VIZRT Viz SDI IO User manual

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Created on 2020/01/27

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND SETUP .................................................................................................... 5
Section 1.1 Welcome ...................................................................................................................................................................5
Section 1.2 Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................5
Section 1.3 Setting Up..................................................................................................................................................................6
1.3.1 Command and Control ...................................................................................................................................................6
Section 1.4 Input/Output Connections........................................................................................................................................6
Section 1.5 Networking................................................................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 2 USER INTERFACE ...................................................................................................................... 8
Section 2.1 The Desktop ..............................................................................................................................................................8
2.1.1 Configure Channels ........................................................................................................................................................9
Section 2.2 First Launch & I/O Configuration ............................................................................................................................13
2.2.1 Configure IO Connectors ..............................................................................................................................................14
Section 2.3 Titlebar & Dashboard..............................................................................................................................................15
2.3.1 Titlebar Tools................................................................................................................................................................16
2.3.2 Viewport Tools .............................................................................................................................................................18
2.3.3 Dashboard Tools...........................................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX A: KEY/FILL CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................. 21
APPENDIX B: NDI®(NETWORK DEVICE INTERFACE).............................................................................. 21
APPENDIX C: THIRD PARTY LICENSES.................................................................................................... 21

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Viz SDI I/O Module Operating Instructions
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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION AND SETUP
This chapter explains how to connect power, monitors and audio-visual devices to
your Viz SDI Input/Output Module. After completing this short section, you’ll be all
set to begin using Viz SDI IO.
SECTION 1.1 WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing this Vizrt product. As a company, Vizrt is extremely proud of its record of
innovation and commitments to excellence in design, manufacture, and superb product support. We are
determined to deliver the most complete, reliable and efficient integrated systems available for live
production and web streaming, with capabilities suited to almost any broadcast need.
As well, support of NewTek’s innovative NDI®(Network Device Interface) protocol places your new system
squarely in the forefront of IP technology solutions for the video broadcast and production industries.
SECTION 1.2 OVERVIEW
Commitments and requirements can change from production to production. A powerful, versatile platform
for multi-source production and multi-screen delivery workflows, this module can quickly pivot to
accommodate additional cameras, devices, displays or destinations.
With the system’s turnkey installation and operation, you can easily assemble a network of modules to
configure your own multi-system and multi-site workflows.
From increasing your available inputs and outputs, to merging established and emerging technologies, to
linking locations across your network, this SDI I/O Module is a universal solution that adapts to your
production needs.
•Translate up to 8 compatible video sources to SDI or NDI for input, output, or a combination of both
•Configure for dual-channel 4K Ultra HD at up to 60 frames per second with support for 3G-SDI quad-
link grouping
•Integrate with compatible systems and devices across your network for switching, streaming,
display, and delivery
•Stack modules in a single location or station in multiple locations to meet the demands of your
productions

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SECTION 1.3 SETTING UP
1.3.1 COMMAND AND CONTROL
Hint: Viz SDI IO’s interface requires a monitor resolution
setting of at least 1280x1024.
1. Connect an external computer monitor to the HDMI
port on the backplate (see Input/Output Connections).
2. Connect the mouse and keyboard to USB ports also on
the backplate.
3. Connect the power cord to Viz SDI IO’s backplate.
4. Turn on the computer monitor.
5. Press the Power switch on Viz SDI IO’s faceplate
(located behind the drop-down door).
At this point, the blue Power LED will illuminate, as the device
boots up. (If this does not happen, please check your
connections and retry). Though not a requirement, we do
strongly recommend that you connect the unit using an
uninterruptable power supply (UPS), as for any ‘mission
critical’ system.
Likewise consider A/C “power conditioning”, especially in situations
where local power is unreliable or ‘noisy’. Surge protection is especially
important in some locales. Power conditioners can reduce wear on power supplies
and other electronics, and provide a further measure of protection from surges, spikes,
lightning and high voltage.
SECTION 1.4 INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
External audio and video sources are connected to the appropriate inputs on Viz SDI IO’s backplane.
FIGURE 1
1. HDMI – monitor port
2. Ethernet – network connections
3. USB – connect keyboard, mouse and other peripheral devices.
4. Motherboard audio connectors
5. Genlock and SDI In/Out – provide HD-BNC connectors (High Density BNC)
6. Power
A word about UPS devices:
‘Modified sine wave’ UPS devices are
popular due to low manufacturing
costs. However, such units should
generally be viewed as being of low
quality and possibly inadequate to
fully protect the system from abnormal
power events.
For a modest added cost, consider a
"pure sine wave" UPS. These units can
be relied on to supply very clean
power, eliminating potential problems,
and are recommended for applications
demanding high reliability.
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Note: SDI connectors are initially assigned as either inputs or outputs in the Configuration dialog (Administration
panel) at first launch, or later by using the “Exit to Admin” option to re-open it.
SECTION 1.5 NETWORKING
Generally, simply connecting a suitable cable from one of the two Gigabit Ethernet ports on Viz SDI IO’s
backplane is all that is required to add it to a local area network (LAN). In some settings additional steps may
be required. You can access the system Network and Sharing control panel to accomplish more extensive
configuration tasks. If further help connecting is required, please consult your system administrator.

Viz SDI I/O Module Operating Instructions
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Chapter 2 USER INTERFACE
This chapter explains the layout and options of the user interface, and how to
configure Viz SDI IO audio and video input and output. It also introduces the various
supplemental video production features Viz SDI IO provides, including Proc Amps,
Scopes and capture.
SECTION 2.1 THE DESKTOP
The Viz SDI IO unit’s default Desktop interface is shown below and provides very useful remote monitoring
options in addition to configuration and control features.
FIGURE 2
The Desktop interface includes dashboards running across the top and the bottom of the screen. By default,
the large middle section of the Desktop is divided into quadrants, each displaying one video ‘channel’.
Beneath each channel’s viewport is a toolbar. (Note that additional viewport toolbar controls are hidden
when not in use, or until you move the mouse pointer over a viewport.)
Continue reading for an overview of the Viz SDI IO Desktop features.

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2.1.1 CONFIGURE CHANNELS
Viz SDI IO allows you to select different audio and video sources for each channel via the
Configure panel (Figure 4). Click the gear next to the channel label below a viewport to open
its Configure panel (Figure 3).
INPUT TAB
FIGURE 4
Controls in the tabbed Input pane lets you select audio and video sources for this channel and set their format.
You can immediately choose any NDI or SDI connector configured as an input (the latter are shown in the
Local group), a webcam or PTZ camera with compatible network output, or even an input from a suitable
external A/V capture device. (Quad-link selections list the four associated SDI input numbers that will be
used, for reference.)
Note that the Alpha Matte Source menu allows you to configure ‘key/fill’ inputs, where the transparency and
fill color information for an NDI output with embedded alpha are supplied by two separate SDI inputs (note
that the video format of both sources must match).
See also Appendix A: Key/Fill Connections for key/fill connection details.
FIGURE 3

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A Delay setting is provided for both audio and video sources, allowing precise A/V synchronization where
a/v source timing differs.
CLIPS AND IP SOURCES
FIGURE 5
As mentioned in the previous section, an IP (network) source – such as a PTZ camera with NDI network video
output – can be directly selected. The Video Source drop down menu contains an Add Media item to let you
select a video file and Add IP Camera menu item (Figure 5).
FIGURE 6
Clicking the Add IP Camera entry opens the IP Source Manager. Adding entries to the list of sources shown in
this panel causes corresponding entries for new sources to appear in the Local group shown in the Video
Source menu of the Configure Channel panel (Figure 4).

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FIGURE 7
To use Click the Add New Camera menu, select a source type from the
dropdown list provided.
This opens a dialog suited to the particular source device you wish to
add, such as one of the numerous supported PTZ camera brands and
models.
Note: After adding an IP source, you must exit and restart the software for the new settings to be applied.
OUTPUT TAB
The second tab in the Configure Channel pane hosts settings related to output from the current channel.
FIGURE 8
FIGURE 9

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NDI®OUTPUT
Output from channels assigned to local SDI input sources is automatically sent to your network as NDI
signals. The editable Channel Name (Figure 9) identifies output from this channel to other NDI-enabled
systems on the network.
Note: NDI Access Manager, included in NDI Tools (available without charge from https://ndi.tv/tools/), can be
used to control access to NDI source and output streams.
HARDWARE VIDEO DESTINATION
FIGURE 10
The Hardware Video Destination menu allows you to direct video output from the channel to an SDI connector
on the system’s backplane that is configured as an output (or another video output device connected to and
recognized by the system). Video Format options supported by the device are provided in a menu at right.
(Quad-link selections list the four associated SDI output numbers that will be used, for reference.)
See Appendix A: Key/Fill Connections for key/fill connection details.
SUPPLEMENTAL AUDIO DEVICE
FIGURE 11
The Supplemental Audio Device allows you to direct audio output to system sound devices as well as well as
any supported third part audio devices you may connect (typically by USB). As required, Audio Format
options are provided in a menu at right.
CAPTURE
This tab is also where you assign the path and filename for captured video clips and stills.
The initial Record and Grab Directories are the default Videos and Pictures folders on the system, but we
strongly encourage you to use fast network storage volumes or an external drive connected to one of the
(blue) USB3 ports on SDI’s rear panel for video capture especially.
Note: Recording NDI sources is not supported.

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COLOR TAB
The Color tab provides an extensive set of tools for
adjusting the color characteristics of each video
channel.
Choosing Auto Color automatically adapts color
balance as lighting conditions change over time.
Note: Proc Amp adjustments are applied after Auto
Color processing.
By default, each camera with Auto Color enabled is
processed by itself. Enable Multicam to process
multiple cameras as a group.
To apply Multicam processing to a source without its
own colors being evaluated, checkmark Listen Only.
Or enable Listen Only for all Multicam group members
except one to make that source the ‘master’ color
reference.
Note: Custom settings in the Color tab trigger a
COLOR notification message that appears in the
footer below the viewport of the channel (Figure 13).
FIGURE 13
SECTION 2.2 FIRST LAUNCH & I/O CONFIGURATION
The physical SDI connectors can be flexibly assigned as either inputs or inputs. Alternative layouts for the
connectors are available in the Configure Viz SDI I/O Connectors panel (Figure 14), which is normally shown
on first launch, but which can also be selected to open on exiting the Live Desktop.
FIGURE 12

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2.2.1 CONFIGURE IO CONNECTORS
I/O CONFIGURATION TAB
As mentioned above, this dialog is shown on first launch,
but can be accessed later upon existing the Live Desktop
to make modifications to the configuration. Select either
the IO Configuration or Genlock tabs, according to your
need.
The IO Configuration tab makes it a simple matter to
select presets using graphic representations that depict
the connector layout on the backplane.
Note: Certain selections may require rebooting the system
to re-initialize the SDI hardware.
VIDEO SETTINGS TAB
The second tab in this configuration panel is
labeled Video Settings, and its controls are
discussed next.
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 15

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VIDEO STANDARD
The Video Standard option is an important one, since it determines the framerate ‘family’ that the hardware
is able to access, and thus what formats will be available for input and output. Options are NTSC and PAL.
GENLOCK
The Genlock input on Viz SDI IO’s backplane is for connection of a ‘house sync’ or reference signal (typically
a ‘black burst’ signal intended specifically for this purpose). Many studios use this method to synchronize
equipment in the video chain. Genlocking is commonplace in higher-end production environments, and
genlock connections are typically provided on professional gear.
If your equipment allows you to do so, you should genlock all hardware sources supplying Viz SDI IO, and the
Viz SDI IO unit. To connect the genlock source, supply the reference signal from the ‘house sync generator’
to the Genlock connector on the backplane.
Note: The unit can use SD (Bi-level) or HD (Tri-level) reference. (If the Genlock switch is disabled, the unit
operates in an internally managed ‘free running’ mode, instead.)
In the Genlock control group, select the format of the reference signal you are supplying.
At this point, we’re ready to proceed to the Live Desktop, which is the normal operating environment.
SECTION 2.3 TITLEBAR & DASHBOARD
Viz SDI IO’s Titlebar and Dashboard are home to a number of important displays, tools and controls.
Prominently located at the top and bottom of the Desktop, the Dashboard occupies the full width of the screen.
The various elements presented in these two bars are listed below (starting from the left):
1. Machine name (the system network name supplies the prefix identifying NDI output channels)
2. NDI KVM menu – Options to control Viz SDI IO remotely via NDI connection
3. Time Display
4. Configuration (see Section 2.2.1 )
5. Notifications Panel
6. Headphones Source and Volume (see Section 2.3.1)
7. Record (see Section 2.3.1)
8. Display (see Section 2.3.1)
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Of these items, some are so important that they rate their own chapters. Others are detailed in various
sections of this guide (cross references to the relevant sections of the manual are provided above).
2.3.1 TITLEBAR TOOLS
NDI KVM
Thanks to NDI®, it is no longer necessary to configure complicated hardware KVM installations to enjoy
remote control over your Viz SDI IO system. The free NDI Studio Monitor application for brings network
KVM connectivity to any Windows®system on the same network.
To enable NDI KVM, use the titlebar NDI KVM menu to select an
operating mode, choosing between Monitor Only or Full Control (which
passes mouse and keyboard operations to the remote system).
The Security option lets you apply NDI Group control to limit who can
view the NDI KVM output from the host system.
To view the output from the remote system and control it, select [Your
Viz SDI IO Device Name]>User Interface in the Studio Monitor application
supplied with the free NDI Tool pack, and enable the KVM button
overlaid at upper-left when you move the mouse pointer over the screen.
Hint: Note that Studio Monitor’s KVM toggle button can be relocated to a more convenient spot by dragging.
This feature gives you a great way to control the system around your studio or campus. With the User
Interface running full screen in Studio Monitor on a receiving system, it’s really hard to remember that you’re
actually controlling a remote system. Even touch is supported, meaning you can run the User Interface
output on a Microsoft Surface™ system for portable touch control over your entire live production system.
(Actually, almost all of the interface screengrabs shown in this manual were grabbed from Studio Monitor
while controlling the remote system in the manner described above.)
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
The System Configuration panel for is
opened by clicking the configuration (gear)
gadget found in the upper-right corner of
the screen (Figure 17)
TIMECODE
LTC timecode support can be activated by
choosing an input using the LTC Source
menu to choose almost any audio input to
receive the timecode signal over and
enabling the checkbox at left.
FIGURE 16
FIGURE 17

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NOTIFICATIONS
The Notifications panel opens when you click the ‘text balloon’ gadget at right in the Titlebar. This panel lists
any information messages the system provides, including any cautionary alerts.
Hint: You can clear individual entries using by right-clicking to show the item’s context menu, or the Clear All
button in the panel’s footer.
The footer of the Notifications panel also features a Performance and Web Browser button, discussed next.
PERFORMANCE
Once the Notifications panel is opened, you will see the performance levels of your CPU, Memory, GPU, Drive
and NIC 1 (network interface controller).
WEB BROWSER
In addition to the remote-control features
provided for your Viz SDI IO system by the
integrated NDI KVM feature, the unit also
hosts a dedicated webpage.
The Web Browser button at the bottom of
the Notifications panel provides a local
preview of this webpage, which is served
to your local network to let you control the
system from another system on your
network.
To visit the page externally, copy the IP
address shown beside the Web Browser
button in the Notification panel into the
address field of a browser on any
computer on your local network.
FIGURE 18

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2.3.2 VIEWPORT TOOLS
FIGURE 19
Viz SDI IO’s channels each have a toolbar beneath their respective viewports. The various elements
comprising the toolbar are listed below from left to right:
1. Channel name – Can be changed by clicking on the label, and also in the Configure Channel panel.
a. A Configuration gadget (gear) pops up next to the channel name when the mouse is over a
viewport.
2. Record and Record Time – The record button below each viewport toggled recording that channel;
the RECORD button in the bottom dashboard opens a widget enabling capture from any SDI input.
3. Grab – the base filename and path for still image grabs are set in the Configure Channel panel.
4. Full screen
5. Overlays
GRAB
FIGURE 20
AGrab Input tool is located in the lower right corner below the monitor for each channel. By default, still
image files are stored in the system Pictures folder. The path can be modified in the Output window for the
channel (see the Output heading above).
FULLSCREEN
FIGURE 21
Clicking this button expands the video display for the selected channel to fill your monitor. Press
ESC on your keyboard or click the mouse to return to the standard display.
OVERLAY
FIGURE 22
Found in the lower right corner of each channel, Overlays can be useful for visualizing safe
zones, centering and more. To use an overlay, just click on an icon in the list (see Figure 23)
more than one overlay can be active at the same time
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FIGURE 23

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2.3.3 DASHBOARD TOOLS
AUDIO (HEADPHONES)
You can connect a headset to the (green) audio output jack on the rear of Viz SDI IO’s motherboard.
FIGURE 24
Controls for Headphone audio are found in the lower-left corner of the dashboard at
the bottom of the screen (Figure 24).
1. The audio source supplied to the Headphone jack can be selected using the menu
next to the headphone icon (Figure 25).
2. The Volume for the selected source can be adjusted moving the slider provided at
right (double-click this control to reset it to the default 0dB value).
RECORD
The Record button is also located in the lower-right corner of the dashboard (Figure 26). Click it to open a
widget allowing you to begin or stop recording of individual channels (or start/stop all recordings.)
Notes: The destinations for recorded clips, their base file names and other settings are controlled in the
Configuration panel (see Figure 2-8). Recording NDI sources is not supported. The Share Local Recorder Folders
can be used to expose local folders assigned to capture duties on your network, making it easy to access
captured files externally.
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FIGURE 26
FIGURE 25

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DISPLAY
In the bottom-right corner of the Dashboard at the bottom of the (primary) screen, the Display widget offers
a variety of layout options to let you viewing channels individually or in groups, as well letting you configure
a second monitor (Figure 27).
FIGURE 27
Waveform and Vectorscope features are shown when you select the SCOPES option in the Display widget
(Figure 28).
FIGURE 28