Matrox ConductIP User manual

Part No.: V11550-301-0101(1)
Last Updated: March 24, 2023
(Go to our website for the latest version)
Matrox ConductIP
Installation and User Guide

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Part # V11550-301-0101(1) Last updated: March 24, 2023
Contents
Trademarks
Chapter 1: Introduction
About Matrox ConductIP.................................................................................. 2
Matrox ConductIP terminology ................................................................... 2
Matrox ConductIP roles.............................................................................. 3
Matrox ConductIP user documentation...................................................... 3
Supported web browsers and operating systems............................................ 4
Supported web browsers............................................................................ 4
Supported operating systems..................................................................... 4
About the Matrox ConductIP Media Routing Appliance................................... 5
Where to find more information.................................................................. 5
Chapter 2: Getting started with Matrox ConductIP
Initial setup overview ....................................................................................... 7
Configuring your network and security .......................................................... 10
Finding Matrox ConductIP on your network................................................... 11
Logging in to Matrox ConductIP .................................................................... 12
Logging in to ConductIP remotely ............................................................ 12
Logging in locally to the ConductIP MRA ................................................. 13
Activating your ConductIP license ................................................................. 14
Connecting to an NMOS registry server ........................................................ 15
Configuring the ConductIP NMOS registry............................................... 15
Selecting an NMOS registry ..................................................................... 15
Managing ConductIP certificates ................................................................... 17
Downloading the root certificate ............................................................... 17
Specifying a different certificate ............................................................... 17
Adding trusted certificates........................................................................ 18
Updating Matrox ConductIP........................................................................... 19
Creating user accounts.................................................................................. 20

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Chapter 3: Using Matrox ConductIP
About the Matrox ConductIP User Interface.................................................. 23
About Rooms............................................................................................ 23
About Panels............................................................................................ 25
Creating rooms .............................................................................................. 28
Additional room options............................................................................ 28
Adding groups and devices to rooms ............................................................ 29
Creating panels.............................................................................................. 30
Additional panel options ........................................................................... 30
Connecting senders and receivers ................................................................ 31
Connecting individual sender and receiver flows ..................................... 34
Chapter 4: Matrox ConductIP Settings Reference
System........................................................................................................... 40
NMOS registry ............................................................................................... 42
Security.......................................................................................................... 43
User management ......................................................................................... 44
Application ..................................................................................................... 45
User interface ................................................................................................ 46
Support .......................................................................................................... 47
About ............................................................................................................. 48
Appendix A: Matrox Software License Agreement
Matrox Software License Agreement............................................................. 50

Trademarks
Trademarks • Marques déposées • Warenzeichen • Marchi registrati • Marcas registradas
Matrox Graphics Inc. ..............................................................Matrox®
Microsoft Corporation............................................................Microsoft®Windows®
All other nationally and internationally recognized trademarks and tradenames are hereby acknowledged.
See the Matrox Software License Agreement
See the product’s hardware warranty: http://www.matrox.com/video/en/support/warranty/
Copyright © 2023 Matrox Graphics Inc. • All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: Matrox Graphics Inc. reserves the right to make changes in specifications at any time and with-
out notice. The information provided by this document is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no
responsibility is assumed by Matrox Graphics Inc. for its use; nor for any infringements of patents or other
rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted under any patents or patent rights of
Matrox Graphics Inc. Unauthorized recording or use of broadcast television programming, video tape, or
other copyrighted material may violate copyright laws. Matrox Graphics Inc. assumes no responsibility for
the illegal duplication, use, or other acts that infringe on the rights of copyright owners.
Matrox Graphics Inc.
1055 St. Regis Blvd., Dorval, Quebec, Canada H9P 2T4
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] World Wide Web: www.matrox.com

CHAPTER
This chapter includes the following topics:
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Part # V11550-301-0101(1) Last updated: March 24, 2023
1
Introduction
• About Matrox ConductIP
• Supported web browsers and operating systems
• About the Matrox ConductIP Media Routing Appliance

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About Matrox ConductIP
Transitioning your equipment installation to IP does not have to be expensive or complicated.
With Matrox® ConductIP, you can discover, monitor, and route any AMWA NMOS-enabled
SMPTE ST 2110 or IPMX-ready device or signal. ConductIP is available as a web server-based
application packaged in a small-form factor appliance.
ConductIP gives you a real-time, comprehensive view of all media content on your IP network
while allowing you to organize devices based on your unique setup. Designed to simplify con-
tent distribution in AV networks of any size, ConductIP enables you to manage video, audio,
and ancillary data streams, whether they come from native IP devices or are converted from
your existing broadcast and ProAV equipment.
For more information about Matrox ConductIP, go to our website.
Matrox ConductIP terminology
This section provides short definitions of some of the terms commonly used in this documen-
tation and in the ConductIP user interface. Whenever possible, our terminology attempts to be
consistent with the official NMOS (Networked Media Open Specifications) terminology:
•Devices: These are physical devices on the network that are NMOS compliant, can be
seen by ConductIP, and whose video/audio/ancillary data can be routed in the Con-
ductIP user interface (e.g. Matrox ConvertIP devices).
In ConductIP, devices are shown as rectangles ( ).
•Groups: These are groups of senders or receivers. A natural group, as defined by
NMOS, includes all three types of streams (audio/video/ancillary data). ConductIP
allows you to go beyond this specification and create virtual groups containing the
streams you choose.
In ConductIP, groups are shown as rectangles with rounded corners ( ).
•Senders (Tx): A sender is an NMOS resource that transmits a single video, audio, or
ancillary data stream to a receiver. For ConductIP, the term may also indicate a device
or a group that contains several senders. In the Matrox ConductIP user interface and
documentation, the abbreviation “Tx” may be used, depending on the context.
In ConductIP, senders are shown as rectangles with two rounded corners ( ).
•Receivers (Rx): A receiver is an NMOS resource that receives a single video, audio, or
ancillary data stream from a sender. For ConductIP, the term may also indicate a
device or a group that contains several receivers. In the Matrox ConductIP user inter-
face and documentation, the abbreviation “Rx” may be used depending on the context.
In ConductIP, receivers are shown as rectangles with two rounded corners ( ).

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•Streams/flows: Streams or flows are audio/video/ancillary data that pass from senders
to receivers. In the Matrox ConductIP documentation, either term may be used
depending on the topic’s context.
•Rooms: A ConductIP Administrator or Super operator creates rooms for operators. A
room contains the groups, and optionally devices as well, that ConductIP users are
allowed to route.
•Panels: These are where you connect the flows between senders and receivers.
Matrox ConductIP roles
There are three different types of ConductIP users:
Administrators: As a ConductIP Administrator, you have full rights and permissions over
all aspects of the ConductIP.
Super operators: As a Super operator, you have the same rights that an Administrator has
regarding Room and Panel management, but you do not have access to advanced configu-
ration options such as registry or certificate configuration, user management, licensing,
updating, etc.
Operators: As an operator, you can see the available Rooms and Panels and make the
required sender/receiver connections in the Panels page.
Matrox ConductIP user documentation
The Matrox ConductIP user documentation consists of the following:
Matrox ConductIP Device Setup sheet: This is a printed quick start sheet included with
your ConductIP MRA (Media Routing Appliance). It describes the hardware connections
and basic setup required to create an Administrator account and get you logged in to the
ConductIP. This document is also available on our website.
Matrox ConductIP Installation and User Guide: This is the main documentation for the
ConductIP and is accessible from the ConductIP user interface at any time. Please note that
the version of the user guide included with the ConductIP software is only current at the
time of the official release. The most up-to-date version of the user guide can always be
found on our website.
Tooltips: In addition to the traditional documentation, the ConductIP user interface
includes tooltips that provide immediate contextual information on various commands
and settings. Mouse over most buttons in ConductIP for a short description of their func-
tion.

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Supported web browsers and operating systems
Supported web browsers
Matrox ConductIP currently supports Google Chrome only (on Windows and macOS).
Other web browsers may work but have not been fully validated by Matrox.
Supported operating systems
Although Matrox ConductIP is a web-based application, there are certain requirements that are
specific to the operating system, such as importing a new license or updating the ConductIP.
Matrox ConductIP currently supports Microsoft Windows 10 only. Other operating systems
and Windows versions may work but have not been fully validated by Matrox.

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About the Matrox ConductIP Media Routing Appliance
The Matrox ConductIP MRA (Media Routing Appliance) is a small form factor appliance that
you connect to your network and then log in to using your web browser. If needed, you can also
connect to it locally using a keyboard, mouse, and monitor for troubleshooting or debugging
purposes (see Logging in locally to the ConductIP MRA).
Where to find more information
Matrox ConductIP MRA Device Setup: The setup sheet that is included in the box with
your ConductIP MRA device provides all the information needed to get started with con-
necting it to your network and setting it up. The setup sheet is also available on the Matrox
website.
Rackmount kit: If you want to secure the Matrox ConductIP MRA to a rack, please contact
Matrox technical support for more information.
ConductIP MRA (front view)
ConductIP MRA (rear view)

CHAPTER
This chapter includes the following topics:
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2
Getting started with Matrox ConductIP
• Initial setup overview
• Configuring your network and security
• Finding Matrox ConductIP on your network
• Logging in to Matrox ConductIP
• Activating your ConductIP license
• Connecting to an NMOS registry server
• Managing ConductIP certificates
• Updating Matrox ConductIP
• Creating user accounts

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Initial setup overview
The following list is an overview of the tasks you’ll need to perform to get started with Matrox
ConductIP. When needed, links to other topics are provided for more information.
Although this list is shown as a series of steps, you do not necessarily need to do all these tasks
in the order described. For example, you could update your ConductIP before updating the
security certificate and it would not impact your setup process. With other tasks, the order mat-
ters; such as connecting your hardware before logging in to the ConductIP software.
To get started with Matrox ConductIP:
Step 1. Verif y your network: Make sure your NMOS devices (such as your Matrox
ConvertIP devices) are connected to your network.
Step 2. Connect the Matrox ConductIP MRA to your network: Matrox ConductIP
is installed on a small form factor Media Routing Appliance (the ConductIP
MRA) that you must connect to your network. When it is connected to your
network, you can log in to it from your web browser, or you can physically
connect to it using a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
More info: This process is described in the Matrox ConductIP MRA Device
Setup sheet that is included in the box with your device. You can also down-
load it from the Matrox website.
Step 3. Create an Administrator account: When ConductIP is connected to your
network, it will boot in DHCP and broadcast in mDNS, so you can connect to
it from your web browser by typing https://conductip in the address bar or by
typing the IP address (e.g. https://192.168.12.345). When you first log in to
ConductIP, you will need to create the initial Administrator account.
More info: This process is described in the Matrox ConductIP MRA Device
Setup sheet that is included in the box with your device (also available on the
Matrox website).
Step 4. Verify your date and time settings: If you have not already done so in the
basic setup when connected locally to the ConductIP MRA, you must verify
the date and time settings now. Specify whether ConductIP uses an NTP time
server (recommended), or set the time and date manually. If your date and
time settings are not correct, you will not be able to activate your trial or full
license.
More info: Management tools
Step 5. Review network and security best practices: There are several best practices
you should follow when setting up your ConductIP.
More info: Configuring your network and security
Step 6. Activate your license: Whether you already have a full license for ConductIP
or want to activate the trial license, you will need them activated in ConductIP
to begin using the software.
More info: Activating your ConductIP license

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Step 7. Update security certificate: When you log in to ConductIP, you typically
receive a warning that the security certificate is not valid. You can ignore this
warning each time you log in, but it is better to update your computer certifi-
cate store to verify the ConductIP user interface and remove the warning.
More info: Managing ConductIP certificates
Step 8. Specify your NMOS registry: You need to specify which NMOS registry
server ConductIP will use, as well as any redundancy servers if applicable. You
can use ConductIP’s internal registry server, or you may already have one
available.
More info: Connecting to an NMOS registry server
Step 9. Update Matrox ConductIP: There may be a more recent firmware version
available for your ConductIP from the Matrox website. It is recommended to
always use the latest version. Ignore this step if you already have the latest ver-
sion of ConductIP.
More info: Updating Matrox ConductIP
Step 10. Confirm that your devices appear: Whenever you log in to ConductIP, the
available NMOS devices on your network will automatically appear in the
device bin. If no devices appear, there may be a network issue that is interfer-
ing with ConductIP’s scanning.
Step 11. Create users: As an Administrator, you will need to create user accounts for
the ConductIP. You can create other Administrators, Super operators, and
Operators. Each user type has specific permissions.
More info:
Matrox ConductIP roles
Creating user accounts
Step 12. Create and configure your Rooms: By default, a single Room is created for
you when you first start with ConductIP. At minimum, you will need to
rename and configure that room for your specific workflow. Depending on
your needs, you may need to create more rooms for your users.
More info:
About the Matrox ConductIP User Interface
Creating rooms
Adding groups and devices to rooms
Step 13. (Optional) Create your Panels: The Panels page is where you make the con-
nections between devices and set up your streaming workflow. This step is
optional because ConductIP automatically creates a panel every time you cre-
ate a room. However, you can create other panels when needed or change the
names of your panels to customize your workspace.
More info:
About the Matrox ConductIP User Interface
Creating panels
Connecting senders and receivers

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Step 14. Export your database: After you have configured your ConductIP, it is highly
recommended that you export your database (i.e. back it up) so that you can
easily re-configure your settings in the event an unexpected issue occurs. This
can also help you configure other ConductIP setups if they are similar.
More info: Management tools
Result of this task: You are ready to use ConductIP. Any remaining tasks, such as customizing
your workspace, can be done at your convenience.

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Configuring your network and security
When you connect ConductIP to your network, it is recommended to follow these best prac-
tices to maintain optimal security:
• Make sure the ConductIP MRA is in a secure area that cannot be easily accessed by
unauthorized personnel.
• If possible, install and use your own security certificate instead of the standard Con-
ductIP certificate.
• Protect the ConductIP MRA BIOS with a secure password.
• If you want to use DNS-SD to detect the ConductIP registry, it must be added to the
table of the DNS-SD server. The table entry must expose the service name “_nmos-
register._tcp”.

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Finding Matrox ConductIP on your network
When Matrox ConductIP is connected to your network, it will boot up in DHCP mode and
broadcast itself in mDNS (multicast DNS). This means that you can connect to from your web
browser by typing https://conductip in the address bar, or by typing the IP address (e.g. https://
192.168.12.345). The mDNS capability ensures that the domain name is recognized.
If the mDNS address system does not work (e.g. if your computer does not have Bonjour or
Avahi installed), you can always use the IP address to connect to ConductIP.
You can find the IP address as follows:
•Connect an HDMI monitor: If an HDMI monitor is connected to the ConductIP
hardware when you turn it on, the IP address will be displayed on the monitor. This is
the simplest way to find the IP address if you have a monitor available and have access
to the ConductIP MRA.
•Use Matrox ConvertIP Manager: The Matrox ConvertIP Manager utility that is
offered with the Matrox ConvertIP devices allows you to find any ConvertIP device on
the network, as well as the ConductIP MRA if it is on the same subnet.
When you know the IP address of your ConductIP, you can bookmark it in your web browser
for easier and quicker access.

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Logging in to Matrox ConductIP
You can log in to ConductIP remotely from your web browser, or locally using a keyboard,
mouse, and monitor connected to the ConductIP MRA.
Logging in to ConductIP remotely
To access the ConductIP user interface from a web browser:
Step 1. Open your web browser (Google Chrome is recommended).
Step 2. Do one of the following:
Go to https://conductip. If your computer is set up to use mDNS, this will
take you to the ConductIP login page.
Go to the IP address of your ConductIP MRA (e.g. https://
192.168.12.345). If you don’t know the IP address, see Finding Matrox
ConductIP on your network.
Step 3. Log in to the ConductIP with your username and password.
More info: If this is the first time you are logging in to this ConductIP, you will
instead be prompted to create an Administrator account so you can continue
with initial setup. This process is described in the Matrox ConductIP MRA
Setup sheet included with your ConductIP MRA, or you can download the
setup sheet from our website.
Result of this task: You are logged in to the ConductIP and you should see your Rooms and
available devices.

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Logging in locally to the ConductIP MRA
You can log in to the ConductIP MRA by connecting a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the
device and booting it up. Logging in locally is typically used for the following:
• Creating the Administrator account as part of the initial setup process. Although this is
usually done by remote login, you have the option of doing it by logging in locally. For
more information on this, see the Matrox ConductIP MRA Setup sheet included with
your device, or download it from our website.
• Accessing the Recovery Tools for troubleshooting or technical support purposes.
• Finding the IP address of the ConductIP MRA. When the log in page appears, the IP
address is shown on the bottom left of the screen.
To log in to the ConductIP MRA:
Step 1. Connect your power cable to the ConductIP MRA.
Step 2. Connect an HDMI monitor to the HDMI port.
Step 3. Connect a keyboard and mouse to any of the USB ports. The ports indicated
may be the most accessible.
Step 4. Connect the ConductIP MRA to your network via the LAN port on the far
right.
Step 5. Press the power button ( ) on the front of the ConductIP MRA to turn it on.
When the ConductIP boots up you will see the initial splash screen. After a
few seconds the ConductIP Boot Menu will appear.
Step 6. Select ConductIP to access the ConductIP user interface, or select Recovery
Tools to access the options required for technical support purposes.
Step 7. Enter the user credentials to start a ConductIP session.
Result of this task: You are logged in to the ConductIP locally on the MRA.
Wait a few
seconds

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Activating your ConductIP license
Activating your Matrox ConductIP license requires that you download a system token from the
ConductIP Licenses page, and use that token to get a license file (.lic) from the Matrox.
Step 1. Go to Settings > Application > Licenses.
Step 2. Click Download system token and save the file to your computer.
More info: Contact your Matrox reseller and specify the number of video ports
and number of years you require for your license. Your reseller will use your
system token to obtain the corresponding license file (.lic) you’ll need to acti-
vate your license in ConductIP.
Step 3. When you have your license file, go to Settings > Application > Licenses,
click Install license, then select the license file you received.
Step 4. Click OK to install the new license.
Result of this task: Your Matrox ConductIP license has been activated.

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Connecting to an NMOS registry server
Matrox ConductIP has an internal NMOS registry server that is enabled by default, but you can
choose to use any NMOS registry server available on your network. For more information on
the settings described in this section, go to NMOS registry.
Configuring the ConductIP NMOS registry
If you want to use the ConductIP internal NMOS registry, you must configure the following
settings. For more information on any of these settings, see NMOS registry.
To configure the ConductIP NMOS registry:
Step 1. Go to Settings > NMOS registry > Registry configuration.
Step 2. Enable the Matrox ConductIP registry.
More info: If you disable the ConductIP registry, the remaining settings on this
page will become unavailable.
Step 3. Make sure MDNS advertisement is enabled.
Step 4. Select the Protocol for the ConductIP registry (http or https).
More info: If you select https, you may need to configure your server certifi-
cates accordingly (see Managing ConductIP certificates).
Step 5. Select the Priority for the ConductIP registry.
More info: If you have several NMOS registry servers on your network (e.g. for
redundancy), specify what priority the ConductIP NMOS registry has in rela-
tion to the other servers.
Step 6. Click Apply.
Result of this task: The ConductIP NMOS registry has been configured.
When done, remember: Make sure Select the internal registry is selected in Settings >
NMOS registry > Registry selection or the ConductIP NMOS registry will not work even if
you enabled it above (see Selecting an NMOS registry).
Selecting an NMOS registry
Whether you want to use the ConductIP NMOS registry or any other NMOS registry, you must
specify which registry you want ConductIP to use. For more information on any of these set-
tings, see NMOS registry.

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To select an NMOS registry:
Step 1. Go to Settings > NMOS registry > Registry selection.
Step 2. There are three options for registry selection:
a. To use the ConductIP NMOS registry, click Select the internal registry
and configure the settings described in Configuring the ConductIP NMOS
registry. This option is only available when the Matrox ConductIP registry
is enabled.
b. To use a specific NMOS registry on your network, click Manually select
the registry and configure the corresponding settings. For more informa-
tion on the settings, see NMOS registry.
c. To allow ConductIP to automatically select from available NMOS regis-
tries on the network, click Automatically select the registry and enter
your search domain name. NMOS registries with DNS-SD advertisement
will be prioritized before mDNS advertisement, with advertised priority
(such as what you would select for the ConductIP NMOS registry) coming
after that.
Step 3. Click Apply.
Result of this task: You have selected the NMOS registry that ConductIP will use.
When done, remember: If an NMOS registry uses the https protocol, you may need to configure
your server certificates accordingly (see Managing ConductIP certificates).