automated hybrid encoder for osx - streambox inc€¦ · be aware that many cameras may need to be...

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

USER GUIDE

REV 1.07

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................. 3

1 OVERVIEW .............................................................. 1

Streambox ACT-L3 Codec ........................................... 1

Streambox Low-Delay Multiple-Path Transport .............. 1

Streambox One-Button-Streaming Smart Presets .......... 2

2 INSTALLATION ........................................................ 2

2.1 OBTAINING THE STREAMBOX ACT-L3 SOFTWARE ................. 2

2.2 INSTALLING THE STREAMBOX AUTOMATED HYBRID ENCODER .... 3

3 SETUP ...................................................................... 7

3.1 CAMERA CONNECTION ................................................. 7

3.2 NETWORK CONNECTIONS .............................................. 8

TCP/IP Connection ..................................................... 8

BGAN ...................................................................... 8

Establishing a single BGAN Connection ......................... 9

WLAN – Cellular Data – WiMax/LTE/HSPA+ .................. 9

4 SENDING A VIDEO STREAM ................................... 10

4.1 USER INTERFACE...................................................... 11

4.2 SMART PRESETS ...................................................... 12

4.3 ADVANCED ENCODER INTERFACE PANEL ........................... 15

Network Tab ........................................................... 15

Encoder Tab ........................................................... 16

Statistics Tab .......................................................... 16

4.4 ENCODER SETUP ...................................................... 18

Configure the Bitrate “Target Bitrate” ........................ 18

Configure the Encoding Latency “VBR Buffer Size” ....... 18

Set Additional Options ............................................. 19

Optimize Video and Audio Parameters ........................ 19

Presets .................................................................. 19

5 TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................. 20

Troubleshooting IP Systems ..................................... 20

Troubleshooting Video Quality ................................... 20

Troubleshooting Latency .......................................... 21

6 FILE BASED ACQUISITION .................................... 22

5.1 CREATING FILES ...................................................... 22

Capturing Raw ACT-L3 ............................................. 22

CONTACT INFORMATION .......................................... 24

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 1 Overview

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1 OVERVIEW

The Streambox solutions for live and file based

newsgathering provide unrivaled video quality and reliability

for all broadcast and broadband applications. Using

Streambox’s innovative ACT-L3 compression technology,

news organizations worldwide can attain greater agility in

gathering news faster and at a lower cost. Flexibility,

reliability, and ease-of-use are critical in these applications

and with Streambox solutions remote field reporters are able

to set up quickly and transmit higher quality video and audio

over low bandwidth connections, as events unfold.

Streambox ACT-L3 Codec

The ACT-L3 Codec features an advanced proprietary video

compression technology optimized for interlaced display

systems. The ACT-L3 Codec is adaptable to differing data

rate requirements with both constant bit rate and variable

bit rate modes.

The ACT-L3 Transport excels over low bandwidth IP

networks and provides unrivaled broadcast video from

64Kbps up to 8Mbps, all in real-time.

The robust ACT-L3 Video Transport solution features

innovative error correction technologies and bandwidth

shaping technologies, which manage, control, and recover

packet loss and correct video delivery irregularities inherent

in satellite and IP/T1/E1 networks.

Streambox Low-Delay Multiple-Path Transport

The Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder software can

encode both SD and HD video in a single software package,

as well as offer efficient Low-Delay Multiple-Path (LDMP)

network transport to make use of multiple IP network

2 Installation Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

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connections while maintaining the desired low-latency

stream.

LDMP works by having the Encoder constantly measure both

bandwidth and latency all of the network connections

available to it, and proportionally distribute the Video stream

data to each connection based on ability to carry data at the

desired latency.

Streambox One-Button-Streaming Smart Presets

The Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder offers one-

button-streaming through the use of Smart Preset buttons

tailored to typical broadcast needs and network conditions.

This keeps the interface simple for beginning and novice

users, while still providing easy access to the full range of

codec and stream customizations for experienced and expert

users.

2 INSTALLATION

The Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder is available for

Apple OSX only. The Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder

software installation package can be obtained by from the

Streambox Support Portal website at

http://www.streambox.com/support/portal. To obtain and

install the software from the support portal website you will

need the name and serial number of your software license,

as well as the product key to activate the software.

2.1 Obtaining the Streambox ACT-L3 Software

Streambox software is licensed per computer based on the

hardware components installed in the computer, and

activated using the Product Key and a hidden hardware-

based ID sent to the Streambox Activation Server. If the

software is not activated for the computer, it will re-request

activation. If the activation system is tampered-with,

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 2 Installation

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however, the application will close without completing

startup. The Product Key will be mailed to you or your

system administrator at the time of purchase. If you are

transferring the software from an old or broken computer to

a new one, contact Streambox Support; they are able to

reset your Product Key for a new activation, but you must be

covered by a Hardware Warranty or Support Services

Contract.

2.2 Installing the Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder

1. Launch the Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder

installation package by double clicking the setup file.

The installation wizard will open.

2. Click Continue to begin the installation process.


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3. Review the Streambox EULA and click Agree.

Select the Destination folder for the installation of the

software. The default folder is recommended. Click Install

to begin the installation.

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 2 Installation

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4. Enter the login and password for an account with

administrative privileges to continue the installation.

5. When the installation is complete, click Finish.


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6. After the installation is complete the “Encoder.app” will

appear in the Applications folder. Drag the application to

your Dock to create an alias to the Streambox

Automated Hybrid Encoder.

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 3 SETUP

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3 SETUP

3.1 Camera Connection

It is necessary to set up all video sources, such as cameras

and any adapters, as well as all network connections, before

starting the software.

The laptop encoder’s FireWire port can accept Standard

Definition (SD) video via the Digital Video input (DV or

DV25) port in IEEE 1394 format. This input may be a

standard FireWire 4-pin or 6-pin connection, or could be

FireWire 800. Be aware that many cameras may need to be

configured to output raw DV over FireWire; proprietary

digital video protocols are not supported. Only a Standard

Definition video can be sent through FireWire.

The Apple iSight camera is available on MacBook Pro laptop

encoders. This is a built-in webcam that does not require a

physical connection. If no DV camera is connected (or

detected) the Apple laptop encoders will default to the iSight

camera.

To capture High Definition (HD) video, additional 3rd-party

video capture devices are necessary, to use an SDI or HDMI

signal with the Encoder software. Laptops with the

ExpressCard port may use the AJA Io Express, Matrox MXO2

(and MXO2 LE) to connect an HD-SDI or SD-SDI signal to

the Streambox Automated Hybrid Software. If the computer

is equipped with a Thunderbolt connection then additional

devices may be used, such as the BlackMagic UltraStudio 3D

(which allows for HDMI input as well as HD/SD-SDI).

Contact Streambox Support to find out what additional

devices are supported.

3 SETUP Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

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3.2 Network Connections

TCP/IP Connection

Network connections provide the Streambox systems with a

means to send ACT-L3 transport stream from the encoder to

the decoder. All Streambox laptop encoders should come

standard with RJ-45 Ethernet and built-in WiFi connections

for TCP/IP networks. The Streambox laptop encoder also

includes additional interface support for 3rd party IP

connections such as BGAN, cellular data (3G), and

WiMax/LTE/HSPA+ (4G). The Automated Hybrid Encoder’s

LDMP technology can bond up to 24 such connections.

Each Streambox unit needs to be set up on the network. The

Streambox unit will function properly over TCP/IP with an IP

Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway.

NOTE: When LDMP is in use, the Streambox Automated

Hybrid Encoder will use all attached and connected network

interfaces regardless of settings.

NOTE: The Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder software

will produce an error if it cannot detect a network

connection. Connect any network adapters before running

the software.

BGAN

The advanced video compression of the Streambox ACT-L3

codec can be optimized to sustain high quality video at low

bandwidth. When combined with the global reach of BGAN

you are able to transmit live news at 384 Kbps from almost

anywhere in the world. In addition, the Streambox portable

encoder allows two BGAN terminals to be multiplexed

together offering a total of 768 Kbps.

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 3 SETUP

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Establishing a single BGAN Connection

1. Using the Ethernet connection, connect the primary BGAN

terminal.

2. Start the BGAN LaunchPad application.

3. The BGAN LaunchPad will locate and connect to the

primary BGAN terminal.

4. Register with the Inmarsat network and establish a 256Kb

(or faster) streaming connection.

5. Close the LaunchPad application

WLAN – Cellular Data – WiMax/LTE/HSPA+

One important thing to know about wireless data

connections is that they are prone to packet loss. The

Streambox ACT-L3 codec helps to account for this by

integrating forward error correction. On wireless data

connections it may be necessary to add forward error

correction in order to add redundancy to the data stream.

While LDMP is enabled, the addition of multiple WWAN

(cellular 3G and 4G) modems to the USB ports can

potentially increase the available network bandwidth while

keeping latency to an affordable minimum. The two-way

exchange of error-checking information in the stream will

also help minimize, if not eliminate, the need for FEC.

NOTE: Each modem must be individually configured in

OSX’s Network Connections settings page.

4 SENDING A VIDEO STREAM Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

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4 SENDING A VIDEO STREAM

The Streambox Automated Hybrid Encoder has an easy-to-

use interface which requires the press of only one button to

get an automatically optimized video stream to your

decoder. Five different buttons apply to different network

and recording conditions, while a sixth button opens the

advanced control panel for customizing the stream.

Between the two interfaces, any user from beginner to

expert can set up a high-quality video stream as long as

there is an adequate network connection.

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 4 SENDING A VIDEO STREAM

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4.1 User Interface

Upon running the Encoder software, the dominant element

of the software interface is the Preview window. The content

of this window can be configured in the Service menu, at the

bottom. By default, it shows the video input before encoding,

which is useful for framing a camera’s image. It can also

show the video after encoding, which may include a change

in resolution and some delay due to the encoding process.


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4.2 Smart Presets

Below the Preview window is a tray featuring 6 buttons. This

tray can be opened with the Down Arrow on the right side of

the Preview window, and closed with the same arrow or the

up arrow on the tray itself.

These 6 buttons are the Smart Presets. They are best used

with LDMP enabled, so that the automatic optimization

process can happen. Each of the first 5 buttons is

appropriate for different kinds of video-capture conditions or

network conditions.

NOTE: Smart Presets are designed to function well only

when LDMP is enabled in the Network Menu. If LDMP is not

enabled, the Smart Presets do not perform their

optimizations to the full extent.

Low Latency: Used primarily over a wired network

connection. By default, this Smart Preset will attempt

to create the best quality stream possible with 1

second of latency. In this mode, the camera should

be stationary and mounted on a fixed base or tripod.

Talking Head: This preset aims for 2 seconds of

latency and is optimized for a source-video featuring

a mounted or fixed camera and relatively low motion

on screen. In this mode, the camera should be

stationary and mounted on a fixed base or tripod.


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Action: This preset aims for 2 seconds of latency, but

is optimized for a higher amount of motion in the

source video, or for video in which the camera is in

motion or on a moving platform (such as a shoulder).

Reliable: This preset aims to give the best possible

quality using all available bandwidth, but it potentially

could have very high latency as a result. This mode

is greatly preferred when the camera or subject is in

motion.

Satellite: This preset optimizes the network transport

for satellite communication, which naturally has a

higher innate latency than wired or typical wireless

network.

The 6th button, Advanced, is to allow experienced users to

access the side-panel which features more customizable

settings as well as a statistics tab for informative purposes.

After clicking a Smart Preset, a pop-up window will begin the

bandwidth measurement period. This Automatic Bandwidth

Negotiation (ABN) Testing proceeds for up to 45-60 seconds

(by default) unless the Encoder determines that its particular

settings will not achieve the desired connection, based on

minimum bandwidth and maximum latency, before that


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time. The encoder may “fail” its current settings and shift to

a new set and the ABN timer resets.

The Automated Hybrid Encoder is measuring the speed and

latency of each available connection to determine the best

possible amount of each network path that can be used to

achieve both the highest possible bandwidth while still

remaining below the latency goal. Each Smart Preset has its

own bandwidth and latency thresholds that ABN must meet

before accepting a group of settings.

During this period, it’s best not to disturb the process.

However, if one has high confidence that ABN and LDMP

have located the correct settings for your network, click the

Accept button to begin the stream with the active settings.

Clicking the Next button will cause the Encoder to move on

to the next set of LDMP settings to try to find an acceptable

connection. If, after 5 attempts, the available network

cannot sustain the latency requirements of the selected

mode, it will eventually fall back to Reliable mode.

NOTE: If the Latency and Bandwidth both measure 0.0

during this process, it is likely that the Decoder to which

Avenir is pointed is either frozen or down. The zeros indicate

that the Decoder is not responding to complete the

bandwidth measurements. Check the Decoder IP and then

check the Decoder itself.


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4.3 Advanced Encoder Interface Panel

This side-panel contains the controls to customize the

stream and network settings, rather than letting the LDMP

technology choose them for you.

The picture above represents

the encoder application for Mac

OSX. The window on the left

provides a preview of the video

being fed into the encoder. The

bar on the right is split into

three selectable tabs which

allow you to quickly apply

important settings, as well as

monitor ongoing statistics about

the encoding process.

Network Tab

The Network Tab allows you to

set target IPs and ports. You can also set the target bitrate,

VBR latency and add forward error correction (FEC).


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Advanced settings on the Network Tab include MTU or

packet size, TTL and packet stuffing.

Encoder Tab

The Encoder Tab contains

important settings for

controlling the audio and video

characteristics.

This tab also contains optional

video filters that can improve

the video at lower bitrates.

The recommended I-frame rate

for PAL is 250.

Statistics Tab

The Statistics Tab tells you

what the current status of

your encoder. The “Info”

box at the top provides the

basic characteristics of your

stream while the numbers in

the center offer bitrate,

buffer, framerate, and

dropped frames (which can

indicate problems with the

stream or equipment) and

how many frames of latency

the decoder is adding.

Beneath that is a list of Network adapters—this list appears

only when LDMP is enabled. Each adapter is shown along

with its local IP address, RTT (Round-trip time for data in the


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connection), and bitrate being sent through that particular

network adapter.

Finally, the quality statistic gives you an indication of how

successfully the encoder is doing its work. Each frame is

scored for quality, with 0 being perfect, and 300 the worst.

Average scores higher than 80 generally indicate that the

decoder is not able to give quality video with the current

settings.


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4.4 Encoder Setup

The Streambox ACT-L3 Transport allows control of a large

number of parameters in order to achieve the highest level

of video quality for any given application. The configuration

process can be optimized using the step-by-step method

shown below.

Configure the Bitrate “Target Bitrate”

The target bitrate is the most determinate factor in overall

video quality. It is usually the most limiting factor in any

system implementation. With this known, it is best to start

by optimizing the network to give the highest possible

bandwidth available. In most cases this is a fixed factor on

the network being used and is beyond the user’s control.

Streambox ACT-L3 Encoders allow a broad and finite target

bitrate adjustment which allows maximum performance to

be squeezed out of a given network.

Configure the Encoding Latency “VBR Buffer Size”

The second most influential parameter for video quality is

encoding latency or the “VBR Buffer Size.” This setting

determines the amount of time the encoder has to process

the video before it is to be transported to the decoder. This

parameter also determines how long it will take for the video

signal to output from the decoder. Encoding latency affects

the quality of video in high motion scenes because it

determines the amount of processing time that the codec is

allowed for motion estimation.

Encoding latency is normally determined by the application.

For example, newsgathering may require very low latency to

minimize the delay in live interviews, whereas video

backhaul distribution would use a higher setting for

improved quality in high motion scenes.


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Set Additional Options

At this point, set any additional options that need to be used

for the application such as Closed Captioning and Metadata.

Keep in mind that each of these options uses a small portion

of the transport bitrate, which will affect the video quality

slightly with each additional option selected.

Optimize Video and Audio Parameters

Once the bitrate, encoding latency, and additional options

are set it is time to configure the video and audio

parameters to optimize the encoding settings. The

remaining parameters to set are video capture resolution,

video color profile, video frame rate, audio codec, and

number of audio channels.

These parameters must fit within certain specifications for

the ACT-L3 Transport to function properly and to achieve

quality video output. They are largely determined by the

bitrate and encoding latency settings but can vary slightly

based on the desired results.

Presets

Presets allow the user to recall frequently used ACT-L3

Transport configuration settings quickly and easily. Presets

can be helpful for engineers in configuring a unit before field

use, thereby requiring less training for field personnel.

5 Troubleshooting Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

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5 TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting IP Systems

Verify both units have correct IP configuration

Be sure network interfaces have connected and

“Enabled” status. The screenshot below shows “Local

Area Connection 1” with connected and “Enabled”

status and “Local Area Connection 2” shows “Network

cable unplugged”.

Verify units are not blocked by a Firewall

If the decoder is behind a NAT router, verify proper

port forwarding has been configured on the router

(UDP Port 1770)

Test network connection by “pinging” the

gateway/router address or decoder’s IP.

NOTE: The ping reply may not respond if the

decoder is behind a router or firewall which blocks

ICMP ping requests.

Troubleshooting Video Quality

Video quality problems most often occur due to network

packet loss. Since video is being sent in real-time there is

no time for retransmission when packet loss occurs. Packet

loss over the network connection will cause the video to drop

frames or become “blocky.” This is shown as “L=” values on

the decoder. The best approach to resolving this problem is

to repair or improve the network connection.

Work with your network provider or system administrator to

reduce network loss, add or increase the priority of ACT-L3

Transport traffic (UDP Port 1770) and use FEC to circumvent

packet loss. See the FEC section in the ACT-L3 Transport

User Manual.

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 5 Troubleshooting

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Troubleshooting Latency

The Automated Hybrid Encoder is optimized for low latency.

The lowest point-to-point latency for these systems using

optimized settings for low latency transport is approximately

20 frames or 627ms +/-1 frame (33ms). This assumes

>5ms network latency. When determining overall transport

latency of an installed system, network latency must be

added to the overall latency measurement.

Latency is increased by the following things: wireless

networking, satellite networks, large jitter values by the

receiving Decoder, and encoder VBR Latency. Check the

Encoder’s VBR latency setting (in seconds or tenths of a

second) and the Decoder’s Jitter settings (in packets) if the

latency is unacceptably high, and try to use a wired

connection.

6 File Based acquisition Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

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6 FILE BASED ACQUISITION

The Streambox file based acquisition solution provides an

easy and efficient way for field reporters to get high quality

video clips back to the studio. Reporters can capture raw

ACT-L3 files or export QuickTime MOV from non-linear

editors such as Final Cut Pro. In addition, the UDP based

Store and Forward upload client offers enhanced

management of uploads.

5.1 Creating Files

The first step in sending back files is to create the file. There

are two main workflows: capturing a raw ACT-L3 file using

the Streambox encoder software, and editing a file in a NLE

then exporting it. Both methods will be discussed below.

Capturing Raw ACT-L3

Capturing a raw ACT-L3 file is very similar to live streaming.

To capture a file first apply a high quality preset. You are

able to record at a much higher quality than you could use

for live streaming since you don’t have contend with network

issues.

Under the “File” menu select “Record only” to begin

recording.

1. The file will record the video you are playing into your

encoder until you select “Stop recording.”

2. You also have the option of “Record and stream”.

Use this option when you want to save a local copy of

your live stream.

Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX 6 File Based acquisition

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NOTE: The file you create using “Record and stream” will

have the same settings that you use for live streaming and

therefore the quality of the archive may be limited by your

upload speed.

Contact Information Automated Hybrid Encoder for OSX

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CONTACT INFORMATION

+1 206.956.0544 Tel

+1 206.956.0570 Fax

Technical Support

[email protected]

+1 206.956.0544, Option 5

Corporate Headquarters

1848 Westlake Avenue N

Seattle, WA 98109

USA Sales and Information

[email protected]

+1 206.956.0544, Option 3

International Sales and Information

[email protected]

+1 206.956.0544, Option 3

Business Development

[email protected]

+1 206.956.0544, Option 3

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