Page 1: User Guide
User Guide Epiphan Pearl Release 3.15.2 July 23, 2015 UG100-009...
Page 2 This document, the Epiphan web site, and the information contained therein, including but not limited to the text, videos and images as well as Epiphan System Inc.’s trademarks, trade names and logos are the property of Epiphan Systems Inc. and its affiliates and licensors, and are protected from unauthorized copying and dissemination by Canadian copyright law, United States copyright law, trademark law, international conventions and other intellectual property laws.
Page 3: Thank You For Choosing Epiphan
Go to the Recording and Streaming Systems page of the Epiphan website to get the most recent product specifications and additional information about Epiphan Pearl. Warranty All Epiphan Systems products are provided with a 100% return to depot warranty for one year from the date of purchase. Technical Support Epiphan’s products are backed by our professional support team.
Page 4: Firmware Update To 3.15.2
What's New in Release 3.15.2? Firmware release 3.15.2 is a maintenance release with bug fixes and improvements to the way Pearl's web interface works. Visual layout editor Layout items can be re-ordered Release 3.15.1 introduced the visual layout editor with video sources, images and text items added to layouts.
Page 5 Affecting encoding Limitation: When Pearl is overloaded, video frames or audio samples can be dropped causing variable frame rate and audio cracks. Workaround: Pearl is a powerful system capable of many simultaneous tasks, but like any other computing device, it has finite resources.
Page 6 The automatically calculated frame size for HD VGA sources is occasionally incorrect. Workaround: This problem is caused due to cable degradation or poor cable connection. Re-seat or exchange your VGA cable. If the problem is still not resolved, visit the Epiphan Pearl support page for a custom EDID to resolve the issue.
Page 7 Due to changes in the way channel layouts are created, some HTTP and RS-232 remote layout commands no longer available 3.15.1 and 3.15.2. These include values for setting the text overlay, logo, logo positioning, keep aspect ratio and no signal image. Workaround: Update your scripts to avoid using these commands.
Page 8: Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents Thank You for Choosing Epiphan! Firmware update to 3.15.2 Limitations and known issues Table Of Contents viii Start here About this Guide What is Pearl? AV inputs What's in the Box? Front and back view Tech specs Quick start What’s Next?
Page 9 Configure a static IP address Tether to a mobile network Perform network diagnostics Configuration presets Configuration presets overview Configuration groups Create a configuration preset Apply a configuration preset from the web interface Apply a configuration preset using the touch screen Apply the Factory default configuration preset Update a configuration preset Delete a configuration preset...
Page 10 Delete a channel Live video mixing / switching What is a source? Connect a source Preview a source Configure a source Rename a source Control audio volume Confirm audio levels (via the touch screen) Troubleshoot capture Remove black bars (matte) from the video Force the capture card to use a specific EDID Unstretch the output video Video not centered (VGA sources only)
Page 11 Restrict viewers by IP address IP Restriction Examples Stream to a server Stream to a CDN Stream content using multicast Stream to a media player Stream content using multicast Stream content using UPnP Samples of stream settings Streaming video content Streaming slide content PART 4: Record What is a recording? Recording basics...
Page 12 Automatic file upload (AFU) overview Choose files to include in AFU Enable and set timing for AFU AFU to an FTP server AFU using RSync AFU using CIFS AFU to a secure FTP server AFU using SCP AFU or copy to USB drive View the AFU log Manage the AFU queue Local FTP server...
Page 13 Check for Firmware Updates Install firmware Support Download logs and "allinfo" Configure remote support Disable Remote Support Storage disk maintenance Check disk storage space Check disk storage space via the touch screen Schedule disk check Perform disk check Third party integration Control with RS-232 / serial port Control with HTTP commands Configuration keys for third party APIs...
Page 14: Start Here
Pearl User Guide Start here Start here Welcome, and thank you for buying Epiphan’s Pearl™. This guide will help you configure your new system. To get started, review the What is Pearl? What's in the Box? sections. Next, a Quick start...
Page 15 Pearl User Guide About this Guide Throughout this guide there are situations where more than one solution will complete a task. In those cases the guide describes the simplest or most common variation first.
Page 16: What Is Pearl
What is Pearl? What is Pearl? Pearl is a small, silent, portable live video production switcher. It supports live video streaming and recording, capturing and streaming audio and HD video sources with resolutions up to 2048×2048. Using Pearl, you can capture, record and stream computer monitors, radar displays, or anything that outputs to SDI, HDMI, DVI-I ...
Page 17: What's In The Box
* Pearl only captures video and audio from HDMI sources if the content is not HDCP-protected. What's in the Box? Pearl is a compact, portable system weighing only 3.4 lbs ( 1.54 kg) and measuring 187 mm (D) × 270 mm (W) × 82 mm (H) (7.4” × 10.6” × 3.25”).
Page 18: Front And Back View
Connects the system to your network. Front and back view Pearl's front panel has the power indicator light, audio monitor jack and touch screen display for confidence monitoring and simple configuration. The rear has an array of familiar computer connections. See below for a...
Page 19 Pearl User Guide Front and back view Table 3 Pearl Front and Back Panel Descriptions Label Name Description Touch screen front panel Used for confidence monitoring and simple configuration such as display obtaining system information and starting/stopping recordings. For audio confidence monitoring. Plays the audio for the currently vis- 3.5 mm audio jack...
Page 20: Tech Specs
Connects HDMI and DVI signals to Pearl. TRS Audio in Connects balanced or unbalanced (line) left/right TRS audio to Pearl. Allows Pearl to be locked to a desk or surface using a laptop lock Lock cable. This manual and Pearl's web admin interface refer to row A and row B.
Page 21 Pearl User Guide Tech specs R, G, B with Sync-on-Green synchronization (2) ¼" left/right TRS audio (balanced; or line/unbalanced) Audio Input Connectors SDI audio HDMI audio (2) Displayport (software selectable content)* Connectors (to be implemented in a future release) Video Output...
Page 22 Pearl User Guide Tech specs Connector 10/100/1000 Ethernet RJ45 Streams MPEG-TS, FLV, ASF and MJPEG RTSP over TCP/UDP Publish to Streaming Server / CDN (RTSP, RTMP) IP Network Interfaces HLS - Native Apple HTTP stream for iPad, iPhone and iPod ...
Page 23 Pearl User Guide Tech specs Country of Origin Made in North America (Canada) ¹Using HDMI port, with the supplied adapter ²Requires component to VGA adapter (not included) ³The Internal 1TB HDD provides approximately 900GB of space for recording. Recording space can be...
Page 24: Quick Start
Get started quickly with auto channels: 1. Turn on your HD source and connect the output cable to a port in Row A on the back of Pearl (if needed, use an adapter such as the DVI to HDMI adapter).
Page 25 Pearl User Guide Quick start Pearl's front screen, if enabled (it is enabled by default, see Configure the touch screen), updates to show you previews of your channel(s) for confidence monitoring. Use your speakers or headphones to verify audio quality and levels.
Page 26 What is streaming? Configure audio Pearl is managed from a web interface. This interface acts as a configuration utility and system monitor. You can access the web interface via either the device's IP address on your network, via DNS-based discovery if you have Bonjour services installed, or via a static recovery IP address.
Page 27 Pearl User Guide Quick start Add audio to the channel's sources list Channels expose your sources to your streaming users and prepare the sources for recording. Your auto channel already has the video source added - you need only add the audio source of your choice.
Page 28 Pearl User Guide Quick start Record the Channel The channel is set up and streaming. This may be all you need, but if you like, you can also record the stream. You can choose to initiate and control channel recording from either the touch screen or the web interface.
Page 29: What's Next
Pearl User Guide What’s Next? 5. Refresh the page by clicking Recording again; the page reloads and a file list appears that shows your newly recorded stream snippet. 6. Click the file name to download and view your recording. What’s Next? Now that you have a source setup and ready to stream, you can fine-tune the system to your exact requirements.
Page 30: Part 1: Setup
If you followed through the quick start guide, you already have a basic configuration and possibly a recording of an input. Before you tweak the channel or configure more, this part of the manual helps you to get your Pearl properly configured for your network. Topics covered: ...
Page 31: The Admin Interface
Connect using the touch screen To connect to the web admin interface, you need to know your Pearl's IP address. There are a number of ways to determine the IP addreds, but the simplest way is to use the touch screen, if it is enabled.
Page 32 Connect via DNS-based service discovery Pearl uses DNS-based messages to advertise details about itself, including its host name. With a compatible utility installed on your computer, you can access the system simply by typing its serial number and the suffix “.local”...
Page 33 If necessary, check with your administrator to ensure you have the Avahi package installed. To access Pearl's web interface via DNS service discovery: 1. Find the system’s serial number. It is printed on a sticker on the back of the system, or available on the system information display on the touch screen.
Page 34 1. Launch the discovery utility. 2. Click Search to find all the Epiphan systems on the network; a list similar to the following appears. 3. If more than one system appears, select the one you wish to configure by matching the serial number listed with the serial number marked on the back of the system.
Page 35 b. Connect the system directly to the workstation’s Ethernet port using either a regular or a crossover Ethernet cable. 2. Record the network settings of the workstation being used to connect to Pearl so that they can be restored later.
Page 36: User Administration
Restrict viewers by IP address User types and privileges Pearl's three user accounts are admin, operator and viewer. The user account names cannot be changed and the accounts cannot be disabled. By default, none of the accounts have passwords. Admin The admin account is the main operator used for all system configuration.
Page 37: User Privileges
Pearl User Guide User administration Operator The operator account is a subclass of the admin account. The operator can log in and view all configuration items but may only make changes to a small number of options. This account is intended for an operator to start and stop recordings, download recordings, or perform network diagnostics.
Page 38 Pearl User Guide User administration Action or Menu Option viewer operator admin ü ü Stop the Stream Recorder View Recorded Files List ü ü Download Recorded Files ü ü ü ü Delete Recorded Files Source Operations ü ü View Source Configuration ...
Page 39 Pearl User Guide User administration Action or Menu Option viewer operator admin ü Select Branding Template Enable Remote Support ü Backup Device Configuration ü ü Restore Device Configuration Restore Factory Configuration ü ü Reboot Device (via Web Interface) ...
Page 40 Pearl User Guide User administration 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. Select the Access passwords link in the Configuration menu; the password configuration page opens.
Page 41 If you have lost the admin password and you have remote support enabled on the system, you can contact Epiphan support to request a remote password change. See Support. If remote support is disabled, you will need to return the system to Epiphan for password recovery. Contact Epiphan support to discuss this option.
Page 42 (Note that Active Directory does not support anonymous binding.) LDAP referrals, restrictions and failovers are not supported. To configure LDAP authentication for your Pearl: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 43 Pearl User Guide User administration 5. Click the Enable LDAP authentication checkbox to enable LDAP authentication (or uncheck to disable). 6. Specify the server IP address and (optional) port for your LDAP server (i.e. 192.168.1.101:389) in the Server address[:port] field. 7. Use the Connection encryption drop-down to specify the type of encryption, if any used by your LDAP server.
Page 44 Pearl User Guide User administration 12. In the Operators (group DN) field, specify the distinguished name of the group users must be part of to be logged in as the operator. Users must have the member or unqueMember attribute for the specified group to be granted Operator access.
Page 45 Restrict viewers by IP address Pearl permits you to restrict which computers can access broadcasts by building a list of allowed and/or denied IP addresses. You can do this at a global level for the system and can also override these settings on a per-channel basis.
Page 46 Pearl User Guide User administration 7. Type denied IP addresses or address ranges in the Deny IP’s field. Separate addresses with a comma. 8. Click Apply. If a user attempts to connect to the stream from a disallowed IP address, access is denied. If connecting by internet browser, the message "IP address rejected."...
Page 47 Pearl User Guide User administration Allow List with a Range of IP Addresses Sometimes you’ll want a range of computer IP addresses to connect to your system. This may happen when you have one range of IP addresses assigned to desktop computers (i.e. in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.100) and another range assigned to boardroom computers (i.e.
Page 48 Pearl User Guide User administration Allow List with a Range of IP Addresses, Distinct IP Addresses, and an Exception Building on the previous examples, consider the situation where you want the CEO’s computers (192.168.1.50, 192.168.1.51, 192.168.75) and all boardroom computers (192.168.1.200-192.168.1.250) to access the broadcast, with the exception of the public boardroom computer (192.168.1.211).
Page 49: Pearl's Touch Screen
Configure the touch screen Touchscreen overview While Pearl is booting, the following image appears on the touch screen (if the screen is enabled). After boot up is complete, Pearl displays a grid view providing an overview of all configured channels.
Page 50 If you delete the automatic channels Auto A or Auto B, and have no other channels configured, Pearl shows a no channels screen. Touch anywhere on this screen to go to the system settings screen.
Page 51: View System Information
Touch anywhere to on this screen to go to the system settings screen. View system information Useful when first setting up Pearl, for finding the system serial number or to check the installed firmware version, the touch screen shows you basic information about your Pearl. If desired, you can choose to disable this screen.
Page 52 Pearl User Guide View system information Label Description Firmware version Network Information IP Address MAC Address Device Status System date System time Uptime Temperature in degrees Celsius Storage Information (when available) Disk space available ...
Page 53: Channel Monitoring
1. Touch Back to return to the System Settings screen, or the Home icon to return to the channel view. Channel monitoring Use Pearl's front-panel screen to have complete confidence about what you're capturing. View audio levels and a preview of the captured video for each channel. Change between...
Page 54 Pearl User Guide Channel monitoring Item Description Recording timer (time since recording was started) Switch to the previous channel Switch to the next channel Audio VU meter Grid view icon System settings icon To switch between available channels: 1. If necessary, tap the screen once to turn it on.
Page 55: Pearl's Audio Jack
3. Touch the grid view button; the screen displays the grid view Pearl's audio jack Pearl's front panel includes a 3.5 mm audio jack for audio monitoring. Audio monitoring To use the audio monitor, plug speakers or a microphone into the 3.5 mm audio jack.
Page 56: Control Recording
-4 dB to 0 dB Control recording Pearl's touch screen gives you freedom to start and stop recording without needing to log in to the web interface. Simply scroll to the channel you wish to control and press the start or stop recording button.
Page 57 Pearl User Guide Control recording To start recording: 1. If necessary, tap the screen once to turn it on. 2. If the grid view is showing, tap the channel for which you wish to control recording; the screen displays the channel.
Page 58: Configure The Touch Screen
Set touch screen timeout Disable (or enable) the touch screen You can prevent Pearl from displaying anything on the touch screen, or you can re-instate this feature by toggling the Enable display configuration option. The display is always touch-sensitive. This control indicates whether or not the display is on or off.
Page 59 Hide (or show) channel previews on the touch screen By default, Pearl shows previews of each configured channel. If this isn't suitable for your needs, you may disable channel preview. When channel previews are disabled, the touch screen shows the following image: While preview is disabled, if system status or settings and configuration preset changes are permitted, you can touch the screen anywhere to open the settings page.
Page 60 5. Click Apply. Disable (or enable) system status on the touch screen Once you've configured, Pearl its possible you may no longer wish to show the system status screen on the touch screen. . To hide (or show) system information on the touch screen: 1.
Page 61 5. Click Apply. Block (or allow) configuration functions from the touch screen By default, Pearl permits applying configuration presets and configuring network settings via the touch screen. You can disable this ability. If configuration is blocked and system status is permitted, touch screen users see an i icon instead of the configuration gears icon in the lower right corner of the touch screen.
Page 62 Block (or allow) recording control from the touch screen By default, Pearl permits recording control and live switching control for channels. You can disable this control to prevent unwanted interruptions in recordings or to stop users from switching the layout used.
Page 63 Pearl User Guide Configure the touch screen 4. Uncheck Allow start/stop recording to disable recording control from the touch screen (or check the box to enable recording control). 5. Click Apply. 6. Enter a value in the Timeout field. The values is in seconds. Use 0 to keep the screen on whenever the system is on.
Page 64 Pearl User Guide Configure the touch screen 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. Select the Touch Screen link in the Configuration menu; the touch screen configuration page opens.
Page 65: View System Information
View system information View system information The system information page provides a great deal of useful information about your Pearl. Use the Info link from the Configuration menu to view your current firmware level, system hardware version (if available) and currently configured channels.
Page 66: Configure Network Settings
Configure network settings Configure network settings By default Pearl uses DHCP to obtain an IP Address via an Ethernet-based network. If you want to change the network settings, or if you’re having network-related issues, this section covers the network-related topics.
Page 67: Verify Ip Address And Mac Address Via The Web Interface
Verify IP Address and MAC address via the web inter- Pearl User Guide face To close the system information screen: 1. Touch Back to return to the Systems Settings screen or the Home icon to return to the channel view.
Page 68: Configure Dhcp
Change the network settings. See the procedure below. For quick and easy setup of Pearl, you can configure network settings via the web interface or via touch screen. Using the touch screen, you can choose to apply a configuration presets that uses DHCP (see...
Page 69 10. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. SeeConnect to the admin interface. 11. Log as admin and reload the Networking page to verify all changes were applied. The following table describes the fields applicable when configuring DHCP on Pearl.
Page 70: Configure A Static Ip Address
Configure a static IP address Your network administrator may require you to use a static IP address for your Pearl. For quick and easy setup of Pearl, you can configure network settings via the web interface or via touch screen.
Page 71 Pearl User Guide Configure a static IP address 5. Touch Static IP Address to configure a static IP address; the static IP configuration page appears. 6. Touch an IP Address section (e.g. 192) and type a new value using the keypad.
Page 72 Pearl User Guide Configure a static IP address 4. Select the radio button use static address, if not already selected. 5. Enter the desired IP Address and Network Mask. Only IPv4 addresses are supported. 6. Enter the Default Gateway address. If you do not have a default gateway for your network, enter the same static IP address as in the previous step.
Page 73: Tether To A Mobile Network
Tether to a mobile network Pearl supports tethering to a mobile device via USB. Tethered networking can work side-by-side with Ethernet routing and either networking system can be a back-up for the other.
Page 74 To configure tethering to a mobile network: 1. Configure the mobile device to allow tethering via USB. 2. Connect the mobile device to Pearl with a USB cable. 3. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. SeeConnect to the admin interface.
Page 75: Perform Network Diagnostics
Perform network diagnostics Perform network diagnostics If your Pearl has network trouble, you can perform basic network troubleshooting tasks from the Network configuration page. In addition to providing the system’s IP address and MAC address to your network administrator (See...
Page 76 Pearl User Guide Perform network diagnostics ...
Page 77: Configuration Presets
Configuration preset considerations Configuration presets overview Configuration presets make it easy to use your Pearl in a variety of situations without needing to reconfigure it. Configuration presets divide the system's settings into the following six configuration groups. (For a complete list of what is included in each group see Configuration presets overview.)
Page 78 The company could bring Pearl in a factory configured state and get it ready between each session, but this requires a trained operator and doesn't allow much time to get multiple operations completed.
Page 79 Configuration presets overview Conference network and AFU preset The company applies this preset to Pearl when they arrive at the conference. It changes only the network and AFU settings (using a conference-specific IP address and secure file transfer to an ftp server).
Page 80: Configuration Groups
Configuration groups Configuration presets are a versatile tool to help you use Pearl in a variety of changing conditions. Try it yourself and see! Configuration groups The following table describes what settings are saved with each configuration group.
Page 81: Create A Configuration Preset
Pearl User Guide Create a configuration preset Note that branding content, recorded files and SFTP/SCP private keys are not included in any configuration preset. Updloaded EDID configurations are applied immediately to the system and remain the norm for the source until a new EDID is uploaded. Configuration presets do not affect EDIDs.
Page 82: Apply A Configuration Preset From The Web Interface
Pearl User Guide Apply a configuration preset from the web interface 5. Type a description for your preset in the Name field. 6. Ensure only the desired configuration groups are selected from the Sections group. 7. Click Save; your configuration preset appears in the list.
Page 83 Pearl User Guide Apply a configuration preset from the web interface You may apply multiple presets one after another. If you apply two (or more) configuration presets that include a particular configuration group, the settings (for that group) from the last applied preset are the active settings.
Page 84: Apply A Configuration Preset Using The Touch Screen
8. The system reboots if needed. Apply a configuration preset using the touch screen You can use Pearl's touch screen to apply configuration presets. For configuration presets that only contain the network configuration group you can use either of the two methods described below.
Page 85 Pearl User Guide Apply a configuration preset using the touch screen 5. If necessary touch the arrows at the bottom of the page to navigate to the desired preset. 6. Touch the name of the preset you wish to apply.
Page 86 Pearl User Guide Apply a configuration preset using the touch screen 3. Touch the Network line; the network configuration page opens. 4. Touch Network Presets; a list of saved configuration settings with only Network settings opens. 5. Touch the name of the preset you wish to apply; a confirmation message is displayed.
Page 87: Apply The Factory Default Configuration Preset
6. Click OK to apply the network configuration preset and reboot the system. Apply the Factory default configuration preset Your Pearl comes with a special factory default configuation preset. This configuration preset cannot be erased and is always presented at the top of the configuration presets list. It contains all six possible configuration settings groups.
Page 88: Update A Configuration Preset
Pearl User Guide Update a configuration preset Factory default Factory reset function configuration preset ü Deletes all branding files ü ü Resets all Source settings ü ü Deletes all Automatic file upload settings To apply the factory default configuration preset, follow the instructions in Apply the Factory default...
Page 89: Delete A Configuration Preset
Pearl User Guide Delete a configuration preset 5. Find the preset you wish to change from the presets list. 6. Copy the name of the preset into the Name field. 7. Selected the desired configuration group(s) from the Sections group.
Page 90: Configuration Preset Considerations
Pearl User Guide Configuration preset considerations 3. Select the Maintenance link in the Configuration menu; the maintenance page opens. 4. Scroll to the Configuration presets section. 5. Click delete (x) next to Apply for the configuration preset; a confirmation message appears.
Page 91 Pearl User Guide Configuration preset considerations Configuration presets that contain the channels configuration group specify the channels in the preset by their index number. This means if you have channels 1, 2, 3 and 4 when you save your preset, applying that preset will overwrite the configuration of your current channels with indexes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Page 92 Pearl User Guide Configuration preset considerations Recorded files (in channels and recorders) Channels and recorders keep a list of files recorded in their Recordings section of the web interface. These files remain on the system even if the channel or recorder configuration is changed or removed as a result of applying a configuration preset.
Page 93 Pearl User Guide Configuration preset considerations Branding content The channels configuration group includes the filenames for logos and backgrounds used in the currently configured channels. It does not include the image files. Therefore it is important to make sure that between uses of different channel-related configuration presets you do not delete or replace files listed in the Branding Content section of the web interface.
Page 94 Pearl User Guide Configuration preset considerations Touch screen considerations The touch screen configuration group includes all the security settings for the touch screen. One such setting is the ability to use the touch screen. It is therefore possible to apply a preset via the touch screen that effectively locks out any further use of the touch screen.
Page 95: Configure Date And Time
Configure the date and time manually Verify date and time via the touch screen Pearl's touch screen interface, if enabled, can quickly and easily show you the system's date and time settings. To show system information (including date and time) on the touch screen: 1.
Page 96: Verify Date And Time Settings
Verify date and time settings The current date, time, time zone, and synchronized time protocol settings are shown when the Date and Time configuration page is loaded in the Pearl web interface. To view settings on the date and time configuration page: 1.
Page 97: Configure Synchronized Time (Ntp, Ptp V1, And Rdate)
Configure synchronized time (NTP, PTP v1, and RDATE) By default Pearl uses the network time protocol server (NTP server) protocol and a time server from National Research Council Canada. You can continue to use this time server or configure a new server that is more appropriate for your network and location.
Page 98: Configure The Date And Time Manually
Configure the date and time manually By default Pearl uses NTP for time synchronization. If your system does not have access to a time synchronization server, or if you do not wish to use one, you can choose to manually set the date and time.
Page 99: Change The Time Zone
4. Select the new time zone from the Time Zone drop down box. 5. Click Apply. Configure a Local NTP Server Pearl can run a local NTP server. To configure a local NTP server: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 100: Part 2: Capture
The section of the guide helps you fine tune and troubleshoot the capturing process. When using Pearl, you can stick to all the default capture and encoding settings, or you tweak them to set the up exactly as you like.
Page 101: What Is A Channel
Pearl gives you a lot of control over how your sources are streamed. You are not limited to creating a Channel list that is a one-to-one reflection of your Sources list. You can make channels from some or all of your sources and your can add the same source to multiple single-source or multi-source layout channels.
Page 102: Use The Automatic Channels Auto A And Auto B
Use the automatic channels Auto A and Auto B To get you started as quickly as possible, Pearl comes pre-configured with two channels: Auto A and Auto B. To use these channels, simply plug a source into one of the Row A inputs and, if desired, a second source into one of the Row B inputs.
Page 103 Pearl has video input sensing, meaning it knows when there is a video signal coming through from an attached source. If you attach more than one source to a row prior to powering on Pearl, the following priority is used: Priority...
Page 104 Use the automatic channels Auto A and Auto B Configure auto channels Auto channels are included with Pearl to make setup quick and simple. However if you want to set custom encoding or streaming configuration for the channel, you can configure it like any other channel.
Page 105: Create A Simple Channel
Pearl User Guide Create a simple channel Create a simple channel Channels arrange the output from sources into a viewable and recordable stream. Although there are may ways you customize a channel, this procedure walks you through the most basic channel setup with a single source.
Page 106 Pearl User Guide Create a simple channel 7. Click Add new itemto add a layer to the layout; a drop down appears allowing you to choose the kind of item to add to your layout. 8. Select Video Source from the drop down; the new item is added to the layout and the Source settings...
Page 107 Pearl User Guide Create a simple channel 9. Click the Source drop down and select your source; your source appears in the visual layout editor above. 10. For best results, keep the Keep aspect ratio when scaling checkbox checked in the Source settings box.
Page 108: Create A Custom Channel
Create a custom channel. Create a custom channel Pearl has two styles of channels. 1. Simple channels with a single source that fits the full screen, as discussed in Create a simple channel 2. Custom channels with one or more layouts, sources, background matte color and images.
Page 109 Later, while you are streaming, you can switch live between the layouts using the web UI or Pearl's touch screen. If you're planning to do live switching with your channel, we recommend you set the frame size to a fixed size instead of using the default automatic detection of source frame size.
Page 110 Create a custom channel Each layout you add to your channel adds a bit of overhead on Pearl - and more complex layouts take more resources. So it's a good idea to make sure you delete any layouts you're not using.
Page 111 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Layout selector First there is the layout selector. From here you can pick which layout to preview/edit, create a new layout, delete a layout or select which layout is active. Visual channel layout editor Next is the channel layout editor where you can add pictures, sources and text overlays to your layout.
Page 112 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel The heart of the channel layout editor is the layout area, which has the same frame size and aspect ratio as your stream. As you add items to the layout, they appear in the layout area. The currently selected item is presented in full colour while other items appear transparent.
Page 113 When you're done all your changes, use the Save button to save the changes to your layout. If you accidentally try to leave the layout without saving, Pearl reminds you to save before leaving. Ready to make some layouts of your own? Try these topics: ...
Page 114 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Layout example Description One source, at the full size of the channel. (Simple channel) To get this look: Add one source to the layout, select keep aspect ratio and stretch to fit the full layout size.
Page 115 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Layout example Description One source with a text overlay in the bottom right corner. To get this look: Follow the steps from the first example to add the source, then add a text overlay item to the layout.
Page 116 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Layout example Description Two sources (one cropped to a new aspect ratio), a background image and a logo. To get this look: Upload your background and logo images through the Branding Content page. When creating the layout, first pick the background, then the sources, and lastly the logo.
Page 117 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Layout example Description A 4x3 source and a cropped 16x9 source together with a background image. To get this look: Upload an image with transparency through the Branding Content page. Follow the steps from the...
Page 118 Important note for channels with multiple layouts By default (and historically), Pearl's channels are named automatically based on the content in the channel. When a channel has only one layout, and that layout has only one source (regardless of whether or not there...
Page 119 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel For example: By default, a channel with only layout that has only HDMI-A in it will be named HDMI-A. When you add a second layout to a channel, the channel name changes to a generic name Channel X (where X is the channel index number).
Page 120 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 5. Select Video Source from the drop down; the new item is added to the layout and the Source settings box appears on the right side of the page. 6. Click the Source drop down and select your source; your source appears in the visual layout editor above.
Page 121 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 9. Moving back to the layout area, use the mouse, the keyboard or the manual position value fields to position and resize your source. You can click and drag, stretch using the handles in the layout area, or type values into the fields.
Page 122 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Add a text overlay (custom channel) Delete or move a layout (custom channel) Set the background color (custom channel) Rename a layout (custom channel) A note about item positioning and sizing There are four ways to position and size items in the layout area 1.
Page 123 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel pixels and percents changing only the boxes you want to use pixel values. At any time you can switch back to percents by typing a percent. Add an audio source (custom channel) To stream the audio for a source you need to add it to a channel and make sure audio is enabled in the channel's encoding page.
Page 124 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Set the background color (custom channel) Rename a layout (custom channel) To upload an image You can customize your channels by adding pictures as backgrounds, overlays or information. Collectively the images you upload to the system are known as branding images.
Page 125 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 4. Click Choose File; a browser page opens. 5. Navigate to the folder on your admin computer that contains the logo. 6. Select the file, the following file formats are supported: PNG and JPEG.
Page 126 Pearl supports png (PNG)and .jpg (JPEG) images. You can upload any image to a maximum size of 3840×2160, however it's strongly recommended that you upload exactly the size you need to avoid having your image scaled.
Page 127 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 6. Select Picture; the Picture Settings section appears on the right side of the page. 7. If you haven't already uploaded your image, you can drag and drop it from your desktop to the grey Please select picture box.
Page 128 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 10. For best results, keep the Keep aspect ratio when scaling checkbox selected in the Picture settings box. (This is selected by default.) 11. In the layout area, use the mouse, the keyboard or the manual position value fields to position and resize your image.
Page 129 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Add a video source (custom channel) Add an audio source (custom channel) Add a text overlay (custom channel) Delete or move a layout (custom channel) Set the background color (custom channel) ...
Page 130 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel If you need to specify an exact amount in pixels (rather than percent) you can type a pixel value in any of the positioning value squares followed by the characters px (e.g. 56px). You can mix and match pixels and percents changing only the boxes you want to use pixel values.
Page 131 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 6. In the Text field, specify the overlay text you want to add to the layout. Use your own text and any combination of the shortcut codes listed at the end of this procedure.
Page 132 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel Table 19 Time Format options Field Value Example date 2012-01-26 year 2012 month (01) month (Jan) month (January) January day of the month weekday (Thu) weekday (Thursday) Thursday time 08:40:45 hour minute second...
Page 133 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 3. using the manual positioning values with percents 4. using the manual positioning values with pixels To use the mouse: Click and drag to move the item. Click and drag the red and white circles to resize the item as you wish.
Page 134 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 3. Follow the steps in Custom channel layout editor Create a custom channel or layout to get to the channel layout editor. 4. From the channel layout editor, click the drop down arrow next to the existing (by default black) background color;...
Page 135 Pearl User Guide Create a custom channel 5. From the editor, click the name of the layout; it turns red. 6. Type in your new layout name and press Enter to save the new name. (Note if you click somewhere else without pressing Enter, your changes are discarded.)
Page 136 Important note for channels with multiple layouts By default (and historically), Pearl's channels are named automatically based on the content in the channel. When a channel has only one layout, and that layout has only one source (regardless of whether or not there are pictures or overlays in the layout), the channel name is the same as the source name For example: By default, a channel with only layout that has only HDMI-A in it will be named HDMI-A.
Page 137: Configure Encoding
Pearl User Guide Configure encoding Delete an uploaded image Images used in custom channel layouts are stored on the system hard drive. You can delete an image after you are done using it, or to when performing general housekeeping duties on the system.
Page 138 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding Configure audio codec Codec and file format compatibility Configure video codec To configure encoding: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin.
Page 139 8. If all your changes are complete, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Apply. Configure frame size By default, for channels with only one layout and when that layout has only one video source, your Pearl automatically uses the incoming source frame size as the stream frame size. Frame size greatly affects the amount of bandwidth needed to transmit your stream.
Page 140 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding Or if you have a widescreen/HD format source but need a 4:3 output frame size, you can add black bars to the top and bottom of the frame. The system is designed to provide scaling, however for the best overall system performance (particualrly when reaching maximum system capacity), configure your source to provide the correct frame size and avoid scaling.
Page 141 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding something custom: a. Uncheck Use current signal resolution as frame size. b. Type a frame size in the field; or c. Select an option from the sizes shown, the dimensions will appear in the frame size field.
Page 142 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding 3. Click Encoding for the your channel; the encoding configuration page opens. 4. Scroll to the Key frame interval setting. 5. Click the Key frame interval drop-down box to choose how often a key frame (a frame that contains all the pixels) is sent when streaming the video.
Page 143 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding the type of motion that is captured; and number of users accessing the stream. When adjusting the frame rate, you may need to try different values to achieve the best outcome. The following table provides the performance expectations when typical settings are used.
Page 144 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding 5. Ensure the Enable audio checkbox is checked. 6. If the default audio format AAC 44KHz, stereo, 320 Kbps is not desired, click the Audio format drop- down menu to select an audio codec. A table at the end of this procedure gives details about each option.
Page 145 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding Value Description bit rate. Supported values are 16, 22, 44 and 48K kHz. Most digital signals (HDMI or SDI sources) use 48 kHz audio. Matching the encoded level with the source level provides the best sound quality by avoiding audio resampling.
Page 146 Pearl User Guide Configure encoding Video Codec selec- Audio Codec selected RTSP MPEG-TS MJPEG H.264 No audio codec ü ü ü ü H.264 LPCM ü ü ü ü ü ü ü H.264 H.264 ü ü ü...
Page 147: Add Channel Metadata
Adding company information to metadata is an easy way to identify and copy protect your broadcast or recording. Older versions of the Pearl firmware also added no signal images, backgrounds and logos through the branding feature. Background images and logos are now available through a generic procedure that doesn't limit you to just one background or logo.
Page 148: Preview A Channel
Pearl User Guide Preview a channel 5. Enter metadata such as: presentation title, presenter name(s), any copyright dates and additional information about the broadcast that you want the viewer to know. How metadata is displayed depends on the media player. For example VLC stores...
Page 149 Pearl User Guide Preview a channel Preview all channels at once Preview a channel from the Info page The system's Info page displays links for previewing your channel(s). This fast and simple method allows you to see link for all the streams in a single location.
Page 150: Preview All Channels At Once
Preview all channels at once Pearl has a special preview mode that lets you see all configured channels at once. The resulting web page can be very large. You may wish to be aware of your web browser's zoom hot keys.
Page 151: Rename A Channel
Pearl User Guide Rename a channel Rename a channel By default, channels are created with the same name as their source - until a second layout or a second source is added to the channel, at which time the channel is renamed Channel X where X is the index of the channel.
Page 152 Pearl User Guide Delete a channel source configuration, however it deletes any recorded files for the channel. To delete a channel, follow the steps below. 1. From the web interface, scroll to the Channels menu option. 2. Click the channel you want to delete; the menu expands.
Page 153: Live Video Mixing / Switching
Pearl supports live video mixing (also known as live video switching) while you are capturing, streaming and recording. Video mixing is a great way to create dynamic content for your viewers and recordings. With Pearl, switching happens in less than half a second ( < 500 ms)!
Page 154 Pearl User Guide Live video mixing / switching 4. Touch the button to start layout switching mode; the screen changes to display your layouts. 5. Initially, your live layout (which is displayed on the right side) is the same as your preview, or on deck, layout.
Page 155 Pearl User Guide Live video mixing / switching 6. Both the live layout and the preview layouts update at a reduced frame rate to the live stream, but fast enough that you can see what is happening. 7. When ready, touch Apply to cause the layout currently in preview to become live; the switch happens and your screen is updated.
Page 156 Pearl User Guide Live video mixing / switching 4. The currently active layout has a red button in the rightmost column. 5. Touch the empty circle for another layout to make it the active layout; the layout changes in the live stream (and recording), and the new row gets the red button.
Page 157: What Is A Source
Pearl User Guide What is a source? What is a source? A source can be an image, video, or audio from a camera, a computer screen or any device that provides a VGA, SDI, DVI or HDMI video signal and audio signal output.
Page 158: Connect A Source
Rename a source Connect a source You can connect sources to Pearl at any time, either before or after the system is powered on. Similarly you can disconnect a source from a port and even connect a different source at any time.
Page 159: Preview A Source
Pearl User Guide Preview a source Preview a source You can preview the images captured from your sources in the web admin interface. No extra configuration is needed. To preview the captured stream/images: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 160 Pearl User Guide Configure a source 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. Ensure a source is connected to the input port, see Table Configure a source.
Page 161 Pearl User Guide Configure a source Value Description orientation while streaming: No rotation 90⁰ clockwise 90⁰ counter clockwise 180⁰ Enable dein- Enable this feature to convert an interlaced source signal to a non-interlaced sig- terlacing nal.
Page 162 Pearl User Guide Configure a source Value Description The Gain and Offset parameters function as contrast control for an image. The Gain controls the bright parts of the image and Offset controls the darker parts Gain of the image. Adjust both values to optimize image quality. Adjust the values using small increments until the image is sharper.
Page 163: Rename A Source
Pearl User Guide Rename a source Value Description terlacing nal. Rename a source Source names are used when adding sources to channels, therefore it is important that you know the name of the source you wish to use. If a channel has only one source, the channel name will by default be the same as its source name and will update automatically when the source name changes.
Page 164: Control Audio Volume
Pearl User Guide Control audio volume 7. Type a new source name. 8. Press Enter (on your keyboard) to save the new name. You must press Enter to save the new name. The Apply button will not save the source name change.
Page 165: Confirm Audio Levels (Via The Touch Screen)
Pearl User Guide Confirm audio levels (via the touch screen) Adjusting the Capture volume adjusts the recorded and streamed output audio. 8. Click Apply. Confirm audio levels (via the touch screen) The touch screen includes an audio meter that indicates audio levels (if any) for each channel. This meter is visible in both the grid and individual channel view, at the lower left corner of the channel preview.
Page 166: Troubleshoot Capture
Remove black bars (matte) from the video By default, for channels with only one layout and only one source, Pearl makes sure that the aspect ratio of input signals is preserved when the output is streamed. If an input video signal doesn't match the encoded frame aspect ratio, bars are added to the sides or top and bottom of the encoded stream when the output is streamed and recorded.
Page 167 Pearl User Guide Remove black bars (matte) from the video For example: Input signal resolution is 720×480 (a 3:2 aspect ratio) encoded resolution is 1280×800 (a 16:10 aspect ratio that is wider than the input resolution) Borders are added to the left and right of the image to preserve the narrower ratio of the input.
Page 168 Pearl User Guide Remove black bars (matte) from the video 2. Login as admin. 3. Select a channel; the menu expands. 4. Click Sources; the Sources page opens. 5. Find the name of the media source used for the channel.
Page 169: Force The Capture Card To Use A Specific Edid
Like monitors, each video capture card in Pearl contains an EDID. When you connect a VGA or DVI video source (such as a laptop or video camera), this source sees Pearl's capture card as a monitor and uses its EDID to negotiate which video signal to send.
Page 170 In that case you can choose an EDID that forces Pearl's capture card to use a specific set of attributes. The uploaded EDID is permanently installed on your system and this capture card (a "Source" in the web interface) will always share the uploaded EDID with the connected video input source.
Page 171 Pearl User Guide Force the capture card to use a specific EDID 11. Click upload, the EDID upload begins; the screen shows a progress inidicator. 12. When the upload is complete the page changes to reflect success or failure. Restore factory default EDID When you have finished with a custom EDID, you can restore the capture card (in the Sources list) to the default EDID. Currently there is no way to tell if your capture card is using a custom EDID.
Page 172: Unstretch The Output Video
Unstretch the output video By default, Pearl makes sure that the aspect ratio of input signals is preserved when the output is streamed. If this default was overridden the image is stretched to match the output frame size. The effect may be subtle and may not be problematic for you, but if you want to resolve this it is very simple to do.
Page 173: Video Not Centered (Vga Sources Only)
Pearl User Guide Video not centered (VGA sources only) 4. Click Sources; the Sources page opens. 5. Click the row for the layout you want to edit; the layout editor opens. 6. Select the gear icon for your source from the list of layout items; the Source settings box appears.
Page 174: Remove The Combing Effect On Images
Pearl User Guide Remove the combing effect on images 3. From the web interface, scroll to the Sources menu option. 4. Click the desired video source ; the source configuration page opens. 5. To move the video horizontally to the left or right, scroll to Horizontal shift .
Page 175: Video Looks Squished (Vga Sources Only)
The image is squeezed horizontally on the screen. This distortion occurs when there's a mismatch between the aspect ratio Pearl detects and the aspect ratio that is sent from the source signal. To compare the two signal values, you must know the aspect ratio that the source is sending.
Page 176: Video Too Bright, Too Dark Or Washed Out (Vga Sources Only)
Video too bright, too dark or washed out (VGA sources Pearl User Guide only) 5. If there is a mismatch, go to the Encoding page for the channel and change the frame size to match the frame size that is sent from the source. See Configure encoding 6.
Page 177 Video too bright, too dark or washed out (VGA sources Pearl User Guide only) 3. From the web interface, scroll to the Sources menu option. 4. Click the desired video source; the source configuration page opens. 5. Scroll to Gain. 6. Enter a small value, for example 1 to 25 in the field to brighten the image.
Page 178: Part 3: Stream
PART 3: Stream Streaming provides powerful and flexible approaches to delivering to your users. Offering an easy to use interface, users can stream video using multiple formats to multiple users and devices such as web browsers, media players, set-top-boxes, Smart TVs and Content Distribution Networks. The tool's flexibility is further enhanced by its ability to support standard codecs used by most sharing destinations and media players.
Page 179: What Is Streaming
After you have configured your media and channels, decided on the content and layout of your broadcast, it’s time to share your stream. Pearl provides a number of options for streaming. Choose from methods for unicast, multicast, CDN, SAP, UPnP and more.
Page 180: Supported Streaming Formats
(multicast), or provide web-based streaming where multiple clients can access the broadcast (Content Distribution Network). Your Pearl can stream to individual viewers through HTTP, HTTP Live Streaming, UPnP and RTSP and can also simultaneously stream to a server such as a multicast server or CDN.
Page 181: Stream To Viewers
Pearl User Guide Stream to viewers Stream to viewers Streaming to viewers allows viewers to connect directly to your Pearl and view the live stream. You can configure whether or not streaming is enabled for viewers. See Stream to viewers.
Page 182 Where serial is the serial number of the system and channel number is the provided from the GUI (see below). http://<IP Address of Pearl>/preview.cgi?channel=2 rtsp://<IP Address of Pearl>:<port>/stream.sdp IP address Where the IP address is the IP address of the system and the port and channel number informationis provided on the channel's status page.
Page 183: Configure Http And Rtsp Streaming Ports
Pearl User Guide Configure HTTP and RTSP streaming ports 5. Jot down the either the Live Broadcast , RTSP stream or other web streaming address. This is the address you can send to viewers or to create a link to your broadcast.
Page 184: Stream Content Using Hls (Http Live Streaming)
Pearl User Guide Stream content using HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) 5. Set the HTTP Streaming port to specify the port used to stream the HTTP broadcast. This value along with the URL is used by viewers to access the FLV, ASF and MPEG-TS streams.
Page 185: Send Stream Urls To Viewers
Pearl User Guide Send stream URLs to viewers 3. From the web interface, select the channel containing video you want to stream; the menu expands. 4. Click Streaming; the channel's Streaming configuration page opens. 5. Enable HTTP Live Streaming by selecting the HTTP Live Streaming checkbox.
Page 186: View The Flash Stream
Pearl User Guide View the Flash stream 3. From the web interface, click the channel that you want to view; the menu expands. 4. Click Status; the Status page opens displaying the stream protocols supported based on the selected codecs. For more information on compatibility between codec and file formats, see Send stream URLs viewers.
Page 187 Pearl User Guide View the Flash stream Live broadcast link on the channel's status page. Info page from the configuration menu View your broadcast using the View link on the Info menu 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism.
Page 188 Pearl User Guide View the Flash stream 2. Login as admin or operator. 3. From the web interface, click the channel that you want to view; the menu expands. 4. Click Status; the status page opens displaying the live broadcast and stream URL.
Page 189: Viewing With A Web Browser
Pearl User Guide Viewing with a web browser 7. Copy the URL and provide to viewers. Based on their media player, viewers can access the broadcast using a URL specific to their media player. Viewing with a web browser If a viewer password is configured, provide participants with the password to log in, along with the IP address or the URL to be used by the participant's browser.
Page 190: Viewing With A Media Player (Rtsp)
Pearl User Guide Viewing with a media player (RTSP) Viewing with a media player (RTSP) If a viewer password is configured, provide participants with the password to log in, along with the IP address or the URL to be copied to the media player. For example purposes the following procedure describes the steps using a VLC media player.
Page 191: Disable (And Enable) Streams For Viewers
Pearl User Guide Disable (and enable) streams for viewers 5. Press Play. The stream is played in the media player window. Disable (and enable) streams for viewers When you create a channel it's available by default for viewing by stream viewers who have the stream URL.
Page 192: Restrict Access To Streams For Viewers
3. Uncheck Enabled to disable streaming to viewers (or check to enable). 4. Click Apply at the bottom of the page. Restrict access to streams for viewers Pearl can restrict access to all viewer streams using global viewer passwords and IP allow/deny lists. See User administration Restrict viewers by IP address...
Page 193 Pearl User Guide Restrict access to streams for viewers 3. Select Use these settings from the drop down list; the configuration fields are enabled. Global LDAP settings are always enforced. Any local settings are in addition to LDAP sign on. 3. If desired, specify a password for viewers of this channel; the password appears masked as you type it.
Page 194: Restrict Viewers By Ip Address
Restrict viewers by IP address Pearl permits you to restrict which computers can access broadcasts by building a list of allowed and/or denied IP addresses. You can do this at a global level for the system and can also override these settings on a per-channel basis.
Page 195: Ip Restriction Examples
Pearl User Guide IP Restriction Examples 7. Type denied IP addresses or address ranges in the Deny IP’s field. Separate addresses with a comma. 8. Click Apply. If a user attempts to connect to the stream from a disallowed IP address, access is denied. If connecting by internet browser, the message "IP address rejected."...
Page 196 Pearl User Guide IP Restriction Examples Allow List with a Range of IP Addresses Sometimes you’ll want a range of computer IP addresses to connect to your system. This may happen when you have one range of IP addresses assigned to desktop computers (i.e. in the range 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.100) and another range assigned to boardroom computers (i.e.
Page 197 Pearl User Guide IP Restriction Examples Allow List with a Range of IP Addresses, Distinct IP Addresses, and an Exception Building on the previous examples, consider the situation where you want the CEO’s computers (192.168.1.50, 192.168.1.51, 192.168.75) and all boardroom computers (192.168.1.200-192.168.1.250) to access the broadcast, with the exception of the public boardroom computer (192.168.1.211).
Page 198: Stream To A Server
Pearl User Guide Stream to a server Stream to a server Your Pearl streams to a server when you want to use a CDN or Multicast. By default, no server streaming is configured. See Stream to a server Stream to a server for details on configuring one of these two options.
Page 199 Pearl User Guide Stream to a server Publishing Options Use this option to... Stream content to a multicast IP address where it can be shared with multiple viewers within the same LAN. All viewers receive the same stream at the same time. Similar to turning on a radio station, all listeners hear the same music at the same time.
Page 200: Stream To A Cdn
select the H.264 codec from the channel's Encoding page. You can also test how your content is streamed by sending your content to Epiphan’s CDN. For a list of Epiphan’s preferred CDN providers, see: http://epiphan.tv/cdn-partners.php. Use one of the following links to configure your Pearl for publishing to a CDN: ...
Page 201 Pearl User Guide Stream to a CDN To stream content to a CDN using RTSP announce 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. From the web interface, click a Channel; the menu expands.
Page 202 Pearl User Guide Stream to a CDN 3. Click the Publish drop-down menu. 4. Choose using RTMP push from the drop-down menu. 3. Enter the ingest point URL provided by the media server or CDN. 4. In the Stream namefield, enter the stream name you configured with the CDN..
Page 203 Pearl User Guide Stream to a CDN 3. Click the Choose File button next to use profile XML; a file browser window opens. 4. Select the XML profile supplied by your CDN and click OK; the configuration is read from the XML file and applied.
Page 204 Pearl User Guide Stream to a CDN 5. Configure Encoding settings accordingly, ensuring the Codec selected is H.264. Configuring audio is optional. Supported formats are limited to MP3 and AAC. Due to RTMP restrictions, MP3 48 kHz is not supported.
Page 205 10. Enter the connection code obtained from the Wowza Streaming Cloud set-up into the Connection code field. 11. Click Set to pair the channel on Epiphan's encoder with the live stream on Wowza Cloud 12. Click Apply. When the connection to Wowza Cloud has been established, the stream name appears on the channel's Status page.
Page 206 To set up streaming via the Original Livestream service, you first need to sign in to your Original Livestream account and create a new stream. To configure streaming on your Pearl: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 207 After clicking Apply, there may be a short 2-3 minute delay before the live stream is displayed. Test using Epiphan TV CDN Epiphan.tv is a service provided by Epiphan to help our customers to experiment with content distribution networks, bandwidth, performance limits and viewer limits are applied. To upgrade to a full service, select one...
Page 208 6. Click the Publish drop-down menu. 7. Choose to <serial>. Epiphan.tv. Where <serial> is the serial number of the system. 8. Click Apply; a connection through the media tunnel is established. The system streams to the Epiphan’s portal – epiphan.net.
Page 209 3. Click the link to view the broadcast. 4. A web page opens displaying the broadcast. Specify a multimedia player to view your Epiphan TV broadcast 1. From the Epiphan TV portal, click Switch To on the bottom of the screen; the following options appear.
Page 210 3. Highlight and right-click on the code in the dialog box. A drop-down menu appears. 4. Choose Copy. 5. Paste the content into the HTML code for your website. A link to your broadcast on Epiphan TV is added to your web page.
Page 211: Stream Content Using Multicast
Using MPEG-TS RTP/UDP push Pearl supports multicast streaming content to an IP TV or a set-top box playlist when the stream format is MPEG-TS. The following procedures outline the steps to distribute your content using multicast streaming. MPEG-TS streams using RTP/UDP push Before configuring your channel for MPEG-TS streaming, ensure the following codecs are configured: ...
Page 212 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 10. Enable the SAP announcement checkbox to advertise your stream over a local network. When the checkbox is enabled and a multicast IP address is configured, your stream is displayed in the playlist of local media player.
Page 213 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 3. From the web interface, click a Channel; the menu expands. 4. Click Streaming; the channel's Streaming page opens. 5. Click the Publish drop-down menu. 6. Choose using MPEG-TS UDP push. 7. Enter the destination multicast IP address where the broadcast can be viewed.
Page 214 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 11. Enter a multicast IP address in the SAP announcement IP field. If your media player is configured to receive multicast streams from an IP address that is different from the default address 224.2.127.254, you may need to contact your system administrator for a specific multicast IP address.
Page 215 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 5. Enter the destination multicast IP address. 6. Enter the port number through which the audio will stream. 7. Enter the port number through which the video will stream. Audio and video use nearby port numbers (<port number>and <port number+2>). The minimum distance between audio and video ports must be 2.
Page 216: Stream To A Media Player
Stream to a media player Stream to a media player Your Pearl can use UPnP and SAP to stream to set top boxes, digital signs, smart TVs and other digital media players. The following table gives an overview of each option.
Page 217 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. From the web interface, click a Channel; the menu expands. 4. Click Streaming; the channel's Streaming page opens.
Page 218 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 15. Click the Info menu option of the web interface. An Info page opens displaying stream information. To view the stream from a media player, open the URL in a media player, for example: rtp://@ip:port or in the case of the sample configuration in the figure shown above: rtp://@226.10.24.32:7000...
Page 219 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 7. Enter the destination multicast IP address where the broadcast can be viewed. A IPv4 multicast address range is an address between 224.0.0.0 to 239.255.255.255. Contact your System Administrator for the specific address to use.
Page 220 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast When a channel number value is not specified, viewers cannot select a channel from the set-top box or Smart TV . 13. Enter a name for a group of streams in the text box next to Group name. Since media players simply...
Page 221 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast 5. Enter the destination multicast IP address. 6. Enter the port number through which the audio will stream. 7. Enter the port number through which the video will stream. Audio and video use nearby port numbers (<port number>and <port number+2>). The minimum distance between audio and video ports must be 2.
Page 222 Pearl User Guide Stream content using multicast When browsing from a VLC media player, streams are advertised by their channel identifier and are organized by the group name. When browsing from an XBMC media player, streams are advertised by the stream's metadata title, if configured, otherwise streams are advertised by their channel identifier.
Page 223: Stream Content Using Upnp
Stream content using UPnP Stream content using UPnP Using the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) networking protocol, your Pearl can be discovered and can stream to software and hardware media players, set-top-boxes and Smart TVs with ease. If UPnP is enabled, the system automatically establishes communication with media players on the network.
Page 224 Pearl User Guide Stream content using UPnP 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. Click the UPnP link in the Configuration section; the UPnP configuration page opens.
Page 225 Pearl User Guide Stream content using UPnP 1. For channels (live streaming): a. Click the Streaming link for the desired channel; the Streaming page opens. a. Click the Share via UPnP check box (if not checked). b. Click Apply 2. For channels (recorded files): a.
Page 226 Pearl User Guide Stream content using UPnP c. Click the Share via UPnP check box (if not checked). d. Click Apply. You can now browse for your server from your digital media player. Disable UPnP By default, UPnP sharing is disable for the device, and for each channels and recorder. If you enabled UPnP sharing it for a particular broadcast, you may want to disable UPnP sharing after the broadcast is complete.
Page 227 User administration to clear the viewer password. When browsing via UPnP your Pearl is displayed by the server name you set, or it's product serial number. For example, when browsing from a Windows computer, you will see a list of media devices that includes...
Page 228 Play directly to a media player If your digital media player is UPnP enabled, Pearl can play direct the media player to play recorded files, without browsing through menus in the player. Recorded files must be in MPEG-TS format and use the supported codecs: H.264 with MP3 or AAC audio.
Page 229 Change UPnP device name You can configure the UPnP server name that appears for your Pearl. By default, if you left the server name field blank when enabling UPnP, the server name is the system's serial number.
Page 230: Samples Of Stream Settings
Pearl User Guide Samples of stream settings Samples of stream settings When choosing your stream settings it is important to consider the stream content. When streaming fast moving video it's best to choose a higher bitrate and frame rate versus streaming a slide presentation where you can save on bandwidth and system processing by lower the bitrate and frame rate.
Page 231: Streaming Slide Content
Pearl User Guide Streaming slide content Streaming slide content The table below provides suggested settings to maximize your stream quality while minimizing system resource usage when streaming slide content from a PC, Mac or tablet. Setting PC and Mac Tablet Codec H.264...
Page 232: Part 4: Record
PART 4: Record Your Pearl encodes the video and audio it captures. Not only can you stream this content, but you can also simultaneously record it. In fact, if you're streaming a picture in picture layout or low quality streams, you may even want to create separate channels to also record each input at full frame size and with a high bitrate so you have the best possible digital media for future re-use or post-processing.
Page 233: What Is A Recording
Pearl User Guide What is a recording? What is a recording? Your Pearl can record the output from each channel. (See Recorders for information on creating multi-track recorders using multiple channels.) Recordings are very robust and crafted so that even in the case of accidental system shutdown, recording files are closed off and playable.
Page 234: Record A Channel Via The Web Interface
You can choose to create AVI, MP4, MOV or MPEG-TS recordings. See Recording basics to learn how to change the recorded file type. The MOV file type created by Pearl requires a relatively newer player for playback. Epiphan has tested with the following players. Operating System Tested Players ...
Page 235 Pearl User Guide Record a channel via the web interface 4. Click the Recording link for the channel; the Recording page appears. 5. To Start Recording: a. Click the Start button; the recording starts and a timer indicates how long it has been recording.
Page 236: Record A Channel Via The Touch Screen
(by clicking a link or refreshing the page). Record a channel via the touch screen Pearl's touch screen gives you freedom to start and stop recording without needing to log in to the web interface.
Page 237 Pearl User Guide Record a channel via the touch screen The touch screen may be configured to be always off, to prevent channel preview, or to prevent recording control. If you are unable to follow the instructions below, see the Configure the...
Page 238: Configure Recording File Size
Pearl User Guide Configure recording file size Configure recording file size By default, recorders and channels record to AVI files. When the recording reaches 30 minutes in length or a file size of 500 MB (whichever occurs first), the system closes the current recording file and opens a new one.
Page 239 Pearl User Guide Configure recording file size 8. Select a file type from the File type drop down. 9. If desired, enter a prefix for the recordings. All new recording files for this channel or recorder will be prefixed with the text you enter.
Page 240: Restart Recording
Pearl User Guide Restart recording Label Description / Options Select this if you want this channel or recorder to be avialable via UPnP. If global UPnP is not enabled when you select this checkbox, a link appears to let you to fix it. Click the Share via UPnP...
Page 241: Recorders
Recorders Recorders Your Pearl can record the output from each channel and, using Recorders, it can also record multiple channels together in a single multi-track file. Recording multiple channels at once ensures the recordings are started and stopped at the same time, resulting in perfect synchronization.
Page 242: Change The Channels Recorded By A Recorder
Pearl User Guide Change the channels recorded by a recorder Change the channels recorded by a recorder By default when you create a new recorder, it records all the channels configured on the system. If new channels are added, they are automatically added to the recorder.
Page 243: Record With A Recorder
Pearl User Guide Record with a recorder Channels with no active video source are displayed in italics. You can include these channels in your channel selections for the recorder. 7. Click Apply; the changes are reflected in the recorder configuration page.
Page 244 Pearl User Guide Record with a recorder 3. Click the name of the desired recorder; the recorder configuration page appears. 4. To Start Recording: a. Click the Start button; the recording starts and a timer indicates how long it has been recording.
Page 245: Rename Recorded Files
Pearl User Guide Rename recorded files a. Click the Stop button on the given recorder's configuration page. The recorder number changes to black next time the web interface is refreshed (by clicking a link or refreshing the page). Rename recorded files Recording files are named based on the filename prefix specified during configuration.
Page 246 Pearl User Guide Delete recorded files manually If you want to delete all the files on the system, follow this procedure for each channel and recorder listed in the web interface. To delete recordings: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism.
Page 247 Pearl User Guide Delete recorded files manually The list may not update immediately. You can refresh the list by reloading the Recording page (for channels) or the recorder settings page (for recorders).
Page 248: Recorded Files
Recorded files Recordings you make of channels or with recorders are stored on the system's internal hard drive. Pearl has a finite amount of available hard drive storage space. Though it is enough space to hold a lot of recordings, it will eventually run out of space if recordings are added but never removed.
Page 249: Download Recorded Files Manually
Pearl User Guide Download recorded files manually 6. Otherwise: a. All files for this channel are listed, sorted by date. Files that are part of the same recording session are listed one after another. Three dots appear between files of different recording sessions. The file currently being recorded (if applicable) is shown at the top of the list.
Page 250: Extract Tracks From A Recording
Pearl User Guide Extract tracks from a recording 4. To download an individual file: a. Click the name of a recording file to download it. 5. To download multiple files: a. Select the check box next to the recordings you wish to download from this channel or recorder.
Page 251 Pearl User Guide Extract tracks from a recording 5. Select the track(s) you want to extract. Tip: To deselect all tracks, click the check box for the top track, then hold SHIFT and click the check box for the bottom track.
Page 252: Rename Recorded Files
Pearl User Guide Rename recorded files Only one duplicate recording is saved per recording file. If you create a second duplicate recording, it will overwrite the previous copy. Download the file with your extracted tracks to preserve it. Rename recorded files Recording files are named based on the filename prefix specified during configuration.
Page 253 Pearl User Guide Delete recorded files manually 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. SeeConnect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin or operator. 3. Find the recordings by channel or by recorder. See Delete recorded files manually.
Page 254: File And Recording Transfer
File and recording transfer File and recording transfer Your Pearl can be configured to automatically upload recordings from local storage to a network storage location or an attached USB drive. We call this process Automatic File Upload or AFU for short.
Page 255: Choose Files To Include In Afu
Pearl User Guide Choose files to include in AFU Files are uploaded once (i.e. are automatically not re-uploaded during future sessions) and a log is kept showing the file transfers (see below for details on viewing the log). The first transfer occurs after the configured amount of time expires, or after the current file completes recording.
Page 256: Enable And Set Timing For Afu
Pearl User Guide Enable and set timing for AFU 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. For a channel recording: a. Click the desired channel; the channel menu expands.
Page 257 Pearl User Guide Enable and set timing for AFU To enable and configure frequency automatic uploads: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. Select Automatic File Upload from the Configuration section; the Automatic File Upload configuration page opens.
Page 258 Pearl User Guide Enable and set timing for AFU Table 26 Automatic File Upload Interval Options Name Description The system uploads each file after it stops recording it. You can control file size and length to determine when files are done recording. You can also use the On file rotation reset button to close the current file and open a new one.
Page 259: Afu To An Ftp Server
Pearl User Guide AFU to an FTP server Name Description External The system uploads to a USB drive connected directly to the system. USB Drive 10. Follow one of the procedures below to configure your selected protocol or transfer type. ...
Page 260: Afu Using Rsync
Pearl User Guide AFU using RSync 4. Enter the FTP account username in the Login field. 5. Enter the FTP account password in the Password field; the characters are masked with dots. 6. Select Use temp file to name files with a temporary filename extension (.part) on the server until upload is complete.
Page 261 Pearl User Guide AFU using RSync 2. Specify the target Server address. If your system is configured with DHCP or has a valid DNS configuration (see Configure DHCP), you can use the server’s fully qualified domain name instead of the IP address.
Page 262: Afu Using Cifs
Pearl User Guide AFU using CIFS AFU using CIFS This procedure assumes you have completed the steps in Enable and set timing for AFU and wish to continue with configuration of upload using CIFS (also known as SMB or samba).
Page 263: Afu To A Secure Ftp Server
Pearl User Guide AFU to a secure FTP server 9. Click Apply; if there are any problems the system notifies you with a message: One or more parameter values are not valid and those were not applied! The following table describes the options applicable to configuring upload to a CIFS server.
Page 264 6. Select Use temp file to name files with a temporary filename extension (.part) on the server until upload is complete. For secure file transfer you can upload an SSH identity for your Pearl. This key must be trusted by the destination server. Details for generating the key and setting up this trust are beyond the scope of this document.
Page 265: Afu Using Scp
Pearl User Guide AFU using SCP c. Click Upload to upload the file. 2. Use the Test your key field to test your uploaded key against the secure server, if desired. 8. Click Apply; if there are any problems the system notifies you with a message: One or more parameter values are not valid and those were not applied! The following table describes the options applicable to configuring upload to a SFTP server.
Page 266 (Alternatively you can choose to use a private key instead of a password for authentication.) For secure copy you can upload an SSH identity for your Pearl. This key must be trusted by the destination server. Details for generating the key and setting up this trust are beyond the scope of this document.
Page 267: Afu Or Copy To Usb Drive
Pearl User Guide AFU or copy to USB drive 7. Click Apply; if there are any problems the system notifies you with a message: One or more parameter values are not valid and those were not applied! The following table describes the options applicable to configuring upload using SCP.
Page 268 Pearl User Guide AFU or copy to USB drive Only one copy or move to USB operation is permitted at a time, even though the UI may appear to let you start a second one. Please wait until the first is complete before starting a new operation.
Page 269 Pearl User Guide AFU or copy to USB drive Using the fix link disables any other type of automatic file upload you have configured. When you are done with USB uploads, return to the Automatic File Upload configuration page and re-configure FTP, RSYNC, or CIFS.
Page 270 Pearl User Guide AFU or copy to USB drive 5. Select the appropriate check boxes based on the descriptions provided in the following table. If your USB drive does not have activity indicators it is suggested you select either remove after copying or mark file as downloaded so you know when the transfer is complete.
Page 271 AFU or copy to USB drive Manually copy recorded files to USB drive You can manually copy recorder files to a USB drive connected to Pearl. This procedure is separate from automatic file upload and does not need any pre-configuration in the automatic file upload page.
Page 272 View available USB storage space When you insert a USB drive in an available port of Pearl and select an External USB Drive action other than ignored (i.e. manual copy, automatic copy, etc), the total and free space are calculated and displayed in the Web Interface.
Page 273 Pearl User Guide AFU or copy to USB drive Safely eject the USB drive When you have completed work with the USB drive you can safely eject it by using the link at the bottom of the Web Interface page. To safely eject the USB drive: 1.
Page 274: View The Afu Log
Pearl User Guide View the AFU log View the AFU log A log is kept of automatic file uploads. To view the log: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 275 Pearl User Guide Manage the AFU queue 2. Login as admin. 3. From the web interface, click Automatic File Upload; if there are files to be uploaded, they will be displayed under the Upload Queue header. View content in the AFU queue There are several buttons in the web interface that allow you the ability to control how you see your queued content.
Page 276 Pearl User Guide Manage the AFU queue 1. Navigate to the bottom of the upload queue and click Empty Queue to delete the entire upload queue, or click the red 'X' icon at the end of each row to remove files individually.
Page 277: Local Ftp Server
Local FTP server Local FTP server Pearl can act as an FTP server, allowing you to manually or automatically connect to the system and download recordings. Depending on configuration of the FTP server, you may also be able to remotely delete files after download, maximizing available system storage.
Page 278 Pearl User Guide Configure the local FTP server The ftp password is the regular access password for the selected user. See User administration for details on user names and passwords. c. Click Apply. 5. To allow the FTP user to delete files: a.
Page 279: Using The Local Ftp Server
The username and password for your FTP user (See Using the local FTP Server) In the example below, the IP address of Pearl is 192.168.1.210, the username is admin, there is no password, and the Windows command line ftp utility is used. To connect to the FTP server: 1.
Page 280 Pearl User Guide Using the local FTP Server 6. Use dir or your tool’s GUI to look in each folder for recordings. 7. Use get or your tool’s transfer mechanism to transfer files to your computer. 8. If enabled in the FTP configuration page, delete the file after downloading it by issuing the delete command, or using your tool’s delete mechanism.
Page 281: Part 5: Maintenance
PART 5: Maintenance This section covers topics that will keep your Pearl running smoothly. It also covers the mobile/tablet operator interface and ways to configure and operate your system using third party tools via HTTP or RS-232. Specific topics covered are: ...
Page 282: Mobile / Tablet Operator Interface
To get started with the tablet interface you can connect to it in one of the following ways. The device connecting to the tablet interface must be on the same network as the Pearl or must be physically connected to it via USB.
Page 283 Use the mobile version of Epiphan Connect Epiphan has iOS and Android versions of the Epiphan Connect discovery utility. The mobile versions of the discovery utility automatically open the tablet interface when connecting to the Pearl for administration.
Page 284: Confidence Monitoring Using The Tablet Interface
2. Launch Epiphan Connect; the application searches your network and shows you a list of available Epiphan systems. 3. Find your system in the list. If you have several Epiphan systems, look for the serial number of the one to which you'd like to connect.
Page 285 Pearl User Guide Confidence monitoring using the tablet interface 4. For audio inputs without signal, nothing appears in the audio input bars. 5. For audio inputs with signal, the level is shown next to the source name in the audio input bar.
Page 286: Verify Disk Space Via The Tablet Interface
4. If disk space is low, the green bar will be nearly full. Control recording via the tablet interface The tablet interface provides a simple way to control recording for your Pearl. You can control recordings for both channels and recorders from the same interface.
Page 287: Switch To The Full Admin Interface
Pearl User Guide Switch to the full admin interface To control recording from the tablet interface: 1. Connect to the tablet interface. See Connect to the tablet interface. 2. Login as admin or operator. 3. Scroll to the CHANNELS section. 4. Find the channel or recorder from the list under CHANNELS. (The names of the channels and recorders match the names set in the full admin interface.)
Page 288: Power Down And System Restart
Shutting down the device manually Restarting the device via the web interface Pearl's web interface allows you to reboot the system. To restart the system: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 289: Shutting Down The Device Via The Web Interface
4. Click the Shutdown Now button; a confirmation dialog appears. 5. Click OK. Shutting down the device manually You can manually shut down the Pearl via the button physically located on the system. To shut down the system manually: 1.
Page 290: Save And Restore Device Configuration
Save and restore device configuration After completing configuration of your Pearl, it is good practice to save the system configuration so you may restore it at a later date (i.e. after a change that wasn’t wanted, or after a factory reset). In addition to full...
Page 291: Load A Saved Device Configuration
After making changes to the system configuration, you may find that the results are not what you expected or that they serve a different need and you wish to return to a previous configuration. Via Pearl's web interface you can load a previously saved configuration file.
Page 292 Pearl User Guide Load a saved device configuration 6. Click the Restore button; the system configuration is restored and a new page appears asking you to reboot the system. 7. Reboot the system by clicking the link in the message on the web page, or by using the power button on the system;...
Page 293: Perform Factory Reset
Pearl User Guide Perform factory reset Perform factory reset If you’ve been testing with your Pearl and are ready to reset it back to factory settings, you can do this through the web interface. This section covers the following topics: ...
Page 294 Restore factory configuration via the web inter- Pearl User Guide face 5. Click OK on the warning dialog; the system resets to factory defaults and reboots. 6. Wait for the system to reboot and begin re-configuration.
Page 295: Firmware Upgrade
Firmware upgrade Firmware upgrade Epiphan will from time to time issue an updated firmware revision to bring new features to your Pearl. To take advantage of these new features, you will need to install the new firmware on the system.
Page 296: Install Firmware
Install firmware directly from the web interface: If your Pearl has internet access, the easiest method of installing new firmware is to use the download link provided when you check for new firmware. To download new firmware directly: 1.
Page 297 Although unexpected, it is possible the firmware update fails. In this case, the touch screen reports the failure. Please collect system information such as device serial number and, if known, the previous firmware version along with the new firmware version and contact info@epiphan.com...
Page 298 Pearl User Guide Install firmware Install firmware from a file Before getting started, ensure you have the firmware file accessible from your admin computer. To install new firmware from a file: 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface.
Page 299 Although unexpected, it is possible the firmware update fails. In this case, the touch screen reports the failure. Please collect system information such as device serial number and, if known, the previous firmware version along with the new firmware version and contact info@epiphan.com...
Page 300: Support
(Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm Eastern) Call: 1-877-599-6581 / 613-599-6581 From time to time, Epiphan support may ask you for logs from your system. Follow the instructions in this section to download the log files for support. Download logs and "allinfo"...
Page 301 Pearl User Guide Download logs and "allinfo" 1. Connect to the admin interface using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the admin interface. 2. Login as admin. 3. Select the Maintenance link in the Configuration menu; the maintenance page opens.
Page 302: Configure Remote Support
Remote support is configured by default to connect to the Epiphan maintenance server with the domain name epiphany.epiphan.com. The system must be able to resolve this domain name to connect to the server and permit remote support. Remote support uses port 30, therefore this port must be available for communication.
Page 303: Disable Remote Support
11. If the system reaches the maintenance server, ensure your firewall, if you have one, has port 30 open for the system. 12. Confirm with Epiphan support that they are able to access your Pearl for remote troubleshooting. Disable Remote Support By default, remote support is on.
Page 304 Pearl User Guide Disable Remote Support 5. Click Enable connection to maintenance server to deselect it. This prevents outgoing links to Epiphan. 6. Click Apply.
Page 305: Storage Disk Maintenance
Perform disk check Check disk storage space Pearl has a finite amount of storage This storage space holds a lot of recordings, but it can get full. It’s a good idea to monitor your current disk usage. If available storage is low, consider removing some unneeded recordings or setting up an automatic file transfer with deletion after transfer.
Page 306: Check Disk Storage Space Via The Touch Screen
Check disk storage space via the touch screen Check disk storage space via the touch screen Pearl's touch screen can show you the system's disk space on the system information screen. To show system information on the touch screen: 1. If the system information button does not appear on the screen, tap the screen once to turn on the control buttons.
Page 307: Perform Disk Check
4. Click the Check Now button; a new page opens showing you the progress of the disk check. Do not interrupt power to the system during the disk check. 5. When the disk check is complete, the main page returns and a summary is shown. 6. If any unrecoverable errors are detected, contact Epiphan support.
Page 308: Third Party Integration
Third party integration Third party integration Pearl has a comprehensive set of APIs to allow integration with third party tools. You can use either the HTTP or RS-232 commands to configure your system exactly how you need it. For example you can start and stop recordings, you can configure meta data on a channel, or even change a channel's frame size and encoding settings.
Page 309: Control With Rs-232 / Serial Port
Connect and configure the RS-232 cable To connect your control equipment to Pearl you will need a standard RS-232 null-modem cable and a USB to RS-232 serial adapter cable. Adapter cables are not included with Pearl. Only certain adapter chipsets are...
Page 310 5. Click Apply. Control Pearl with RS-232 You can use the null-modem cable and your control terminal software to issue commands to Pearl such as when to start or stop recording, or to retrieve or set the value for various settings.
Page 311 Pearl User Guide Control with RS-232 / serial port The table describes the RS-232 commands supported by Pearl. Table 36 Supported RS-232 Commands Command Name Description Recording Commands Starts recording for the provided channel or recorder. This can alternatively be accomplished with the following set commands: START.<channel>...
Page 312 Pearl User Guide Control with RS-232 / serial port Command Name Description GET.<channel>.<key> Gets the saved value of a given parameter for the specified channel or recorder. GET.<recorder>.<key> SET.<channel>.<key> Sets the value of a given parameter for the specified channel or recorder. The value is not saved until the SAVECFG command is sent.
Page 313 The list of supported SET and GET parameters are found in Configuration keys for third party APIs Each command sent to Pearl via RS 232 must be terminated with a line feed (LF) character (ASCII code 10). Your software may need to be configured to add the line feed to each command.
Page 314 Pearl User Guide Control with RS-232 / serial port SET.2.audio=on SAVECFG 7. To disable broadcasting audio on channel 2: SET.2.audio="" SAVECFG...
Page 315: Control With Http Commands
Control with HTTP commands Control with HTTP commands Pearl has an HTTP API interface for configuration and control by a third party application or with a script that sends commands to the system as a series of URLs. This section covers the following topics: ...
Page 316 Pearl User Guide Control with HTTP commands http://<address>/admin/channel<N>/get_params.cgi?key (or for recorders, add 'm' before the recorder number, i.e. channelm1 for recorder 1) http://<address>/admin/channelm<N>/get_params.cgi?key To Set configuration settings: http://<address>/admin/channel<N>/set_params.cgi?key=value (or for recorders, add 'm' before the recorder number, i.e. channelm1 for recorder 1) http://<address>/admin/channelm<N>/get_params.cgi?key...
Page 317 HTTP command examples Some configuration of Pearl can be done by non-interactive http commands. The following examples demonstrate how to use wget to exercise some of the HTTP commands supported by the system. For values with spaces, encode space as %20. i.e.: set_params.cgi?framesize=640%20x%20480 The examples assume a system IP address of 192.30.23.45 and admin password pass123.
Page 318 Pearl User Guide Control with HTTP commands wget --http-user=admin --http-passwd=pass123 http://192.30.23.45/admin/channelm2/set_ params.cgi?rec_enabled=on...
Page 319: Configuration Keys For Third Party Apis
Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Configuration keys for third party APIs Using HTTP or RS-232, you can send commands to the system to query or configure the system. For the RS- 232 and HTTP syntax see Control with RS-232 / serial port Control with HTTP commands.
Page 320 The value is read-only. Name of the vendor. vendor Epiphan Video The value is always “Epiphan Video”. The value is read-only. System-level settings keys (read/write) The following read/write system-level setting keys are supported. The channel number can be omitted from the command when requesting the value for these keys.
Page 321 To enable firmware update checking, set to on. enabled empty string ("") To disable firmware update checking, set to an empty string (""). To give this system a name in the Epiphan discovery utilty, spe- description string cify a description string.
Page 322 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Values Description To disable settings changes from the touch screen, set to an empty string (""). Specify the time in seconds before the touchsreen times out. touchscreen_timeout integer For no timeout, use 0. Recording configuration keys The following recording settings are supported.
Page 323 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Values Description To enable SSL, set to on. empty string ("") To disable SSL, set to an empty string (""). IP-based access control configuration keys The following settings are supported for configuring allowed and denied IP addresses for the system ONLY, not for individual channels.
Page 324 Specifies ADC offset. offset 0...63 0 is brightest, 63 is darkest. Specifies phase adjustments for VGA signals. Generally not phase 0...31 used unless value is provided by Epiphan support. Specifies PLL adjustment. -999...999 Changes the number of pixels in the line.
Page 325 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Values Description Specifies the number of seconds between auto-adjustments. tune_interval 0...9999 To disable auto-adjustments, set to 0. Specifies vertical shift. vshift -20...20 For shifts up, use positive values. For shifts down, use negative values.
Page 326 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Values Description Specifies the frame per second limit. fpslimit 1-60 Set to your desired limit. 640 x 480 720 x 400 720 x 480 720 x 576 768 x 576 1024 x 768 1152 x 864 Specifies the frame size in pixels.
Page 327 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Values Description videosource deprecated Interval time in seconds between key frames in the encoded vkeyframeinterval integer stream. Specifies the h.264 video profiles. For Baseline profile, select 66. vprofile For Main profile, select 77.
Page 328 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Audio configuration keys The following audio configuration keys are supported. For more information on individual items listed, see Configure Encoding (Multi-source). Table 50 Supported Audio Configuration Keys Values Description Enables or disables audio for the stream.
Page 329 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Table 51 Supported Stream Publishing Configuration Keys Values Description 0 (do not publish) 1 (via Epiphan.tv) 2 (RTSP Announce) 3 (multicast RTP/UDP) 4 (multicast MPEG-TS over UDP) publish_type Specifies the type of stream publishing, if any.
Page 330 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Values Description name by the RTSP server. RTP/UDP configuration keys (Publish type 3) The following settings are supported when the publish type is set to RTP/UDP. For more information on RTP/UDP and these settings, see What is streaming?.
Page 331 Pearl User Guide Configuration keys for third party APIs Table 55 Supported RTMP Annouce Configuration Keys Values Description Specifies the RTMP server address. Set to the appropriate IP announce_host string address. Specifies the RTMP resource name. (This field is named Mount announce_name string Point in the web interface.)
Page 332: Troubleshooting
Pearl User Guide Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Use the follow table for help if you are experiencing problems or unexpected behavior from your Pearl. Problem Action(s) to Resolve Check each source's input from the source preview in the Web Interface. Not sure if the connected video inputs are being captured.
Page 333 If you still cannot see the stream, try disabling your local computer firewall. If the issue is still not resolved, contact Epiphan Support at support@epiphan.com. The following tips can help diagnose image problems: 1. Ensure the source resolution is used as the output or recorded resolution.
Page 334: Releases And Features
This section outlines the features introduced with previous product release. Release 3.15.1 Features (Pearl only) Firmware release 3.15.1 was a big release with a lot of new features for Pearl, making it your perfect, go-to favorite when recording or streaming live video events.
Page 335 Release 3.14.0 Features Touch screen display HDMI input Automatic channels Hardware acceleration for H.264 encoding Stream access control improvements Release 3.12 Features RTMP live streaming SAP Announce...
Page 336: Software And Documentation License
Agreement, (ii) are packaged with this Agreement, or (iii) pre-installed on Epiphan products, or (iv) embed this Agreement in their installer(s) and which are installed after acceptance of this Agreement, and which binary and/or bytecode software programs include any Documentation; and “You”...
Page 337 Software and Documentation are granted only for use in conjunction with Epiphan hardware. You shall not distribute, lease, rent, grant a security interest in, assign, or otherwise transfer the Software except as expressly provided in this Agreement. You shall not modify or create any derivatives works of the Software or merge all or any part of the Software with another program.
Page 338 6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: NEITHER LICENSOR NOR ANY OF ITS LICENSORS, SUPPLIERS, SUBCONTRACTORS AND/OR DISTRIBUTORS SHALL HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THIS AGREEMENT, RELATING TO THE SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION, OR RELATING TO ANY SERVICES PROVIDED TO YOU BY LICENSOR (INCLUDING ITS LICENSORS, SUPPLIERS, SUBCONTRACTORS AND/OR DISTRIBUTORS) IN RELATION TO THE SOFTWARE AND/OR DOCUMENTATION FOR ANY INDIRECT, RELIANCE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,...
Page 339 Software, Documentation or related information. 13. Intellectual Property: Epiphan is a trademark or a registered trademark of Epiphan Systems Inc. in certain countries. All Licensor product names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epiphan Systems Inc.
Page 340 otherwise provide to any third party any portion of the Software, except as expressly permitted in this Agreement. 14. General: This Agreement is the entire agreement between You and Licensor in respect to the Software, superseding any other agreements or discussions, oral or written. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall prevail over any pre-printed terms on any quotes, orders, purchase orders, or purchase order acknowledgements, and shall prevail over any other communications between the parties in relation to the Software.
Page 341 Those who choose to access the Epiphan web site or use Epiphan products do so on their own initiative and are responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable...
Page 342 Notwithstanding this, application may be made to any court for a judicial acceptance of the award or order of enforcement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Epiphan shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, security, or other equitable remedies from any court of competent jurisdiction.

epiphan Pearl User Manual

Start here

PART 1: Setup

PART 2: Capture

PART 3: Stream

PART 4: Record

PART 5: Maintenance

Releases and Features

Software and Documentation License

Quick Links

User Guide

Need help?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for epiphan Pearl

Summary of Contents for epiphan Pearl