Z3 Technology Z3Stream-SDI-01 User manual

User Instructions
Compact H.264 Media Encoder and Streamer
Model Name: Z3Stream-SDI-01
Software Version 2.45
DOC-USR-0117-01
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-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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
03/06/2017
Original Z3Stream-SDI-01 Document
TA

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................6
2.0 FEATURES ................................................................................................................7
2.1 Compatibility .........................................................................................................7
2.2 Supported Input Resolutions .......................................................................................7
3.0 PACKAGE CONTENTS....................................................................................................8
4.0 OPERATING CONTROLS .................................................................................................9
5.0 GETTING STARTED WITH Z3STREAM-SDI ........................................................................... 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 SDI Encoder Setup ................................................................................................. 13
6.2 HDMI Encoder Setup ............................................................................................... 15
6.3 Composite Encoder Setup ........................................................................................ 17
7.0 SET ENCODING OUTPUT.............................................................................................. 19
7.1 Stream UDP......................................................................................................... 19
7.2 Stream RTP/RTSP .................................................................................................. 22
7.3 Stream RTMP ....................................................................................................... 25
8.0 PERFORMING OTHER OPERATIONS WITH THE Z3STREAM-SDI ................................................... 33
8.1 Change Frame Rate................................................................................................ 33
8.2 Adjust Aspect Ratio................................................................................................ 34
8.3 Save Current Settings ............................................................................................. 35
8.4 Set a Static IP Address ............................................................................................ 37
8.5 Upgrade Firmware ................................................................................................. 39
8.6 Use the Password Feature ........................................................................................ 40
9.0 SUMMARY OF OPTIONS ............................................................................................... 41
9.1 The System Setup Tab ............................................................................................. 41
9.2 The User Presets Tab .............................................................................................. 42
9.3 The Status Tab...................................................................................................... 43
9.4 The Encoder Tab ................................................................................................... 44
9.5 Values Appearing at the Bottom of All Tabs .................................................................... 48
9.6 ZFinder .............................................................................................................. 49
APPENDIX A: Configuring the Wowza Server for RTMP .............................................................. 50
APPENDIX B: Finding the IP Address of Your Computer.............................................................. 52
APPENDIX C: Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 53
APPENDIX D: Warranty ................................................................................................... 55

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Z3Stream-SDI-01 Encoder Dimensions.........................................................................6
Figure 2 Z3Stream-SDI Package Contents ...............................................................................8
Figure 3 Rear and Front Views............................................................................................9
Figure 4 Power Up Connections for the Encoder..................................................................... 10
Figure 5 ZFinder with Z3Stream-SDI Selected........................................................................ 11
Figure 6 Z3Stream-SDI User Interface - Encoder Tab ................................................................ 12
Figure 7 SDI Connection for Encoding ................................................................................. 13
Figure 8 Encoder Tab Configuration - SDI ............................................................................. 14
Figure 9 HDMI Connection for Encoding ............................................................................... 15
Figure 10 Encoder Tab Configuration - HDMI ......................................................................... 16
Figure 11 Composite Adapter Cable ................................................................................... 17
Figure 12 Composite Connection for Encoding ....................................................................... 17
Figure 13 Encoder Tab Configuration - Composite................................................................... 18
Figure 14 Encoder Tab Configuration - UDP........................................................................... 20
Figure 15 VLC Open Network Stream Screen for UDP ............................................................... 21
Figure 16 Example of Video Streaming to VLC - UDP................................................................ 21
Figure 17 Encoder Tab Configuration - RTP ........................................................................... 22
Figure 18 Finding Your Encoder’s IP Address.......................................................................... 23
Figure 19 VLC Open Network Stream Screen for RTSP .............................................................. 23
Figure 20 Example of Video Streaming to VLC - RTSP............................................................... 24
Figure 21 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTMP –Wowza Streaming Engine™....................................... 26
Figure 22 Navigate to the Wowza Test Player ........................................................................ 27
Figure 23 Viewing Encoded Content on the Wowza Test Player ................................................... 28
Figure 24 YouTube Live Dashboard –Encoder Setup ................................................................. 29
Figure 25 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTMP –YouTube Live ....................................................... 30
Figure 26 Encoder Tab Configuration –RTMP –Facebook Live ..................................................... 32
Figure 27 Comparing 4:3 to 16:9 Aspect Ratio ....................................................................... 34
Figure 28 The User Presets Tab ......................................................................................... 35
Figure 29 Entering a User Preset Name ............................................................................... 35
Figure 30 Saving a User Preset.......................................................................................... 36
Figure 31 Saving IP Address Settings ................................................................................... 37
Figure 32 Updating Device Firmware .................................................................................. 39
Figure 33 Software Updater Screen.................................................................................... 39
Figure 34 Changing the Password ...................................................................................... 40
Figure 35 Password Entry Screen....................................................................................... 40
Figure 36 Wowza Performance Settings ............................................................................... 50

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
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Figure 37 Wowza Security Settings..................................................................................... 51
Figure 38 Using the Command Prompt to Determine Your PC’s IP Address ....................................... 52
Figure 39 Locating Your Computer’s IP Address ...................................................................... 52
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Encode Quality Options with Resolutions.................................................................... 14

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
6
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Z3Stream-SDI™encoder is a compact 157 x 122 x 33 mm (6.19 x 4.81 x 1.31 in) system that allows
encode of video at SD and HD resolutions up to 1080p60 through an SDI or 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-SDI-01 Encoder Dimensions
33 mm
122 mm
157 mm

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
7
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: 3G-SDI, HDMI, Composite
Outputs RTP, RTMP or MPEG-2 Transport Stream (UDP)
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 40 degrees C at 20-80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Storage Temp: -10 to 65 degrees C at 20-80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Measurements: 157 x 122 x 33 mm (6.19 x 4.81 x 1.31 in)
Weight: 513 g (1.13 lb)
2.1 Compatibility
Compatible with CDN’s and social media streaming including:
Facebook Live
Wowza Streaming Engine™
YouTube Live
2.2 Supported Input Resolutions
1080p60, 1080p59.94, 1080p50, 1080i30, 1080i29.97, 1080i25, 720p60, 720p59.94, 720p50, 576p50,
576i25, 480p60, 480p59.94, 480i30, 480i29.97, and CIF (352x240)

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
8
3.0 PACKAGE CONTENTS
Z3Stream-SDI Encoder
5V Power Supply
BNC to BNC Cable
HDMI Cable
Composite Adapter Cable
Figure 2 Z3Stream-SDI Package Contents

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
9
4.0 OPERATING CONTROLS
1: Power Switch
2: HDMI Input
1
3: Composite Input
4: 3G-SDI Input
1
Non-HDCP HDMI content only. For example, a Blu-Ray player
cannot be used as a video source.
5: Gigabit Ethernet
6: RS-232 Serial Port
2
7: USB 2.0
3
8: 5V Power
2
For advanced debugging purposes only. Not needed by typical
users.
3
Not currently supported by Z3Stream.
FRONT VIEW
REAR VIEW
Figure 3 Rear and Front Views
s

___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦+1.402.323.0702
10
5.0 GETTING STARTED WITH Z3STREAM-SDI
This section gives step-by-step instructions on using your PC to access the Z3Stream-SDI user interface.
Here you’ll be able to change the settings to fit your encoding needs. In addition to the Z3Stream-SDI
encoder, a Windows PC, a 5V power supply and an Ethernet cable are required.
5.1 Connect and Power Up the Encoder
Figure 4 Power Up Connections for 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
4
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.
4
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-SDI encoder with default manufacturing settings.
(1) Connect to
Ethernet
(2) Connect to
5V Power
(3) Turn
Switch on

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
11
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 www.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-SDI encoder appears.
(6) Click on the Z3Stream-SDI entry in the window to select it. This will cause the Edit Device and
Open Device buttons to activate.
Figure 5 ZFinder with Z3Stream-SDI Selected
Note: Selecting Edit Device allows for manual changes to network settings. Selecting Flash LEDs in ZFinder is
not applicable to the Z3Stream-SDI 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-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
12
Figure 6 Z3Stream-SDI User Interface - Encoder Tab
(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.

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
13
6.0 CONFIGURING ENCODE
This section gives step-by-step instructions on setting up the Z3Stream-SDI encoder to encode video from
an SDI, HDMI or composite video source. In addition to the Z3Stream-SDI, a TV or other monitor and a non-
HDCP video source with HDMI output or a video source with an SDI or 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-SDI.
6.1 SDI Encoder Setup
(1) Select a video source with SDI output.
(2) Verify your source works as expected:
a. Power on the video source.
b. Connect an SDI 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. Once you see playback on the monitor, you’ve confirmed the source works.
(3) Connect the SDI cable from the video source to SDI In on the encoder.
Figure 7 SDI Connection for Encoding
(4) In the user interface Encoder tab, verify the Video Source is set to HD-SDI.Selecting HD-SDI also
supports 3G-SDI resolutions.
Note: Settings in the user interface cannot be changed if the unit is currently encoding.
Connect to
SDI Source

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
14
(5) Change Encode Quality to match your video source output resolution. In this example, select Full
HD
5
. See Error! Reference source not found. 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.
Figure 8 Encoder Tab Configuration - SDI
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.
5
When Full HD or HD are selected, the encoder will output the resolution of the detected video source resolution.

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
15
6.2 HDMI Encoder Setup
(1) Select a video source with non-HDCP
6
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. Once 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.
Figure 9 HDMI Connection for Encoding
(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.
(5) Change Encode Quality to match your video source output resolution. In this example, select Full
HD
7
. See Error! Reference source not found. 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.
6
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.
7
When Full HD or HD are selected, the encoder will output the resolution of the detected video source resolution.
Connect to
HDMI Source

Z3Stream-SDI 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) Next you will need to set your encoding output to your desired settings. See Section 7.0 for more
information.
Figure 10 Encoder Tab Configuration - HDMI

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
17
6.3 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. Once 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.
Figure 11 Composite Adapter Cable
(4) Connect the special adapter end of the cable to A/V In on the encoder.
Figure 12 Composite Connection for Encoding
Connect to
Composite
source

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
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 Error! Reference source not found. 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 13 Encoder Tab Configuration - Composite

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
19
7.0 SET ENCODING OUTPUT
This section gives step-by-step instructions on setting the Z3Stream-SDI encoder to output and stream
video using each of the output format options: UDP, RTP/RTSP and RTMP. In addition to the Z3Stream-SDI,
a Windows PC with the VLC media player
8
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.
8
VLC is an open source media player from the VideoLAN organization that can be downloaded for free online.

Z3Stream-SDI User Instructions
DOC-USR-0117-01
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Z3 Technology, LLC ♦100 N 8th ST, STE 250 ♦Lincoln, NE 68508-1369 USA ♦Z3Stream.com
20
Figure 14 Encoder Tab Configuration - UDP