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ViewCast Niagara 2120 User Manual

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Niagara 2120 User Guide
Document Number: 40-03266-02-A
Date: February 2010
Niagara 2120

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  • Page 1 Niagara 2120 User Guide Document Number: 40-03266-02-A Date: February 2010 Niagara 2120...

  • Page 3: Preface

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Preface Copyrights Copyright© 2010 ViewCast Corporation. All rights reserved. Trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries include:   ViewCast Niagara SCX   ViewCast logo SimulStream   Niagara GoStream  ...

  • Page 4: Corporate Contact Information

    In no event will ViewCast Corporation be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product or documentation, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
  • Page 5 Reseller Pass Through of Resellers pass the ViewCast standard limited warranties Standard Limited Warranties for the products through to the customer without modification. Any modification of a product voids the ViewCast warranties or any other existing or available warranty. ViewCast...
  • Page 6 Preface ViewCast...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    System Requirements ....................... 11 Specifications ........................11 Niagara 2120 Front Panel ....................12 Review the Niagara 2120 Rear Panel ................15 Connecting the Niagara 2120 ................... 16 Niagara 2120 Menu Bar Commands ................. 17 Niagara 2120 Browser Windows Flow ................18 Chapter 2: Easy Setup ................

  • Page 8: Contents

    Stopping Encoding ......................45 Shutdown .......................... 46 Chapter 4: Perform Advanced Operations ..........47 Configuring Niagara 2120 Properties ................47 Changing Computer Name ....................48 Changing the Login Password From the Factory Default ..........49 Restoring the Login Password to the Factory Default ..........50 Configuring Alerts ......................
  • Page 9 Niagara 2120 User Guide Setting CPU Thresholds ....................59 Setting SimulStream Filters ..................59 Restoring Niagara 2120 Factory Defaults ..............60 Viewing the Activity Log ....................62 Viewing Alerts ........................64 Connecting an External Storage Device ................65 Using the Niagara SCX Interface ..................65 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 ...........
  • Page 10 Contents ViewCast...

  • Page 11: About This Guide

    H.264 streaming via the Adobe® Flash® Platform. The Niagara 2120 is built on the legendary quality of ViewCast Osprey® video capture card technology, which means you can count on the same highly reliable performance demanded by others who use ViewCast technology, including the world’s leading broadcasters and content delivery networks.

  • Page 12: Audience

    About This Guide Audience The audience for this publication includes anyone who uses or administers the Niagara 2120. They should have a basic technical understanding of streaming media. This user guide provides information on the Niagara 2120 only. Conventions for This Guide This guide uses the document conventions specified in Table 1 to help you identify different types of information.

  • Page 13: Rack Mount Safety Instructions

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Rack Mount Safety Instructions The operating ambient temperature of a rack environment may be Operating Temperature greater than room ambient if installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly. Therefore, users should install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature of 40°...

  • Page 14: Fcc Notice

    WARNING! Modifications to this device not approved by ViewCast Corporation could void the FCC-granted authority for the user to operate the device. WARNING! The Niagara 2120 complies with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when users operate the equipment in a commercial environment.

  • Page 15: Environmental Notices

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

  • Page 16: Warnings

    NOTE: You may stack multiple Niagara 2120 units as these appliances accommodate stacking. Do not install the appliance in any area where the temperature is less than 5°C or more than 40°C. Transfer from temperature extremes may cause condensation. Let the appliance remain unplugged at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before connecting it.
  • Page 17  A dropped appliance ViewCast assumes no liability or responsibility for any damaged appliance that clients continue using. Use only attachments, accessories, or equipment specified by the manufacturer with the appliance. Using accessories or attachments not recommended by the encoder manufacturer voids the Limited Warranty.
  • Page 18 About This Guide ViewCast...

  • Page 19: Chapter 1: Overview

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Chapter 1: Overview Before you can use your Niagara 2120 streaming media appliance, you will first need to set up and configure it. This chapter is dedicated to providing you with the details and step-by-step instructions you need to make your installation as quick-and-easy as possible.

  • Page 20: Install Overview

    4. Connect the Niagara 2120 to an IP network. 5. Configure the Niagara 2120 system. Prerequisites Prerequisites you must consider prior to installing and connecting the Niagara 2120 include:  Ensure you have all packaged items and that they remain undamaged and in working order.

  • Page 21: System Requirements

    Niagara 2120 CD If any components are missing or damaged, do not continue with the installation. Contact the ViewCast reseller from which you purchased your Niagara 2120 streaming media appliance for assistance in obtaining any missing parts or for parts replacement.

  • Page 22: Niagara 2120 Front Panel

    Chapter 1: Overview Niagara 2120 Front Panel You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara 2120. Besides the basic buttons for power, start/stop, and audio volume control, several indicator lights also exist. Figure 2 and Table 2 below illustrate the buttons and lights that constitute the front panel functions and interfaces.
  • Page 23  Press and hold for approximately 10 seconds until all 20 LEDs remain lit to restore the Niagara 2120 to complete factory defaults. IMPORTANT! This option deletes all previously set profiles.
  • Page 24 This indicator illuminates when a system alert occurs. Alarm and Status Indicator  Displays to indicate a remote user. Remote  Control A remote user is accessing the Niagara 2120 across the network (using the Niagara 2120 Web interface).  Video encoding status (active). ViewCast...

  • Page 25: Review The Niagara 2120 Rear Panel

    Figure 3. Rear Panel Figure 3 shows the rear panel of the Niagara 2120. Using the reference chart and images below, you can connect the appropriate device and power to the Niagara 2120. Table 3. Rear Panel Connection Descriptions...

  • Page 26: Connecting The Niagara 2120

    Connectors Connecting the Niagara 2120 Follow the steps in Table 4 to configure all Niagara 2120 connections. The example uses composite video input and unbalanced audio. The steps detailed in Table 4 refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 2120 only.

  • Page 27: Niagara 2120 Menu Bar Commands

    Niagara 2120 whenever it encounters an operation error.  View Activity Log – View all Niagara 2120 activities Status including the time and date for each event.  View Alerts – View all alerts including the time and date for each alert.

  • Page 28: Niagara 2120 Browser Windows Flow

    Chapter 1: Overview Niagara 2120 Browser Windows Flow Figure 5 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available configuration windows you may use to configure the Niagara 2120. Figure 5. Niagara 2120 Browser Windows ViewCast...

  • Page 29: Chapter 2: Easy Setup

    The easy setup option explores the optimal configurations for the novice user to set up the Niagara 2120 quickly and easily. Easy setup includes actions you can perform on your Niagara 2120 streaming media encoder using the Web interface to include configuring the following: ...

  • Page 30: Easy First Time Setup

     International power cable  UK power cable Follow the steps in Table 6 to connect your power source to the Niagara 2120. Table 6. Connect the Power Source Step Action Attach the block end to the power cable that comes with the equipment.

  • Page 31: Performing The Initial Start Up

    Performing the Initial Start Up Complete all steps in Tables 4 and 6 for connecting your Niagara 2120. Finally, you must follow a series of menus that let you set up the initialized system (Table 7). The steps in Table 7 refer to a direct connection to the Niagara 2120 only.
  • Page 32 You must enter User Name and Password again. This time when you enter your valid user name and password, the system displays the Welcome window (Figure 8) and Niagara 2120 Main Menu. Refer to Table 5 for a list and description of main menu options.

  • Page 33: Connecting To An Ip Network

    The Niagara 2120 network settings for its network interface defaults to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on the network. If a DHCP server is not available or is not on the network, Niagara 2120 assigns its own IP address.

  • Page 34: Defining The Network Properties

    Machine Properties window and click Edit to change the computer name. Click Submit to change the name. If you change the computer name, you must NOTE: reboot the system after you submit it. MAC Address View the default Media Access Control (MAC) address. ViewCast...
  • Page 35 Niagara 2120 User Guide Field Action Primary WINS Server Input or accept the primary windows server identifier. Press Enter to accept your selection. Secondary WINS Server Input or accept the secondary windows server identifier. Press Enter to accept your selection.
  • Page 36 Chapter 2: Easy Setup ViewCast...

  • Page 37: Chapter 3: Perform Basic Operations

    Open the Web browser on your computer. You can either:  Type the Niagara 2120 serial number in the Address bar (Figure 10) and press Enter. Figure 10. Address Bar  Type the IP address in the Address bar (Figure 11) and press Enter.
  • Page 38 NOTE: System administrators should previously configure all user names and passwords for those who they allow to log on to the system. Press Login. The Niagara 2120 Welcome window and Menu Bar appear (Figure 13). Figure 13. Welcome Window ViewCast...

  • Page 39: Viewing All Encoders

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Viewing All Encoders The Encoders window provides a list of all of the encoder profiles loaded on the Niagara 2120. On the home page, click Encoders  All Encoders. Figure 14. Encoders Window Table 11. Encoder Options...

  • Page 40: Starting An Encoder

    Messages appear detailing the encoder start progress (Figure 16). Figure 16. Encoder Start Status The Encoders window appears with the encoder status updated and the streaming indicator changes to a blue circle Started icon (Figure 17). Figure 17. Encoders Window ViewCast...

  • Page 41: Stopping An Encoder

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Step Action Stopping an Encoder To stop an encoder, on the home page click Encoders  All Encoders. Table 13. Stopping an Encoder Step Action Click the blue Started icon of the encoder you wish to stop streaming (Figure 18).
  • Page 42 Chapter 3: Perform Basic Operations Step Action Figure 20. Encoders Window ViewCast...

  • Page 43: Editing An Adobe Flash H.264 Encoder

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Editing an Adobe Flash H.264 Encoder When you create a new encoder, the Encoder Properties window appears. The Encoder Properties windows for editing a new encoder or an existing encoder are identical. You must configure the video and audio settings for each encoder type.

  • Page 44: Video Tab

    Table 14. Configuring Video Input Settings Step Action In the Source field, click a device from the drop-down list. The Niagara 2120 is a single-channel encoder. The video source is initialized into multiple inputs denoted by the following incrementing decimal values:  Disabled ...
  • Page 45 Niagara 2120 User Guide Step Action  Standard – Square pixels for a VGA monitor  CCIR-601 – Elongated pixels for a TV monitor Click the setting that reflects the type of display on which your viewers will view your content.
  • Page 46 Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not for PAL NOTE: and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. Click Submit. ViewCast...

  • Page 47: Audio Tab

    In the Input field, click the audio input. The connection is either Unbalanced or XLR Balanced. IMPORTANT! The audio input must match the source connected on the back of the Niagara 2120 and your audio source. Click the Format. Click the Bitrate.

  • Page 48: Output Tab

    Click the Save to File checkbox to save the encoded content to a file. Each time you start this encoder, the system overwrites the previous file.  Click Create unique file to create a file that the system does not overwrite. ViewCast...
  • Page 49 D. If you save your files to another drive on the Niagara 2120, the system could delete the files when you use the Restore to Niagara 2120 Factory Defaults feature.

  • Page 50: H.264 Settings Tab

    Click the Restore Defaults link at the bottom of the window to return the settings to the defaults. NOTE: The database has seven profiles. Clicking Restore Defaults for one profile will change all profiles back to the default settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 51: Viewing Encoder Groups

    (Flash) and one profile for that encoder type. You must have at least one group assigned on the Niagara 2120 and one encoder profile assigned to that group. The Encoder Groups window (Figure 30), a subset of Encoders (on the home page), allows you to view the list of encoder groups available for assignment to the Niagara 2120.

  • Page 52: Starting An Encoder Group

    With each encoder started, more system resources (CPU cycles) are consumed. NOTE: ViewCast recommends the total CPU threshold not exceed an average of 50 %. Stopping an Encoder Group To stop an encoder group, click the Stop link to the right in the Stop column of the group you want to stop.

  • Page 53: Creating Encoder Groups

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Creating Encoder Groups Encoders assigned to a group should not use the same video input device. If two encoders try to use the same port number at the same time, an error will occur. Click the Create New Group link on the Encoder Groups window (Figure 31).

  • Page 54: Editing Encoder Groups

    Click the Edit link on the Encoder Groups window (Figure 32). Figure 32. Encoder Groups Window Table 20. Creating Encoder Groups Step Description Enter the name of the group. Click Yes or No. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit. ViewCast...

  • Page 55: Starting An Encoder Group With The Stream Button

    If you fail to reduce the number of sessions to reduce CPU load, all encoding sessions may self-terminate without warning. Stopping Encoding To stop the active encoding group, press the Stop button on the front panel. The Niagara 2120 browser displays the list of encoders and shows the status of each session. ViewCast...

  • Page 56: Shutdown

    Step Action Briefly press Power on the front panel. The Niagara 2120 front panel status light starts blinking and turns off once it is ready to stop streaming. The Niagara 2120 powers off after a few seconds. CAUTION: Allow the Niagara 2120 to power down normally. If you force the system to shut down improperly, it can corrupt your data.

  • Page 57: Chapter 4: Perform Advanced Operations

    Viewing alerts Configuring Niagara 2120 Properties The Niagara 2120 Machine Properties window (Figure 33) provides details on software versions, network name, serial number, and hard drive configurations. Click Configuration  Niagara 2120 Properties from the menu bar on the home page.

  • Page 58: Changing Computer Name

    Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Changing Computer Name The Computer Name field contains the current network name for the Niagara 2120. This name is the same name you typed into the Web browser to access the Niagara SCX Web interface.

  • Page 59: Changing The Login Password From The Factory Default

    Changing the Login Password From the Factory Default The Niagara 2120 Properties section has two fields: User Name and Serial Number. You can only change the User Name field, which changes the User Password from the factory default (Figure 36).

  • Page 60: Restoring The Login Password To The Factory Default

    If you forget or lose your password, you can restore the default password by running the Restore Niagara 2120 Factory Defaults option. For more information, see Restore Niagara 2120 Factory Defaults in the System Configuration section later in this chapter.

  • Page 61: Configuring Alerts

    You must specify the email address where you want an alert sent, along with your email server user name, password, and server name. For more information about configuring the Niagara 2120 to send email alerts, see the System Configuration section. Light Alarm Click the Light Alarm checkbox.

  • Page 62: Configuring Network Properties

    Configuring Network Properties The Network Properties window (Figure 39) provides detailed information on the current network settings for the Niagara 2120 Network Cards. Click Configuration  Network Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 39. Network Properties...

  • Page 63: Configuring Ip Address

    Enter the appropriate information in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Preferred DNS Server and Alternate DNS Server fields. Click Submit. Configuring Advanced Settings (Network) Advanced network settings provides the Niagara 2120 network name, MAC Address, and server IP address settings (Figure 42). Figure 42. Advanced Settings ViewCast...
  • Page 64 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 The Niagara 2120 network name (GW09060012) is a link. If you click this link, the system transfers you to the Machine Properties window. From this window, you can change the name of the Niagara 2120.

  • Page 65: System Configuration Settings

    The System Configuration Settings window (Figure 43) allows you to modify your Niagara 2120 default system settings. You can configure email settings to enable Niagara 2120 to send an email to predefined email addresses any time the Niagara 2120 encoder encounters an alert condition. You can also customize the information the Niagara 2120 displays on its front panel when the system exists in idle mode.

  • Page 66: Setting Current System Configuration

    Click the Minutes in the drop-down list. Click AM and PM in the drop-down list. Click the Change Date link. A calendar appears. Click the date on the calendar. Click the Video Standard from the drop-down list. Click Submit. ViewCast...

  • Page 67: Configuring Email Settings

    Enter the password if required. For security purposes, the password for your account does not NOTE: display once the system enters it into the Niagara 2120 settings. Although this field appears blank after you click Submit, the system retains the password information.

  • Page 68: Configuring Default Directory Setting

    Configuring Default Directory Setting The Niagara 2120 stores AV files when you click the Save to File option in the encoder profile in the Default AV folder. Refer to the Save to File option under the Flash Encoder Properties (Figure 46) sections for information on setting an encoder profile to create an AV file.

  • Page 69: Setting Cpu Thresholds

    You may set the CPU Threshold field (Figure 49) to accommodate optimal encoding capabilities. You also may set the time between repetitive intervals for checking the CPU threshold. Figure 49. Encoder Startup Settings ViewCast recommends a CPU threshold setting of 50% or lower. NOTE: Setting SimulStream Filters You may indicate the number of SimulStream filters per video device using the SimulStream Settings field (Figure 50).

  • Page 70: Restoring Niagara 2120 Factory Defaults

    All services automatically restart when the system restore completes. You may then use the Niagara 2120 Web interface tool to reset the time, date, and video format. Click the Restore Niagara 2120 Factory defaults link on the Configuration  System Configuration Settings window to start the process (Figure 51).
  • Page 71 Niagara 2120 User Guide Restore to Factory Defaults rebuilds the Niagara 2120 primary disk drive C with the NOTE: original system image. You lose all custom settings and any files saved to drive C. You cannot reverse this process. However, you can manually re-enter your custom settings once the Niagara 2120 restore process completes.

  • Page 72: Viewing The Activity Log

    Click the icon for a print view of the activity log. When the print friendly view appears, click File  Print to print a hard copy or save a soft copy of the Activity Log. Created Displays the system date and time stamps for each event. Type Indicates the type of activity. ViewCast...
  • Page 73 Niagara 2120 User Guide Fields Description Description Displays a description of the activity. ViewCast...

  • Page 74: Viewing Alerts

    Viewing Alerts Click Status  View Alerts from the home page. The Alerts Window updates with every alert event on the Niagara 2120. The alerts include any specific alert events for the encoder. Figure 54. Alerts Window Table 31. Alert Fields...

  • Page 75: Connecting An External Storage Device

    AV files you created on the local storage drive of the Niagara 2120. The encoder defaults to set the local storage drive D when you use the Save to File setting with the Niagara 2120 Web interface.
  • Page 76 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 ViewCast...

  • Page 77: Appendix: Advanced Settings For H.264

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 In general, the default values (Table 32) for the H.264 encoder will meet your streaming requirements. For devices with restricted bandwidths and under certain conditions such as low bit rates, motion specific, or constant bit rate applications, you may need to adjust the advanced settings.

  • Page 78: Setting Value

    You can change the default settings according to the type of video you are streaming in constant bit rate (CBR), mobile, or variable bit rate (VBR):  CBR - Newscast  CBR - Sports  CBR - Action  Mobile  VBR – Newscast  VBR – Sports  VBR - Action ViewCast...

  • Page 79: Cbr - Newscast

    Niagara 2120 User Guide CBR – Newscast Newscast type content has low motion and some scene changes. Table 33. CBR – Newscast Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax BFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 41496352 CodecFlags2 131328 CoderType DirectMVPrediction GOPSize GOPSizeMin IFrameQuantFactor 0.71...
  • Page 80 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 81: Cbr - Sports

    Niagara 2120 User Guide CBR – Sports A sports event sequence is a typical representation of a sports game. Table 34. CBR – Sports Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax bFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 4196352 CodecFlags2 131328 CoderType DirectMVPrediction GOPSize...
  • Page 82 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 83: Cbr - Action

    Niagara 2120 User Guide CBR – Action An action movie sequence has a lot of lasers, explosions, bright lights flickering, dust, and scene changes. Table 35. CBR – Action Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax BFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 4196352...
  • Page 84 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value SceneChangeDetectThreshold TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 85: Mobile

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Mobile Table 36. Mobile Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax BFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 4196352 CodecFlags2 131328 CoderType DirectMVPrediction GOPSize GOPSizeMin IFrameQuantFactor -0.71 InLoopDeblockingFilterAlpha InLoopDeblockingFilterBeta Level MotionEstimationMethod MotionEstimationRange MotionEstimationSubPelQuality MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison NoiseReduction QuantizerMax QuantizerMaxDiffBetweenFrames QuantizerMin QuantizerScaleBlurOverTime QuantizerScaleCompress...
  • Page 86 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 87: Vbr - Newscast

    Niagara 2120 User Guide VBR – Newscast Table 37. VBR – Newscast Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax BFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 4196352 CodecFlags2 131328 CoderType ConstantRateFactor DirectMVPrediction GOPSize GOPSizeMin IFrameQuantFactor 0.71 InLoopDeblockingFilterAlpha InLoopDeblockingFilterBeta Level MotionEstimationMethod MotionEstimationRange MotionEstimationSubPelQuality MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison NoiseReduction...
  • Page 88 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 89: Vbr - Sports

    Niagara 2120 User Guide VBR – Sports Table 38. VBR – Sports Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax BFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 4196352 CodecFlags2 131328 CoderType ConstantRateFactor DirectMVPrediction GOPSize GOPSizeMin IFrameQuantFactor -0.8 InLoopDeblockingFilterAlpha InLoopDeblockingFilterBeta Level MotionEstimationMethod MotionEstimationRange MotionEstimationSubPelQuality MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison NoiseReduction...
  • Page 90 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 91: Vbr - Action

    Niagara 2120 User Guide VBR – Action Table 39. VBR – Action Settings Setting Value BFramesBias BFramesMax BFramesStrategy BitRateTolerance BlurComplexity ChromaOffset CodecFlags 4196352 CodecFlags2 131328 CoderType ConstantRateFactor DirectMVPrediction GOPSize GOPSizeMin IFrameQuantFactor -0.71 InLoopDeblockingFilterAlpha InLoopDeblockingFilterBeta Level MotionEstimationMethod MotionEstimationRange MotionEstimationSubPelQuality MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison NoiseReduction...
  • Page 92 Appendix: Advanced Settings for H.264 Setting Value TrellisRDQuantization ViewCast...

  • Page 93: Settings

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Settings Table 40 provides an explanation of each setting and its function. Table 40. Explanation of Settings Setting Explanation BitRateTolerance Setting the bit rate tolerance tells the encoder it must hit the target bit rate almost exactly. However, this value can have an adverse effect on quality because you are forcing the encoder to stay at a target bit rate.

  • Page 94: Motionestimationrange

    0 — fullpel only (not recommended) 1 — QPel SAD 1 iteration 2 — QPel SATD 2 iterations 3 — HPel on MB then Qpel 4 — Always Qpel 5 — Multi QPel + bime ViewCast...
  • Page 95 Niagara 2120 User Guide Setting Explanation 6 — RD on I/P frames 7 — RD on all frames 8 — RD refinement on I/P frames 9 — RD refinement on all frames 10 — QP-RD (requires trellis=2, aq-mode >0) QuantizerMax The default setting is 31.
  • Page 96 0 turns off scene change detection. Higher values of scenecut increase the number of scenecuts detected. A good default is IMPORTANT! Lowering the default causes less scene detections so it would use less IDR frames. Those are expensive heavyweight frames. ViewCast...

  • Page 97: Other Settings

    Niagara 2120 User Guide Other Settings Table 41. Other Settings Setting Explanation BlurComplexity Apply a Gaussian blur with the given radius to the quantizer curve. This value means the quantizer assigned to each frame blurs temporally with its neighbors to limit quantizer fluctuations.
  • Page 98 (100 to 1000 for de-noising) TrellisRDQuantization This value performs Trellis quantization to increase efficiency. 0 = No quantization 1 = Quantization on final macroblock 2 = Always quantize This value requires CABAC. NOTE: ViewCast...

  • Page 99: Index

    Index Active Network Link field, 54 Connect an External Storage Device, 65 Activity Log Fields, 62 Connect Niagara 2120 to an IP Network, 23 Activity Log Window, 62 Connect to an Electrical Power Source, 20 Address Bar, 27 Connect to Network, steps for, 23...
  • Page 100 Perform Basic Operations, 27 Flash Encoder Properties, 33 Perform the Initial Start Up, 21 Front Panel Lights and Button Descriptions, 12 Power Off the Niagara 2120, steps for, 46 H.264 Settings Tab, 40 Prerequisites, 10 High Temperature Alert field, 58...
  • Page 101 View Alerts, 64 USB flash device, 65 View the list of encoder groups, 41 Use the Niagara SCX Interface, 65 ViewCast Niagara 2120, Picture of, 1 VBR – Action Settings, 81 Warnings, 6 VBR – Newscast Settings, 77 Warranties, iv VBR –...
  • Page 102 ® ® © 2010 ViewCast Corporation. ViewCast , Niagara (and design) are registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product specifications and availability may change without notice. 40-03266-02-A...

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