VBrick Systems Network Hardware VB4000 User Manual
VB4000-5000-6000 Series  
Network Video Appliances  
VBrick v4.3 MPEG-2 Appliance  
Admin Guide  
March 9, 2009  
4410-0216-0002  
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Contents  
MPEG-2 Admin Guide  
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii  
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii  
Font Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii  
Printer-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii  
1. Introduction  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
VBSSM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
Mixed Model Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Archiver and Recorder Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
2. MPEG-2 Configuration  
MPEG-2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Optimizing MPEG-2 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
MPEG-2 Configuration Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
Configuration: Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Configuration: Network > Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Configuration: Network > Routing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  
Configuration: Network > Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13  
Configuration: Network > IPv6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Configuration: Billboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Using the Billboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
Billboard FTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15  
Billboard URLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
Billboard File Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  
Creating a Billboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17  
Configuration: Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
Configuration: Decoder > Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
Configuration: Decoder > Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19  
Configuration: Decoder > Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  
Configuration: Decoder > Picture-In-Picture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23  
Configuration: Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
Configuration: Encoder > Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
Configuration: Encoder > Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
Configuration: Encoder > Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29  
Configuration: Encoder > Destination 1/Destination2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
Configuration: Encoder > Announce (SAP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34  
Configuration: Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: Conferencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
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Configuration: Passthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38  
Configuration: Passthrough > COM1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38  
Configuration: Passthrough > COM2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Configuration: System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Configuration: System > General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Configuration: System > SNMP Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44  
Configuration: System > Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
Configuration: System > Logging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48  
Configuration: Video On Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
Configuration: Script Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Configuration: Script Management > Event Triggering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
Configuration: Script Management > Auto Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
3. SDI Configuration  
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Configuration: Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Configuration: Encoder > Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Configuration: Encoder > Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
Configuration: Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
4. Status  
Status: System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Status: Network Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Status: Network Status > Codec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Status: Network Status > Routing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65  
Status: Network Status > Network Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  
Status: Network Status > IPv6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  
Status: Decoder Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  
MPEG-2 Decoder Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  
Status: Encoder Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68  
MPEG-2 Encoder Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68  
Status: Hard Drive Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
Status: Hard Drive Status > General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
Status: Hard Drive Status > Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
Status: Hard Drive Status > Recorder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71  
Status: FTP Server Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73  
Status: System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73  
Status: System Log > Config. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73  
Status: System Log > System Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74  
Status: System Log > Traps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74  
Status: System Log > System Info . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75  
Status: User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75  
Status: User Information > Main Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75  
Status: User Information > Slot1/Slot2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76  
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5. Diagnostics  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
User Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Diagnostics: Network Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Diagnostics: Network Tests > Ping Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Diagnostics: Network Tests > Trace Route Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80  
Diagnostics: Network Tests > Data Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82  
Diagnostics: Device Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83  
Diagnostics: Decoder Color Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84  
Diagnostics: Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85  
6. Maintenance  
Maintenance: Device Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87  
Maintenance: Default All Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  
Maintenance: Read/Write Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  
Maintenance: Read/Write > Read From Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  
Maintenance: Read/Write > Write To Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90  
Maintenance: Change Usernames & Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91  
Maintenance: Usernames & Passwords > Change Usernames & Passwords . . . . . . . . . 91  
Maintenance: Usernames & Passwords > Change SNMPv3 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93  
7. Maintenance Mode  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95  
Maintenance Mode Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96  
Maintenance Mode Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96  
Maintenance Mode CLI Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97  
8. VBStar  
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99  
Recording vs. Archiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100  
VBStar Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100  
Configuration: Pump > General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100  
Configuration: Pump > Destination 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102  
Configuration: Pump > Announce (SAP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103  
Configuration: Pump > Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104  
VBStar Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
Using Mixed Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
Filename Syntax Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
Recording Batch Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
Batch Wrap Point and Record Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106  
Configuration: Recorder > General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106  
Configuration: Recorder > Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108  
Configuration: Recorder > Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109  
VBStar FTP File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer > Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111  
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Configuration: FTP File Transfer > Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113  
VBStar Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114  
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MPEG-2 Admin Guide  
This VBrick MPEG-2 Admin Guide is written for anyone who will be using or configuring a  
VB6000 Series MPEG-2 VBrick appliance. This includes system administrators, network  
technicians, and anyone who will be using or configuring a VBrick network video appliance.  
VBrick encoder and decoder appliances are available in industry standard MPEG-2, MPEG-  
4, and other formats. MPEG-2 appliances are used for delivering low delay, DVD quality  
video over high bandwidth networks. MPEG-4 appliances are used for delivering low delay  
television quality video over low and medium bandwidth networks. These products are  
available in one and two channel configurations, as well as a combination encoder/decoder  
that delivers two-way interactive video (MPEG-2 and MPEG-4). An optional hard drive  
allows the video to be recorded at the source.  
Organization  
Introduction  
Explains the basics. Provides general configuration  
recommendations as well as how to cable the appliance and  
connect it to the network.  
MPEG-2 Configuration Explains how to configure MPEG-2 video appliances using the  
IWS web interface.  
SDI Configuration  
Explains how to configure Serial Digital Interface video  
appliances using the IWS web interface.  
Status  
Explains all of the detailed status information available about  
the network, the encoder, the decoder, the hard drive, etc.  
Diagnostics  
Maintenance  
Explains how to run a variety of onboard diagnostics including  
ping, traceroute, and decoder color bars.  
Explains how to use various maintenance functions. These  
reading and saving all configuration parameters and changing  
user names and passwords.  
Maintenance Mode  
VBStar  
Explains maintenance mode and how it is used to recover if  
errors occur during of after a firmware download.  
Explains how to use this MPEG-2 appliance with a hard drive  
to record and pump high-quality video throughout your  
network.  
Getting Help  
If you need help, or more information about any topic, use the online help system. The  
online help is cross-referenced and searchable and can usually find the information in a few  
seconds. Use the tree controls in the left pane to open documents and the up and down  
arrows to page through them. Use the Search box to find specific information. Simply enter  
one or more words in the box and press Enter. The search results will return pages that have  
all of the words you entered—highlighted in yellow (Internet Explorer only). The Search box  
is not case-sensitive and does not recognize articles (a, an, the), operators (+ and –), or  
quotation marks. You can narrow the search by adding words.  
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If you can't find the information you need from the online help, or from your certified  
VBrick reseller, you can contact VBrick Support Services on the web. Support Services can  
usually answer your technical questions in 24 business hours or less. Also note that our  
publications team is committed to accurate and reliable documentation and we appreciate  
your feedback. If you find errors or omissions in any of our documents, please send e-mail to  
[email protected] and let us know. For more information about any VBrick  
products, all of our product documentation is available on the web. Go to www.vbrick.com/  
documentation to search or download VBrick product documentation.  
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 scripts, code examples, or keyboard commands.  
Courier bold fixed-width font is used for user input in scripts, code examples, or keyboard  
commands.  
This bold black font is used to strongly emphasise important words or phrases.  
Folder names and user examples in text are displayed in this sans serif font.  
User input in text is displayed in this bold sans serif font.  
Italics are used in text to emphasize specific words or phrases.  
Printer-Friendly  
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Welcome  
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Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Topics in this chapter  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
VBSSM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1  
Mixed Model Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Overview  
Congratulations on your purchase of VBrick System's MPEG-2 video networking product.  
VBrick Systems provides high-quality video and audio encoders and decoders. VBrick also  
provides software decoding on any PC through StreamPlayer or StreamPlayer Plus software.  
The result is video that can be obtained from any source—whether a live camera feed, DVD  
or VCR—and sent over a network (or LAN). This video can then be decoded by a hardware  
appliance or Set Top Box and displayed on a television monitor, or it can be decoded through  
StreamPlayer Plus software and displayed on any PC connected to the same network. The  
VBrick appliance is based on a modular platform that allows a variety of models consisting of  
MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 compression algorithms along with optional network interfaces (such  
as SDI and hard drive for storage). This user guide is intended to cover all models and  
provide instructions on initial setup and advanced parameter configuration.  
Note The VBrick appliance consists of different hardware versions, distinguished by the last  
digit of the part number -xxx0 or -xxx1/-xxx2 (see Status: User Information > Main  
Board). When the part number is –xxx1/-xxx2 there can also be differences based on  
the PLX EEProm revision 1 or 2-and-higher (see Status: Encoder Status or Status:  
Decoder Status). Where differences occur, they are noted in the text.  
VBSSM  
VBrick Security and Surveillance Monitoring devices are video only—no audio. The VBSSM-  
MP2 (MPEG-2) and VBSSM-MP4 (MPEG-4) encoders are ideal for security and surveillance  
applications where full motion, high-quality video is required in a cost effective product. The  
VBSSM is a compact, rugged and reliable video network appliance that supports temperature  
ranges from -20 to 70°C. The VBSSM encoder accepts NTSC/PAL video, compresses it in  
realtime and transmits the video digitally over an IP network. The video is then displayed on  
TV monitors using numerous MPEG decoders, Set Top Boxes or on PCs through desktop  
decoder software such as VBrick's StreamPlayer. VBSSM devices provide the following  
features:  
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•
•
•
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Full motion, high resolution DVD quality video.  
IP Unicast or Multicast for streaming applications.  
Integral web server for configuration and management.  
Low delay encoding for end-to-end camera control - pan, tilt and zoom.  
Utilizes Layer III QoS – Diff Serv for prioritizing video over IP networks.  
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•
•
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Video encoding rates configurable from 8 Kbps to 15 Mbps.  
Transport and Elementary stream support.  
Optional – video camera with pan, tilt and zoom.  
Optional – 19 in. rack mount adapter (holds two across).  
Table 1. VBSSM Models †  
Model  
Configuration  
Description  
9170-4200-000x  
9171-4200-000x  
VBSSM-MP2  
VBSSM-MP4  
Ruggedized single channel MPEG-2 encoder.  
Ruggedized single channel MPEG-4 encoder with  
audio. Same enclosure as VBSSM-MP2.  
9172-4400-000x  
VBSSM-MP2/4  
MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. This device has a different  
enclosure with a single video input that supports  
two channels. It also supports RS-422 passthrough.  
VBSSM-MP2 does not.  
9174-4200-000x  
9175-4200-000x  
VBSSM-MP4  
VBSSM-MP4  
No audio.  
With audio.  
† See the VBrick Appliance Getting Started Guide for VBSSM rear panel drawings.  
Mixed Model Appliances  
In addition to dual devices (for example two encoders, or an MPEG-2 encoder and MPEG-2  
decoder), VBrick supports mixed model appliances (for example a WM encoder and an  
MPEG-4 encoder). VBrick appliance v4.1 software supports almost any combination of  
VBrick devices in Slots 1 and 2 so you can mix and match as necessary. For example, you can  
have a WM encoder in Slot1 and an MPEG-4 encoder in Slot2, or you can have an MPEG-2  
encoder in Slot1 and MPEG-4 decoder in Slot2. The only exception is that you cannot have a  
WM encoder and an MPEG-4 decoder in the same appliance. In general, encoders are installed in  
Slot1; decoders are installed in Slot2. WM encoders, if present, are always installed in Slot1.  
Note VBrick WM, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4 appliances all run the same codebase. The  
configurable options and user interface vary according to the type of appliance (e.g.  
MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.) on which the code is installed.  
Archiver and Recorder Functionality  
Archiver/Recorder functionality may be different in mixed model appliances depending on  
how the slots are populated. In other words, the behavior of the device in a given slot may  
change depending on what combination of appliances are installed. See Figure 1 below and  
note the following distinctions:  
•
•
•
An archiver only records from an associated encoder. For example, a WM Archiver is  
associated with a specific WM encoder.  
A recorder is not associated with any encoder. It independently records one stream at a  
time from an encoder, a decoder, or from the network.  
On MPEG-4 appliances, there is no archiving or recording.  
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Introduction  
Figure 1. Archiver/Recorder Functionality  
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Chapter 2  
MPEG-2 Configuration  
Topics in this chapter  
MPEG-2 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
Configuration: Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Configuration: Billboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
Configuration: Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
Configuration: Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
Configuration: Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: Conferencing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37  
Configuration: Passthrough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38  
Configuration: System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42  
Configuration: Video On Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50  
Configuration: Script Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51  
MPEG-2 Overview  
The basic VBrick MPEG-2 appliance consists of one or more of the following components.  
Note that the screens you see in IWS will vary depending on the model and how the  
appliance is configured.  
1. A main controller card with the following:  
•
•
10/100Base-T Ethernet network interface.  
Two slots for encoder and/or decoder boards.  
2. Optional Interfaces:  
•
•
•
•
•
•
MPEG-2 encoder.  
SDI Serial Digital interface for encoders and decoders.  
MPEG-4 encoder.  
MPEG-4 decoder.  
WM Encoder.  
VBStar which includes a hard drive and FTP.  
Note VBrick appliances have a number of optional hardware accessories, including the  
AudioMate microphone, Remote Control devices, and cameras. These work directly  
with VBrick appliances or through the use of ActiveX control software, also available  
from VBrick.  
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Table 2. IWS Configurable Options  
Option  
Applicable Model  
Network  
All VBrick models.  
• Ethernet.  
Billboard  
Decoder  
Only on models which have decoders.  
Single or dual:  
• Ethernet MPEG-2.  
• Ethernet MPEG-4.  
• SDI MPEG-2 (see SDI Configuration).  
Encoder  
Single or dual:  
• Ethernet MPEG-2.  
• SDI MPEG-2 (see SDI Configuration).  
Pump  
VBStar models only (see VBStar).  
VBStar models only (see VBStar).  
VBStar models only (see VBStar).  
Encoder and decoder combination models only.  
All VBrick models.  
Recorder  
FTP File Transfer  
Conferencing  
Passthrough  
System  
All VBrick models.  
Video on Demand  
Script Management  
Decoder models only.  
All VBrick models.  
Optimizing MPEG-2 Performance  
VBrick appliances are designed to accommodate a variety of configurations. Options such as  
Hard Disk record and playback, and FTP file serving capability are fully meshed together,  
supporting a diverse set of applications. VBrick unit's configuration choices enable the widest  
range of features and capabilities and are designed to provide the user with a high degree of  
flexibility. In some extreme cases, users can create configurations that exceed the normal  
processing capacity of the unit causing it to not perform optimally. VBrick units provide  
statistical counters and status variables indicating current device utilization and can even be  
configured to report SNMP trap alarm conditions when these situations occur. Corrective  
action usually involves the reduction of a video rate or disabling a channel, easily performed  
via the IWS or CLI user interface. Under abnormal operating conditions, VBrick units  
provide total system protection against any integral damage and guarantee management  
connectivity via IWS or CLI.  
In general, MPEG-2 video quality improves when video rate is increased. Significant video  
quality improvements are noticeable when moving between 1.2 and 5 megabits per second  
video rates. The video quality improvement becomes less noticeable when moving from  
medium rates to higher video rates (from 5–9 Mbps.) with most of the improvement  
occurring only during high motion video scenes. In essence, video quality is very subjective  
and relates to other components such as the response of the human eye, the quality and  
original content and signal, and the quality of the decoder and monitor. As a general rule, use  
the lowest video rate that best suits the application.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
The following information represents guidelines for product configuration limitations, with  
regard to specific unit types. When configuring VBrick units, close attention must be paid to  
the total transport rate of all sources both entering and exiting the unit. In most cases the  
sum of all entering and exiting MPEG-2 data traffic should be closely monitored and kept to  
a minimum whenever possible. Once a configuration is decided upon and applied to the unit,  
the user can check the status of processor and device load via the IWS or CLI. The CPU  
utilization and overloaded status variables are an excellent indication on the overall unit's  
health. If the CPU utilization is high or the overloaded condition is occurring, the user may  
simply reduce video transport rates and re-run the test. As a part of regular maintenance,  
users should periodically check the CPU utilization, overloaded and buffer full count status  
variables to ensure the unit remains within its operating limits.  
MPEG-2 Configuration Recommendations  
•
Maintain video rates at optimum levels. High rates do improve quality. VBrick  
recommends rates that use the lowest possible rate which gives acceptable quality. For  
MPEG-2, rates between 5–7 mbps exhibit excellent video quality.  
•
•
•
•
Avoid setting the transport rate manually. Use the automatic transport rate calculation  
mode (default operation).  
The maximum MPEG-2 transport rate of 17 megabits per second should be used  
judiciously.  
When using the hard drive, especially for recording, keep other device functions to a  
minimum to avoid discontinuities in the recorded content.  
Recording high video rate streams consumes hard drive space and limits the recording  
duration significantly. Additionally, high video rate streams require faster hard drive  
access times and are more prone to video dropouts.  
•
•
Periodic re-formatting of the hard drive will improve overall disk performance by  
reducing disk fragmentation, much like a computer behaves.  
Hard drive pump and record functions are designed to be mutually exclusive. When  
operating at medium to low rates it may be possible for the hard drive to pump and  
record simultaneously but it is not recommended.  
•
•
Encoding from and sending to multiple destinations consumes additional system  
resources. Furthermore, a 4300 VBrick unit with dual encoders is capable of sending 4  
streams but will not be able to sustain operation at the highest transport rates.  
Increasing the IP video packet size improves overall performance both in Ethernet  
Mode. Please check with your network administrator first before deciding on what size is  
best for your network.  
Absolute Maximum Transport Rates  
This table provides the absolute maximum transport rates for given configurations.  
Table 3. Maximum Transport Rate by Configuration  
Model  
Dest1, Dest2  
Slot #1  
Decoder  
Slot#2  
Recorder  
FTP Active Player /  
Pump  
6200  
6200  
6200  
17,0  
15,15  
13,0  
17  
15  
13  
0
No  
No  
No  
0
0
0
0
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Model  
Dest1, Dest2  
Slot #1  
Decoder  
Slot#2  
Recorder  
FTP Active Player /  
Pump  
6200  
6200  
6200  
6200  
6200  
4300  
4300  
4300  
4300  
4300  
4300  
5300  
5300  
5300  
12,0  
11,0  
9,0  
12  
12  
0
Yes  
No  
Yes  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
0
11  
11  
9
9
0
11,11  
10,10  
17,0  
11,11  
13,0  
11,0  
9,9  
11  
11  
0
0
10  
10  
0
17,0  
11,11  
13,0  
11,0  
9,9  
8,8  
17  
0
0
0
13  
0
0
11  
0
9
8,8  
0
8
17  
0
0
13  
13  
13  
0
0
14  
14  
14  
Note All values are shown in Mbps. A rate of 0 indicates "off" condition. Configurations  
other than the above may operate at higher rates than indicated. IWS operation may  
become sluggish due to its lower system priority.  
Configuration: Network  
Configuration: Network > Ethernet  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Network DHCP  
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol – (Enable, Disable). On  
Ethernet models, if DHCP is enabled, the VBrick gets its IP  
Address or Network Timer Server and Subnet Mask from the  
DHCP server. If the DHCP server supplies the Gateway Address  
or DNS server address, these parameters will replace the user  
entered Gateway and DNS Time Server settings. If DHCP is  
enabled and the VBrick cannot obtain an IP address from the  
server, the VBrick will start in limited run mode after two  
minutes, using its default IP Address of 172.17.5.5. After 15  
minutes, it will automatically reset and again attempt to acquire  
an address. The LCD screen on the front of the VBrick will  
indicate a DHCP failed message. Note: The VBrick appliance  
requires a minimum DHCP lease length of 8 minutes to work,  
however it is recommended to extend the lease time to what is  
maximally available via the network to avoid disruptions.  
DHCP Retry Delay  
See above. Use to adjust the time before the appliance will reset  
and attempt to acquire an IP address. Range 3–15. Default = 15.  
IP Address  
IP Address of the VBrick.  
Subnet Mask  
Subnet mask for the VBrick address.  
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Gateway IP Address  
VBrick Host Name  
Valid gateway IP Address for communicating across distinct  
network segments. A valid gateway IP address is essential even  
though the VBrick will operate without one in some cases. When  
no gateway is configured, the VBrick may be unable to  
communicate with off-net IP hosts, for example, a foreign host  
which is used for configuration management via IWS.  
The Host Name defaults to the Media Access Control (MAC)  
address, a hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of  
a network. The VBrick's Host Name acts to identify the VBrick  
to various network applications including DHCP, SNMP and  
VBrick application tools. Note: The Host Name syntax can be a  
maximum of 18 characters, the first character must be a letter and the rest  
can be letters, numbers or hyphens.  
Network Interface  
Speed  
Note: The settings for Interface Speed and Interface Type are  
interdependent. They must both be set to Automatic or they  
must both be set manually. Manual settings should be used only  
in the rare case when the VBrick is attached to network  
equipment that does not support auto negotiation. The VBrick's  
capabilities may be limited when its Ethernet link is at 10 Mbps  
and/or Half Duplex. If auto negotiation fails, the VBrick defaults  
to 10Mbit, half duplex and attempts "parallel detection," an  
alternative way to sense speed. Status parameters are available on  
the network status screen to indicate the state of the link and the  
current configuration of the Ethernet hardware. In auto mode,  
they reflect the results of the negotiation and in manual mode  
they follow the configuration options.  
(10Mb, 100Mb, Automatic). This allows the Ethernet interface of  
the VBrick to be manually forced to 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps. The  
default setting is Automatic which enables auto negotiation in the  
VBrick so it will automatically match its speed setting to the  
speed of the switch or hub to which it is attached. Automatic is  
the default and recommended setting.  
Network Interface Type Half-Duplex/Full-Duplex/Automatic. This allows the Ethernet  
interface of the VBrick to be manually forced to Full Duplex or  
Half Duplex. The default setting is "Automatic" which enables  
auto negotiation in the VBrick so it will automatically match its  
duplex setting to that of the switch or hub that it is attached to.  
Automatic is the default and recommended setting. In order for  
the Network Auto Negotiate feature to work effectively, the  
Ethernet switch must also support auto negotiation. A manually  
configured switch will only allow the VBrick to discover the  
connection speed—not the mode (full or half duplex).  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Maximum Transmission Range 1024–1500 (default = 1500). The MTU is used for all  
Unit Size  
network traffic from the VBrick and defines the largest network  
packet size that will be transmitted. A higher MTU brings higher  
bandwidth efficiency and VBrick recommends using the default.  
However you may wish to reduce MTU size to meet the  
requirements of some networks with VPN or other security  
tunnels that cannot tolerate 1500-byte packets. Note that  
MPEG-2 video playback on Vista PCs may be suboptimal with  
small MTU sizes.  
Domain Name Server  
Primary Server IP This is the primary server used for DNS.  
Address  
Secondary Server  
IP Address  
This is the secondary server used for DNS.  
Default Domain  
Extension  
This is the domain name used for DNS. Note that you can use the  
default (blank) values for these items.  
Network Time Synchronization  
These fields are used to synchronize network time using the host name or IP address of a  
known server to provide a synchronized time for all appliances in the network. To enable  
Network Time Synchronization after these parameters are set, go to Configuration: System >  
General on page 42 and check the box.  
Note To Network Administrators. DHCP Option 4 is used by the DHCP server to return  
SNTP server addresses. This option must be enabled in the DHCP server for these  
addresses to be returned to the VBrick. If the DHCP server configuration is unknown,  
it is recommended that the address(es) be manually entered since the DHCP server-  
supplied address will always override a manually-entered address.  
Primary Server IP Address Primary host name (VBrick Host Name or DNS Host Name)  
or Host Name  
or IP address of valid SNTP server providing time  
synchronization. A blank field indicates the server address  
will be acquired via the DHCP server only if the Network  
DHCP field above is checked.  
Secondary Server IP  
Address or Host Name  
Secondary host name (VBrick Host Name or DNS Host  
Name) or IP address of valid SNTP server providing time  
synchronization. A blank field indicates the server address  
will be acquired via the DHCP server only if the Network  
DHCP field above is checked.  
Configuration: Network > Routing  
The MPEG-2 Appliance requires no routing configuration for the vast majority of network  
uses. Use these settings only in those rare cases when your network requires advanced routing  
features in the appliance.  
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Routing Method  
This selects which routing method will be used: Changes made to the  
Routing Method will require a reset of the box.  
• Static – Allows routes entered in the static routing table to be  
automatically applied to the internal routing tables, after a power-  
up.  
• RIP Version 1 – Configures the VBrick to listen to RIP  
announcements. Routes are dynamically added per RIP  
specification.  
• RIP Version 2 Broadcast – Configures the VBrick to listen to RIP  
version 2 announcements. In this mode, RIP will perform classless  
routing based upon subnet mask.  
• RIP Version 2 Multicast – Configures the VBrick to listen to RIP  
version 2 announcements that are sent in multicast mode. Both  
broadcast and multicast announcements are processed.  
Static Routing  
Table  
This table provides for user defined routing entries.  
• Destination Network – Enter the destination address to be  
manually routed.  
• Local Gateway IP – Enter the Gateway to be used, when the  
forwarding destination address is as specified.  
• Network Mask – Sets the network mask to be associated with the  
destination address.  
• Error – This read-only field is used to report field entry error  
related to the route.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Configuration: Network > Management  
These parameters define information used in the SAPs emitted by the VBrick, which are  
received by the VBDirectory management tool (see the VBDirectory User Guide) and other  
VBrick applications such as the ETV Portal Server.  
Group Name  
Unit Number  
Optional. This parameter defines the Group Name. It is included in  
the Management SAPs used by VBDirectory. It is used for organizing  
VBricks into groups to simplify use of VBDirectory.  
Optional. The appliance unit number (range 0–2147483647) is used to  
identify each VBrick in a group.  
Management SAP Used by VBDirectory or MCS to detect the unit for the purpose of  
remote management. The following parameters apply.  
Transmit Enable  
This parameter controls the transmission of the Management SAPs  
(Enable or Disable).  
Retransmit Time  
Time to Live  
This parameter defines the Management SAP Retransmit Time.  
The number of hops (between routers) for which a Management SAP  
is valid on the network.  
Type of Service  
IP Address  
Port  
The TOS (Type of Service) can be configured in the IP header to  
establish packet priority in the network.  
This parameter defines the Destination IP Address for Management  
SAPs.  
This parameter defines the Destination Port for Management SAPs.  
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Configuration: Network > IPv6  
In the current implementation of IPv6, MPEG-2 encoded streams can be unicast over IPv6  
to an IPv6-enabled version of VBrick StreamPlayer. In this version, you continue to manage  
and configure the appliance over IPv4.  
IPv6 Auto Config Enable Enable IPv6. When enabled, the IPv6 parameters for IP  
Address and Gateway IP Address are automatically set. This is  
the recommended method.  
IP Address  
IPv6 IP address of the VBrick.  
Valid gateway IPv6 IP address for communicating across  
distinct network segments. A valid gateway IP address is  
essential even though the VBrick will operate without one in  
some cases. When no gateway is configured, the VBrick may be  
unable to communicate with off-net IP hosts, for example, a  
foreign host which is used for configuration management via  
IWS.  
Gateway IP Address  
Configuration: Billboard  
The Billboard feature allows you to display text and/or graphics on a TV monitor. The  
displayed billboard can span multiple pages with each page displayed for a specified period of  
time. Some uses of the billboard feature are to announce a daily calendar of events, directions  
to a particular conference room or even a slide presentation in conjunction with displayed  
video. VBrick models 62xx, 52xx and 53xx have a built in mini-browsers that support viewing  
limited HTML pages. The pages can either be kept inside the VBrick as part of the file  
system, or can be located on a remote HTTP server. Each page of the billboard is built using  
an HTML page with text and graphics created using the HTML tags supported. If billboard is  
to be supported on a remote server, the appliance requires read access to the HTTP server  
and may need to be configured. The following URL example shows the default page pre-  
configured by VBrick.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
On/Off  
IR  
Turn Billboard on or off.  
Enable the IR remote control. If enabled you can turn the Billboard  
on or off using the remote.  
URL  
The local or external URL of the Billboard page.  
Using the Billboard  
Billboard may be invoked in several ways. Either use the PC browser to communicate with  
the VBrick Integrated Web Server (see separate section) to apply the billboard and turn it on  
and off, or press the Billboard key on the optional remote control to toggle it on and off. Use  
of the remote can be enabled or disabled through the configuration. Using IWS (or the  
VBrick SDK) an administrator can turn on a particular billboard remotely, and prevent  
anyone else from using a remote to toggle it on/off. If you have a dual decoder system, the  
remote has keys to select between two decoders.  
By turning the billboard on/off, the saved URL is invoked and the browser will attempt to  
display the resulting page. The URL can be configured to be a local file with the prefix ‘file:/  
/' or point to remote server with the prefix http://. The default billboard is assumed to be a  
file located within the VBrick file system, file://./BB01/VB_1.HTM. If the billboard URL  
points to a file within the VBrick, the filename has to follow the DOS 8.3 filename  
convention (i.e. limited file name length). The valid extensions supported by the billboard are  
.HTM, .JPG, .GIF, and .BMP. It is common for the billboard pages to have an .HTM  
extension. Remote URLs are restricted to 255 characters.  
Billboard FTP  
It is possible to use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to modify the contents of one of the pre-  
configured Bulletin Board files resident on the VBrick. Use the browser to FTP files, or any  
of the many FTP applications. Enter in the browser window:  
FTP://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx(where x is the IP address of the VBrick appliance).  
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Use the Username and Password (default is case sensitive admin, admin) to login to the  
VBrick. BB01 through BB16 are directories established to receive Billboard content. It is  
possible to cut and paste new contents to a Billboard location from a file located anyplace on  
the network or on the computer. To view the contents on the VBrick, change the URL in the  
Billboard Section of the Integrated Web Server. In this example, the URL for the new file in  
IWS Configuration: Billboard would read: file://./BB03/atm.gif.  
Billboard URLs  
A URL for the billboard is much like a URL on the Internet. URLs can be local or remote,  
and typically point to the source of the billboard to be displayed.  
Local URL  
A local URL points to a file within the VBrick, which can be downloaded to the VBrick using  
a FTP utility program. All local URLs begin with: file://. There are sixteen pre-configured  
directories to place custom billboards inside the VBrick. The billboard directories are named  
BB01 to BB16.  
Example 1  
A single page billboard is placed in BB01. It requires one image file. The billboard page is  
named VB_1.HTM. The URL, which is not case sensitive, to enter in the Billboard URL box  
is: file://./BB01/VB_1.HTM  
Example 2  
A multi-page billboard is placed in BB01. It requires four image files, one for each page. The  
billboard pages are named VB_1.HTM, VB_2.HTM, VB_3.HTM, and VB_4.HTM. Each file  
is connected to the next page within the html file using the legal syntax. The URL to enter in  
the Billboard URL box is: file://./BB01/VB_1.HTM  
Remote URL  
Example 1  
A single page billboard on a remote server with IP Address 172.16.2.79. The name of the  
billboard file is VB_1.HTM. The resulting URL is therefore: http://172.16.2.79/VB_1.HTM  
Example 2  
A single page on a remote server called www.VBrick.com. The folder name is "billboards".  
The name of the billboard file is VB_1.HTM. The resulting URL is therefore:  
http://www.VBrick.com/billboards/VB_1.HTM  
Billboard File Types  
The file types supported are html (.htm), JPEG (.jpg), GIF (.gif) and windows bitmap (.bmp).  
Progressive GIF and JPEG are not supported. For the mini-browser to display the images,  
the images have to be BMP, GIF, or JPG. Dynamically generated web pages are supported as  
long as the output is pure HTML and uses HTML tags that are part of the set as described  
below. The server side engine must generate the page. JavaScript and VBScript are not yet  
supported. Functions that require these features, like "mouseover", or "onclick" are not  
supported.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Creating a Billboard  
A billboard that fits on one screen (640 x 480 resolution) can be created using the following  
HTML tags:  
A
DIR  
H3  
H4  
H5  
H6  
HR  
HTML  
TH  
TITLE  
TR  
IMG  
PRE  
AREA  
B
DL  
INPUT  
LI  
SCRIPT  
SELECT  
SMALL  
STRONG  
STYLE  
TABLE  
TD  
DT  
BASE  
EM  
MAP  
MENU  
META  
BIG  
FONT  
FORM  
BLOCKQUOTE  
BODY  
BR  
FRAME  
FRAMESET  
NOBR  
NOFRAMES  
HEAD  
H1  
OL  
CAPTION  
CENTER  
DD  
TEXTAREA  
UL  
OPTION  
P
U
H2  
I
The billboard text generated by the browser is Times Roman. The Font sizes supported are  
<Font Size = 1> to <Font size = 7>. Background color and images are also supported. The  
standard HTML 16 color palette can be referred to by name, and other colors will be  
matched to the nearest color of a standard 232-color template. When creating billboards,  
please test your billboard for effect on all types of monitors on which it is going to be  
presented. S-Video output and Composite output from the V-Brick are supported.  
Video Input  
S-Video output from the VBrick to S-Video Input on the television yields the best picture to  
the TV monitor. If you do have S-Video input into your television set, it is recommended you  
use the S-Video output from the VBrick to the television. Most televisions also support  
composite input. The overlay image as used in the billboard can sometimes have the effect of  
"flicker" if the font is too small and used on a regular television. This is a product of the  
output video signal and the television. On higher-grade monitors, the effect is significantly  
reduced.  
Font Sizes  
It is recommended that font size 5 be used on the billboard. The VBrick has two types of  
video output signals. If S-Video out is used, the picture is significantly better than the  
Composite out. Text and graphics tend to appear sharper and do not flicker in S-Video as  
much as they do in the composite out. If a flickering effect makes your font unreadable, make  
it larger. Making the font bold or <STRONG> will reduce the effect of the flicker.  
•
•
•
•
The drawing area for Billboard is about 600X400 pixels.  
With a font size of 7, 8 lines of text fit on the screen.  
With a font size of 6, 13 lines of text lines fit on the screen.  
With a font size of 5, 18 lines of text fit on the screen.  
Transparent Background  
A web page can be created with a transparent background. The video will show through and  
any text or images will appear on top of the video. A custom META tag is used to support  
this feature. In the <HEAD> portion of the HTML page, enter the following. The chosen  
background color will then be overwritten by the transparent color.  
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<META HTTP-EQUIV="TRANSPARENT" CONTENT="YES">  
Configuration: Decoder  
Configuration: Decoder > Video  
The VBrick decoder is used to uncompress MPEG streams and display them on a TV or  
monitor.  
Decoder Video  
Format  
The format can be configured to be NTSC (30fps), PAL (25fps) or  
PAL-M (30fps). PAL-M is a video format standard used in Brazil. The  
main difference between PAL and PAL M is a lower resolution (525  
lines instead of 625) and a higher frame count (30 frames per second  
at 60Hz versus 25 frames per second at 50Hz). Note: Changing and  
applying this parameter will cause the VBrick to reset.  
Logo Display  
Lets you display the VBrick logo on the decoder output (monitor).  
VBrick provides a Logo Customization Utility (available on the  
website) if you want to create an individualized logo.  
No Data Mode  
Closed Caption  
This allows setting the screen for a decoder with no video input to  
having either the last screen appear either frozen or blank.  
This setting enables or disables closed captioning. Closed Captioning  
does not operate when the Picture in Picture feature is selected. It is  
necessary to disable PIP. In SIF mode only CC1 and CC2 are valid.  
CC3 and CC4 fields are not supported.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Configure PID  
MPEG-2 transmits its data in packets of 188 bytes each. At the start of  
each packet is a packet package identifier (or PID) that identifies the  
data stream associated with that packet. Because the MPEG-2 data  
stream might contain multiple video programs, the decoder has to  
choose a particular video channel to play. The PID selection provides  
that feature. If the user selects the automatic option, the first video  
PID identified will be used to select the video channel.  
Actual PID  
Actual PID being played. This read-only parameter is of interest when  
the user selects automatic. A value of 8191 indicates the PID has not  
yet been established.  
Configuration: Decoder > Audio  
The audio selection provides for the control and configuration of the decoded audio stream.  
Output Mode  
The audio output mode can be one of five possible setting as shown  
below. Stereo directs the incoming left audio channel to the left  
output, and the incoming right audio channel to the right output. Mix  
combines the left and right audio channels and directs the combined  
output to both the left and right audio channels. Left selects the input  
left audio channel and sends it to both the left and right output  
channels. Right selects the input right audio channel and sends it to  
both the left and right output channels. Mute suppresses audio output.  
The Dual to options are only operational on an input stream that was  
encoded in Dual audio mode; otherwise, the Output Mode is  
determined by the corresponding audio encoder setting.  
• Dual to Stereo  
• Dual to Mix  
• Dual to Left  
• Dual to Right  
• Mute  
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Output Level  
Hardware-dependent; not shown on all models. Changes the range of  
values for Left and Right Gain.  
Normal – 14 dB to -48 dB (+14 to -48 on some decoder models).  
Alternate – 8 dB to -54 dB (+14 to -48 on some decoder models).  
Left Gain  
Used to adjust volume. Default = 0.  
Used to adjust volume. Default = 0.  
Right Gain  
Configure PID  
MPEG-2 transmits its data in packets of 188 bytes each. At the start of  
each packet is a packet identifier (or PID) identifies the data stream  
associated with that packet. Because the MPEG-2 data stream might  
contain multiple audio programs, the decoder has to choose a  
particular audio channel to play. The PID selection provides that  
feature. If the user chooses the automatic PID option, the first audio  
PID detected will be used to select the audio channel.  
Actual PID  
Actual PID being played. This read-only parameter is of interest when  
the user selects automatic. A value of 8191 indicates the PID has not  
yet been established.  
Configuration: Decoder > Network  
These parameters are decoder level IP parameters that instruct the decoder which IP stream  
to decode on TV monitors.  
Source-Specific Multicast  
Source-specific multicast is enabled by IGMPv3 and provides a way to share a limited  
number of multicast addresses. You must have an IGMPv3 network. Source-specific multicast is  
designed for multicasting across networks and has no benefit when sharing multicast  
addresses on the same subnet (unless your router supports IGMPv3 snooping). Multicast  
addresses in the 232/8 (232.0.0.0 to 232.255.255.255) range are reserved for source-specific  
multicast.  
Source-specific multicast lets your decoder associate a multicast address with a specific  
source encoder IP address. (Note that the source multicast encoders must be on a different  
network than the decoders.) Source-specific multicast is supported on MPEG-2 and  
MPEG-4 encoders. There are no encoder settings for source-specific multicast; there are  
decoder settings (see below Receive Address Mode and Source IP Address) for MPEG-2  
decoders only.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Receive Enable  
Controls whether the decoder receives the video from the network.  
Receive Address  
Mode  
Allows the user to specify how the receive address will be  
configured:  
• IP Address – If the address entered in Receive IP Address (see  
below) is 232/8, the decoder will issue a source-specific  
multicast join if you enter the IPv4 address of the encoder in the  
Source IP Address field.  
• Host Name – This mode is only used for receiving unicast from  
the encoder. The Source IP Address is not used.  
• Program Name – Select from the list of MPEG-2 program  
names being multicast on the network. The Source IP Address is  
displayed but is read-only. The decoder will automatically update  
the Source IP Address field with the source IP address of the  
encoder generated by the program SAP.  
Available Programs  
Use when Receive Address Mode is Program Name. Select from  
dropdown list of available programs. This automatically populates  
Receive IP Address and Source IP Address.  
Receive Host Name Use when Receive Address Mode is Host Name. Sets the source for  
video by using the Host Name. This parameter can be used only for  
a unicast source.  
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Receive IP Address  
Use when Receive Address Mode is IP Address. In multicast mode,  
this parameter defines the IP address of the stream to be decoded  
and displayed. In unicast mode, this parameter is optional. If left  
blank, the decoder will accept all data received on the receive IP  
port. If set, decoder will communicate with any VBrick that has the  
encoder "unicast poll" option set, and instruct it not to transmit it's  
stream unless this VBrick has this receive IP Address.  
Receive Port  
The receive port designates what local IP/UDP port is assigned to  
listen for incoming video.  
Source IP Address  
Used for source-specific multicast if Receive Address Mode is IP  
Address (this is the source IP address of the multicasting encoder).  
It is automatically populated when Receive Address mode is  
Program Name.  
Receive Mode  
This read-only parameter informs the operator whether the selected  
receive IP Address is Unicast or Multicast.  
Packet Ordering  
The identification number in the IP header determines IP packet  
ordering. The packet ordering feature lets the VBrick re-order  
packet fragments as they arrive. If you disable packet ordering, the  
out-of-order packets are simply discarded. Packet ordering may  
increase latency and can add up to 100 ms of additional delay.  
Jitter Queue  
Delay jitter is defined as the variation of the delays with which  
packets traveling on a network connection reach their destination.  
During exceptionally long periods of delay, a large quantity of video  
packets will be buffered in the network. When the situation that  
caused the delay is resolved, the buffered frames will be burst, as a  
group, to the decoder. The handling of delay jitter is then a problem  
of having enough buffering in the decoder to handle a long delay,  
allowing the video to seem uninterrupted, and enough capacity in  
the buffer to handle the subsequent burst that follows once the  
delay has terminated. Typically, long delays in the network are  
associated with packet loss. No amount of buffer at the VBrick will  
correct packet loss. When first enabled, the jitter Q buffers 85ms of  
the video stream. Once the jitter Q has been filled, the jitter queue  
meters out the buffered video to the decoder at a rate equal to the  
rate of the video stream. The jitter queue is drawn down during  
times of packet drought, allowing the video to seem uninterrupted,  
but is large enough to handle the subsequent 85ms burst of packets  
that result once the drought is over. The impact of enabling the  
jitter queue is that a 85ms delay is imposed on the video stream.  
SAP IR Program  
Guide  
Enables or disables the ability of the operator to select the program  
guide feature from his IR remote control.  
SAP Timeout  
If SAP Timing method is fixed, this provides a configurable timeout  
for program guide selections, in seconds. If no SAP is received  
within the timeout period, the entry is removed from the table of  
available programs. If SAP Timeout is variable, the entries are  
removed from the program table as per RFC 2974 (Refer to  
Configuration: System > General).  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
SAP Category  
This string can contain one or more category keywords that will  
limit the video streams displayed by the Program and Conference  
Guides. Keywords should be separated by spaces. Note that  
characters are ASCII and can only be lowercase. The total of all  
keywords in the string is 36 characters including spaces. If the  
Decoder's category string contains both the keywords "Math" and  
"Science," only video streams whose encoders have one or more of  
these keywords assigned, or those that contain no keyword, will be  
available to this Decoder. The Encoder's Category is established on  
the Configuration: Encoder > SAP menu screen of IWS.  
Note also the wildcard character * is supported at the very end of  
keywords only. It is only valid if one or more additional characters  
of any type follow the last non-wildcard character. Note that * with  
spaces on both sides will display all streams. Having no category  
defined (default) displays all streams.  
SAP IP Address  
SAP Port  
The receive IP address used to populate the Program Guide. This is  
typically set to the Announce Program Guide SAP of the encoder.  
The receive IP port used to populate the Program Guide. This is  
typically the port number of the encoder.  
Configuration: Decoder > Picture-In-Picture  
This menu allows the user to configure the Picture-In-Picture parameters on the decoder  
output. The Picture in Picture feature is only available for encoder/decoder VBrick  
appliances.  
Picture in Picture  
PIP Location  
By checking the Box this will enable the Picture-In-Picture display.  
Picture-In-Picture can be any of the following 5 locations: top left, top  
right, bottom left, bottom right and center.  
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PIP Horizontal  
Size  
The Picture-In-Picture horizontal size can be changed to any of the  
following 4 sizes – full, half, quarter, thumbnail.  
PIP Vertical Size  
Brightness  
Saturation  
Hue  
The Picture-In-Picture vertical size can be changed to any of the  
following 4 sizes: full, half, quarter, thumbnail.  
(0 – 15) The luminance is the information about the varying light  
intensity of an image, is best described as brightness. Default = 0.  
(0 – 15) The saturation is the spectral purity or intensity of a color.  
Default = 8.  
(-16 to +15) The hue is the attribute by which a color may be  
identified within the visible spectrum. Hue refers to the spectral  
colors of red, orange, yellow, green blue and violet. Default is 0.  
Adding hue reduces the saturation. Note that the Picture in Picture  
display will override the display of Closed Caption text.  
Configuration: Encoder  
Configuration: Encoder > Transport  
Transport Rate  
This option allows selection of the actual transport rate for the  
MPEG-2 transport stream transmitted from this encoder. If Auto is  
selected, the VBrick will choose an appropriate conservative transport  
rate, which will allow any video interval to be clearly transmitted. If  
you enter a rate that is less than the combined video, audio and over-head an  
error message will be displayed indicating that the rate selected is too low.  
Actual Transport R This read-only parameter provides the actual transport stream rate. It  
ate  
is of particular interest when the automatic option is selected above.  
Even if a transport rate is explicitly selected, the actual transport rate  
will differ from the selected rate since only certain rates are supported.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Transport Content If the model number ends in -xxx1/-xxx2, the user can choose the  
transport content to be Video + Audio, Video only or Audio only. If  
the model number ends in -xxx0, the option is not displayed and video  
and audio always comprises the transport content.  
Delay Mode  
If the model number ends in -xxx1/-xxx2, the delay mode can be set  
to Low, Medium or High Delay. If the model number ends in –xxx0,  
the delay mode can be set to Low or High Delay. In low and medium  
delay modes, the Reference Distance is forced to 1 (no B frames). Low  
delay reduces latency but may also reduce video stability, depending  
on video content. If minimum latency is not an issue in the  
application, high delay will maximize video stability. Default Delay  
Mode is set to High Delay.  
Audio PID  
Video PID  
PCR PID  
MPEG-2 transmits its data in packets of 188 bytes each. At the start of  
each packet is a packet identifier (or PID) that identifies the data  
stream associated with that packet. It is possible that a non-VBrick  
decoder may only accept audio streams with a certain PID setting. If  
so, then this feature allows compatibility with these decoders.  
MPEG-2 transmits its data in packets of 188 bytes each. At the start of  
each packet is a packet identifier (or PID) that identifies the data  
stream associated with that packet. It is possible that a non-VBrick  
decoder may only accept video streams with a certain PID setting. If  
so, then this feature allows compatibility with these decoders.  
MPEG-2 transmits its data in packets of 188 bytes each. At the start of  
each packet is a packet identifier (or PID) that identifies the data  
stream associated with that packet. It is possible that a non-VBrick  
decoder may only accept PCR (Program Clock Reference) streams  
with a certain PID setting. If so, then this feature allows compatibility  
with these decoders. Note that certain decoders may require the PCRs  
to be embedded in the video stream. If so, these decoders are not  
compatible with the VBrick encoder.  
Destination 2  
Stream Type  
The user can configure the appliance to transmit an Elementary  
stream as a secondary stream. A video ES, or video elementary stream,  
consists of all the video data for a sequence, including the sequence  
header and all the subparts of a sequence. A Transport stream  
contains both video and audio.  
Configuration: Encoder > Video  
These parameters are used to configure the Encoder video settings. The encoder video and  
audio configurations change if the appliance has an SDI, Serial Digital Interface. Please refer  
to SDI Configuration on page 57 for more information.  
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Video Format  
The format can be configured to be NTSC (30fps), PAL (25fps) or  
PAL-M (30fps). (The PAL-M feature is supported on models ending  
in xxx1 or higher.) PAL-M is a video format standard used in Brazil.  
The main difference between PAL and PAL-M is a lower resolution  
(525 lines versus 625) and a higher frame count (30 frames per second  
at 60 Hz versus 25 frames per second at 50 Hz).  
Video Aspect Ratio Aspect ratio is the ratio of the width of the image to the height of the  
image. Standard TV images generally use an aspect ratio of 4:3; DVD  
players and some camera can produce 16:9. Set this value to match the  
video input source, either 4:3 or 16:9.  
Video Input Type  
The input can be changed to accept either S-Video or composite  
(BNC). Note: VBSSM models do not support S-Video.  
Video Source  
This enables the user to select the bandwidth for tracking the video  
input.  
• Normal – Select for stable sources such as SDTV, DVD or  
camera.  
• High Jitter – Select for unstable sources such as VCR or VTR.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Closed Caption  
Enable  
Disables or enables closed captioning. It is recommended that Closed  
Caption be disabled unless required by an application. Default =  
disabled. Does not apply to models ending in -xxx0.  
• Disabled – Default.  
• Video CC Enabled – Reads the embedded video closed captioning  
text.  
• Inserted CC Enabled – Inserts the user defined text set in the  
Closed Caption Text field.  
Closed Caption  
Type  
Sets the Closed Caption Type to either ATSC Compliant or Alternate  
Format. When set to ATSC compliant, the type conforms to ATSC  
specification a53. When set to the Alternate Format, the type  
conforms to a proprietary method. Does not apply to models ending  
in -xxx0.  
Inserted CC  
Update Rate  
Sets the rate with which the closed captioning field gets updated for  
the box (default is medium). Only works when Inserted CC is  
enabled. Does not apply to models ending in -xxx0.  
• Slow – When set to slow, the inserted closed captioning field will  
be updated every 60 seconds.  
• Medium – When set to medium, the closed captioning field will  
update every 20 seconds.  
• Fast – When set to fast, the closed captioning field will update  
every 5 seconds.  
Inserted CC Text  
Sets the text that is inserted into the closed captioning field of the  
encoded stream (default is "inserted string" \h \d \t \c). Only works  
when Inserted CC is enabled. Does not apply to models ending in  
-xxx0. Note: The maximum number of characters supported is 32  
(including the Host Name, Date and Time). No double quotes "", less  
than <, or greater than > symbols are allowed as part of the  
configuration string. If the whole string does not display on the screen  
the default string can be organized to have the Host Name (/h) last.  
The special strings are:  
\hor \H – Host Name  
\dor \D – Current Date  
\t or \T – Current Time  
\c#or \C#– Set Color (where # = the number corresponding to  
color): 0 = White, 1 = Green, 2 = Blue, 3 = Cyan, 4 = Red, 5 =  
Yellow, 6 = Magenta.  
Inserted CC Row  
Sets the position on the screen where the text defined in the Closed  
Caption Text field will appear in the decoded video. Can be set from 1  
through 15, where 1 indicates the top of the screen and 15 indicates  
the bottom of the screen (default is 15), when Inserted CC is enabled.  
Does not apply to models ending in -xxx0.  
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Reference Distance For models ending in -xxx1/-xxx2, enables a user to set the difference  
between consecutive reference frames within a group of pictures  
(GOP). The values available are 1–3 (default = 2). If the Encoder  
Transport Delay setting is low or medium, the value must be 1. Does  
not apply to models ending in -xxx0. If Reference Distance and  
Intrapicture Distance are both 1, the encoder will produce all I  
frames.  
Intrapicture  
Distance  
Enables the user to set the distance between consecutive I frames  
within a Group Of Pictures (GOP). The values available are 1–19  
(default = 16). Does not apply to models ending in -xxx0. If  
Reference Distance and Intrapicture Distance are both 1, the encoder  
will produce all I frames.  
Luminance  
Contrast  
0 to 255. Default = 128. The luminance is the information about the  
varying light intensity of an image, which is best described as  
brightness.  
0 to 127. Default = 62. The contrast is the range of light-to-dark  
values of an image that are proportional to the voltage differences  
between the black and white levels of the signal.  
Saturation  
Hue  
0 to 127. Default = 66. The saturation is the spectral purity or  
intensity of a color.  
Range is -128 to 127. Default = 0. The hue is the attribute by which a  
color may be identified within the visible spectrum. Hue refers to the  
spectral colors of red, orange, yellow, green blue and violet. Adding  
hue reduces the saturation.  
Resolution  
For models ending in -xxx0, the video resolution can be adjusted to  
Full D1, 1/2 D1, or 2/3 D1. For models ending in other than -xxx0,  
the video resolution can be Full D1, 1/2 D1, 2/3 D1, 352x240 (SIF),  
or 352x288 (CIF). Note that D1 resolution is not recommended at  
video encode rates below 5 Mbps. In SIF mode only closed  
captioning CC1 and CC2 in the menu settings of the video display are  
valid (TV menu monitor settings) CC3 and CC4 fields are not  
supported. The actual resolutions for NTSC and PAL are listed  
below:  
NTSC D1 720x480  
NTSC 1/2 D1 352x480  
NTSC 2/3 D1 480x480  
NTSC SIF 352x240  
PAL D1 720x576  
PAL 1/2 D1 352x576  
PAL 2/3 D1 480x576  
PAL CIF 352x288  
Bit Rate  
The encoder's bit rate can be adjusted from 1 Mbps to 10 Mbps for  
models ending in –xxx0. For models ending in other than -xxx0, the  
bit rate can be adjusted from 1–15 Mbps.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Video GOP Time  
The hours, minutes and seconds for the GOP time, the creation time  
of the MPEG video stream. Can be set to one of three selections:  
• Encoder Time (default)  
• GMT Time  
• Local Time  
Note: Within the GOP header of the video stream is a Time Stamp, in  
hours, minutes and seconds. If the receiving application uses this time  
stamp, it is desirable to configure the encoder to insert a real time of  
day in either local or GMT time. If no application is using this data,  
the setting should be left at Encoder Time, which merely uses the  
time elapsed since the encoder hardware was last reset.  
Meta Data  
When Metadata is enabled a new field will appear on the screen  
allowing the operator to insert metadata strings into the video as User  
Data. The normal use of metadata is to allow accompanying  
synchronized URL references to displayed in rich media applications.  
The VBrick StreamPlayer has the capability of extracting the metadata  
references and presenting them to an appropriate application. Contact  
VBrick for details.  
Meta Data String  
Shown if Meta Data is enabled. Maximum 58 characters. Click Insert  
Now to insert the meta data string into the stream.  
Configuration: Encoder > Audio  
Models ending in other than -xxx0 may contain different types of audio hardware. The  
difference can be identified by physical differences in the audio connectors or by the revision  
number identified in Status: Encoder/Decoder Status – PLX EEProm Revision E. The  
model identified as PLX EEProm Revision 1 has black plastic collars around the L/R audio  
jacks. The model identified as PLX EEProm Revision 2 has metal screw-on collars. Where  
features differ between the models, the differences are noted. For example, certain VBSSM  
models do not support audio (see Table 1 VBSSM Models † for details).  
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Audio Input  
Input can be from an Audio Jack (1/8" mini-phono jack) or from  
Microphone DIN (AudioMate microphone). The default setting is  
Audio Jack.  
Audio Balance  
-127 to 127. Sets audio balance between left and right channels. Zero  
is balanced. 127 sends audio to right channel only; -127 to left  
channel.  
Audio Input Level Hardware-dependent; not shown on all models. See Audio Gain field  
for more details.  
• Normal – 7 to –53 dB and mute.  
• Alternate – 12 to –48 dB and mute.  
Audio Gain (dB)  
This setting controls the audio level of the encoder. It is model  
dependent:  
• On models ending in –xxx0 the settings are from 3 to –60 dB and  
mute. The default setting is 0 dB. A setting of 3 is equivalent to full  
volume, -60 effectively mutes the encoder audio.  
• On models ending in –xxx1/–xxx2 the settings differ based on the  
Status: Encoder > PLX EEProm Revision number:  
If the Encoder PLX EEProm Revision is 1, the settings are from 3 to  
–48 dB and mute. The default setting is 0 dB. A setting of +3 is  
equivalent to full volume and -60 effectively mutes the encoder audio.  
If the EEProm PLX EEProm Revision is 2 or higher and the Audio  
Input Level is set to Normal, the settings are from 7 to –53 dB and  
mute. The default setting is 0 dB. A setting of 7 is equivalent to full  
volume, -53 effectively mutes the encoder audio. If the Audio Input  
Level is set to Alternate, the settings are from 12 to –48 and mute. The  
default setting is 0 dB. A setting of 12 is the equivalent of full volume,  
-48 effectively mutes the encoder.  
L+R Bit Rate  
The transmission rate of the audio stream. If the model ends in -xxx0,  
the transmission rate can be 192, 256 and 384 Kbps **If the model  
ends in -xxx1/-xxx2 the audio bit rate can be 256 or 384 Kbps.  
Sample Frequency Frequency at which the audio is sampled at the encoder. If the model  
number ends in -xxx0, the sampling rate can be 44.1 KHz or 48 KHz.  
If the model number ends in -xxx1/-xxx2 the sampling frequency is  
48 KHz.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Audio Channels  
Model dependent. (If the EEPROM Revision is 2 or higher, changing  
the Audio Channel setting affects the Sample Frequency. )  
• If the model number ends in –xxx0, the parameter can be set to  
Stereo, Mono and Dual. The default setting is Stereo.  
• If the model number ends in –xxx1/-xxx2, the settings are  
dependent on the PLX EEProm revision Number:  
• If the EEProm Revision is 1, this parameter can be set to Stereo  
and Mute. The default setting is Stereo.  
• If the EEProm Revision is 2 or higher, the parameter can be set to  
Stereo, Mono (left to stereo) or Mute. Default = Stereo.  
Stereo – Stereo directs the input left channel to the left channel in  
the audio stream and the input right channel to the right channel in  
the audio stream.  
Mono (left to stereo) – Mono directs the left input channel to both  
the left and right channel.  
Mono (left only) – This option allows only the left input channel  
to be carried in the stream. Output is to the left channel only.  
Configuration: Encoder > Destination 1/Destination2  
Transmit Enable  
Controls whether the primary encoder output is to be transmitted to  
the network.  
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Destination Address Allows the user to specify how the destination address will be  
Mode  
configured: IP Address, Host Name, or IPv6.  
• IP Address – This is the Destination IP Address of the encoded  
video. When this is a multicast address, the transmit mode is also  
set to multicast. Similarly, if this is a unicast address, the transmit  
mode is also set to unicast.  
• Host Name – Sets the source for video to be received using Host  
Name of the source. It can be used only for a unicast source.  
• IPv6 – Use Internet Protocol Version 6. Note that IPv6 supports  
unicast transmissions only.  
Destination  
Host Name  
This is the destination Host Name of the network device that will be  
receiving the encoded video.  
Destination IPv4/  
IPv6 Address  
This is the destination IPv4 or IPv6 address (depending on what is  
selected above) of the network device that will be receiving the  
encoded video. (You can enter a source-specific multicast address  
(232/8) but it will have no effect unless the network is IGMPv3  
capable. See Source-Specific Multicast on page 20 for details.)  
Destination Port  
Transmit Mode  
This is the destination IP port of the network device that will be  
receiving the encoded video.  
This read-only parameter (derived from the Destination IP Address)  
tells you whether the encoder is transmitting the video stream in  
Unicast or Multicast mode. In Unicast mode, if the network portion  
of the IP address is outside the scope of the local area network, the  
Unicast address is presumed to be outside the network.  
Time to Live  
The number of hops (between routers) for which an IP packet is  
valid on the network.  
Type of Service  
The TOS (Type of Service) can be configured in the IP header to  
establish packet priority in the network.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Packet Payload Size  
Controls the amount of MPEG data within each UDP packet. The  
default value is 4136. Since Ethernet networks are limited to a  
packet size of 1500 bytes, multiple IP packets are required to span  
one UDP packet. When choosing a packet payload size, special  
attention must be paid to the network capability and topology. The  
allowed range is 1316 to 8872 bytes per packet, even numbers only.  
When the MTU is set to the default of 1500, the VBrick appliance  
will not produce fragmented UDP packets at or below a payload size  
of 1472. Note that MPEG-2 video playback on Vista PCs may be  
suboptimal with small packet payload settings.  
If you wish to select something other than the default (4136),  
VBrick recommends that the Packet Payload Size be a number in the  
vicinity of the Actual Transport Rate divided by 800—but no  
smaller than 1316 and no larger than 8872. This recommendation  
represents a compromise: smaller payloads provide smoother  
delivery to the decoder and improve the decoder performance;  
larger payloads impose less demand on the encoder processing  
capabilities. This recommendation becomes increasingly significant  
as the transport bitrate decreases and falls below 3.3 Mbps; 4136 is a  
better value for Packet Payload Size when the transport bitrate is 3.3  
Mbps or higher. It is also beneficial but not necessary for the Packet  
Payload Size to be a multiple of 188.  
Note that when you adjust the Packet Payload Size and video Bit  
Rate on the encoder, the decoder video may be affected. For  
example, when the Packet Payload Size on the encoder is set to 7000  
or above and Bit Rate on the Configuration: Encoder > Video page  
is set from 1–1.4 Mbps, the decoder receiving the video may go into  
a continual reset loop (every 10–60 seconds depending on the  
settings). To stop the resetting, set the Bit Rate to 1.5 Mbps or  
higher.  
Unicast Poll  
Unicast Ping  
This parameter is used to instruct the VBrick to poll whether the  
unicast destination VBrick is configured to accept this stream. If the  
unicast destination VBrick is not configured to accept this stream,  
this VBrick will not send the stream. This feature is designed to  
eliminate unwanted unicast video traffic across the network.  
Feature for primary destination can be enabled, disabled. If the  
VBrick is designated to transmit a transport stream to any  
destination (whether another VBrick or not) in unicast mode, this  
parameter is used to instruct the VBrick to ping the destination  
periodically to test connectivity before sending the stream. If  
Unicast Ping is not enabled, and the destination goes off-line, the  
unicast stream may be broadcast to all destinations causing flooding  
on the network. This scenario largely depends on network  
architecture and may or may not occur. This feature should only be  
disabled if the network has a particular requirement that makes it  
unworkable.  
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Join Own Multicast  
Some network equipment requires that a multicast source (such as a  
VBrick encoder) join its own multicast group. This feature is  
enabled by default and has no adverse affect on equipment that is  
fully multicast compliant.  
Configuration: Encoder > Announce (SAP)  
Contains parameters used to change the SAP (Session Announcement Protocol)  
advertisements. SAPs are advertisement packets that are transmitted by VBrick appliances to  
other VBrick appliances and VBrick applications such as the Portal Server and  
StreamPlayerPlus. They are used to identify streams present in the network.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Announce Common Information  
Program Name  
The string providing the name of the stream associated with this  
SAP. This SAP text shows up in the Program Guide for other  
VBrick products. Default is \H Program x (where x is 1 or 2, for  
slot1 or slot2). Note: All of the Common Information fields  
support replacement characters. The replacement text is only shown in  
the SAP message at the destination decoder. The fields are replaced by  
the actual information as explained below.  
• \H or \h – Host Name of VBrick appliance. When the default  
entry is used, the VBrick is identified by the default Host Name  
(set in IWS in the Network: Ethernet section), and will be  
identified as such on the network, see the StreamPlayer software  
example below.  
• \B or \b – If the unit is a VBStar, this is the Base Name of the  
file being pumped by the Hard Drive Pump.  
• \F or \f – If the unit is a VBStar, this is the control name of the  
File being pumped. The control name is a combination which  
consists of 25 characters from the directory name, 25 characters  
from the base name, 3 digits containing the file extension and  
the punctuation (53 total characters maximum). If the directory  
portion is not present, this is the base name of the file being  
pumped.  
Program Author  
A string in the SAP that can be used to identify the author. Default  
is "My Author."  
Program Copyright  
A string in the SAP that can be used to identify the copyright  
information. Default is "My Copyright."  
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Category  
An encoder can have a SAP Category string. This string consists of  
one or more keywords separated by spaces. Each category keyword  
represents a tag associated with the Encoder's video stream.  
Decoders can be configured to display in their Program and Guides  
only video streams tagged by specific category keywords or those  
containing no keyword. The string(s), used by the Decoder, is set on  
the Decoder/Network screen. Note: Characters are ASCII and are  
case sensitive. The total of all keywords in the string is 36 characters  
including spaces.  
You can also use this field to filter the live streams shown in the  
ETV Portal Server by source and client IP address by using the  
following string: IPMask=xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx  
represents a bit mask. (This string is simply another keyword you  
can use in addition to those described above.) The Portal Server will  
parse the bitmask and send the live stream only to clients with a  
masked IP address that matches the masked IP address of the  
source VBrick. For example, a stream with a category  
IPMask=255.255.0.0 from a VBrick with an address of 172.22.6.67  
will be available to a client with an IP address 172.22.3.4 but not to  
a client with an IP Address 172.16.3.4. There is no admin interface  
to this feature on the Portal Server; you can use this filtering in  
addition to the standard authorization features provided by the  
Portal Server.  
Session Information A string identifying VBrick SAP Session Information. See Program  
Name field for a description of replace characters (\h, \b or \f).  
Appears on Program Guide. Default is "VBrick Streaming Video".  
Information URL  
Contact Email  
Contact Phone  
Contact Name  
Informational text.  
Informational text.  
Informational text.  
Informational text.  
SAP for Destination 1 and/or 2  
Transmit  
Enables or disables the transmission of the SAP.  
Retransmit Time  
If SAP Timing is fixed, this is the time (in seconds) between  
transmissions of SAPs (1 – 9999). If SAP Timing is variable, the actual  
retransmit time as per RFC 2974 is reported back. Please refer to  
Configuration: System > General.  
Time to Live  
Type of Service  
SAP IP Address  
SAP Port  
The number of hops (between routers) for which an IP packet is valid  
on the network.  
The TOS (Type of Service) can be configured in the IP header to  
establish SAP packet priority in the network.  
The receive IP address used to populate the Program Guide. This is  
typically set to the Announce Program Guide SAP of the encoder.  
The receive IP port used to populate the Program Guide. This is  
typically the port number of the encoder.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Note SAP information appears in the Program Guide field displayed in other VBrick  
products, such as StreamPlayer and StreamPlayer Plus.  
Configuration: Pump  
See VBStar Pump on page 100.  
Configuration: Recorder  
See VBStar Record on page 105.  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer  
See VBStar FTP File Transfer on page 111.  
Configuration: Conferencing  
Conferencing is a feature that allows a user to set up a two-way video conference using the IR  
Remote Control. This screen provides the configuration of the necessary parameters.  
Conferencing  
Setup  
This option enables/disables the ability of a user to initiate a  
conference using an IR remote control unit. Disabled prevents this  
VBrick from appearing on the Conference Guide of other VBricks.  
Conferencing  
Accept  
If Manual, the called party on this VBrick must explicitly accept the  
call with the IR remote control. If automatic, the call will be accepted  
without any action on the part of the called party.  
Local Ringer  
Used to enable/disable the ringer.  
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Conference End  
Display Mode  
Allows the choice of what is displayed when the conference ends.  
Display either Picture-in-Picture (with the local encoder view) or a  
Blank Screen.  
Local Ringer IR  
If Enabled, the ringer may be enabled or disabled via the IR remote by  
the user (operator) of this VBrick. If disabled, the local operator  
cannot change the state of the ringer. It will remain as set above in  
"local ringer".  
Conferencing  
Name  
Used to configure the name of the user (operator) of this VBrick. This  
is the name, which will appear on the conference guide screen used to  
set up the conference. The default entry is \h or \H, which identifies  
the unit by the Host Name of VBrick appliance.  
SAP IP Address  
SAP Port  
The SAPs for Conference Call setup are sent to this destination IP  
Address.  
The SAPs for Conference Call setup are sent to this destination IP/  
UDP port.  
SAP Retransmit  
Time  
Allows setting the SAP retransmit time.  
Configuration: Passthrough  
The TCP/IP network can serve as an intermediary between two VBricks and their serial  
ports or between a PC application sending IP packets and a VBrick's serial port. Passthrough  
can be configured using addresses on Ethernet. Passthrough on COM2 is only available on  
VBricks with a CPLD (programmable logic device) Version greater than 21. (To check the  
CPLD , go to Status > System Information > CPLD Version.) If the IWS screens do not provide a  
COM1 or COM2 selection at the top of the Passthrough screen, the VBrick defaults to COM1. This  
feature supports a wide range of serial applications. See "Serial Port Passthrough" in the  
VBrick Appliance Getting Started Guide for more about serial port passthrough. Note that RS-  
232/422/485 end-to-end control is initiated by enabling or disabling Passthrough. The  
Passthrough port for COM1 is 4439; the port for COM2 is 4414.  
Note COM is dedicated to Passthrough. COM2 is a dual purpose interface. At the factory  
default it can be used as a serial connection to the VBrick Command Line Interface  
(CLI) tool for configuration purposes. When configured for Passthrough, the CLI  
feature is used for camera control.  
Configuration: Passthrough > COM1  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Passthrough State Used to enable/disable Passthrough. Three states are possible:  
• Disabled – The VBrick will neither initiate nor respond to  
Passthrough setup requests.  
• Responder – In this case the VBrick will accept a connection  
request (up to 64 connection requests) from another VBrick set as  
an Initiator or from a PC camera control application.  
• Initiator – In this case it will continuously attempt to automatically  
initiate a Passthrough connection to the remote destination.  
Operational State Describes the current status of a Passthrough connection, including  
error conditions, if any. Refer to the Network Status Section. This will  
display "Active" if in Passthrough mode.  
COM Interface  
Type  
Describes the COM interface connector. (RS422/485 options are  
displayed only if main board has a Part Number ending in xxx3. See  
Status: User Information > Main Board.)  
• RS232 – standard RS-232 serial port connector.  
• RS422/485 – RS-422/485 4-wire serial port connector.  
• RS422/485 (Terminated) – RS-422/485 terminated.  
Passthrough State: Responder  
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Baud Rate  
Rate can be set to the following (Default = 9600): 110, 300, 600, 1200,  
2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800, 38400, 57600,  
115200.  
Stop Bits  
Parity  
Number of stop bits for Passthrough port (1 or 2).  
None, Even, Odd.  
RTS Control  
Force Off, Force On or Automatic. If automatic, the control will be  
on when Passthrough is active. DTR and RTS are available for COM2  
only for those VBrick models whose last digit is 3 or higher. Under no  
conditions are RTS or DTR controls passed through end-to-end. All  
control handling is local.  
DTR Control  
Force Off, Force On or Automatic. If automatic, the control will be  
On when Passthrough is active. See note above.  
Operational State Describes the current status of a Passthrough connection, including  
error conditions, if any. Refer to the Network Status Section. This will  
display "Active" if in Passthrough mode.  
COM Interface  
Type  
Describes the COM interface connector. (RS422/485 options are  
displayed only if main board has a Part Number ending in xxx3. See  
Status: User Information > Main Board.)  
• RS232 – standard RS-232 serial port connector.  
• RS422/485 – RS-422/485 4-wire serial port connector.  
• RS422/485 (Terminated) – RS-422/485 terminated.  
Passthrough State: Initiator  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Destination  
• Remote COM1 using Slot1 Video Endpoint. This means that all  
serial data originating at the COM1 port being configured is sent  
to the COM1 port of the VBrick identified as the Slot1 video  
source (if Slot1 is a decoder) or to the Slot1 video destination  
VBrick (if Slot1 is an encoder).  
• Remote COM2 using Slot1 Video Endpoint. Slot1 Destination 1  
only. Same as above except Initiator destination is COM2.  
• Dedicated. When Passthrough State is set as Initiator and the  
Destination is Dedicated, the VBrick appliance (whose serial port  
is the destination of this COM port) can be configured and  
identified using either an IP address or a host name.  
• Slot1 MetaData. If Meta Data is enabled on the Encoder > Video  
page, the appliance captures incoming data from the serial port and  
inserts it into the stream as metadata. In a typical application, a  
GPS receiver connected to a VBrick can insert ASCII strings  
representing map coordinates into a stream. This information is  
saved and sent as metadata with the video. This feature is disabled  
when the appliance is in Edit mode.  
The data is inserted when it reaches the maximum number of  
characters (58 for MPEG-2) or when the Idle Timeout (see below)  
between characters is reached. This feature works for all  
passthrough port baud rates but can only accept continuous serial  
data at rates up to 9600 baud; at higher rates there must be some  
idle time between metadata strings.  
• Slot2 MetaData. Same as above except the serial port data is  
inserted as metadata in the video stream from the Slot2 encoder.  
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Baud Rate  
Rate of Passthrough port. Rate can be set to the following (Default =  
9600): 110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 3600, 4800, 7200, 9600, 14400,  
19200, 28800, 38400, 57600, 115200.  
Stop Bits  
Parity  
Number of stop bits for Passthrough port (1 or 2).  
None, Even, Odd.  
RTS Control  
Force Off, Force On or Automatic. If automatic, the control will be  
on when Passthrough is active. DTR and RTS are not available for  
COM2. Under no conditions are RTS or DTR controls passed  
through end-to-end. All control handling is local. DTR and RTS are  
not available for COM2.  
DTR Control  
Force Off, Force On or Automatic. If automatic, the control will be  
On when Passthrough is active. Not available on COM2. See note  
above.  
Operational State Describes the current status of a Passthrough connection, including  
error conditions, if any. Refer to the Network Status Section. This will  
display Active if in Passthrough mode.  
Idle Time out  
5–2000 milliseconds. Default = 500. The interval between characters  
at which metadata is inserted into the stream.  
COM Interface  
Type  
Describes the COM interface connector. (RS422/485 options are  
displayed only if main board has a Part Number ending in xxx3. See  
Status: User Information > Main Board.)  
• RS232 – standard RS-232 serial port connector.  
• RS422/485 – RS-422/485 4-wire serial port connector.  
• RS422/485 (Terminated) – RS-422/485 terminated.  
Dedicated Address Mode  
When the Passthrough State is set as Initiator and the Destination is Dedicated, the VBrick  
appliance can be configured and identified using either an IP address or Host Name.  
Configuration: Passthrough > COM2  
Passthrough settings for COM2 are a subset of COM1. See Configuration: Passthrough >  
COM1 for complete details. As noted, DTR and RTS are not available for COM2. Under no  
conditions are RTS or DTR controls passed through end-to-end. All control handling is  
local.  
Configuration: System  
This menu allows the user to set-system related parameters.  
Configuration: System > General  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Network Time  
Synchronization  
Enabled or Disabled. If enabled, the System Date Time field is  
inactive. See Network Time Synchronization on page 11 to  
set host name or IP address of time server. You must set these  
parameters before you can enable Network Time Synchronization on  
this window.  
System Date Time  
Set system date and time in mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm format.  
System  
Current Operational  
Mode  
Indicates the current operational mode of the VBrick. The  
following modes are supported. Note: Changing the Operational  
Mode automatically reboots the VBrick.  
Configured Operational Indicates the configured operational mode of the VBrick. The  
Mode  
following modes are supported:  
• Run Mode – Normal operation.  
• Diagnostics – User selected mode for running certain VBrick  
diagnostics.  
Time Zone  
Select from list: (GMT-12) Eniwetok – (GMT +12) Auckland.  
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Daylight Savings Time  
IR Enable  
Enabled or Disabled.  
Enable or Disable the IR remote control. This is the master  
enable and disable for the IR across all functions.  
Fan Mode  
This option allows a user to either force the fan always high or to  
automatically cycle on and off based on measured temperature.  
Default = Automatic. Note: This option is only available on  
VBrick models with a main board assembly whose last four digits  
are 0206 or higher.  
SAP Timing Method  
Fixed or Variable - If fixed, the SAP timing will operate as  
defined in the encoder, decoder and pump screens with fixed  
SAP transmission and timeouts. If variable is selected, the entire  
VBrick will use SAP timing as defined in RFC 2974. For most  
applications, Fixed Timing should be used.  
RFC2974 Bandwidth  
Relay Control  
Allows setting the SAP bandwidth allocation in Bits per second.  
This setting is used only when the Timing Method is set to  
Variable.  
This option allows forcing the relay connection to Open or  
Closed. Note: This option is only available on VBricks with a  
main board assembly whose last four digits are 0205 or higher.  
Vision Protocol  
Enables a subset of the Vision ADMAS control protocol. This  
protocol is not recommended for general use.  
Front Panel LCD Display  
These settings will be displayed for approximately 6 seconds. After 6 seconds the LCD will  
display the current release, IP address, hostname plus transmit and receive addresses.  
Box IP Address  
Enable or Disable the Box IP Address display on the Front Panel  
Display.  
Destination IP  
Address  
Enable or Disable the Destination IP Address display on the Front  
Panel Display.  
Receive IP Address Enable or Disable the Receive IP Address display on the Front Panel  
Display.  
User String  
Enabled  
Enable or Disable the text displayed on the front panel LCD of the  
VBrick appliance can be user defined.  
Top Line User  
String  
The top line can support up to 16 characters. (characters in excess of  
16 will scroll across the display for the bottom line).  
Bottom Line User The bottom line up to 40 characters.  
String  
Configuration: System > SNMP Traps  
SNMP Traps are a subset of the SNMP management component of the VBrick. Use of any  
element of the SNMP management system requires use of an SNMP browser or SNMP  
manager application (not supplied). The SNMP MIB, which formally defines the SNMP  
interface to the VBrick, is contained within the install directory of the VBrick release or from  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
the VBrick. The two MIB files are VBrick_box2.mib and VBrick_reg.mib. The default  
installation directory is:  
Program Files\VBrick\VB6000\Download\ReleaseVxx_xx_xx  
Traps are SNMP base messages used by SNMP elements to report changes in status or alarm  
conditions to remote SNMP management entities. Traps are generally used to alert network  
administrators of potential equipment problems or other noteworthy events. Two types of  
information are conveyed in the trap mechanism: Events and Alarms. Events Traps are sent  
every time the monitored event occurs. Events have only one state. Alarms are events having  
two states, Active and Clear. When the alarm condition is first detected, an alarm active trap  
is emitted. Alarms are considered active until the condition cleared and the alarm clear trap is  
emitted.  
Note VBrick supports SNMPv3 in addition to SNMP v1/v2. SNMP v3 is a "Secure SNMP  
implementation" as defined in Section 11.3 of RFC 3414. It provides initial  
configuration in accordance with Appendix A.1 of RFC 3414 and also implements the  
Privacy Protocol (DES Encryption) as described in RFC 3414.  
Trap Destination  
IP Address (1–4)  
The IP Addresses of SNMP management stations to which traps  
are to be sent. The SNMP management application should be  
active on these stations in order to receive a number of SNMP  
Traps, which are supported by the VBrick. Enterprise-specific  
traps listed in order of trap identification number are shown in  
Table 4.  
Host Type  
IP Address or DNS Host Name.  
IP Address  
Complete if Host Type = IP address.  
Complete if Host Type = DNS Host Name.  
DNS Host Name  
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SNMP Trap Version  
Trap User Name  
Select Version number.  
User assigned trap name.  
Authentication Password Enter password. Cannot exceed 20 characters. May include any  
combination of alphanumeric characters but only the following  
special characters: ~ ! # $ ^ * + & [ ] { } | < > See Table 5 on  
page 93 for defaults.  
Authentication Protocol Select protocol: MD5 or SHA to validate the transaction  
between a given host and client  
Privacy Password  
Security Level  
Required. Hides traffic using DES encryption.  
No Authentication, No Privacy (default).  
No Privacy.  
Authentication and Privacy.  
Table 4. Trap Summary Tables  
Number Event Description  
1
There is loss of video input on slot1 Encoder.  
2
The loss of video input on slot1 Encoder failure has cleared.  
There is loss of video input on slot2 Encoder.  
The loss of video input on slot2 Encoder failure has cleared.  
The box has started up in Run mode.  
3
4
5
6
The box has started up in Diagnostics mode.  
The box has started up in Limited Run mode.  
The box has received a reset request from an administrator.  
There is a fan failure.  
7
8
9
10  
11  
The fan failure is recovered.  
The temperature of the unit is out of range. Will be sent when the unit's internal  
temperature becomes too high or too low.  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
The temperature out of range condition has cleared.  
The 24 volts power supply failed.  
The 24 volts power supply failure has cleared.  
The 12 volts power supply failed.  
The 12 volts power supply failure has cleared.  
The 5 volts power supply failed.  
The 5 volts power supply failure has cleared.  
The 3.3 volts power supply failed.  
The 3.3 volts power supply failure has cleared.  
The 2.5 volts power supply failed.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Number Event Description  
22  
23  
24  
The 2.5 volts power supply failure has cleared.  
There is a Real Time Clock battery failure.  
The unit has been configured to transmit and/or receive video streams beyond  
its capability.  
25  
26  
27  
28  
Signifies the overloaded unit is recovered to normal.  
A component on the main board failed Power On Self Test (POST).  
The encoder card in Slot1 failed Power On Self Test (POST).  
The encoder card in Slot1 failed Power On Self Test (POST).  
Configuration: System > Security  
Note If you disable Telnet, FTP, IWS, and SNMP, the only way to manage (and re-enable)  
these parameters is to connect a PC to the VBrick with a serial cable and use the  
Command Line Interface (CLI). You should never disable all the network management  
interfaces if you are using COM2 for serial passthrough.  
External Telnet  
Server  
Default = Enabled. Disabled will prevent Telnet sessions to the  
server.  
External FTP Server Default = Enabled. Disabled will prevent FTP sessions to the  
server including downloading to the VBrick. Note that this feature  
must be enabled to upgrade the appliance firmware using  
VBDownload.  
External IWS  
Default = Enabled. Disabled will prevent you from managing the  
VBrick from a web browser using the IWS application.  
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External SNMP  
Default = Enabled. Disabled will prevent you from using an  
external MIB browser to view or write parameters.  
External SNMPv1  
Default = Enabled. You can use both SNMP v1/v2, and v3. For  
and SNMPv2 Access tightest security, set parameter to Disabled and use SNMPv3 only.  
Remote Support  
Enable  
Default = Disabled. Check to enable remote support by VBrick  
Support Services. Note: Any change to this parameter will reboot the  
appliance.  
Remote Support Poll Default = Enabled. The default enables continuous polling through  
Enable  
the firewall. If desired, you can enable polling only when you need  
to establish a remote connection. This will not reboot the appliance.  
Remote Support  
Server  
Default = remote.vbrick.com. Use the default if a DNS server is  
defined on the Configuration: Network > Ethernet page. If a DNS  
server is not defined, you must enter an IP Address in this field.  
Contact Support Services for details.  
IWS Server Port  
Specifies the listener port for management and HTTP connections.  
Default = 80. Typically port 80 is the default value used by PC web  
browsers. To access a different HTTP port, the remote IWS client  
user would specify the URL as follows: http://IPaddress:port  
where IPaddress= VBrick IP address or hostname, and port.  
Improving Security  
You can improve security by (1) blocking unauthorized attempts to login and access a device  
and (2) by reducing exposure to malicious software attacks. The most common vulnerability  
is related to user accounts and passwords. After a successful installation, you should  
immediately change the default passwords. Many attacks come from within an organization  
and this helps to minimize the risk. The IWS login is generally secure since it utilizes  
encryption techniques to hide usernames and passwords from network spyware.  
Malicious software covertly attaches itself to unsuspecting devices. These programs are  
generally designed to compromise personal information or to create system havoc. Since the  
VBrick appliance uses an industrial-grade operating system, it is less susceptible to malicious  
software and unlikely to be a target of programs designed to attack PC-based systems like  
Microsoft, Linux, and others. However, you can still take additional steps to minimize risk.  
VBrick tries to make installation as simple and quick installation and many features are  
automatically enabled by default even though you may not need them. You can selectively  
disable unneeded features to reduce vulnerability. Another common problem is Denial of  
Service (DoS) attacks. A DoS sends floods of packets to an unsuspecting remote system in an  
attempt to disrupt or stop normal operation. These unsuspecting remote systems are typically  
discovered using ICMP or ping. It is standard industry practice to block all ICMP and ping  
requests from off-net foreign hosts. This is typically done in a centralized location using  
router/firewall technology which is more successful and cost effective than resolving the  
issue at each host.  
Configuration: System > Logging  
Certain log events are captured and can be viewed locally. This local log is saved in volatile  
memory and hold the most recent 20 entries. See Status: System Log on page 73 for examples  
of log information. To save log information indefinitely, it is recommended that remote  
logging be utilized. Remote servers generally offer ample storage and offer the additional  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
benefit of collecting log information from several VBricks simultaneously. When logging  
externally, specify either the IP address or hostname a server that is configured to receive  
SNMP traps on port 162 into the Remote Event Log IP Address or Remove Event Log DNS  
Host Name fields.  
Log Time Zone  
Trap Log Local  
Specifies the time zone (Local or GMT) that is used for logged events.  
If Enabled, displays trap events in the local log.  
Trap Log Remote If Enabled, sends trap event notices to a remote host.  
General Config  
Log Local  
If Enabled, displays configuration changes in the local log.  
General Config  
Log Remote  
If Enabled, sends configuration change notices to a remote host.  
IR or Script Config If Enabled, displays IR or script-generated configuration changes in  
Log Local the local log.  
IR or Script Config If Enabled, sends IR or script-generated configuration changes to a  
Log Remote remote host.  
Remote Event Log Identify remote event log server by host name.  
Host Type  
Remote Event Log Identify remote event log server by IP address.  
IP Address  
Remote Event Log Host name of remote event log server.  
DNS Host Name  
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Configuration: Video On Demand  
This screen is used to configure the capability of the VBrick to support VBrick's legacy Video  
on Demand server (VBVoD). This is not the VoD server used with VBrick's ETV Portal  
Server.  
Video On Demand Enables or Disables the Video-on-Demand capability of the VBrick  
appliance. When enabled, the user will be able to view Video-on-  
Demand SAPs in the Program Guide. If authorized, the user will be  
able to select Video-on-Demand SAPs and access the Video-on-  
Demand features of the VoD server sending the SAP. If disabled, the  
user will not see Video-on-Demand SAPs in the Program Guide.  
SAP IP Address  
The IP Address for Video-on-Demand SAPs Default value is  
224.2.133.135 (as shown).  
SAP Port  
The Port for Video-on-Demand SAPs Default value is 9880 (as  
shown).  
SAP Timeout  
The Video-on-Demand SAP timeout, in seconds. Default value is 90  
(as shown).  
Note The values of the SAP IP Address and Port must correspond to the values set on the  
VBVoD servers sending Video-on-Demand SAPs. If the values of the SAP IP Address  
or Port are changed without changing the values on the VoD servers, Video-on-  
Demand SAPs will not be received even if when Video-on-Demand is enabled.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Configuration: Script Management  
Configuration: Script Management > Event Triggering  
You can create and run scripts to activate certain functions on a VBrick appliance. There are  
three ways to run scripts on an appliance. (1) You can run scripts for test purposes using the  
Run Script button in IWS; (2) you can use the IR Remote Control; and (3) you can use an  
external event trigger (see "Event Triggering" in the VBrick Appliance Getting Started Guide).  
The VBrick appliance can be set up to use serial (COM1) Pins 7 and 8, or 0 through 9 on the  
IR Remote as input events to trigger the VBrick to run scripts. The script files execute certain  
commands using VBrick SDK parameters to activate certain functions within the VBrick  
appliance. There are a total of four possible input events (COM1 Pin8 Low, COM1 Pin8  
High, COM1 Pin7 Low, COM1 Pin7 High) and ten possible input events using the IR  
Remote (each has one associated script file).  
For more information about the VBrick SDK, contact your certified VBrick reseller or  
VBrick Support Services. To purchase the SDK directly from VBrick, go to:  
www.vbrick.com/products/purchase.asp.  
Note You cannot execute a script either with the IR Remote Control or using an event  
trigger if IWS is currently running in Edit mode. If you run a script directly from  
IWS, it automatically exits Edit mode and terminates the active editing session.  
Run Scripts Using IWS  
You can run scripts that were previously created with the VBrick SDK using the Run Script  
button in IWS. This button is only available in Edit mode and is basically used for test  
purposes. See Sample Script below.  
Figure 2. Script Management – Part 1  
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Click here to read Login to the VBrick via FTP and manage script files. Requires a valid  
or write script files user name and password.  
Event Enable  
Allows the user to Enable/Disable Event Triggering for each input  
event.  
Event Stable Time Allows the user to enter the amount of time in milliseconds that each  
input event has to be stable at the active level before the script will be  
executed.  
Figure 3. Script Management – Part 2  
Event Count  
Displays the number of times each input event has occurred.  
Event Script Status Displays current status information for each event script.  
Run Script  
These buttons allow the user to run each script without needing the  
input event. Use this method to test the script.  
IR Remote Scripts are enabled by simply placing a file named irNScript.txt (where N is a  
number from 0–9) in the script directory of the unit. For example  
naming the following script ir0Script.txt will enable the 0 on the IR  
remote to trigger the unit to run the script.  
Run Scripts Using the IR Remote Control  
IR Remote Control scripts are enabled by simply placing a file named irNScript.txt (where  
Nis a number from 0–9) in the script directory of the unit. For example naming the following  
script ir0Script.txtwill enable the 0on the IR remote to trigger the unit to run the script.  
Run Scripts Using Event Triggers  
The event triggering feature lets you use an external switch or power source to control the  
functions of the VBrick appliance. See "Event Triggering" in the VBrick Appliance Getting  
Started Guide for detailed examples.  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
Sample Script  
vbrickSlot2EncoderNetworkTransmitEnable = 2 // set enable slot 2 encoder transmit  
vbrickSlot2EncoderNetworkApplySet = 2 // apply above encoder network set  
* // end of a group  
vbrickHDRecorderControlMode = 1 // set recorder to user controlled mode  
vbrickHDRecorderControlIrEnable = 1 // disable recorder ir control  
vbrickHDRecorderControlName = event1record.mpg // set recorder file name  
vbrickHDRecorderControlDuration.value = 30 // set recorder duration to 30 seconds  
vbrickHDRecorderControlBatchEnable = 1 // set recorder batch to disabled  
vbrickHDRecorderControlApplySet = 2 // apply above recorder control sets  
* // end of a group  
vbrickHDRecorderControlFtpEnable = 1 // disable auto ftp after record  
vbrickHDRecorderControlApplySet = 2 // apply above recorder control set  
vbrickHDRecorderNetworkReceiveType = 1 // set recorder receive type to ip address  
vbrickHDRecorderNetworkReceiveIpAddr = 239.22.129.3 // set recorder receive ip address  
vbrickHDRecorderNetworkReceivePort = 4443 // set recorder receive port  
vbrickHDRecorderNetworkApplySet = 2 // apply above recorder network sets  
* // end of a group  
vbrickHDRecorderOperationStart = 2 // start recording  
* // end of a group  
wait = 5000 // wait for 5000 milliseconds  
* // end of a group  
vbrickSlot1EncoderNetworkTransmitEnable = 2 // set enable slot 1 encoder transmit  
vbrickSlot1EncoderNetworkApplySet = 2 // apply above encoder network set  
* // end of a group  
Scripting Notes  
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
* denotes end of group.  
Each group can have a maximum of six sets.  
Each group must have apply sets for all normal sets.  
Wait state will be alone in a group.  
There is no clear command.  
Script commands must start in column 1.  
There is no chaining of scripts.  
Comments will start with / and can be a line or the end of a command.  
All scripts are executed in a strictly serial manner by a single task.  
While executing a script it is possible to miss a double change of any event.  
Configuration: Script Management > Auto Configuration  
Auto Config lets you perform an auto-configuration via a URL script file. It is typically used  
for remote configuration and troubleshooting or to configure VBrick appliances that are  
behind a firewall. To configure a parameter on an appliance (or more likely a set of  
parameters) you simply point the URL to a server with an .xml configuration file. This is  
useful, for example, to change a reflector URL, set the audio and video rates, etc. when the  
VBrick appliances are behind a firewall and cannot be accessed remotely.  
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The VBrick reads the URL field (e.g. www.myserver.com/config.xml) via HTTP protocol and  
executes the script depending on the EXECUTE tag. If a VBEXECUTEFORCE tag is present in the  
.xml file (see example below), the script runs every time at the poll interval even if it has not  
changed. If a VBEXECUTEIFDIF tag is present the script runs only if it is different from the last  
executed file. One of these tags is required.  
If the VBrick is in Edit mode, the script file will not run until the edit session is ended. The  
auto config script will run before any waiting IR scripts or external event scripts. In Edit mode,  
you can press Run Script to execute the script on demand. After a reboot, the VBrick checks  
for a script URL and will run the script immediately, regardless of the VBEXECUTE tag value.  
URL  
Valid path to a URL script file, for example: www.myserver.com/  
config.xml. Default = blank.  
Poll Rate  
The rate at which the appliance checks the config file. 0–1440 minutes  
(default = 0).  
Auto Config Status Shows auto config status including when the script was last run, URL  
connection errors, etc. Press Refresh to update.  
Run Script  
Edit mode only. Run the script now.  
Sample Script  
The auto config script file (config.xml) is an .xml file with the following syntax. It can set any  
VBrick parameters and force an "apply" as needed. This example shows how to set various  
recorder parameters. Note that a VBEXECUTE tag is required.  
<XML Header>  
<?VBEXECUTEFORCE?> or <?VBEXECUTEIFDIF?>  
<VBRICK>  
vbrickHDRecorderControlMode = 1  
vbrickHDRecorderControlIrEnable = 1  
vbrickHDRecorderControlName = event1record.mpg  
vbrickHDRecorderControlDuration.value = 30  
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MPEG-2 Configuration  
vbrickHDRecorderControlBatchEnable = 1  
vbrickHDRecorderControlApplySet = 2  
</VBRICK>  
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Chapter 3  
SDI Configuration  
Topics in this chapter  
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57  
Configuration: Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58  
Configuration: Decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59  
Introduction  
Serial Digital Interface, or SDI, is mainly used in the professional industry and is based on  
the principal standard for broadcast television and the motion picture industries. Reliable,  
flexible and cost-effective video transport is critical to the video transmission industry, which  
provides state-of-the-art transport services for broadcast networks, content producers,  
entertainment programmers, news agencies and sportscasters throughout the world. SDI  
provides users the best available video quality with virtually no latency.  
The Serial Digital Interface Encoder is a module that plugs into the encoder card, allowing  
the broadcast industry standard 270 Mbps serial signal to be converted to MPEG-2. The  
Serial Digital Interface input module accepts the Society of Motion Picture and Television  
Engineers industry-standard, SMPTE 259M-C compliant signals at 270 Mbps. The standard  
specifies a Serial Digital Interface (SDI) for digital video equipment operating at either the  
525-line, 60 Hz or 625-line, 50 Hz video standard. After VBrick's MPEG-2 conversion, the  
compressed video can be transported and utilized over a standard IP network.  
The SDI module extracts AES/EBU or non-AES/EBU audio from Group 1 channels 1 – 4  
from the incoming 270 Mbps data stream. These audio channels are embedded into the SDI  
video stream and occupy space in the horizontal and vertical blanking interval. These four  
channels are extracted into two SDI stereo streams of audio. SDI 1-2 contains the stereo  
channels 1 and 2 from Group 1 of the embedded audio. SDI 3-4 contains the stereo channels  
3 and 4 from Group 1 of the embedded audio. The SDI hardware can select either channels 1  
and 2, or channels 3 and 4 from the SDI stream. Audio embedded in Groups 2, 3, and 4 of  
the SDI stream will not be extracted. If desired, the user may bypass any embedded SDI  
audio and provide analog audio input at the VBrick encoder. The SDI input module is  
available with model numbers ending in –x101, –x111, –x102, –x112.  
The Serial Digital Interface output module is similar to the SDI input module; however, the  
output module provides an SDI signal to the end-user. The SDI output module plugs into the  
decoder card, allowing MPEG-2 to be converted to the broadcast industry standard SMPTE  
259M-C, 270 Mb/s serial signal, or SDI. The SDI output module operates at either the 525-  
line, 60 Hz or 625-line, 50 Hz video standard. The decoder module does not provide EDH,  
or Error Detect Handling.  
The SDI output module multiplexes one group containing channels 1 and 2 of stereo (L/R)  
audio into the serial video stream. Also included is the "standard" implementation of channel  
status, provided for professional or broadcast use per AES3-1992 (r1997). The user may still  
utilize the analog video and audio available at the decoder output while simultaneously using  
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the SDI output module. The SDI output module is available with model numbers ending in  
–x110, –x011, -x111, -x010, -x012, –x112.  
Configuration: Encoder  
The following sections explain how to configure SDI encoders and decoders. Note that  
closed captioning is not supported on SDI encoders or decoders.  
Configuration: Encoder > Video  
These parameters are used to configure the encoder video settings. The SDI (Serial Digital  
Interface) is only available on –xxx1/-xxx2 equipped units (see Status: User Information for  
part number). Several additional configuration parameters are available with SDI models. For  
SDI equipped units, everything is the same as for VBrick models ending in -xxx1/-xxx2,  
except for the fields shown below. Note that the Hue field is not available with SDI.  
Vertical Offset Correction This setting controls vertical offset correction for SDI  
appliances.  
SDI Cable Equalizer  
This setting allows selection of SDI Cable Equalizer settings.  
If set to on, the SDI Cable Equalizer maintains SDI signal  
quality when SDI cables have a length greater than 10 meters.  
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SDI Configuration  
Configuration: Encoder > Audio  
The encoder video and audio configurations for an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) equipped  
appliance are only available on a model ending in part number –xxx1/–xxx2 (see Status: User  
Information for part number). These parameters are used to set the SDI Encoder Audio  
Input settings. For SDI equipped units, everything is the same as for the models ending in  
-xxx1/-xxx2, except for the fields below.  
SDI Audio Input  
Audio Gain  
Input can be through 1/8" mini-phono jack, from AudioMate, or  
from within the SDI data using SDI 1-2 or SDI 3-4.  
If SDI 1-2 or SDI 3-4 is chosen as the audio input, the audio gain  
settings have no effect.  
Configuration: Decoder  
The SDI decoder does not display any additional fields in IWS. If an SDI board is present,  
connecting to the output will produce SDI out of the appliance including Composite, S-  
Video, SDI, and Audio (analog and SDI). When a VBrick encoder is optioned with SDI video  
input with PIP enabled the video that will be displayed in the PIP screen will originate only  
from the standard NTSC video inputs and not from the SDI input.  
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Note The MPEG-2 SDI decoder outputs audio via SDI and analog audio at the same time.  
SDI audio is sent in SDI audio channels 1-2; it is also sent in SDI audio channels 3-4.  
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Chapter 4  
Status  
The Status menu lets you view information and status relative to the VBrick appliance. The  
Refresh button allows the user to update the statistics to display the most current values. A  
Reset button is also present on some screens, allowing a user to reset all statistic counters.  
Topics in this chapter  
Status: System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61  
Status: Network Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63  
Status: Decoder Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66  
Status: Encoder Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68  
Status: Hard Drive Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70  
Status: FTP Server Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73  
Status: System Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73  
Status: User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75  
Status: System Information  
This menu allows the user to view vital system information. Some of this information  
represents parameters describing the VBrick as shipped; others provide information  
concerning the current VBrick operation.  
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System Model  
MAC Address  
Displays the model number of the appliance.  
Displays the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the appliance.  
Verifies that the MAC address is valid.  
MAC Address  
Valid  
Current  
Indicates the current operational mode of the VBrick. The following  
Operational Mode modes are supported:  
• Run Mode – Normal operation.  
• Diagnostics – User selected mode for running certain VBrick  
diagnostics.  
• Limited Run Mode – Limited operational mode (not selectable).  
Normally occurs if a hardware problem exists within the VBrick  
but it can still partially operate.  
• Overloaded Mode – Limited operational mode (not selectable).  
This mode occurs when the VBrick is configured to handle more  
video than its operational capacity. It automatically reconfigures  
itself to allow continued remote and local management. If this  
occurs, the VBrick needs to be reconfigured to reduce the number  
of streams and/or data rates. Under this condition, the appliance  
temporarily reduces video traffic in order to maintain IWS  
functionality.  
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Status  
DHCP Status  
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol – Ethernet models only.  
Enabled/Disabled. Possible DHCP Status values:  
• Disabled  
• Succeeded  
• Failed  
• Succeeded without Subnet Value – No subnet value given;  
generated from IP address.  
• Succeeded with Invalid Subnet Value – Invalid subnet value given;  
generated from IP address.  
• Failed over Backplane – Device number invalid in backplane.  
• Failed, Invalid Device Unit – Network interface device number  
invalid.  
• Failed Invalid Cookie – Network interface inoperable.  
• Failed, Bind Failed – DHCP server not available or appliance not  
connected to network.  
• Failed, Out of Memory – Appliance is out of memory. Indicates a  
severe condition.  
• Failed, Parameter Get Failed – Couldn't retrieve a DHCP  
parameter needed/requested.  
• Failed, Invalid Boot File – Invalid boot file specified. Indicates a  
severe condition.  
• Failed, Invalid Retrieved IP address assigned by the server is not a  
valid unicast address.  
Temperature  
Fan State  
Displays the temperature of the appliance (Celsius).  
Displays the state of the fan as Not Operational, High or Low.  
OK or Failed.  
Battery Status  
Overloaded Count Provides a count of the number of times the box has entered the  
Overloaded state.  
CPLD version  
Boot Revision  
Code Revision  
Release Revision  
Displays the Main Board programmable device version number.  
Displays the date of the last boot revision.  
Displays the date of the last code revision.  
Displays the release version number.  
CPU Utilization% The percentage of the Central Processor in use at this time.  
Power Supply  
Voltage  
Displays the measured voltages present and provided to the VBrick  
(24V, 12V, 5V, 3.3V 2.5V). The tolerance range for 24V is minimum  
18V to maximum 25V. The range for all other voltages is plus or  
minus 5%.  
Status: Network Status  
Status: Network Status > Codec  
This menu allows the user to view various network-level conditions.  
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General  
COM1/COM2  
Passthrough  
The current operational state of COM1/COM2 serial Passthrough  
port. There will be a conflict if the slot selected through the  
Operational State Passthrough Destination parameter has neither an encoder nor a  
decoder present; or has an encoder with a multicast destination; or has  
an encoder with no configured destination. The possible values are:  
• Disabled  
• Enabled Active  
• Enabled Conflict No Enc Or Dest  
• Enabled Conflict Enc Multi Dest  
• Enabled Conflict Enc No Dest  
• Enabled Internal Error  
• Enabled Rejected  
• No Dedicated IP Addr  
Conferencing State This setting indicates the unicast call state of the encoder.  
• Free – Available for a conference.  
• Busy – The VBrick is currently engaged in a conference.  
• Disabled – The conference feature has been disabled.  
• Unknown – The VBrick is in a transition state.  
Active RFC-SAP  
Count  
This is the number of SAP sessions the appliance is currently listening  
to for the purpose of RFC 2974-compliant SAP timing. This field  
displays values when SAP timing is configured for RFC 2974 mode.  
Network Port  
Status  
The status of the Ethernet network interface: Link OK or No Link.  
Network Port  
Speed  
The speed of transmission for the Ethernet network interface: 10Mbit  
or 100Mbit.  
Network Speed  
Mode  
The mode of transmission for the Ethernet network interface: Full  
Duplex or Half Duplex.  
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Status  
Interface  
This section reports the existence of any undesired (and unrequested) video streams being  
received by the VBrick. Unrequested streams greater than 1.5 Mbps are automatically flagged  
and dropped. The reporting is made for each IP interface individually. On Ethernet models,  
only one interface exists.  
Extra Stream Count  
Misdirect IP Address  
Orphan Count  
Number of unexpected video streams being received on this  
interface.  
The IP Address of the appliance transmitting one of the extra  
video streams received on this interface.  
Orphans are packet fragments received that do not have  
corresponding head PDUs.  
Status: Network Status > Routing  
This display screen allows the user to view the Internal Routing Tables.  
Destination  
Network  
Defines a target network (or device) that can be contacted via the  
system. A value of 0.0.0.0, is used to indicate a default routing entry.  
The 127.0.0.1 is always present and identifies the loopback route.  
Local Gateway IP Defines the intermediary network device (or entity) which is  
responsible for IP forwarding to the given destination network  
specified in the first column.  
Network Mask  
Defines the destination network's address scope specified in the first  
column. Mask bits which are zeros, identify the host portion of the  
address space. Bits that are "ones" identify the network portion.  
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Status: Network Status > Network Time  
Status: Network Status > IPv6  
Status: Decoder Status  
MPEG-2 Decoder Status  
This menu lets you view vital Decoder statistics. As you Refresh, the Source IP Address and  
Bytes Transferred fields are updated. If you see decoder sync, lost sync count, non-video  
packets and unexpected fragments counts increase you should investigate your network.  
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Status  
Decoder State  
• Displays decoder state from the decoder standpoint.  
• Idle  
• Setup Transport  
• Setup PCR And PID  
• Wait For STC Interrupt  
• Look For STC Active  
• Setup Elementary Streams  
• Setup Elementary Decoders  
• Audio STC Access Error  
• Normal Run  
• Start Channel Change  
• Wait On Both Audio Channels Change  
• Wait On Audio 1 Channel Change  
• Wait On Audio 2 Channel Change  
• Video Drain Command  
• Wait On Video Drain  
• Restart Video And Audio  
• Illegal  
• Wait For PID Interrupt  
• Transport Buffers Drain State  
• Wait On Transport Time Out  
Receive State  
Displays the detailed state of the decoders receive operation.  
The measured transport rate received by this decoder.  
Transport Rate  
Source IP Address The IP Address of the video source.  
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Bytes Transferred The number of receive bytes transferred.  
Buffer Full Count The number of times the decoder buffer filled to capacity.  
Decoder Sync State Indicates whether the MPEG-2 transport layer has achieved its  
synchronization. Most likely indicates a configuration or network  
problem.  
Lost Sync Count  
The number of times the decoder has acquired synchronization with  
the transport stream (see note under Unexpected Fragments).  
Packets Received  
The count of IP packets received.  
Non Video Packet The count of packets directed to this decoder, which are not part of  
the video stream.  
Unexpected  
Fragments  
The number of mis-ordered packets received. Each appliance  
maintains a statistical report on Unexpected Fragments received from  
a particular video stream. Note: If multiple devices in the same unit  
(i.e. decoder or hard disk) are tuned to the same stream, the  
Unexpected Fragments count on Slot1 is used exclusively to report  
statistical results.  
Packet Ordering  
Packet ordering status. Packet ordering is temporarily disabled under  
conditions, such as the IP ID is not increasing or disabled, or the  
access method does not support reordering. Packets arriving over  
Ethernet can be reordered.  
Jitter Queue Status Status of the jitter Q. It is generally equal to the value of the Jitter  
Queue of the decoder with the following exception: if a variable  
transport (video, audio and idle frames included) rate stream is being  
decoded then the jitter queue will be temporarily disabled. The Jitter  
Queue will be re-enabled when the decoder senses that a video stream  
of fixed rate transport is being received.  
Audio Micro-code Revision of the audio microcode on the decoder chip.  
Revision  
Video Micro-code Revision of the video microcode on the decoder chip.  
Revision  
FPGA Revision  
CPLD Revision  
Revision of the FPGA chip on the decoder daughter card.  
Revision level of the CPLD on the decoder daughter card.  
Revision level of the PLX EEPROM on the decoder daughter card.  
PLX EEPROM  
Revision  
Status: Encoder Status  
This menu allows users to view vital Encoder statistics. As you Refresh you should see  
Transmit State – Transmitting and the IP Bytes Transferred count should increment. If this  
does not happen check your VBrick's encoder configuration or network.  
MPEG-2 Encoder Status  
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Status  
Note The MPEG-2 encoder is designed to stream video indefinitely when it has a valid  
video input and will stream black video for up to a few hours when the video input is  
missing or invalid. However, if the video input has been invalid for more than a few  
hours you should either reset the encoder or restart it by making an audio or video  
configuration change.  
Encoder State  
Running indicates normal operation. Video Input Problem  
indicates a problem with the video source. Verify that the video  
source is working correctly and that your video cable is good.  
Verify that the Configuration: Encoder > Video > Video Input  
Type is properly set to Composite or S-Video to match your  
source connection. Verify that Configuration: Encoder > Video >  
Video Format is properly set to NTSC or PAL to match your  
source format. Note that the WM encoder will transmit black  
video when there is an input problem.  
Micro-Code Revision  
FPGA Revision  
Displays the encoder micro-code revision.  
Displays the FPGA revision number.  
PLX EEProm Revision Displays the EEProm revision number.  
Transmit State  
Displays Transmitting or Not Transmitting.  
Number of bytes sent across the network  
IP Bytes Transferred  
Buffer Full Count  
IP Packets Sent  
Displays any full buffer counts that occur.  
Displays the number of packets sent across the network.  
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Status: Hard Drive Status  
MPEG-2 and VBStar only.  
Status: Hard Drive Status > General  
Disk Type  
This variable contains the Hard Drive model number as reported by  
the hard drive firmware.  
Free Space  
Amount of remaining space on the hard drive.  
Number of files on the hard drive.  
Video File Count  
Read Errors  
Write Errors  
Open Errors  
Write Retries  
The count of reported block read failures.  
The count of reported block write failures.  
The count of reported file open failures.  
The number of retries that have been attempted for block write  
operations.  
Read Retries  
Failed Retries  
The number of retries that have been attempted for block read  
operations.  
The count of all failed retries for read or write operations.  
Status: Hard Drive Status > Pump  
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Status  
General  
Pump State  
Stopped  
Hard Drive  
Running  
Unformatted  
Fast Forward Fast  
Fast Forward Slow  
Paused  
File Not Found  
File Cannot Be Opened  
Invalid File  
Rewind Fast  
Rewind Slow  
Hard Drive Failed  
No Batch File  
Failed To Get Length  
Failed To Get Bit Rate  
Error Sending Message  
Pump Bit Rate  
Pump Duration  
Current File  
The bit rate, in bits per second, of the stream being pumped.  
The duration, in seconds, of the stream being pumped.  
Name of the file currently being transferred.  
Network  
Transmit State  
Displays whether the pump is transmitting or not transmitting.  
IP Bytes  
Transferred  
The number of transmit bytes of the UDP packets sent to the primary  
destination.  
Buffer Full Count The number of times the hard drive memory buffer has filled to  
capacity. It can occur when the hard drive is fragmented or almost full,  
or when the stream rate being recorded is excessive.  
IP Packets Sent  
The number of UDP packets sent to the primary destination.  
Status: Hard Drive Status > Recorder  
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Recorder State  
Failed  
Stopped, Unformatted  
Stopped, IO Error  
Stopped, never started  
Stopped, by user  
Stopped, File Is Pumping  
Running, From Power Up  
Running, Scheduled  
Stopped, Disk Full  
Stopped, File Size Limit  
Stopped, FTP Overrun  
Stopped, Duration Complete  
Running, User Initiated  
IP Packets Received The number of IP Packets received.  
Bytes Transferred The number of received bytes transferred across the internal bus.  
IP Buffer Full Count The number of times the hard drive buffer has been filled to  
capacity.  
Non Video Packet  
The number of non-video packets received.  
Unexpected  
Fragments  
The number of mis-ordered packets received. Each appliance  
maintains a statistical report on Unexpected Fragments received  
from a particular video stream. Note: If multiple devices in the same  
unit (i.e. decoder or hard disk) are tuned to the same stream, the  
Unexpected Fragments count on Slot1 is used exclusively to report  
statistical results.  
Source IP Address  
Receive IP Address  
The IP Address of the video source.  
The configured receive IP address. If unicast, this is the same as the  
source IP and address.  
Detected Transport The measured transport rate received by the recorder.  
Rate  
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Status  
File Start Time  
Data Recorded  
File in Progress  
Allows viewing the start date/timestamp for current or most recent  
file.  
Bytes. Current file size of the file being recorded set to “0” if  
recording is not in progress.  
Name of the file currently being recorded.  
Last Completed File Name of the last file recorded.  
FTP Status  
Transfer in Progress  
Idle  
Local File Open Error  
Socket Open Failure  
Transfer Failure  
Invalid FTP Server  
Invalid User Name  
Invalid User Password  
Socket Quit Failure  
FTP File in Progress Name of the file being transferred to the FTP server.  
Last Completed FTP Name of the last file that was sent to the FTP server.  
File  
Status: FTP Server Status  
Status: System Log  
Status: System Log > Config  
This log contains a list of the latest VBrick configuration changes.  
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Status: System Log > System Event  
The system event log contains reports of system events within the VBrick. These events may  
occur during normal operation and include reports of successful and unsuccessful attempts  
to access video sources by the local decoder and access to the local encoder using RTSP.  
Status: System Log > Traps  
This log contains all of the SNMP traps generated by the box whether or not the traps have  
been emitted.  
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Status  
Status: System Log > System Info  
This log contains unexpected behaviors detected by the VBrick software. Normally this log is  
used by VBrick Customer Support to help debug possible system malfunctions.  
Status: User Information  
Status: User Information > Main Board  
This menu allows the user to view factory set information regarding the main board.  
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User Information Version  
Part Number  
As displayed.  
As displayed.  
Box Serial Number  
Customer Class  
As displayed.  
As displayed if any.  
As displayed.  
Manufacturing Date  
Board Assembly Number  
As displayed if any.  
Hard Drive Assembly Number As displayed if any.  
Board Serial Number  
MAC Address  
As displayed.  
As displayed.  
Status: User Information > Slot1/Slot2  
This menu allows the user to view factory set information relative to the slots in the  
appliance.  
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Status  
User Information Version  
Board Assembly Number  
Lot Number  
As displayed.  
As displayed.  
As displayed if any.  
As displayed.  
As displayed.  
Main Board Serial Number  
This Board Serial Number  
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Chapter 5  
Diagnostics  
Topics in this chapter  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Diagnostics: Network Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79  
Diagnostics: Device Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83  
Diagnostics: Decoder Color Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84  
Diagnostics: Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85  
Overview  
There are two groups of diagnostics: Low Level Hardware Diagnostics and User Diagnostics.  
Low Level diagnostics are run in Diagnostics mode. User diagnostics are run in normal Run  
mode. (The Configured Operational Mode is set in Configuration: System as described below.)  
You must be in Diagnostics mode to run Hard Drive Check Disk and Device Test POST  
Tests. You can run all other tests from Run mode.  
Note Since running in Diagnostics mode interrupts the passing of video, be sure to return  
the appliance to the Run mode in order to return the appliance to its normal  
operational state.  
T
To change between normal Run mode and Diagnostics mode  
1. Log in with Administrator or Operator Privilege. The default login Username and  
Password is admin/adminor operator/operator (case sensitive).  
2. Go to the Configuration: System screen.  
3. Click Begin Edit.  
4. Set Configured Operational Mode as required.  
5. Click Apply Changes.  
6. The VBrick will then automatically save the changes and reset.  
User Diagnostics  
There are four user diagnostics: Network Test, Device Test, Decoder Color Bar, and Hard  
Drive.  
Diagnostics: Network Tests  
Diagnostics: Network Tests > Ping Test  
This menu allows the user to initiate a data test from one VBrick to another. To Ping another  
VBrick, it's necessary to enter Edit mode. Enter the IP address and Test Settings and select  
the Start button. The Operational State will read Ping Test. After the test is completed, use  
the Refresh button to display the results of the test. The results of the test will be displayed in  
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the top portion of the screen. If the test is interrupted by pressing the Stop button, the  
results of the test prior to termination will be displayed.  
Address Mode  
Number of Packets  
PDU  
Select IP Address or Host Name and enter a corresponding value.  
Number of packets to send for the test (default = 4).  
Protocol Description Unit size of packets, in bytes (default = 64).  
In seconds (default is sending the packets in 1 second intervals).  
Transmit Interval  
Transmit Timeout  
The length of time, in seconds, before the test times out, in the  
event the target device fails to respond.  
Diagnostics: Network Tests > Trace Route Test  
The Internet is a large and complex aggregation of network hardware, connected together by  
gateways. Tracking the route packets follow or finding a gateway where the packets are being  
discarded is difficult. The Trace Route test attempts to trace the route an IP packet follows to  
a specified Internet host. This test utilizes the Time To Live (TTL) field in the IP header to  
allow intermediate nodes to be "discovered" via Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).  
Intermediate hops are discovered by launching probe packets with a small TTL and then  
listening for an ICMP Time Exceeded reply from a gateway. Use Refresh, Start/Stop, and  
Default to run the test.  
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Diagnostics  
Operational State  
Address Mode  
The currently selected test.  
Select IP Address or Host Name and enter a corresponding value.  
Enter the information in the corresponding box.  
IP Address or Host  
Name  
Probe Count  
Can be set from 3 to 20. The default setting is 3. This setting is the  
number of probe packets sent to a host at each hop.  
Trace Route Test Results  
The results of the test appear at the top of the screen. The results include the Resolved IP  
Address of the Destination Host Name. When the test is finished or stopped, the Overall  
Result will display the result of the test, such as "Test Done," or "Max hops (=30) Finished,"  
or "Test Stopped," etc. An entry shows the hop number, which is equal to the TTL, IP  
address (and Host Name if available) of the gateway, and round trip time of each probe. If the  
probe answers are received from different gateways, the address of each responding system  
will be shown. If there is no response within a 5 second timeout interval, a "*" is printed for  
that probe. If the result string exceeds 255 characters, the string will be terminated by ending  
it with "Too Long."  
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Diagnostics: Network Tests > Data Test  
Data tests are used primarily to test the integrity of a network connection between two  
VBricks. A loopback test takes all data received at the video IP port and retransmits the data  
to the configured transmit IP destination. A loopback test may be used to observe the quality  
of the video data after looping back at the destination. A loopback test is available only for  
encoder-decoder models and is bi-directional. If appliance "A" is set in "loop back," it will  
return any stream back to the originator.  
Cell tests allow generation of a known data pattern and checking of the integrity of the data  
pattern on reception. This test is often useful to verify a network service line before video  
deployment. The transmit encoder generates the pattern and the receive decoder checks the  
pattern. Statistics indicating good packets and identifying bad packets are provided in the  
receive appliance. If you are using encoder-decoder models, the preferred method for  
running cell tests is to initiate and terminate the test on one VBrick and to put the other  
VBrick into loopback. The encoder can be configured to send a test pattern to any decoder  
that receives and performs integrity checks. The network destination address in both the  
encoder and decoder screens is used to direct all test packet data across the network. For this  
test scenario, the test may be run in a timed mode or continuously. Statistics are updated on  
the IWS page when you click the Refresh button.  
Cell test is available for encoder-decoder, encoder only, and decoder only appliances. In this  
mode the encoder VBrick transmits the data pattern and the decoder VBrick receives and  
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Diagnostics  
validates the data pattern. In this mode the following steps are recommended. No timed or  
continuous option is available for this test mode.  
•
•
•
•
Turn on transmit  
Turn on receive  
Turn off receive  
Turn off transmit  
Diagnostics: Device Test  
This screen shows the results of the Power-On Self Test, which is automatically run when the  
VBrick is reset or powered on. Other than that, running this test allows the operator to test  
the hardware integrity of the VBrick appliance board by running the test one or more times  
or by setting the test for continuous operation or for a certain number of test loops. This test  
is not often used. It is necessary to be in Diagnostic mode before running these tests. Enter  
Diagnostic mode from the Configuration > System screen. Don't forget to return to Run  
mode after the tests are run. You must be in Edit mode before you can run this test. Test  
Results include Pass, Fail, Not Present. Note that depending on the model, a low intensity  
test sequence may take 5-15 seconds per test sequence; a high intensity test sequence can take  
5-15 minutes or more.  
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Diagnostics: Decoder Color Bars  
The Decoder Color Bar test is a simple test that generates color bars at the video decoder and  
outputs them in the place of video. It can be used to test basic decoder operation and the  
monitor.  
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Diagnostics  
Diagnostics: Hard Drive  
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Chapter 6  
Maintenance  
Topics in this chapter  
Maintenance: Device Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87  
Maintenance: Default All Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  
Maintenance: Read/Write Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88  
Maintenance: Change Usernames & Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91  
Maintenance: Device Information  
The device information menu allows the user to set various system information. These  
parameters are often used in SNMP managed networks.  
System Description  
System Name  
Company name, model and serial number of appliance.  
Name of the system (for example Hall 23-B).  
Location of system (for example Washington Building).  
Contact name.  
System Location  
System Contact  
System Up Time  
Displays the time elapsed since the last system reset or power cycle.  
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Total System Up  
Time  
Displays the total time that the unit has been powered up.  
Note The Device Information table creates a date and time stamp for every power or reset  
event. When SNTP is enabled, the unit must reboot to synchronize time with the  
SNTP server time. If the time moves dramatically forward (or backward), a  
discontinuity may appear in the device table because of the SNTP time correction.  
Maintenance: Default All Configuration  
This menu allows the user to default all the configuration parameters of the VBrick.  
Default All  
Sets all parameters except IP address, Subnet Mask, Gateway IP, User  
Names, Passwords and System Date Time.  
Factory Defaults  
Sets all parameters including IP Address and associated settings to  
factory defaults with the exception of System Date and Time.  
Maintenance: Read/Write Configuration  
Maintenance: Read/Write > Read From Device  
The Read/Write Configuration page allows you to read configuration parameters from the  
VBrick to a file, as well as write configuration parameters from a file to the VBrick. The file is  
an .xml file and Internet Explorer is the assumed browser.  
Note The VBrick appliance the .xml file is read from, and VBrick appliance the .xml file is  
written to, must be running the same version of code.  
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Maintenance  
Read Configuration Data from Device  
You can read the configuration parameters from the VBrick by clicking the Read button on  
the page. After clicking on the button, an xml document with all the configuration  
parameters will pop up (see Figure 4). The .xml document can then be saved to your PC as an  
.xml file using File > Save As. To view this file offline, you must download the style sheet (see  
click here on the screen) to the same directory as the saved file. Do not change the name of  
the style sheet. It should always be saved as cfgdata.xsl and the first line at the top of the  
configuration file must always be: <?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl"  
href="cfgdata.xsl"?>  
Note Firefox users: To view and/or save the configuration file, click Read and then Save to  
Disk. Then use click here and save the stylesheet to disk. This will copy both items to  
your desktop so you can view the configuration file using the stylesheet.  
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Figure 4. Sample VBrick Configuration File  
Maintenance: Read/Write > Write To Device  
This page lets you write configuration parameters from an .xml file to the VBrick. On a  
successful write, all parameters will be saved to Flash and the appliance will reboot. Only  
administrator level users and above have Write privileges.  
Note The VBrick appliance that the configuration file is read from, and VBrick appliance  
that the configuration file is written to must be running the same version of code.  
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Maintenance  
Write Configuration Data to Device  
T
To write configuration parameters to the VBrick from an .xml file  
1. Click the Browse button and navigate to the configuration file you want to write to the  
appliance.  
2. Click on the Write button to write the selected file to the VBrick. The configuration  
parameters will be saved to Flash memory and the appliance will reboot. In the event of  
a validation error, a message will appear on the screen. Click on Errors to view error  
messages that might have caused the validation failure. The error list is not generated for  
all types of write configuration failures so you may need to locate the error(s) manually  
by clicking through the IWS pages in Edit mode and looking for error messages  
highlighted in red.  
T
To create a configuration file  
1. Read the configuration from the VBrick and save as an .xml file. See Read Configuration  
Data from Device above.  
2. Use any text editor, preferably an .xml editor to make changes to the file. You can change  
the "values" field as well as delete objects as necessary. Make sure the right data types are  
used. For example if a parameter takes integer values, do not enter a string. Also IP  
Address parameters must have the right IP syntax. Enter "0.0.0.0" to enter a null IP  
address. Blanks and null strings are not valid IP Addresses.  
Maintenance: Change Usernames & Passwords  
Maintenance: Usernames & Passwords > Change  
Usernames & Passwords  
This page lets an Administrator change usernames and passwords for security purposes.  
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User Name  
Password  
Enter desired user name. Cannot exceed 20 characters. It may  
include any combination of alphanumeric characters and only the  
following special characters: ~ ! # $ ^ * + & [ ] { } | < >  
Enter desired password. Cannot exceed 20 characters. It may  
include any combination of alphanumeric characters and only the  
following special characters: ~ ! # $ ^ * + & [ ] { } | < >  
Confirm  
Confirm new password entry. Note: Appliance will then inform the  
user and perform a reboot.  
Promiscuous Mode  
This mode is used in conjunction with VBrick supplied ActiveX  
controls. In promiscuous mode, no login or password is required.  
When using the associated ActiveX components in this mode, either  
the login password should be set to blank, (" ") or to the legal  
administrated login/password. If promiscuous mode is disabled, the  
legal administrator login/password must be entered when  
configuring or using these controls.  
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Maintenance  
Table 5. Default User Names and Passwords  
User Level  
Default User Name Default Password Authority  
Administrator admin  
admin  
Read, diagnostics, edit, change password,  
network and routing.  
Operator  
Diagnostics  
Public  
operator  
operator  
diagnostics  
public  
Read, diagnostics, edit.  
Read, diagnostics.  
Read  
diagnostics  
public  
Maintenance: Usernames & Passwords > Change SNMPv3  
Passwords  
SNMPv3 provides additional security that exceeds that available with SNMPv2. SNMPv3  
authentication provides the ability to validate the transaction between host and client and  
hides the traffic with secure (DES) encryption. It also provides a user-based security model  
rather than a community-based model. VBrick's implementation allows you to use both v1/  
v2 and v3. For the highest security, disable SNMP v1/v2 (see Configuration: System >  
Security on page 47).  
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User Name  
Read-only. Set user name on previous page.  
Authentication Password Enter password. Cannot exceed 20 characters. May include any  
combination of alphanumeric characters but only the following  
special characters: ~ ! # $ ^ * + & [ ] { } | < > See Table 5 for  
defaults.  
Authentication Protocol Select protocol: MD5 or SHA.  
Privacy Password  
Security Level  
Required.  
No Authentication, No Privacy (default).  
No Privacy. Authentication.  
Authentication and Privacy.  
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Chapter 7  
Maintenance Mode  
Topics in this chapter  
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95  
Maintenance Mode CLI Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97  
Overview  
Maintenance Mode is automatically launched when the software on the VBrick does not  
boot. Maintenance Mode runs from a reduced functioning kernel that provides a limited CLI  
and IWS interface. The Maintenance Mode interfaces provide minimal configuration  
capabilities. Maintenance Mode can also be used as a means of downloading new firmware. If  
your appliance enters maintenance mode during or after a firmware download you can simply rerun the  
download and reset the appliance to return to normal run mode. Maintenance Mode is an  
operational mode that in which a VBrick runs with a reduced subset of code. It normally  
happens only when a power failure occurs during a software download. It provides limited  
capacity of the IWS interface to manage some parameters of the VBrick appliance. Note that  
security is maintained in Maintenance Mode, so the user must be at administrator level to  
change the parameters.  
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DHCP Enable/  
Disable  
If DHCP is enabled the VBrick must get it's IP address and Subnet  
Mask from the DHCP server. If the DHCP server supplies the  
Gateway address or DNS server address, these parameters will replace  
user-entered parameters.  
IP Address  
IP address associated with the Ethernet interface of the VBrick.  
Subnet mask for the VBrick Ethernet IP address.  
Subnet Mask  
Gateway IP  
Address  
Gateway IP address for communicating across the Ethernet segment  
attached to the VBrick.  
Host Name  
On Ethernet models, this is used for DHCP Client Host Name. The  
Host Name defaults to the Media Access Control address, a hardware  
address that uniquely identifies each node of a network. Host Name  
can be 18 characters maximum and the first character must be a letter.  
The remaining characters can be letters, numbers or hyphens.  
Maintenance Mode Features  
•
•
•
Provides support for the download and upgrade of software via VBDownload.  
Supports limited IWS and CLI for configuration and diagnosis.  
Local access of the VBrick is supported through COM 2 on the rear of the box, refer to  
the section on Command Line Interface (CLI) in Chapter 10 for details.  
•
Remote configuration is supported over Ethernet. In addition, Maintenance mode will  
configure these interfaces according to the parameters specified in Full Feature Mode.  
•
•
Previously configured Usernames and Passwords are remembered in Maintenance Mode.  
Maintenance Mode contains the ability to change the IP parameters for the Ethernet  
port.  
•
•
Maintenance Mode contains the ability to set the configuration parameters to defaults.  
Maintenance Mode contains the ability to reboot the VBrick.  
Maintenance Mode Limitations  
•
•
•
•
Neither video nor audio can be sent or received while in Maintenance Mode.  
Only the Ethernet IP parameters can be changed while in Maintenance Mode.  
SNMP is not supported.  
Unlike IWS and CLI operations in Full Feature Mode, Maintenance Mode IWS and CLI  
do not automatically save and reboot when the network parameters are changed. In  
Maintenance Mode, after the user initiates changes and then applies them, it is necessary  
to manually save and reboot the appliance. Command Line Interface (CLI) in  
Maintenance Mode does not support the Global Editing Commands: be, en and sh.  
Maintenance Mode Indicators  
There are three indicators that show when you are in Maintenance Mode:  
•
•
If you enter Maintenance Mode, the front panel display (LCD screen) will read  
Maintenance Mode xx", on the top line and the IP Address in the second line, "xx"  
indicating the reason for being in Maintenance Mode.  
If you log into the Integrated Web Server (IWS), the screen indicates the appliance is in  
maintenance mode and the reason.  
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Maintenance Mode  
•
The Telnet and/or Command Line Interface (CLI) prompt after you login is  
VBMaintMode> and displays one of t he following codes.  
Code 10  
Operating system failed to load or the flash is corrupted.  
Code 20  
Code 30  
Code 50  
Code 60  
Code FF  
Critical system files are missing or corrupted.  
The Hardware Watchdog has failed.  
Invalid Flash parameters found, defaults used.  
Corrupted Bootline, default used.  
Application failed to start up successfully either because of the  
configuration or another problem. The VBrick appliance will enter  
Maintenance Mode if the appliance does not boot properly on four  
consecutive attempts.  
Maintenance Mode CLI Operation  
After logging into Maintenance Mode as the Administrator, the VBMainMode>prompt is  
displayed and one or more of the following command sequences can be issued from the  
Command Line Interface. By design, in Maintenance Mode, after the user initiates changes  
and applies, it is necessary to manually save and reboot. For more about the Command Line  
Interface, see the Network Appliance Installation Guide.  
T
To use CLI commands in Maintenance Mode  
1. Make all desired changes, in any sequence, using the commands in Table 6.  
2. When done type c nt ato apply the changes.  
3. Type svto save the configuration.  
Table 6. CLI Commands  
Command Description  
Entry  
e 2  
To start the editor mode. This  
Type e 1 to display editor status.  
command must be entered prior to  
any other command.  
ex or exit  
To leave the current menu level and  
move up through the menu system.  
rb  
sd  
Reset the VBrick  
Enter y (yes to reset).  
Set the configuration parameters to  
factory defaults, except the Ethernet  
IP parameters  
Confirmation is requested.  
sfd  
Set the configuration parameters to  
factory defaults, including the  
Ethernet IP parameters  
Confirmation is requested.  
c nt 5 x  
To enable or disable DHCP  
1 – Disable DHCP  
2 – Enable DHCP  
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Command Description  
Entry  
c nt 6 xxx  
To edit the IP Host Name. The  
The Host Name can be a maximum of  
default is the Media Access Control 18 characters; the first character must  
(MAC) address, a hardware address be a letter and the last character a  
that uniquely identifies each node of number. The middle characters can be  
a network.  
letters, numbers or hyphens.  
c nt 2  
yy.yy.yy.y  
y
To edit the IP address  
Where yy.yy.yy.yy is the new IP  
address.  
c nt 3  
zz.zz.zz.z  
z
To edit the Sub Net Mask  
Where zz.zz.zz.zz is the new subnet  
mask associated with the Ethernet  
interface.  
c nt 4  
vv.vv.vv.v  
v
To edit the IP Gateway address  
Where vv.vv.vv.vv is the IP address of  
the IP gateway.  
c nt 1  
Displays the IP parameters  
s ui m 1  
Displays Board User Information.  
The User Information contains the  
part number and Ethernet MAC  
address of the VBrick.  
c nt a  
sv  
Apply the changes  
Must be issued prior to save.  
Enter y (yes to save).  
To save the configuration  
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Chapter 8  
VBStar  
Topics in this chapter  
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99  
VBStar Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100  
VBStar Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105  
VBStar FTP File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111  
VBStar Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114  
Introduction  
A VBStar is an MPEG-2 appliance with a hard drive; an industry-first MPEG-2 video  
compression and transport appliance. Capacity depends on the video bit rate. For example, a  
60 GB internal drive easily holds more than 24 hours at the bit rate of 5.5 Mbps and below  
and hard drives continue to get larger. Refer to the specifications for your current hard drive.  
Through its "store-and-forward" mechanism, VBStar transports DVD-quality video over  
wide-area networks. It extends existing video capabilities in education, government,  
surveillance and transportation. With VBStar, educational lectures, corporate messages, sales  
training and technical information can be encoded and recorded and the video sent – all in  
one step – for on-demand viewing from any location, on site or off. Live camera video can be  
recorded to disk and transferred to another VBrick over the Internet to a remote monitoring  
location for near real-time viewing.  
A simple remote control command enables users to record video from any source, save  
MPEG-2 video to an internal disk, and send it to a VBrick appliance anywhere in the world  
over an IP network. VBStar also has Serial Digital interface capability for those in the  
broadcast arena. The video can be viewed on any TV or computer monitor. VBStar includes  
advanced features that allow users to record one stream while viewing another. Available with  
both an encoder and a decoder, VBStar includes a hard drive for internal storage and on-  
screen recording and playback guides, all managed through the IR remote control. An on-  
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screen icon indicates when a recording is in progress. VBStar combines digital television  
recording, networking and video storage with an MPEG-2 video server in one compact  
package. VBStar provides efficient, robust and feature-rich MPEG video storage and  
playback capabilities. Through its record and FTP capability, VBStar eliminates the reliance  
on broadband networks, including Quality of Service requirements. A VBStar encoder allows  
recording and playing audio and high quality 30-frame per second MPEG video streams on  
desktop PC's and Television monitors located anywhere in the world.  
Recording vs. Archiving  
MPEG-2 encoders behave differently when mixed models are present in the same enclosure.  
For example when there is a WM encoder in Slot1 and an MPEG-2 encoder in Slot2, the  
MPEG-2 recorder becomes an archiver and not a recorder. (An archiver can only record from  
an associated encoder whereas a recorder can record from an encoder, a decoder, or from the  
network.) This section explains in detail how the MPEG-2 encoder works when functioning  
as a recorder (see VBStar Record on page 105). For an explanation of how the MPEG-2  
encoder works when functioning as an archiver, see "Configuration: Encoder > Archiver" in  
the WM Appliance Admin Guide.  
Note In mixed models with an MPEG-2 encoder in Slot1 and an MPEG-4 encoder in Slot2,  
you can only record from the MPEG-2 encoder.  
VBStar Pump  
MPEG-2 video can be played directly from the internal hard disk or streamed from the  
VBrick to an unlimited number of desktops over an Ethernet/IP. The term "Pump" is used  
in connection with VBStar screens to indicate that video stored on the hard drive may be  
transmitted similar to the way VBrick delivers live video. Any file selected using any of the  
management interfaces can be sent to any address on the network. To view the file locally, it  
is necessary to specify the file and enter an appropriate multicast or unicast address into the  
pump destination address field. A file may be pumped in batch mode or single file mode. The  
designated file or batch may be pumped once or continuously. The file may also be pumped  
automatically as soon as it is received through FTP.  
Configuration: Pump > General  
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VBStar  
Click here to examine ... Click on this link to examine hard drive content. You must know  
the user name and password to login to the FTP server and view  
content. You can use any FTP client application to access the  
hard drive using a URL like this: ftp://admin@<IP_Address>/D:  
Be sure to login to the D: drive as shown. Do not modify or store  
files on the C: drive. The C: drive has limited space and is reserved for  
VBrick firmware.  
Pump Mode  
Used to set the stream to be controlled manually or to  
automatically start at the VBStar Power-Up.  
Pump File Name  
This is the file that will "Pump". In batch mode, the Batch Base  
File Name is usually entered as the Pump File Name, the batch  
files will be played from the lowest numbered through the  
highest number. If a batch file name is entered with a particular  
batch file number, the file will be pumped using that file as the  
starting point. Any missing files in the series will be skipped and  
the next sequential file will play.  
Example: If files test1.mpg through test15.mpg exist and the user  
specifies test5.mpg, test5.mpg through test15.mpg will be played.  
After playing test15.mpg, test5.mpg will be played again, even  
though lower numbers of the file exist.  
IR Enable  
Is used to enable or disable the use of IR Controller to "Pump"  
the specified stream.  
Batch Enable  
If enabled, a series of files in a batch will be played sequentially.  
If disabled, only a single file will be played.  
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Continuous Enable  
If Once is selected the selected file or batch will play through to  
completion and stop. If Continuous Repump is selected, the  
selected file or batch sequence will be continuously played until  
the stop button is pressed or a different file is selected. When the  
file or batch has completed playing it wraps to the beginning and  
plays again.  
Auto Pump New File  
Can be enabled or disabled to allow any file to be automatically  
pumped on FTP reception. If batch mode is enabled, any file  
with the identified base name will be pumped on FTP reception.  
If batch mode is not enabled, any file FTP'd to the disk will be  
pumped on reception. Some special cases of operation following  
an FTP onto the hard drive.  
• If both Batch Mode is enabled and Continuous Enable is  
Continuous Repump, the FTP'd file that belongs to the series  
is played when its turn is reached. If it is not part of the series,  
it is not played.  
• If Batch Mode is enabled and Continuous Enable is Once, all  
files will be played. If the FTP'd file belongs to the series and  
has a greater index than the last file played, then the FTP'd  
file is played. Otherwise nothing happens.  
• If Batch Mode is disabled and Continuous Enable is  
Continuous Repump. The current file completes, and the new  
file is played continuously.  
• If Batch Mode is disabled and Continuous Enable is Once.  
The current file will be completed and the FTP'd file will  
start.  
Pump State  
Is a read only field that lets you know if the Pump is running or  
stopped.  
Configuration: Pump > Destination 1  
See MPEG-2 Configuration: Encoder > Destination 1/Destination2 on page 31.  
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VBStar  
Configuration: Pump > Announce (SAP)  
See MPEG-2 Configuration: Encoder > Announce (SAP) on page 34.  
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Configuration: Pump > Operation  
This screen shows you the status of your Pump and allows you to manually Start, Stop and  
Pause the current Pump. Use the Refresh to update the status.  
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VBStar  
VBStar Record  
Using Mixed Models  
MPEG-2 encoders behave differently when mixed models are present in the same enclosure.  
For example when there is a WM encoder in Slot1 and an MPEG-2 encoder in Slot2, the  
MPEG-2 recorder becomes an archiver and not a recorder. This section explains in detail how  
the MPEG-2 encoder works when functioning as a recorder. For an explanation of how the  
MPEG-2 encoder works when functioning as an archiver, see "Configuration: Encoder >  
Archiver" in the WM Appliance Admin Guide. In mixed models with an MPEG-2 encoder in  
Slot1 and an MPEG-4 encoder in Slot2, you can only record from the MPEG-2 encoder.  
Filename Syntax Rules  
Hard drive features are designed to support a root directory and one level of subdirectory  
when the hard drive is used for VBStar functions, such as Record, Pump, Playback, and  
Automatic and Manual FTP. Filenames for Recording are set on the Configuration: Recorder  
> General page in IWS. The syntax for a file name, including the directory name, is limited to  
56 characters, consisting of a combination of the directory name, the file name and the  
backslash. For example: d:\directoryname\filename.ext. The following syntax rules apply.  
•
•
One sub-directory level is allowed.  
56 total characters are allowed, including up to 25 in the directory name and up to 25 in  
the file name.  
•
•
Only 25 characters are allowed in the directory name. Note: \ " : * ? > < ¦ [ ] are  
invalid characters.  
Only 25 characters are allowed in the file name (of which 23 can be entered by a user).  
The last two characters are reserved for an index number from 1-99 to support the  
option of batch mode. The restriction on the root filename exists even if batch mode is  
not enabled to allow a switch to batch mode without requiring a change to the filename.  
•
The extension (.ext) has a maximum three characters, only alphanumeric. The default  
extension is .mpg. The allowable extensions are .mpg, .m2g, .m2t and .m2v.  
Recording Batch Files  
Batch mode records video in pieces. It allows a VBrick to transfer segments of a conference,  
event, training session, or any video, to a remote VBrick, while continuing to record. Batch  
processing minimizes the delay inherent with store-and-forward video, providing MPEG-2  
video in near-real time. Batch files names are created in the Recorder: General section of  
IWS. A batch file is one of a group of files that are handled as a single entity. The Recorder  
File Name is the base file name of the batch, for instance filename.mpg. Three digits are  
reserved at the end of the base file name to signify the index number of the batch file. Index  
numbers are assigned to the base file name from 1–999 as files are recorded (filename1.mpg  
through filenamexxx.mpg).  
When VBStar creates a file for batch record, two files are created; the first is the file currently  
being recorded, and the second is the next index file, readied to receive data. Video is  
recorded into a batch file until the batch duration time is reached, or 4 GB, whichever comes  
first. When the first file is full, the new file becomes the target of the record operation. In  
batch mode, if the batch base file name is used as the Recorder File Name, the first file  
recorded will be numbered one greater than the most recent file recorded. For instance, if  
test.mpg is selected as the Recorder File Name, the batch file numbering will start at  
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test1.mpg; if test1.mpg, test2.mpg and test3.mpg exist, and the Recorder File Name is still set  
at test.mpg, the new recording will start at test4.mpg. If the Recorder File Name is set at to  
particular index number, such as test2.mpg, the first file to be recorded will be test2.mpg and  
the batch recording will increment from that number.  
Note The maximum batch file size is 4 GB. If an attempt is made to record files using the  
maximum file size (4 GB) in the maximum number of batch files (999), the files can  
exceed the hard disk drive storage capacity. If the files are large, it might be best to set  
a Batch Wrap Point.  
Batch Wrap Point and Record Duration  
A Batch Wrap Point sets the number of files to be recorded. When the specified number of  
files has been created, the previously recorded batch files will be deleted and recorded over,  
starting from the earliest file. For example, if a Batch Wrap Point is set to 10, and test.mpg is  
the Recorder File Name, the files will be recorded from test1.mpg, test2.mpg, up to  
test10.mpg.  
Batch File Recording can be set to a specific number of seconds or Continuous. If Batch is  
enabled and set to Continuous, when the maximum number of batch files is reached,  
recording will record over the files previously recorded, starting from the first file. As one file  
is being recorded, the next index file is deleted to get ready to receive data (from 1 to 999).  
For example, if the wrap point is set to 10 and a batch file name is specified as test5.mpg, the  
files will be recorded (or recorded over) starting at test5.mpg and increment until test10.mpg  
is reached. When the number of files reaches the Batch Wrap Point of 10, the files will be  
recorded over starting with test1.mpg.  
Note If VBStar encounters an interruption in file transfer during batch recording, the file  
being recorded and the next file will both be affected. The file in the process of being  
replaced will be partially recorded. The next sequential file that was deleted to get  
ready for receiving data will be missing.  
Configuration: Recorder > General  
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VBStar  
Click here to examine Opens an Internet Explorer FTP session window. See  
...  
Configuration: Recorder > Operation on page 109 for more  
information.  
Recorder Mode  
• User Controlled – The user controls when to record files via any  
of the following methods: IWS, CLI, IR Remote, SDK, or  
SNMP.  
• Start Record on Power-up – When the appliance is powered up  
the files will begin being transferred.  
• Recorder Schedule – Files will be recorded at a scheduled time.  
IR Enable  
Enables or disables only the Record and Send buttons on the  
Infrared handheld remote control device. The master enable/disable  
for all functions is in Configuration: System > General.  
Recorder File Name The root name of the file to be recorded. The VBStar recorder can  
automatically use current date, current time, and/or host name  
when it creates a new file. Use this feature by configuring the  
filename to contain any of the following strings in any order.  
• >h or >H – Host Name.  
• >d or >D – Current Date.  
• >t or >T – Current Time.  
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Recorder Source  
Defines the source of video for record. When Dedicated is selected  
as the Recorder source, the Network option screen appears as a  
selection. The Network selections allow the user to set parameters  
necessary to record video from a particular Receive IP address and  
Port. If a slot is selected as the Recorder Source, the Network screen  
does not appear and whatever video is being received by the  
designated decoder is recorded.  
• Dedicated – Indicates that the settings are read from the VBStar  
settings on the Configuration: Recorder > Network page is IWS.  
• Decoder Slot # – Indicates that the settings are set for a specific  
Decoder Network Configuration. When a Slot # is specified, the  
Network option does not appear since it has no affect.  
Recorder Schedule  
Record Duration  
Batch Enable  
Specify the begin date and time for the archive in mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm  
format (with hh:mmin 24-hour format).  
The length in seconds of the entire recording session, or  
Continuous.  
Disabled or Enabled. If enabled, the recorder will create a series of  
files and the files will be numbered incrementally.  
Batch Duration  
Batch Wrap Point  
The length of each batch file in seconds or Maximum. The  
minimum length is 30 seconds.  
Sets the number of batch files (1–999) that will be recorded before  
"wrapping over" the previously recorded files (from lowest to  
highest batch number).  
Auto FTP after  
Record  
Disabled or Enabled. If enabled, the file is automatically FTPed  
when the recorded file is completed.  
New File on Channel Determines whether or not the Hard Drive starts a new file upon  
Change  
channel change while recording.  
OSD Recorder  
Indicators  
Selecting will show indictors that will appear on the attached TV  
screen indicating a record session is in progress. This is a decoder  
function.  
FTP Server Enable  
1 to 8 servers are available for FTP. The parameters for these servers are set in the  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer > Server menu screen of IWS. When more than one server  
is enabled, the appliance will transfer the newly recorded file to each of the enabled severs, up  
to a maximum of eight.  
Since FTP transfer can be a slower process than the recording process, it is possible to  
overrun the FTP queue, especially if many servers are enabled. Also, if operating in Batch  
record mode and the recorder attempts to open a new file that has not been completely  
transferred, the recorder will stop. The Failure condition is noted in the Recorder Status  
menu.  
Configuration: Recorder > Network  
The Network configuration tab is only displayed if you select Dedicated for Recorder Source  
on the previous Configuration: Recorder > General page.  
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VBStar  
Receive Address  
Mode  
Allows the user to specify how the receive address will be  
configured: IP address or Host Name.  
Receive Host Name The source for video to be received by using Host Name of the  
source. This parameter can be used only for a unicast source.  
Receive IP Address  
In multicast mode, this parameter selects the receive IP Address for  
the Recorder. In unicast mode, this parameter is optional. If left  
blank, the Recorder will accept all data received on the receive IP  
port. If set, the Recorder will communicate with any VBrick having  
the encoder "unicast poll" option set and instruct it not to transmit  
its stream unless the encoding VBrick has the selected receive IP  
Address.  
Receive Port  
The receive port designates what local IP port is assigned to listen  
for incoming video.  
Receive Mode  
Packet Ordering  
This read-only parameter informs the operator whether the selected  
receive IP Address is Unicast or Multicast.  
Toggles the state IP packet ordering. The identification number in  
the IP header determines IP packet ordering. Out of order packets  
are discarded prior to being given to the decoder. Generally, when  
packet ordering is enabled, the VBrick will store the out of order  
packets and attempt to reassemble the entire datagram. Some  
sources of video may not utilize the identification number field in a  
consistent manner and therefore the packet ordering feature may  
need to be disabled.  
Configuration: Recorder > Operation  
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Click here to examine This link opens an Internet Explorer FTP session window. The link  
...  
to view the hard drive content from the Integrated Web Server  
spawns an additional Internet Explorer window. After logging out  
of the IWS, it is a good idea to close all Internet Explorer windows  
and exit Internet Explorer. Note that it is not possible to view the  
VBrick's hard disk when running Microsoft Internet Explorer on  
Windows NT. Due to a limitation in Windows NT, Internet  
Explorer FTP is not invoked.  
Recorder State  
Displays the state of the recorder. Values can be  
Failed  
Stopped, never started  
Stopped, by user  
Stopped, Disk Full (less than 100 MB remains)  
Stopped, File Size Limit (approximately 4 GB)  
Stopped, FTP Overrun  
Stopped, Duration Complete  
Stopped, Unformatted  
Stopped, IO Error  
Stopped, File Is Pumping  
Running, From Power Up  
Running, Scheduled  
Running, User Initiated  
Recorder Mode  
Reports the Recorder mode, User Controlled, Start Record on  
Power-up, or Scheduled.  
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VBStar  
User Controlled  
The user controls which files to record and send to which  
configured server.  
Start Record on  
Power-up  
When the appliance is powered up, the recorder will automatically  
start.  
Scheduled  
The files will start recording at the scheduled time.  
Receive IP Address  
The address of the video source. If unicast, this is the same as the  
sender's source IP address.  
Recorder File Name File name to be recorded.  
File Start Time  
Data Recorded  
File in Progress  
FTP Status  
Starting time of the recording.  
Reports the number of bytes currently recorded.  
Name of the file currently being recorded.  
The status of the Hard Drive FTP send. Values can be:  
Transfer in Progress  
Idle  
Invalid FTP Server  
Invalid User Name  
Invalid User Password  
Local File Open Error  
Socket Open Failure  
Transfer Failure  
Socket Quit Failure  
File in Progress  
Name of the file currently being sent to the FTP destination  
server(s).  
• Last Complete FTP File – Name of the last completed file sent  
via FTP.  
• Operation Functions Buttons:  
• Start Recorder – Starts recording selected file (s) to the Hard  
Drive destination.  
• Stop Recorder – Stops recording selected file (s).  
• FTP Auto Send – FTP last recorded file via enabled servers.  
• Refresh – Refreshes the content of this screen.  
Last Completed File The name of the last completed file. In a batch file, this is the last  
indexed file completed.  
VBStar FTP File Transfer  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer > Servers  
Up to eight servers are available and can be simultaneously selected. When more than one  
server is enabled, the appliance will transfer the newly recorded file to each of the enabled  
severs, up to a maximum of eight. Since FTP transfer can be a slower than the recording  
process, it is possible to overrun the FTP queue, especially if many servers are enabled. Also,  
if operating in Batch record mode and the recorder attempts to open a new file that has not  
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been completely transferred, the recorder will stop. The failure condition is noted in the  
Recorder Status menu.  
FTP Server 1–8  
Name  
Type  
Ftpserver1 through Ftpserver8.  
VBrick or Non-VBrick Appliance.  
• VBrick Appliance – When sending to a VBrick appliance, the  
serving VBrick must select the D: directory. The configuration of  
VBrick Appliance automatically adds D: to the path name or to any  
other configured folder or as part of the Directory entry. If no  
folder is specified, all files will be transferred to the D: directory.  
Additionally, subfolders may be specified.  
• Non-VBrick Appliance – A non-VBrick appliance setting allows a  
destination server to select its own path name, based on account  
user name and password. In this case, the Directory setting may be  
used to specify any sub-folder on the server.  
DNS Name/IP  
The DNS server name or IP address for the FTP server. It accepts up  
to 20 characters. The Host Name/IP must be a DNS Host Name.  
User Name  
Password  
The FTP server user's account name.  
The password required to access the FTP server. Optional entry.  
Accepts up to 20 characters. The FTP User Name and Password must  
be set up properly on the remote FTP server. If they are not entered  
the same as what is set up on the server, the VBrick will be unable to  
connect and perform the transfer.  
Account  
The account name required to access the FTP server. Optional entry.  
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VBStar  
Directory  
This object allows a manager to switch to a different directory within  
the FTP server after login. Optional entry. Accepts up to 64  
characters. Anonymous FTP is not supported.  
Configuration: FTP File Transfer > Transfers  
You can separately setup and use eight servers for FTP File Transfer. Enter the server  
parameters in the Configuration: FTP File Transfer > Servers screen of IWS.  
FTP Status  
Current File  
Destination  
The filename of the current file being FTPed.  
FTP server name from server configuration page.  
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State  
The current state of the Hard Drive. Values can be:  
• Transfer in Progress  
• Idle  
• Invalid FTP Server  
• Invalid User Name  
• Invalid User Password  
• Local File Open Error  
• Socket Open Failure  
• Transfer Failure  
• Socket Quit Failure  
Size  
Size of the file to be sent.  
Rate  
Transmitted data rate of the file being FTPed.  
Current amount transferred.  
Transfer  
Last Queue  
Operation  
File added OK; or File removed OK; or blank.  
FTP Queue Operation  
Changes to the entries on the screen d not take effect until you select an action button (Add  
to FTP Queue, Remove from FTP Queue or Flush Queue).  
Directory  
The target directory located on the server. See notes under sending to  
VBrick and non-VBrick appliances in the previous IWS screen.  
File  
Name of the File from the hard drive.  
Batch  
The batch filename of an individually indexed batch file. If a whole  
batch is to be FTPed, File should be set to the base name of that  
batch and this object is to be set to Entire Batch.  
Destination  
The server to which the file or files is to be transferred. Servers are  
configured in the Servers section of the same page.  
Add to FTP Queue Adds the selected file or the batch of files, as indicated by to the FTP  
file and Batch drop-down box. FTP transfer starts immediately after  
operation.  
Remove from FTP Allow the file to be removed from the FTP transfer queue.  
Queue  
Flush Queue  
Removes all the current files from FTP transfer queue. It also makes  
any changes made to the variables of this group operational before  
performing this flush action, so that the values of variables in this  
group represent the actual values used by the VBrick.  
VBStar Status  
For a description of VBStar Status screens, see Status: Hard Drive Status on page 70.  
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VBrick Systems, Inc.  
12 Beaumont Road  
Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, USA  
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