VBrick
StreamPlayer
StreamPlayer v4.4
User Guide
January 25, 2007
4410-0003-0005
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Contents
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Font Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Printer-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Using StreamPlayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
StreamPlayer Differences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Playing a Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Recording a Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Password Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Disk Storage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Playing Saved Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Playing Batch Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Edit/FTP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Editing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Moving Files via FTP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Setting Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Custom Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
MPEG-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Program Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Windows Media Player Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
View Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Play Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing Capture Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Verifying Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using a Captured Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
iv
Contents
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Preface
This document is written for anyone using or evaluating StreamPlayer. The StreamPlayer
product family lets you view high quality MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and Windows Media
streams (both live and on-demand) right from your desktop. The StreamPlayer software is
available in two versions: StreamPlayer, a view-only component, and StreamPlayer Plus which
also allows recording and editing of MPEG streams.
It is important to note that the StreamPlayer software you have installed opens
different types of media files depending on the version you purchase and the licenses
you have installed. A fully configured StreamPlayer installation can play MPEG-1, MPEG-
2, MPEG-4, and WM (Windows Media) video streams. Also note that although the terms
StreamPlayer and StreamPlayer Plus are generally used interchangeably, StreamPlayer Plus is
actually the fully-featured system that plays and records all VBrick-supported media types.
Organization
Getting Started – provides a quick overview of the StreamPlayer user interface.
Play – explains how to launch a video stream using StreamPlayer.
Record – Explains how to record live video streams. StreamPlayer Plus only.
Play/Edit Saved Files – Explains how to play and edit video streams. StreamPlayer Plus only.
Preferences – explains how to set preferences for standard StreamPlayer functions.
Windows Media Player – explains how to Windows Media Player interacts with StreamPlayer.
Capture Driver – explains how to install and use VBrick's "virtual" capture card software.
Font Conventions
Arial bold is used to describe dialog boxes and menu choices, for example: Start > All
Programs > VBrick
Courier fixed-width font is used for code elements (C++, HTML) as well as
filenames, directories, etc.
Bold Courier fixed-width font is used to indicate user input in keyboard
commands, scripts, etc.
Italics are used to emphasize specific words or phrases.
Printer-Friendly
Click on any of the following links to print a hard copy of the document. For best viewing,
open and resize the document using the magnification box at the bottom of the Acrobat
Reader window.
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T
To save or print a PDF document:
1. Click once to open the PDF document in Acrobat Reader.
2. On the Acrobat Reader toolbar, click Save or Print.
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Preface
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Chapter 1
Getting Started
Using StreamPlayer
Unless specifically noted, StreamPlayer refers to StreamPlayer WM, StreamPlayer,
StreamPlayer with MPEG-2 Playback, and StreamPlayer Plus. If you have Windows XP with
Service Pack 2 installed and are using the Windows Firewall (on by default) you need to
follow this procedure. The first time that you launch StreamPlayer or StreamPlayer Plus you
will see an error message. Click Unblock. The next time you run StreamPlayer Plus you will
not see this message again.
T
To launch StreamPlayer:
1. Go to Start > Programs > VBrick > StreamPlayer Plus.
The StreamPlayer interface is easy to navigate. The following functions are available from the
interface.
Play
Selecting a video in the Program Info and then pressing the Play
button plays the video. Double clicking a video from the list in the
Program Info window also plays the video.
Record
StreamPlayer Plus only. Pressing the Record button will launch the
video window, which allows recording of the currently selected video.
If a valid StreamPlayer Plus license is not installed, you will be
prompted to upgrade to StreamPlayer Plus.
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Archive Pressing the Archived Files button lets you play stored video files. If
StreamPlayer Plus is installed, it also allows users to edit MPEG-1 and
MPEG-2 video files and FTP video files.
Help
Preferences
Launch the online help system. Minimize or close the application.
The Preferences button allows the user to modify the StreamPlayer
default settings.
IP Address
Port
IP address of selected stream.
Port number of selected stream.
StreamPlayer Differences
Table 1. Supported Versions
Version
Plays
License Required
No.
StreamPlayer WM
StreamPlayer
WM, MPEG-1†
WM, MPEG-1, MPEG-4†
WM, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
Yes. Installs automatically.
StreamPlayer with
MPEG-2 Playback
Yes. See Product CD or
download from website.
StreamPlayer Plus
WM, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, plus Yes. See Product CD or
Record, FTP, Edit††, Capture Driver††† download from website.
†
Plays MPEG-2 with an MPEG-2 decoder (e.g. a DVD player) on your computer.
†† Edits MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 streams only.
††† Outputs raw streaming media for third-party applications.
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Chapter 2
Play
Playing a Stream
StreamPlayer buffers a certain amount of data before starting a stream to ensure smooth
playback. Streams with a lower data rate will take slightly longer to start than those with a
higher data rate. StreamPlayer launches Windows Media Player to play MPEG/Windows
Media video streams on the PC. There are several ways to play video through StreamPlayer.
T
To play a stream in StreamPlayer use one of the following methods:
•
Double-click on any Program Title in the StreamPlayer Program Info window to launch
Windows Media Player. After a short delay (usually less than a second) the selected video
will appear.
•
•
Highlight the entry in the Program Info window and press the Play button.
To play an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 unicast stream or a multicast stream that does not
appear on the Program Guide, enter the IP Address of the VBrick and Port number in
StreamPlayer and press Play.
•
•
To play an RTSP stream, enter an RTSP address in the IP Address field and select Play.
To play a Windows Media stream, enter an HTTP or RTSPU URL in the IP Address field
and select Play.
In some cases, you may receive the following error message when attempting to play a video:
0xC00D10B3: Windows Media Player cannot play this file. Connect to the
Internet or insert the removable media on which the file is located, and then
try to play the file again.
This problem occurs because Microsoft Windows Media Player automatically tries to detect
whether the player is connected to a network. If Windows Media Player cannot detect a
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network connection, and if you try to play online content, you receive an error message. This
problem may also occur if your player is set to Work Offline.
T
To force the player to always assume that the player is connected to a network:
1. Go to Tools > Options.
2. On the Player tab, under Player settings, check the Connect to the Internet check box.
default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;838101
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Chapter 3
Record
Recording a Stream
StreamPlayer Plus only. Recording from VBricks using StreamPlayer Plus software may be
done in a number of different modes with various protection schemes. The recording might
consist of a single large file or a series of smaller, or batch, files. Batch files may be set up so
that recent files overwrite earlier ones. Live streams might have the ability to record them
suppressed or allowed through a password. The recorded stream can be the current stream
being viewed or a different one. StreamPlayer can also record password-protected streams if
you know the password. When attempting to record a stream that has been password
protected, you will be prompted to enter the configured password. There are circumstances
where you will not be able to record streams. For example, recording is not permitted when
the application is unlicensed and running in demo mode. Recording can also be restricted or
entirely disabled by an administrator. Note that Recording and Edit/FTP are currently
supported for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2.
T
To record a stream:
1. Highlight the program to record in the Program Information pane.
2. Select the StreamPlayer Plus Record button.
T
To save a stream:
1. Enter the name of the file to be saved or browse to the location. The default is
C:\Program Files\VBrick\StreamPlayer Plus\Video\"programinfoname".mpg.
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Note The file name extension for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, is .mpg. For MPEG-4 it is
.mp4. For Windows Media it is .wmv.
Password Protection
Enter the password if it is a protected stream. Streams can be password protected in a VBrick
Appliance in the SAP Transmit or Encoder Configuration section of a VBrick Appliance
(refer to the VB1000-2000-3000 or VB4000-5000-6000 User Guide for instructions on
how to configure SAPs). StreamPlayer Plus can record password-protected streams if the
password is known. When attempting to record a stream that has been password protected,
the user will be prompted to enter the configured password. Two specific categories shown
below and set in the VBrick appliance affect StreamPlayer Plus recording. (See the
StreamPlayer Plus Administrator Guide for more information.)
•
•
norecord – The stream cannot be recorded.
norecord=<password> – StreamPlayer prompts the user for a password.
MPEG-4 Hinting
If the stream is MPEG-4, the Hint for live streaming box will be selectable. (For other MPEG
and Windows Media types this box will not be visible). Hinted files contain reorganized data
that facilitates streaming over the network. If the Hint for Live Streaming box is checked,
StreamPlayer Plus embeds certain information within the files, making it easier for a server to
read and send pre-formatted packets. Hinting eliminates server-side preprocessing, reducing
the CPU load, memory requirements, and the amount of disk access on the server.
Hint for live
streaming
Hinting a file takes place after the file has been recorded. It is
recommended that the hinting be complete before the recorded file is
accessed. If the recorded file will be streamed from a Video on
Demand server, it is recommended that Hinting be selected.
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Record
Units
• Time – Enter the duration in H (hours), M (minutes) and S
(seconds). The file can be recorded in one continuous stream and
the length of the recorded file specified by duration in seconds or
KB. The minimum number of seconds that can be entered is 1; the
default is 1 minute. An error message will be displayed if there is
not sufficient disk space for the file being captured. If it is desired
to simply Start and Stop a record manually, simply set a long
duration, press Start to begin the recording and then press Stop to
end the recording.
• KB – File size = Rate x Seconds/(8X1024).
Enable Batch
MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 only. Recording in Batch Mode means
that the video is recorded in segments. When Batch mode is selected,
the video will be recorded in multiple files, each file equal in size to the
specified batch duration in seconds or KB. The name of each file
saved will be appended with an increasing number (video1.mpg,
video2.mpg. . .video99.mpg). For example, if it is necessary to record
in batch mode for a total duration of 60 minutes, and the batch file
duration is 20 minutes, three 20-minute files will automatically be
created. Batch mode can be used to record video that exceeds the
Windows 4 GB file size limitation (32-bit), and is especially useful
when forwarding large video files to a remote Video on Demand
server or VBStar (VBStar supports Batch Mode, allowing the
automatic reassembly and streaming of multiple MPEG-2 video files.).
An error results if an attempt is made to edit or FTP multiple saved
files that were not created as in the same batch recording. Selecting
Batch requires that other parameters be specified in order to prevent
filling the storage device.
Batch Duration
Infinite Record
Duration in HH:MM:SS.
Requires a Batch Duration and a Wrap Around Point. This is the
equivalent of specifying both the length of the clips (in seconds or
KB) and the total number of clips.
Wrap Around
Point
This directs the program that after creating the specified number of
files, StreamPlayer Plus will begin recording over the previous files in
consecutive order. For example, if the Wrap Around Point is set to 5,
after recording 5 files, StreamPlayer Plus will continuously overwrite
the files, beginning at 1.
Recent
Start
Next to Wrap Around Point field there is a Recent button. If this
button is checked then the Wrap Around Point text changes to Save
Files. In this mode, rather than overwriting files previously recorded,
the oldest files are discarded and a file with the same name but the
next consecutive batch number is created. Identification of files by
number is easier than identification by date.
The video is saved to disk in real time and a progress bar is displayed.
The recording may be stopped at any time by pressing Stop. MPEG
files may be viewed, e-mailed, FTPed, and/or edited.
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Disk Storage Requirements
Stream recording requires significant disk space. One minute of captured video/audio from a
1.2 Mbps stream (a typical MPEG-1 stream or a high bit rate MPEG-4 stream) requires
approximately 9 MB of disk space. By comparison, 1 minute of captured video/audio from a
5.5 MB per second stream (a typical MPEG-2 stream) requires approximately 40 MB of disk
space. Be sure to have enough disk space free for any intended capture. The amount of disk
storage required depends on the bit rate and the recording time. A rough rule is to allow 1 GB
per hour for MPEG-1, 2.5 GB per hour for MPEG-2, and 500 MB per hour for MPEG-4.
System
System
StorageRequired StorageRequired Storage
StreamRate StreamRate per Sec.
per Min.
Required per
(Bits/sec)
1,200,000
1,800,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
2,800,000
(Bytes/sec)
150,000
225,000
250,000
312,500
350,000
(Kbytes)
150
(Mbytes)
Hour (Mbytes)
9
540
225
14
15
19
21
810
250
900
313
1,125
1,260
350
Note The Total Bit Rate in StreamPlayer Plus will be different than what is shown in
MPEG-4 settings. The actual rate may be slightly higher than what is shown in
StreamPlayer Plus (due to overhead).
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Chapter 4
Play/Edit Saved Files
Playing Saved Files
StreamPlayer Plus can play most MPEG and Windows Media files, and video can be played
directly on a PC after recording a stream to disk. Select the Archive button on StreamPlayer
to open the video file location. A file browser makes it possible to select, open and play a file.
Recorded MPEG and Windows Media video files placed on a file server are available for on-
demand viewing using StreamPlayer software. Files can also be transferred to a VBrick Video
on Demand server (for MPEG files) or a Windows Media video on demand server (for
Windows Media files) providing additional functionality. The default storage location for
archived files is C:\Program Files\VBrick\StreamPlayer Plus\Video. Once a video is
selected, it can be played, edited (StreamPlayer Plus only), and/or transferred via FTP
(StreamPlayer Plus only). While playing video, use Seek, the slider bar at the bottom of
Windows Media Player, to control the location in the file.
Playing Batch Files
It is possible to play either a single recording or batch files. If there are multiple batch files
recorded during the same batch record session or if the batch files recorded during different
sessions are the same type and were recorded at the same bit rate, they can be seamlessly
viewed by holding down the <shift> key. To select non-contiguous files, select each file with
the right mouse button while holding down the <control> key and selecting Open.
Note Playing multiple batch files is supported for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. MPEG-4 and
Windows Media files can be highlighted and played individually but not as a group.
Edit/FTP
StreamPlayer Plus only. After you select the file to be played, the Edit/FTP dialog box
appears in StreamPlayer Plus for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 files. Selecting No brings up the
Windows Media Player and the file or files will automatically load and play. Selecting Yes for
brings up the Edit Clip dialog box. Edit and FTP are supported for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2
video files. MPEG-4 and Windows Media files cannot be edited or FTPed. An error results if
an attempt is made to edit or FTP multiple saved files that were not created as in the same
similar product.
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Editing Files
The Archive Editor allows selecting a portion of the MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video file for
immediate playback, and permits saving this clip as a new file. The editor is not frame-
accurate; rather, it indicates how many seconds from the start of the file that the edited
section begins, and how many seconds from the start of the file until it ends.
T
To edit an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video file:
1. After selecting an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video file, put the viewer in pause mode by
starting and then pausing the clip within the Edit Clip window.
2. Next, select Start Transmit and move the slider to the point in the video where the clip
will start.
3. Select End Transmit and move the slider to where the clip will end.
Note: The Start and End times are displayed, as well as the duration of the clip. (The Clip
Editor displays an error if the times are entered incorrectly, such as the start time after the
end time or vice versa).
4. To play the new clip, press the Play button. Keep creating clips until the one that’s played
is satisfactory (this button is grayed out while paused).
5. To save the clip, use Save As and enter a file name (this button is grayed out while
paused).
6. Press Start to save the clip to disk as a new MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 file.
Moving Files via FTP
StreamPlayer Plus has a built-in file transfer capability that allows an MPEG-1 or MPEG-2
saved file to be instantly transferred to a FTP server. Selecting FTP from the Archive Viewer
brings up the FTP dialog box as shown.
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Play/Edit Saved Files
Local File Name
Start/Stop Bytes
The full path name of the file to transfer. The default is the current
file.
If a start and stop position have been selected in the Archive Viewer,
this is the starting and ending position in bytes that will constitute the
file to be transferred. In other words, the edit can be FTPed without
saving it locally.
Save to Remote
File Name
The full path name where the file will be located on the FTP server.
Remote Address
Login Name
Password
The name or IP address of the FTP server.
The FTP user name.
The FTP password.
After entering the Login name and Password, you can to browse the contents of the FTP
server by selecting the Browse button. This is convenient for determining what video files
may already exist on the server.
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Chapter 5
Preferences
Setting Preferences
Note that StreamPlayer always uses the latest Windows Media Player installed on your
computer. You cannot choose a specific player.
General
Computer
This setting allocates computer video resource preferences.
resources allocated Depending on the computer environment, StreamPlayer may require
to Windows Media higher priority than other non-real time processes that may be running
Player
on the desktop. The computer Resource Allocation (priority) may be
set for Normal, Above Normal, Highest, or Critical for MPEG-1,
MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 decoding. If performance problems are
experienced with either video playback or recording, set Resource
Allocation to a higher level. The defaults are MPEG-1 normal,
MPEG-2 highest, and MPEG-4 above normal.
Closed Captions
This selection enables or disables closed captions and determines how
they will be displayed. Enabling Closed Captions in the StreamPlayer
Preferences menu generally enables closed captions in Windows
Media Player. Overlay Closed Captioning puts Closed Captions on
top of the video. This is particularly beneficial if the video is viewed
full screen (or if you want TV-like behavior). If not checked, closed
captions will be displayed below or beside the picture.
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IMGP
IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) is used to receive
multicast streams from a network. The latest version of this protocol
(version 3) supports Source Specific Multicast (SSM). In an SSM-
enabled environment, multiple streams can be sent to the same
multicast address. Decoders can distinguish between streams based on
their source IP address. This option is available only on Windows XP
machines and is supported for 232.x.x.x address space. When this
option is on, StreamPlayer can playback 232.x.x.x. streams that are
coming in on the same multicast address.
Notes (1) Windows 98 does not support Closed Captioning Overlay. (2) If using Windows
XP, it is recommended that Service Pack 1 or higher is installed. (3) MPEG-2
Closed Captioning Overlay does not function on two simultaneous players on the
same PC.
Custom Columns
Columns
The default is for Program Name only to be displayed in the
Program Info area. To view other available information, select the
Custom Columns Tab. Other possible selections include IP
Address, Port, Source IP, etc. Use the Column buttons on the
Settings Box to add or remove columns. The display order can be
changed using the Sort By buttons.
Filters
Filters can be used to narrow the selections from the available
fields. If the word "Unit" is entered, only VBricks with the word
"Unit" in the Program Info field will appear. If "239" is entered in
IP address, only those VBricks with "239" in the IP address field
will appear. The Filters field is not case sensitive. It can also
search for a partial name. For example entering "Science" in the
program name field displays programs with names “SCIENCE”
and "ScienceClass." Also, multiple search entries can be input by
separation with a semi-colon. For example, entering "sales;HR"
will display programs"company sales" and "company HR".
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Preferences
MPEG-4
Due to the lower bandwidth nature of MPEG-4 streams, StreamPlayer offers several
parameters to tune the receiving of MPEG-4 streams.
Buffer Size
Sets the buffer size which provides a more smooth viewing experience
if there is packet loss. Default (and minimum setting) is 200
milliseconds for UDP Playback (typical on a Local Area Network) and
2000 milliseconds (2 seconds) for TCP Playback (typical on the
Internet).
MPEG-4 Decoder There are several settings that can improve the video quality of
MPEG-4 streams by post processing the video signal after it has been
decoded. However, this increases CPU utilization substantially.
Deringing and Deblocking are resource intensive and are not
recommended unless the PC has a 2.0 GHz, or higher, processor. On
lower end machines, enabling Deringing and Deblocking may degrade
video quality.
Enable Deringing Corrects for certain motion artifacts.
Deblocking
Smooths the video frame by smoothing artifacts inherent to the digital
compression process.
MPEG-4 RTSP
Streams
StreamPlayer Plus can receive MPEG-4 streams via several methods in
order of efficiency – UDP, RTSP Interleaving, or HTTP tunneling.
When Automatic is chosen StreamPlayer Plus will try different
protocols to establish the best connection. In some cases, for example,
if you know you cannot receive UDP streams because of firewall
issues, you may want to define the method StreamPlayer tries to
connect because the automatic method can cause up to several
seconds of delay. The port can also be modified, but this is not
recommended, unless you know that the port on the VBrick or Video
on Demand server that is sending the video has also been changed.
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Categories
StreamPlayer supports Categories. Categories allow the sender to restrict the ability of
network users to see a stream announcement the network. For example, a corporation can
broadcast financial, sales and engineering information from separate VBrick appliances onto
a common network. A Category known to the sender and recipient protects the stream
announcement from being seen by others. A Category entered in the originating VBrick
product can be matched in the StreamPlayer application to permit listing of the stream. The
field is set in the Configuration: Encoder > Encoder > Announce section of the VBrick
Appliance. To receive the stream, the same Category keyword must be entered under the
Categories tab of StreamPlayer.
To enter a Category, enter the category name and select Add. Once a category is added,
StreamPlayer will receive streams that are transmitted from the VBrick with the same
Announcement (SAP) category entry as well as streams not sent with a Category. For more
information about categories, see the StreamPlayer Administrator Guide.
Note StreamPlayer displays all programs in which a VBrick appliance is not advertising a
category. To filter a stream, the VBrick product originating the stream must be
configured with a category.
Program Announcements
The addresses on this window apply to all appliances. They are rarely changed and should not be
modified unless specifically instructed to by VBrick Systems or by a VBrick Certified Partner.
IP Address and Port from which Announcements will be received
from VBricks. The Server Announce address is the address on which
Multicast announcements will be received.
Server Announce
address
RTSP Server Ann
ounce address
Address on which the VBrick’s transmit RTSP server announcements.
In order to view programs in the Program Info screen, the addresses
here must be set to the same address and port to which the VBrick
appliance is transmitting.
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Chapter 6
Windows Media Player
StreamPlayer uses the latest version of the Windows Media Player installed on your computer
to play a selected stream. (Windows Media Player can be downloaded from the Microsoft
website if it isn't already installed on your PC.) Once a stream is launched with Windows
Media Player, you can select various Windows Media Player options. However, it is important
to note that different versions of the Media Player have different capabilities and options.
Windows Media Player options are also in different menu locations on different versions of the
player. Some Media Player Options relevant to StreamPlayer Plus are shown on the File, View,
and Play menus.
Windows Media Player Options
Once a stream is launched with Windows Media Player, some Windows Media Player options
can be utilized. Only some Media Player options are specifically included in the operation of
StreamPlayer. The Windows Media Player Options important to StreamPlayer operation are
File, View, and Play. If the Media Player Options are not visible, select the small icon at the
top left of the viewing window. The location of options settings vary in different Media Player
versions. Use Media Player Help to locate location of settings in different versions.
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File Options
Launching a Stream from Windows Media Player
This applies to entering MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 streams. Open does not work with RTSP on
Windows Media Player 7.1 and 9. The address on those versions can be entered directly into
the IP Address window on StreamPlayer. The multicast address and port number may be
entered directly in Media Player without launching StreamPlayer by using File > Open, and
typing in the IP address and port from which the stream originates. For examples of
additional functionality, see "Source Filter Tags" in the StreamPlayer Administrator Guide.
T
To launch a stream (from Windows Media Player) without using StreamPlayer:
1. Launch Windows Media Player.
2. Select File > Open URL.
3. Enter vbricksys://ip=address&port=number(replace the address and port number
with the IP address and port of the stream).
4. Enter OK to play the stream. Note: This method does not provide the display of the
Program Title, Author, or Copyright information.
5. If there are several NICs installed on the PC, the interface that StreamPlayer Plus uses
can be specified by including the interface IP address:
vbricksys://ip=225.1.1.1&port=4444&interface=123.456.789
6. To play a MPEG-4 RTSP stream (unicast) type:
vbrtsp://<ip address of server>/<program-name>
7. To play a MPEG-4 multicast stream type:
8. To play a Windows Media stream type:
rtspu://<ip address of server>/<program name>
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Windows Media Player
View Options
Most StreamPlayer Plus options are set under the Preferences tab of the StreamPlayer Plus
application but others can be set in the menus Windows Media Player. The View options
make it possible to resize the display, choose a skin, and set other display options. View
options include the following.
Full Mode
Shows player in standard consumer mode.
Skin Mode
Shows player in selected skin (for example Corporate).
Controls the appearance of menu and task bars.
Full Mode Options
Now Playing Options Show/hide title, playlist, etc.
Statistics
Displays frame rate selected and actual. Statistics does not display
the selected and actual frame rate when Closed Captioning
Overlay on Video is selected in StreamPlayer Plus Preferences.
Statistics are available for all appliances. Statistics are not available
if Media Player 7.1 is used.
Full Screen
Video Size
Alt + Enter.
Zoom to 50%, 100%, or 200%).
Play Options
Note that you can control video using the Play and Volume options. Captions must be turned
on in Windows Media Player (indicated by a check mark) and in StreamPlayer under
Preferences in order to be displayed. If Closed Captions is selected in StreamPlayer, it will be
automatically selected in Windows Media Player. Captions are located under Now Playing
Options.
Note When Closed Captioning Overlay on video is selected in the StreamPlayer Plus
Preferences, Statistics does not display the selected and actual frame rate. Statistics
are not available if Media Player 7.1 is used.
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Chapter 7
Capture Driver
MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 only. VBrick's Capture Driver is a virtual video capture card.
The Capture Driver software acts similar to the way hardware capture cards work, with the
added benefit that it can receive video originating from a VBrick. The Capture Driver receives
the MPEG video and outputs AVI or DV video; therefore, all existing software programs that
capture or manipulate video and audio may be used with VBrick appliances. The Capture
Driver software is currently supported for MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. Video sources may be
anywhere on the network. Unlike hardware capture devices, the connection does not require a
physical connection to a computer through an analog coax or Firewire cable. Also, any
number of video sources is possible. There is no limit imposed by the number of physical
audio/video inputs available on the computer. Since the process is digital, there is no
conversion loss. The capture driver enables frame capture, motion detection, automatic email
notification, logging, and more, for security and monitoring applications. Video can be
captured, using an editing program, in multiple formats, including AVI, DV, etc. and edited
directly using a familiar editing tool. Video can also be re-encoded from MPEG format to
other formats that might be more suitable for the application.
Overview
Once installed, it appears in the Window's Multimedia Control Panel like a physical capture
card. Any video application that allows the selection of an installed audio/video device will
provide VBrick as a choice for video input. Selecting VBrick Video Capture permits choosing
a physical VBrick appliance through a Program Guide. Upon selection, the Capture Driver
processes the video stream, identifies it as MPEG-1 or MPEG-2, and decodes it. The
decoded audio/video is delivered to Windows via a standard DirectX interface, just like a
local physical capture card. The video software does not know or care that the audio/video
source may be miles away—delivered to the computer as MPEG over IP—it acts like a local
video capture card.
Installing Capture Driver
By default the VBrick Capture Driver is not installed with the installation of the StreamPlayer
Plus software. In order to install the Capture Driver software, rerun the
SetupStreamPlayer_4_4_0.exe(the software cannot be installed from Add or Remove
Programs). A maintenance window will appear asking if you want to Modify, Repair, or
Remove, Choose Modify and press Next. The Add/Remove Components dialog box will
display.
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Check Capture Driver and press Next. If you have previously installed Capture Driver then a
popup dialog box will appear asking you if you wish to remove the old version and restart
your PC. You must choose Yes to install the software. Choosing No will cancel the install. If
you select Yes, an additional popup dialog box will appear asking for a license file. A License
file is required for installation of StreamPlayer Plus. The license file, ending with a .lic
extension, is distributed on the Product CD or by email. Press Yes to install the license file.
Browse to the location of the License File and select it, then select Open; or double-click on
the file name. The Capture Driver will be installed on your system.
Verifying Installation
T
To verify installation:
1. Go to Control Panel (in XP, from the Start button, choose Control Panel).
2. Select System by double clicking it, or use the right mouse button and Open.
3. Select Hardware.
4. On the Hardware menu, under Device Manager, select Device Manager.
5. Select Sound, Video and game controllers by double-clicking on that line entry.
6. Double-click Legacy Video Capture Devices.
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Capture Driver
7. The Properties tab shows VBrick Video Capture . The General tab reports Device
Status.
8. Under Sound, Video and game controllers, double-click on Legacy Audio Drivers.
9. Select the Properties tab. Double-click on Audio Devices. The Audio for VBrick Video
Capture will display. The General tab reports Device Status.
Using a Captured Stream
T
To use Capture Driver:
1. Open the third-party software for which you want to capture video or audio.
2. When prompted for the input device for the capture, select VBrick Video Capture and/
or Audio for VBrick Video Capture. The Capture Driver will capture the VBrick stream
and allow the third-party software to act on it.
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VBrick Systems, Inc.
12 Beaumont Road
Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, USA
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