Z3 Technology Z3Stream-01 User manual

User Instructions
Ultra-Compact H.264 Media Encoder and Streamer
Model Name: Z3Stream-01
Software Version 2.40b
DOC-USR-0090-04
Before attempting to connect or operate this product, please read these instructions carefully and save this manual for future use.
Copyright © 2017 Z3 Technology, LLC. All rights reserved.
This document contains proprietary information of Z3 Technology, LLC ("Z3"). This document may not be used, reproduced, disclosed, or
disseminated to anyone without the prior written approval of an authorized representative of Z3. Z3 reserves the right to change this product at
any time and without notice. All product names, trademarks, trade names, service marks, or service names mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
2
REVISION HISTORY
Version
Date
Change Note
Author
01
04/11/2016
Original Z3Stream-01 Document
TA
02
06/16/2016
Updated Hardware Warranty Information. Minor grammar and
formatting updates.
TA
03
08/10/2016
Added additional information regarding RTP streaming. Updated
Troubleshooting section. Updated website in page footer. Minor
formatting updates.
TA
04
03/02/2017
Updated per software v2.40b. Updated Section 2.0 Features. Updated
Section 7.3 to include YouTube Live. Added Section 8.6 Upgrade
Firmware. Formatting updates.
TA

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................6
2.0 FEATURES ................................................................................................................7
2.1 Supported Input Resolutions .......................................................................................7
3.0 PACKAGE CONTENTS....................................................................................................8
4.0 OPERATING CONTROLS .................................................................................................9
5.0 GETTING STARTED WITH Z3STREAM ................................................................................ 10
5.1 Connect and Power Up the Encoder ............................................................................ 10
5.2 Find the Encoder on the Network Using ZFinder .............................................................. 11
6.0 CONFIGURING ENCODE............................................................................................... 13
6.1 HDMI Encoder Setup ............................................................................................... 13
6.2 Composite Encoder Setup ........................................................................................ 15
7.0 SET ENCODING OUTPUT.............................................................................................. 17
7.1 Stream UDP......................................................................................................... 17
7.2 Stream RTP/RTSP .................................................................................................. 20
7.3 Stream RTMP ....................................................................................................... 23
8.0 PERFORMING OTHER OPERATIONS WITH THE Z3STREAM-01 .................................................... 29
8.1 Change Frame Rate................................................................................................ 29
8.2 Adjust Aspect Ratio................................................................................................ 30
8.3 HDMI Pass-Through ................................................................................................ 31
8.4 Save Current Settings ............................................................................................. 32
8.5 Set a Static IP Address ............................................................................................ 34
8.6 Upgrade Firmware ................................................................................................. 36
8.7 Use the Password Feature ........................................................................................ 37
9.0 SUMMARY OF OPTIONS ............................................................................................... 38
9.1 The System Setup Tab............................................................................................. 38
9.2 The User Presets Tab .............................................................................................. 40
9.3 The Status Tab...................................................................................................... 40
9.4 The Encoder Tab ................................................................................................... 41
9.5 Values Appearing at the Bottom of All Tabs .................................................................... 45
9.6 ZFinder .............................................................................................................. 46
APPENDIX A: Configuring the Wowza Server for RTMP .............................................................. 47
APPENDIX B: Finding the IP Address of Your Computer.............................................................. 49
APPENDIX C: Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 50
APPENDIX D: Warranty ................................................................................................... 52

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Z3Stream-01 Encoder Dimensions .............................................................................6
Figure 2 Z3Stream Package Contents ....................................................................................8
Figure 3 Rear and Front Views............................................................................................9
Figure 4 Power Up Connections for the Encoder..................................................................... 10
Figure 5 ZFinder with Z3Stream Selected............................................................................. 11
Figure 6 Z3Stream User Interface - Encoder Tab..................................................................... 12
Figure 7 HDMI Connection for Encoding ............................................................................... 13
Figure 8 Encoder Tab Configuration –HDMI........................................................................... 14
Figure 9 Composite Adapter Cable..................................................................................... 15
Figure 10 Composite Connection for Encoding ....................................................................... 15
Figure 11 Encoder Tab Configuration –Composite ................................................................... 16
Figure 12 Encoder Tab Configuration –UDP........................................................................... 18
Figure 13 VLC Open Network Stream Screen for UDP ............................................................... 19
Figure 14 Example of Z3 Video Streaming to VLC (UDP)............................................................ 19
Figure 15 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTP ........................................................................... 20
Figure 16 Finding your Encoder’s IP Address.......................................................................... 21
Figure 17 VLC Open Network Stream Screen for RTP ............................................................... 21
Figure 18 Example of Z3 Video Streaming to VLC (RTP) ............................................................ 22
Figure 19 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTMP –Wowza Streaming Engine™....................................... 24
Figure 20 Navigating to the Wowza Test Player ...................................................................... 25
Figure 21 Viewing Encoded Content on Wowza Test Player ........................................................ 26
Figure 22 YouTube Live Dashboard –Encoder Setup ................................................................. 27
Figure 23 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTMP –YouTube Live ....................................................... 28
Figure 24 Comparing 4:3 to 16:9 Aspect Ratio ....................................................................... 30
Figure 25 Pass Through Connection .................................................................................... 31
Figure 26 The User Presets Tab ......................................................................................... 32
Figure 27 Entering a User Preset Name ............................................................................... 32
Figure 28 Saving a User Preset.......................................................................................... 33
Figure 29 Saving IP Address Settings ................................................................................... 34
Figure 30 Updating Device Firmware .................................................................................. 36
Figure 31 Software Updater Screen.................................................................................... 36
Figure 32 Changing the Password ...................................................................................... 37
Figure 33 Password Entry Screen....................................................................................... 37
Figure 34 Wowza Performance Settings ............................................................................... 47
Figure 35 Wowza Security Settings..................................................................................... 48
Figure 36 Using the Command Prompt to Determine Your PC’s IP Address....................................... 49

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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Figure 37 Locating Your Computer’s IP Address ....................................................................... 49
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Encode Quality Options with Resolutions.................................................................... 14

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Z3Stream encoder is a compact 98 x 81 x 21 mm (3.88 x 3.19 x 0.81 in) system that allows encode of
video at SD and HD resolutions up to 1080p60 through an HDMI input and encode of SD video through a
composite input. It also allows users to quickly stream video from either of those sources to the web or
internal clients/PCs via UDP, RTP, TSRTP, or RTMP.
The compactness, ease-of-use, and performance of this system makes it ideal for live event streaming,
corporate meetings and conferences, houses of worship, and remote location encoding.
Figure 1 Z3Stream-01 Encoder Dimensions
21 mm
81 mm
98 mm

Z3Stream User Instructions
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___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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2.0 FEATURES
HD resolutions up to 1920x1080 including 1080i, 1080p60 and 720p
Standard Definition encoding for ISDB-T, DVB-H, and other standards
Video Inputs: HDMI, Composite
Outputs RTP, RTMP or MPEG-2 Transport Stream (UDP)
Compatible with CDN’s including Wowza Streaming Engine™ and YouTube Live
On-board video scaler provides full screen resizing with all resolutions
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and DNS support
Limited RTSP support
HTTP-based configuration software for user-friendly configuration and control
Operating Temp: 0 to 50 degrees C at 20-80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Storage Temp: -40 to 70 degrees C at 20-80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Measurements: 98 x 81 x 21 mm (3.88 x 3.19 x 0.81 in)
Weight: 221 g (0.49 lb)
2.1 Supported Input Resolutions
1080p60, 1080p50, 1080i30, 1080i29.97, 1080i25, 720p60, 720p59.94, 720p50, 576p50, 576i25, 480p60,
480i30, 480i29.97, and CIF (352x240)

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
8
3.0 PACKAGE CONTENTS
Z3Stream Encoder
5V Power Supply
HDMI Cable
Composite Adapter Cable
Ethernet Cable
Figure 2 Z3Stream Package Contents

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
9
4.0 OPERATING CONTROLS
1: USB 2.0
1
2: RS-232 Serial Port
2
3: Status Lights
3
4: Power Switch
1
Not currently supported by Z3Stream.
2
For advanced debugging purposes only. Not needed by typical
users.
3
The status lights will blink depending upon the source that is being
encoded: HDMI or Composite (CVBS).
5: 5V Power
6: Composite Input
7: HDMI Output
4
8: GigE
9: HDMI Input
5
4
Pass through output only.
5
Non-HDCP HDMI content only. For example, a Blu-Ray player
cannot be used as a video source.
Figure 3 Rear and Front Views
FRONT VIEW
REAR VIEW

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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦+1.402.323.0702
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5.0 GETTING STARTED WITH Z3STREAM
This section gives step-by-step instructions on using your PC to access the Z3Stream user interface. Here
you’ll be able to change the settings to fit your encoding needs. In addition to the Z3Stream encoder, a
Windows PC, a 5V power supply and an Ethernet cable are required.
5.1 Connect and Power Up the Encoder
(1) Connect an Ethernet cable directly from your PC to Ethernet on the back of the encoder. Your
encoder may also be connected through a hub or router on the same network as a PC. For your
initial set up, we recommend a direct Ethernet connection to a DHCP
6
enabled PC.
(2) Connect the 5V power supply to +5V/2A on the encoder and plug into a power outlet.
(3) Turn on the Power switch. It will take 45-60 seconds to boot.
6
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This enables the PC to dynamically receive an IP address at startup and allows
your PC to correctly communicate with a Z3Stream-01 with default manufacturing settings.
(1) Connect to
Ethernet
(2) Connect to
5V Power
(3) Turn
Switch on
Figure 4 Power Up Connections for the Encoder

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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5.2 Find the Encoder on the Network Using ZFinder
ZFinder is a PC utility that allows you to find any Z3 Technology product on your network. If you have
not yet downloaded this to your computer, you can find it at Z3Stream.com.
(4) Verify your PC is set to DHCP. If it is set to a static IP address and is directly connected, ZFinder
will be unable to discover your encoder.
(5) Run the ZFinder PC utility on your PC. You may need to allow it past any firewalls or security
programs on your PC. The ZFinder window appears and completes a scan of the network. ZFinder
then lists all Z3 systems connected to the network. The Z3Stream encoder appears.
(6) Click on the Z3Stream entry in the window to select it. This will cause the Edit Device and Open
Device buttons to activate.
Figure 5 ZFinder with Z3Stream Selected
Note: Selecting Edit Device allows for manual changes to network settings. Selecting Flash LEDs in ZFinder is
not applicable to the Z3Stream encoder. See Section 9.6, ZFinder, for more information.
(7) Click on Open Device. An internet browser window is opened in your default web browser and the
user interface appears with the Encoder tab open.

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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(8) By default, the system will have automatically started encoding. If the encoder status message in
the bottom right corner of the screen shows RUNNING, you will need to click the red Stop button in
order to change any settings.
Figure 6 Z3Stream User Interface - Encoder Tab

Z3Stream User Instructions
DOC-USR-0090-04
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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6.0 CONFIGURING ENCODE
This section gives step-by-step instructions on setting up the Z3Stream encoder to encode video from an
HDMI or composite video source. In addition to the Z3Stream, a TV or other monitor and a non-HDCP video
source with HDMI output or a video source with a composite output are required as well as the appropriate
cables. Your encoder should already be connected to your PC with the user interface open per Section 5.0,
GETTING STARTED WITH Z3STREAM.
6.1 HDMI Encoder Setup
(1) Select a video source with non-HDCP
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HDMI output.
(2) Verify your source works as expected:
a. Power on the video source.
b. Connect an HDMI cable from the source output to your TV or monitor.
c. Change your source settings so that its output is at your desired resolution. In the following
example, we are using 1080p60 resolution.
d. If you are using a video player, select the content you would like to stream.
e. If you see playback on the monitor, you’ve confirmed the source works.
(3) Connect the HDMI cable from the video source to HDMI In on the encoder.
(4) In the user interface Encoder tab, verify the Video Source is set to HDMI.
Note: Settings in the user interface cannot be changed if the unit is currently encoding. When the unit is
encoding the status light that corresponds to the source video should be blinking green. If it is blinking
red when encoding HDMI, verify that your cable is connected to HDMI In and not HDMI Out.
7
HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. Only non-HDCP HDMI video is supported. For example,
using a DVD player as a video source is not supported.
Figure 7 HDMI Connection for Encoding
(1) Connect to
HDMI Source

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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(5) Change Encode Quality to match your video source output resolution. In this example, select Full
HD
8
. See Table 1 for a more information about each available option in the Encode Quality
dropdown menu.
(6) Verify Frame Rate is set to Full.
(7) Verify Audio Enable is set to True.
(8) Next you will need to set your encoding output to your desired settings. See Section 7.0 for more
information.
Resolution
H.264
Profile
Bframes
Bitrate
SD
HD
Full-HD
FullHD
Follow Input
Main
2
2.5 Mbps
5.1 Mbps
5.1 Mbps
HD
Follow Input
Main
2
2.0 Mbps
2.5 Mbps
3 Mbps
High
1280x720
Main
2
1.7 Mbps
-
-
Medium
720x480
Main
2
900 Kbps
-
-
Low
352x240 (CIF)
Main
2
500 Kbps
-
-
Mobile
352x240 (CIF)
Baseline
0
450 Kbps
-
-
Table 1 Encode Quality Options with Resolutions
Note: For all options other than FullHD and HD, if the source resolution differs from the resolution listed in
Table 1 above, resizing will occur.
8
When Full HD or HD are selected, the encoder will output the resolution of the detected video source resolution.
Figure 8 Encoder Tab Configuration –HDMI

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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6.2 Composite Encoder Setup
(1) Select a video source with composite output.
(2) Verify your source works as expected:
a. Power on the video source.
b. Connect composite from the source output to a TV or monitor.
c. Change your source settings so that its output is at your desired resolution. In the following
example, we are using 720x480 resolution.
d. If you are using a video player, select the content you would like to stream.
e. If you see playback on the monitor, you’ve confirmed the source works.
(3) Using the special composite adapter cable that came with your encoder (pictured below), connect
the yellow/red/white cables to your composite source.
a. The yellow connector connects to the composite output.
b. The red and white connectors connect to the analog audio outputs.
(4) Connect the special adapter end of the cable to A/V In on the encoder.
Figure 9 Composite Adapter Cable
Figure 10 Composite Connection for Encoding
Connect
Composite
Here

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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(5) In the user interface Encoder tab, change the Video Source to Composite.
Note: Settings in the user interface cannot be changed if the unit is currently encoding.
(6) Change Encode Quality to match your video source output resolution. In this example, we are using
a 720x480 source and would select Medium. See Table 1 for a more information about each
available option in the Encode Quality dropdown menu.
(7) Verify Frame Rate is set to Full.
(8) Verify Audio Enable is set to True.
(9) Next you will need to set your encoding output to your desired settings. See Section 7.0 for more
information.
Figure 11 Encoder Tab Configuration –Composite

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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7.0 SET ENCODING OUTPUT
This section gives step-by-step instructions on setting the Z3Stream encoder to output and stream video
using each of the output format options: UDP, RTP/RTSP and RTMP. In addition to the Z3Stream, a
Windows PC with the VLC media player
9
downloaded is required. Your encoder should be connected to a
video source and configured accordingly per Section 6.0, CONFIGURING ENCODE.
7.1 Stream UDP
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a common Internet protocol used for low bandwidth and latency. UDP
streams send an MPEG-2 TS stream over UDP.
7.1.1 UDP Encoder Setup
(1) Under Output Setup, Set Output Format to UDP.
(2) Set Dest Address to:
a. the IP address of your PC that will be running the VLC media player. To determine the
correct IP address of your PC, see APPENDIX B: Finding the IP Address of Your Computer. In
the example pictured, 169.254.208.180 is used.
b. or to a multicast address. An example multicast address would be 225.1.2.3. If you are on a
shared network, check with your Network Administrator.
(3) Make note of the value listed for Dest Port. This will be 5004 by default when your system is first
received.
(4) Click on the green Start button. After a moment, the encoder status will change to RUNNING and
the fields above will appear in dark grey.
Note: Settings in the user interface cannot be changed if the unit is currently encoding. When the unit is
encoding the status light that corresponds to the source video should be blinking green. If it is blinking
red when encoding HDMI, verify that your cable is connected to HDMI In and not HDMI Out.
9
VLC is an open source media player from the VideoLAN organization that can be downloaded for free online.

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
18
Figure 12 Encoder Tab Configuration –UDP

Z3Stream User Instructions
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Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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7.1.2 Run VLC to View UDP Stream
(5) Open the VLC media player on your PC (Version used by Z3: 2.1.5).
(6) Select the Media menu.
(7) Select Open Network Stream.
(8) Under the Network tab, enter “udp://@Dest_Address:Dest_Port” for the network URL.
a. Dest_Address will be values of the IP address or multicast address entered in the Dest
Address field in the user interface Encoder tab. The IP address used in this example is
169.254.208.180.
b. Dest_Port will match the value found in the Dest Port field in the Encoder tab. The default
value is 5004.
c. In this example, the full network URL would be “udp://@169.254.208.180:5004”.
(10) Press Enter or click Play.You will see your source video streaming to VLC:
Figure 14 Example of Z3 Video Streaming to VLC (UDP)
Figure 13 VLC Open Network Stream Screen for UDP

Z3Stream User Instructions
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7.2 Stream RTP/RTSP
RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) is a common Internet protocol for streaming media. RTP has less IP
overhead than UDP.
7.2.1 RTP/RTSP Encoder Setup
(1) Under Output Setup, select RTP/RTSP in the Output Format dropdown menu.
When RTP/RTSP is selected, the encoder will send an RTP stream using the Dest Address and Dest
Port listed in the user interface. If RTSP will be used exclusively, the Dest Address field can be set
to 127.0.0.1 to prevent the RTP stream from being sent.
Note: As RTSP operates through port 554, it is advised never to set the Dest Port field to 554 when RTP/RTSP is
selected.
(2) Click on the Start button. After a moment, the encoder status will change to RUNNING and the
fields above will appear in dark grey.
Note: Settings in the user interface cannot be changed if the unit is currently encoding. When the unit is
encoding the status light that corresponds to the source video should be blinking green. If it is blinking
red when encoding HDMI, verify that your cable is connected to HDMI In and not HDMI Out.
Figure 15 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTP