NCast PR-720-R User manual

NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual
NCast Product Specification
Presentation Recorder
Reference Manual
Revision 1.1
May 5th, 2011
PR-720 Software Release 6.1.7
Copyright NCast Corporation, 2011
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1. Purpose .................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2. Document Overview ............................................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Terms and Definitions ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.4. Presentation Recorders ......................................................................................................................... 7
1.5. Presentation Recorder Modes of Operation ........................................................................................... 9
1.6. Startup ................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.7. Connections ......................................................................................................................................... 12
1.8. Installation ............................................................................................................................................ 13
2. Theory of Operation ...................................................................................................................... 14
2.1. Presentation Recorder Component Block Diagram ............................................................................. 14
2.2. Capture Module Function ..................................................................................................................... 15
2.3. Compression ........................................................................................................................................ 15
2.4. Transmission ........................................................................................................................................ 15
2.5. Decompression .................................................................................................................................... 15
2.6. Display Function ................................................................................................................................... 15
2.7. Audio Subsystem ................................................................................................................................. 15
2.8. Archive Flash Disk ................................................................................................................................ 15
3. Configuration Settings and Parameters Reference ....................................................................... 16
3.1. Unit Options Settings ........................................................................................................................... 16
3.2. Passwords ............................................................................................................................................ 18
3.3. Web Control ......................................................................................................................................... 19
3.4. Display Settings ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.5. Custom Settings ................................................................................................................................... 22
3.6. Network Settings .................................................................................................................................. 26
3.7. Telnet Settings ...................................................................................................................................... 29
3.8. Scheduler ............................................................................................................................................. 30
3.9. Notifications .......................................................................................................................................... 36
3.10. Logs ................................................................................................................................................... 38
3.11. Update Tool ........................................................................................................................................ 40
4. The Channel Table ........................................................................................................................ 41
4.1. Channel Settings .................................................................................................................................. 41
4.2. Channel Settings - General .................................................................................................................. 42
4.3. Channel Settings - Recording .............................................................................................................. 49
4.4. Channel Settings - Layout .................................................................................................................... 51
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4.5. Channel Settings – Image Overlays ..................................................................................................... 56
4.6. Channel Settings – Text Overlays ........................................................................................................ 56
4.7. Channel Settings – Upload ................................................................................................................... 59
4.8. Channel Settings – Notifications .......................................................................................................... 61
5. Archives Page ............................................................................................................................... 63
5.1. Archive Settings ................................................................................................................................... 63
6. Sources Page ............................................................................................................................... 67
6.1. Sources Settings .................................................................................................................................. 67
7. Information Pages Reference ....................................................................................................... 72
7.1. Session Page ....................................................................................................................................... 72
7.2. Viewers Page ....................................................................................................................................... 73
7.3. View Page ............................................................................................................................................ 74
7.4. VLC Media Player ................................................................................................................................ 75
7.5. Media Players ...................................................................................................................................... 76
7.6. Closed-Caption Support ....................................................................................................................... 77
8. Custom Layouts ............................................................................................................................ 80
8.1. Frame Layouts and Presets ................................................................................................................. 80
9. Presentation Recorder Interfaces ................................................................................................. 85
9.1. Serial Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 85
9.2. Telnet Interface ..................................................................................................................................... 85
9.3. HTTP Interface – Archive Download .................................................................................................... 86
9.4. HTTP Interface – Image and Thumbnail Capture ................................................................................. 92
9.5. HTTP Interface – Graphics Overlay Upload ......................................................................................... 93
10. Techniques for Presentation Capture ....................................................................................... 96
10.1. Webcasting, Podcasting and Archiving .............................................................................................. 96
10.2. Capturing Graphics, Video and Audio ................................................................................................ 96
10.3. Conference Day Problems and Issues ............................................................................................... 98
10.4. Video Post-Production ........................................................................................................................ 99
11. References .................................................................................................................................. 102
11.1. MPEG Compression ......................................................................................................................... 102
11.2. Packet Transmission ........................................................................................................................ 102
11.3. Multicast ........................................................................................................................................... 102
12. Revision History .......................................................................................................................... 103
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Regulatory Compliance Information
Equipment Label
The Presentation Recorder meets all applicable FCC, CE and ICAN radiation and emission
standards:
44366 S. Grimmer Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538
[phone] [phone] Fax
Report 30 4-1
Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report
47 CFR Part 2 Subpart J Paragraph 2.906
Report 30 4-2
Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report
ECD 2004/108/EC, LVD 2006/95/EC
(1) Connections between peripherals of this equipment may be made with low voltage non-
shielded computer data cables.
(2) Network connections may consist of non-shielded CAT 5 cable.
Warnings
(1) A non-shielded power cord may be used to connect AC power to every component and
peripheral of the system.
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC NOTICE – INFORMATION FOR THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
(1)Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
(2)Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
(3)Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
(4)Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The user may find the following publication prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful:
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“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”
Stock Number 004-000-00345-4, available exclusively from the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (telephone [phone]).
FCC WARNING
Changes or modification not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance to Part
15 of the FCC Rules could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
CE NOTICE – INFORMATION FOR THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to EN 55022 Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at the expense of
the user.
The user may find the following publication prepared by the Federal Communication Commission
helpful:
“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems”
Stock Number 004-000-00345-4, available exclusively from the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (telephone [phone]).
WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance to EN
55022 Rules could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ICAN Class A Digital Equipment
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigencies due Réglement sur le
matériel brouilleur du Canada.
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1. Introduction
1.1. PURPOSE
The NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual is intended for the Audio/Video or Network engineer
who will be tasked with the job of installing and setting up a Presentation Recorder or a system of multiple
Presentation Recorders. This guide is designed to cover topics in depth and to assist in optimizing the
performance of a Presentation Recorder.
1.2. DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document is divided into two major sections: the theory of operation and a discussion of parameter
settings.
1.3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
A complete discussion of MPEG compression, Internet streaming, webcasting protocols and related topics is
beyond the scope of this document. Other sources cover this material in great detail. The following are brief
definitions of some of the terms used throughout this manual.
AAC – Advanced Audio Coding, a wideband audio encoding and compression algorithm.
Auto-detect – A capability to automatically sense if an input signal (graphics or video) is
present and to lock onto that signal without further manual intervention.
CIF - Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 352x288 pixels.
DVI – Digital Visual Interface, a digital interface standard which provides for connection to
LCD panels and displays.
H.264 – A compression format that delivers very high quality video at low bit rates. MPEG-4
Part 10 utilizes the H.264 codec for transmission.
IETF – Internet Engineering Task Force, the standards body for Internet protocols.
ISO – International Standards Organization
Latency – The end-to-end time delay between a change in the source image and the
corresponding change in the remotely displayed image.
Line-Level – Sound level signals typically in the range of –10 dBu to +30 dBu.
Lip-sync – The synchronization of independent audio and video streams at a receiving
decoder so that the presentation is in the same time relationship as the source.
Mic-Level – Sound level signals typically in the range of –70 dBu to –30 dBu.
MPEG Compression – MPEG is an acronym for Motion Picture Experts Group, an industry-
wide committee which has defined a series of standards for the compression of audio and
video source material.
MTU – The maximum transmission unit is the maximum number of bytes permitted in a
transmitted packet.
Multicast – A family of computer transmission protocols where multiple receivers access a
single transmitted packet stream.
NCCP – NCast Conference Control Protocol provides coordination, control and identification
of participants in a multi-way collaborative conference session.
N-Way – An NCast proprietary service for multicast bridging and webcasting.
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PIP – A picture-in-picture function overlays one video or graphics image with a reduced-sized
version of another video image.
RFC – Request for Comments, an Internet protocol standard.
RTSP – Real-Time Streaming Protocol is an IETF approved protocol for control of real-time
streaming on the Internet.
S-Video – A video connector (usually DIN style) where luminance and chroma information are
transmitted on separate wires or cable pairs. Provides for a higher fidelity image than a
composite connection.
SDP – Session Description Protocol, for describing streaming media transmissions
SIF - Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 320x240 pixels.
SVGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 800x600 pixels.
SXGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. The
aspect ratio for SXGA is 5:4. Support for a 4:3 aspect ratio is accomplished by utilizing a
1280×960 subset of the display surface.
Telnet – An IP network based protocol, which was originally used to connect remote consoles
and terminals to mainframes, but is now used as a general, bi-directional, byte oriented
communications facility. See RFC’s 854 and 855.
Unicast – Refers to a point-to-point connection between two Internet host machines.
UXGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1600x1200 pixels.
VGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 640x480 pixels.
WUXGA - Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels.
WXGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. Some
projectors use WXGA to refer to 1280x720 as well. This display size implements a 16:9
aspect ratio, as compared to a normal 4:3 monitor.
XGA – Describes an image or display surface with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels.
1.4. PRESENTATION RECORDERS
The Presentation Recorder is a stand-alone network communications appliance which captures RGB (VGA)
or DVI signals from a desktop or laptop, compresses the image with an industry standard compression
algorithm, packetizes and transmits the imagery as an internet media stream, receives a media stream from
the internet, decompresses the imagery, and presents the received information to a viewing audience
through use of a large-screen monitor or via a room projector. Presentation Recorders are able to archive the
media stream in real-time while simultaneously webcasting, allowing for playback by the recipient at a later
date.
The following Presentation Recorder models are covered by this documentation:
PR-720-R – A rack-mounted unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. The PR-720-R introduces
support for up to WUXGA (1920x1200) input reso utions with up to WXGA (1280x720) capture reso utions and
PiP (Picture In Picture) video and graphics over ay.
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PR-720-D – A rack-mounted unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. The PR-720-D introduces
support for up to WUXGA (1920x1200) input reso utions with up to WXGA (1280x720) capture reso utions and
PiP (Picture In Picture) video and graphics over ay. This unit has two independent and identica encoders in a
sing e 1U rack-mount chassis (each encoder and its power supp y occupy ½ rack).
The dua -encoding capabi ities of this mode enab es many different app ications, for examp e:
•Two independent 720p encoders – With identica inputs, one encoder may be setup to stream and record
a high-bandwidth, high-reso ution stream and the second encoder provides for a reduced reso ution,
reduced bandwidth stream.
•Dua wide-screen de ivery – One encoder transmits a 720p hi-def camera stream, and the second
transmits a wide-screen presentation. Te epresence at a budget price!
•Synchronized Encoders – Two 1280x720 wide-screens side by side, giving a 2560x720 panorama, or a 3D
eft-right image.
•Two-way Interactive – One encoder is configured for streaming send, and the second is setup for
streaming receive.
•Fai -Safe System – Each encoder independent y transmitting the same materia . Shou d one fai , the
receivers can switch to the other.
PR-720-P - A flange-mounted unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. This is a very small
form-factor chassis suitable for mounting on the walls of a podium, on top of or underneath a
podium shelf, in a mobile cart, or on a wall in an equipment room.
PR-720-M - A desktop unit with streaming and archiving capabilities. This is a very small form-factor
case suitable for desktop or mobile cart applications.
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All PR-720 Series units share a core operating system and base set of features. The mainboard and
connector set is identical for all units.
1.5. PRESENTATION RECORDER MODES OF OPERATION
The Presentation Recorders have four major modes of operation:
Streaming Send – In this mode of operation one of the Presentation Recorders is designated
as the “Sender” and all of the other units are designated as “Receivers”. The media streams
originate from the Sender and are decoded by one or more Receivers or desktop client media
players. The transmission is strictly one-way, and no feedback or interactivity is provided for.
The one-to-many operation is enabled via use of multicast connected networks. The unit is
able to stream and record simultaneously.
Streaming Receive – In this mode of operation the Presentation Recorder is configured to
receive a stream from another unit acting as a sender. See diagram above.
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Automatic Unicast – In this mode of operation the Presentation Recorder sends a unicast
stream to a streaming server which then reflects the stream to one or more client PCs for live
streaming playback. The unit is able to stream and record simultaneously.
Record Only – The Presentation Recorder only records the file to storage. Once the Session
has ended the file may be automatically uploaded to a video-on-demand server for later
playback by client PCs.
1.6. STARTUP
1.6.1. Really, Really Quick Start
Here’s a really short description on how to get started:
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1. Plug the unit into a network with DHCP, plug in a component display to the VGA Out (you'll
need a VGA-->RGB breakout cable), plug your laptop into the VGA In, a camera into a video
connector (if you have one) and turn on the power.
2. When you see the bootup screen with the IP network address, log into the unit at
http //ipaddress using “admin” as the user and “ncast” as the password.
3. On the Sources page select your input feeds from the top two rows of buttons and then on
the Channels page click the Channel Start button “1” on the left.
4. Go to the View page, click on “Launch Quicktime Player in window Multicast” and you’re
done!
1.6.2. Mini Start
This is a short introduction on how to get started with a Presentation Recorder:
1. Plug the unit into a network, plug in a component display to the VGA Out (you'll need a VGA--
>RGB breakout cable), plug your laptop into the VGA In, a camera into a video connector (if
you have one) and turn on the power. If you aren’t using DHCP and need to enter static IP
addresses, edit a “ntwkconf.txt” file onto a USB stick and plug it into a USB port. See the
Network Settings section for details on this file.
2. When you see the bootup screen with the IP network address, log into the unit at
http //ipaddress using “admin” as the user and “ncast” as the password.
3. Go to the Configuration/Unit Options page and fill in all the information required.
4. On the Sources page select your input feeds from the top two rows of buttons. Select your
Audio Input source. Also select the Main and PIP Window settings. Turn the audio meter on.
You should see your captured graphics and video on the local display screen. Check your
audio levels on the meter.
5. On the Channels page modify a Channel for the transmission rates and multicast or unicast
addresses you wish to use. Use the Layout tab to specify the resolution and window
placement desired. Review the Recording options. Update the Channel information. Click the
Channel Start button on the left for the Channel you have modified.
6. You will see a Session Start page come up with details about your ongoing transmission. If
you wish to start recording the Session, press the Record button.
7. Go to the View page. This page allows you to connect different media desktop players using
multicast protocol. If you have Quicktime installed on your PC, click on “Launch Quicktime
Player in window Multicast”. If your network is not multicast enabled you must be on the
same LAN segment as the encoder. Your client player should launch and you should see
your captured graphics and video. For other client players, try clicking on the “SDP” link.
You’re done!
1.6.3. Long Start
Read this whole manual from cover to cover (RTFM). There are hundreds of different configuration
options for a Presentation Recorder, allowing the setup and composition of many different formats,
resolutions, PIP options, layouts, bit-rates, frame-rates, start and stop and scheduling options and the
like. You can automatically upload your archives to a video server. You can tag your archives
automatically with course numbers and notes. You can add your own customized graphic overlays to
the captured graphics and video. Transmission can be automated so that all that is required is to
press the power-on button.
Please feel free to contact NCast Corporation if you have any questions about the use or
configuration of the Presentation Recorder.
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1.7. CONNECTIONS
The following diagram describes the back-panel connectors available:
•Serial Control – Wired control from a touch panel, such as Crestron or AMX
•Ethernet – Connection to the Internet
•XLR Audio – Balanced XLR input connector and additionally a balanced 0.25” connector
•VGA or Component – Input from the presenter's PC or a component hi-def camera
•VGA Loopback – VGA output, usually to the room projector
•Component Out – Y-Pb-Pr output to the local display, VGA → Y-Pb-Pr breakout cable required
•USB – For specifying a static IP connection with a USB drive
•Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In - Unbalanced 3.5 mm. audio connections
•HDMI – Video input from cameras, audio not supported
•DVI-I – Digital or Analog DVI input
•Y/C – S-Video NTSC or PAL input
•Composite – NTSC or PAL input
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1.8. INSTALLATION
The diagram below shows a typical room installation:
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2. Theory of Operation
2.1. PRESENTATION RECORDER COMPONENT BLOCK DIAGRAM
The Presentation Recorder consists of these main hardware functions:
Capture Hardware – A custom designed, high-performance module is used to grab and digitize the RGB
or video signals created by the presenter or media source. This module accepts VGA, Y-Pr-Pb, DVI-I, HDMI,
PAL/NTSC composite or PAL/NTSC S-Video connections and converts those signals to YUV digital format.
Two of these inputs may be active simultaneously for generation of a picture-in-picture (PIP) display.
Central CPU – A general-purpose ARM processor is used to compress and decompress audio streams,
to encapsulate and decapsulate outgoing and incoming packets streams, to enable the web interface, serial
interface and telnet interface, and to prepare data for display on the attached monitor. A highly secure open-
source operating system underlies and supports all of this functionality.
DSP – A custom DSP is used to compress and decompress YUV video and graphics images to H.264
streams.
Display Output Sub-system – Media streams, which are received and decoded, are presented on the
attached display for viewing. Currently, only component output (Y-Pb-Pr) is supported.
Audio Sub-system – A sound system with stereo input-output capabilities and with support for microphone
and line-level inputs and line-level outputs is used to create the AAC audio streams transmitted in
conjunction with the associated graphics or video imagery. Balanced XLR inputs are also supported
Ethernet Interface – Industry-standard ethernet connectors are used to connect the Presentation
Recorder with the Internet network used for communications.
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2.2. CAPTURE MODULE FUNCTION
The capture module selects one of the available six inputs (VGA, DVI-D, DVI-A, HDMI, Composite, S-Video)
and locks onto the signal. The signal is converted into the appropriate digital formats, and each pixel in the
image is stored in a local memory buffer on the module. Any required sizing and re-scaling is done in the
module. At an appropriate time the pixels in module are transferred to the DSP where they are processed
and compressed.
If PIP mode is enabled, two signals may be selected (exceptions: Composite and S-video share one video
decoding chip and are the same signal, VGA and DVI-A share one input chip and are the same signal).
2.3. COMPRESSION
The digitized RGB signals are converted in format from an {R,G,B} representation to {Y,U,V}. Industry-
standard compression algorithms implemented in the DSP are then used to reduce the source data to a
more manageable size, and to generate sequences of I-P-B frames found in MPEG-4 media streams.
2.4. TRANSMISSION
The MPEG media stream is split into segments, which are then encapsulated into RTP packets according to
the protocol standards set forth in IETF RFC 3016 or RFC 3984 (H.264). These packets are presented to the
Ethernet hardware interface for subsequent transmission on the attached IP network.
2.5. DECOMPRESSION
The received packet stream is decompressed and the resulting image is placed into a video frame buffer. At
that instant it will become visible to the receiving viewers.
2.6. DISPLAY FUNCTION
The display will output imagery from two different sources. If the unit is configured as the sending unit, a
local copy of the captured image (prior to compression, but after capture and conversion to digital format) will
be displayed. If the unit is a receiving unit, the displayed image will be from the remote sender.
2.7. AUDIO SUBSYSTEM
Each Presentation Recorder supports an audio subsystem consisting of an high-quality codec and
associated input/output connectors. The unit has microphone and line-level input signals, and a line-level
output signal. Each line-level connector supports stereo signals. An XLR connector provides for mono
balanced audio input. Audio input via the HDMI connector is not currently supported.
2.8. ARCHIVE FLASH DISK
A flash memory card in the Presentation Recorder is available for recording transmitted sessions. The file
format is standard MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264, .mp4), which can be played on a variety of desktop client
players, or these same files can be installed on a video-streaming server for on-demand playback over the
Internet. All unit come with 32 GB of storage standard, and an additional 32 GB of storage may be
purchased as an option.
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3. Configuration Settings and Parameters Reference
3.1. UNIT OPTIONS SETTINGS
The Unit Options page gives the Presentation Recorder its unique ID and provides a place to enter system-
wide settings. The ID and contact information are transmitted over the Internet to identify this Presentation
Recorder as a member of an ongoing conference session.
3.1.1. Unit ID
The Unit ID uniquely identifies a Presentation Recorder within a conference. The Unit ID can be descriptive
of the location of the unit, or it can reflect the departmental ownership, or any other characteristic that clearly
differentiates it from its peers.
Examples:
PR720 West Campus
PR720 Engineering
The Unit ID is written to the XML meta-data file which accompanies each recording, and may be used to
index the recorded file based on information about which unit sourced the recording.
3.1.2. Contact name
The Contact name is typically the name of the owner or administrator of the unit responsible for being the
source of the generated media stream. It could also be the name of the person in charge of the course
material being webcast. This item is transmitted in real-time over the network as an SDES element in the
RTP protocol (see IETF RFC 1889 for a more detailed description of the Real-Time Protocol). Other SDES
items include the Contact e-mail, Contact phone, Contact location, and Contact web page.
3.1.3. Contact e-mail
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The Contact e-mail should be the address of the owner/administrator of the unit or an address where
questions or service requests concerning the unit are sent. The email address should be formatted according
to RFC 822, for example, [email protected].
3.1.4. Contact phone
The Contact phone should be the number of the owner/administrator of the unit or a number of a service
desk, which a user could contact for help with regards to the media stream being generated. The phone
number should be formatted with a + sign replacing the international access code. For example, a phone
number in the United States would appear as “[phone]”.
3.1.5. Contact location
The location of the unit. The degree of precision of the location is at the discretion of the systems
administrator. For example, one might enter “Sunnyvale, CA” or “Room 23B, Building 5, San Jose Campus,
2050 Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA”.
3.1.6. Contact web page
The Contact web page can be the URL of the Contact name’s personal web page, department, service
group, help page or course material outline.
3.1.7. Date & Time - Time zone
The Time zone setting is required so that the timestamp information embedded in the archive filenames
correctly matches the local time-of-day.
3.1.8. Date & Time - Network Time Protocol
When enabled the unit’s system time is synchronized with public or private NTP servers. When stopped the
system time is not synchronized and may drift over longer time periods. This option is controlled by the “Stop
NTP” button, which will terminate any active Session and reconfigure the system. If the NTP client has been
stopped an additional setting for manual time and date setup appears. The NTP client requires a proper DNS
configuration to work correctly.
Selection of this option requires that the network in use allows the Presentation Recorder to access external,
publicly available time servers. If you are on a private or closed network, local NTP servers may be listed in
the “NTP server N” fields.
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Disable this selection if access to the network time servers is not available (closed network) or if the unit is
being used in a temporary location with a standalone hub or router (e.g. a tradeshow, conference or demo).
Bootup time will be substantially reduced if the system does not wait for a response from non-existent time
servers.
3.1.9. Serial Number and Revision Information
At the bottom of the Unit Options page internal system information is listed including:
•Serial number of the hardware unit
•Hardware architecture in use and firmware revision numbers
•Software release revision and date for firmware and digitizers
•System date and time
3.1.10.Configuration/Reset Buttons
On the right side of the web page are six buttons which may be used to configure, restart or reset the unit:
•Shutdown – Powers down the unit and is recommended as the proper means to turn off a
Presentation Recorder if it will be idle for some time or is to be moved or reconfigured. All operating
parameters will be properly saved and restored.
•Reboot – Shuts down and then restarts the unit. This operation may be needed to clear problems
after a power brownout or other unexpected glitch.
•Date & Time – Controls setup of Date & Time and access to internal or external time servers.
•Factory Defaults – All operating parameters are reset to the Presentation Recorder’s initial factory
configuration. Nothing is saved and the reset is irreversible.
•Export Settings/Import Settings – Export or Import ALL configuration settings for this unit.
3.2. PASSWORDS
The Passwords page provides for entry of four different password types to control access to the Presentation
Recorder.
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3.2.1. Admin password
The Admin password grants rights to all configuration and setup options for the Presentation Recorder. This
password should be chosen carefully and with security in mind. Avoid use of common names, dictionary
words and the like. A randomly chosen string greater than 8 characters in length is suggested.
3.2.2. Coordinator password
The Coordinator password allows access to the Archive files.
3.2.3. Viewer passwords
The View page allows desktop or laptop users to access the live media streams being encoded by the
Presentation Recorder. This access may or may not be restricted, depending on the content and needs of
the installation and/or organization. If the “Verify viewer password” checkbox is enabled, then access is
restricted and a viewer needs to enter a password to see the media stream.
There is provision for four different viewer names and passwords.
3.2.4. HTTP API password
The HTTP API password allows access to archived files. This password permits HTTP access to the archive
list, allows downloading of the archive and details file and the removal of one or more archived files. All of
these operations utilize special HTTP URLs described in Section 9.3. Commonly available programs such as
“wget” may be executed from shell scripts to automate this archive download function. There is no login page
for a backup operator using the web interface.
3.3. WEB CONTROL
The Web Control page allows configuration of security settings related to use and access of the web
administrative interface.
3.3.1. HTTP/HTTPS Access
Normal web access, which is unprotected and insecure, is accomplished through use of the HTTP protocol
typically utilizing port 80. Secure access using HTTPS (the SSL protocol) utilizes port 443. Administration of
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the Presentation Recorder in open and insecure networks without the use of HTTPS presents a security risk
and should be avoided.
The Web Control page allows three different options related to Viewer and Administrative access.
•All HTTP – Utilizes HTTP for Viewer and Administrative access.
•Viewer HTTP/Admin HTTPS – Utilizes HTTPS for Administrative access
•All HTTPS – Viewers and Administrators must use HTTPS
The downside of using HTTPS is that SSL Certificates (which usually require an annual fee or license
payment) are required for each Presentation Recorder unit. Non-authoritative certificates may be used, but
Viewers will see ominous warning notices in their browsers about the certificate, asking the user to accept
the validity of the connection. Also, client players such as Quicktime, which need to download .sdp files using
HTTPS protocol, may not function correctly if the certificate is not valid. Consult with your network
administrator about certificate availability for your organization.
Access using HTTPS is straightforward. Simply use the “https” prefix:
https://pr720.ncast.com
This will automatically direct the request to port 443, the standard for HTTPS access.
3.3.2. Certificates and RSA Keys
If an organization has purchased an official SSL Certificate, or has created a non-authoritative one (which
can be done with many different SSL tools) this new certificate may be uploaded and installed on the Web
Control page.
When HTTPS is turned on, the Apache server requires that the certificate be authenticated with a password.
Since this is not possible inside the Presentation Recorder, a private RSA key may be used instead of a
password. If there is not a valid private RSA key available, then Apache will not start. This is used to disable
third parties launching HTTPS with stolen certificates. More information on this topic is at
http://www.apache.org. The pass-phrase should be removed from the private key before upload.
3.4. DISPLAY SETTINGS
The Display settings control activity relative to the local display attached to the Presentation Recorder. If
activated this display normally loops back the graphics or video signals selected on the input connectors
(after digitization of the signal). The displayed material shows the final-form composition of what will be
compressed and recorded (except for the audio-meter, if present). Also, if graphic overlays are being used,
these will appear on the local loopback display.
3.4.1. Display Loopback
Turns on and off the loopback of locally generated graphics or video input. If local loopback is not being used
in an installation this setting should be set to “Disabled” as that will free up CPU cycles which are required to
generate the loopbacked image.
3.4.2. Display Loopback Framerate
If local loopback has been selected, the CPU will maintain on the local screen a copy of the material which is
being digitized and sent out as a webcast or recorded as an archive. The process of refreshing this screen
consumes CPU cycles, especially if large resolutions and fast framerates are involved. Excessive CPU
utilization can negatively impact maximum outbound framerates.
This parameter allows the operator to decrease the local loopback refresh loading. The local screen will still
be updated, but at a rate which provides some relief from excessive use. Reduce the setting from the “Full”
value if needed to maximize outbound transmission performance.
Obviously, a very low setting will impair the visual quality (in terms of motion) of the local display.
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