Sencore TXS 3600 User manual

March 2023
8065E www.sencore.com | 1.605.978.4600 Revision 1.4
TXS 3600
Multichannel Video/Audio Transcoder
User Manual

TXS 3600 - User Manual
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Copyright
© 2023 Sencore, Inc. All rights reserved.
3200 Sencore Drive, Sioux Falls, SD USA
www.sencore.com
This publication contains confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information. No part of this document
may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any machine-readable or electronic
format without prior written permission from Sencore. Information in this document is subject to change
without notice and Sencore Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies.
Sencore, Sencore Inc, and the Sencore logo are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States
and other countries. All other products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the
trademarks, service marks, or product names as designated by the companies who market those products.
Inquiries should be made directly to those companies. This document may also have links to third-party web
pages that are beyond the control of Sencore. The presence of such links does not imply that Sencore
endorses or recommends the content on those pages. Sencore acknowledges the use of third-party open
source software and licenses in some Sencore products. This freely available source code can be obtained
by contacting Sencore Inc.
About Sencore
Sencore is an engineering leader in the development of high-quality signal transmission solutions for the
broadcast, cable, satellite, IPTV, telecommunications, and professional audio/video markets. The
company’s world-class portfolio includes video delivery products, system monitoring and analysis solutions,
and test and measurement equipment, all designed to support system interoperability and backed by best-
in-class customer support. Sencore meets the rapidly changing needs of modern media by ensuring the
efficient delivery of high-quality video from the source to the home. For more information, visit
www.sencore.com.

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Revision History
Date
Version
Description
Author
7/20/2012
1.0
2.0.0 Release
JKS
12/26/2012
1.1
Updated with 2.1.0 Features
JKS
11/12/2013
1.2
Updated with 2.3.0 Features
NDM
8/15/2014
1.3
Updated with 2.4.0 Features
NDM
3/10/2023
1.4
Updates with 2.4.5 Features
JAK

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Safety Instructions
•Read these instructions
•Keep these instructions
•Heed all warnings
•Follow all instructions
•Do not use this apparatus near water
•Clean only with dry cloth
•Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions
•Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat
•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
•Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
•Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
•Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the apparatus.
•To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the AC receptacle.
•The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
•Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing
to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
oWhen the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
oIf liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
oIf the product has been exposed to rain or water.
oIf the product does not operate normally by following the operating
instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of the controls may result in damage
and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation.
oIf the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
oThe product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
•Replacement Parts: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service
technician uses replacement parts specified by Sencore, or parts having the same
operating characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized part substitutions made may
result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
There is always a danger present when using electronic equipment.
Unexpected high voltages can be present at unusual locations in defective equipment
and signal distribution systems. Become familiar with the equipment that you are
working with and observe the following safety precautions.
•Every precaution has been taken in the design of your Digital Media Streamer to insure
that it is as safe as possible. However, safe operation depends on you the operator.
•Always be sure your equipment is in good working order. Ensure that all points of
connection are secure to the chassis, and that protective covers are in place and secured
with fasteners.
•Never work alone when working in hazardous conditions. Always have another person
close by in case of an accident.
•Always refer to the manual for safe operation. If you have a question about the
application or operation call Sencore for assistance.
•WARNING –To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock never allow your equipment to
be exposed to water, rain or high moisture environments. If exposed to a liquid, remove
power safely (at the breaker) and send your equipment to be serviced by a qualified
technician.
•To reduce the risk of shock the TXS 3600 must be connected to a mains socket outlet
with a protective earthing connection.
•For the TXS 3600 the mains plug is the main disconnect and should remain readily
accessible and operable at all times.
The TXS 3600 is equipped with an internal system battery. The TXS must be sent if to
Sencore service for replacement
CAUTION –Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type.
•When installing the TXS 3600 utilizing the DC power supply, the power supply MUST be
used in conjunction with an over-current protective device rated at 250V, 15A, type:
Slow-blo, as part of battery-supply circuit.
FCC Class A Information
The TXS 3600 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 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 instructions, 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 his or her own expense.
Shielded cables must be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the Class A FCC limits.
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Dolby Digital Information
This product has been manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby Digital”, “AC-3”, and “Dolby Digital Plus”are licensed trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 6
Table of Figures............................................................................................................................. 7
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 8
Hardware Layout.......................................................................................................................... 10
TXS 3600 Chassis .................................................................................................................... 10
Installation.................................................................................................................................... 11
General Considerations ............................................................................................................ 11
Rack Installation........................................................................................................................ 12
Controlling the TXS 3600 Using the Web GUI .......................................................................... 13
Input Settings ............................................................................................................................ 14
Transcoder Settings.................................................................................................................. 16
Output Settings.......................................................................................................................... 33
Licensing Tab............................................................................................................................ 36
Admin Tab................................................................................................................................. 37
Reporting Tab............................................................................................................................ 44
About Tab.................................................................................................................................. 48
System Recovery...................................................................................................................... 48
Using the Front Panel on the TXS 3600 .................................................................................... 49
FP Options and Settings........................................................................................................... 49
FP About ................................................................................................................................... 51
Appendix ...................................................................................................................................... 52
Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 57
Support and Contact Information.............................................................................................. 57

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Table of Figures
Figure 1: Single TXS platform .................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2: Single TXS platform with ASI output option................................................................................ 10
Figure 3: Dual TXS platform with ASI output option................................................................................... 10
Figure 4: Rack Mounting ............................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 5: Logon Screen.............................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 6: Platform 1 Home Screen............................................................................................................. 13
Figure 7: Available Inputs........................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 8: IP Configuration........................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 9: ASI Input Configuration ............................................................................................................... 15
Figure 10: Transcoder Engines.................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 11: Transcoder Engine Expanded................................................................................................... 16
Figure 12: Copy Settings............................................................................................................................ 16
Figure 13: Transcoder Engine Copy........................................................................................................... 17
Figure 14: Transcoder Service Settings..................................................................................................... 17
Figure 15: General Settings........................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 16: Input Settings ............................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 17: Available Services..................................................................................................................... 18
Figure 18: Service Selection....................................................................................................................... 19
Figure 19: Transcoder Video and Service Information Settings................................................................. 20
Figure 20: Transcoder Video Settings........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 21: General Video Settings ............................................................................................................. 21
Figure 22: User Data Pass-through............................................................................................................ 22
Figure 23: PIP Video Settings .................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 24: Transcoder Advanced Video Settings....................................................................................... 23
Figure 25: Video Filtering Settings ............................................................................................................. 23
Figure 26: Video Picture Structure Settings ............................................................................................... 23
Figure 27: Microsoft Mediaroom................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 28: PSI Settings............................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 29: General Service Information Settings ....................................................................................... 25
Figure 30: PIP Settings............................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 31: Advanced PSIP Settings........................................................................................................... 28
Figure 32: Encoding Presets ...................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 33: Transcoder Audio Settings........................................................................................................ 29
Figure 34: Decode Settings........................................................................................................................ 30
Figure 35: AC-3 and Dolby Digital Plus Encode Settings .......................................................................... 31
Figure 36: AAC Encode Settings................................................................................................................ 31
Figure 37: MPEG-2 Encode Settings ......................................................................................................... 32
Figure 38: Audio Decode Presets............................................................................................................... 32
Figure 39: Outputs...................................................................................................................................... 33
Figure 40: Configure ASI output................................................................................................................. 33
Figure 41: ASI Output Status Information .................................................................................................. 34
Figure 42: IP Output settings...................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 43: MPEG/IP Transmit Status Information...................................................................................... 35
Figure 44: Licensing Tab............................................................................................................................ 36
Figure 45: License Key Dialog.................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 46: Admin tab .................................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 47: Changing unit alias.................................................................................................................... 37
Figure 48: Profile Manager......................................................................................................................... 38
Figure 49: Setting password....................................................................................................................... 38
Figure 50: MIBs .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 51: Updating firmware..................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 52: Uploading file............................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 53: Upload successful ..................................................................................................................... 40
Figure 54: Update confirmation .................................................................................................................. 40

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Figure 55: Updating unit ............................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 56: Unit restarting............................................................................................................................ 40
Figure 57: Firmware rollback...................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 58: Network configuration................................................................................................................ 41
Figure 59: IP settings.................................................................................................................................. 42
Figure 60: Date/Time configuration............................................................................................................ 42
Figure 61: SNMP communities................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 62: SNMP managers....................................................................................................................... 43
Figure 63: Unit Identifier ............................................................................................................................. 43
Figure 64: Reporting tab............................................................................................................................. 44
Figure 65: Alarm configuration ................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 66: Alarm descriptions..................................................................................................................... 46
Figure 67: Logs view .................................................................................................................................. 46
Figure 68: Configure events ....................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 69: Event descriptions..................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 70: About Tab.................................................................................................................................. 48
Introduction
The TXS 3600 is a versatile MPEG-2/h.264 transcoder capable of up to 16 channels of HD/SD
transcoding in a single chassis, plus a Picture-In-Picture (PIP) transcode for each of the 16
channels. With the TXS 36480 Audio Transcoding Module installed, the TXS 3600 has the ability
to also transcode audio PIDs. The TXS 3600 comes standard with IP and ASI I/O to offer
flexibility for future changes in network architecture or sourcing content from two different
interfaces.
This manual describes how to install, configure, and operate the TXS 3600 transcoder. It is
written for professional operators of video distribution systems and assumes a prerequisite level
of technical knowledge.
The TXS 3600 is controllable through the web interface or SNMP to perform tasks such as setup,
monitoring, and troubleshooting. The front panel provides simple status and IP information for
accessing the unit.
Supported WEB interface browsers include:
- Internet Explorer 7 & above
- Mozilla Firefox 3.5 & above
- Chrome

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Abbreviations
AAC –Advanced Audio Coding
AC-3 –Dolby Digital Plus
AFD –Auto Format Descriptor
ASI –Asynchronous Serial Interface
BNC –Bayonet Neil-Concelman Connector
BPS –Bits per second
CAM –Conditional Access Module
CAT –Conditional Access Table
CC –Closed Captioning
CI –Common Interface
dB –Decibel
DD+ –Dolby Digital Plus
DHCP –Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DPI –Digital Program Insertion
DVB –Digital Video Broadcasting
FCC –Federal Communications Commission
GOP –Group of Pictures
HD –High Definition
IDR –Instantaneous Decoder Refresh
I/O –Input/Output
IP –Internet Protocol
kbps –1,000 bits per second
LED –Light Emitting Diode
MAC –Media Access Control
Mbps –1,000,000 bits per second
MPEG –Refers to standards developed by the ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29
WG11 MPEG-2 –Refers to ISO/IEC standards 13818-1 (Systems), 13818-2
(Video), 13818-3 (Audio), 13818-4 (Conformance)
MPTS –Multiple Program Transport Stream
NTP –Network Time Protocol
PAT –Program Association Table
PCR –Program Clock Reference
PCM –Pulse-code Modulation
PID –Packet Identifier
PIP –Picture-In-Picture
PMT –Program Map Table
PT –Pass-through
QP –Quantization Parameter
RF –Radio Frequency
RU –Rack Unit
RW –Read/Write
SD –Standard Definition
SI –Service Information
SNMP –Simple Network Management Protocol
SPTS –Single Program Transport Stream
TS –Transport Stream
TX –Transcode
VBI –Video Blanking Interval

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Hardware Layout
The TXS 3600 platform is designed to offer operators reliability and flexibility. The unit consists of
a chassis in which up to two platforms can be installed. To cater to specific system requirements,
the chassis can be configured to host optional modules best suited for a given scenario.
TXS 3600 Chassis
The Sencore TXS 3600 platform can be delivered in various combinations. The basic single TXS
platform includes redundant power supplies, Ethernet control port, 2 MPEG/IP I/O NICs, and 4 bi-
directional ASI ports. The chassis shown in Figure 1 is a basic single TXS platform.
GND
100-240VAC,
47-63Hz, 275W
CONTROL MPEG/IP
1 - - 2
ASI I/O ASI I/O ASI I/O ASI I/O
1 2 3 4
Figure 1: Single TXS platform
A single TXS platform has 3 options for adding additional ASI input/outputs:
1. Additional 4 ASI Inputs
2. Additional 4 ASI Outputs
3. Additional 4 ASI Inputs and 4 ASI Outputs
The chassis shown in Error! Not a valid bookmark self-reference. is a single TXS platform with
(4) additional ASI outputs.
GND
100-240VAC,
47-63Hz, 275W
CONTROL MPEG/IP
1 - - 2
ASI I/O ASI I/O ASI I/O ASI I/O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ASI OUT ASI OUT ASI OUT ASI OUT
A dual TXS platform has 2 options for adding additional ASI inputs/outputs:
1. Additional 4 ASI inputs (for one or both platforms)
2. Additional 4 ASI outputs (for one or both platforms)
The chassis shown in Figure 3 has dual platforms with (8) additional ASI outputs. Platform 1 is
on the bottom and Platform 2 is on top. Each platform is independent from one another for
stream routing. Each program needs to be routed to the correct platform to have availability for
transcoding.
GND
100-240VAC,
47-63Hz, 275W
CONTROL MPEG/IP
1-1 - - 1-2
ASI I/O ASI I/O ASI I/O ASI I/O
1-1 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7 1-8
ASI OUT ASI OUT ASI OUT ASI OUT
2-1 2-2 2-3 2-4
MPEG/IP
2-1 - - 2-2
2-5 2-6 2-7 2-8
Figure 3: Dual TXS platform with ASI output option
Control Ethernet Connection
A standard RJ-45 connector provides connection to the SNMP and web interface of the TXS
3600. The connection is a 10/100 BaseT connection. A user can view the IP address of the unit
from the front panel or once known can access the web interface through any supported web
browser by typing the IP address of the unit. The control port is capable of both DHCP and static
IP addressing. By default the IP address of the TXS 3600 is dynamically set to DHCP.
Figure 2: Single TXS platform with ASI output option