Radiant Communications RM1106 User manual

RM1106/RM1121 CATV
Remote Monitoring System
User Manual
PC Vision 3.1

Copyright© 2005 by Radiant Communications Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Unauthorized use of this
material without the expressed written consent of Radiant Communications is prohibited.
No part of this manual may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored
in a database or retrieval system, without the written permission of Radiant
Communications Corporation. Making copies of any part of this manual for any purpose
other than your own personal use is a violation of United States copyright laws. For
information, address Radiant Communications Corporation, New Jersey.
This manual is distributed as is, without warranty of any kind, either express or implied,
respecting the contents of this manual, including but not limited to implied warranties for
the manual’s quality or performance.

RM1106 User Manual
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1
Benefits ............................................................................................................................1
Features............................................................................................................................2
Hardware Controller ........................................................................................................2
PC Vision.........................................................................................................................2
GETTING STARTED...................................................................................................... 3
Unpacking your RM1106/RM1121 components.............................................................3
Minimum Requirements ..................................................................................................4
PC ............................................................................................................................... 4
Networking.................................................................................................................. 4
Important questions that need to be answered prior to installation........................... 5
SYSTEM SETUP.............................................................................................................. 6
Port Usage........................................................................................................................6
Command and Control................................................................................................ 6
Multimedia.................................................................................................................. 6
NAT and Multiple Users ............................................................................................. 7
Summary of Port Usage.............................................................................................. 8
Discovers and Set up of RM1106/RM1121.....................................................................9
PC Vision 3.0.............................................................................................................. 9
PCVCONFIG............................................................................................................ 10
USING PC VISION........................................................................................................ 12
Adding the RM1106/RM1121 Device...........................................................................13
Connecting to the Device...............................................................................................13
Logging In......................................................................................................................14
Selecting Network Transport Protocol ..........................................................................14
Configuration .................................................................................................................15
Adjusting Settings..........................................................................................................18
Video Settings............................................................................................................ 18
PC Vision Main Screen..................................................................................................19
The Main Menu .............................................................................................................20
Adjusting the Color................................................................................................... 18
Adjusting Audio.............................................................................................................19
Using the Remote Control .............................................................................................21
ADDITIONAL FEATURES.......................................................................................... 24
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Table of Contents
Taking Control of the Unit.............................................................................................24
Adding Firmware...........................................................................................................24
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................. 25
Forgot Password ............................................................................................................25
Cannot Discover Unit (RM1106/RM1121) ...................................................................25
Cannot Discover Unit (PC Vision) ................................................................................25
No Video/Audio (After unit is discovered in PC Vision)..............................................25
No Audio (Video is OK)................................................................................................26
Remote Does not Function ............................................................................................26
The Screen is Red and Blue...........................................................................................26
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY........................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX B SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................. 31
APPENDIX C: KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS............................................................... 32
INDEX.............................................................................................................................. 33
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RM1106 User Manual
Introduction
The RM1106/RM1121 system is Radiant Communications’ latest innovation for head-
end consolidation. The system is an encoding/decoding device that provides you with the
ability to remotely monitor your entire channel lineup over your existing local area
network (LAN) or WAN. The RM1106/RM1121 series enables transmission of high
quality video signals over existing IP networks. This is an extremely flexible system with
a number of features, including four selectable video inputs (each can be viewed at a
time), bi-directional audio, and multiple data and contact closures for controlling various
devices at the remote hub site.
The encoder operates with a scaleable bandwidth from 56kbs to 2Mbs, so that it will not
congest your network. However, for critical applications, the video packets can be tagged
for prioritization (QoS).
At the central location, the video can be viewed on a monitor with the use of a decoder or
on a PC with just the software. The RM1106/RM1121 is standards-based so that it will
work in any IP system. It is now available with MPEG4 quality video.
The RM1106/RM1121 can be used by your cable company to monitor and troubleshoot
the channel lineup at a hub or anywhere else.
The figure below displays a configuration of the basic setup.
Benefits
Following is a list of ways in which PC vision benefits your CATV company:
LAN/
WAN
PC with RM1106/RM1121 Software
IP VIDEO AUDIO
•Technicians can quickly connect to unmanned hubs from anywhere.
•Problems can be assessed as soon as a complaint is registered.
•Multiple CATV hubs can be monitored simultaneously from one central
location.
•You can verify problems and reduce the number of onsite service calls.
•Real-time messaging capability can be used to quickly diagnose problems.
•The solution is customizable, enhancing future options for remote control of
unmanned sights.
•You can take a proactive approach to QoS of your CATV System.
•There is a remote start/stop capability for DVD, VOD, and VHS systems.
•The system uses standard network infrastructure.
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Introduction
Features
Below is a list of the RM1106/RM1121 system’s most useful and unique features:
•Remote channel lineup monitoring
¾Remotely monitor your entire channel lineup, using your settop box
via your existing LAN
¾Easily monitor multiple remote hub locations from anywhere on your
network
•Scalable Video channel bandwidth – This feature allows you to trade off the
monitored video quality vs. the local area network bandwidth usage
•Expandable System – you may easily add sites at any time
•Works on intranets and the internet
•Left and right audio monitoring
•Operates on MPEG4
Hardware Controller
The RM1106/RM1121 hardware controller consists of the following:
•MPEG4 based scalable video encoder
•Multi-protocol to accommodate different network environments
•1 port or 4 ports models
•IR port
•Standard Ethernet networking port
•Bi-directional audio channel
•1U Rack mount chassis
•Analog decoder
PC Vision
Some of the advantages of using PC Vision are:
•It is designed for quick learning and ease of use.
•It uses a logical grouping scheme that defines locations and available CATV
boxes.
•It displays which user is connected to each cable box.
•The system allows for online administration and configuration of
RM1106/RM1121.
•Passwords are assigned to Admin, Technician, and User groups for added
security.
•A dialog box is used for messaging between remote and central locations in
real-time.
•It has an easy-to-use remote control interface for accessing cable box controls.
•A customization option is available.
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RM1106 User Manual
Getting Started
Unpacking your RM1106/RM1121 components
Remove all materials from the packing box and confirm receipt of the following
according to the specific product ordered:
RM1106-T
•1 CD (Manual and Installation Software)
•2 RJ45 Cables [1 ea straight and crossover]
•1 A/C Power cord
•1 6FT Triple RCA/RCA Cable
•1 IR Blaster
RM1121-T
•1 CD (Manual and Installation Software)
•2 RJ45 Cables (1ea straight and crossover)
•1 A/C Power cord
•1 6FT Triple RCA/RCA Cable
•4 IR Blaster
Note: In the event that anything is missing, contact Radiant Communication Corp.
Technical Support at 800-969-3427x228 for product returns or missing parts. If it
becomes necessary to return the unit, repackage all components in the original box(s).
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Getting Started
Minimum Requirements
PC
•Pentium IV Class Processor or better
•128 MB RAM
•10-Base-T network card
•Windows 2000/XP Professional (with network features enabled)
•30 MB hard disk space
•Screen resolution of 1024 x 768
•Video 5610-5614
•Audio 5615-5620
•Control ports 5600
Note: PC Vision setup will automatically install .NET and DX9 software.
Networking
•TCP/IP network/internet protocol
•UDP ports in the 5600-5620 range
! Important: For the RM1106/RM1121, UDP ports in the 5600-5620 range must be
open on network routers and firewalls for WAN and internet applications. This
allows for proper data passage on the network and enables you to view video, hear
audio, and pass necessary controls. If all UDP ports are closed on the
firewall/router, you may be able to scan the unit and see it in the list of available
units, however video and audio will not stream. For more information, refer to Port
Usage on page 7 for more information.
Calculating total bandwidth required:
•Video Bandwidth (56kbs-2Mbs)
•Audio constant 128Kbs
•Data packet overhead 10%
All above added together will equal total bandwidth required to stream video,
audio and data controls
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RM1106 User Manual
Important questions that need to be answered prior to installation
By answering the questions below, your Radiant Communications representative can
assess the overall picture of your user environment and make decisions on set up,
problems that they may face, and overall system performance. Please read the questions
below and be prepared to answer them in the event of a change in, or problems with, your
configuration.
•Hardware
¾What type of network switch gear will the system be running on?
¾How many routers/gateways are between the user and the
RM1106/RM1121?
¾What are the processor, memory, and video card specs on the viewing
stations running PC Vision?
•Software
¾What operating system is the view station running?
¾If it is a home work station, does it have a software firewall or virus
protection on it?
•Networking
¾What network operating system is being used?
¾What protocols are currently being used or blocked?
¾What ports are being used or blocked?
If the RM1106/RM1121 Device is used on the public internet, it is
strongly recommended that it be protected by a firewall between it and
the public connection. A simple firewall is often present in Cable/DSL
routers and while simple, it is usually sufficient to control access to the
units.
The more secure configuration filters access to the devices by the IP
address of the client.
In order to configure the firewall consult with the manufacturer's
instructions. The port requirements are documented in this manual.
¾Is the PC Vision system on its own sub net or VPN/VLAN?
¾Is there any network scanning for viruses that may block streaming
servers?
¾Can changes be made to the firewall rules and protocols for the
functions of PC Vision?
¾Does the network use NAT to talk to the RM1106/RM1121 behind a
router?
¾What are the available bandwidths at the locations where the units are
deployed?
¾What are the bandwidths at the locations where viewing occurs?
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RM1106 User Manual
System Setup
Make sure that there is enough space to pull and connect the Video/L+R Audio cables
(RCA) and IR Blaster to the cable box. Connect RJ45 cables from the RM1106/RM1121
Series unit to the network.
Install the RM1106/RM1121 Series units such that the environmental specifications are
not exceeded. Installation in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area will minimize
the possibility of component failure and increase systems reliability.
! Important: Read prior to setup. When installing the PC Vision software, choose the Admin
install for the initial setup. One admin and any two combinations of users or techs can be
logged on to the unit at the same time. Configuration of the unit can only be done by an
Admin in Admin Mode Only. When configuration is complete, the admin must change to
Normal Mode to allow other users access to the unit and use of PC Vision. Refer to Setting
the Unit to Admin-only Mode on page 14 for more information.
Port Usage
The PC Vision application communicates with the RM1106/RM1121 device using a
number of TCP and UDP ports. It is important that these ports be opened and not blocked
in order to connect to the device, view video and hear audio.
Command and Control
TCP port 5600 on the RM1106/RM1121 device is used to send all command and control
data to the unit. Since the connection to the device is outbound (from the PC client to the
device) this is usually not a problem on the client end. If there are problems, it may need
to be investigated on the device end.
Multimedia
Video and audio are transmitted via UDP packets from the device to the PC client. Video
and audio are in the form of RTP packets carried over two separate UDP channels. UDP
has better viewing characteristics over varying types of networks an these ports must be
opened. Typically a firewall will block inbound UDP packets and the result is that neither
video nor audio will be streamed to the client. You may be able to connect to the device
and configure it, but video and audio are not present.
Video and audio are carried on ports 5610 and 5614 respectively. Inbound traffic, from
the device to the PC, requires that UDP traffic be allowed on these ports. PC Vision
supports the viewing video from 4 RM1106/RM1121 devices simultaneously.
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PCV Config
By default, the following ports are used:
Inbound UDP Port Description
5610 Video Channel 1
5611 Video Channel 2
5612 Video Channel 3
5613 Video Channel 4
5614 Audio Channel 1
5615 Audio Channel 2
5616 Audio Channel 3
5617 Audio Channel 4
Note: While PC Vision can display 4 videos simultaneously, only the audio channel from
the active video will be played. However, 4 separate ports are required to support
switching the active audio channel.
NAT and Multiple Users
In order to support multiple users on a LAN, the ports used for video and audio may be
configured for each individual PC. This allows for rules on the firewall to be created
which will route the multimedia streams to the proper user.
The following configuration is recommended:
User Port Range (UDP)
User 1 Video Ports 5610-5613
Audio Ports 5614-5617
User 2 Video Ports 5620-5623
Audio Ports 5624-5627
User 3 Video Ports 5630-5633
Audio Ports 5634-5637
User 4 Video Ports 5640-5643
Audio Ports 5644-5647
For each user x…
User x Video Ports 56x0-56x3
Audio Ports 56x4-56x7
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RM1106 User Manual
Summary of Port Usage
Usage Type PC Client Direction RM1106/21
Device
Command and
Control
TCP Dynamic* →5600
Video Channel 1 UDP 5610 ←Dynamic*
Video Channel 2 UDP 5611 ←Dynamic*
Video Channel 3 UDP 5612 ←Dynamic*
Video Channel 4 UDP 5613 ←Dynamic*
Audio Channel 1 UDP 5614 ←Dynamic*
Audio Channel 2 UDP 5615 ←Dynamic*
Audio Channel 3 UDP 5616 ←Dynamic*
Audio Channel 4 UDP 5617 ←Dynamic*
* Port is dynamically assigned by the operating system and will vary for each connection.
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PCV Config
Discovers and Set up of RM1106/RM1121
This section provides you with information on installing PC Vision and setting up the
unit, enabling you to control it from PC Vision.
PC Vision 3.0
The PC Vision software is required to properly run the RM1106/RM1121 unit. Install PC
Vision from the CD provided.
To install PC VISION:
1. Insert the CD and browse to the Setup Icon on the CD.
2. Double-click the Setup Icon to start InstallShield Wizard (Figure 1).
PC Vision Setup is preparing the InstallShield
Wizard, which will guide you through the program
setup process. Please wait.
Preparing to Install…
Figure 1 InstallShield Wizard
3. Follow the instructions provided in the InstallShield Wizard to install PC Vision.
4. Choosing the Admin option in the initial setup will install additional tools which
allowing administrators to make set up and configuration changes.
!NOTE: Choosing the User option only installs PC Vision and is not
recommended for initial setup. It is recommended that only one person has Admin
rights. The additional work stations should be installed as users unless another
ADMIN is necessary.
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RM1106 User Manual
PCVCONFIG
To setup the PCVCONFIG Application:
1. To start the PCVCONFIG tool click Start, select Programs, find Radiant
Communications, and click PCVCONFIG.
2. Click Manage Devices tab on the top left.
3. For units on the same physical LAN select Discover. Units on the WAN select
Add and manually enter in the IP address of the unit.
4. When the unit is discovered, click on the unit to highlight it.
5. Select Configure to change the IP Address settings for the unit.
Note: Manage Devices is intended for initial discovery of the RM1100 unit on the
network, assigning that unit an IP address, and future Firmware upgrades of the
units.
6. Under Network Configuration, enter your IP address.
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PCV Config
Note: All units are shipped with the factory default IP Address 10.5.4.101/Subnet
Mask 255.224.0.0
7. Click OK.
8. Close the PCVCONFIG dialog box.
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RM1106 User Manual
Using PC Vision
PC Vision is your interface with the RM1106/RM1121 system.
To use PC Vision to communicate with the RM1106/RM1121:
1. Start the PC Vision application by clicking Start, selecting Programs, and
clicking on PC Vision.
OR
Double-click the PC Vision shortcut on your desktop. PC Vision displays.
(Figure 2).
Figure 2 PCVision screen
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Using PCVision
Adding the RM1106/RM1121 Device
1. On the top left, click the Add Device button . The Add Device dialog box
displays.
2. Enter the IP address of the unit.
3. Click OK to enter the address in the list. The dialog box will disappear.
OR
Click Apply to enter the IP address and leave the dialog box open for the next IP
to be entered.
Deleting a RM1100 Device
1. Click the Delete Advice button .
2. Select the device intended to be removed.
3. A dialog box will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the device.
4. Select Yes to permanently remove the IP address from the list.
Connecting to the Device
To connect to the device:
1. Highlight the IP address the unit.
2. Click the Play button located at the bottom of the video window. The Login
dialog box displays in the video window.
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RM1106 User Manual
Logging In
There are three default password for login:
•Admin –The default password is 1234.
•User – the default password is 1111.
•Tech – the default password is 1111.
Note: You can allow users to login without entering a password by going into Change
Password and entering 0000.
Only three users, including one Admin can be logged in at the same time. Users with
higher privileges have first priority. After login, Connected shows in the lower left hand
corner.
If user is not in control, the Remote will be grayed out and the bottom left will show
“playing video and audio”.
Selecting Network Transport Protocol
RTP/RTP uses UDP protocol and supports synchronized audio/video streams. You must
have appropriate network ports open in order to use this option (see Ports). PC Vision is
configured to use RTP/RTP by default but will remember your last protocol selection
upon restart.
TCP/TCP uses a dedicated TCP connection for audio and video. It does not support
synchronized audio/video and limits the box to 2 connections. While this option does not
require ports to be opened, it does require proper bandwidth allocation based on video
and audio settings.
TCP/RTP uses a dedicated session of TCP for Video only. This is appropriate for VPN
applications where the UDP QOS is low and does not run will in full UDP mode.
Note: Login is only required the first time connecting to the unit. After the initial login
user right will be remembered.
To select network transport protocol:
1. On the PC Vision main screen, click the Tools menu.
2. Select Options. The dialog box displays.
3. Select Transport tab appropriate for your network configuration.
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Using PCVision
Configuration
Configuration of the unit can only be done by an Administrator.
To configure a device:
1. Once connected to the selected device, select the Device option
2. Select Configure. The Configure Device dialog box displays a three tabs.
The General Tab provides:
a. Option to see/change the device name
b. Device Type shows single or four ports
c. General Device information
d. Setting for Maximum Bitrate value
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RM1106 User Manual
The Permissions tab provides
a. Allows set up of User, Tech and Admin options
b. Sets passwords
c. Sets idle timeouts
16 RM1106 v 3.1