ViewCast Nagara 2200 User Manual
Niagara® 2200 User Guide
© 2012 ViewCast Corporation. All rights reserved.
ViewCast, Niagara SCX, ViewCast logo, SimulStream, Niagara, GoStream, Niagara logo, and Osprey
are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows, Windows Media, and Silverlight are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
QuickTime, iPhone, iPad, 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 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 that 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 coverage that is more substantial, notwithstanding 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: 972.488.7157, Fax: 972.488.7111 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): 800.250.6622 website: www.viewcast.com
Niagara 2200 User Guide
Contents
Before You Begin ......................................................................................................... 1
Product description............................................................................................................. 1
Audience ............................................................................................................................. 2
Conventions for this guide .................................................................................................. 2
Rack mount safety instructions .......................................................................................... 3
FCC notice ........................................................................................................................... 4
Installing additional software ............................................................................................. 5
Connecting to the Internet ................................................................................................. 5
Environmental notices ........................................................................................................ 6
Warnings ............................................................................................................................. 7
Overview ....................................................................................................................... 9
Media system functions ...................................................................................................... 9
Install overview ................................................................................................................. 10
Prerequisites ..................................................................................................................... 10
Package contents .............................................................................................................. 11
System requirements ........................................................................................................ 11
Specifications .............................................................................................................. 11
Niagara 2200 front panel .................................................................................................. 12
Review the Niagara 2200 back panel ................................................................................ 14
Connecting the Niagara 2200 ........................................................................................... 15
Niagara 2200 home page .................................................................................................. 16
Menu bar commands ................................................................................................. 16
Niagara 2200 browser windows flow ............................................................................... 18
Easy Setup ...................................................................................................................19
Web interface ................................................................................................................... 19
Easy first time setup.......................................................................................................... 20
Connecting to an electrical power source .................................................................. 20
Performing the initial startup ..................................................................................... 21
Registering your product ............................................................................................ 23
Connecting to an IP network ...................................................................................... 25
Defining the network properties ...................................................................................... 26
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Contents
Basic Operations .........................................................................................................27
Logging in .......................................................................................................................... 27
Viewing all encoders ......................................................................................................... 29
Creating an encoder .......................................................................................................... 30
Starting an encoder........................................................................................................... 31
Starting an encoder with the stream button .................................................................... 32
Stopping an encoder ......................................................................................................... 33
Stopping an encoder with the stop button ...................................................................... 34
Shutting down ................................................................................................................... 34
Advanced Operations .................................................................................................35
Adobe Flash H.264 encoder .............................................................................................. 35
Video tab .................................................................................................................... 37
Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 39
Output tab .................................................................................................................. 40
H.264 presets tab ....................................................................................................... 42
MPEG4 encoder ................................................................................................................ 43
Video tab .................................................................................................................... 44
Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 48
Output tab .................................................................................................................. 50
H.264 Presets tab ....................................................................................................... 52
MPEG-4 Presets tab .................................................................................................... 53
MPEG-2 Presets tab .................................................................................................... 54
Windows Media encoder .................................................................................................. 55
Video tab .................................................................................................................... 56
Audio tab .................................................................................................................... 58
Output tab .................................................................................................................. 59
DRM tab ...................................................................................................................... 62
TS Container ................................................................................................................63
Streaming to a TS container .............................................................................................. 63
Streaming .......................................................................................................................... 66
Output tab .................................................................................................................. 66
Encoder Groups ..........................................................................................................69
Viewing encoder groups ................................................................................................... 69
Creating encoder groups .................................................................................................. 70
Assigning encoder groups ................................................................................................. 71
Starting an encoder group ................................................................................................ 72
Stopping an encoder group .............................................................................................. 72
Editing encoder groups ..................................................................................................... 73
iv ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User Guide
Additional Settings and Features ...............................................................................75
Configuring Niagara 2200 properties ................................................................................ 75
Changing computer name................................................................................................. 76
Changing the login password from the factory default .................................................... 77
Restoring the login password to the factory default ................................................. 78
Configuring alerts .............................................................................................................. 79
Configuring network properties ....................................................................................... 80
Configuring network card(s) ....................................................................................... 80
Configuring IP address ................................................................................................ 81
Configuring advanced settings (network) .................................................................. 81
IP Route table .................................................................................................................... 82
System configuration settings .......................................................................................... 83
Setting current system configuration ......................................................................... 84
Configuring email settings .......................................................................................... 85
Configuring default directory setting ................................................................................ 86
Setting the high temperature alert ............................................................................ 86
Setting CPU thresholds ............................................................................................... 86
Setting SimulStream filters ......................................................................................... 87
Restoring Niagara 2200 factory defaults .................................................................... 87
Viewing the activity log ..................................................................................................... 89
Viewing alerts ................................................................................................................... 90
Connecting an external storage device ............................................................................ 91
Using the Niagara SCX interface ....................................................................................... 91
SNMP ............................................................................................................................93
External SNMP Manager ............................................................................................ 93
SNMP UDP Ports Used by SNMP Manager and SNMP Agents ......................................... 94
UDP Port for SNMP Requests ..................................................................................... 94
UDP Port for SNMP Traps ........................................................................................... 94
Install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service ............................................................................... 95
Installing for the first time .......................................................................................... 95
Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service ........................................... 98
Install and Configure Supero Doctor III Agent Service .................................................... 100
Configure Supero Doctor III SNMP Agent Service........................................................... 101
Disable health monitoring for devices not in use .................................................... 101
Enabling health monitoring for devices not in use .................................................. 102
Configure ViewCast SNMP Agent Service ....................................................................... 103
Configuring community names ................................................................................ 103
Configuring permitted SNMP managers .................................................................. 104
Configuring trap destinations ................................................................................... 106
ViewCast v
Contents
Configuring SNMP Agent contact and location (optional) ....................................... 108
Use UDP Port Other Than 161 for SNMP Requests ........................................................ 109
ViewCast SNMP Agent Logging ....................................................................................... 110
Disable IIS Logging for ViewCast Encoders Web Service ................................................ 110
ViewCast SNMP Agent MIB Files ..................................................................................... 112
Retrieving IP and MAC Addresses of the Encoder System ............................................. 112
SNMP Examples .............................................................................................................. 112
Query of system information (SNMP GET Example) ................................................ 112
Start/stop an encoder through SNMP ...................................................................... 113
Start/stop all encoders per group through SNMP ................................................... 113
Start/stop all encoders in the system through SNMP .............................................. 113
Start SNMP trap listener ........................................................................................... 114
Appendix A: DRM for Windows Media ..................................................................... 115
Importing a DRM profile ................................................................................................. 115
Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings .................................................................... 121
H.264 Presets .................................................................................................................. 121
Settings ........................................................................................................................... 122
MPEG-4 Presets .............................................................................................................. 124
Settings ........................................................................................................................... 125
MPEG-2 Presets .............................................................................................................. 128
Settings ........................................................................................................................... 129
Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup ............................................................. 131
Index ........................................................................................................................... 139
vi ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User Guide
Before You Begin
Thank you for purchasing the ViewCast Niagara 2200 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 ViewCast Niagara 2200 streaming media appliance is a low-cost, easy-to-use, streaming media
appliance that supports Adobe Flash® H.264, MPEG-4, and Microsoft® Windows Media (Silverlight®)
standard and high definition as well as container support for 3GPP and 3GPP2.
The Niagara 2200 is built on the legendary quality of ViewCast Osprey® video capture card technology,
which means you can count on the same highly reliable performance demanded by others who use
ViewCast technology, including the world’s leading broadcasters and content delivery networks.
The built-in web interface of the Niagara 2200 simplifies system set-up and operation, allowing
complete system control from anywhere on the network. The ViewCast SimulStream® driver
enhancement software technology comes standard with the Niagara 2200, which means you can stream
in multiple, simultaneous resolutions, and bit rates to computers, set top boxes, cell phones, and mobile
devices anywhere around the world. ViewCast’s Niagara® SCX streaming media management software is
also included with the Niagara 2200, enabling centralized set-up, monitoring, and control.
The Niagara 2200 streaming media appliance (Figure 1) allows you to maximize your audience through
web-based video delivery. It lets you reach your audiences where they live and allows you to stream
both live and on-demand video to any IP network. With support for the most common streaming
formats, you are afforded high-performance streaming capabilities across a broad range of bandwidths
to elevate the quality and impact of your Internet video programming. Now you may truly enjoy the
power and flexibility of more expensive professional-grade streaming appliances in the compact, easyto-use Niagara 2200.
Figure 1. ViewCast Niagara 2200
ViewCast 1
Before You Begin
Convention
Description
Example
Bold text
Characters to enter when
referenced in a procedure. The
names of keys or keys to press.
In the example, enter DTMF as
the group type.
Press Enter to save 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…
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…
WARNING!
Provides information to ensure
you avoid potential injury,
death, or permanent system
damage.
WARNING! Do NOT touch
exposed wires.
Audience
The audience for this publication includes anyone who uses or administers the Niagara 2200. They
should have a basic technical understanding of streaming media. This user guide provides information
on the Niagara 2200 only.
Conventions for this guide
This guide uses the document conventions specified in the following table 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, users 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 Grounding
You must maintain reliable earth grounding of rack-mounted
equipment. Pay particular attention to supply connections other
than direct connections to the branch circuit (such as using power
strips).
Niagara 2200 User Guide
ViewCast 3
Before You Begin
FCC notice
WARNING! You must connect this device and peripherals using shielded cables that comply with
FCC radio emission limits.
WARNING! Modifications to this device not approved by ViewCast Corporation could void the
FCC-granted authority for the user to operate the device.
WARNING! The Niagara 2200 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 users 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 the users must correct the interference at their own expense.
Note: 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
Niagara 2200 User Guide
Installing additional software
The Niagara systems 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 system fail to start. In most cases, you can restore a
system to operation without returning it to ViewCast. There is a fee in the event a user returns an
system due to applications the user installed or if the appliance failed because the primary partition
(drive C) is full.
Connecting to the Internet
Never connect a Niagara system directly to the Internet. ViewCast recommends taking precautions
against unwanted access such as installing Niagara systems behind a router or firewall. The speed of the
router or switch should match or exceed the speed of the system’s network card. See your network
administrator for recommendations.
ViewCast 5
Before You Begin
Product Disposal
Information:
Dispose of this product in accordance with local and
national disposal regulations (if any). Include 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.
Environmental notices
6 ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User 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 so, 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
user-serviceable 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.
WARNING!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 2200 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.
ViewCast 7
Before You Begin
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 on the appliance
Appliance exposure to rain or other moisture or liquid
Failure to perform functions 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.
Do not attempt to service the appliance yourself. If you open or remove covers, you may expose
yourself 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.
8 ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User Guide
Overview
Before you can use your Niagara 2200 streaming media system, you will first need to set up and
configure it. This chapter provides 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:
Your audio and video source (such as a camera or deck)
A streaming media server or hosting provider (for Adobe
®
Flash or Windows Media)
An IP connection and/or Internet connection
A networked computer running a compatible browser
The Niagara 2200, 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 2200.
Select your output formats and streaming settings.
Enter your streaming server information.
Start streaming your media.
You can configure and use the Niagara 2200 straight from the box for any streaming activities. Use the
web interface for setting options and controlling your Niagara 2200 from another networked computer,
as well as advanced options.
WARNING! Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to the power source.
Media system functions
Although it has many features and capabilities, the Niagara 2200 streaming media encoder performs, in
its most basic functions, as follows:
Takes analog audio and 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
Install overview
This section addresses the high-level actions you must perform to physically connect and setup your
Niagara 2200 system.
You must complete the following primary tasks to install the Niagara 2200:
1. Address and comply with all prerequisites.
2. Connect the Niagara 2200 streaming media appliance using its power source.
3. Connect the video source (camera or video recorder) to the system.
4. Connect the Niagara 2200 to an IP network.
5. Configure the Niagara 2200 system.
Prerequisites
Before installing and connecting the Niagara 2200, 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 including:
o Rack Mount Safety Instructions
o FCC Notice
o Environmental Notices
o Warnings
10 ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User Guide
Appliance
Niagara 2200
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
Converter
BNC-to-RCA, male-to-female (3)
BNC-to-mini-DIN (S-Video) adapter
Guides
Package insert (end-user license agreement, welcome
letter, package content list)
User guide (on CD in PDF format)
Quick Start Guide
Software
Niagara 2200 CD
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
Package contents
Completely unpack all contents from the box and inspect each item for damage. Ensure that you have all
the components listed below:
If any components are missing or damaged, do not continue with the installation. Contact the ViewCast
reseller from which you purchased your Niagara 2200 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
Dual core processor
1 GB RAM
SATA HDD (120 GB or larger)
Compact – 1 RU, ½ Rack (11.5” x 7.5” x 1.75”)
4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)
60 W power supply
ViewCast 11
Overview
A
Starts the Niagara 2200.
Press this button once to turn off the Niagara 2200 when it is on.
Press and hold for 5 seconds to execute an immediate power off.
IMPORTANT! Do not attempt to encoder while the light is blinking.
B
Resets the Niagara 2200.
Use a pointed device to insert in the hole and press the reset button.
This button has three different options:
o Press and release after the first set of 10 LEDs start to light (approximately one to
three seconds) to reboot the Niagara 2200.
Note: The lights on the volume indicator will illuminate in one-second intervals.
o Press and release after the second set of 10 LEDs start to light (approximately 4 to 6
seconds) to keep all set profiles and restore the Niagara 2200.
Note: The lights on the volume indicator will illuminate in one-second intervals, but do not
progress all the way to the far right.
o Press and hold for approximately 10 seconds until all 20 LEDs remain lit to restore
the Niagara 2200 to complete factory defaults.
IMPORTANT! The last option deletes all previously set profiles.
C
Initiates streaming of all profiles assigned to the button.
Note: Do not attempt to encode while light continues blinking.
D
Stops the encoder streaming activity when you press this button once.
Niagara 2200 front panel
You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara 2200. Besides the basic
buttons for power, start/stop, and audio volume control, several indicator lights also exist. Figure 2 and
the table below illustrate the buttons and lights that constitute the front panel functions and interfaces.
Figure 2. Niagara 2200 Front Panel
12 ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User Guide
E
Allows exporting files to USB devices and installing updates or firmware.
F
Audio feedback meters.
Shows incoming left and right channel input.
G
Allows for connection of headphones to the Niagara 2200 for audio monitoring.
H
Audio level headphone control.
This control changes the volume on the headset output only.
I
This indicator illuminates when a system alert occurs.
J
Displays to indicate a remote user.
A remote user is accessing the Niagara 2200 across the network.
K
Video encoding status (active).
ViewCast 13
Overview
A
Qualified ViewCast field technicians should be the only ones to use this
connection.
B
Direct current (DC) power supply for power input (12 Volt).
This port allows you to connect the Niagara 2200 to its power supply.
C
Connects the Niagara 2200 to the IP network.
D
Connects the composite video for the Niagara 2200.
This analog component video BNC for Pb input allows professional-grade video
connections.
E
Connects USB control devices, such as a memory card (USB memory device,
keyboard, and mouse).
F
Standard video port that provides (Y) connection in S-video (Y/C) for most BNC
video cameras and players.
This analog component video BNC for Y input allows professional-grade video
connections.
G
This analog component video BNC for Pr input allows professional-grade video
connections.
H
Left/Right XLR connector for line level balanced audio sources.
Professional audio engineers use these inputs on high-end audio and video
playback equipment.
Noise cancellation and balanced stereo.
I
Left/Right RCA connector for stereo input.
Found on most standard video players and cameras.
Review the Niagara 2200 back panel
Figure 3 illustrates all connectors and other components of the Niagara 2200 back panel.
Figure 3. Back panel
14 ViewCast
Niagara 2200 User Guide
1.
Connect the composite video (CVBS Pb – item D on Figure 3). Ensure you have a
tight connection by rotating the cuff to connect.
2.
Connect the right and left audio. Refer to Figure 3 item I for left and right
connections.
3.
Connect the power DC adaptor by linking the clasp over the top anchor (12V DC
Input – item B on Figure 3).
4.
Attach the Niagara 2200 to the network input (PRI Network – item C on Figure
3).
5.
Press Power (item A on Figure 2).
Connecting the Niagara 2200
The following steps refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 2200. The example uses composite video
input and unbalanced audio.
To configure the Niagara 2200:
ViewCast 15
Overview
Menu
Command
Function
Home
View general administrative information about
the ViewCast Niagara 2200.
Use the menu bar commands.
Encoders
All Encoders – View the encoder profiles
available to start on the encoder box.
Active Group – Allows you to set the one group
that you assign to the front panel Stream
button.
Groups – Assign groups and encoders to that
group.
Configuration
Machine Properties – View details on the
Machine Properties of the Niagara 2200
including the Network Name, Serial Number,
and all software versions installed.
Alerts – Modify the settings for each application
alert Niagara 2200 can generate during normal
operations.
Network Properties – View information on
Niagara 2200 network properties and addresses
for both NIC ports and modify these properties.
IP Route Table – Add or delete IP destinations.
System Configuration – Modify the system
configuration including setup for email alerts
from Niagara 2200 whenever it encounters an
operation error.
Status
View Activity Log – View all Niagara 2200
activities including the time and date for each
event.
View Alerts – View all alerts including the time
Niagara 2200 home page
The home page menu bar (Figure 4) allows you to use the commands described in the following table.
Figure 4. Menu bar
Menu bar commands
The home page menu bar allows you to use the commands described in the table below.
16 ViewCast
and date for each alert.
Maintenance
Product Registration - Register your Niagara
system to protect your investment.
Log Out
Allows users to log off the system’s web
interface.
Niagara 2200 User Guide
ViewCast 17
Overview
Niagara 2200 browser windows flow
Figure 5 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available configuration windows you may use to
configure the Niagara 2200.
Figure 5. Niagara 2200 browser windows
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Niagara 2200 User Guide
Easy Setup
The easy setup option explores the optimal configurations for the novice user to set up the Niagara 2200
quickly and easily. Easy setup includes actions you can perform on your Niagara 2200 streaming media
encoder using the web interface to include configuring the following:
Encoder settings
Groups
Network properties
Machine properties
System
System alerts
Web interface
The Niagara 2200 web interface presents a logical flow of configuration information for the encoding
system. Refer to Figure 5 for a diagram and main menu options. Major considerations display on the
main menu and address:
Home
Encoders
o All Encoders including Encoder Properties
o Active Group
o Groups
Configuration
o Niagara Properties
o Alerts including Settings
o Network Properties
o IP Route Table
o System Configuration
Status
o Activity Log
o Alerts
Maintenance
o Product Registration
Log Out
ViewCast 19
Easy Setup
1.
Attach the block end to the power cable that comes with the equipment.
2.
Connect the adaptor to the unit 12 VDC input located on the upper back panel corner
of the Niagara 2200.
Easy first time setup
You should read all instructions, notices, and warnings before getting started with your new Niagara
2200 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 2200 system for assistance in obtaining any
missing or replacement parts.
Connecting to an electrical power source
Niagara 2200 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.
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Niagara 2200 User Guide
1.
Ensure that you connect all devices (power cords, appliances, streaming devices, etc.) to
the Niagara 2200.
2.
Press Power on the front panel to start the Niagara 2200.
3.
Locate the serial number on the bottom of the appliance (in the format vpxxxxxxxx).
4.
From another computer on the same DHCP/DNS network as the Niagara 2200, launch
Internet Explorer and type in http:// and the serial number of your Niagara 2200.
5.
If you do not have a DHCP network or you cannot connect to the Niagara 2200 through its
DNS name, you can connect a monitor, mouse, and keyboard directly to the Niagara 2200
to obtain or change the IP address. Connect a standard VGA monitor to the service
connector and the mouse/keyboard to USB ports. The Niagara 2200 will have a Microsoft 7
desktop. From the Desktop, you will launch Internet Explorer.
6.
Enter your valid user name and password and click Log In when the Admin Log In window
(Figure 6) displays.
IMPORTANT! The setting to log in for the first time, defaults to the user name admin and
the password admin.
Figure 6. Admin Log In window
Note: System administrators should previously configure all user names and passwords for
those who they allow to log on to the system.
Performing the initial startup
The steps in the following table refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 2200 only.
To perform the initial startup:
ViewCast 21
Easy Setup
7.
The first time you start the Niagara 2200 and log in, the system prompts you for the date,
time, and video standard (Figure 7). You may accept the default date, time, and video
standard or enter your desired date, time, and video standard then click Submit.
Figure 7. Date and time settings
Note: The appliance reboots. If it doesn’t you need to manually reboot the system from the
Machine Properties window.
8.
The Admin Log In window may reappear once you submit the date, time, and video
standard fields. You must enter User Name and Password again.
This time when you enter your valid user name and password, the system displays the
Welcome window (Figure 8) and Niagara 2200 Main Menu.
Figure 8. Welcome window
Note: You must identify, at a minimum, an encoder, a group, and basic system and network
configuration settings.
The Niagara 2200 front panel status light remains solid green once it becomes ready to
begin streaming.
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Niagara 2200 User Guide
1.
Access the Product Registration page:
Click Maintenance Product Registration. The Product Registration page displays
(Figure 9).
Figure 9. Product Registration
Note: The default is Register the product online.
2.
Enter your name and contact information in the spaces provided.
3.
Click Submit. After a few seconds, a confirmation message displays.
1.
Access the Product Registration page:
Click Maintenance Product Registration. The Product Registration page displays
(Figure 9).
2.
Click Register the product on another computer or over the phone (Figure 10).
Figure 10. Register the product on another computer or over the phone
Registering your product
You have 30 days to register your product when you first activate the system. A reminder displays at the
bottom of the Home and Encoders pages. You can register your system using three different methods:
Product Registration page
ViewCast website
ViewCast Support help desk (Call 972-488-7157 and provide the serial number and SKU.)
To register online:
To register at viewcast.com:
ViewCast 23
Easy Setup
3.
Copy the registration URL.
4.
From another computer, open a browser and paste the URL into the address bar.
5.
Enter your name and contact information in the spaces provided.
Figure 11. Contact Information
6.
Select the type of product. The serial number and SKU are automatically populated.
Figure 12. Product information
7.
Click Submit. After a few seconds, a confirmation message displays.
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