AJA Video Systems Inc HELO Plus Operating instructions

HELO Plus
H.264 Advanced Streaming and Recording Encoder
Version 1.0
Published August 19, 2022
Installation and Operation Guide

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 2 www.aja.com
Notices
Trademarks
AJA® and Because it matters.® are registered trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
for use with most AJA products. AJA™ is a trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for
use with recorder, router, software and camera products. Because it matters.™ is a
trademark of AJA Video Systems, Inc. for use with camera products.
Corvid Ultra®, lo®, Ki Pro®, KONA®, KUMO®, ROI® and T-Tap® are registered trademarks of
AJA Video Systems, Inc.
AJA Control Room™, KiStor™, Science of the Beautiful™, TruScale™, V2Analog™ and
V2Digital™ are trademarks of AJA Video Systems, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright
Copyright © 2022 AJA Video Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All information in
this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of the document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying or recording, without the express written permission of AJA
Video Systems, Inc.
Contacting AJA Support
When calling for support, have all information at hand prior to calling. To contact AJA
for sales or support, use any of the following methods:
Telephone [phone]
FAX [phone]
Web https://www.aja.com
Support Email suppor[email protected]
Sales Email [email protected]

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 3 www.aja.com
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Copyright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacting AJA Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1 – Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dual Streaming Outputs Plus Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Layouts for Picture-in-Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Web Server Built-In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Scheduler and Automation Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Simplied Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About Video Reference (Genlock) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using Mobile Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Streaming from HELO Plus to Mobile Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
What’s In The Box?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
HELO Plus REST API Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 2 – Product at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Ports/Slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Front Panel Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Audio Level Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Rear Panel Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 3 – HELO Plus Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
HELO Plus Initial Conguration Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Static IP Address Conguration Using eMini-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HELO Plus Recording Quick Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HELO Plus Streaming Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
HELO Plus Firmware Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
HELO Plus Safeboot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 4 – HELO Plus Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Direct Front Panel Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Web Browser via Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
General Screen Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cong Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Encoder 1, 2 Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Import Encoder Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Encoder Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Additional Advanced Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Stream 1, 2 Output Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Record Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Formatting Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Scheduler Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General Calendar Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Contents

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 4 www.aja.com
Scheduler Operator Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Local Calendar Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Remote Calendar Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
History Events Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Group Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Presets Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Presets Screen Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Layouts Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
About Layouts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Layout Images Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Layout Images Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Shotbox Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
System Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Network Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Firmware Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Log Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Recordings Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Changing the Recording Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Viewing Recorded Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Data Transfer Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Deleting Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Chapter 5 – CDNs and Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Akamai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Amino Set-Top Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Elemental Encoder Appliances and Elemental Cloud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Facebook Live. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Instagram via Third Party Application Yellow Duck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Kaltura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
StreamShark.io . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Twitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
UStream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
vMIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Wirecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Wowza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
YouTube Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Chapter 6 – eMini-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Acquiring eMini-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Installing eMini-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
PC Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Mac Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Running eMini-Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
PC Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Mac Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
eMini-Setup User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Network Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Update Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Info Tab Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Appendix A – Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
HELO Plus Tech Specs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Appendix B – Safety and Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Warranty and Liability Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 5 www.aja.com
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Overview
HELO Plus is a compact, advanced H.264 streaming and recording stand-alone
appliance. HELO Plus offers both SDI and HDMI I/O with the capability to stream
up to 1080p60 to a Content Delivery Network and record simultaneously. Two
separate streaming destinations can be set up and recordings can be made to a
combination of SD card, USB storage and NFS or CIFS network storage. HELO Plus
also provides Picture-In-Picture and graphics functionality in hardware for
compelling presentations made simple.
Hardware
HELO Plus has a very small desktop footprint. It offers stand-alone capabilities
with stream and record buttons on the front of the unit as well as LED indicators.
Audio level meters provide valuable feedback about incoming audio. HELO Plus
is fan-less and silent, allowing it to be used almost anywhere without fear of
introducing noise. SD card and USB ports are also situated on the front of the unit
for easy access.
Dual Streaming Outputs Plus Record
HELO Plus has dual encoders and dual stream outputs, giving the flexibility to
create different output settings from a single input source. The two streams can
have different packaging settings and different output frame size which means
that a single content stream can be presented in two ways to serve a wider
audience. It can be duplicated across both encoders for added resilience. Either
of these encoder outputs can serve as the source for the HELO Plus recording
system as well.
Layouts for Picture-in-Picture
HELO Plus brings the exciting layouts feature, allowing multiple inputs to be
combined into a single screen with a graphic element overlay. A layout enables
the user to combine the SDI input and the HDMI input into a single output stream
and then add a graphic (video + key) into that composite. Additionally, each live
video source can be used in its picture-in-picture (PiP) element.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 6 www.aja.com
Web Server Built-In
HELO Plus can be easily configured remotely on a standard web browser, via the
Ethernet connection, and using a desktop or laptop computer. Every function of
HELO Plus is accessible in the web UI, with multiple HELO Plus devices being easily
controllable via a tabbed browser window. HELO Plus can also be controlled via
the stream and record buttons on the front of the device.
Scheduler and Automation Control
HELO Plus opens up a world of new streaming workflows for AV, live events,
houses of worship, webcasting, corporate communications, production, and post.
HELO Plus offers a scheduler that triggers pre-planned start and stop recording
and streaming events simplifying projects requiring definitive schedules.
For more complex situations, achieve full automation with an easy-to-script
control API.
Features
• Simultaneous independent streaming and recording of 3G/HD/SD video
formats from a single input
• HLS streaming (HTTP Live Streaming) to reduce buffering and stuttering,
allowing for consumer devices such as iPhones and iPads to connect directly
to HELO Plus for streaming
• Enhanced HTTPS security
• HDMI and SDI BNC inputs
• AV Mute with user graphics support for pre-live feeds
• Error logging for quick analysis of streaming issues
• Optionally segmented recording to onboard USB or SD card storage or a
network file store
• Simultaneous dual recording to any destination plus onboard storage
• Closed captioning streaming from SDI input
• Support for two channels of HDMI or SDI embedded audio or two channels of
consumer level analog audio I/O
• Audio sample rate conversion to 48 kHz for all audio channel inputs
• 32, 96, 128, 192, and 256 kbps output AAC-LC MPEG-4 audio bit rate
• De-interlacing
• Video geometry down-scaling
• Color space conversion, RGB 4:4:4 to Y’Cb’Cr’ 4:2:0
• Integrated Calendar to schedule automatic streaming and/or recording of
events
• Low frame-rate video confidence monitor in web UI
• Recordings directory in web UI to view, sort, download or delete recorded files
Hardware
• Hardware H.264 encoding, streaming and recording
Software
• Built-in web server for full remote control and configuration
• eMini-Setup can be used with a USB connection for initial HELO Plus
configuration

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 7 www.aja.com
Simplified Block Diagram
Streaming
Interface 2
HDMI In
SDI In
Stereo
Analog
Audio In
Layering
Engine
SDI Video
HDMI Video
2 ch.
HDMI
Audio
2 ch.
SDI
Audio
2 ch.
Audio
Video
Encode 2
Video
Encode 1
Audio
Encode
Streaming
Interface 1
Recording
Interface
Matte
Generator
Framestore
Test
Pattern
HELO Plus
CPU Control
Rec
Button
Stream
Button
HDMI Out
SDI Out
Remote Web
Browser
Control LAN or WAN
Ethernet
Cong
USB
Conguration and Operation
Conguration Only
Embedded
Web Server
Storage
USB
SD Card
RJ-45 LAN
Stereo
Analog
Audio Out
Audio
Audio
Embedder
Audio
De-Embedder
About Video Reference (Genlock)
HELO Plus has internal framesync circuitry for the SDI and HDMI signal paths.
HELO Plus uses its SDI input signal for its video reference, which means changes
to that input signal (for example, disconnecting and reconnecting that BNC cable)
can affect downstream video synchronization. When HELO Plus loses its SDI
source it enters a free run state, and will stay in free run until the SDI input returns
and the current streaming or recording session has terminated.
Using Mobile Devices
Streaming from HELO Plus to Mobile Devices
Connecting a HELO Plus's LAN port to a WiFi router allows communication
with mobile devices. Video is sent out through the LAN port and delivered to
the mobile device wirelessly using any of its streaming protocols. The wireless
delivery is done by a WiFi Access Point or by routing the stream through a mobile
telecom network. HELO Plus does not have WiFi built in, and does not support
WiFi dongles in the USB port.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 8 www.aja.com
Figure 1. HELO Plus Workflow Diagram
Record H.264 Files toUSB Drivesand/or SDCards
HDMI Monitor
Internet
1x HDMI
1x SDI
Output
1x SDI
Input
1x HDMI
LAN
High Quality
Audio
Video Switcher
Audio In
SDI Monitor
What’s In The Box?
When you unpack your product you will find the following components:
• HELO Plus streaming/recording encoder
• USB cable
• Universal input +12V power supply
Please save all packaging for return shipping, should you wish to do so.
System Requirements
Remote computer configuration and control is accomplished using HELO Plus’s
internal web server. A macOS or Windows computer with a web browser installed
is all that is required. A USB port is also required for eMini-Setup configuration.
NOTE: Safari is the preferred web browser for control on the Mac, and additionally
Chrome and Firefox on Windows. Other web browsers may work, but AJA cannot
guarantee consistent operation for all web browsers or web browser versions.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 9 www.aja.com
HELO Plus REST API Documentation
AJA’s REST automation API provides a platform from which you can issue
commands to an AJA device’s internal web server, allowing remote systems
the ability to control AJA embedded or networked devices. With this control
framework, you can build integration and automation scripts, using any scripting
language, allowing you to take full advantage of the device’s functionality.
REST programming documentation is stored in the unit itself and can be accessed
by entering <ip address of machine>/rest.tmpl into a web browser that is running
on a computer connected to the unit.
AJA REST documentation is also available at the following link:
https://gitlab.aja.com/pub/rest_api

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 10 www.aja.com
Chapter 2 – Product at a Glance
Front Panel
Figure 2. HELO Plus Front Panel
Record
Button
Record LEDs Stream LEDs USB LED SD LED
Reset
Button
Audio Level Meters
Stream
Button
USB Storage
Port
SD Storage
Port
Power LED
Buttons
Once HELO Plus is powered up, configured, and properly connected, the two
buttons on the front panel are used to start and stop recording and streaming.
Record Button
Pressing the Record button initiates recording to the configured media types (SD
card, USB) and/or record path (Network Share), or stops all recordings in progress.
NOTE: Safeboot software recovery can be performed by pressing and holding the Record
button while powering up the HELO Plus. See "HELO Plus Safeboot" on page 17
for more information.
Stream Button
Pressing the Stream button initiates the enabled streaming outputs, or stops any
streams in progress.
NOTE: The Record and Stream buttons can be linked using the HELO Plus web server
screen. When linked, pressing either button will start and stop both recording and
streaming.
Reset Button (Hardware)
A recessed hardware reset button is located next to the front USB port. This
button can be pressed using a paper clip, and has two functions.
Soft Reset - Pressing and immediately releasing the button performs a soft reset.
This soft reset does not clear layouts, saved images, or network information.
The following information is retained.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 11 www.aja.com
Retained Settings With Soft Reset
System name Scheduler last remote sync
System password Storage status
User authentication SSDP enable host
Time source HTTPS enable
NTP server IP address type
Time, date (formats are reset,
time/date values are not)
IP address
Time zone Subnet mask
Daylight savings Default gateway
NOTE: The Soft Reset function above can also be performed using the HELO Plus's web
browser UI (Presets Screen). See "Default Preset (Web UI)" on page 45 for more
information.
Hard Reset - Pressing and holding the recessed hardware button for five seconds
performs a hard reset that returns all settings to their factory defaults and
then reboots the device. Network connection parameters will be reset (DHCP),
and all layouts, graphics, saved presets, and calendars will be deleted. Hard
reset is intended for factory use to ensure a system is in a new state before
shipment, and for use by equipment loan or rental houses that need to put
units into a new state, and also to ensure any saved passwords are erased.
Ports/Slots
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Storage Port
USB port for connecting a flash drive for recording.
SD Card Slot
Cards and Formatting
• SDHC (FAT32)
• SDXC (exFAT)
Front Panel Status LEDs
Record LEDs
These two LEDs report the status of the Primary and Secondary recordings.
Green - Configured media is mounted and ready
Flashing Green - Recording in progress
Amber - Recording is not configured or no network connection for recording
Flashing Amber - Loss of signal

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 12 www.aja.com
Stream LEDs
These two LEDs report the status of the two streaming outputs.
Green - Configured stream is ready
Flashing Green - Streaming in progress
Amber- Streaming is not configured, network error or no network connection
Flashing Amber - Loss of signal
USB LED
Storage Available Indicated by Color
Solid (on or off) - Safe to remove media
Green - Plenty of storage space available
Yellow - Storage space running low
Red - Storage media full. New recordings are not possible until more space is
made available.
Activity Indicated by Blinking and On/Off Behavior
Blinking On/Off - Media in use, do not remove
Solid off - Media not selected or not present
Solid on - Media mounted and ready
Slow flashing - Recording in progress
Medium flashing - Media being scanned for recordings
Fast flashing - Other file access in progress (file download or delete)
SD LED
Storage Available Indicated by Color
Solid (on or off) - Safe to remove media
Green - Plenty of storage space available
Yellow - Storage space running low
Red - Storage media full. New recordings are not possible until more space is
made available.
Activity Indicated by Blinking and On/Off Behavior
Blinking On/Off - Media in use, do not remove
Solid off - Media not selected or not present
Solid on - Media mounted and ready
Slow flashing - Recording in progress
Medium flashing - Media being scanned for recordings
Fast flashing - Other file access in progress (file download or delete)

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 13 www.aja.com
Power LED
Green - Power on and normal operation
Amber - Safeboot, intended only for recovery from software installation failure
(see "HELO Plus Safeboot" on page 17).
Flashing Green - Identify feature on
Audio Level Meter
The Audio Level Meter in the center of the front panel indicates the level of the
two audio output channels being streamed or recorded.
The meter's LEDs are colored to indicate the amount below 0dBfs when averaged
over a one millisecond time interval.
dBfs LED Color and Location
-2 db Red LED 1 (top)
-12 db Yellow LED 2
-20 db Yellow LED 1
-30 db Green LED 4
-40 db Green LED 3
-50 db Green LED 2
-60 db Green LED 1 (bottom)
NOTE: These audio level meters are for guidance only. Third-party audio metering
should be employed when doing critical audio editing and mixing.
Rear Panel
Figure 3. HELO Plus Rear Panel
2 Ch Analog
Audio In
SDI LED HDMI LED LAN LEDs
2 Ch Analog
Audio Out
SDI
Input
SDI
Output
HDMI
Input
HDMI
Output
Mini-USB
Cong Port
RJ45 LAN
Connector Power
Connector
Connections
Audio
• Audio Input (2 channel 3.5mm TRS connector)
• Audio Output (2 channel 3.5mm TRS connector)
NOTE: Embedded audio from SDI or HDMI is also supported.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 14 www.aja.com
SDI Video
• 3G SDI Video Input (BNC connector)
NOTE: The SDI Video input connector is used as the HELO Plus's external video reference
(see "About Video Reference (Genlock)" on page 7).
• 3G SDI Video Output (BNC connector)
HDMI Video
• HDMI Video Input (HDMI 1.4a connector)
• HDMI Video Output (HDMI 1.4a connector)
Mini-USB Config Port
USB connection for use with eMini-Setup for initial configuration and firmware
update.
LAN Port
10/100/1000 Ethernet port (RJ45 connector), including network communications
status LEDs.
Power
Uses universal input +12V power supply (included)
Rear Panel Status LEDs
SDI In LED
This LED indicates the status of the SDI video input signal by color:
Off - No input or invalid input
Green - Lock to SD
Red - Lock to HD
Amber - Lock to 3G
HDMI In LED
This LED indicates the status of the HDMI video input signal by color:
Off - No input or invalid input
Green - Lock to SD
Red - Lock to HD
Amber - Lock to 3G
LAN LEDs
The LED on the right lights amber when there is an Ethernet link.
The LED on the left flashes green when data is being transferred.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 15 www.aja.com
Chapter 3 – HELO Plus Installation
Overview
HELO Plus requires a network connection and is shipped from the factory
with DHCP enabled. If your network has a DHCP server, by simply connecting
HELO Plus to your network with an Ethernet cable, the DHCP server will assign
HELO Plus a compatible IP address. However, you will need to know that IP
address before you will be able to access HELO Plus’s internal web server for initial
configuration.
The eMini-Setup application, available as a free download from the AJA website,
lets you identify the current HELO Plus IP address and, if necessary, configure its
network settings so the unit can operate in your work environment. See "Chapter
6 eMini-Setup" on page 68 for more information.
For streaming or recording to a network drive, additional HELO Plus
configuration is required. A properly configured HELO Plus can stream and record
simultaneously or perform each task individually.
HELO Plus was also designed for stand-alone operation. Once configured, you can
operate your HELO Plus without a computer, using only its front panel buttons to
start and stop streaming and/or recording. HELO Plus can even record directly to
inserted formatted media (USB stick or SD card) without a computer or a network
connection.
CAUTION: Please use caution and take security into account when configuring your
HELO Plus unit on your network. It is recommended that you place your HELO Plus
behind a firewall so that it is not accessible on the open Internet by unauthorized
users. If you have questions or concerns about how to configure HELO Plus in a
way that is appropriate for your security needs, please consult with your IT staff or
a qualified network security consultant.
HELO Plus Initial Configuration Summary
1. Acquire eMini-Setup from the AJA website and install it onto your computer
(see "Chapter 6 eMini-Setup" on page 68).
2. Connect the HELO Plus's USB Cong port to that computer’s USB port.
3. If you will be using HELO Plus on a network, connect the HELO Plus's
Ethernet connector to that network. If no network will be used (possible for
recording only), you can connect the HELO Plus directly to your computer's
Ethernet port.
4. Launch the eMini-Setup application on your computer. The eMini-Setup
Network tab will display the HELO Plus's current IP network settings.
NOTE: HELO Plus ships from the factory configured by default for DHCP operation.
A. If your HELO Plus is connected to a network using DHCP, the DHCP assigned
IP address is shown. Enter that IP address into a web browser on your
connected computer. The HELO Plus's internal web page will be displayed,
allowing complete control of the device.
B. If your HELO Plus is not connected to a network, or your network does
not use DHCP, the HELO Plus will congure itself to use a default static
IP address and display those values. Use that information to make the
required network conguration changes that will allow you to connect

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 16 www.aja.com
your computer to the HELO Plus via Ethernet. See "Static IP Address
Conguration Using eMini-Setup" below.
Static IP Address Configuration Using eMini-Setup
IMPORTANT: Record your computer's existing TCP-IP settings before you change any of
those network settings so that you can easily return your computer to normal
network operation.
1. Ensure the HELO Plus's USB Config port is connected to your computer, and
the HELO Plus's Ethernet port is also connected to your computer, either
directly or via a non-DHCP network.
2. Launch the eMini-Setup application and go to the eMini-Setup Network tab.
3. If necessary, select Static as the IP Address Type.
4. You now should now be able to make any necessary network conguration
changes.
A. You can use eMini-Setup to edit the HELO Plus's static IP address to be
compatible with your computer's current network settings.
B. Alternatively, you can change your computer's IP settings to be compatible
with the HELO Plus's static IP address.
NOTE: Typically compatible static IP settings will have identical values for the rst three
IP address numbers, dierent values for the last IP address number, and identical
Subnet Masks.
5. Once the IP addresses are compatible, enter the HELO Plus's IP address into
a web browser on your connected computer. The HELO Plus's internal web
page will be displayed, allowing complete control of the device.
HELO Plus Recording Quick Start
HELO Plus is shipped from the factory configured with the following basic
recording settings:
• Input - (SDI, Video Source on HELO Plus web browser Config screen)
• Audio Input Source - (SDI, Audio Source on Config screen)
• Recording Target - (USB, Recording Media Type on Record Output screen)
• Recording default format is Selected Input Video Geometry. Full Frame Rate,
10Mb MOV
The easiest way to record is to simply apply power to HELO Plus, connect
HELO Plus’s SDI IN port to a valid video/audio source, insert formatted SD media
into HELO Plus’s SD slot, and then press the Record button on HELO Plus’s front
panel. The Record button and SD LEDs will blink green while recording. Pressing
the Record button again stops the recording.
To change HELO Plus’s configuration settings (other than IP address) requires a
network connection to HELO Plus and a computer running a web browser, as
described above. You can then change the input source (SDI or HDMI), recording
target (USB, SD card or network drive), and the recording format.
NOTE: On Mac systems, after deleting files from a USB thumb drive or SD card, you must
also empty the trash to make that space available on the media.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 17 www.aja.com
HELO Plus Streaming Quick Start
HELO Plus is shipped from the factory configured with the following basic
streaming settings:
• Input - (SDI, Video Source on HELO Plus web browser Config screen)
• Audio Input Source - (SDI, Audio Source on Config screen)
• Both Stream 1 and Stream 2 channels enabled using Encoder 1 as input.
• HLS Stream Type - (HLS on Stream 1/2 Output Screen)
• Streaming default format is Selected Input Video Geometry Full Frame Rate
10Mb HLS
HLS streaming requires no additional configuration. With default settings you can
simply connect a valid video/audio source to HELO Plus's SDI input and press the
Stream button on HELO Plus’s front panel.
HELO Plus Firmware Update
Visit the AJA website (https://www.aja.com) to locate and download the latest
firmware. The following page provides support information and includes links to
locations where you can download updates:
https://www.aja.com/products/helo-plus#support
HELO Plus Safeboot
HELO Plus has a safety feature where an internal “safeboot” copy of minimal
system software is retained in the event the update process fails or the loaded
software becomes corrupted. The safeboot software provides minimal system
operation, intended only to restore the unit to a known configuration (the last
network configuration settings are retained) with which you can successfully
connect to the device over the network and download and reinstall fully
functional system software.
HELO Plus safeboot is initiated by holding in the front panel Record button while
powering up the unit, which launches the safeboot software version. When
running safeboot software a red Safeboot warning alarm is shown on the web UI.
With the safeboot software running, you will now be able to update your
HELO Plus to the latest version using the Web UI or eMini Setup.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 18 www.aja.com
Chapter 4 – HELO Plus Web Interface
Overview
Direct Front Panel Control
Once installed and configured for operation, HELO Plus can be controlled
by simply pressing the front panel Record and Stream buttons. To change
HELO Plus’s configuration settings and for remote control of HELO Plus, use
HELO Plus’s web interface.
Remote Control
An optimized web server in HELO Plus allows remote control and parameter
adjustments via a web browser client running on a network connected
computer. The network can be a closed local area network, a straight computer-
to-HELO Plus cable, or even exposed through a firewall to a broadband WAN.
HELO Plus uses a standard RJ45 LAN connection, and communicates via standard
“straight-through” CAT 5 Ethernet cables or null-modem (cross-over) cables
without any configuration or strapping required.
NOTE: Safari is the preferred web browser for control on the Mac, and additionally
Chrome and Firefox on Windows. Other web browsers may work, but AJA cannot
guarantee consistent operation for all web browsers or web browser versions.
To connect to HELO Plus, simply attach HELO Plus to your network and enter
HELO Plus’s IP address into the web browser. If authentication has been
configured, you may need to enter a password.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 19 www.aja.com
Web Browser via Ethernet
Figure 4. HELO Plus Web Browser Screen Areas
Number of
Recordings on
each Recording
Destination
Serial Number,
Software Version,
Connection
Status
AJA Systems
on the
Network
Menu Screens:
Click to Display
Screen
Panel Open/Close
Button
Monitor Pane
Top Line
Monitor Pane
Link Button
Monitor Pane
Record Button
Monitor Pane
Stream Button
Alarms
Selections
and
Information
Recordings
Pane
Low Frame-rate
Video Condence
Monitor
Figure 5. HELO Plus Web Browser Monitor Pane Top Line Buttons
Duplicate
Link
Button
Duplicate
Stream
Button
Duplicate
Record
Button
Data Transfer
Button
Scheduler
Button
Panel Lock
Button
AV Mute
Button
General Screen Description
All HELO Plus web screens have certain areas and controls in common. Vertical
and horizontal scroll bars appear when information extends past the border of a
panel.
The round blue Up/Down arrow button on each pane and many parameter
groups opens and closes that pane or set of parameters.
Menu Pane
On the left of each screen is a Menu listing all the available screens. Click any of
these links to jump to that screen.

HELO Plus H.264 Streaming and Recording Encoder v1.0 20 www.aja.com
Recordings Pane
The Recordings pane lists the Primary and Secondary recording destinations.
Either destination can be selected to display and access the recordings residing
on that destination.
Alarms Pane
Alarms are displayed in a pane on the left side of each screen. Clicking on the
arrow opens or closes this pane to show or hide the alarms. Hovering the mouse
over an alarm (red) or warning (yellow) may provide additional detail about the
condition.
Connections Pane
On the right side of every screen is a Connection pane listing information for the
connected HELO Plus.
Network Panel
Also on the right is a Network pane that lists other AJA devices on the network.
Right clicking on the name of a HELO Plus and then left clicking on "Identify"
turns on the Identify feature, which will blink the power LED of that HELO Plus.
Repeating that procedure turns the blinking off.
The gear icon opens the Network Screen, and is the same as selecting Network
from the Menu Pane.
Top Menu Line
Near the top of the screen is a top menu line, labeled with the assigned HELO Plus
system name. This top menu line has duplicate Record, Link, and Stream function
buttons on the left, so they can still be accessed if the Video Confidence Monitor
pane is closed.
The following additional function buttons are also available. Click on the button
to toggle it on or off.
Data Transfer Button
The HELO Plus's Data Transfer button is colored yellow when active, and gray
when inactive. Recording and/or streaming is not available while in Data Transfer
mode. Data Transfer mode must be turned on (yellow arrows) in order to
download files from the Recordings panel.
Scheduler Button
The Scheduler button indicates whether the Scheduler is enabled or not. When
colored gray, the Scheduler is disabled. When colored blue, the Scheduler is
enabled.
Lock Button
The Lock button indicates the status of the front panel buttons, set using the
Front Panel Button Lock parameter in the Config menu. When lock is On (yellow
closed lock icon), the front panel buttons will not control recording or streaming;
if pressed, they will briefly flash red.