niagara SCX web interface from a
computer that resides on the same network as your Niagara 4100 appliance.

With the web interface, you can customize your encoding settings and assign specific encoding profiles
to the Preset ABC buttons on the front panel. The web interface provides the ability to control your
Niagara 4100 remotely from a computer that can be rooms or continents away from the system
provided that both your Niagara 4100 and the computer have Internet access to communicate with each
other.

The easy setup option explores the optimal configurations for the novice user to easily and quickly set
up the Niagara 4100. Easy setup includes actions you can perform on your Niagara 4100 streaming
media appliance using the web interface to include configuring the following:

 Encoder settings
 Groups
 Network properties
 Machine properties
 System configuration
 System alerts

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Easy Setup

Web interface

The web interface presents a logical flow of configuration information for the encoding appliance. Refer
to Figure 6 for a diagram and menu bar commands which include:

 Home
 Encoders

o All Encoders including encoder properties
o Presets A, B, and C
o Groups

 Configuration

o Niagara 4100 Properties
o Alerts
o Network Properties
o System Configuration

 Status

o Activity Log
o Alerts

 Log Out

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Niagara 4100 User Guide

1.

Attach the block end to the power input located on the Niagara 4100 AC/DC adapter.

2.

Plug the other end of the cable into a wall outlet or surge protection enabled power strip
connected to a wall outlet or other common power source.

Easy first time set up

You should read all instructions, notices, and warnings in the About This Guide section prior to getting
started with your new Niagara 4100 hardware for the first time. Also, ensure you have all required parts
and meet all system requirements before installing this product.

Do not continue with the installation if you find any components missing or damaged. Contact the
ViewCast reseller where you purchased your Niagara 4100 system for assistance in obtaining any
missing or replacement parts.

Connecting to an electrical power source

Niagara 4100 ships with one of the following power cables:

 North America power cable
 International power cable
 UK power cable

To connect the power source:

WARNING! The plug-socket combination must remain accessible at all times as it serves as the main

disconnecting device.

Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.

WARNING! When using 4-pin XLR to cigarette car plug cables, do not disconnect the car battery

adaptor or turn off the car engine before you turn off the appliance. Doing so may damage the
appliance.

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Easy Setup

1.

Ensure that you connect all devices (power cords, appliances, streaming devices, etc.) to the
Niagara 4100.

2.

Press Power on the front panel to start the Niagara 4100. The LCD readout displays the
welcome screen (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Initializing messages

3.

Press Enter . The system prompts you to set the date (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Date screen

4.

Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to change the numerical value of the month.

5.

Press Stop to move to the field to the left. Press Stream to move to the field to the right.

6.

Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to increment the numerical value of the day and year.

Note: If you want to change a previous setting, continue pressing Stream until the cursor cycles

around to the desired field.

7.

Press Enter to accept the settings and move to the next screen to set the system clock (Figure

9). Niagara 4100 uses a 24-hour clock format for its system clock entries.

Figure 9. Time screen

8.

Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to change the numerical value of the hour.

9.

Press Stream to enter the value and move to the Minute field.

10.

Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to change the numerical value of the minute.

Performing the initial start up

The first time you power up the Niagara 4100, a series of menus appear on the LCD display that will
assist you in setting up the system clock, date, and video input format (NTSC (North America/Japan) or
PAL).

The steps below refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 4100 only.

To perform the initial start up:

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