West Pond Enterprises MX-400 Series User manual

MX-400xx Installation & Operations
Manual
Software Revision 2.0.14
West Pond Enterprises, LLC
11/7/2019

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Contents
Revision History ............................................................................................................................................3
Related documentation ................................................................................................................................3
Terms and terminology.................................................................................................................................3
MX-400 Smart Headend................................................................................................................................4
MX-400 Hardware.....................................................................................................................................7
MX-400 Software ......................................................................................................................................7
Setting up the system ...................................................................................................................................7
Unpacking the unit....................................................................................................................................7
Installing....................................................................................................................................................7
Making the connections............................................................................................................................8
Power On ..................................................................................................................................................8
Configuring the system.................................................................................................................................8
Front panel................................................................................................................................................9
Accessing the WebUI ..............................................................................................................................10
Getting familiar with the MX-400...............................................................................................................12
Overview.................................................................................................................................................12
Sources....................................................................................................................................................13
Network Sources.................................................................................................................................13
Tuners .................................................................................................................................................13
Video Server........................................................................................................................................13
Video Encoder and HTML5 signage system........................................................................................14
Outputs ...................................................................................................................................................18
Modulated RF Output .........................................................................................................................19
Program Mapping ...............................................................................................................................19
Fine tuning the system........................................................................................................................20
Display Controls ......................................................................................................................................21
Monitor...................................................................................................................................................22
System.....................................................................................................................................................22
Settings................................................................................................................................................22
Accounts..............................................................................................................................................23
Log.......................................................................................................................................................23

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Info......................................................................................................................................................23
Tools....................................................................................................................................................24
Appendix A –Quick Start Help....................................................................................................................25
Appendix B –FAQs......................................................................................................................................27
How do I create a TV channel from a video file?................................................................................27

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Revision History
Date
Version
By
Description
7/20/2017
1.0.2
sdh
Created for version 1.0.2 of the software
11/29/2017
1.10.0
sdh
Time to update…. Bring to latest software revision
12/1/2017
1.11.0
sdh
Add discovery, add discovery to quick start
5/17/2018
1.16.5
sdh
6/3/2018
1.16.6
sdh
Fixed FlexDM port typo (should be 1194)
6/28/2019
1.17.3
sdh
Included FlexDM sync cloud icon. Updated RF output UI
9/11/2019
2.0.3
sdh
Updated UI to 2.0.x feature set.
11/7/2019
2.0.14
sdh
Updated to 2.0.14
Related documentation
Date
Version
By
Description
NA
1.15.1
sdh
User Guide, FlexStream MX-GS200, MD-100, RX-WP100
NA
NA
NA
Flexstream U-Tube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsZyIiqtSbF18sTyioOjS5Q
Terms and terminology
TS
MPEG2 Transport Stream
MPTS
Multi-program Transport Stream
Inputs
Physical inputs to the MX-100
Sources
TS traffic entering the multiplexor
Outputs
TS traffic exiting the multiplexor
Targets
Output devices receiving TS traffic from the multiplexor
Video Server
Feature of the MX-100 software that creates live program streams (TV
channels) from 1 or more TS files via a loop or scheduled event.
Video Wrapper
Feature of the MX-100 software that wraps video Inputs with HTML5
graphical content and then encodes it to make a program stream.
Monitor
Feature of the MX-100 software, included with the RF modulator, which
scans the target RF plant for unused frequencies and monitoring used
frequencies.

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MX-400 Smart Headend
Thank you for purchasing the MX-400 Smart Headend Digital Video Media System. Thank you for
purchasing the MX-400HY digital video media system. This product family was designed to enhance the
value of TV networks in hotels, hospitals, schools and other institutions that utilize linear TV such as
COAX and IPTV. Using the existing coax infrastructure, or traditional IPTV, the MX-400 can create an
entire channel line-up or complement your existing one. By integrating the components of a traditional
headend into a single unit, and connecting these components with state of the art software, the MX-400
Smart Headend has taken headend technology to the next level. This feature rich, easily managed,
compact solution, is also very flexible. Configure each of the five module bays with the components
you need, or select a preconfigured model that meets your needs.
The MX-400 system can create TV channels from satellite or terrestrial broadcast TV, HDMI/HD-SDI
digital video sources, Component or Composite analog video sources, stored media recordings, RTSP
security cameras, IPTV, and HTML5 multi-media. This document will help you to get your MX-400 up
and running quickly. For your convenience a quick start section is provide at the end of this document.
See Appendix A –Quick Start Help. For more information please contact West Pond Enterprises sales or
support.
The single MX-400 system provides features that normally require a collection of rack mounted
equipment, set top boxes, and media servers. Integrating these components together not only reduces
the cost and space required to host the system, it creates a more reliable solution, creates a platform on
which advanced features can be developed, and simplifies overall operation. Our solution does not
require a dozen operating manuals, a single UI allows you to manage the entire system. Here’s a list of
standard equipment the MX-400 replaces.
Video Server / Streamer
o30 hours or more of video files onto the MX-400 and create custom TV channels via our
built in video server. Create a looping playlist or schedule playback at specific times.
Video Capture - HDMI / Component / Composite / HD-SDI / SDI
oCapture video and audio from the HD video port and encoded it to broadcast quality
standards.
Video Encoder
oThis box supports h.264 and MPEG2 video and a variety of audio formats. The number
and resolution of each encode is SW license dependent.
Digital Signage Player
oThe HTML5 video wrapper combines video streams with HTML5 media to create a
dynamic multi-media experience on one or more TVs without a digital signage player.
This powerful tool is made simple through presentation templates provided by West
Pond. See http://www.westpond.com/templates for a list of recent templates.
Demux –Remux Multichannel Multiplexer
oDemux MPTS feeds from satellite or terrestrial broadcast. Cherry pick the channels you
wish to include and ignore the rest.

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oOur integrated scalable multiplexer replaces the need for external rack mounted
devices.
Multi-channel modulator
o1 - 9 multi-channel, frequency and modulation agile modulators.
GigE switch
o4 Configurable GigE ports reduce the need for and external managed switch and simplify
wiring in a mixed LAN environment. Our system can communicate with your IPTV LAN,
your house LAN, security cameras, and other devices while still leaving spare ports to
manage the system.
RF Monitor
oScanning of broadcast and cable TV channels to analyze the existing RF distribution
network, find unused channels, and monitor for identifying and resolving future issues.
Front panel display
oMRDs are no longer necessary. The front panel QVGA screen provides a live view of
every multiplexer input.
Display controller
oEvery display on your linear TV network can now be controlled via the integrated display
control system. Just register the West Pond display control device with the MX-400 and
set its state.

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Sample Configuration

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MX-400 Hardware
A typical MX-400 unit is equipped with one or more HD video capture modules, broadcast or satellite TV
tuners, 32 GBytes of video and HTML5 content storage, 4 GigE ports, one or more agile RF modulators,
and an RF monitor tuner. The output can be IPTV or RF via the modulator channels. Multiplexor
sources can originate from IPTV, RTSP (cameras), DTV tuners, streamed files, or encoded
HDMI/Component/Composite video.
Any source can be passed through
the HTML wrapper to create a
multimedia enhanced channel which
in turn becomes an additional mux
source. All mux sources are visible
on the front panel and are available
via the multiplexor as an output on
any IPTV or RF output.
MX-400 Software
The MX-400 software package can enable a complete set of DTV channels for your in-house cable TV
system, or complement the existing system by adding channels to it. The software simplifies headend
installation, configuration, and management. All of the MX-400 software resides on the MX-400 and is
accessible via the internal Web UI or from anywhere using the FlexDM remote management service.
There is no need to install any management software on a PC or other device, the web browser is all you
need.
Setting up the system
Unpacking the unit
The MX-400HY is a tightly integrated solution. The box is supplied with a power cable and adapter
cables if needed for the modules integrated into your unit.
Installing
The MX-400 is a standard 19” 1RU AV rack mounted (round hole) device. Air flow for cooling the
devices is moved from front to back and it can be used in slots adjacent to other devices. Mount the
device using 4 front panel screws, connect the power to the rear of the unit.

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Making the connections
There are four Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back of the MX-400. These are independently configured
to support four unique LANs. Configure at least one of them as a management LAN from which you can
access the MX-400 Web UI. Others may be used to send/receive IPTV streams, access to cameras
(RTSP), or access to other assets used by the MX-400.
While video source hot swap is
supported, this would be a good
time to connect up any AV sources
(HDMI, Component, HD-SDI, etc) to
the option module connections at
the rear of the unit.
The F connector marked M1 is the
monitor input. Connect this to your
in-house cable RF downstream of
any modulators, combiners
amplification, etc. Connect to this
input the same cable you would
connect to a test TV. This input will
be used by the MX-400 to detect
unused frequencies on the in-house cable TV network and monitor other frequencies for content, signal
strength, signaling, etc.
The modulator RF output will be clearly market. It is typically in the right hand option module bay, but
may not be if your configuration requires otherwise. To merge the MX-400 channels with existing in-
house cable TV channels, connect the output F connectors to an RF combiner or distribution network.
Power On
Power on the MX-400 using the switch at the rear of the unit near the power receptacle. The blue LED
located at the center of the front panel will light immediately. Soon after this the two quarter VGA
screens will be illuminated. These screens will provide system status, real time video monitoring, and
basic system configuration.
Configuring the system
The MX-400 network primary
management interface is a
WebUI. The IP address of the
MX-400 can be discovered
using the front panel or by
utilizing one of the LAN based
device discovery mechanisms. The MX-400 supports LLMNR, mDNS, and discovery protocols.

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Front panel
Use the front panel of the MX-400 to check system status, configure each of the MX-400 network ports,
and reset the WebUI admin password. The main menu shows the System Name as configured in the
Web UI System/Settings page. Use the navigation pad to the right of the left screen to navigate the
menus. The Status screen provides information about the system including serial numbers, software
version, etc.
Navigate to the Network menu to configure each of the Network ports. Once the network port has been
correctly configured, and connected to the network, the network icon on the front screen should be
outlined in green. If not, check the connections at the rear of the device and the configuration screen
for errors. A black outline indicates the port is enabled but not functioning, a white outline indicates the
port is not enabled. When configuring the ports, one common error is mistaking N1 for N4, i.e. mentally
reversing the logical order of the network ports. These ports can also be configured using the Web UI.
To set the MX-400 WebUI password to factory defaults, select “Reset Auth” from the system menu.

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Use the CH up/down buttons to the left of the right screen to scroll through the video inputs configured
via the Web UI. The video monitoring screen shows a scaled replica of each enabled TS multiplexor
input source. Use the up channel and down channel buttons to cycle through the video. This can be
done at any time and has no impact on the state of the system.
Accessing the WebUI
To access the MX-400 WebUI simply enter the IP address of the device into the web browser of a device
on the same LAN as the MX-400. The IP address can be obtained using the front panel, or indirectly via
FlexDM. Alternatively the MX-400 supports LLMNR, mDNS, and uPnP for LAN based system discovery.
The N1 network settings are by default DHCP. Plug this system into a typical LAN and it will
automatically be assigned an IP configuration. Use your computer file browser to open the network
devices. For example, on Windows the screen below shows the windows file explorer. The “Other
Devices” categories includes a device called mx-100 or mx-400serialNumberHere. Double click on this
device to access the MX-100 web UI.

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Alternatively you may use the serial number as the URL in your web browser. To access the MX-100
point a web browser at the URL http://yourUnitsSerialNumber.local where yourUnitsSerialNumber is
taken from the label on the MX-100. Note: System discovery requires mac OSX, Windows Vista or
greater, IOS, or Android device. For example the serial number of the unit accessed in the image below
is 001395200d93.
Once connected, you will be prompted to login. Use the administrator credentials
User: Administrator
Password: admin
Note: Firefox and Chrome preferred. Internet Explorer and MS Edge are not supported.
There are three built-in users. The passwords for these users can be set by the administrator.
Administrator: Used by installer to configure and manage the system. This user has access to all
controls and settings.
Operator: Used by less technical personal to access and change the video wrapper content. This
user can view nearly all settings but can only control those features that need to be changed during
a game or event.
Monitor: Read only access. Used by anyone who has an interest in the technology but should not be
making any configuration changes to the system.

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Getting familiar with the MX-400
The West Pond product team may preconfigure your device to provide a head start for your particular
application. This may include the installation of template presentations, test videos, and the
configuration of input and output streams. The IP addresses used for IP inputs and outputs are likely
inappropriate for your installation and may need reconfiguring. In this section we will review how to
make small changes to these settings to get your system running as quickly as possible.
Overview
The top level page of the WebUI provides an
overview of the MX-400 scalable multiplexer.
The multiplexer combines digital AV streams
from a variety of sources into groups and
transmits them with the correct signaling and
timing to the appropriate output. Outputs
may have constraints, such as bitrate and
signaling, that must be configured to operate
correctly. To preserve resources, inputs are
only processed if enabled. A mapping
between inputs and outputs is shown in the
overview menu of the MX-400 WebUI. The
sources (aka enabled inputs) are shown on the left, outputs are shown on the right. The sources tab
groups the source transports by the input while the output tab shows this mapping grouped by
destination (output). There is a variety of information on these pages that can be valuable when trying
to diagnose a problem. Error indicators are shown when a problem has been detected with a
particular input or output stream. On the screen image above there is an error showing that the
output transport is oversubscribed. i.e. Utilization is over 100%. This should be rectified to avoid video
artifacts.
Fingernail images captured from the video are periodically updated next to each input/output. This
helps to provide context when configuring your system. These update slowly so as to ensure they do
not steal any computational resources from the system.

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Sources
The Sources page shows how devices and IP
streams are enabled as inputs to the multiplexor.
Sources may include
network streams such as IPTV or an RTSP
feed from a security camera
the MX-400 internal video server
TV tuners
capture devices
and digital signage via the Video
Wrapper.
Network Sources
Network sources are shown on the Sources>Network tab. To add a network
source, click “New Source”. Specify a friendly name for the new source, this
will be used on other pages of this webUI. Specify the IP address (multicast
is accepted), the port, and which interface the source is available on. If the
source supports SMPTE2022, then select this option. When everything is
complete, click create. If the networked source is RTSP, such as an RTSP
security camera, click on the RTSP tab and enter the name and URL of the
camera. i.e. rtsp://username:passw[email protected].XXX/stream1
Tuners
If one or more tuners, such as Satellite, ATSC,
DVB-T, ISDB-T, etc., is present in the system the
tuner tab will be present under the Sources
page. Tuners are auto-detected but not auto-
configured. As such the list will be populated
but each entry will need to be configured to be
available as a mux input source. Configuration
varies based upon tuner type, international
standards, and geography, but all will need a
name, frequency, and possibly some other
tuner specific values. Once configured and enabled, the
entire transport is available as a mux source. Terrestial
tuners include a scanning feature. Use this to scan all
available channels on that antenna feed. Then select from the list to assign channels to each tuner.
Video Server
The Video Server creates TS streams from files uploaded to the MX-400 storage. The MX-400 does not
transcode these files dynamically, as such the TS files used by the video sever must be compatible with
both the target receiver and transport output. For example, if you were to create a stream for a US

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CableTV QAM modulated output that stream should be MPEG2 (not h.264) encoded so that it is
compatible with the ATSC standard and can be used by ATSC TVs. West Pond provides a transcoding
web service, FlexDM, which simplifies the process of creating the appropriate files. Visit FlexDM.net for
more information.
The “Content” tab shows the files that have been uploaded and may be used in any channel playlist.
The Channels tab shows the channels created and the status of their playback. Create channels and
upload content using the appropriate buttons at the bottom of the screen. Once created TS files are
assigned to a channel using the button for looping playlists and the icon for scheduled
content. Scheduled playback interrupts the looping content to play the scheduled content. This can be
used to schedule a movie for movie time or to start a planned training video. When scheduling is used it
is often beneficial to have a video loop on the same channel that explains what the channel is used for,
much like a channel guide.
Video Encoder and HTML5 signage system
The MX-400 DTV compatible AV encoder creates TV
channels by encoding or transcoding any existing MX-
400 AV source and/or HTML5
Presentation Template. For
example, this feature can be
used to encode an h.264 IP
camera into an ATSC
compatible MPEG2 channel.
Optionally the video can be
complemented with an HTML
presentation which can wrap
the camera video with HTML5
multi-media. Any AV source

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can be encoded with, or without an HTML presentation. Any presentation can be encoded with or
without and AV source.
There are two tabs on the Video Encoder page: Channels and Presentations. Presentations are simple
HTML5 websites stored on the MX-400. Channels are created by the encoders. Your system may have
one or more encoders depending upon model and licensing.
This features is not available on the MX-400 model. When available, as it is on
the MX-100, this feature will map the capture input to the HDMI (or other available port) output of the
device.
Presentations
Video Wrapper presentations are java script animated HTML5 web pages that define how the resulting
TV channel screen is partitioned into video, advertisements, score, social media photos, date/time,
temperature, menu boards, logos, and any other media you might want to present in the TV channel.
Choose from West Pond’s collection of Presentation Templates or modify one to create your own.
Templates can be very simple, for example overlaying a logo on the video, or complex such as a score
board with dynamic advertisements, logos, game score and clock. Most templates can be used without
making any HTML or java script changes. This is done by replacing the presentation template sample
images with your own, or using the presentation configuration page to select a new image. Clicking on
launches the presentation configuration utility
specific to that presentation. Use these web pages to
change the characteristics of the presentation. A
help system is included. The MX-400 system will be
preloaded with a few useful templates. More are
available at http://www.westpond.com/templates
The best way to learn about this is to click on a few
and see what can be done. Below are a few
examples. Version two, available now, has a number of advanced features that were not available with
the version one templates. Most notably the ability to support animation such as a marquee scroll or
animated gif.

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The presentations tab also allows you to:
Delete a presentation
Browse and modify files within a presentation (drag and drop)
Create a new presentation by copying an existing presentation
Download a presentation to your PC to edit it. (Zip file)
Preview a presentation in your browser (sans video and other MX-400 specifics)
Configure a presentation using the presentation specific configuration tool
Create a new presentation by uploading a Zip file with the appropriate files
The presentation preview launches the presentation in a browser window. This is a good way to
test your presentation changes.
Channels
The icon is used to refresh the active presentation, if
one is selected. Use the edit icon to open the “Modify
channel”dialog box. There are eleven fields. The first,
Enable/Disable, is a handy way to free up system resources. A
typical and recommended setting for US cable TV installations
is a resolution of 720p30 and the MPEG2 codec. The last
parameter is the Overscan field. This is a scaling factor
applied so as to adjust for TVs that overscan the content.
Overscanning, which is very common for TVs, clips the outer
edges of the TV picture. The default is 3%. If you are using
monitors rather than TVs, you can lower this value. If your
TVs are still clipping the HTML content, increase this value.
Name
Select a friendly name for your encoded stream. This name
will be used on other WebUI screen for reference.
Presentation
Select the HTML5 presentation to accompany the AV source below. Select NONE if you wish not to
script or otherwise enhance the AV with HTML5.
Refresh
Rate at wish the presentation should be refreshed. Refresh has the same impact on the presentation as
it would when you refresh a page on your web browser. Typically no refreshing is required and if so 0 is
entered (default).

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Source
Select the AV source, if any, to be used with your channel. No AV source is necessary if the HTML5
presentation is full screen media.
Resolution
Select the video resolution for your encoded TV channel. Lower resolutions consumer fewer system
resources. 1280x720 is a good default HD setting for most systems. Systems with a single encode can
easily perform higher resolutions. The resolutions you choose should be compatible with your
international DTV standard.
Frame Rate
720P30 and 720P29.97 are a good default HD settings (30 and 29.97 fps respectfully). Higher rates are
possible but not recommended when using multiple encoders on the same system.
Codec
Choose the codec that is compatible with your international DTV standard. ATSC requires MPEG2.
Bitrate
Typically auto is the best selection for bitrate. This allows the encoder to make quality and bitrate
adjustments based upon content. If a constant bitrate is required for your application, keep in mind
that a low setting will impact video quality.
Fixed data rate encoding is enabled by specifying a “Bitrate”. This bitrate is specified in Kbps and it sets
only the video encoder datarate, not the audio data rate or the TS output data rate. When setting this,
keep in mind that the audio encoding and transport stream overhead is 500 –600 Kbps. Setting an
encoding to 900 Kbps will result in a 1500 Kbps transport stream. If this encoding is used in a low bitrate
IP transport output, care should be given to ensure that the encoded data rate is less than the output
data rate. This can be monitored on the Output tab of the Overview web page. The upper right corner
shows the overall bitrate of the output and an error will be shown if there is insufficient bandwidth in
the output transport. If more bandwidth is needed, edit the IP Output and increase the data rate. IP
transport outputs can also be configured to conserve bandwidth by setting the “Strip NUL’s” option.
This option will strip the null packets from the output transport stream.
Overscan
Overscan adjustments are necessary when applying graphics on TV displays. TVs will often overscan the
video thus clipping a few pixels on all side. To adjust for this the MX-400 encoder will scale the image to
fit on a slightly smaller screen and paint the outside pixels black. When rendered on the TV, the entire
image is visible. Typically a value of 3 –5% is suitable. However overscan adjustment is not necessary if
all the TVs are configure with overscan disabled.
Audio Gain
Audio gain will increase the volume or decrease the volume during encoding. Acceptable values are -10
to 10.

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Outputs
An Output is a multiplexed TS output
which exits the MX-400 on a physical
transport such as a modulator, ASI port,
or Ethernet port. As this is a software
multiplexor, there is no specified limit
to the number of outputs. From a
practical perspective, it’s best to limit
the bandwidth consumed by the sum
total of all outputs to less than 500
Mb/s. The multiplexor outputs are
MPEG2 transport streams. Each MPEG
TS output must be specified and is
shown on this page. The software will
automatically configure outputs for physical hardware such as modulators and ASI ports. IPTV outputs,
being virtual, must be added manually. New IPTV outputs are created by clicking on the “Create
Output” icon. Existing outputs can be deleted , modified (properties) , and mapped
through the multiplexor (program mapping). The “create” and “modify” dialog boxes are very similar.
Give the output a friendly name. Keep in mind that this name will be used as the description if/when
you generate an m3u playlist. Next select UDP vs. RTP. UDP is raw UDP. The RTP protocol, which is also
transmitted using UDP, is more robust because the packets are numbered. Additional robustness can be
added using SMPTE2022 FEC, but this is only beneficial if the receiving device can utilize the FEC data.
The IP addresses and port fields are self-explanatory. Multicast addresses are supported. The Data Rate
used must be sufficient to contain the multiplex transport that is being assigned to this output. If
insufficient, clipping will occur and an error will be shown on the Overview page. Nul stripping reduces
the network traffic and is recommended for non CBR applications. MPEG transport streams require
signaling that is compatible with the transport and targeting receiving devices. For example, if the IP
output is feeding an edge QAM modulator for the US market, select US Cable for signaling.

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A playlist.m3u file that describes all of the multicast outputs can be downloaded by
clicking on the playlist icon. For IPTV networks, session announcement protocol
(SAP RFC 2974 ) is supported and included in the stream when enabled.
RTSP outputs, TS only, are also supported.
Modulated RF Output
The modulator hardware is automatically detected and a list of available modulators is shown on the
Output page of the WebUI. All modulators are expected to transmit over the same cable network, as
such it is not necessary to identify how a modulator maps to a particular F connector.
To edit an RF output click on the associated config icon. Select the Channel from the list. It’s best to
be sure that the channel selected is not in use. If the
Channel/Frequency you wish to use is not on the list, you
may need to change the channel map. Select the Modulator,
the modulation standard, and the modulation type. The
power level should remain at 1 for most cabled
environments. If a value greater than 1 is required,
attenuators may be necessary for TVs that are receiving high
power signals. Attenuators or amplifiers should be used to
achieve optimal power within the cable distribution
network. Use this field post install to make minor power
level adjustments if required.
Program Mapping
Program Mapping is the heart of the multiplexor.
Clicking on the icon for a specific output will switch the Outputs page to a program mapping view
for that output. Mapping an input to an output can be done at the program level, or at the PID level. If
you are not intimately familiar with transport stream anatomy, stick with the program level and use the
default setting whenever they are provided.
Once in the Program Mapping view, all of the available multiplexor sources are listed on the left, each
with a mapping icon to the right. Click on the mapping icon and edit the mapping