MGW ACE Encoder User Manual V2.1 RevC Rev C
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MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance User Manual Version 2.1 Date: August 1, 2018 Doc Rev:Contents Copyright Notice ................................................................................................................. i Safety Instructions............................................................................................................. ii Declaration of Conformity and Regulatory Compliance ................................................ iii Chapter 1 About This Manual ........................................................................................... 5 General ......................................................................................................................... 5 Manual Structure and Use ........................................................................................... 5 Chapter 2 MGW ACE Encoder Overview ......................................................................... 7 The Product .................................................................................................................. 7 System Requirements ................................................................................................. 8 Licensing ...................................................................................................................... 8 I/O Specifications ......................................................................................................... 9 MGW Ace Encoder Front Panel ............................................................................ 9 MGW Ace Encoder Rear Panel ........................................................................... 11 MGW Ace Encoder Breakout Cable .................................................................... 12 Chapter 3 Getting Started ............................................................................................... 13 Initial Connection and Setup ..................................................................................... 13 Logging on ................................................................................................................. 18 Retrieving or Setting Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive ............. 19 Chapter 4 Setup and Operations .................................................................................... 21 Using the MGW ACE Encoder Interface ................................................................... 21 MGW Ace Encoder Functions ............................................................................. 21 The Main Menu ..................................................................................................... 22 The Dashboard Frame ............................................................................................... 23 The Dashboard Page ................................................................................................. 25 The Channels Page .................................................................................................... 29 Source Section ..................................................................................................... 31 Processing Section .............................................................................................. 32 Advanced Settings – HEVC ................................................................................. 35 Advanced Settings – H.264 ................................................................................. 38 Target Section ...................................................................................................... 41 User Manual, Version 2.1 i Error Correction Settings .................................................................................... 43 RTMP Settings ...................................................................................................... 46 The Live Preview Page .............................................................................................. 47 The System Page ....................................................................................................... 49 The Event Log Page ................................................................................................... 61 The Configurations Page........................................................................................... 63 The General Page ....................................................................................................... 64 General Page Functions ...................................................................................... 65 Chapter 5 MGW ACE Encoder Reset .............................................................................. 67 Resetting MGW ACE Encoder Settings ................................................................... 67 Chapter 6 Firmware Upgrade .......................................................................................... 68 Upgrading the Firmware ............................................................................................ 68 Important Notes Prior to Upgrade ...................................................................... 68 Chapter 7 MGW ACE Encoder Playback ........................................................................ 73 Playing MGW Ace Encoder Video Streams ............................................................. 73 Using VLC as the Player for H.264 Streams ............................................................ 74 Using Media Player Classics for HEVC, and H.264 Streams .................................. 80 Decoding Zixi and Pro-MPEG Streams (HEVC and H.264) ..................................... 82 Setting and Playing Zixi™ Channels .................................................................. 82 Appendix B Technical Specifications ............................................................................ 90 Appendix C Technical Support ....................................................................................... 94 Appendix D Warranty ...................................................................................................... 95 Index ................................................................................................................................. 97 User Manual, Version 2.1 ii Copyright Notice VITEC, AND ITS AFFILIATES ("COMPANY") FURNISH THIS DOCUMENT "AS IS," WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND THOSE ARISING FROM A COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, A COURSE OF DEALING, OR TRADE USAGE. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ERROR, OMISSION, DEFECT, DEFICIENCY OR NONCONFORMITY IN THIS DOCUMENT AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY, INCLUDING LIABILITY FOR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS RELATED TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. No license, expressed or implied, to any intellectual property rights is granted under this document. This document, as well as the software described in it, are furnished under a separate license and shall only be used or copied in accordance with the terms of the applicable license. The information in this document is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as any commitment by the company. Except as permitted by the applicable license, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of the company. Names and logos identifying products of VITEC in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of VITEC respectively. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2018 VITEC. All rights reserved. http://www.vitec.com/ Open Source Documentation The software included in this product contains open source software components licensed under open source licenses (such as GPL - General Public License). For information about copyright holders and licenses, or to receive a copy of the corresponding source code to which you may be entitled under the applicable open source license, contact material.compliance@vitec.com. User Manual, Version 2.1 i Safety Instructions • Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your MGW Ace Encoder unit from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety. • Make sure that only authorized personnel installs, connects and maintains MGW Ace Encoder and its components. • Read and follow all instructions marked on the product and in the documentation before you operate your system. Retain all safety and operating instructions for future use. • As a power switch is not incorporated in the equipment, the power plug must be disconnected to unpower the unit. When using MGW Ace Encoder • Install the system on secured and stable surface. • To help prevent electric shock, plug the power cable into properly grounded sources. Use only properly grounded extensions and adapters as the need arises. • Make sure that nothing rests on your MGW Ace Encoder power cable and that the cables are not located where they can be stepped or tripped over. • Do not spill food or liquids on your MGW Ace Encoder unit. • Keep your MGW Ace Encoder unit away from radiators and heat sources. Do not place your MGW Ace Encoder unit on a bed, sofa, or rug. • When you disconnect a power cable, pull on its connector or on its strain relief loop not on the cable itself. • ESD Warning: Normal handling precautions should be taken to avoid static discharge. WARNING: Do not try to open or replace parts as this will void your warranty. User Manual, Version 2.1 ii Declaration of Conformity and Regulatory Compliance USA: FCC Part 15 Class A This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. WARNING: Modifying the equipment without VITEC authorization may result in the equipment no longer complying with FCC requirements for Class A digital devices. In that event, your right to use the equipment may be limited by FCC regulations, and you may be required to correct any interference to radio or television communications at your own expense. Canada: ICES-003 This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. European Union - European Economic Area (EEA): This product fulfills the essential requirements of the below European directives and thus bears the CE marking. 2014/108/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 2014/35/EU Low voltage (LVD) 2011/65/EU Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS recast) User Manual, Version 2.1 iii The following relevant harmonized standards were used during the assessment process: EN 60950-1 Information technology equipment - Safety -- Part 1: General requirements EN 61000-3-2 Limits for harmonic current emissions EN 61000-3-3 Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in public lowvoltage supply systems EN 55022 Information technology equipment - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement EN 55024 Information technology equipment - Immunity characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement Per directive 2012/19/EU (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment - WEEE), this product must not be disposed of as unsorted waste and must be collected separately. For more information on Vitec’s compliance to material restriction regulations or to request a declaration of conformity, please contact material.compliance@vitec.com. User Manual, Version 2.1 iv CHAPTER 1 About This Manual In This Chapter General ......................................................................................................... 5 Manual Structure and Use ............................................................................... 5 General Information in this document is subject to change without notice. VITEC assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual. Companies, names and data used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of VITEC. VITEC provides no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. From time to time changes may occur in the file names and in the files actually included on the distribution disks. VITEC provides no warranties that such files or facilities, as mentioned in this documentation, exist on the distribution disks or as part of the materials distributed. Manual Structure and Use This manual is structured in a modular format, containing the following sections: • MGW Ace Encoder Overview (on page 7) Describes the MGW Ace Encoder product, its system requirements and I/O specifications. • Getting Started (on page 13) Describes how to connect to the appliance for the first time. • Setup and Operations (on page 21) Describes how to set and configure MGW Ace Encoder appliance, obtain an event log and upgrade software and firmware versions. • MGW Ace Encoder Reset (on page 67) Describes how to reset the appliance. User Manual, Version 2.1 5 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Firmware Upgrade (on page 68) Describes how to upgrade MGW Ace Encoder firmware. • MGW Ace Encoder Playback (on page 73) Describes how to set up players to view MGW Ace Encoder channels playback. User Manual, Version 2.1 6 CHAPTER 2 MGW ACE Encoder Overview In This Chapter The Product ................................................................................................... 7 System Requirements ..................................................................................... 8 Licensing....................................................................................................... 8 I/O Specifications ........................................................................................... 9 The Product MGW Ace Encoder is an HEVC (H.265) and MPEG-4 Part-10 (H.264) hardware encoding and streaming appliance, designed to support a diverse set of video streaming applications. MGW Ace Encoder features a wide range of inputs, including HD-SDI, SDI, HDMI, DVI and Composite, userintuitive web management software with full control of all H.265 and H.264 compression settings. In addition to video and audio interfaces - the appliance supports a wide range of streaming protocols, including UDP TS, RTP TS, RTP ES, and RTMP. For an artifact/glitch free video experience, MGW Ace Encoder also provides either Pro-MPEG forward error correction (FEC) or proprietary ZixiTM real time protection (able to correct networks errors up to 30%). To get the best performance out of MGW Ace Encoder based on your application, MGW Ace Encoder introduces easy-to-use encoding profiles based on end-user application. Additionally, MGW Ace Encoder supports KLV / STANAG metadata processing, allowing Military and Government entities to ingest critical metadata from manned and unmanned vehicles and multiplex it using MISB standards into the IP streams. Powered by VITEC GEN2+ HEVC hardware codec, MGW Ace Encoder provides pristine video encoding quality at low bitrate. The encoder supports up to 4:2:2, 10bits encoding as well as IBP frames for the most demanding broadcast applications. It also includes a secondary hardware-based MPEG4-H.264 chip that can be used in parallel to the HEVC H.265 core to generate a backward compatible stream from the same video source to be used with legacy decoders or using a separate video source for creating a second IPTV service from the same appliance. User Manual, Version 2.1 7 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance MGW Ace Encoder contains hardware and software foundations for additional enhancements. VITEC continues to develop more features and more capabilities and will make firmware upgrades available through its online Support Portal and through standard product announcements. For more information about the MGW Ace Encoder future capabilities, contact VITEC or the VITEC channel partner you have acquired the appliance from. System Requirements Operating System: • Microsoft ® Windows 2003 ® • Microsoft ® Windows 2008 ® • Microsoft ® Windows 2012 ® • Microsoft ® Windows 7 ® • Microsoft ® Windows 8.0 / 8.1 ® • Microsoft ® Windows 10.0 ® • Apple ® MAC OS ® 10.8 or higher Internet Browser: • Edge 38 ® or higher • Internet Explorer 11 ® or higher • FireFox 36.0 ® or higher (Windows and Mac) • Safari 9.0 ® or higher (Mac) • Google Chrome ™ 49.0 or higher Licensing The license of the MGW Ace Encoder provides HD/SD encoding and streaming capabilities, (HEVC and H.264), KLV/STANAG Metadata processing, Zixi ™streaming, and Pro-MPEG SMPTE-2022 Forward Error Correction. User Manual, Version 2.1 8 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance I/O Specifications MGW Ace Encoder Front Panel LED/ Port LED Status Description Power LED • Off • The appliance is off. • Green • The appliance is up and ready • Blinking green once per second • The appliance is starting • Blinking green twice • per second • Off All services are running smoothly. • Red • Error LED The appliance is being upgraded. An error occurred in one or more services: - Steady on – channel error - Blinking once per second – abnormal temperature - Blinking twice per second – fan error. Video In LED Stream LED User Manual, Version 2.1 • Off • No video input • Green • Video input is detected on one or more interfaces. • Off • No stream • Green • Streaming 9 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance LED/ Port LED Status Description USB Port USB connection for retrieving network parameters. Reset A short press will restart the appliance. A long press (6 seconds) will return the unit to factory settings (erasing all user-stored channel and network settings). Pressing for 2-3 seconds while powering the appliance will re-load the last known good firmware. User Manual, Version 2.1 10 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance MGW Ace Encoder Rear Panel Connector Label Connectors Description Ethernet 1 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet for streaming and management. Ethernet 2 RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet for streaming and management POWER 20-50 VDC Multi-pin connector Power input. Serial/Audio Multi-pin connector Breakout cable for audio inputs, for KLV/STANAG/CoT serial data ingest, and talkback audio output. DVI-D IN DVI (female) DVI-D input. HDMI IN HDMI (female) HDMI input (v1.3). SDI IN BNC SDI input (SD and HD). 3G-SDI is compliant with SMPTE 425-A (= 3G-A). CVBS IN BNC Composite Input DVB ASI OUT BNC DVB ASI output (currently not in use). SDI OUT BNC SDI preview output Video input preview of the H.264 or H.265 channel. User Manual, Version 2.1 11 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance MGW Ace Encoder Breakout Cable Connector Label Connectors Description Digital Audio 1/2 BNC Unbalanced Stereo Digital Audio input (AES) Analog Audio 1 RCA Female Unbalanced Stereo Analog Audio input (line level) Analog Audio 2 XLR Female Balanced Stereo Analog Audio input Talkback RCA Female Unbalanced Stereo Analog Audio output for Talkback (line level) RS232 DB9 Serial for KLV/STANAG/CoT data ingest User Manual, Version 2.1 12 CHAPTER 3 Getting Started In This Chapter Initial Connection and Setup .......................................................................... 13 Logging on .................................................................................................. 17 Retrieving or Setting Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive............... 18 Initial Connection and Setup The MGW Ace Encoder is configured, by default, to use a fixed static IP address for its Ethernet Port 1. Use the default 192.168.1.1 IP address to perform initial login from a computer connected directly to the platform. By default, Ethernet Port 2 is configured with DHCP mode. To configure the appliance's network settings for the first time: 2. Connect a power source to the rear power input port. 3. Connect the network port labeled “Ethernet 1” to a computer in the 192.168.1.x range with subnet 255.255.255.0 and ensure you can ping the default IP address of the unit to 192.168.1.1. 4. Either use an Internet browser or open an SSH terminal. User Manual, Version 2.1 13 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To configure the appliance's network settings for the first time through t he browser: 1. Type the appliance's IP address in the URL field. The login window appears. Figure 3-1: The Login window 2. Type the password (the default password is "1qaz!QAZ") and click the blue arrow. The MGW Ace Encoder interface is loaded. 3. From the main menu, select System. The system page opens. Figure 3-2: The System page 4. Set the following parameters and click Apply. CAUTION: When you change the unit’s IP address to use a different subnet you may need to reconfigure your computer network settings to re-connect to the appliance. User Manual, Version 2.1 14 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Parameter Description Management Access Select the Ethernet Port used for management (Ethernet Port 1, 2 or 1&2) IP Address/IPv6 Address/Prefix Enter a static IP/Prefix address. Subnet Mask Enter the subnet mask address. Default Gateway Enter the gateway/v6 address Enable DHCP Select this box to enable automatic retrieval of IP address and DNS server information from the DHCP server. (Ethernet Port 2) DNS1 DNS2 User Manual, Version 2.1 Optional field - required if a domain name is used instead of an IP address (RTMP protocol). Optional field - required if a domain name is used instead of an IP address (RTMP protocol). 15 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To configure the appliance's network settings for the first time using an SSH client: 1. Open an SSH terminal window (PuTTY is the recommended tool). 2. Connect to the MGW Ace Encoder IP address. 3. At the login prompt, type "root" and at the password prompt type the password (the default is "1qaz!QAZ"). The main menu appears: Figure 3-3: The Main Menu window User Manual, Version 2.1 16 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance 4. Press "2" for System option. Figure 3-4: The System window 5. Type "1" for "Network Interfaces" 6. Type "1" for the Change TCPIP settings for streaming interface option. 7. Set the TCP/IP parameters as required. For further details about SSH configuration, refer to Network Configuration using an SSH Client (on page 84). User Manual, Version 2.1 17 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Logging on MGW Ace Encoder requires a password to logging on. To log on to MGW Ace Encoder: 1. Connect to the MGW Ace Encoder web interface by entering in your browser's URL field. Either use the default appliance's IP address or the new one you have set, by typing https:// . By default, MGW Ace Encoder Ethernet Port #1 is set to IP address 192.168.1.1, and Ethernet Port #2 IP address is provided by a DHCP server. The login window appears: Figure 3-5: The Login window NOTE: All non-secure "HTTP" prefix URL's will automatically be redirected to the HTTPS URL. 2. Type the password (the default password is "1qaz!QAZ") and click the blue arrow. The MGW Ace Encoder interface is loaded. User Manual, Version 2.1 18 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Retrieving or Setting Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive To Retrieve Your Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive (When MGW Ace Encoder IP Address is Unknown): 1. Turn MGW Ace Encoder OFF. 2. Allocate a USB thumb drive, ensure it is empty of any other files and insert it to MGW Ace Encoder USB port. NOTE: USB thumb drive with FAT32 file system must be used. 3. Connect the network cable to MGW Ace Encoder Ethernet port. 4. Turn MGW Ace Encoder ON. The network setup file "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" is being copied from the appliance to the thumb drive. Wait a few minutes to ensure that the file is being copied properly. 5. Remove the USB Thumb drive from the appliance, and insert it to a PC. 6. Open the "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" file in the USB thumb drive using any text editor program. 7. Read the IP address from the file. 8. Enter the read IP address in the Internet browser URL field. The Log on window appears. 9. Log in. User Manual, Version 2.1 19 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To Set Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive (When MGW Ace Encoder IP Address is unknown): 1. Either obtain the "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" from VITEC CD or from VITEC Online Support Portal. This file contains the default IP address of 192.168.1.1. and open it using any text editor program. - or Retrieve the IP address from MGW Ace Encoder by repeating steps 1 through 9 as described in the section above. 2. Modify any of the listed network parameters, as required, and save the changes. 3. Eject the USB thumb drive properly from the PC and insert it to the MGW Ace Encoder USB port. 4. Turn MGW Ace Encoder ON. When the boot process is completed, MGW Ace Encoder will be set with the new IP address. 5. Enter the IP you have set to the Internet browser URL field. The Log on window appears. 6. Log in. 7. Save the file (either on a USB thumb drive or any other place of your choice for future reference. In case MGW Ace Encoder IP address becomes unknown and needs to be retrieved, this file will be used. Routing a Unicast Stream through a Specific Ethernet Port MGW Ace Encoder automatically routes unicast stream based on its routing table. In case the unicast target address is not directly reachable, and you may wish to route a unicast stream through a specific Ethernet Port, an IP route must be created using the Ethernet configuration over USB key. To create an IP route: 1. Retrieve the network configuration "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" from MGW Ace Encoder as described above. 2. Modify any of the listed network parameters, as required. 3. Modify or add "Ipv4UserRouteTable"/"Ipv6UserRouteTable" sections with the specific routes to be added to the system. 4. Turn off the system, copy "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" to a USB key (FAT formatted), and insert it to the system USB port. 5. Power up the system. User Manual, Version 2.1 20 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance CHAPTER 4 Setup and Operations In This Chapter Using the MGW ACE Encoder Interface ............................................................ 21 The Dashboard Frame................................................................................... 22 The Dashboard Page ..................................................................................... 25 The Channels Page ....................................................................................... 28 The Live Preview Page .................................................................................. 47 The System Page ......................................................................................... 48 The Event Log Page ...................................................................................... 58 The Configurations Page ............................................................................... 62 The General Page ......................................................................................... 64 Using the MGW ACE Encoder Interface MGW Ace Encoder Functions The followings are available at all times (regardless which menu item is selected): 1. The main menu - provides a centralized access to monitor, configure and control the MGW Ace Encoder (see details below). 2. Dashboard frame - top of page from which channels are controlled and monitored. The first row represents the HEVC / H.265 channel while the second row represents the MPEG4 / H.264 channel. 3. Help – online help user manual. 4. Logout - allows you to log out of the application. User Manual, Version 2.1 21 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The Main Menu The MGW Ace Encoder main menu includes the following items: • Dashboard - view high level channels summary, platform information, network, traffic, and Zixi statistics. • Channels - view and set the following channel parameters: source, processing and target. • Live Preview - watch live preview of the stream(s) that the appliances is sending over the IP network. • System - view and set appliance's parameters such as date and time, network, security, Talkback communication, etc. • Event Log - view system log and events list. • Configurations - allows saving and loading of channel configurations. • General - view system information such as software version, licensing and provides restart, firmware and license upgrade functions. NOTE: To accept changes you must click Apply. If you don't click Apply and select another menu item: Dashboard, Channels, System etc., the following warning appears: User Manual, Version 2.1 22 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The Dashboard Frame In the dashboard frame section you can control the two encoding channels. CH Description 1 HEVC/ H.265 channel – Supports 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 encoding (8/10-bit) up to 1920x1080p, using various streaming protocols. 2 MPEG-4/ H.264 channel – Supports 4:2:0 encoding up to 1920x1080p using various streaming protocols. Figure 4-1: The Dashboard Frame Parameter Display Description CH 1-HEVC Displays the channel number and the compression format (fixed). 2-H.264 Source HD-SDI/ HDMI/ DVI/ Displays the source type assigned to the channel. Composite Total BitRate Bit-rate in Mbps Display the total bit-rate of the channel (Video+Audio+KLV Metadata+streaming protocol overhead). This value doesn’t include additional overhead required when using ProMPEG Forward Error Correction or Zixi ™ Error Correction. Resolution Video resolution Displays the encoded (output) video resolution. Audio Status Indicates if audio has been inserted into the stream. • Playing Displays the status of the channel. • Stopped • Error Hovering over an "Error" state brings up a tooltip with a description of the error. User Manual, Version 2.1 23 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Control Play/Stop • Stopped – Orange. The settings for this channel are configured, but the channel has not been activated by the user. • Playing – Green. The channel is being encoded, and streaming without any known errors. • Error – Red. The channel has encountered an error. Detailed information can be obtained from the channel's event log. Displays the channel status, allows you to change it, as well as preview the channel and view its related events. Analog Settings Play/Stop - allows to start or stop a channel. Event Log Live Preview Analog Settings - Brings up a window in which the following Analog Audio/Video parameters can be set on-thefly: Audio Gain, Hue, Brightness, Contrast, and Saturation settings are accessible only when an analog source is used. Event Log - provides quick access to the event log of the displayed channel. Live Preview – provides quick access to the Live Preview of the displayed channel. Channel Name Target Displays the channel name as set by the user. • Multicast IP • Unicast IP • URL KLV User Manual, Version 2.1 Displays the target IP address, port number or the URL string. Indicates if KLV metadata is being inserted into the stream (enabled or disabled). 24 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance FEC Pro-MPEG/ Zixi Displays the selected error correction technology. Will be left blank when other streaming protocols are used. The Dashboard Page The Dashboard page is the main page displaying the appliance's view and displays network information for both network interfaces as well as an overall traffic summary. Figure 4-2: The Dashboard page Interfaces with valid input source appear in green (see figure above). User Manual, Version 2.1 25 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To view the dashboard parameters: 1. From the main menu, select Dashboard. The following parameters are displayed: NOTE: The Dashboard page automatically polls the appliance hardware for the latest status of channels, streams and sources every 30 seconds. You may also manually refresh the Dashboard page (by either pressing the "F5" key on your keyboard or re-clicking Dashboard), to obtain instantly the current state of the system whenever you configure any of the following parameters: streaming/ management interfaces, traffic, or rear panel connections. Section Description Ethernet 1 IP Address – Displays the Network Interface #1 IP address. Subnet Mask – Displays the Network Interface #1 subnet mask address. Default Gateway – Displays the Network Interface #1 Default Gateway address. Ethernet 2 IP Address – Displays the Network Interface #2 IP address. Subnet Mask – Displays the Network Interface #2 subnet mask address. Default Gateway – Displays the Network Interface #2 Default Gateway address. Traffic Summary Outgoing Streams – Actual stream Bandwidth from both Network Cards. Serial TX – Bytes transmitted from the serial port. (KLV - Live) Serial RX - Bytes received from the serial port. (CoT - Live) Zixi Channels Statistics - When a Zixi channel is started, the info button provides detailed Zixi statistics information (see Zixi Statistics Information section below) Rear Panel Connectors Displays the source inputs of the platform. The following is the indications of the source current connection state: Green – connected White – not connected. System Information • Temperature – Displays the platform's internal temperature in Celsius. The value turns to red when out-of range. • Up Time – Displays up-time since the last system boot. • Date/Time – Display the platform date and time. • NTP – An indication LED for status of network time server. Green - Synchronizing with NTP server. User Manual, Version 2.1 26 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Red - Not synchronizing with NTP server or the NTP server is unreachable. • Talkback – An indication LED for status of talkback communication. Grey – Talkback is deactivated Orange – Talkback is activated, waiting for a connection Green- Talkback communication is established Zixi Statistics Information 1. When a Zixi channel starts playing, click the info button. The Zixi Channel Statistics window opens: Figure 4-3: The Zixi Channel Statistics window Parameter Description Total Bitrate (kbps) Current bitrate of the outgoing channel Available bitrate (kbps) This value is only available when "Enable ABR (Adaptive Bitrate)" is enabled (Error correction setting). Current available bitrate between MGW Ace Encoder and a Zixi broadcaster or VITEC Decoder (MGW Ace Decoder or D265). Reconnection Displays the number of reconnection attempts. If this number keeps increasing then the network link is unstable and should be checked. Round Time Trip (ms) Two-way delay between the encoder and decoder (RTT). User Manual, Version 2.1 27 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Jitter (ms) Network jitter Latency (ms) Stream Latency configured on the encoder side. If the latency set is less than 3 times the Round Trip Time (RTT) value, then Latency value turns red to indicate non-sufficient error recovery buffer size (refer to the note below) Total Packets Total number of packets already transmitted Packet Rate Current number of packets per second transmitted Packet Loss (p/s) The current percentage of dropped packets between the encoder and decoder (the packet loss is introduced by the network link). Zixi allows to recover up to 30% packet loss. Dropped Packets Total number of packets dropped between the encoder and the decoder due to the network link. The dropped packets are recovered by Zixi technology (see below parameters). Recovered Packets The total number of dropped packets that have been recovered on the decoder side since the beginning of the streaming Non-recoverable Packets Total number of non-recovered packets since the beginning of the streaming. If the packet loss is lower than 30%, this number should remain to zero, meaning no interruption or decoding artifacts were experienced by the viewer. Table 4-1: The Zixi Channel Statistics NOTE: For getting sufficient error-recovery, it is recommended to set the Zixi Latency (in Channel / Error Correction) at least 3 times larger than the RTT (i.e Latency >= 3* RTT). User Manual, Version 2.1 28 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The Channels Page The Channel section provides a one page view dedicated to channel configuration. The configuration is done in three steps: 1. Source - select the input video and audio sources to be used for the channel. 2. Processing – set the video and audio encoding parameters for the channel as required by the application. For easier configuration of the HEVC encoder, a Stream Profile must be selected. For more information see the Stream Profiles (HEVC) section below. 3. Targets - Define the transport characteristics of the output streams (up to 2 targets per channel). Stream Profiles (HEVC): For easier HEVC channel configuration, VITEC provides a Stream Profile parameter to be set prior configuring the processing section. The profile is linked to a specific application. Based on the Stream Profile selected, MGW Ace Encoder automatically configures the internal settings of the system to get the best HEVC video quality out of the hardware-based encoder. It also configures typical parameters (such as Audio encoding and latency) based on the application. • Broadcast – Broadband (default): provides the best video quality streaming without compromise. Latency is not minimized in this mode as B encoded frames are used. The application includes: Distribution, Contribution, DSNG (Digital Satelite News Gathering) within Broadcast, Government, Corporate or House of Worship market. • ISR – Low Bandwidth: provides best video quality streaming at low bandwidth (typically below 1.5Mbit/s), and drastically optimizes the encoding latency (no B frames possible in this mode). This profile also enables efficient video stream error resiliency without using any error correction technique which would introduce bitrate overhead. By default, audio encoding is not enabled to minimize the bandwidth. KLV capture and transmission are available. Application targeted are Situational Awareness, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) as well as any application where bandwidth is very limited. • Ultra Low Latency – LAN: provides Ultra Low Latency streaming. Paired with MGW Ace Decoder firmware v2.0, the achieved end-to-end latency is less than 30ms. With other decoders, 100ms end to end latency is expected. This mode is particularly well suited for LAN streaming application where latency is key. User Manual, Version 2.1 29 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Manual – provides full flexibility to tune the MGW Ace Encoder to your specific application. Figure 4-4: The Channels page User Manual, Version 2.1 30 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set the channel parameters: 1. From the main menu, select Channels. 2. Set the following parameters as required in each section and click Apply. NOTE: • Fields and optional settings in each one of the sections are automatically adjusted when you switch from HEVC to H.264 channels to display only the settings and the parameters that are applicable to the selected channel. • A green frame appears when entered value is valid (see figure below). • A red frame appears when the entered value is not valid accompanied with a message specifying the valid value or a range (see figure below). • To apply changes to one or more fields you must click the Apply button on the bottom right. When exiting the settings screen or starting a channel without applying the settings, the previous settings will apply. Source Section Parameter Description Video Input Select the active source interface. Detected Format Displays the detected video format. Force Test Pattern Select the box to force a test pattern to be streamed for testing purposes. HPF Filter Select the box to enable HPF filter. Available for HEVC and H.264 streams. HPF Level Type the HPF Level value. • HEVC: range is 1 to 10. The default is 3. • H264: range is 1 to 4095. The default is 128. SDI Out Preview Select the box to preview the channel video input on the SDI output. Audio Source Selected the active audio source (available for each of two audio tracks). User Manual, Version 2.1 31 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Audio Sampling Select the audio sampling rate (available for each of two audio tracks). Audio Tracks Select the embedded audio pair (available for each of two audio tracks). Processing Section Parameter Description Stream Profile (HEVC only) Select the Stream Profile to be used for the channel (refer to the Stream Profiles (HEVC) section above for detailed information) • Broadcast - Broadband • ISR – Low Bandwidth • Ultra Low Latency - LAN • Manual Encode Video Select the box to enable video encoding. Rate Control Select the desired rate control mode as follows: • CBR – constant bit rate. The specified value is used as the total. Audio bit rate, streaming protocol overhead and Metadata bandwidth are deducted from the specified value and the remaining bandwidth is allocated towards the compressed video data. • Capped VBR – variable bit rate with a cap. Average bitrate must be set in the Total Bitrate field. The Max value is used to set a ceiling not to be exceeded by the stream. Bandwidth utilization below the Max is dynamically managed by the encoder based on the complexity of the content, amount of motion and range of colors detected during the session. CBR is perfectly suited to ensure a constant bandwidth usage over a transmission link. It is highly recommended to use it for satellite/cellular/internet links or any other bandwidth constrained link which requires a constant bitrate. It offers the best compromise of video quality and latency for any video sequence. If short bitrate peaks are allowed on a transmission link (such as LAN), Capped VBR should be used as it offers better video encoding quality and latency than CBR rate control while still providing a constant average bitrate. User Manual, Version 2.1 32 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Total Bit-Rate Enter the Total Bit-Rate value in Mbps for CBR mode. Total Bit-Rate and Max in MBps must be filled for Capped VBR. Refer to Rate Control above for information about each mode. The Total Bit-Rate value includes the Video / Audio / KLV metadata and streaming protocol bitrate. It is possible to review the bitrate allocation using the information button next to the Total Bit-rate value: Bit-Rate can be adjusted “on-the-fly” (without stopping the stream) on both the HEVC and H.264 channel. . To adjust automatically the bit-rate based on available bandwidth on the network, use Zixi ABR (Adaptive Bitrate) streaming protocol as detailed in section Error Correction Settings. A Zixi compatible decoder such as MGW Ace Decoder or VITEC Playout Server must be used. Video Codec Profile Select the video codec. • For channel 1 select any of the HEVC/ H.265 available profiles. • For channel 2 select any of the H.264 available profiles. For HEVC channel it is recommended to use 10-Bit encoding in any application for best video quality results. 8-Bit encoding is provided to ensure compatibility with 8-Bit only decoders. Low Latency (HEVC Select this box to ensure optimized HEVC encoding latency. To get best only) glass to glass latency, it is recommended to use VITEC decoder: MGW Ace Decoder, MGW D265, or EZTV. Low latency mode is not available when B frames are used (not available in Broadcast Profile). User Manual, Version 2.1 33 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Match Output to Input When selected, the encoder will automatically configure the encoded resolution and frame rate to match the input source resolution and frame rate. If the input source changes while streaming, MGW Ace Encoder will automatically stop the stream, re-configure its settings and re-start the stream using the same (if supported) or the closest match (if input resolution is not supported as an output resolution), to the newly detected input source format. Not all input formats are supported. In case of an unsupported input source – a channel error will occur. Region of Interest (H.264 only) Select the box to enable encoding of a cropped region out of the original frame. When selected, several options for the size of the region are presented in the "Encoding Format" field. Available only with H.264 streams. Resolution Select the video encoding resolution. Frame Rate Select the frame sampling value. Ingest KLV 1 • Select the type of the KLV input to ingest and embed as metadata (based on the KLV input parameters that were set in the KLV Input in System page). Options are: None, Serial, IP, SDI-Sync. • Up to two KLV sources can be ingested and embedded simultaneously (select both Ingest KLV 1 and Ingest KLV 2) Ingest KLV 2 When using KLV Ingest, ensure that the relevant KLV Input is configured in the System page. KLV Ingest is not available in Broadcast profile. Encryption Select the encryption mode: • AES Encryption is supported with streams of up to 9Mbps and is only available in UDP TS streaming protocol. • When the "Encryption" is "None", the function "AES Key" is not available. Encode Audio Select the box to activate audio encoding. Codec Select the audio codec. Audio Mode Select the box to enable audio choices (Stereo, Mono Right or Mono Left). Available for each audio track. Audio Bit-Rate Select the audio encoding bitrate. Available for each audio track. Advanced Click it to access the Advanced Settings window (see below). User Manual, Version 2.1 34 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Advanced Settings – HEVC Figure 4-5: The Advanced Settings - HEVC window By default, many of the advanced parameters are determined automatically by the system’s internal algorithm and are based on the selected profile, resolution, compression format and bit-rate. However, for certain applications and for unique scenarios you may be able to optimize video quality, latency, and overall behavior of the codec, by manually modifying some of the advanced settings fields. Modifying these advanced settings may also lead to degraded video quality and/or performance in case selected values are not ideal for the targeted application. Contact VITEC Support Team, to confirm the appropriate settings for an application. • Profile / Level / Tier – Profile, Level and Tier used by the encoder. It is automatically calculated based on the encoding resolution, framerate, bitrate, bit depth and color sampling. The encoder supports the below Profile/Level/Tier: • Profile: Main, Main10 and Main 4:2:2 10 • Level: up to level 5.2 User Manual, Version 2.1 35 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Tier: Main / High • Aspect Ratio – The proportional relationship between the video width and its height. For auto configuration “Same as Input” shall be set. • GOP Structure – Specifies the GOP structure used by the encoder. The encoder supports: • Intra Frame encoding • IP: IP encoding is recommended for applications sensitive to latency. Alternatively, IB structure below could be used. • IB: It is recommended to use IB structure instead of IP if the decoder is compatible with such mode. The efficiency of B frames is higher than P frames leading to a better compression ratio while keeping a low latency. • IBBBP: This structure is recommended to ensure the best video quality / compression ratio at the cost of higher latency. • I(7B)P equivalent to IBBBBBBBP: This structure is recommended to ensure pristine video quality / compression ratio at the cost of twice more latency than IBBBP structure. • GOP Size – The intervals between I-Frames. Range is 1-300. A default and optimal value is calculated based on the profile selected and the encoding frame rate. • Fixed GOP Size – If enabled, it ensures GOP structure is not modified during the encoding process. Fixed GOP Size might be necessary for compatibility with sensitive decoder. When enabled, it impacts negatively the compression efficiency. • Closed GOP – The I-Frame does not contain information from previous GOPs. Select the box to close each GOP with an I-Frame. When enabled, it impacts negatively the compression efficiency. • Timestamps – Enable to insert Timecode information within the video stream. If VITC is available within the SDI input, it is used as default Timecode value. If not present or another video input is used, time of the system is inserted. If KLV is used, the precision timestamp from KLV metadata is also inserted in the Video Elementary stream. • Latency Monitoring – Enable to allow end-to-end latency monitoring when decoding the stream with MGW Ace Decoder. Latency can be monitored within MGW Ace Decoder web interface or via HTTP command. If enabled, Timecode input is not captured from SDI input anymore. • • • To ensure accurate Latency Monitoring, system date must be synchronized to an NTP server. Ensure to correctly configure the NTP server in System/Date and Time section on both MGW Ace Encoder and MGW Ace Decoder. When Latency Monitoring is enabled, SDI timecode (VITC) is no more embedded. Insert AU Delimiters - Select the box to enable Access Unit Delimiter in the NAL (Network Abstraction Layer) unit of the HEVC frames. User Manual, Version 2.1 36 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Error Resilience – This setting defines HEVC encoder strategy to protect the stream from being heavily corrupted at the decoder output when an error occurs in the transmission link (Packet loss, Packet Corruption,…). Three steps are available: Off / Medium /High. This mode can be used when error correction at the transport level (Zixi or Pro-MPEG) cannot be activated due to latency concerns. • Closed Captioning – Enable CC – Closed captions are captured and embedded within the stream when selected. MGW Ace Encoder supports closed captions capture from SDI and Composite inputs (CEA608/708 support). Captions are embedded within the Video Elementary Stream in accordance to ANSI/SCTE128, ATSC A/72 standard [CC in HEVC User Data] Closed captions can only be inserted when the encoding frame rate equals the video input framerate. • Encryption - AES Key - AES key value available when "Encryption" box is selected. A default key is provided. • PMT PID – A special identifier of the PMT within the transport stream. The PMT (Program Mapping Table) describes the various services and their PIDs within the transport stream. Default: 1240. • Video PID – A unique identifier of the video service within the transport stream. Only a single video service is available per a transport stream. Default: 1241. • PCR PID – A special identifier of the PCR data within the transport stream. The PCR (Program Clock Reference) data contains clocking information for synchronization between various services. Default: 1241. • Audio PID 1 – A unique identifier of the first audio service within the stream. Up to two Audio services can be available per a transport stream. Default: 1242. • Audio PID 2 – A unique identifier of the second audio service within the stream. Up to two Audio services can be available per a transport stream. Default: 1243. • KLV PID 1 – A unique identifier of the KLV (Key Length Value) metadata service within the transport stream. Default: 497. • KLV PID 2 – A unique identifier of the KLV (Key Length Value) metadata service within the transport stream. Default: 498. • KLV Sampling – Check the box to sample the KLV frames according to the encoding framerate configured. KLV frames are sampled and synchronized with each encoded frame and transmitted over UDP TS according to MISB 0605.6/0604.4 and STANAG4609 standards. When unselected, all the KLV metadata frames are captured and transmitted with the Video/Audio stream • DVB Mode – Select this check box to comply with DVB standard. At low bitrate (<1Mbps), enabling DVB mode may result in an increased bitrate. This parameter is then disabled in “ISR – Low Bandwidth” profile. • RTSP - Server Port – RTSP Server port (default is 554) User Manual, Version 2.1 37 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Advanced Settings – H.264 Figure 4-6: The Advanced Processing - H.264 window Use the manual settings option cautiously. Incompatible combination of parameters that were manually set, may result in a video and audio quality degradation. Consult with VITEC Support Team for recommendation on specific settings if you wish to optimize the compression and streaming settings for a specific application. • Level - The encoding level of the HEVC/H.264 codec. Choices are 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 4.0 (default), 4.1, 5.0. • Picture Coding - Determines how picture is compressed. Choices are Auto, Frame Only, Field Only, MBAFF and PAFF. • Aspect Ratio – The proportional relationship between the video width and its height. For auto configuration select "Same as Input". • VLC Mode – The Variable Length Coding is a code that maps source symbols to a variable number of bits. Variable-length codes can allow sources to be compressed and decompressed with zero error (lossless data compression) and still be read back symbol User Manual, Version 2.1 38 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance by symbol. Choices are: CABAC (context-based adaptive binary arithmetic coding), or CAVLC (Context-adaptive variable-length coding). • GOP Structure - Specifies the order in which I, P, and B frames are arranged in the video stream. GOP (Group of Pictures) choices are: IP (default), I, IBP, IBBP. Compression settings may impact video latency. Using B-Frames will improve the quality of the compression, achieving better quality at a given bitrate. However, usage of B-frame will increase latency. To achieve the lowest end-to-end latency, disable B-Frames and use GOP structures with 'I' and 'P' frames only. When BFrames are not in use, you may decrease the buffer size of your decoder (when configurable in the video decoder settings), to benefit from lower latency without impacting the viewing quality. • GOP Size – The intervals between I-Frames. Range is 2-300 (default is 30). • Closed GOP – The I-Frames do not contain information from previous GOPs. Select the box to close each GOP with an I-Frame. • Timestamp – Enable to insert Timecode information within the video stream. If VITC is available within the SDI input, it is used as the default Timecode value. If not present or another video input is used, insert the system time. If KLV is used, the precision timestamp from KLV metadata is also inserted in the Video Elementary stream. • Latency Monitoring – Enable to allow end-to-end latency monitoring when decoding the stream with MGW Ace Decoder. Latency can be monitored within MGW Ace Decoder web interface or via HTTP command. If enabled, Timecode input is not captured from SDI input anymore. • • To ensure accurate Latency Monitoring, system date must be synchonized to an NTP server. Ensure to correctly configure the NTP server in System/Date and Time section on both MGW Ace Encoder and MGW Ace Decoder. When Latency Monitoring is enabled, SDI timecode (VITC) is no more embedded. • VPS/SPS/PPS per Picture - Select the box to enable Video Parameter Set (VPS), Sequence Parameter Set (SPS), and Picture Parameter Set (PPS) within the NAL (Network Abstraction Layer) of every picture. When the box is clear SPS and PPS will appear only in I-Frames. • Insert AU Delimiters - Select the box to enable Access Unit Delimiter in the NAL (Network Abstraction Layer) unit of the H.264 frames. • Auto-Adapt to Stream Bitrates - Select the box to allow the encoder to automatically optimize advanced compression and streaming parameters to the bit-rate you defined for the channel. • MuxRate Overhead % - The average amount of null packets relative to the total bitrate while streaming CBR. The default value (10) is designed for reaching the best video quality in typical content. However, this parameter can be changed to achieve the best quality in some other contents. Enter the allocated percentage of the stream for the multiplexer (range is 5-1000, default is 10). • QP Base - The initial quantization (compression) level value used (range is 1-51, default is 24). User Manual, Version 2.1 39 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • QP Range Min - Minimum quantization (compression) value (range is 1-51, default is 16). When a minimum value is set, the encoder will not use a lower value than specified. This setting is mainly relevant for content with minimal movement where bit rate allocation can be reduced. • QP Range Max - Maximum quantization (compression) value (range is 1-51, default is 44). When a maximum value is set, the encoder will not use a higher value than specified. This setting is specifically relevant in motion-intensive scenes where higher bit rate allocation is needed. • Initial Delay (ms) - The delay for incoming PTS/DTS relative to PCR (range is 50-500, default is 96). This setting enables the control of buffering within the receiver / decoder. • Maximum Delay - Maximum duration threshold before Access Units (AU‘s) are multiplexed together. This setting minimizes high bitrate variations (range is 1-1000, default is 192). • PMT PID – A special identifier of the PMT within the transport stream. The PMT (Program Mapping Table) describes the various services and their PIDs within the transport stream. Default: 1240. • Video PID – A unique identifier of the video service within the transport stream. Only a single video service is available per a transport stream. Default: 1241. • PCR PID – A special identifier of the PCR data within the transport stream. The PCR (Program Clock Reference) data contains clocking information for synchronization between various services. Default: 1241. • Audio 1 PID – A unique identifier of the audio service within the transport stream. Up to two Audio services can be available per a transport stream. Default: 1242. • Audio 2 PID – A unique identifier of the audio service within the transport stream. Up to two Audio services can be available per a transport stream. Default: 1243. • KLV 1 PID – A unique identifier of the KLV (Key Length Value) metadata service within the transport stream. Default: 497. • KLV 2 PID – A unique identifier of the KLV (Key Length Value) metadata service within the transport stream. Default: 498. • DVB Mode – Select this check box to comply with DVB standard. At a low bitrate (<1Mbps), enabling DVB mode may result in an increased bitrate. • RTSP - Server Port – RTSP Server port (default is 554) • Encryption - AES Key - AES key value available when "Encryption" box is selected. A default key fills the text box. User Manual, Version 2.1 40 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Target Section Two targets are available from the same video channel. Select the Target 1 or Target 2 tab accordingly, to specify and enable two different targets. Parameter Description Channel Name Enter the channel name. This name will also appear in Session Announcement Protocol (SAP) messages. Streaming Protocol Select the streaming protocol. Target Address Enter the target IP address. Target port Enter the target port. Multicast Interface Select the network interface to stream from while using a multicast target address. In case, a unicast stream requires to be routed through a specific Ethernet Port, refer to the Note below. TTL Enter the TTL value Time-to-live (TTL) tells a network router whether or not the packet has been in the network too long and should be discarded. Each time an IP packet hits a router, TTL value is reduced by 1. If TTL remains greater than 0, the router forwards the packet, otherwise it is discarded. Set a value high enough to ensure streaming packets are reaching the decoder. TTL value can be found by pinging the remote decoder. The Value range is 1-255. UDP Packet Size Enter the UDP packet size value. Some transmission link accepts only smaller UDP packet size. Reduce the UDP packet size if experiencing decoding problems. SAP Select the SAP check box to enable Session Announcement Protocol. Traffic Shaping Select the Traffic Shaping check box to enable network smoothing. TM Error Correction Settings Available with Zixi and Pro-MPEG mode. See details below. CDN Settings User Manual, Version 2.1 Available for RTMP mode (H.264). See details below. 41 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance NOTE: You must click Apply for the new settings to be saved. NOTE: When a video source is lost or different format is selected while the channel is playing, a color bar is displayed. In such case verify the following: • A source is connected • The video frame rate and/or resolution match the one selected for the channel. NOTE: Routing a unicast stream through a specific Ethernet Port MGW Ace Encoder automatically routes unicast stream based on its routing table. In case the unicast target address is not directly reachable, an IP route must be created using the Ethernet configuration over USB key. To create an IP route: 1. Retrieve the network configuration "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" from MGW Ace Encoder as described in “Retrieving or Setting Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive” section 2. Modify any of the listed network parameters, as required. 3. Modify or add "Ipv4UserRouteTable"/"Ipv6UserRouteTable" sections with the specific routes to be added to the system. 4. System powered off, copy "EncoderNetworkSettings.txt" to a USB key (FAT formatted) and insert it to the system USB port. 5. Power up the system. 6. When the boot process completes, and the LED is steady-green, the system is set with the new IP address/Route parameters. User Manual, Version 2.1 42 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Error Correction Settings Zixi™ The Zixi protocol supports two modes: Zixi Broadcaster Server and Point-to-point streaming directly from the VITEC encoder to the VITEC decoder appliance. Zixi sessions can be protected by a password. Protected sessions ensure that only authorized encoders/decoders participate in these sessions. • Password: If a password was set on Zixi™ server, enter the password for streaming. If no password was set on the Zixi™ server, no password is required. When connecting directly (point-to-point) to a decoder, a password is not applicable. • Latency: Enter a latency value in milliseconds to be used for correcting errors. The minimal latency to be used must be higher than 3 times the RTT value (Round Trip Time) between the encoder and the targeted decoder. RTT value is available in Zixi Channel Statistics window after the Zixi channel has been started. Additionally, higher latency increases tolerance to network errors (range 0-6000 milliseconds). The actual error correction rates depend also on the stream bit-rate. On average, 500ms latency yields protection of up to 6% of network errors. 6000ms latency yields protection of up to 30% of network errors. • When using a Zixi latency lower than 500ms, FEC data protection is enabled resulting in an increased total output bitrate up to 50%. Ensure the transmission link bandwidth is dimensioned for such bitrate. • If Zixi latency is set to 0, no data protection is achieved. Use this value to analyze the quality of your transmission link. Transmission link statistics are reported within the Zixi Statistics Channel (Dashboard). Check the Zixi Statistic information window to monitor the packet loss of the transmission link used and set the latency accordingly. • Enable ABR (Adaptive Bitrate): Select the check box to allow either VITEC decoder or Broadcaster Server to automatically change the encoding bit-rate while streaming. When selected, the channel total bit-rate will automatically be optimized, based on network performance and statistics from the Zixi stream recipient, to ensure smooth, artifacts-free playback. • Minimum Bit-Rate: Set the minimum bit-rate allowed while in dynamic mode • Maximum Bit-Rate: Set the maximum bit-rate allowed while in dynamic mode. User Manual, Version 2.1 43 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Enable Failover: Select the check box to allow MGW Ace Encoder to switch over a secondary Zixi target when the primary one is no more reachable. • Set the IP address of the Zixi failover target • Set the Port address of the Zixi failover target. Figure 4-7: The Zixi Settings window Pro-MPEG Forward Error Correction (SMPTE-2022) When FEC is implemented, the encoder sends additional data to enable the reconstruction of lost data, regardless if needed or not. The performance of the FEC is always a tradeoff between latency, overhead and error correction capabilities. FECs with large dimensions, e.g. 20x5, 10x10 provide less overhead (between +5% and +20%), but have larger latency and better correction capabilities compared to FEC tables with smaller dimensions. FEC induces additional latency in the transmission. If a FEC packet matrix of 20x5 is chosen, it adds 260 milliseconds latency. Smaller sized FEC packet matrixes and transmissions with higher bitrates will add less delay. Overhead in data rate, added by 2D-FEC, can be calculated by following formula: User Manual, Version 2.1 44 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Overhead in data rate, added by 1D-FEC, can be calculated by following formula: • FEC Mode: Select the Forward Error Correction dimension mode: 1-D (only the column checksums will be sent to the destination), or 2-D (checksums of both columns and rows will be sent to the destination). • Matrix Dimension: The specified FEC rows and FEC Columns from which row checksums and column checksums will be generated (FEC algorithm = XOR). Displays the columns/rows multiplying value of the column/rows. Matrix size value must be less than 100. • Columns/Rows: Select the desired values for the selected FEC. For the column, value can range from 1 to 20. • 1-D Port Number: Enter the port number from through columns checksums will be sent. • 2-D Port Number: Enter the port number from through rows checksums will be sent when 2D mode is selected. The network bandwidth overhead for Pro-MPEG technology is fixed, and is determined by the XOR matrix dimensions and size selected values. Bandwidth overhead exists regardless of whether the network link has errors or not. User Manual, Version 2.1 45 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance RTMP Settings The RTMP protocol allows streaming video and audio content to a wide range of Content Delivery Network (CDN) providers such as Akamai, Limelight, YouTube or based on Adobe Media Servers (AMS) or Wowza servers. RTMP protocol, used in conjunction with a CDN, is recommended to reach a large audience on the public internet. RTMP is available for the H.264 channel. RTMP streams can be protected by a password. The RTMP protocol that streams from MGW Ace Encoder has passed Akamai certification and has been validated against Limelight, YouTube CDNs as well as on Adobe Media (AMS) and Wowza Servers. • RTMP Server URL: Enter the URL of the target RTMP server. You may use one of the following syntaxes: • rtmp://IP_ADDRESS/xxxx • IP_ADDRESS/xxxx User Manual, Version 2.1 • If using a domain name for the URL (for example "rtmp:/vitec.live/stream"), ensure that the DNS information is properly set in the System>Network Interfaces page (DNS1 and DNS2 fields). • The DNS server is mandatory to resolve the domain name IP address. 46 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Stream Name: Enter the stream name that was either set or provided in/by your CDN account for the RTMP stream. • User Name: Enter the User Name from your CDN account for the RTMP stream. • Password: Enter the password that was set in your CDN account for the RTMP stream. If no password was set on the CDN server, no password is required. The Live Preview Page In the Live Preview page you can view the live IP stream within the unit’s management application. NOTE: The embedded Live Preview function requires either: • VITEC IPTV Player add-on. It is installed automatically by EZ TV or FITIS Video Portals on your computer; • VLC Plugin: Visit http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ to install the required plugin; Due to browser restrictions, Live Preview is only available using Internet Explorer. To preview a live unicast stream ensure that the computer loading the preview window is using the same IP address as the IP address set for the unicast stream destination. In the Live Preview page you can set the channel number you wish to watch. Figure 4-8: The Live Preview page User Manual, Version 2.1 47 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set the channel for Live Preview: NOTE: The Live Preview function is available also from the dashboard by clicking on the desired channel's "preview" icon ( ). 1. From the Player drop-down list select the player you wish to use. 2. From the Channel drop-down list select the channel you wish to watch. 3. Click . The channel's live preview is displayed. You can adjust the preview's volume by sliding the volume bar as required. User Manual, Version 2.1 48 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The System Page In the System page you set the parameters of the following tabs: • Network Interfaces (Ethernet Port #1 and #2) • Security • Date and Time • KLV Input • SAP • IFB/Talkback Figure 4-9: The System page To set the system parameters: 1. From the main menu select System. 2. Set the desired parameters as required in each section and click Apply. User Manual, Version 2.1 49 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set the network interface (see figure above): Two network interfaces are available. Each one can be used for either management and/or streaming. For easier management of the system, Ethernet Port 2 can be configured in DHCP mode. If DHCP mode is selected, Ethernet Port 2 will obtain the IP address automatically from the DHCP server and the DNS server will also be populated automatically. Parameter Description Management Access Select the Ethernet Port used for management (Ethernet Port 1, 2 or 1&2) IP Address/IPv6 Address/Prefix Enter a static IP address and a prefix address in case IPv6 is used. Subnet Mask Enter the subnet mask address. Default Gateway Enter the gateway address Enable DHCP (Ethernet Port 2) Select this box to enable automatic retrieval of IP address and DNS server information from the DHCP server. DNS1 Optional field - required if a domain name is used instead of an IP address (RTMP protocol). DNS2 Optional field - required if a domain name is used instead of an IP address (RTMP protocol). To control MGW Ace Encoder over HTTPS API: Select “Enable HTTP API” check box to enable system control and status over the HTTPS REST API. The API documentation can be accessed through the question mark link. To control MGW Ace Encoder over Wi-Fi: Using the optional VITEC USB Wi-Fi Adapter (14324), it is possible to control MGW Ace Encoder over Wi-Fi. On the field, it allows an easier control of the unit over a smartphone, tablet or laptop. By default, Wi-Fi control is disabled for security reasons. Wi-Fi must be enabled once prior being able to control the unit over Wi-Fi. To enable Wi-Fi control: 1. Connect the VITEC USB Wi-Fi Adapter to the front panel USB port of MGW Ace Encoder 2. Select “Enable Wi-Fi control” checkbox in the Services section 3. Enter the Wi-Fi network SSID (Wi-Fi network name). User Manual, Version 2.1 50 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance 4. Click Apply. Once Wi-Fi is enabled, it is possible to access MGW Ace Encoder web interface wirelessly. To access MGW Ace Encoder web interface over Wi-Fi: 1. Connect to the created Wi-Fi network 2. Open a web browser and access this URL: https://ace or https://ManagementIP where ManagementIP is the management IP address as defined above (Ethernet1 and/or Ethernet 2 IP address) Figure 4-10: The Network Interface tab NOTE: • The API documentation is directly available from the MGW Ace Encoder web page. • Click the info button next to “Enable HTTP API” to load the API information page. To set Security: Parameter Description Current Password Type the current password. New Password Type the new password (8-14 characters). Re-Type Password Re-type the new password. User Manual, Version 2.1 51 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Host Name The default is MGW-ACE-ENC (where the last four digits are the platform serial number). The host name can be changed only through SSH client. See Initial Connection and Setup for detailed instructions Figure 4-11: System Page - Security screen To enable warning and consent banner at login : Select “Enable Login Banner” check box to enable the warning and consent banner. Once enabled, type in the text to be displayed or select “DISA default” button. The banner will be displayed at each login attempt if selected. “DISA default” automatically sets the text mandated per the US Defense Information Systems Agency. User Manual, Version 2.1 52 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set Date and Time: Parameter Description Use NTP Select the box to enable synchronization with the NTP server. If using an NTP server located on the Internet, ensure the DNS server address is correctly set (Network Interface tab). Server Address Enter the NTP server address. Sync Period Enter the synchronization period. Date Set the date. Time Set the time. Time Zone Set the time zone. Daylight Saving Select the Enable box and set the start date and time for Daylight Saving. Figure 4-12: System Page - Date and Time screen NOTE: Latency Monitoring feature and NTP • For reliable Latency Monitoring, ensure NTP is configured properly and connected to the NTP server • The Dashboard window indicates if NTP connection is running User Manual, Version 2.1 53 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set KLV Capture over Serial / RS232 Port: In the KLV Input>RS-232 Serial tab screen set the following parameters: Figure 4-13: The KLV Input screen Serial Configuration Parameter Description Baud Rate Select the baud rate. Data Bits Select the data bits. Parity Select the parity. Stop Bits Select the stop bits. Flow Control Select the flow control. KLV Parameter Description KLV Input Data Format Select the data format. KLV Output Data Format Select the data format. User Manual, Version 2.1 54 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set or modify KLV Security parameters: Figure 4-14: The Security Keys screen Parameter Description Security Classification Select the security classification. Country Coding Method Select the coding method. Classifying Country Select the classifying country. Security SCI/SHI information Enter the security SCI/SHI information value. Caveats Enter the caveats value. Releasing Instructions Enter the releasing instructions value. Object Country Coding Method Select the object country coding method. Object Country Codes Enter the object country code value. Version Enter the version value. User Manual, Version 2.1 55 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set KLV IP Stream: Figure 4-15: The IP Stream screen Click the IP Stream tab and set the following parameters: Parameter Description Input NIC Select the input network interface. IP address For unicast KLV stream - enter the IP address of the encoder. For multicast KLV stream - enter the IP address of the multicast group KLV is sent to. Port Enter the port number of the source KLV multicast or unicast stream. Encapsulation Select one of the following options: • TS (MPEG-2 Transport Stream encapsulation) sent via multicast or unicast stream. • RAW KLV data as per MISB 0601.x sent via multicast or unicast stream. PID Number Enter the PID number of the program containing the KLV data in the source stream (available only when TS encapsulation is selected). Bitrate (bps) Enter the maximal bitrate value of the KLV Stream. It is the maximal KLV bitrate allowed, including multiplexer overhead. User Manual, Version 2.1 56 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance NOTE: When streaming at low bitrate (e.g. 500kb/s), the default KLV bitrate value (200kb/s) becomes dominant. Ensure to set an appropriate value that will match the actual KLV bitrate of the source so that video bitrate and video quality are preserved. To set KLV Input over SDI: Figure 4-16: The KLV input over SDI screen Click the SDI (Sync) tab and set the following parameters: Parameter Description Source Displays the active source type (read-only). Message ID Enter message ID number. This allows to select a specific channel / MID within the received KLV data. To capture all the KLV data received, Enter "0". To capture a specific set of Message ID, a comma must be used between the Message ID to be captured (for example: 1,5,7). Bitrate (bps): Enter the maximal bitrate of the KLV data stream. Defines the allocated bitrate to KLV within the total stream bitrate set. It corresponds to the KLV data after TS multiplexing. This bitrate must be tuned for each particular KLV source connected. NOTE: When streaming at low bitrate (e.g. 500kb/s), the default KLV bitrate value (200kb/s) becomes dominant. Ensure to set an appropriate value that will match the actual KLV bitrate of the source so that video bitrate and video quality are preserved. User Manual, Version 2.1 57 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To set SAP: Parameter Description Use default SAP address and port Use the default Session Announcement Protocol multicast group and port as per RFC 2974. IP Address Set the target multicast IP address to which SAP messages will be sent. Port Set the target port to which SAP messages will be sent. Announcement Interval (sec) Set the interval between SAP messages. Figure 4-17: The SAP screen NOTE: You must click Apply for the new settings to be saved. User Manual, Version 2.1 58 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To configure Talkback/IFB communication with MGW Ace Decoder : IFB/Talkback feature provides an easy communication path between remote teams. For example, using MGW Ace Encoder and Decoder pair, operator on the field (encoder side) can easily receive/provide feedback from/to the newsroom (Broadcast application), the remote church (House Of Worship application) or the Command & Control center (ISR/Surveillance application). When using the talkback feature, MGW Ace Encoder can output the received audio over a line level unbalanced analog audio output (TALKBACK connector available on the breakout cable). Two-way audio communication is also possible and MGW Ace Encoder can either transmits the encoded HEVC Audio 1 or 2 or the Unbalanced Analog Audio Input (ANALOG AUDIO 2 connector available on the breakout cable – line level). NOTE: • MGW Ace Decoder must be used to establish a talkback session with MGW Ace Encoder. User Manual, Version 2.1 59 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Parameter Description Talkback Mode Set the talkback mode: • OFF • Manual: the talkback session is OFF but can be activated in the dashboard page using the Talkback MIC icon. Once pressed, the unit attempts to connect to the remote receiver for 30 seconds. The talkback session can be stopped clicking the MIC icon. In this mode, if the session is dropped, MGW Ace Encoder does not try to reconnect automatically. • Auto: The talkback session can be started and stopped as detailed above. In this mode, if the session is dropped, MGW Ace Encoder does try to reconnect automatically. Target IP Address Set the talkback receiver IP Address Target Port Set the talkback receiver Port Speaker Audio Output Set the audio level output gain Gain Audio Input Source Set the audio input source used for the talkback session Audio Input Gain Set the audio level input gain Figure 4-18: The Talkback/IFB screen NOTE: You must click Apply for the new settings to be saved. User Manual, Version 2.1 60 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The Event Log Page In the Event Log page you can view the log of events and export them. Figure 4-19: The Event Log page To filter the view: 1. From the Filter drop-down list select one of the following options: To export event log: 1. Click Export Log. The File Download window appears. 1. Click Open to open the log. The log file is opened with a common text editor (such as notepad) - Or 2. Click Save to save the file. User Manual, Version 2.1 61 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To verify connection status between encoder and decoder: When unicast streaming is used, MGW Ace Encoder automatically tests the accessibility to the target IP address set by the user. • If connection is established, the event reports “Target Connection OK” • If connection cannot be established, the event reports “Target Connection Failed” and MGW Ace Encoder displays the IP packets route. It allows identifying the remote node where IP traffic is stopped. Below is an example of successful and failed connections: User Manual, Version 2.1 62 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The Configurations Page MGW Ace Encoder allows you to save screen shots of various configurations to be loaded manually or automatically in the future. In the Configurations page you can add, activate, and delete channel configurations. Figure 4-20: The Configuration page To add a configuration: 1. Click Add. 2. Type the configuration name and description. 3. Click Save. The new configuration appears in the top row. To activate a configuration: 1. Select the desired configuration row. 2. Click Activate to activate the configuration. The activated configuration is applied. User Manual, Version 2.1 63 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To delete a configuration: 1. Select the desired configuration row. 2. Click Delete to delete the configuration. To activate Auto Start: 1. Select the desired configuration row. 2. Click Auto Start. The configuration row. icon appears in the Auto Start column in the relevant The next time the appliance restarts, the selected configuration will load automatically. NOTE: The video sources must be the same ones used when the configuration was created for auto-start configuration successful load. The General Page In the General page you can view appliance related parameters, and perform license and firmware upgrades. Figure 4-21: The General page User Manual, Version 2.1 64 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To view the System Information parameters: Parameter Description Temperature Displays the internal temperature of the appliance (in Celsius). Up Time Displays the time since last restart. Serial Number Displays the hardware serial number. Ethernet 1 MAC Address Displays the Network Interface #1 MAC Address. Ethernet 2 MAC Address Displays the Network Interface #2 MAC Address. To view software and hardware version & licensing info: Parameter Description Hardware Displays the current hardware revision. Software Displays the active software version. Encoding License For future use. PCB Version Displays the PCB version. To set Version & Licensing refer to License and Upgrade. General Page Functions • Click Restart to restart the appliance. The Restart window appears. • Click Factory Reset to reset all values to default factory values. The Factory Reset window appears. NOTE: The Factory Reset function will return the unit to its default IP settings: 192.168.1.1 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0. If you are connected to the unit from a PC on a different subnet, reconfigure your computer to the 192.168.1.x subnet to gain access to the unit and modify its settings for network use. User Manual, Version 2.1 65 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Click Export Settings to enable the export of system parameters currently being used to a file. The output file "devesettings.tgz" can be shared with Vitec Technical Support team during the process of remote troubleshooting. • Click Print Info to obtain a printed summary of vital system information. User Manual, Version 2.1 66 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance CHAPTER 5 MGW ACE Encoder Reset In This Chapter Resetting MGW ACE Encoder Settings ............................................................. 67 Resetting MGW ACE Encoder Settings The appliance can be reset in one of the following ways: • A hardware reset. • A software reset. To reset the MGW Ace Encoder (Hardware): 1. On the MGW Ace Encoder front panel press the RESET button. A Short press will restart the appliance, long press (8 seconds) will cause return unit to factory settings. To reset the MGW Ace Encoder (through the application): 1. In the General page, click Factory Reset to reset all values to default factory values. 2. Click Yes. When reset completes, the appliance will return to factory state with the following default values: • IP address: 192.168.1.1 (network interface # 1) • Password: 1qaz!QAZ. All saved channel configurations will be erased. User Manual, Version 2.1 67 CHAPTER 6 Firmware Upgrade In This Chapter Upgrading the Firmware ................................................................................ 68 Upgrading the Firmware Important Notes Prior to Upgrade VITEC periodically releases new firmware versions that include critical updates as well as feature enhancements. MGW Ace Encoder firmware and software upgrade process involves uploading a "firmware file" from within the unit HTTPS user interface, allowing the unit to extract the required files and perform internal updates. Uploading time of the "firmware file" may vary from one computer to another. It also depends on network speed and the connection's quality between the computer and the MGW Ace Encoder appliance. To verify if the upgrade had finished, observe the physical power LED on the appliance's front panel - blinking LED indicates that the upgrade is still ongoing. A solid LED indicates that the upgrade is completed and the appliance is ready for re-login. Log on using a new browser tab. Read carefully the step-by-step procedure below and pay extra attention to notes and warnings. To upgrade MGW Ace Encoder Firmware version: 1. Send VITEC your upgrade firmware request. 2. Before starting the upgrade procedure, disconnect all video and audio sources. Only power and Ethernet cables should remain connected. 3. Delete all saved configurations, including auto start configurations. NOTE: If not deleted, old configurations may cause the MGW Ace Encoder to load into an unsupported state. User Manual, Version 2.1 68 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance 4. Click the General tab. Figure 6-1: The General page 5. Click Firmware Upgrade. The Load Firmware window appears. Figure 6-2: The Load New Firmware Upload window 6. Click Browse. A browser window opens. User Manual, Version 2.1 69 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Figure 6-3: The browser window 7. Select the appropriate *.tar file and click Load. The new version is loaded. NOTE: In case the upgrade file name or its extension is not recognized, and the following warning message appears, contact Vitec customer support. Figure 6-4: Firmware Upgrade Warning Message User Manual, Version 2.1 70 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • The Upgrade window appears on the screen, indicating the progress of the upgrade process: • The Power green LED on the MGW Ace Encoder appliance front panel is blinking. The loading process might take a few minutes. • When loading completes, the power LED stops blinking for a few seconds. The appliance will now start its update and reset processes, and the power green LED starts blinking faster. The reset process might take a few minutes. WARNING: The internet browser on your computer attempts to poll the appliance's status throughout the execution of the update and reset. Allow the reset process to complete without any intervention. Do not attempt to refresh the browser or take any other actions during the reset process. • When reset completes, the power green LED is steady on and the login window appears (see figure below). User Manual, Version 2.1 71 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • If the login window does not appear open a new browser tab. Insert (in the URL field) the IP address that was set to the MGW Ace Encoder prior to the upgrade. If the login window appears close the previous browser tab and proceed to step 7. Figure 6-5: The Login window 8. Log on (refer to the Logging on section for details). NOTE: The login process to an upgraded appliance might be slow in the first time you log on after the upgrade. It might take a few minutes for the login to complete. Do not interfere with the login process. 9. In the General screen, verify that the upgrade was successful by inspecting the software Version in the Versions and Licensing section. User Manual, Version 2.1 72 CHAPTER 7 MGW ACE Encoder Playback In This Chapter Playing MGW Ace Encoder Video Streams ........................................................ 73 Using VLC as the Player for H.264 Streams ..................................................... 73 Using Media Player Classics for HEVC, and H.264 Streams ................................ 79 Decoding Zixi and Pro-MPEG Streams (HEVC and H.264) .................................. 81 Playing MGW Ace Encoder Video Streams The MGW Ace Encoder streams can be played using VITEC Decoders or third party decoders that support the relevant compression standards. While MPEG-4 H.264 decoders are widely available from many vendors, decoding of real-time advanced HEVC streams is offered only by selected manufacturers. For HEVC decoding solutions by VITEC you may use MGW Ace Decoder or MGW D265 hardware appliance, EZ TV software player, HDM850+ PCI decoder card or VITEC’s EZ TV Mobile App for Android devices. For recommendations on third-party decoders, consult VITEC or VITEC’s Channel Partners. Below are few recommended third-party common software decoders. Please note that the highly popular VLC Player features very basic support for HEVC streams. While certain configurations may work well on VLC - various advanced HEVC compression tools MGW Ace Encoder uses are not yet supported by VLC. If you encounter abnormal behavior with VLC version 2.x, try using VideoLan's latest beta builds 3.x (or higher version), or use one of VITEC's professional HEVC decoders. User Manual, Version 2.1 73 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Using VLC as the Player for H.264 Streams 1. Invoke VLC Media Player. 2. Select Media>Open Network Stream. The Open Media window appears. 3. Set Caching by Clicking the Show more options box and set the caching to a value between 120 to 140 milliseconds depending on your network performance: 4. Select the Network tab and depending on the encoding mode and the selected streaming protocol (UDP TS, RTP TS, Pro-MPEG, and RTP ES), enter the following syntax in the URL field: • For RTP ES Streams: rtsp:// : / (see example in figure below). User Manual, Version 2.1 74 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance - Or Retrieve the SDP file from the appliance using any method of your preference with the following https syntax "https:// /sdp/ .sdp". After SDP file is retrieved and accessible, use VLC's File>Open to upload it. NOTE: • URL syntax is case sensitive so ensure that the channel name is initial letter is capitalized. • The IP address is the MGW Ace Encoder IP address. • Channel Name is the name as set on the Channels page, Target section. User Manual, Version 2.1 75 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • For UDP TS Streams: udp://@ : NOTE: • Older versions of VLC do not require “@” symbol. • IP address is the Target Address as set on the Channels page, Target section. • The port number is the Target Port as set on the Channels page, Target section. User Manual, Version 2.1 76 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance NOTE: Configure the buffer size according to your network performance and the compression settings of the streams. When B-Frames are used, it is recommended to set VLC UDP buffer to 300 to allow for smooth playback. To reduce end-to-end latency when B-Frames are not in use, you may set the UDP buffer size to as low as 100 ms, depending on your network characteristics. In certain network environments you may need to adjust the decoder buffers to large size to allow for smooth playback while maintaining minimal latency. 5. Click Play. • For RTP TS or Pro-MPEG Streams: rtp:// : User Manual, Version 2.1 77 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance NOTE: • VLC doesn't support FEC so while it is possible to play Pro-MPEG stream, no error correction will occur. • Older versions of VLC do not require “@” symbol. • IP address is the Target Address as set on Channels page, Target section. • The port number is the Target Port as set on the Channels page, Target section. To set VLC Player using SAP protocol: The following procedure is only applicable for UDP streaming mode. 1. From VLC main menu select View>Playlist. The Playlist window appears. 2. Under Media Browser, expand Local Network and select Network Stream. A list of available streams appears. 3. Select the desired stream you wish to play. User Manual, Version 2.1 78 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance NOTE: SAP must be activated in Channels page, Target section, as shown in figure below. User Manual, Version 2.1 79 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Using Media Player Classics for HEVC, and H.264 Streams 1. Invoke MPC-HC (Media Player Classics Home Cinema). 2. Select File>Open File. • For RTP ES Streams: rtsp:// : / (see example in figure below). NOTE: • • URL syntax is case sensitive so ensure that the channel name initial letter is capitalized. • The IP address is the MGW Ace Encoder IP address. • Channel Name is the name as set on the Channels page, Target section. For UDP TS Streams: udp://@ : User Manual, Version 2.1 80 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance NOTE: - • • IP address is the Target Address as set on the Channels page, Target section. • The port number is the Target Port as set on the Channels page, Target section. For RTP TS or Pro-MPEG Streams: rtp:// : NOTE: - 4. • MPC doesn't support FEC so while it is possible to play Pro-MPEG stream, no error correction will occur. • IP address is the Target Address as set on the Channels page, Target section. • Channel Name is the name as set on the Channels page, Target section. Click OK. User Manual, Version 2.1 81 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Decoding Zixi and Pro-MPEG Streams (HEVC and H.264) Zixi™ protected streams and Pro-MPEG protocol are not supported by open source free software players such as VLC or MPC. You may use VITEC MGW Ace Decoder (HEVC/H.264), VITEC MGW D265 Decoder (HEVC/H.264) or Zixi Broadcaster. Pro-MPEG streams may be decoded by 3rd party decoders that support SMPTE-2022 protocol. Setting and Playing Zixi™ Channels To send Zixi streams to the Zixi Broadcaster Server: In the Channels page Target section: 1. Enter the Zixi Broadcaster server's IP address and Port (see Target table above). 2. Click Error Correction Settings. The Zixi Settings window opens. Enter the following parameters: • Password: Enter the password for streaming to a Zixi™ receiver (Server or a Stand-alone decoder). NOTE: The password you enter must be identical to the password entered in the Zixi Broadcaster Web interface). • Latency: Enter a latency value in milliseconds to be used for correcting errors. The minimal latency value must be three times higher than the RTT (Round Trip Time) value that is used between the encoder and the targeted decoder. RTT value is available in Zixi Statistic window (see The Dashboard Page (on page 25) after the Zixi channel has been started. Additionally, higher latency increases tolerance to network errors (range 500-6000 milliseconds). The actual error correction rates depend also on the stream bit-rate. On average, 500ms latency yields protection of up to 6% of network errors. 6000ms latency yields protection of up to 30% of network errors. Check the Zixi Channel Statistic window (see The Dashboard Page on page 25) to monitor the packet loss of the transmission link used and set the latency accordingly. • Enable Dynamic Bit-rate Control: Select the check box to allow either VITEC decoder or Broadcaster Server to automatically change the encoding bit-rate while streaming. User Manual, Version 2.1 82 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Figure 7-1: The Zixi Settings window In the Zixi Broadcater Web interface: 1. Add a new input stream. The stream ID must match MGW Ace Encoder Channel Name that was entered in the Channels page>Target section> Channel Name field, and it is case sensitive. 2. Select Push. NOTE: Latency is set by the MGW Ace Encoder. 3. Click OK, the input channel is created. To play the Zixi channel: 1. Click the play icon in the Dashboard Frame, Control column (H.264 or H.265 channels). “Zixi” is indicated in the FEC column (see The Dashboard Frame (on page 22)). NOTE: If error occurs and "Zixi" appears in red, ensure that: • MGW Ace Encoder has access to the Zixi Broadcaster. • The channel was created correctly on the Zixi Broadcaster. User Manual, Version 2.1 83 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance APPENDIX A Network Configuration using an SSH Client NOTE: Only one connection can be used at a time. To configure the appliance's network settings using an SSH client: 1. Open an SSH terminal window (PuTTY is the recommended tool). 2. Connect to the MGW Ace Encoder IP address. 3. At the login prompt, type "root" and at the password prompt type the password (the default is "1qaz!QAZ"). The main menu appears: User Manual, Version 2.1 84 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Figure 7-1: The Main Menu window 4. Press "2" for System option. Figure 7-2: The System window 5. Type "1" for "Network Interfaces" 6. Type "1" for the Change TCPIP settings for streaming interface option. Figure 7-3: The Network Interface -TCPIP Settings window If you wish to enable DHCP type "1" and when prompted type "y". User Manual, Version 2.1 85 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance If you wish to set TCP/IP parameters manually, type "2" for Disable DHCP and set TCP/IP parameters manually and set the following values: • Enter the appliance's new IP address. • Enter the appropriate subnet mask. • Enter your default gateway address. Figure 7-4: The TCPIP Settings window CAUTION: If you have changed the appliance’s IP address to a different subnet you may need to reconfigure your computer network settings to re-connect to the appliance. To change the date and time using an SSH client: 1. In the System window, type "3" for the Date and Time option. The following window appears: Figure 7-5: The Date and Time window 2. Type "1" for setting the date and time. User Manual, Version 2.1 86 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To configure SAP using an SSH client: 1. In the System window, type "4" for the SAP option. The following window appears: Figure 7-6: The System window - SAP window 2. Enter the IP Address, Port (number), Announcement Interval and TTL values. To configure the appliance's host name for the first time using an SSH client: 1. From the main menu screen, type "2" for the Security" option. The following window appears: Figure 7-7: The Security window 2. Type "2" for the Change hostname option and type the new host name. User Manual, Version 2.1 87 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To configure channel parameters for the first time using an SSH client: 1. From the main menu screen, type "1" for the "Channels" option. The following window appears: Figure 7-8: The Channels window 2. Either view, edit or change the channel playing state by typing the corresponding option number. To set various parameters of channel configurat ions: 1. From the main menu screen, type "3" for the "Configurations" option. The following window appears: Figure 7-9: The Configurations window 2. Either view, save, load, delete or set a configuration as auto-start by typing the corresponding option number. User Manual, Version 2.1 88 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance To restore default settings or restart the appliance: 1. From the main menu screen, type "4" for the "General" option. The following window appears: Figure 7-10: The General window 2. Either view device information, restore default settings or restart the appliance by typing the corresponding option number. When done, follow SSH "Exit" instructions on screen and close the SSH window to save the settings. User Manual, Version 2.1 89 APPENDIX B Technical Specifications Compliance • FCC Part 15, Class A • CE • ICES-003 • RoHS • Designed to meet MIL-STD-810 and MIL STD-461 Criteria • MTBF: Ground - 3.70 years. Airborne - 7.3 years (As per MIL-HDBK-217F). Environmental • Operating Temperatures: -20 ºC to +50 ºC (-4 ºF to 122 ºF) • Storage Temperatures: -40 ºC to +70 ºC (-40 ºF to 158 ºF) • Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing). Physical • Dimensions: 2.55" H x 7.71" W x 7.83" D (65mm H x 196mm W x 199mm D) • Weight: 4.85lb (2.2kg) • Enclosure: Industrial-grade • Status LED's for power, network activity, Temperature and Fan Errors, streaming and video source indications • Mounting holes for seamless installation in vehicles / onto flat surfaces. Functional Description Inputs Video Inputs • 1 x 3G/HD-SDI/SD-SDI (SMPTE 259M-C, SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 274M, SMPTE 296M, SMPTE 424M, SMPTE 425M-A) • 1 x HDMI v1.3 (support for HDCP and non-HDCP protected sources) • 1 x DVI-D • 1 x Composite/CVBS. User Manual, Version 2.1 90 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Input Resolutions / Frame Rates Support • 1920x1080p @ 60, 59.94, 50, 30, 29.97, 25, 24, 23.976 Hz • 1920x1080i @ 60, 59.94, 50 Hz • 1600x1200p @ • 1400x1050p @ 60,50 Hz • 1440x900p @ 60, 50 Hz • 1366x768p @ 60, 50 Hz • 1280x800p @ 60, 50 Hz • 1280x1024p @ 60, 50 Hz • 1024x768p @ 60, 50 Hz • 1280x720p @ 60, 59.94, 50, 30, 29.97, 25 Hz • 720x480p @ 59.94 Hz • 720x480i @ 59.94 Hz • 720x576p @ 50 Hz • 720x576i @ 50 Hz. 60, 50 Hz Audio Inputs • SDI Embedded audio (PCM support) • HDMI Embedded audio (PCM support) • 1 x Analog unbalanced stereo audio, AC-coupled (RCA Female) • 1 x Balanced analog stereo audio (XLR). • 2 x unbalanced digital stereo audio (BNC) Audio Output (Talkback) • 1 x Analog unbalanced stereo audio, AC-coupled (RCA Female) Stream Output Protocols Network Protocols • UDP TS • RTP TS • RTP ES with RTSP server • RTMP (H.264) • Zixi™ Error-Correction with ABR mode (Adaptive Bit-Rate) • RTP TS with ProMPEG Forward Error Correction (SMPTE 2022). User Manual, Version 2.1 91 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Video Output - HEVC (H.265) MPEG-H HEVC (ISO/IEC 23008-2) Modes: • Main / Main 10 and Main 4:2:2: up to 4:2:2 10-bits • Level up to level 5.2, Main and High Tier • GOP: I, IP, IB, IBBBP, IBBBBBBBP • Bit Rate: 100 Kbps - 30Mbps • Frame Rate: 1-60 fps. • Bit Rate Regulation Modes: Constant (CBR), Variable (VBR) • Output Resolutions: Configurable from CIF up to 1920x1080 • Encoding Latency: Low latency mode down to 75 Milliseconds • Error resiliency modes (High / Medium / Off). Video Output - MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (ISO\IEC 14496-10 MPEG-4 AVC – Rec. ITU-T H.264) Modes: • Baseline Profile L3 • Main Profile L3 and L4 • High Profile L4 and L4.2 • Bit Rate: 100 Kbps - 15 Mbps • Frame Rate: 10-60 fps. • Bit Rate Regulation Modes: Constant (CBR), Variable (VBR) • Output Resolutions: Configurable from CIF up to 1920x1080 • Encoding Latency: 65 milliseconds. Audio Output MPEG-4 AAC-LC (ISO/IEC 14496-3), MPEG-1 L2 • Stereo and mono modes • Up to 2 stereo channels support • Bit Rate: 32Kbps - 192Kbps in Stereo, 16Kbps - 128Kbps in Mono • Sampling Rate: 16 kHz - 48 kHz. Metadata • CoT/KLV over serial RS-232, KLV over IP, KLV over SDI (VANC per SMPTE 336M). Up to two simultaneous KLV streams. • UAS Datalink Local Metadata Set (MISB STD 0601.5, STD 0902) • Time Stamping and Transport of Compressed Motion Imagery and Metadata (MISB STD 0604.2) User Manual, Version 2.1 92 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance • Cursor on Target (CoT) Conversions to Key-Length-Value (KLV) Metadata (MISB EG 0805) • Security Metadata Universal and Local Sets for Digital Motion Imagery (MISB STD 0102.8) • STANAG 4609 output stream over UDP/IP. User Manual, Version 2.1 93 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance APPENDIX C Technical Support VITEC provides phone supports and online helpdesk access during standard business hours. Silver, Gold and Platinum customers are eligible to access preferred support tools as described in your extended support agreement. For more information, visit our web site at https://www.vitec.com/support/. The VITEC's Products Knowledge Base is part of our web site at http://support.vitec.com/portal/. It offers technical tips, downloads of user manuals, access to latest firmware files and general information about IPTV products. User Manual, Version 2.1 94 APPENDIX D Warranty Limited Hardware Warranty Terms Subject to the terms and conditions specified below your VITEC product (the "Product") is warranted against defects in material and workmanship (the "Warranty") for a period of 12 (twelve) months following the Delivery Date (the "Warranty Period"). The Warranty provided to you hereunder supersedes any warranty which may be provided to you by the original manufacturer of the Product. VITEC (collectively "company") will repair or replace (at its option) any defective part during the Warranty Period, provided that (i) the Warranty remains in force. Your dated sales receipt or invoice shall be considered as the delivery date of the Product form VITEC's premises to your designated address (the "Delivery Date"); (ii) your Product unit carries a serial number on its rear panel; (iii) you received from VITEC Customer Service department a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. No Product unit will be accepted for repair without RMA number; and (iv) the entire Product unit is returned to the company by prepaid shipping in VITEC’s original packaging. VITEC will not be responsible for (i) any damages resulting from the use, maintenance or installation of any Product; or (ii) for the incorporation of any spare or replacement parts not approved by the company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, The company reserves the right to refuse to provide any services under the Warranty for any Product that, in the company opinion, has been subjected to any abnormal electrical, mechanical, or environmental abuse, or shows signs of modification by an unauthorized person or company. Call your local distributor or reseller for outof-warranty repair charge estimates prior to returning a product. You acknowledge that the product licensed or sold hereunder, which may include technology and software, are subject to the export control laws and regulations of the United States ("U.S.") and/or any other country in which the product is received. You agree that you will not knowingly transfer, divert, export or re-export, directly or indirectly, the product, including the software, the software source code, or technical data (as defined by the U.S. Export Administration Regulations) restricted by such regulations or by other applicable national regulations to any person, firm, entity country or destination to which such transfer, diversion, export or re-export is restricted or prohibited by U.S. or other applicable law, without obtaining prior authorization from the U.S. User Manual, Version 2.1 95 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance Department of Commerce and other competent government authorities to the extent required by those laws. User Manual, Version 2.1 96 Index MGW ACE Encoder Overview • 5, 7 MGW ACE Encoder Playback • 6, 73 A MGW ACE Encoder Reset • 5, 67 About This Manual • 5 N C Network Configuration using an SSH Client • 17, 84 Copyright Notice • i D Declaration of Conformity and Regulatory Compliance • iii Decoding Zixi and Pro-MPEG Streams (HEVC and H.264) • 82 E Error Correction Settings • 43 P Playing MGW Ace Encoder Video Streams • 73 R Resetting MGW ACE Encoder Settings • 67 Retrieving or Setting Network Parameters through a USB Thumb Drive • 19 RTMP Settings • 46 F Firmware Upgrade • 6, 68 S Safety Instructions • ii G General • 5 Getting Started • 5, 13 I I/O Specifications • 9 Initial Connection and Setup • 13 L Licensing • 8 Logging on • 18 M Manual Structure and Use • 5 User Manual, Version 2.1 Setting and Playing Zixi™ Channels • 82 Setup and Operations • 5, 21 System Requirements • 8 T Technical Specifications • 90 Technical Support • 94 The Channels Page • 29 The Configurations Page • 63 The Dashboard Frame • 23, 83 The Dashboard Page • 25, 82 97 MGW Ace Encoder HEVC Encoding and Streaming Appliance The Event Log Page • 61 The General Page • 64 The Live Preview Page • 47 The Product • 7 The System Page • 49 U Upgrading the Firmware • 68 Using Media Player Classics for HEVC, and H.264 Streams • 80 Using the MGW ACE Encoder Interface • 21 Using VLC as the Player for H.264 Streams • 74 W Warranty • 95 User Manual, Version 2.1 98
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