Set-Back-Boxes shall eventually boot without manual intervention, but it might take quite some time dependent on the available bandwidth. A property shall allocate bandwidth to the Foxtel service as appropriate for their VOD requirements, but it is recommend not less than 256Kbps per Set-Back-Boxes in order that all Set-Back
Set-Back-Boxes shall eventually boot without manual intervention, but it might take quite some time dependent on the available bandwidth. A property shall ...
Business iQ In-Room Entertainment Technical Overview For more information 1300 736 104 Business.iQ@foxtel.com.au Business iQ Technology Foxtel Business iQ Technical Guide 2 Satellite · Foxtel's satellite delivery pathway transports over 1Gb of data per second over 70,000 kms into space and back to every corner of Australia in 0.2 of a second. · Three uplinks across Australia deliver an unrivalled uptime of 99.997%. · Network has zero congestion, unlimited concurrency and is virtually maintenance free. · Enables millions of simultaneous users to view live events (Game of Thrones, Royal Wedding etc.). · Uncompromised Digital, HD (High Definition) and Ultra HD (4K) signal quality. · Delivered by literally hundreds of millions of dollars of space-age infrastructure. · Distributed onsite via coaxial and/or IP network. 3 Multi-stacker · Combines up to four polarisations from a satellite dish and stacks frequencies on single coaxial cable for input either directly into the Set-Back-Box (or Mini-headend if an IP only solution is required). · Coaxial cabling (RG6 Tri / RG11 Quad) is required from the satellite dish to the Multi-stacker. · Requires Foxtel's proprietary Multi-stacker software on Set-Back-Box (or Mini-headend for IP only solution). · Self-driven and retunes all managed satellite services from the Foxtel broadcast master headend. · Maintains native signal format without compression or degradation (SD, HD and Ultra HD). 4 Set-Back-Box · Smart hybrid Satellite / Terrestrial / IP / Wi-Fi commercial grade, energy efficient, Ultra HD Set-Back-Box. · Simple, low cost and discreet installation utilising a property's existing cabling (e.g. CAT 5/6 Ethernet, RG6 Tri / RG11 Quad coaxial and optical fiber). · Built for silent operation and vertical mounting (with thermal displacement) behind flat screen TVs. · Compatible with all existing HDMI input TVs (no SmartTV or other TV panel upgrade required). · Designed and certified to meet and exceed 26 global technology, performance and safety standards. · Enables total service customisation per screen and fast channel change. · Integrated Google Chromecast · Future proofed; cloud driven, high performance chipset, Bluetooth capable, expanded memory. 5 Set-back-box accessories Included accessories with Set-Back-Box · External wall mount power supply unit. · `All in one' antimicrobial universal* remote (batteries included). · VESA mounting kit. · Infrared eye prism extender. · HDMI 2.0 cable, supports Ultra HD and high frame refresh rate. · Ethernet cable. *Works with most standard TV models. Remote only works with Business iQ product, it does not work with Foxtel residential boxes. 6 Amazon Web Services Cloud Server · Enterprise class technology for everyone. · Scalable, reliable, and secure global computing infrastructure. · Agile modular architecture integrates and seamlessly connects with Foxtel's applications, tools, content and data. · More power than you will ever need (AWS Cloud services are larger than Microsoft, Google and IBM combined). · Eliminates high cost hardware purchase, maintenance and replacement cycle (no additional server costs). · Ensures technology is always up to date, providing auto data back up and instant recovery, plus data security. Foxtel Managed Services · Eliminates multiple supplier cost and complexity, with end to end support across install, configuration and operation. · Provides access to best-in-industry skills, monitored by highly qualified and experienced expert team. · Eliminates security / compliance / performance / quality risks with a monitored service at a fixed all inclusive rate. 7 Terrestrial TV Channels · All free-to-air channels are acquired via property's local DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) antenna on a single coaxial cable for input either directly into the Set-Back-Box or Mini-headend in case of an IP only solution. · Content supported with full 14 day Now/Next and EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) metadata for all programming (title, synopsis, parental rating, etc.). · Foxtel maintains metadata for all free-to-air regions across Australia. 8 In-house Channels · Allows local welcome channel, promo channels and any other non-Foxtel additional content, such as foreign language channels, to be seamlessly integrated into a property's channel line-up. · Additional in-house content is ingested as DTT channels or IP streams. DTT Channels · DVB-T/DVB-T2 COFDM terrestrial channels are supported. · DTT channels shall be in the form of an SPTS (Single Programme Transport Stream) or MPTS (Multi Programme Transport Stream) and include a NIT (Network Information Table) with LCN (Logical Channel Number) descriptor plus SDT (Service Delivery Table). · Ingestion of DTT channels requires a modulator. IP Streams · Ingestion of IP content shall be in the form of an SPTS via Unicast UDP (User Datagram Protocol), Multicast IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) / UDP or MPEGDASH. · IP content is delivered across Ethernet (preferred) or Wi-Fi and decoded by Set-Back-Box. · Ingestion of IP channels requires a video streaming server. 9 In-house DTT Channels · In-house DTT content may be modulated within the S-Band of the Australian channel plan (AS1367). · In-house DTT channels can be modulated on Band channel numbers from S11 to S44. · Modulation shall be on the digital channel centre frequency. AUSTRALIAN TERRESTRIAL TELEVISION 7MHz BAND PLAN FTA Broadcast and Non-Broadcast Bands Band channel number (see notes) Digital channel centre frequency MHz VHF hyperband channels S11 233.5 S12 240.5 S13 247.5 S14 254.5 S15 261.5 S16 268.5 S17 275.5 S18 282.5 S19 289.5 S20 296.5 UHF hyperband channels S21 305.5 S22 312.5 S23 319.5 S24 326.5 S25 333.5 S26 340.5 S27 347.5 S28 354.5 S29 361.5 S30 368.5 S31 375.5 S32 382.5 S33 389.5 S34 396.5 S35 403.5 S36 410.5 S37 417.5 S38 424.5 S39 431.5 S40 438.5 S41 445.5 S42 452.5 S43 459.5 S44 466.5 10 Mini-headend For sites without appropriate coaxial cabling the Foxtel solution can be deployed across Gigabit Ethernet (e.g. CAT 5e/6). To enable this operation the satellite & terrestrial signals shall be converted to IP (SPTS) for distribution around the premises. Foxtel have developed a dedicated IPTV Mini-headend, vuStreamer. Designed specifically for Foxtel's Business iQ solution, this ensures compatibility, ownership and support of the full end-to-end system (Cloud server, Mini-headend and Set-Back-Box), plus full remote system troubleshooting and configuration. · 80+ channels over IP. · 30Mbps max. bitrate per channel (SPTS). · Studio approved content security and encryption · No CAM (Conditional Access Modules) or smartcards required. · Connects to Set-Back-Box. 11 Business iQ Network Foxtel Business iQ Technical Guide 12 Network Introduction · Each Set-Back-Box requires an internet connection to access the AWS Cloud server for tuning and configuration metadata information. · For optimal performance and reliability, it is recommended the Set-Back-Box is connected via wired Ethernet to the property's broadband network (and Mini-headend in case of an IP-only solution). · Within a property's in-house local network, a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server shall assign a local IP address to each Set-Top-Box (and Mini-headend in case of an IP-only solution) connected to the network. Typically a router within the local network shall be enabled to act as the DHCP server. · To support VOD (Video On Demand) the Set-Back-Box dynamically adjusts the streaming video quality, ABR (Adaptive Bitrate) according to the available network bandwidth. · A property's network vendor or IT department shall be responsible for upgrading, configuring and securing the on-site IP network at a property as appropriate to receive the Foxtel service. 13 Broadband Bandwidth Formula The minimum downstream bandwidth for delivery of Foxtel's OTT (Over The Top) VOD streams is calculated as follows for Full HD (High Definition) quality video (1080p Widescreen): Total bandwidth (Mbps) = VOD active Set-Back-Boxes x 6.3Mbps Foxtel's Video On Demand solution uses adaptive streaming technology to deliver video to the guest in the highest usable quality dependent of the available network bandwidth. If bandwidth is insufficient for Full HD delivery, then HD shall be delivered to a Set-Back-Box. The minimum bandwidth for delivery of Foxtel's OTT VOD streams is calculated as follows for HD quality video (720p Widescreen): Total bandwidth (Mbps) = VOD active Set-Back-Boxes x 3.2Mbps If bandwidth is insufficient for HD delivery, then SD (Standard Definition) shall be delivered to a Set-Back-Box. The minimum bandwidth for delivery of Foxtel's OTT VOD streams is calculated as follows for SD quality video (572p Widescreen): Total bandwidth (Mbps) = VOD active Set-Back-Boxes x 2.7Mbps If bandwidth is insufficient for SD delivery, then lower quality video shall be delivered, which is intended for mobile devices and not recommend for TV screen viewing. A Set-Back-Box requires a minimum bandwidth of 256Kbps to boot, which shall occur in under 10 minutes. If more bandwidth is allocated a SBB can boot in less time. If the Set-Back-Box cannot boot it has a randomized exponential back-off for retries, starting at a based of 30 seconds and increasing to a maximum of 30 minutes. What this means is the Set-Back-Boxes never stops retrying to boot and that even in very low bandwidth scenarios all Set-Back-Boxes shall eventually boot without manual intervention, but it might take quite some time dependent on the available bandwidth. A property shall allocate bandwidth to the Foxtel service as appropriate for their VOD requirements, but it is recommend not less than 256Kbps per Set-Back-Boxes in order that all Set-BackBoxes can boot simultaneously, such as after a power outage. If bandwidth is very limited, no less than 512Kbps for every 10 Set-Back-Boxes is advised. Foxtel Business iQ Technical Guide 14 Calculating Broadband Bandwidth Considering a property with 50 rooms and one Set-Back-Box (SBB) per room. If occupancy rate was 75% and the bandwidth is to be allocated so that 10% of guests can simultaneously playback Foxtel's HD VOD content: Full HD VOD active Set-Back-Boxes = 50 rooms x 75% x 10% = 4* *Rounded up to the nearest whole number (Set-Back-Box) Total bandwidth = 4 x 6.3Mbps = 26 Mbps Alternatively this bandwidth would also support simultaneous playback of Foxtel's SD VOD content to: SD VOD active SBBs = 26 Mbps ÷ 2.7Mbps = 9 Set-Back-Boxes (i.e. 18% of rooms) Check to ensure all Set-Back-Boxes can boot simultaneously with a minimum of 256Kbps per Set-Back-Box: Bandwidth per Set-Back-Box = 26Mbps / 50 Set-Back-Boxes = 0.52Mbps (520Kbps) 15 Broadband Bandwidth Examples The table below shows the bandwidth required when there is a 100% occupancy rate and 100% of guests are simultaneously playing back Foxtel's SD Video On Demand content. Number of SBBs 10 50 100 250 500 1,000 Occupancy Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Percentage of VOD Active Guests 100% VOD Active SBBs 10 Bandwidth Required for SD VOD (Mbps) 2.7 Total Bandwidth (Mbps downstream) 27 100% 50 2.7 135 100% 100 2.7 270 100% 250 2.7 675 100% 500 2.7 1,350 100% 1,000 2.7 2,700 The table below shows the bandwidth required when there is 75% occupancy and 15% of guests are simultaneously playing back Foxtel's Full HD Video On Demand content. Number of SBBs 10 50 100 250 500 1,000 Occupancy Rate 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% Percentage of VOD Active Guests 15% VOD Active SBBs 2 Bandwidth Required for SD VOD (Mbps) 6.3 Total Bandwidth (Mbps downstream) 13 15% 6 6.3 38 15% 12 6.3 76 15% 29 6.3 183 15% 57 6.3 360 15% 113 6.3 712 16 Local Network Bandwidth · The bandwidth requirements for the LAN (Local Area Network) and WLAN (Wireless LAN) per Set-Back-Box are the same as the Broadband Internet requirements above. · If an IPonly solution is required, the bitrate from the MiniHeaded shall be added to the above bandwidth to support IP linear TV channels streamed from the MiniHeadend over the local area network (LAN). · The Mini-Headend may output 80x SPTS IP streams, with one IPTV stream corresponding to one TV channel. The maximum bitrate of a single IPTV stream shall not exceed 30Mbps, which is the maximum network traffic a SBB should receive when multicast routing is configured. · The total bitrate of all multicast IPTV streams shall not exceed 810Mbps. If desired the total bitrate may be reduced by removing channels from a channel line-up. 17 Network Configuration The recommended guidelines for a property's network configuration are outlined below. However, network configurations across proprieties can vary and may need to be discussed with Foxtel on a case-by-case basis. LAN Configuration: · It is recommend the Set-Back-Boxes (and Mini-headend for an IP only solution) be on a private network, separate from the public network for guests, for security reasons as well as to control QoS (Quality of Service), to guarantee the desired bandwidth to each Set-Back-Box. This typically involves using VLANs (Virtual LANs) to keep Set-Back-Box and guest device traffic separate. · To further protect the private network the Set-Back-Boxes (and Mini-headed for an IP only solution) from being used by the general public, the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses of the devices may be registered with the property's router and other devices should be denied by their MAC addresses from accessing the Set-Back-Box private network. · All communications are outgoing on port 22, 80, 123, 443, or 8443, plus 53 if DNS is outside of firewall. These ports shall be open to any IP traffic from the Set-Back-Boxes (and Miniheaded for an IP only solution). Additional Configuration for WLAN: · If the Set-Back-Box is not connected to the Internet via wired Ethernet (preferred), it shall be connected wirelessly via Wi-Fi. · It is recommend (but not mandatory) there be a dedicated Wi-Fi SSID (Service Set Identifier) only for the Set-BackBoxes. · The password for the SSID cannot change frequently. · It is recommend (but not mandatory) the SSID be hidden after Set-Back-Box installation to avoid discovery and potential tampering with settings. · The SSID for Set-Back-Box can be 2.4GHz or 5GHz. 18 Network Configuration IPTV Mini-headend The diagram below illustrates the basic network requirements of the vuStreamer Mini-Headend for an IP only solution. Before the vuStreamer can be installed the following shall need to be configured by a property's network vendor or IT department: · vuStreamer requires two Gigabit Ethernet ports connected into the same IP subnet. Ethernet connectivity is best established within the core of the network to better allow the multi-cast traffic to be distributed. · Layer 3 devices require routing to be enabled. The vuStreamer statically streams out all the multicast groups to the L3 interface of the L3 device. Therefore, the L3 device must have the multicast routing functionality enabled, otherwise all multicast streams are blocked by the L3 device. · L3 device shall have the IGMPv2 protocol enabled from the client side. If L2 switches do not support IGMPv2, when one client (i.e. Set-Back-Box) requests any multicast stream all other clients connected to the switch start receiving the stream as well. If say 20 clients request different streams, then all 20 streams are reaching all the clients Ethernet inputs, overloading them with data. · L2 switches between the L3 device and the client Set-Back-Boxes shall have IGMP snooping enabled. This is so they can pass the IGMP join/leave requests to the L3 device and properly direct the multicast traffic, which prevents flooding the network with traffic. · If another L3 device is connected into the network (option illustrated in diagram above), L3 devices shall communicate with each other using the multicast routing feature. 19 Cyber Security · Adding BiQ won't weaken the network security at a commercial premise. · All credentials are stored using strong encryption, where administrative access requires multi-factor authentication. · The Set Back Boxes and Mini-headed are configured from an external management server via an authenticated encrypted connection. · Commercial premises are not required to open any inbound network ports. · The devices establish outgoing connections on standard network ports to the BiQ server and to all content related sources. · The BiQ platform has been approved for use by the major Hollywood Studios and uses current best practices for content protection measures. · The Set Back Boxes are physically designed to be highly tamper resistant. · The BiQ system has been penetration tested by a highly regarded and independent penetration testing company. 20 Optical Fibre Networks · When integrating Foxtel's linear satellite channels and free-to-air channels into a single mode optical fibre network, the components used must be capable of transmitting signals in the range of 5-2400MHz. · Carrier networks that use RF (Radio Frequency) overlay for combining television services typically use the wavelength of 1,550nm for distribution through the network. · Optical receivers should be capable of catering for a high channel load of 32 x 36MHz satellite carriers and a minimum of 12 x 7MHz RF free-to-air carriers. 21 Business iQ Property Management System Foxtel Business iQ Technical Guide 22 Property Management System Support PMS (Property Management System) connectivity offers support for Guest Services, including: · On-screen personalised guest name · Express checkout · Billing folio viewing · Guest surveys The following proprietary PMS platforms are certified as compatible with Business iQ: · Oracle-MICROS Fidelio Opera (min. V5.0.04.02 e19) /FIAS (min. V2.20.9) / IFC8 (min. V10.0.1) · McComp ProHOTT (Express Check-out and Room Charges not supported) · Megasys / RDP LodgeNet · Marriott FSPMS / Fosse · Comtrol Lodging Link UHLL Other PMS platforms may be certified through integration with the HTNG Open Standard API. Note: The HTNG (SOAP) API does not support Express Check-out. If Express Checkout is required, a proprietary extension is available to the HTNG API for this purpose. 23 Lodging Link® by Comtrol · The Lodging Link by Comtrol (a universal PMS interface) is also certified as compatible with Business iQ. · Without further integration Lodging Link can provide connectivity with Foxtel's Cloud server for the following Property Management Systems: 1. Agilysys rGuest Stay 2. Agilysys VisualOne 3. AutoClerk MyHMS 4. BookingCenter MyPMS 5. Cenium A/S PMS 6. CIMSO INNkeeper 7. Club Intrawest RCC 8. Consolidated Resorts PMS Cornerstone 9. Enablez ResortSuite 10. Execu/Tech Systems HOTEL Premium 11. Guestline RezLynx 12. HSS FrontClerk 2000 13. Hyatt Vacation Club 14. ICSS ATRIUM 15. iHotelligence Hotel Management Software 16. INNfinity 17. innRoad 18. IQWARE 19. LogiSoft PHMS 20. MAiS Fidelity 21. Multi-Systems, Inc. CloudPM 22. N orthWind Maestro PMS 23. Novexsys 24. ONETECH 25. PAR Springer-Miller ATRIO 26. RezStream RezStream Professional RMS 27. RSI International RoomKey 28. Sabre Hospitality Solutions SynXis Property Manager 29. Skyware Systems Skyware PMX 30. Systems Products International SPI Win 31. Wyndham Vacation Ownership Focus 24 Property Management System Configuration 1. An arrangement is made between Foxtel, the property and the PMS vendor to allow Foxtel access to PMS data for the specific property. 2. Credentials for premises-specific access to the PMS shall be provided to Foxtel to establish a persistent network connection to the PMS (e.g. http:// username:password@example.com:port_number). 3. For a PMS located in the Cloud, connection to Foxtel's Cloud server shall be over IP. 4. For a PMS installed on premises a secure IP connection shall be established via a private network. 5. If the on-premises PMS is accessible via a serial port (RS232) and not IP (Ethernet), a comm-bridge may be installed to convert serial communications to IP (e.g. Chiyu model BF-430). 25 Secure Connection to Property Management System · Typically a premises' PMS is within a private network behind a firewall. · The premises may supply a mini PC (e.g. Qotom model Q180S) placed inside the private network. · The mini PC is not required to have a static IP address. · CentOS Linux and Foxtel supplied custom scripts shall be installed onto the mini PC in order to create an SSH proxy device. · The mini PC shall communicate to the Foxtel AWS server and setup an SSH proxy, which will then allow the Foxtel AWS server to communicate to the PMS via an SSH tunnel. · An advantage of this solution is support for both Ethernet and RS-232 connected PMSs (without the need for additional comm-bridge equipment for the latter). · A Virtual Machine (VM) may be used in place of a mini PC. 26 Architecture Foxtel Business iQ Technical Guide 27 Standard Architecture Foxtel channels are broadcast to the property over satellite and distributed within the property over coaxial cable to the Set-Back-Box. Free-to-air channels are broadcast terrestrially to the property and distributed within the property over coaxial cable to the Set-Back-Box. In-house channels (optional) may be broadcast to the Set-Back-Box over the property's local area network (LAN or WLAN) and/or coaxial cable. Foxtel Video On Demand content is delivered to the property over the public Internet (WAN) and distributed within the property to the Set-Back-Box over the local area network (LAN or WLAN). Cast content shall be delivered to the property over the public Internet (WAN) and distributed within the property to the Set-Back-Box over the local area network (LAN or WLAN). Metadata is delivered to the property over the public Internet (WAN) and distribute within the property to the Set-Back-Box over the local area network (LAN or WLAN). EXTERNAL Amazon Web services WAN Public Internet Satellite Channels PROPERTY Coaxial (IF/RF) & Ethernet (IP) infrastructure EzVu Portal FRONT DESK PMS Server optional Web PMS optional LAN INTRANET Firewall Router Lodge Link or Comm Bridge optional HTTPS VPN ETHERNET IP HTTPS In-house channels Free-to-air Coaxial RF WiFi SBBS in all rooms Property Downlink Multi-stacker Coaxial IF 28 IP Only Architecture Foxtel channels are broadcast to the property over satellite and distributed within the property over coaxial cable to the Mini-headed. Free-to-air channels are broadcast terrestrially to the property and distributed within the property over coaxial cable to the Mini-headed. The Mini-headend streams the linear TV channels over the local area network (LAN) to the Set-Back-Box within the property. In-house channels may be broadcast to the Set-Back-Box over the property's local area network (LAN). Foxtel Video On Demand content is delivered to the property over the public Internet (WAN) and distributed within the property to the Set-Back-Box over the local area network (LAN). Cast content shall be delivered to the property over the public Internet (WAN) and distributed within the property to the Set-Back-Box over the local area network (LAN). Metadata is delivered to the property over the public Internet (WAN) and distribute within the property to the Set-Back-Box over the local area network (LAN). EXTERNAL Amazon Web services WAN Public Internet Satellite Channels PROPERTY Ethernet (IP) only Infrastructure EzVu Portal FRONT DESK PMS Server optional Web PMS optional LAN INTRANET Firewall Router Ethernet IP Lodge Link or Comm Bridge optional HTTPS VPN ETHERNET IP In-house channels Free-to-air Coaxial IF Property Multi-stacker Mini Downlink headend Coaxial RF HTTPS SBBS in all rooms 29 Business iQ Glossary Foxtel Business iQ Technical Guide 30 TERM 1080p 4K 576p 720p ABR DEFINITION 1920 x 1080 (16:9) resolution Full HD video 3840×2160 (16:9) resolution Ultra HD video 1024 x 576 (16:9) resolution SD video 1280 x 720 (16:9) resolution HD video Adaptive Bitrate AWS Amazon Web Services CAT 5 / CAT 5e / CAT 6 DHCP DTT Categories of cable for computer networks Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Digital Terrestrial Television EPG Electronic Programme Guide EzVu Front desk Web portal HD High Definition HDMI HTNG HTTPS IEEE 802.11ac IF High-Definition Multimedia Interface Hospitality Technology Next Generation Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers wireless networking standard Intermediate Frequency IGMP IP Internet Group Management Protocol Internet Protocol LAN Local Area Network LCN Logical Channel Number MAC Media Access Control MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group MPEG-DASH MPEG's Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP video delivery technology standard TERM MPTS NBN DEFINITION Multi Programme Transport Stream National Broadband Network NIT Network Information Table OTT Over-The-Top PC Personal Computer PMS Property Management System QoS Quality of Service RF Radio Frequency RG6 Tri / RG11 Quad SBB Types of coaxial cable for RF/IF networks Set-Back-Box SD Standard Definition SDT Service Delivery Table SPTS SSH Single Programme Transport Stream Secure Shell SSID Service Set Identifier UDP User Datagram Protocol Ultra HD VESA VLAN VM 3840×2160 (16:9) resolution 4K video Video Electronics Standards Association Virtual Local Area Network Virtual Machine VOD Video On Demand VPN Virtual Private Network WA Wide Area Network (Internet) WLAN COFDM DVB-T DVB-T2 Wireless Local Area Network Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Digital Video Broadcasting -- Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcasting -- Second Generation Terrestrial 31