Visual Circuits MG, Mantis Media Gateway User Manual
Mantis
Media Gateway
™
User Manual
Trademarks
Focus Enhancements, Visual Circuits, and Mantis logos are
registered trademarks in the United States and other countries. All
other products, services or company names mentioned herein are
claimed as trademarks and trade names by their respective
companies.
© Focus Enhancements
1999-2005
All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be copied by
any means without the prior consent of Focus Enhancements.
Focus Enhancements, Midwest Heaquarters
5155 East River Road, Suite 401
Minneapolis, MN 55421 USA
http://www.visualcircuits.com
Publication Number: 813-0053b
All specifications, notices and warnings are subject to change
without notice.
i
Mantis MG™ Safety Requirements
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
The following safety instructions apply to the Mantis
Media Gateway (MG):
1. Read and follow all warning notices and instructions marked on the
product or included in this manual. Opening or removing covers and/
or components may expose you to dangerous high voltage points or
other risks. Only qualified personnel should perform all servicing.
2. The maximum ambient temperature for the Mantis is 114 degrees
Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius). Care should be given to allow
sufficient air circulation or space between units when the Mantis is
installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly because the
operating ambient temperature of the rack environment must be
greater than room ambient temperature.
3. Slots and openings in the cabinet (chassis) are provided for
ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect
it from overheating, maintain a minimum of 1-inch (2.5-cm)
clearance on the top and sides.
4. Installation of the Mantis in a rack without sufficient airflow can be
unsafe.
5. If installed in a rack, the rack should safely support the combined
weight of all equipment it supports. A fully loaded Mantis weighs 15
pounds (6.8 kg).
6. The connections and equipment of the Mantis should be capable of
operating safely with the maximum power requirements of the
Mantis. In the event of a power overload, the supply circuits and
supply wiring should not become hazardous.
7. Models with AC power inputs are intended to be used with the threewire grounding type plug (a plug that has a grounding pin). This is a
safety feature. Equipment grounding is vital to ensure safe operation.
Do not defeat the purpose of grounding type plugs by modifying the
plug or using an adapter.
8. If a three-wire grounding type power source is not available, consult
a qualified electrician to determine another method of grounding the
equipment.
9. Install only in restricted areas in accordance with Articles 110-16,
100-17 and 110-18 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.
ii
10. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord and do not locate the
product where persons will walk on or come in contact with the
power cord.
POWER AND GROUND REQUIREMENTS:
Determine that the cumulative power requirements of the Mantis
plus other equipment in the rack do not overload the supply circuits
and/or wiring.
CAUTION
If using a power strip or similar supply, make sure
the power requirements of the chassis, plus the
cumulative power draw of any other equipment in
the rack, do not overload the supply circuit.
WARNING
For safe operation, this equipment must be properly
grounded.
The chassis should be reliably earth grounded to the
rack equipment. This earth ground connection must be
maintained when supply connection is other than direct
connection to the branch circuit.
iii
RACK MOUNTING AND
VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS:
If you are rack-mounting the Mantis base unit:
1. Always stack the rack from the bottom up to ensure a stable and safe
rack.
2. The installation of the Mantis and other units within the rack should
not reduce the airflow within the rack. The maximum recommended
ambient temperature for the Mantis is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38
degrees Celsius).
3. Determine that the cumulative power requirements of the Mantis plus
the other equipment in the rack do not overload the rack supply
circuit and/or wiring.
4. When installing, consider the location or locations of the Mantis
players in relation to other devices located in an adjacent rack. Ensure
that the Mantis air intake is not drawing directly upon heated air from
another unit. Rack Depth: The minimum rack depth required to
install the Mantis is 16 inches (41 cm). If cables are used, the rack
should be EMI/RFI shielded. Ensure that the cables used meet EMI/
R F I re q u i r em e n t s a n d a r e sh i e l d ed i f e x po s e d .
Side Rails: The Mantis has side rails provided for mounting. If
different rail mounts or sliding rails are used, consult the original
manufacturer of this equipment to confirm they meet the weight and
stress requirements in order to support the Mantis chassis.
iv
User Manual Regulatory Documentation
CAUTION
The CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive contains a laser
system and is a ‘Class 1 Laser Product’ under a U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Radiation Performance standard, according to the
Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968.
Should a unit ever require maintenance, contact an
authorized repair location.
CAUTION
There is danger of explosion if the battery is
incorrectly replaced.
A lithium battery on the product provides backup power
for the device’s timekeeping capability. The battery has
an estimated life expectancy of ten years. When the
battery starts to weaken, the date and time may become
incorrect. If the battery fails, the unit must be sent back
to Focus Enhancements - Midwest for battery
replacement.
WARNING
An improperly grounded power supply can result in
electrical shock.
The AC power cord provided with your system has a
grounded plug. Always use a grounded power cord with
a properly grounded wall outlet.
v
Class A Statement
FCC Part 15 (EN61000-3-2)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 (EN61000-3-2) of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance
with this instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.
The Mantis complies with Part 15 (EN61000-3-2) of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Industry Canada
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe A respecte toutes les
exigences du Regulement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.
WARNING
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
vi
EMC and Safety Directive Compliance
The CE mark is affixed to this Visual Circuits product to confirm
compliance with the following European Community Directives:
Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation
of the laws of Member States relating to electromagnetic
compatibility.
And
Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the
harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to electrical
equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits:
Each amended by Council Directive 93/68/EEC of 22 July 1993 on
the harmonization of CE marking requirements.
Class A Warning (EN55024, EN55022)
In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
WARNING
Failure to provide adequate surge protection may
cause damage to the Mantis.
Focus Enhancements does not warranty damage
caused by electrical surges to the system. Surge
protection should be provided when connecting any
peripheral device and power to the system.
1
CONTENTS
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Media Messenger and Webview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Mantis MG System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Plug and Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Mantis MG Connections Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Video/VGA Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Configuring for a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Attaching a Laptop or PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Changing TCP/IP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Menu Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Encoding Requirements and Recommendations . . . . . 15
Standard Definition (SD) Encoding Requirements . . . . . . . . 15
SD Encoding Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
High Definition (HD) Encoding Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 19
HD Encoding Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Encoding Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Optional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Inserting the Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Saving a Configuration to the Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Loading a Configuration from the Smart Card . . . . . . . . 26
Eject the Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
If Smart Card Does Not Eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Storing the Smart Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2
Contents
WEBVIEW™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Accessing WebView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Step 1: Connect to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Step 2: Determine the IP Address of the Mantis . . . . . . 32
Step 3: Establish Communications with the Mantis . . . . 34
Step 4: Enter User Name and Password . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Using WebView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Transferring Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Webview Software Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Media Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using the Playlist Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Using the Schedule Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Using the Player Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
HTTP Auto-Update Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
USB Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Multicast Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Smart Card Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Advanced Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Media Messenger™ Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Updating Video Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Overview of the Update Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Content Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Automatic Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Media Update Disc Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Drop & Go Disc Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
3
Contents
FTP UPDATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
M
ULTICAST UPDATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Manual Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
WebView Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Standard CD/DVD Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Direct File Access Updating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Log File Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Run Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Diagnostic Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Log Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Log Default Playlist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Maximum Log File Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Uploading Log Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
External Control Commands 131
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Connecting via RS232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Connecting via TCP/IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Hyper Terminal Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
VCC Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Playlist Playback Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Playlistload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Playlistplay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
mpgLoad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
mpgLoadNext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
mpgLoadDef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
mpgLoadNextDef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
mpgClearDef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
mpgPlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
mpgStop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
mpgPlayAll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
mpgStopAll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
mpgBlack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
4
Contents
mpgUnblack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Using Serial Commands To Create Playlists . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Firefly System Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
FireflyFtpUpdate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
FireflyRestart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Callback Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
mpgCallback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Audio and Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
mpgSetVolumeLeftRight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
mpgMute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
mpgUnMute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
On-Screen Display Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
osdLoadBMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
osdShow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
osdHide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
osdSetXYMix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Media Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
mpgDir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
mpgDelete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Information Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
infoGetFile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
infoGetPlaylist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
infoGetSchedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
infoGetState . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Networking Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
FireflySetDefault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
FireflySetIpAddr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
FireflySetGateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
FireflySetNetmask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
FireflySetNetworkType . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
FireflySetWeb_Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
FireflyGetIpAddr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
FireflyGetGateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
FireflyGetNetmask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
FireflyGetNetworkType . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
5
Contents
FireflyGetWeb_Enable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
LDV Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
COM Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Command Language Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Command Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Address Arguments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Playback Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Play (PL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
Load Playlist/Schedule (LD) . . . . . . . . . . . .179
Reject “Stop” (RJ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
Pause (PA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181
Still (ST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Search (SE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Multi-Track Jump Forward (JF) . . . . . . . . . .184
Multi-Track Jump Reverse (JR) . . . . . . . . . .185
Display Control (DS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
Frame Number Request (?F) . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Time Code Request (?T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Chapter Number Request (?C) . . . . . . . . . . .189
Player Active Mode Request (?P) . . . . . . . .190
Mantis Model Request (?X) . . . . . . . . . . . . .191
External Control Commands Quick Reference Guide: 192
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
General Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Restoration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
No Power to the Mantis (No LCD light or fan noise) . 194
No Video Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
No Video Playback on Digital RF (ATSC) Channel . . 196
Test File Does Not Play Properly On All Channels . . . 196
Test File Does Not Display On One Channel . . . . . . . . 196
Stuttering Files During Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
6
Contents
Latent Images or Flashing During Playback . . . . . . . . 199
Some files in the playlist do not play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
SMPTE time codes are not recognized properly . . . . . 200
File Related Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
File Copy Error Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Serial Command Fails, Returning NAK . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Update Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Smart Card does not eject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Preventing Cabling and Connection Problems . . . . . . . . . . 203
Front Panel Display Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Bad FPL/FSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Bad FTP Dir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Bad IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Bad User/Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Cant List Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Cant List Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Download Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
FTP Failed Networking Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Invalid FTP IP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Missing MPEG/Overlay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
No Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
No IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
No Local FPL/FSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
No Valid TAR/FPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Proxy Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Transfer Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Returning Materials to Focus Enhancements
(VAR/Distributor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
1
MANTIS MEDIA GATEWAY
™
QUICK START
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Mantis Media Gateway (MG).
Mantis media players are flexible and scalable digital media
delivery systems that are designed for enterprise-wide applications.
Bundled with Media Messenger
™
and WebView™ software,
Mantis media players deliver scheduled, live, or interactive
playback in almost any media format while supporting independent
output whether in high or standard definition or a combination of
both.
Media Messenger and Webview
The Mantis MG includes Media Messenger and WebView,
powerful applications for creating, scheduling, distributing,
managing, and auditing digital content throughout the enterprise.
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
2
Mantis MG System
The basic Mantis MG system includes:
Features
❏ Two independent channels with a variety of media output
types,
❏ 32-bit accelerated graphics output, supporting Multi-
Zone™ functionality,
❏ Mantis has open slots allowing for future expansion,
❏ CD/DVD drive,
❏ 160 GB Hard drive for media and system log storage,
❏ Smart Card for configuration and security
Networking and Control
❏ 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
❏ SNMP, Satellite and terrestrial multicast support
❏ Content updating via FTP or HTTP (manual or automatic)
❏ TCP/IP or serial control with Visual Circuits protocol
❏ Media Messenger™ software for scheduling and content
distribution
❏ WebView™ browser-based user interface with WebView
User Manual (pdf) stored on Mantis
Audio
❏ Stereo or Dolby Digital™ via S/PDIF
❏ Stereo analog MPEG Layers 1, 2, 3
Video
❏ MPEG 1 and 2,
❏ NTSC/PAL transcoding
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
3
Plug and Play
The Mantis comes loaded with sample videos that are useful as you
become familiar with the Mantis features and for diagnostic
purposes. Video playback is typically controlled through a
“playlist” that defines which videos are played, on which channels,
and in what order. Only one playlist can be active at any time,
though any number of playlists can be stored on the Mantis for
later use. Whenever the Mantis is turned on, the playlist that was
last in use reloads and playback begins automatically.
To quickly test the Mantis, plug it in, connect the cables, and turn
it on.
1. Connect the power cable to the back of the Mantis and plug it
in to a power source.
2. Connect video and audio cables to the backplane following the
appropriate Mantis connections guide on the following page.
3. Connect the video and audio cables from the Mantis to the
video and audio inputs on the video monitor(s) and audio
components.
4. Connect the Mantis to a network, see Configuring for a
Network on page 7.
5. At startup, the Mantis runs through a short series of selfdiagnostics before beginning automated playback.
Mantis Default Factory Settings
By default, the Mantis plays Component, 1080i and line-level audio
on all channels. If your application requires the Mantis to use a
different video standard and/or video output type, use the Front
Panel or WebView to change the system settings as required.
Consult the section on Video Settings on page 73 within the main
body of the user manual for more information about changing these
settings.
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
4
Mantis MG Connections Guide
MG Video Output Configuration
The basic configuration of the Mantis MG is two standard/high
definition video channels, and three open expansion slots for future
use. The MG provides multiple types of video output
simultaneously, on a channel-by-channel basis. For example, it is
possible to configure the MG so that Channel 1 outputs to a
composite monitor, while Channel 2 goes to a component or RGB
monitor. For more information on configuring video output types
see the Video menu in System Settings, which is accessible from
the front panel or WebView: see
Video Settings on page 73.
Numbering of Channels and Expansion Card Slots
Manits expansion card slots are numbered 1 through 5, going from left
ot right. The Mantis assigns channel numbers to its Gemini card or
cards according to which expansion card slot the card is located.
The default configuration of the Mantis MG leaves card slot 1 open.
Gemini cards begin in slot two with that card being assigned the first
channel numbers. Channels on subsequent cards are numbered
sequentially.
Network
10 / 100
Serial
RS-232
Expansion Card Slots
1 2 3 4 5
USB
Mantis MG
Extensible Backplane
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
5
Video and Audio Connections
Figure 1. Mantis MG Backplane Video / Audio Connections
Video/VGA Cable
Figure 2. Vide/VGA Cable
CVBS
Reserved for future use.
Component
S-video
Analog
Audio Out
Left and Right
Connectors
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Reserved for future use.
Reserved for future use.
Reserved for future
use.
S/PDIF
Left Connectors
Only
Pr Y Pb
Red Green Blue
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
6
CVBS
Connect a composite cable to the corresponding Channel 1 or 2
connector. The Mantis MG uses RCA-M connectors.
Component, S-video
1. DB connector end to either VGA 1 or 2.
2. Connect the color coded cables to the appropriate connectors
on the display device.
Audio Connections
❏ To create an analog stereo audio connection for Channel 1,
connect a RCA-M phono-ended audio cable to the
corresponding Audio Outputs Left 1 and Right 1. Repeat
for Channel 2.
❏ To create a S/PDIF digital audio connection for Channel 1,
connect a RCA-M phono-ended audio cable to
corresponding Audio Output Left 1. Repeat for Channel 2.
Cable Component S-video
Red
Pr chroma
Green
Y lumina
Blue
Pb
Table 1: Mantis Cable Connections
Termination of Audio and Video Outputs
Do not double terminate audio or video outputs, this degrades
sound and picture quality.
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
7
Configuring for a Network
Mantis default network settings are:
❏ IP Address: 10.0.0.1
❏ Network Mode: Static
To initially change the Mantis network settings, it is necessary to
attach a computer directly to the Mantis.
Attaching a Laptop or PC
Ethernet
❏ Connect the computer directly to the Mantis using an
Ethernet crossover cable.
or
❏ Connect using standard Ethernet cables and a hub or switch.
Serial
Use a null modem cable (RS232, female DB-9 to female DB-9)
when connecting to the Mantis via the serial port.
Before beginning, verify that the computer and Mantis powered
off. When connections are completed, power on the devices.
Ethernet via Hub or Switch.
Ethernet
Cross-over Cable.
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
8
Changing TCP/IP Settings
There are three methods for initially changing the Mantis TCP/IP
settings: Front Panel, WebView, Serial Commands.
Front Panel
The front panel of the Mantis has control buttons and a display,
similar to those of a VCR, that can set most of the Mantis features
and functions.
❏ For information about the control buttons and display, Front
Panel on page 8.
❏ For information about changing TCP/IP settings, see Step 1:
Connect to the Network on page 31.
WebView via Ethernet Port
WebView is a browser-based, administration tool-kit that resides
on the Mantis, see .
1. Set the attached PC’s IP address to a number in the same range
as the Mantis, such as 10.0.1.2.
2. Open a browser and enter the default IP address 10.0.1.1 in the
address field.
10.0.1.1
0
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
9
3. Access WebView using the default Mantis
Login: firefly
Password: 123456
4. Set the IP address and other TCP/IP parameters as required.
5. Click on Update Settings to save.
6. Click on Player Control.
7. Click on Restart Player.
This initializes the new settings.
External Control Commands
External control commands, see VCC Control Commands on
page 134, require that the computer has an ASCII generating
control program, such as Hyper Terminal. The parameters are:
❏ Serial port 1
❏ 9600 Bps
❏ Echo typed letters locally
Use the following Visual Circuits commands to configure the
Mantis.
FireflySetIpAddress
Syntax
fireflysetipaddr IP Address
FireflySetNetmask
Syntax
fireflysetnetmask netmask
FireflySetGateway
Syntax
fireflysetgateway gateway
FireflySetNetworkType
Syntax
fireflysetnetworktype 1 (DHCP) or 2 (Static)
Restarting the Mantis is only necessary when updating the
network settings in a DHCP environment, i.e. going from
Static to DHCP mode, changing the Host Name, etc.,
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
10
Front Panel
Display
Mantis media players are designed for remote operation with
unattended playback. However, the Mantis Front Panel and
Display permit changing settings directly on the device. Typically,
local access to the Mantis is for initial setup and installation.
Figure 3. Front View, Mantis MG
Menu Control Buttons
The Front Panel Buttons provide the standard type of controls
found on many DVD and VCR devices.
CD / DVD Drive
Smart Card Slot
Menu Control Buttons
Control Display
Exit from Menu.
Cancels current option
or entry and goes up on
e
level in Menu.
Move up through Menu
or entry options.
Move down through
Menu or entry options.
Move Right through
Menu options or curso
r
to right.
Access Menu.
Select current menu option or
entry.
Move Left
through Menu
options or cursor
to left.
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
11
To access the menu system, press the MENU/SELECT button.
The second line of the display is also the only line that may be
edited. The asterisk symbol appears to the right of a menu option
when it is selected.
The Up Menu option allows jumping directly to the next higher
menu level. When
Up Menu is shown, press the MENU/SELECT and
you go up one menu level.
Changing System Settings
The Front Panel Display menu interface provides two methods for
changing system settings: changing a menu option choice and
changing a menu option value.
❏ A choice is an option selected from a fixed list presented by
the system.
❏ A value is a parameter that is set at the discretion of the
user, such as date/time, host name, or WebView user name.
See System Settings on page 71 for detailed descriptions of the
Mantis System Settings
Menu Category
Indicates Option Selected
Category Option
12
Selecting a Menu Option
Use the Menu Control Buttons to view or change a menu option.
The example below illustrates how to set the video output
(resolution) on channel 2.
Use the Right Arrow to browse the
Player Settings list to locate the
desired option.
Press the Down Arrow to proceed to
the next level of selections.
Press Menu Select to set selection.
An asterisk (star) appears.
Use either the Exit or Up Arrow to return to a
higher level in the menu tree: 3 clicks advances to
top level, player status display.
Open the player menu tree by pressing
the Menu Select button.
IR (infra-red Remote Control)
The Mantis MG does not support IR Remote Control.
Please disregard messages about IR.
Mantis Media Gateway™ Quick Start
13
Changing an Option Value
Using the Menu Control Buttons to change an option value is
similar to viewing or selecting the option. For example, to change
the date/time value:
Press the Down Arrow to proceed
to the next level of selections.
Open the player menu tree by pressing
the Menu Select button.
Use the Right Arrow to find the
Date/Time option.
Use the Up and Down Arrows to find
the correct number.
Use the Right Arrow to place the
cursor or the numeral needing
changing.
Use the Right Arrow to the next
numeral and change it.
When the date and time are correct,
press Menu Select to set them.
Use either the Exit or Up Arrow to return to a higher
level in the menu tree.
14
15
ENCODING REQUIREMENTS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Listed below are requirements and recommendations for both
Standard and High Definition encoding, that provide criteria to
create MPEG files compatible with the Mantis playback system.
Standard Definition (SD)
Encoding Requirements
1. Files must be one of the following types:
a. program stream MPEG2 or transport stream MPEG2
b. system stream MPEG1 of audio/video
c. elementary stream MPEG2
d. MPEG1 of video only
e. audio only
2. Use 4:2:0 encoding.
3. With MPEG-2, both audio and video fields must be encoded.
This is the normal default.
4. Audio only (Dolby Digital or MPEG Layer 2) files cannot be
mixed with files containing videos (MPEG, MPEG2 program
stream, video only).
5. Total output across all channels can not exceed 150 Mbps.
6. The presentation time stamp (PTS) values contained in the
audio and video streams in a file must be continuous and
increasing.
In particular, the PTS values should not reset to 0 at any point
in the file. The time between the first and last time stamps in a
file should reflect the actual duration of that file.
Do Not Use 4:2:2 encoding.
Encoding Requirements and Recommendations
16
7. Files should be no less than 4 MB in size. If there are files are
smaller than 4 MB, use an editor to combine them into a larger
file that is at least 4 MB in size.
SD Encoding Recommendations
1. Resolution:
• 704 x 480 or 720 x 480 in NTSC
• 704 x 576 or 720 x 576 in PAL
2. Closed GOP (Group of Pictures) with an “I-frame” every 15
frames is recommended.
3. The recommended audio bit rate is 384 Kbps and a sampling
rate of 48 kHz.
Before encoding an entire project, play back the test files
using the original source tapes to confirm audio level. This
allows for calibration of the encoding system by obtaining a
standard audio level.
4. Program stream files should have one end code (00 00 01 b9)
at the very end of the file. While the Mantis can handle files
without end codes, it is a good encoding practice to include
one.
5. The bit rate can affect the size and transferability of the files.
Following are the recommended bit rates for various types of
video content:
Bit Rate Video Content
4 Mbps Good quality with low motion
6 Mbps Good quality with typical motion
8 Mbps Good quality with high motion
10 Mbps High quality with demanding content
Table 1. SD Bit Rate Encoding Recommendations
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