1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. ViewCast Manuals
  4. Media Converter
  5. Niagara GoStream SURF
  6. User manual

ViewCast Niagara GoStream SURF User Manual

Streaming media system
Hide thumbs Also See for Niagara GoStream SURF:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for ViewCast Niagara GoStream SURF

Summary of Contents for ViewCast Niagara GoStream SURF

  • Page 3 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: Table Of Contents

    Niagara GoStream SURF system menu ..............17 Niagara GoStream SURF home page ................18 Menu bar commands ................... 18 Niagara GoStream SURF browser windows flow ............20 Easy Setup ......................21 Web interface ......................22 Easy first time setup ....................23 Connecting to an electrical power source ............
  • Page 6 Output tab ......................73 H.264 Presets tab ....................75 MPEG-4 Presets tab ..................... 76 MPEG-2 Presets tab ..................... 77 Windows Media encoder ................... 78 Video tab ......................79 Audio tab ......................81 Output tab ......................82 DRM tab ....................... 85 ViewCast...
  • Page 7 Configuring default directory setting ..............113 Setting CPU thresholds ..................113 Setting SimulStream filters ................114 Restoring Niagara GoStream SURF factory defaults .......... 114 Viewing the activity log .................... 116 Viewing alerts ......................118 Connecting an external storage device ..............119 Using the Niagara SCX interface ................
  • Page 8 Install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service............... 124 Installing for the first time ................. 124 Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service ........127 Install and Configure Supero Doctor III Agent Service ..........129 Configure Supero Doctor III SNMP Agent Service ............ 130 Disable health monitoring for devices not in use ..........
  • Page 9 Set gateway address ..................179 Set date and time ....................180 Setting video standard ..................180 Factory restore ....................181 Export files menu ..................... 182 Export to USB drive .................... 182 Shutdown Niagara GoStream SURF ..............182 Index ........................183 ViewCast...

  • Page 11: Before You Begin

    Niagara GoStream SURF, select your target playback device, enter your streaming server information, and press the Stream button. You can configure and use the Niagara GoStream SURF right out of the box for most streaming uses. For more advanced settings or controlling your Niagara GoStream SURF from another networked computer, use the Niagara SCX Remote Management Software.

  • Page 12: Audience

    The audience for this publication includes anyone who uses or administers the Niagara GoStream SURF. They should have a basic technical understanding of streaming media. This user guide provides information on the Niagara GoStream SURF only. Conventions for this guide This guide uses the following document conventions to help you identify different types of information.

  • Page 13: Rack Mount Safety Instructions

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Rack mount safety instructions The operating ambient temperature of a rack environment Operating Temperature may be greater than room ambient if installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly. Therefore, you should install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature of 40°...

  • Page 14: Fcc Notice

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

  • Page 15: Installing Additional Software

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

  • Page 16: 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 17: Warnings

    These conditions can damage the system thereby voiding the limited warranty. Note: You may stack multiple Niagara GoStream SURF units as these systems accommodate stacking. Do not install the system in any area where the temperature is less than 5°C or more than 40°C.
  • Page 18  A dropped system ViewCast assumes no liability or responsibility for any damaged system that clients continue using. Use only attachments, accessories, or equipment specified by the manufacturer with the system. Using accessories or attachments not recommended by the encoder manufacturer voids the Limited Warranty.

  • Page 19: Overview

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

  • Page 20: Install Overview

    Connect the Niagara GoStream SURF to an IP network. Configure the Niagara GoStream SURF system. Prerequisites Before installing and connecting the Niagara GoStream SURF, ensure you comply with the following prerequisites:  All packaged items are undamaged and in working order.

  • Page 21: Package Contents

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

  • Page 22: Gostream Surf Front Panel

    Overview GoStream SURF front panel You should familiarize yourself with the front panel controls for the Niagara GoStream SURF. Besides the basic buttons for power, start/stop, up/down and menu access, there are many indicator lights that are hidden until illuminated. Figure 2 illustrates the buttons and lights that constitute the front panel functions and interfaces.
  • Page 23 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide display.  Use these buttons to navigate the system menu on the LCD display.  Press this button to start the encoder highlighted on the LCD display.  Press this button to stop an encoder when it is highlighted on the LCD display.

  • Page 24: Gostream Surf Back Panel

     Connects Niagara GoStream SURF accessories.  Provides system connection to a display monitor.  Qualified ViewCast field technicians should be the only persons to use this connection.  Connects the Niagara GoStream SURF to the IP network.  The SURF includes a BNC-to-RCA adapter so you can connect a composite RCA video cable to the BNC connector labeled CVBS-Pb.
  • Page 25 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide  The connection may require an additional S-Video adapter (included).  These XLR connectors provide left- and right-balanced stereo input. High-end audio and video playback equipment may have these professional connectors. Note: A microphone preamplifier or mixer with XLR preamp functions is required to connect an XLR microphone to the balanced audio input.

  • Page 26: Connecting The Niagara Gostream Surf

    Connect the right and left audio. Refer to Figure 3 item J for left and right connections. Connect the power AC adaptor (item A on Figure 3). Attach the Niagara GoStream SURF to the network input (item D on Figure 3). Press Power (item A on Figure 2).

  • Page 27: Niagara Gostream Surf System Menu

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

  • Page 28: Niagara Gostream Surf Home Page

    The home page (Figure 5) is the first page that appears after you log into the Niagara SCX Remote Management Software. From this page, you can access the different windows for configuring, controlling, and monitoring the activities and alerts from the Niagara GoStream SURF. Figure 5. Niagara GoStream SURF home page Menu bar commands The home page menu bar allows you to use the commands described below.
  • Page 29 View Alerts – View all alerts including the time and date for each alert.  Maintenance Product Registration – Register your Niagara system to protect your investment.  Log Out Log out of the Niagara GoStream SURF and return to the Web site login screen. ViewCast...

  • Page 30: Niagara Gostream Surf Browser Windows Flow

    Overview Niagara GoStream SURF browser windows flow Figure 6 shows the interrelationship and flow of the available configuration windows you may use to configure the Niagara GoStream SURF. Figure 6. Niagara GoStream SURF browser windows ViewCast...

  • Page 31: Easy Setup

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

  • Page 32: Web Interface

    Presets A, B, and C o Groups  Configuration o Niagara Properties o Alerts including Settings o Network Properties o IP Route Table o System Configuration  Status o Activity Log o Alerts  Maintenance o Product Registration  Log Out ViewCast...

  • Page 33: Easy First Time Setup

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

  • Page 34: Performing The Initial Startup

    Easy Setup Performing the initial startup The following steps refer to a direct connection to the Niagara GoStream SURF only. To perform first startup session: Ensure that you connect all devices (power cords, systems, streaming devices, etc.) to the Niagara GoStream SURF.

  • Page 35: Connecting To An Ip Network

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide 9). Niagara GoStream SURF uses a 24-hour clock format for its system clock entries. Figure 9. Time screen 11. Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to increment the numerical value of the hour. 12. Press Stream to move to the Minute field.

  • Page 36: Changing The Network Settings

    11. Press Enter. The network settings screen displays (Figure 15). Figure 15. Network settings screen 12. Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to select Turn DHCP On. 13. Press Enter. The enable DHCP screen appears (Figure 16). Figure 16. Enable DHCP screen ViewCast...
  • Page 37 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Note: Press Menu to cancel this action and exit. 14. Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to select Yes. 15. Press Enter. The confirmation screen appears (Figure 17). Figure 17. Confirmation screen 16. Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to select Yes.

  • Page 39: Basic Operations

    You may customize your encoder settings and assign specific encoder profiles using the front panel. Starting up If this is the first time you are using the Niagara GoStream SURF, refer to the First Start Setup section before continuing. To start up: Press Power .

  • Page 40: Shutting Down

    Basic Operations Shutting down Allow the Niagara GoStream SURF to power down normally. If you force the system to shut down improperly, your data can be corrupted. If so, the next time you start the system it can take several minutes to complete startup.

  • Page 41: Starting An Encoder

    From a network computer connected to the same network. Log in to the web interface and create encoders (see ). The LCD screen on the Niagara GoStream SURF displays the list of available encoder profiles you created and the status of each.
  • Page 42 The screen will indicate that the encoder profile you selected has begun encoding. The video detection light illuminates if horizontal video sync is detected on either the S-Video or Composite video input of the Niagara GoStream SURF. ViewCast...

  • Page 43: Checking Cpu Usage

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Checking CPU usage When the Niagara GoStream SURF is idle (no encoders are streaming), the CPU percentage is normally 4 % or less. If one or more encoders are streaming, the percentage is much higher and fluctuates in a range of +/- 10 %.

  • Page 44: Stopping An Encoder

    Press Stop. The encoder screen appears (Figure 31) showing the status of each encoder. Figure 31. Encoder screen Use the Up and Down arrow buttons to select the encoder you want to terminate. Press Stop. The stopping screen appears (Figure 32). Figure 32. Stopping screen Press Menu. The system menu appears. ViewCast...

  • Page 45: Connecting An External Storage Device

    Connecting an external storage device The Niagara GoStream SURF has one USB port on the front panel and one on the rear panel. You can connect almost any standard USB storage device to one or both of these ports. You can then export any audiovisual files you may have created on Niagara GoStream SURF’s local storage drive.
  • Page 46 Press Enter. The filename screen appears (Figure 37). Figure 37. Filename screen Use the Up and Down arrows to select the desired file to transfer. 10. Press Enter. While the Niagara GoStream SURF exports the file, the exporting screens appear (Figure 38). Figure 38. Exporting screens...

  • Page 47: Unmounting Usb Device

    The aborting unmounting screen appears. If you press Unmount and no USB devices are mounted to the Niagara GoStream SURF, the no USB devices found screen appears. The screen remains until you press Menu, which acts as an escape from the current unmounting session.

  • Page 49: Web Interface

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Web Interface The Niagara GoStream SURF includes a web interface, which allows you to access the advanced system settings. The web interface also provides detailed settings and control over the encoder profiles installed on Niagara GoStream SURF.
  • Page 50 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 GoStream SURF Welcome Window and menu bar appear (Figure 46). Figure 46. Welcome window...
  • Page 51 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide ViewCast...

  • Page 52: Registering Your Product

    Product Registration page  ViewCast website  ViewCast Support help desk (Call 972-488-7157 and provide the serial number and SKU.) To register online: Access the Product Registration page: Click Maintenance  Product Registration. The Product Registration page displays (Figure 47).
  • Page 53 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Copy the registration URL. From another computer, open a browser and paste the URL into the address bar. Enter your name and contact information in the spaces provided (Figure 49). Figure 49. Contact Information Select the type of product. The serial number and SKU are automatically populated (Figure 50 is for example purposes only).
  • Page 54 Web Interface Click Save Settings. After a few seconds, a confirmation message displays. ViewCast...

  • Page 55: Viewing All Encoders

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Viewing all encoders The Encoders window (Figure 51) provides a list of all of the encoder profiles loaded on the Niagara GoStream SURF. On the home page click Encoders  All Encoders. Figure 51. Encoders window Click this link to edit the encoder properties, streaming settings, and advanced streaming settings.

  • Page 56: Creating An Encoder

    Select the Encoder Type from the drop-down list. Enter the name of the encoder. Note: Valid characters are alphanumeric, space, dash, and dot. To use the same properties from another encoder, enable Clone Properties From. Select the encoder from the drop-down list. Click Create New Encoder. ViewCast...

  • Page 57: Starting An Encoder

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Starting an encoder To start an encoder, on the home page click Encoders  All Encoders. To start an encoder: Click the red circle Stopped icon (Figure 53) in the Streaming column for the encoder you want to start streaming.
  • Page 58 Web Interface The Encoders window appears with the encoder status updated and the streaming indicator changes to a blue circle Started (Figure 55). Figure 55. Encoders window ViewCast...

  • Page 59: Stopping An Encoder

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Stopping an encoder To stop an encoder, on the home page click Encoders  All Encoders. To stop an encoder: Click the blue Started icon of the encoder you wish to stop streaming (Figure 56).

  • Page 61: Advanced Operations

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Advanced Operations Advanced operations include but are not limited to the following:  Editing an AVI encoder  Editing an Adobe Flash encoder  Editing an MPEG encoder  Editing a WME encoder  Streaming to a TS container AVI encoder To create an encoder, Encoders ...
  • Page 62 Advanced Operations Figure 59. AVI encoder properties ViewCast...

  • Page 63: Video Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Video tab Figure 60. Video tab To configure video settings: Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the Niagara GoStream SURF and your video source.
  • Page 64 Note: Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not used for PAL and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 65: Audio Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Audio tab You must configure the audio settings for each encoder type. Each encoder type has different advanced audio settings (Figure 64). Figure 64. Audio tab To configure audio settings: In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list.

  • Page 66: Output Tab

    … ) to the right of the File Name field and display the options (Figure 66). Note: By default, the system sets this folder to D:\AVFiles with a default file name of capture.avi. See Exporting captured video files section for instructions on saving video files to a USB device. ViewCast...
  • Page 67 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Figure 66. Select a folder WARNING! You can only save media files to drive D. Check drive properties for available free space to determine your storage capacity. A better practice would be to save it to a remote drive. If you inadvertently fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event.

  • Page 68: Flash H.264 Encoder

    The system displays the Encoder Properties window for the selected encoder. IMPORTANT! If you make any changes to the Encoder Properties window, you must click Save Settings. Otherwise, all your changes will be lost. Figure 67. Flash encoder properties ViewCast...

  • Page 69: Video Tab

    To configure video settings: Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Because the Niagara GoStream SURF is a single-channel encoder, you can only connect and stream one audio and video source at any given time. However, you can stream the same audio and video at multiple data rates and multiple formats to provide the best user experience for different viewing audiences.
  • Page 70 – Is an algorithm for de-interlacing pure video (non-telecine) content. – Applies motion adaptive interlacing to all video. It detects which portions of the image are still and which portions are in motion then applies different processing to each scenario. Figure 71. De-Interlace Settings ViewCast...
  • Page 71 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Note: Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not used for PAL and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard.

  • Page 72: Audio Tab

    Click the Bitrate from the drop-down menu. Click the Audio Encoder from the drop-down menu. Drag the sliders to adjust the Left Volume and Right Volume. (Optional) Click the Mute Audio check box to disable audio. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 73: Output Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Output tab Figure 73. Output tab To configure output settings: Enable Enable Streaming to enable live Flash streaming. Enter the proper IP address in the Server Address field. Enter the Stream Name. Click the Authentication Type from the drop-down menu. Options are available for streaming directly to Adobe, Akamai, and Limelight CDNs.
  • Page 74 A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you inadvertently fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 75: H.264 Presets Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide H.264 presets tab These advanced presets affect the way the Encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations (Figure 75). Refer to Appendix B for suggested values for the type of video you are streaming.

  • Page 76: Mpeg-4 Encoder

    The system displays the Encoder Properties window for the selected encoder. IMPORTANT! If you make any changes to the Encoder Properties window, you must click Save Settings. Otherwise, all your changes will be lost. Figure 76. MPEG-4 encoder properties ViewCast...

  • Page 77: Video Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Video tab Figure 77. Video tab To configure video settings: Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. In the Input field, select the video input. IMPORTANT! The video input must match the connectors on the back of the Niagara GoStream SURF and your video source.
  • Page 78 – Is an algorithm for de-interlacing pure video (non-telecine) content. – Applies motion adaptive interlacing to all video. It detects which portions of the image are still and which portions are in motion then applies different processing to each scenario. Figure 80. De-Interlace settings ViewCast...
  • Page 79 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Note: Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not used for PAL and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard.
  • Page 80 Advanced Operations Table 2. Valid output container selections for video encoder types Container H.263 Video MPEG-4 Video H.264 Video MPEG-2           ViewCast...

  • Page 81: Audio Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Audio tab Figure 81. Audio tab To configure audio settings: In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting.
  • Page 82 Advanced Operations (Optional) Click the Mute Audio check box to mute audio. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 83: Output Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Output tab Figure 82. Output tab To configure output settings: Click the Enable Streaming check box to stream your audiovisual content via RTSP. Set the appropriate streaming properties. Note: The default settings will enable multicast streaming. If you do not want this setting, change the IP address for Group to the IP address of the server to which you want to stream from the encoder.
  • Page 84 Click the Container Type. Click the Enable Injection check box to inject and SDP file onto your server. Enter the username and password. 10. Enter the Server SDP File Name. 11. Enter the Server Port Number. 12. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 85: H.264 Presets Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide H.264 Presets tab Figure 84. H.264 Presets tab To configure H.264 presets: Click Edit next to the preset you want to modify. IMPORTANT! These advanced presets affect the way the encoder performs and if set incorrectly may lead to abnormal encoder operations.

  • Page 86: Mpeg-4 Presets Tab

    Click the Restore Defaults link at the bottom of the window to return the settings to the default. Note: The database has multiple properties for each preset. Clicking Restore Defaults for one property will change all properties to the default settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 87: Mpeg-2 Presets Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide MPEG-2 Presets tab Each preset contains properties that you can modify. Use the following table to configure the MPEG- 2 presets analog input settings for an MPEG2 encoder. Figure 86. MPEG-2 Presets tab To configure MPEG-2 presets: Click Edit next to the property you want to modify.

  • Page 88: Windows Media Encoder

    Media encoder whose properties you wish to modify. The system displays the Encoder Properties window for the selected encoder. IMPORTANT! If you make any changes to the Encoder Properties window, you must click Save Settings. Otherwise, all your changes will be lost. Figure 87. Microsoft Windows Media encoder properties ViewCast...

  • Page 89: Video Tab

    To configure video settings: Select the video input Source from the drop-down list. Because the Niagara GoStream SURF is a single-channel encoder, you can only connect and stream one audio and video source at any given time. However, you can stream the same audio and video at multiple data rates and multiple formats to provide the best user experience for different viewing audiences.
  • Page 90 Note: Telecine and inverse telecine only apply to NTSC video. They are not used for PAL and SECAM video. The system disables Auto and Inverse Telecine choices when you select either PAL or SECAM as the video standard. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 91: Audio Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Audio tab Figure 92. Audio tab To configure audio settings: In the Source field, select an audio source from the drop-down list. Select the Overlay Closed Caption check box to enable overlay closed captions. Field 1 CC 1 is the default setting.

  • Page 92: Output Tab

    Note: The more direct connections to the system, the more system resources are required. ViewCast does not recommend directly connecting players to the system. Streaming servers should connect to the system and, in turn, players should connect to the servers.
  • Page 93 Click on a Windows Media Capture Profile from the drop-down list Select Enable Pull. Enter a port number that the server will use to pull the stream from Niagara GoStream SURF. Select Enable Push. IMPORTANT! Be sure to enter a port number not already assigned to another encoder. If two encoders attempt to use the same port number, one or both encoders will fail to start.
  • Page 94 A better practice would be to use the streaming server to save a file or to save it to a remote drive. If you fill all available space, you risk losing your stream during a streaming event. 13. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 95: Drm Tab

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide DRM tab You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream. Users are required to obtain a license to play to content.

  • Page 97: Ts Container

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide TS Container When you configure an MPEG4 encoder you can select MPEG2 Transport Stream as the container type on the Output tab for the Video Encoder. To enable TS container streaming, you need to create either a new MPEG4 encoder or edit an existing MPEG4 encoder.
  • Page 98 Mux Bitrate and enter the total bitrate the stream will consume (video and audio) in the Bitrate field on the Audio tab. Figure 98. New Video Encode Settings Click on the Audio tab. Figure 99. Audio Output Settings Select the Bitrate from the drop-down list. ViewCast...
  • Page 99 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide View all the bitrates on the Output tab in the MPEGTS Muxer Settings. Figure 100. MPEGTS Muxer Settings Note: The total isn’t simply Audio Bitrate + Video Bitrate. A small amount of overhead is built in ~10% of the Mux.

  • Page 100: Streaming

    Select the protocol. Currently only UDP and RTP are supported. Figure 102. Server Settings  Scheme Select either:  Unicast – To stream to a single computer or device.  Multicast – To stream to many computers and/or devices. Figure 103. Server Settings ViewCast...
  • Page 101 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Enter the Destination IP (must be an IPv4 address). If you select Unicast, then the IP address can not be in the 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255 range. If you select Multicast, then the IP address must be in the 224.0.0.0 – 239.255.255.255 range.

  • Page 103: Encoder Groups

    The Encoder Groups window (Figure 104), a subset of Encoders (on the Encoders window), allows you to view the list of encoder groups available for assignment to the Niagara GoStream SURF. Click Encoders  Groups from the menu bar on the home page.

  • Page 104: Creating Encoder Groups

    Click on the preset button you want to assign to this encoder group. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit. Note: It is possible to assign an encoder to two different encoder groups. ViewCast...

  • Page 105: Starting An Encoder Group

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Starting an encoder group To start an encoder group, click the Start link to the right in the Start column of the group you want to start. The encoder group will start in a few seconds. The system displays any errors on the Starting window while the group starts.

  • Page 106: Editing Encoder Groups

    Figure 106. Encoder groups window To create encoder groups: Enter the name of the group. Click on the preset button you want to assign to this encoder group. Click on the encoders you want to assign to the group. Click Submit. ViewCast...

  • Page 107: Configuring The Preset Abc Buttons

    If you previously assigned an encoder to a letter and you attempt to assign it to another letter, the Niagara GoStream SURF will remove the association to the previous button in favor of the most current request. An Edit Encoder link appears next to the View All Encoders link at the bottom of the window if an encoder is assigned to this button.
  • Page 108 Encoder Groups To assign Preset A: Click the drop-down list in the Select a Group field. A complete list of all groups available on the Niagara GoStream SURF appears. Select a group. Click Save Settings. The Encoder Preset A window updates with the encoder information.

  • Page 109: Using Preset Abc Buttons To Start An Encoder Group

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Using Preset ABC buttons to start an encoder group Use the Preset ABC buttons on the front panel to start the assigned encoder group. To start encoding: Press the A, B, or C button on the front panel.

  • Page 110: Viewing All Encoders

    After assigning encoders to the A, B, and C buttons, you can access the Encoder Properties window by clicking on the View All Encoders link at the bottom of the Preset window (Figure 115). Figure 115. Editing preset encoders ViewCast...

  • Page 111: Additional Settings And Features

    Additional Settings and Features Configuring machine properties The Niagara GoStream SURF Machine Properties window (Figure 116) provides details on software versions, network name, serial number, and hard drive configurations. Click Configuration  Machine Properties from the menu bar on the home page.

  • Page 112: Changing Computer Name

    Additional Settings and Features Changing computer name The Computer Name field contains the current network name for the Niagara GoStream SURF. This name is the same name you typed into the Web browser to access the Niagara SCX Web interface.

  • Page 113: Changing The Login Password From The Factory Default

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Changing the login password from the factory default The Niagara GoStream SURF Properties section has two fields: User Name and Serial Number. Only the User Name field can be changed, which changes the User Password from the factory default (Figure 119).

  • Page 114: Configuring Alerts

    For more information about configuring the Niagara GoStream SURF to send email alerts, see the System Configuration section. Enable Light Alarm. The alarm light on the front panel of the Niagara GoStream SURF will automatically light when an alarm condition exists.

  • Page 115: Configuring Network Properties

    Configuring network properties The Network Properties window (Figure 122) provides detailed information on the current network settings for the Niagara GoStream SURF Network Cards. Click Configuration  Network Properties from the menu bar on the home page. Figure 122. Network properties window...

  • Page 116: Configuring Network Card(S)

    Additional Settings and Features Configuring network card(s) The Niagara GoStream SURF has two 1,000 megabit network connections available on the Network Properties window, Network Card(s) field). Select the card you wish to view from the drop-down menu in the Network Card(s) field (Figure 123) to view the current properties for each card.

  • Page 117: Configuring Advanced Settings (Network)

    IP address settings (Figure 125). Figure 125. Advanced settings The Niagara GoStream SURF network name (EVS1237001) 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 GoStream SURF.

  • Page 118: Ip Route Table

    Additional Settings and Features IP Route table This window enables you to change the IP destination. Only experienced professionals should adjust these settings. Figure 126. IP Route table ViewCast...

  • Page 119: System Configuration Settings

    You can also customize the information it displays on its front panel when the system is in idle mode. This window also allows you to restore your Niagara GoStream SURF to its original factory disk image and return all the system settings to their original states. Using the Factory Restore option removes all custom settings.

  • Page 120: Setting Current System Configuration

    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. Note: This field is available when all streams are inactive. Click Save Settings. ViewCast...

  • Page 121: Configuring Email Settings

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

  • Page 122: Configuring Idle Screen Information

    Additional Settings and Features Configuring idle screen information You can modify the information displayed in the Niagara GoStream SURF LCD display on the touch panel. The information you select cycles through the LCD display screen and alternates between status and encoder information (Figure 130).

  • Page 123: Configuring Default Directory Setting

    Configuring default directory setting The Niagara GoStream SURF stores AV files when you select the Save to File option in the encoder profile in the Default AV Folder field (Figure 131). Refer to the Save to File option under the Flash Encoder Properties sections for information on setting an encoder profile to create an AV file.

  • Page 124: Setting Simulstream Filters

    This operation takes approximately 15 to 45 minutes to complete. Do not power off or interrupt the system restore once it starts. All services automatically restart when the system restore completes. You may then use the Niagara GoStream SURF Web interface tool to reset the time, date, and video format.
  • Page 125 Back to Home Page. Note: Restore to Factory Defaults rebuilds the Niagara GoStream SURF primary disk drive C with the original system image. You lose all custom settings and any files saved to drive C. You cannot reverse this process.

  • Page 126: Viewing The Activity Log

    Displays the system date and time stamps for each event. Click this link to sort the activities by date. Indicates the type of activity. Click this link to sort the activities by type. Select the types of activity you wish to view. Options include:  Show All  General  Errors  Warnings ViewCast...
  • Page 127 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Displays a description of the activity. Click this link to clear all logged activities. Displays the total number of records for the selected view type. Click the printer icon for a printer friendly view of activity log. When the print friendly view appears, click File ...

  • Page 128: Viewing Alerts

    Displays the message ID number for the alert and the description. The Alarm Indicator Light on the front panel of the Niagara GoStream SURF turns red when an alert occurs. Press the “i” button (Figure 137) to view the alert.

  • Page 129: Connecting An External Storage Device

    SURF. The encoder defaults to set the local storage drive D when you use the Save to File setting with the Niagara GoStream SURF Web interface. When you insert a USB memory device in one of the USB ports on the Niagara GoStream SURF, the Niagara GoStream SURF automatically detects the removable storage device, and assigns a drive letter to the device.

  • Page 131: Snmp

    Computer to monitor the health of system devices, such as fan speed, CPU temperature, system temperature, etc. The ViewCast SNMP Agent service will run as the master SNMP agent in the system. It will not only implement ViewCast private MIBs as listed below, but also provide proxy functions to relay SNMP requests/responses associated with those objects managed by other SNMP sub-agents.

  • Page 132: External Snmp Manager

    SNMP External SNMP Manager With ViewCast SNMP agent enabled in each Niagara system, you can start a single SNMP manager at a central location to manage one or multiple systems at the same time. The external SNMP manager could be a GUI-based commercial or free application tool or an SNMP scripting tool.
  • Page 133 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide  Keep running an SNMP trap listener application to monitor traps over SNMP UDP port 162 with an appropriate community name.  Allow the trap listener to pass through the firewall on UDP port 162.

  • Page 134: Install Viewcast Snmp Agent Service

    Install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service Installing for the first time Perform the following steps to install ViewCast SNMP Agent Service for the first time. To install SNMP Agent the first time: Locate and run the ViewCast SNMP agent installation file, e.g. ViewCast SNMP Agent Installer_1.0.4.0.msi to install the ViewCast SNMP agent service.
  • Page 135 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Click Next. Figure 140. Installation Folder Click Next. Figure 141. Confirm Installation ViewCast...
  • Page 136 (delayed start) service. After the next reboot, it starts automatically. Typically, you don’t need to reboot the machine after installation. Before you start the ViewCast SNMP agent service, you need to install and configure the other two services: Native Windows SNMP service and SuperMicro Health Assistant service (see Install and Configure Supero Doctor III Agent Service).

  • Page 137: Installing New Version Of Viewcast Snmp Agent Service

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Installing new version of ViewCast SNMP Agent Service If a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent is installed, then the following window appears and you need to uninstall the previous version before continuing. Figure 144. Windows Installer To uninstall a previous version of ViewCast SNMP agent: Go to Start Menu ...
  • Page 138 SNMP Select and uninstall (or double click) ViewCast SNMP Agent as shown in the program list. Figure 146. Programs and Features dialog box Click Yes. If ViewCast SNMP agent service is currently running, the following window displays. Figure 147. ViewCast SNMP Agent dialog box Select to automatically close the application and click OK.

  • Page 139: Install And Configure Supero Doctor Iii Agent Service

    ViewCast SNMP Agent Service will send a trap to all the configured trap destinations. In the current release, health monitoring related SNMP traps are only available for devices such as fan speed, CPU temperature, and system temperature.

  • Page 140: Configure Supero Doctor Iii Snmp Agent Service

    In Supero Doctor III client, click on the Item icon. Figure 148 is for the Niagara 7550. Figure 148. Supero Doctor III Client Devices that are not in use, display a status of N/A. In this case, disable health monitoring for these devices by double-clicking to clear the boxes on the associated devices. Click Save. ViewCast...

  • Page 141: Enabling Health Monitoring For Devices Not In Use

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Enabling health monitoring for devices not in use To enable health monitoring for devices not in use: Run Supero Doctor III client by clicking Start  All Programs  SUPERMICRO  Supero Doctor III client.

  • Page 142: Configure Viewcast Snmp Agent Service

    SNMP Configure ViewCast SNMP Agent Service Complete the steps in the following tables to configure ViewCast SNMP Agent service. When the configuration is complete, restart the system. Configuring community names To configure community names: Run Windows service management tool services.msc Right click on SNMP Service then click Properties.

  • Page 143: Configuring Permitted Snmp Managers

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide right.  Community names with NOTIFY permission can be used to monitor traps only, READ ONLY community names can be used to retrieve data only while READ CREATE ones can perform SNMP SET as well as GET requests, etc.
  • Page 144 SNMP ViewCast...

  • Page 145: Configuring Trap Destinations

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Configuring trap destinations To configure trap destinations: Run Windows service management tool services.msc Right click on SNMP Service then click on Properties. Click on the Traps tab. In the Community Name section, enter one of the community names that are defined through the Security tab, for example, notifypassword.
  • Page 146 SNMP After all the IP addresses under the trap destination section are added, click Apply. Figure 157. Trap destinations ViewCast...

  • Page 147: Configuring Snmp Agent Contact And Location (Optional)

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Configuring SNMP Agent contact and location (optional) After community names, permitted SNMP managers and trap destinations are configured, you may configure the contact and location information for the associated SNMP agent. To configure SNMP Agent contact and location: Run Windows service management tool services.msc...

  • Page 148: Use Udp Port Other Than 161 For Snmp Requests

    ViewCast SNMP agent supports the use of a different UDP port. To use UDP port other than 161 for SNMP requests: After ViewCast SNMP Service Agent is installed, go to the default installation directory C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ Make a copy of file vcst_snmp_agent_cfg_example.xml and save it to vcst_snmp_agent_cfg.xml.

  • Page 149: Viewcast Snmp Agent Logging

    IIS log files (which would take about three months). Enable the IIS logging for ViewCast Encoders Web Service only during the debugging of issues. It will be disabled as soon as the debugging is complete.
  • Page 150 On the right side under Actions, click Disable. Note: After IIS is restarted, the IIS logging for the EncodersWebService would remain disabled. Repeat steps 1 through 7 to enable the IIS logging for the EncodersWebService in case debugging is needed. ViewCast...

  • Page 151: Viewcast Snmp Agent Mib Files

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide ViewCast SNMP Agent MIB Files By default, all standard MIB files and ViewCast private MIB files that come with the installation package will be installed into the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\ You may load the following MIB files into the SNMP manager tool.

  • Page 152: Start/Stop An Encoder Through Snmp

    .iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.viewcast.avencoder.avencoderMIB.avencoderO bjects.avencoderTable.avencoderEntry.avencoderCommand.77.80.69.71 where 77.80.69.71 is the ID of the associated encoder. Specify correct IP address of the targeted ViewCast SNMP agent: xx.xx.xx.xx Verify the Port field is set to 161. Set SNMP version to v1. Specify community such as setpassword with community right of READ CREATE.

  • Page 153: Start Snmp Trap Listener

    Set SNMP version to v1. Specify community such as setpassword with community right of READ CREATE. Select Set Value to start_all_encoders or stop_all_encoders. Send SNMP SET request message to the targeted ViewCast SNMP agent. Start SNMP trap listener Locate the VIEWCAST-AVENCODER-TRAP-MIB.txt under C:\Program Files (x86)\ViewCast\ViewCast SNMP Agent\.

  • Page 155: Appendix A: Drm For Windows Media

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Appendix A: DRM for Windows Media You can protect your content using a technology called Digital Rights Management (DRM). Niagara SCX allows you to encrypt your content with DRM technology while you are encoding. You can apply DRM while encoding to a file and when broadcasting a stream.

  • Page 156: Importing A Drm Profile

    Windows Media Encoder is included in Niagara streaming media systems that have Niagara SCX version 5.0 or later installed. To access the desktop of the Niagara GoStream SURF, attach a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor to the system. If the system is installed in a location that does not provide physical access, you can use Windows Remote Desktop Connection to access the desktop.
  • Page 157 Click the General tab (Figure 163). Figure 163. General tab In the User Name field, type Niagara. In the Password field, type password to connect the Niagara GoStream SURF using remote desktop. WARNING! When exiting from Remote Desktop Connection, do not log out. Instead, disconnect from the Niagara GoStream SURF.
  • Page 158 Appendix A: DRM for Windows accidentally removed or erased (Figure 164). Note: ViewCast recommends you create a new directory on drive D on the Niagara GoStream SURF and use this directory to store your DRM profiles. Figure 164. DRM profiles Start the Windows Media Encoder application on Niagara GoStream SURF (Figure 165).
  • Page 159 16. Exit from the Windows Media Encoder application when finished. Note: If the system prompts if you want to save your encoding session, click No option. 17. Disconnect Remote Desktop Connection from Niagara GoStream SURF (Figure 169). Do not log out.

  • Page 161: Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Appendix B: H.264 Advanced Settings H.264 Presets In general, the Main Profile Default presets for the H.264 encoder Custom Presets 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 Encoder Settings values in each line.

  • Page 162: Settings

    Lowering the value of Beta deblocking is a good way to reduce the amount of DCT blocks without blurring the entire picture. Again, the default value of 0 usually is good enough. Set this to a positive number to ViewCast...
  • Page 163 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Setting Explanation smooth out low bit rate video encodes. In general, values lower than -3 and higher than 3 are usually not used, but could be if so desired. LookaheadFrames This value is the amount of frames the encoder keeps in its buffers to perform various calculations.

  • Page 164: Mpeg-4 Presets

    0 to 200 MotionEstimationComparison 0 to 256 MotionEstimationMethod 5 to 10 MotionEstimationPenaltyCompensation 0 to 256 MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison 0 to 256 MpegQuant 0 to 1 QuantizerMax 1 to 51 QuantizerMin 1 to 51 SceneChangeDetectThreshold 0 to 4000 TrellisRDQuantization 0 to 2 ViewCast...

  • Page 165: Settings

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Settings Setting Explanation BFramesMax This value sets the maximum number of concurrent B- frames that you can use. More B-frames improve video quality but also increase CPU load, in some cases considerably. Setting B-frames to a value more than 0 changes the video encoding format from Simple Profile to Advanced Simple Profile.
  • Page 166 45 is a good default for most applications using MPEG4 encoding. 0 turns off scene change detection, but is not recommended. Higher values also increase CPU usage. TrellisRDQuantization This value performs Trellis quantization to increase the visual quality of the encoded video by determining the ViewCast...
  • Page 167 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Setting Explanation optimal encoding: the higher the value, the better the video quality but the higher the CPU usage. This value can also improve visual quality at lower bit rates. ViewCast...

  • Page 168: Mpeg-2 Presets

    0 to 200 MotionEstimationComparison 0 to 256 MotionEstimationMethod 5 to 10 MotionEstimationPenaltyCompensation 0 to 256 MotionEstimationSubPixelComparison 0 to 256 MpegQuant 0 to 1 QuantizerMax 1 to 51 QuantizerMin 1 to 51 SceneChangeDetectThreshold 0 to 4000 TrellisRDQuantization 0 to 2 ViewCast...

  • Page 169: Settings

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Settings Setting Explanation BFramesMax This value sets the maximum number of concurrent B- frames that you can use. More B-frames improve video quality but also increase CPU load, in some cases considerably. Setting B-frames to a value more than 0 changes the video encoding format from Simple Profile to Advanced Simple Profile.
  • Page 170 Higher values also increase CPU usage. TrellisRDQuantization This value performs Trellis quantization to increase the visual quality of the encoded video by determining the optimal encoding: the higher the value, the better the video quality but the higher the CPU usage. This value ViewCast...
  • Page 171 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Setting Explanation can also improve visual quality at lower bit rates. ViewCast...

  • Page 173: Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup

     One account for the username SCXUser The shared folder is created on the remote PC with full access for both Niagara GoStream SURF and SCXUser. On the Niagara GoStream SURF, the mapped network drive is created to reconnect at logon using the SCXUser username.
  • Page 174 Disable User must change password at next logon. Enable User cannot change password. Enable Password never expires. Figure 171. New User window Click Create. Repeat steps 5 through 13 to create the user SCXUser using the password viewcast. Click Close. ViewCast...
  • Page 175 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide The two new users appear in the users list. Figure 172. Added users In Computer Management, click Groups. Figure 173. Groups Double-click on Administrators. ViewCast...
  • Page 176 Appendix C: Mapped Network Drive Setup Click Add. Figure 174. Administrators Properties Click Add. The Select Users window displays. Click Locations. Select the PC, and then click OK. Figure 175. Locations window ViewCast...
  • Page 177 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Enter niagarasurf for the object name, and then click OK. The user niagarasurf appears in the list of Administrators. Figure 176. Administrators Properties Repeat steps 19 through 22 to add SCXUser as an administrator. ViewCast...
  • Page 178 Note: The shared folder(s) must be created on the remote PC. Open Computer. Open the drive where the shared folder will be created. Right click, select New, then Folder. Figure 177. Create new folder Enter a name for the folder (for example, NSShare). Figure 178. Folder name ViewCast...
  • Page 179 Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Right click on the folder, and then select Properties. Figure 179. Folder Properties window Click on the Sharing tab. Click Share. The File Sharing window displays. Type a name and then click Add, or click the arrow to select someone from the drop-down list.
  • Page 180 Use the drop-down list under permission level for this user and select Read/Write. Figure 180. Read/Write permissions Click Share. Repeat steps 2 through 9 to add SCXUser to the Share Permissions. Click Done. Figure 181. File Sharing window Click Close to close the share properties. ViewCast...
  • Page 181 Note: Create a mapped network drive to the remote shared folder that will reconnect at logon. Once the mapped drive is created and the Niagara GoStream SURF is rebooted, the user will be able to export to the network drive.

  • Page 183: Appendix D: System Menu

    This section provides the detail of the LCD menu tree. It is intended to be a complete reference to all levels and functions accessible using the Niagara GoStream SURF front panel LCD display. It is designed to be a visual reference of the LCD screen including the front panel button action to move to the next screen.

  • Page 184: Encoder Menu

    Appendix D: System Menu Encoder menu Encoder start Encoder stop Encoder status ViewCast...

  • Page 185: Access Health Menu

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Access health menu CPU status Memory available ViewCast...

  • Page 186: Setup System Menu

    Appendix D: System Menu Setup system menu Network link status Network MAC address ViewCast...

  • Page 187: View Network Settings

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide View network settings Enable DHCP ViewCast...

  • Page 188: Set Static Ip Addresses

    Appendix D: System Menu Set static IP addresses ViewCast...

  • Page 189: Set Gateway Address

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Set gateway address ViewCast...

  • Page 190: Set Date And Time

    Appendix D: System Menu Set date and time x 15 x 16 x 25 Setting video standard ViewCast...

  • Page 191: Factory Restore

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Factory restore Note: This process actually takes ~10 minutes, be patient. x 15 x 16 x 25 ViewCast...

  • Page 192: Export Files Menu

    Appendix D: System Menu Export files menu Export to USB drive Shutdown Niagara GoStream SURF ViewCast...

  • Page 193: Index

    Niagara GoStream SURF User Guide Index Check CPU usage, 33 Check Package Contents, 11 Access menu, 33 Computer name field, 102 Active Network Link field, 107 Configure Activity log, 116 Advanced Network Settings, 107 Added users, 165 AVI audio settings, 55...
  • Page 194 Editing preset encoders, 100 external storage device, 35, 119 Email Alert, 104 IP network, 25 Email/SMTP settings fields, 111 the Niagara GoStream SURF, 16 Enabl the power source, 23 health monitoring for devices not in use, 131 to the Internet, 5...
  • Page 195 Niagara GoStream SURF Browser Windows Log in Flow, 20 from front panel, 39 Niagara GoStream SURF front panel diagram, 12 Niagara GoStream SURF Front Panel, Review of, Machine properties window, 101 Niagara GoStream SURF home page, 18 Map Network Drive window, 171...
  • Page 196 Restore the Login Password to the Factory Trap destinations, 136 Default, 103 Traps tab, 135 ViewCast SNMP Agent, 126 ViewCast SNMP Agent dialog box, 128 Save to File setting, 35 ViewCast SNMP Agent Setup Wizard, 124 Searching folder screen, 36 Start...
  • Page 197 View all encoders, 100 Subnet address screen, 27 View the list of encoder groups, 93 System configuration settings window, 109 ViewCast Niagara GoStream SURF, Picture of, 1 System menu, 30, 35 System ready screen, 39 System Requirements, 11 Warnings, 7...
  • Page 198 ® ® © 2012 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. 40-03225-10-A...

Table of Contents