Extron electronic 68-1998-01 REV. C manual

68-1998-01 Rev. C 04 13 VN-Matrix ® Recorder VNM Recorder User Guide Streaming A/V Products[...]

ii Safety Instructions • English W ARNING: This symbol, D , when used on the product, is intended to alert the user of the presence of uninsulated danger ous voltage within the product’ s enclosure that may pr esent a risk of electric shock. A TTENTION: This symbol, I , when used on the product, is intended to alert the user of important operat[...]

iii FCC Class A Notice 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. The ClassA limits provide r easonable protection against harmful interfer ence when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate [...]

iv Conventions Used in this Guide In this user guide, the following are used: WARNING : A warning war ns of things or actions that might cause injury , death, or other severe consequences. CAUTION : A caution warns of things or actions that might damage the equipment. NOTE: A note draws attention to important information. TIP: A tip provides a sugg[...]

Contents Introduction ............................................ 1 About this Guide .............................................. 1 About the VNM Recorder ................................ 1 Overview of Recorded Str eams ................... 2 Overview of Stream Playback ...................... 2 About RAID5 Storage ................................[...]

Recording and Playing Str eams ........... 48 Initial Setup and Configuration ....................... 48 Setting up a VN‑Matrix Codec as a Decoder ............................................ 48 Setting up a VN‑Matrix Codec as an Encoder .......................................... 49 Switching a Codec between Encoder and Decoder ...............[...]

Intr oduction This section provides an overview of the user guide and describes the Extr on VN‑Matrix (VNM) Recorder and its featur es. T opics that are cover ed include: z About this Guide z About the VNM Recorder z T ransport Protocols Used for Str eaming z Definitions z Features About this Guide This guide contains installation, configuratio[...]

Figure 1 shows a typical VNM Recor der application, which includes a single VN‑Matrix codec. The application shown in figure 1 can operate in r ecording mode or playback mode. Network VN-M AT RIX 300 SERIES SERIAL DIGITAL VIDEO OVER IP LAN-1 LAN-2 ST AT US ALARM TEST Control PC TCP/RTP TCP/RTP Source VN-Matrix Codec VNM Recorder T arget Display [...]

About RAID5 Storage RAID storage is a system which allows hard drives to be linked together to form a single large capacity storage device that offers superior performance, storage capacity , and reliability over other storage solutions. The VNM Recorder uses RAID5 storage. RAID5 storage pr ovides the following advantages. z Increased storage perfo[...]

Multicast RTP — An Overview Multicast RTP allows a source to be displayed on multiple displays. This method uses a real‑time variation of UDP (User Datagram Pr otocol) called RTP (Real‑time T ransport Protocol). SOURCE DISPLA YS RT P RT P RT P RT P RT P RT P Encoder sends data using RT P to a multicast group. Multiple decoders can be part of [...]

Unicast RTP — An Overview Similar to multicast RTP , this method uses a real‑time variation of UDP pr otocol, called unicast RTP . This method can be used where the network infrastructur e does not support multicast traffic. T ypically , this protocol is used for point‑to‑point configuration (single source to single display), but can be c[...]

Unicast TCP — An Overview This method transports data using standard TCP (T ransport Control Pr otocol) and should only be used for single point‑to‑point transfer of data. TCP is a connection‑based protocol and, ther efore, data is guaranteed to be deliver ed. However , in the event of excessive network traffic, delivery may be delayed whi[...]

Denitions PURE3 — PURE3 is specifically designed for network transmission of real time media (such as video or graphics, audio, data, and whiteboard elements). It featur es both spatial and temporal image compression, which allows for ef ficient bandwidth usage. z PURE3 streams always contain video or graphic elements. z PURE3 streams may co[...]

Panels and Cabling This section provides information on: z Installation Overview z Front Panel Featur es z Rear Panel Features Installation Overview 1. T urn off and disconnect the VNM Recorder and all existing devices. 2. Mount the r ecorder , if necessary , as described in the Mounting section on page 72. 3. Connect any necessary devices to the r[...]

b Power button — This is the main power button, which is used to apply or turn off the main power . When the main power is turned off, standby power is actively supplied to the recor der . CAUTION: If the recor der requir es service, disconnect the power supply from the recor der before pr oceeding. c Reset button — Use this button to reboot th[...]

f CD/DVD drive — Insert any compatible CD or DVD into this drive. This drive is used for system updates or software installation. g 3.5 inch floppy drive — This drive accepts 3.5 inch floppy disks. Rear Panel Featur es NOTE: Some features listed in this user guide may not be available on all units. This will not affect the overall functionali[...]

k Center/Subwoofer connector (not requir ed; orange) — Connect a compatible center speaker or subwoofer to this port. l Line in connector (not requir ed; blue) — Connect a compatible line in device to this 3.5 mm port. Use this port to play external audio through the sound card of the recor der . m Rear speaker connector (not requir ed; black) [...]

Recor der Conguration and Har dwar e Setup This section provides information on how to configur e the VNM Recorder so that it will work within a VN‑Matrix system. After completing this chapter , see the " About the W eb-based User Interface " section on page 23 for information about contr olling the VNM Recorder using a contr ol PC.[...]

VNM Recor der Power Up Procedur e Use the following procedur e to power up the VNM Recorder . NOTE: Before turning on the VNM Recorder , ensure that all necessary devices ar e powered on and connected pr operly . 1. Pr ess the power button on the front of the unit to initialize the bootup sequence. 2. After bootup is complete, the following login s[...]

Login Information NOTES: • A mouse, keyboar d, and monitor must be connected to the VNM Recorder to log in to the unit itself. • Login information is case sensitive. • It is only necessary to log in to the VNM Recor der when it requir es configuration. The VNM Recorder does not r equire login information for normal operation. Log in to the V[...]

VNM Recor der Power Down Procedur e Use the following methods to safely power down the VNM Recorder . Using the Front Panel If the VNM Recorder is not logged into: 1. Pr ess and release the front panel power button. 2. The r ecorder takes approximately 20 to 30 seconds to power ‑down. If the VNM Recorder is logged into: 1. Pr ess and hold the pow[...]

Using the Keyboard and Mouse From the login scr een: 1. Click on either Shut Down or Restart as r equired. 2. The r ecorder opens a prompt asking for confirmation of the selected r equest. 3. The r ecorder takes approximately 20 to 30 seconds to complete the r equest. From the Linux desktop: 1. Fr om the menu bar on the desktop, select System >[...]

Conguring the VNM Recor der NOTE: Initial configuration of the VNM Recorder r equires a mouse, keyboar d, and monitor . When configuration is complete, it is not necessary to keep these devices attached to the recor der . The recorder can be completely contr olled using the web‑ based user interface. Default Network Settings The VNM Recorder[...]

4. Select the eth0 (upper Ethernet connector; primary network) device line to highlight it. If there is a network cable pr esent and it is connected to a switch, the status should read Active . 5. Click Deactivate . The status of the eth0 device should now r ead Inactive . 6. Double‑click on the eth0 device. The Ethernet Device window appears (se[...]

9. If changes wer e made, a dialog box appears asking to confirm the changes. Click Yes to confirm and save the changes (see figure 13). Figure 13. Confirm Settings Window 10. The following dialog box appears (see figure 14). Click OK to continue. Figure 14. Settings Saved Window 11. A loading dialog box appears and the necessary changes are m[...]

Stage 2 — Setting the controller IP addr ess 1. If necessary , enter the administrator username and password at the login screen. See the Login Information section on page 14 for username and password information. 2. Fr om the desktop, double‑click on Computer > Filesystem > home > matrix_rec (see figure 15). 3. Double‑click on the [...]

7. Near the bottom of this file ar e two values named st_controlIp and st_localIp0 with an IP address listed under each (see figur e 16). Edit these values as follows. z If the VNM Recorder is the contr oller device, edit both values to match the IP address (eth 0 ) of the r ecorder . z If the VNM Recorder is not the contr oller device, change th[...]

Stage 3 — Restart the VNM Recorder Restart the VNM Recorder . See the VNM Recorder Power Down Pr ocedure section on page 15 for more information. Conguring the VN-Matrix Encoders and Decoders For the VNM Recorder to function pr operly , update each VN‑Matrix device to point to the new IP address of the contr oller device. For information on [...]

About the W eb-based User Interface NOTE: It is important that all devices within the VN‑Matrix network contain the same version of firmware to avoid communication and compatibility issues. Check that each device contains the same version of firmware by using the Device List page (see page 26) of the web‑based user interface. T o update the V[...]

Accessing the W eb-based User Interface NOTE: The user interface shown in this guide is available when using VN‑Matrix 200, 225, 300, or 325 devices or a VNM Recorder . This interface is best used when configuring small systems. For larger systems, using a VNM Enterprise Controller interface is recommended. See the VNM Enterprise Controller User[...]

3. Click Log In or pr ess <Enter> on the keyboard. The Device List page appears (see figure 18). Figure 18. Device List Page For more information on how to contr ol and navigate the user interface, see the W eb-based User Interface Contr ol Options section below and the Advanced Configuration section on page 38. NOTES: • The system can be[...]

Device List Page The Device List page lists all of the VN‑Matrix devices detected on the network. This is also the first page that is seen after logging in (see figure 19). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Figure 19. Device List Page NOTE: If devices are added after the page has been displayed, they may not automatically appear on this list. Refreshing the page o[...]

b Mode Icons — The current configuration status of each device is identified by an icon. ? An undefined device. A device configured as an encoder (sour ce). A device configured as a decoder (display). A VNM Recorder . c Alarm Status Icons — The alarm status of a device is indicated by a colored icon. For more information on alarm statuses,[...]

Recorder Device Page This page is accessed by selecting the VNM Recorder device on the Device List page (see page 26). 1 2 3 4 Figure 20. Recor der Device Page The Recorder Device page shows the basic status for a VNM Recor der device. The device information is presented in four panels. NOTE: This guide refer ences the Device page for the VNM Recor[...]

b Device Setup panel — This panel controls various global actions for the device. z Device T ype — This field will always display storage as the device type for the VNM Recorder and cannot be changed. NOTE: When this field displays none , source , or display , it means that the device is a codec, encoder , or decoder . z Mode — A device can[...]

Recorder Page This page is accessed by selecting the VNM Recorder device on the Device List page (see page 26) and then clicking the Recorder icon located on the Configuration panel of the Recorder Device page (see page 28). 1 2 4 5 3 Figure 21. Recor der Page The Recorder page contr ols the recor ding functionality of the VNM Recorder . The recor[...]

e channel — There ar e five channels that can be used for r ecording. Each r ecorder channel contains the following parameters. NOTE: Channel 1 must always be used when recor ding. When using multiple recor ding channels, use them in consecutive order and do not skip channels. For example, assign three r ecordings to channels 1, 2, and 3. DO NOT[...]

Navigate Page This page is accessed by selecting the VNM Recorder device on the Device List page (see page 26), clicking the Recorder icon located on the Configuration panel of the Recorder Device page (see page 28), and clicking on the Navigate tab. 3 7 4 5 6 1 2 Figure 22. Navigate Page CAUTION: It is possible to access directories that contain [...]

d Update Path — Use this field to set the recor ding storage location. NOTE: The default storage path of the VNM Recorder is set to /home/matrix_rec/Recording_Files . This is the recommended path wher e all recor dings should be stored. 1. Use the Content Dir ectory to navigate to the appropriate location. The Update Path field automatically up[...]

f Make Directory — Use this field to add a new dir ectory . NOTE: It is recommended that a new dir ectory is created for each r ecording so that they are easier to identify and r etrieve for playback. 1. Use the Content Dir ectory to navigate to the appropriate location. 2. Enter the name of the new dir ectory into the Make Directory field. 3. [...]

Player Page This page is accessed by selecting the VNM Recorder device on the Device List page (see page 26) and then selecting the Player icon located on the Configuration panel of the Recorder Device page (see page 28). 3 4 5 1 2 Figure 23. Player Page The Player page is used to play back recor ded media files that are stor ed on the VNM Record[...]

Selecting a recor ding for replay The initial selection of a recor ded stream is made by clicking on the appr opriate filename shown in the Listing Directory (also known as the Content Dir ectory; see e in figur e 23 and the About the Content Directory section on page 43 for mor e information). This loads all of the content that contains the same[...]

d channel — There ar e five channels that can be used for playback. Each playback channel contains the following parameters. z prefix — Displays the name of the selected file. Only the first 11 characters of the filename are displayed. z sid — Displays the identification number of the filename. z date — Displays the date when the fil[...]

Advanced Conguration This section provides information on the web‑based interface pages used for advanced configuration of the VNM Recorder . The advanced configuration pages associated with the VNM Recorder ar e listed below . z Config Page z Accounts Page Cong Page This page is accessed by selecting the VNM Recorder device on the Devic[...]

a name — The channel name can be modified by editing this field and clicking Update . This name is visible during source selection on a decoder (display) as well as during file selection on a recor der . The name should be comprised of letters, numbers and the underscore character . Spaces can be used, but should be avoided if possible. b Play[...]

e FEC (Forward Err or Corr ection) panel — Currently not supported. NOTES: • The FEC panel is available on the audio configuration pages only . • FEC is intended to be used for corr ecting network packet loss when using VN‑Matrix 300 or 325 devices. This feature is curr ently not supported. f Streams panel — This panel contains the follo[...]

Accounts Page Access this page by selecting the Accounts tab on the Device List page (see page 26). 1 2 3 4 Figure 25. Accounts Page The Accounts page is primarily used to change the password that is used for logging into the designated controller device of the VN‑Matrix system. This page is also used to manage the license that is assigned to the[...]

c Clock Management The Current Time field displays the date and time the user interface page was served. Use the New Time field to update the date and time. Use the following guidelines and refer to figur e 25 on the previous page when updating the date and time. z The entry should be input in an identical format shown in the Current Time field[...]

About the Content Dir ectory This section discusses how to use the Content Directory for organizing and locating files. The following sections give an overview of how it is used and details some of the functionality of the Content Directory . This section provides information on: z Overview z Content Directory Basics z Setting a Stream Storage Loc[...]

Figure 26. Navigate Page — Content Dir ectory Figure 26 shows the Navigate page with a list of r ecorded files and contains the following settings: z The Group Recordings check box is selected (by default). z The default storage path is initially set to /home/matrix_rec/Recording_Files . This is the path where all r ecordings should be stor ed. [...]

Switching between directories may take some time and the folder icon changes to a loading icon while waiting. After the directory has loaded, the Update Path field is updated with the current location. If the dir ectory is not made available after ten seconds, an alert icon is displayed (see the icons below). Folder Icon Loading Icon Alert Icon NO[...]

Understanding Saved Recor dings With Multiple Elements Figure 27. Navigate Page — Multiple Element Recor ding When a recor ding contains multiple elements (such as video, audio, data, and whiteboard), the stream is saved as multiple dir ectories containing multiple files. Figure 27 shows an example of a str eam that has been saved using multi‑[...]

File Naming T able Channel Number Filename Section Description 1 CH1_M_UXGA_Audio_M This is the text that was entered by the user in the filename column on the Recorder page (see page 30). 620032.0.0_r0_s0 This is entered automatically by the VNM Recorder softwar e. z 620032 = The serial number of the encoder unit z 0.0_r0_s0 = This stream contains[...]

Recor ding and Playing Str eams NOTE: It is recommended that all devices within the VN‑Matrix network contain the same version of firmware to avoid communication and compatibility issues. Check that each device contains the same version of firmware by using the Device page of the web‑based user interface. T o update the VNM Recorder firmwar [...]

4. In the Source dr op‑down menu, choose the appropriate source. This can be a playback channel source str eaming from the VNM Recor der device or a source streaming fr om a VN‑Matrix encoder . NOTE: The playback channels are identified by the r ecorder device name using the names video-player0 to video-player4 . For a single channel recor d o[...]

Switching a Codec between Encoder and Decoder 1. Fr om the Device List page (see page 26), click on a VN‑Matrix codec device. The Device page appears. 2. Click change device type . NOTE: All connections (streams) must be r emoved from the codec befor e it can be assigned as an encoder or a decoder . 3. Click create source to load the encoder con?[...]

4. Using the source dr op‑down menus, choose the VN‑Matrix encoder devices that will be recor ded from. NOTE: Channel 1 must always be used when recor ding. For a single channel recor d/playback system, use channel 1 only . 5. Enter a filename for the str eam and an optional description . 6. T o record an associated audio str eam, check the aud[...]

Playing a Recor ded Stream All elements of a recor ding are loaded when a r ecorded file is selected for replay at a later time and cannot be separated from the r ecording. The video element is always r eplayed. The optional elements may be enabled or disabled for replay , provided they ar e present in the original recor ding. Playback Preparation[...]

Initialize Playback z From the Player page (see page 35) , play a media str eam by clicking Play . Pause Playback z T o pause a stream, click Pause . z T o resume playback, click Play . Playback will continue fr om the point where it was paused. Stop Playback z T o stop a stream, click Stop . NOTE: Clicking Play following a Stop operation will init[...]

Using Bookmarks Bookmarks are used to set and quickly r etrieve refer ence points within a stream. When a bookmark is created, it is stor ed in the Content Directory . Bookmarks are cr eated by pressing the Bookmark button while r ecording a str eam using the Recorder page (see page 30) or while playing back a previously r ecorded str eam using the[...]

About Alarms NOTE: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is not compatible with the VNM Recorder and not cover ed in this user guide. For information on using SNMP , see the VN-Matrix 200 Series User Guide , VN-Matrix 225 Series User Guide , VN- Matrix 300 User Guide , and the VN-Matrix 325 User Guide . This section provides information on: z O[...]

Alarms Page This page is accessed by selecting the Alarms tab on the Device List page (see page 26) . Figure 28. Alarms Page The Alarms page enables a user to define and monitor system alarms. Filter Settings Figure 29. Filter Settings Panel The Filter Settings panel allows the default settings for each alarm type to be modified. z Alarm T ype ?[...]

Alarm T ype This drop‑down menu lists the available alarm err or conditions for all units. Alarm error conditions are divided into two categories: z Alarm errors that occur on an encoder z Alarm errors that occur on a decoder In addition, there is one alarm err or that only occurs on the device that is configured as the system controller . See t[...]

Alarm List The alarm list provides information on all alarm events that ar e currently active. The alarm list is refr eshed each time the Alarms tab is selected and is located at the bottom of the Alarms page. Alarm events that are listed may be sorted by T ype , Raise Time , and Severity . T o change the order of the alarm list, left‑click the d[...]

Alarm Logs Page This page is accessed by selecting the Alarms tab on the Device List page (see page 26) and then selecting the Alarm Logs tab. Figure 31. Alarm Logs Page The Alarm Logs page provides data on when an alarm condition was raised and clear ed. The log holds a historical recor d of the last 200 alarm events. When more than 200 events occ[...]

Alarm Refer ence T ables Alarm T ype Description — Encoder Alarm T ype Description Action Default Settings No source No source pr esent at the input. Check input connections; is there an output on the loop through connector? Critical, reporting Bad source syncs Source is present, but unrecognized due to bad sync measurement. Critical, reporting N[...]

Alarm T ype Description — Decoder Alarm T ype Description Action Default Settings No decoder video data Indicates that there is a valid connection, no video data present. Usually accompanied by "no source data str eam" message in the web interface. W arning, reporting No decoder mode No matching decoder mode for the incoming stream. W a[...]

Refer ence Information Included Parts Description Part Number VNM Recorder 60‑1121‑01 (4) feet (not attached) (2) rail kits with mounting brackets Setup Guide — VNM Recorder VNM Recorder • Refer ence Information 62[...]

Firmwar e Updates NOTE: The Update page on the web‑based user interface is unable to update the firmware of the VNM Recor der directly . Use the procedur e detailed in this section to update the firmware. This section provides information on: z Preparing the Firmwar e z Gathering Firmware Installation Information z Installing the Firmware Pr ep[...]

9. Fr om the matrix_rec window , right‑click on the firmware package file and select the Extract Here option. NOTE: The firmware files ar e extracted to a subdirectory that is automatically named according to the package file, e.g. VNRecorder_ver x.xx.x (wher e x repr esents the version number). The directory path can be changed by r enaming[...]

Figure 32 shows example config.xml and admin.xml files. The text in bold and underlined repr esents important information that will be needed during firmware installation. Figure 32. Config.xml and Admin.xml T ext Files Installing the Firmwar e Use the following procedur e to install the firmware onto the VNM Recor der . 1. Fr om the menu bar o[...]

5. Run the installation pr ogram by typing in the following command and pressing the <Enter> key . ./vnrecorder_install 6. A series of pr ompts will start to request configuration information. Use the config.xml and the admin.xml files (see the Gathering Firmware Installation Information section on page 64) while using the Firmware Installa[...]

7. The firmwar e installation is complete when the command prompt is displayed in the terminal window . Manually close the terminal window . NOTE: The recor ding application is a service, which means that no application window will open after the installation has completed. 8. T o finalize the firmware installation, reboot the VNM Recor der by p[...]

Br owser Conguration This section provides information on configuring the following web br owsers: z Microsoft ® Internet Explorer ® (version 7 or above) z Mozilla ® Firefox ® (version 1.3 or above) Micr osoft Internet Explorer (version 7 or above) 1. Open Internet Explorer and select Tools > Internet Options . The Internet Options windo[...]

TIP: If a high security level is requir ed, click on the Edit button and allow the VN‑Matrix web interface to use cookies (see figure 34). Figure 34. Per Site Internet Options 3. T o enable JavaScript, select the Security tab (see figure 35). Figure 35. Security Options 4. Click the Custom Level button. The Security Settings window appears. VNM[...]

5. Scr oll down to the Scripting setting and under Active scripting , select Enable (see figure 36). Figure 36. Custom Level Security Options 6. Click OK on both dialogs to close and save the new settings. VNM Recorder • Br owser Conguration 70[...]

Mozilla Fir efox (version 1.3 or above) 1. Open Mozilla Fir efox and select Edit > Preferences . The Preferences window appears. 2. T o enable cookies, go to the Privacy & Security category and choose Cookies (see figure 37). Figure 37. Cookie Pr eferences 3. Ensur e that either the Enable all cookies or Enable cookies for the originating w[...]

Mounting This section outlines the various mounting options available for the VNM Recorder . z T ower Installation z Rack Installation T ower Installation Attach the appropriate feet to the unit and place it in a well ventilated ar ea. The tower can be placed on its side (horizontally) on a hard surface with the cover latch facing up or placed stan[...]

Rack Mounting The supplied rack mount kit includes two rack rail assemblies. Each of these assemblies consist of three sections: an inner fixed rail that secur es to the recor der frame, an outer rack rail that secures dir ectly to the rack itself, and two rail brackets that also attach to the rack (see figure 39). Inner rail Outer rail Rail brac[...]

T op Cover Feet (4) Figure 40. Pr eparing to Install the Rails 4. Attach the rack handles to the inner rails. 5. Align each inner rail (with the rack handle attached) to the scr ew holes located on the left and right side of the recor der . Secure the rails to the sides of the recor der frame (see figure 41). NOTE: The two inner rail assemblies ar[...]

8. Secur e the outer rails to the rail brackets. NOTE: The two outer rails are left and right specific. 9. Line up the inner rails on the r ecorder with the outer rails on the rack. Gently slide the recor der into the outer rails of the rack (see figure 42 ). Depr ess the locking tabs, if necessary , when sliding the recor der into the outer rail[...]

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