Exterity AvediaServer V4.3

Transcription

1 Exterity AvediaServer V4.3 Managing IPTV Content - Administrator s Guide Asset Manager Channel Announcer EPG Server Play PMS Link Recorder Secure Media Link Transfer Video on Demand

2 Notices Exterity Limited This document contains information that is protected by copyright. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior permission is prohibited, except as under the copyright laws. Document Reference Edition 4.3 Issue 2 (August 2013) Printed in UK Exterity Limited Ridge Way Hillend Industrial Park Dalgety Bay, Fife, KY11 9JD Scotland, UK Covered By This Guide AvediaServer Asset Manager Application AvediaServer Channel Announcer Application AvediaServer Recorder Application AvediaServer Play Application AvediaServer Video on Demand Application AvediaServer EPG Server Application AvediaServer SecureMedia Link Application AvediaServer PMS Application AvediaServer Transfer Application Trademarks The Exterity building IPTV logo, AvediaStream, AvediaServer, AvediaCentre, AvediaPlayer, prodaptor, in-socket technology, isocket, and digital simplicity are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exterity Limited. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media Player are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Disclaimer The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. EXTERITY LIMITED MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Exterity Limited shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. Warranty A copy of the specific warranty terms applicable to your Exterity products and replacement parts can be obtained from Exterity. To request more information or parts, support@exterity.com Safety Notices Before installing and operating these products, please read the safety information in this manual. 2 Administrator s Guide

3 Contents 1 Welcome to the AvediaServer... 6 AvediaServer Applications AvediaServer Applications and Documentation... 8 Hardware... 8 Managing the AvediaServer... 8 Managing the IPTV System... 8 Managing IPTV Content... 8 Managing Client Interfaces... 8 Scope... 9 Conventions... 9 Audience... 9 Copyright... 9 Safety... 9 Terms and Definitions What s in this Administrator s Guide Using the Asset Manager Application Genres, Groups, Tariffs, and Configuration Creating, Editing, and Removing Genres Creating and Removing Groups Creating and Removing Tariffs Asset Manager Assets Page Layout and Functions Assets and Search Asset Attributes Page Control Importing Content Creating Playlists Specifying Content Aging Editing Asset Details Managing Assets Downloading an Asset Removing Assets Adding Assets to Genres Adding Assets to Groups Assigning an Image Using the Channel Announcer Application Adding a Channel Administrator s Guide 3

4 Deleting a Channel Using the Recorder Application Recording Overview Scheduled Recordings Continuous Recordings Recording Parameters Parameters Creating Recordings Creating a Scheduled Recording Creating a Continuous Recording Creating a Recording with an XMLTV File Using XMLTV Files Configure the Recording Managing Recordings Editing a Scheduled Recording Editing an In-progress Recording Editing a Completed Recording Stop an In-progress Recording Download an In-progress or Completed Recording Extract a Clip from an In-progress or Completed Recording Delete a Recording Using Preview Using the Recording Editor Using the Transfer Application Configuring Transfer Destinations Transfer Hosts Page Specifying Destinations Specify the Local Host Specify a Remote AvediaServer Specify an FTP Address Specify a File Sharing Address Managing Completed Recordings Transferring Recordings Deleting Recordings Using the Play Application Channel Attributes Creating and Managing Channels Specifying Channel Parameters Adding Content to the Channel Enable or Disable a Channel Administrator s Guide

5 Configuring the EPG Generator Using the Video on Demand Application Managing Asset VoD Status Adding Content from other AvediaServers Adding Additional Capacity Preparing to build the cluster Updating AvediaPlayer Receivers Dismantling the Cluster Using the EPG Server Enabling the Channel Discovery Service Enabling the EPG Server Service Enabling the EPG Generator Service Enabling the Record Service Configuring the EPG Port Number Using XML Files to Create the EPG Importing an XML File Changing the XML Import Configuration Assigning an XML Channel to a Stream Un-assigning a Stream from an XML Channel Deleting an Inactive Channel Using the Secure Media Link Configuring Registration and Broadcast Authorisation Using the Property Management System (PMS) Link Using the PMS in the Portal Client Interface Displaying Guest Names Viewing Guest Bills and Checkout Guest VoD Billing Information Configuring for Operation with RoomMaster PMS Configuring Receivers Configuring for Operation with MICROS-Fidelio PMS Configuring the IP Address Initiate a PMS Database Swap Configuring the PMS Groups Configuring Receivers Migrating From AvediaServer 3? Troubleshooting Support and contact information Administrator s Guide 5

6 1 Welcome to the AvediaServer Managing the AvediaServer Managing the IPTV System Managing IPTV Content Managing Client Interfaces Manage the basic settings of the AvediaServer and user access to content and applications using: Manage and maintain the components and devices in the IPTV system using: Manage all content on the IPTV system using: Manage what clients can select and how they interact with the IPTV system using: Logger System Users AvediaPlayer Desktop Management Channel Monitor Director Macro Builder Macro Triggers TFTP Server Asset Manager Channel Announcer EPG Server Play PMS Link Recorder SecureMedia Link Messaging Portal Config Player Desktop Web Server Transfer Video On Demand 6 Administrator s Guide

7 AvediaServer Applications Asset Manager Import, edit and configure all stored content AvediaPlayer Desktop Play back channels and content on a PC or Mac AvediaPlayer Desktop Management Monitor and manage AvediaPlayer Desktop usage and activity Channel Announcer Enable other IPTV devices to detect content by creating SAP announcements Channel Monitor Director EPG Server Logger Monitor the status of all or some of the IPTV channels on the network Monitor and manage Head end, Server, and client IPTV devices Collect and manage the channel data used to display Program Guides on client devices Specify and record system information for performance and event monitoring Macro Builder Macro Triggers Messaging Play Create actions to be performed on devices by specified triggers Configure triggers and specify the macro to be applied in response to the trigger event Set up configurable messages to be displayed on specified devices Stream content on custom channels PMS Link Portal Config Recorder SecureMedia Link Configure the Server for operation with a Property Management System (PMS) Configure the Server to provide services through Exterity receivers Create and manage recordings from network channels Configure the server for use with SecureMedia content encryption System TFTP Server Transfer Users Monitor and manage the basic functions of the AvediaServer Store and serve files such as firmware for other IPTV devices Configure and manage the location of content Create and manage user profiles and capabilities Video on Demand Web Server Manage content for on demand availability Host a third party website on the AvediaServer Administrator s Guide 7

8 2 AvediaServer Applications and Documentation Hardware The Exterity AvediaServer is a modular system both in terms of the physical hardware and the applications. To help you make best use of the AvediaServer and its applications, the following documentation is available: The AvediaServer Chassis Installation Guide contains all safety and regulatory information and shows you how to install the AvediaServer in a rack, power it on, and connect it to the IP network. Hard drive replacement for the c1555 chassis is also described. Managing the AvediaServer The Managing the AvediaServer- Administrator s Guide shows you how to manage and maintain the core functions of the AvediaServer including its IP network settings, system name and location, network time server, IPTV system services and user accounts and access to AvediaServer applications and functions. Refer to the Managing the AvediaServer - Administrator s Guide for more information about setting up the AvediaServer using the System, Logger and Users applications. Managing the IPTV System The Managing the IPTV System - Administrator s Guide shows you how to monitor and manage the operation of the IPTV system and its devices. Refer to this guide to carry out operations such as monitoring the status of all receivers in the network, carrying out bulk firmware upgrades, monitoring the number of AvediaPlayer Desktop clients and scheduling routine configuration or maintenance tasks. Refer to the Managing the IPTV System - Administrator s Guide for more information about using the Director, Desktop Player Management, TFTP Server, Channel Monitor, Macro Builder, and Macro Triggers applications. Managing IPTV Content The Managing IPTV Content - Administrator s Guide (this guide) shows you how to monitor and manage the content available within the IPTV system. Refer to this guide to monitor and manage the IPTV channels, create and manage recordings, and create channels from available content. Refer to the Managing IPTV Content - Administrator s Guide for more information about using the Asset Manager, Channel Announcer, Recorder, Play, Video on Demand, EPG Server, Transfer, SecureMedia Link, and PMS Link applications. Managing Client Interfaces The Managing Client Interfaces - Administrator s Guide shows you how to configure how the end-users interact with the IPTV system. Refer to this guide to specify languages, messaging, program guides, content encryption, the interaction with middleware such as property management systems (PMS), and the configuration of the web server. Refer to the Managing Client Interfaces - Administrator s Guide for more information about using the Portal Config, Messaging, and Web Server applications. 8 Administrator s Guide

9 Scope This edition of the manual refers to version 4.3 of the AvediaServer and describes the operation and use of the Asset Manager, Channel Announcer, Recorder, Play, Video on Demand, EPG Server, Transfer, Secure Media Link, and PMS Link applications. Conventions The following conventions are used in the AvediaServer Administrator s Guides: Note: A Note calls attention or adds information that is important for the proper operation of the product. CAUTION: A CAUTION notice calls attention to an operating procedure or practice that, if not correctly performed, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. Audience Copyright Safety Bold - is used to identify dialogue boxes and screen text, for example: Name or Upgrade Filename. Blue is used to identify application menu tabs such as Services, and functions such as New or More. Grey is used to identify an application, for example; System. Courier Font - is used to identify scripts, code examples, or keyboard commands. Bold and grey highlighting - is used for web interface features such as the Apply button. Emphasis is used when referring to another document, for example AvediaServer Chassis Installation Guide. This manual is intended for use by systems integrators or systems administrators who are installing and setting up Exterity products. It is assumed that readers are familiar with installing and configuring network-based products. Ideally, readers will also have an understanding of the key features of an IPTV system. The Exterity AvediaServer is a powerful product that allows you to import (copy) content (audio & video) and subsequently distribute that content to large numbers of users over an IP network. Content may have a copyright and you should always secure the permission of the copyright holder in order to copy and transmit the content on the IP network. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of copyrighted material may be a violation of copyright law in one or many countries/regions. In using the AvediaServer you accept full responsibility for the copyright status of the content you import and transmit on the IP network. This guide refers to the AvediaServer applications only. For all Safety and Regulatory information associated with the AvediaServer chassis please refer to the AvediaServer Installation Guide located in the Servers page at: Administrator s Guide 9

10 Terms and Definitions The following terms and definitions are used in this document: Table 1 Terms and Definitions Term DHCP EIT EPG FTP IGMP LDAP NTP PMS RTSP SAP SNMP SSH Syslog TFTP VoD XML Definition Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol Event Information Table Electronic Program Guide File Transfer Protocol Internet Group Management Protocol Lightweight Directory Access Protocol Network Time Protocol Property Management System Real Time Streaming Protocol Session Announcement Protocol Simple Network Management Protocol Secure Shell A protocol for forwarding log messages in an IP network Trivial File Transfer Protocol Video on Demand Extensible Markup Language What s in this Administrator s Guide This guide contains the following sections: Using the Asset Manager Application Using the Channel Announcer Application Using the Recorder Application Using the Transfer Application Using the Play Application Using the Video on Demand Application Using the EPG Server Using the Secure Media Link Using the Property Management System (PMS) Link Migrating From AvediaServer 3? Troubleshooting 10 Administrator s Guide

11 3 Using the Asset Manager Application Any media or content imported into the AvediaServer is known as an asset. Assets can be offered as Video on Demand (VoD) content and are the building blocks of the Play application. Assets are enabled for VoD in the VOD application. The Play application allows creation of customised multicast channels using the available assets. Each asset has various attributes associated with it. These help you organise and maintain the assets and provide customers with the correct information regarding each asset. Figure 1 Asset Manager Assets page All content is listed in the table on the Assets page of the Asset Manager application. The Genres, Groups and Tariffs pages allow you specify attributes to be associated with each piece of content, allowing you to filter content and provide charging information for a PMS. The Configuration page allows you to specify content aging. Used in conjunction with asset properties specified using the asset edit function, you can enable automatic content deletion at the end of the aging period. You can also use the Asset Manager application to import content from CD/DVD/USB/FTP sources and make any completed AvediaServer recordings available for VoD. Recordings created on the AvediaServer Recorder application can also be made available for VoD. Asset information such as a description, an associated image and encryption status can be viewed and edited as required. You can also download an asset to your local computer. Playlists can be created using available assets and subsequently managed as an asset. Administrator s Guide 11

12 Genres, Groups, Tariffs, and Configuration The Genres, Groups and Tariffs pages allow you specify attributes to be associated with each piece of content. Genres are used to categorise Assets and Channels for example, into Entertainment, News or Sport categories. Genres can help users locate content when using the portal client interface or AvediaPlayer desktop. Assets and Playlists can be categorised into one or more genres. Groups are used to filter assets to ensure that only the audience that you want to view the asset, channel, or playlist can view it. Assets, channels, and playlists can be associated with more than one Group. The Group all overrides all other Groups settings and enables all content to be viewed. Tariffs allow you to assign a pricing value to a particular asset if that asset or playlist is enabled for VoD. Tariffs are optional and are only relevant to a PMS-enabled AvediaServer Portal. Creating, Editing, and Removing Genres To create a genre: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Genres tab to view the current list of genres: 3. Click New and enter the genre you want to add in the Name field. 4. Click the Save button to complete the process and add the new genre to the list. To edit a genre: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Genres tab to view the current list. 3. Select the genre to be modified and click Edit: 12 Administrator s Guide

13 4. Edit the name as required and click the Save button. 5. Click the genre again to deselect. To remove a genre: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Genres tab to view the current list. 3. Select the genre to be removed and click Delete: 4. Click the OK button to delete the selected genre. Administrator s Guide 13

14 Creating and Removing Groups To create a group: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Groups tab to view the current list: 3. Click New and enter the genre you want to add in the Name field. 4. Click the Save button to complete the process and add the new group to the list. To remove a group: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Group tab to view the current list. 3. Select the group to be removed and click Delete: 4. Click the OK button to delete the selected group. 14 Administrator s Guide

15 Creating and Removing Tariffs When AvediaServer is used with a PMS, you have the ability to charge customers for viewing VoD assets. The tariff is the charge presented to the customer and sent to the PMS when the customer views the asset. Each tariff is defined in the Asset Manager application and can be assigned to as many assets or playlists as required. The name assigned to the tariff is for ease of use and is not displayed on the client interface. The value is the charge levied on the PMS and should be stated in a format that the PMS understands. If you do not have PMS capability, the tariff has no effect. Editing Asset Details on page 24 shows you how to assign a tariff to an asset. To create a tariff: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Tariffs tab to view the current list: 3. Click New and enter the name you want to use in the Name field. 4. Enter the required charge code that is recognised by the PMS in the Charge field. 5. Click the Save button to complete the process and add the new tariff to the list. To remove a tariff: 1. Start the Asset Manager application. 2. Click the Tariffs tab to view the current list. 3. Select the tariff to be removed and click Delete: Administrator s Guide 15

16 4. Click the OK button to delete the selected tariff. Asset Manager Assets Page Layout and Functions This section describes the highlighted areas of the Asset Manager application Assets page. 1. Assets and Search The Assets table and search function allows you to manage the assets in the list and search within the table contents. Search: Entry field orders the table by best match to text and numbers within any entry listed the table. The list is interactively updated as you enter data into the search field. Headings: You can order the table by clicking on the name of any column heading. Clicking on a column heading again to reverse the order. The order is indicated by the up/down arrows ( or ). 2. Asset Attributes. Name Displays the name of the asset. Type Displays the content type, an Asset, Playlist, or a Recording. Status Indicates the recording/transfer status of the content. Duration When an asset is added, the AvediaServer determines the duration of the asset. This is essential when scheduling the asset in the Play application. Genre Is used to categorise assets to help users find the content they want when using the AvediaPlayer Desktop or Portal. 16 Administrator s Guide

17 Group A mechanism used by Exterity products to filter the channels and content available to view on an Exterity receiver or software client. Assets can be associated with more than one Group. Transfer Indicates the status of a recording transfer to the local or a remote AvediaServer. Owner Indicates the owner of the asset and the view/move permissions based around the profile of the owner. Access Displays the read/write permissions for each asset for the logged on user. 3. Page Control The paging step buttons allow you to page through longer lists of assets. You can also choose to display a greater or lesser number of assets on a single page by selecting a value from the Show drop down list. The default number per page is 10. Navigate through the pages by clicking the step forward/back single arrows. The lower line displays the range of assets from the total currently displayed. If you have filtered the results by entering text in the search field, the lower line displays the range of results from the total number of channels. Administrator s Guide 17

18 Importing Content Before assets can be made available from the AvediaServer the content must first be imported. Local recordings can be converted to assets. This is achieved by configuring automatic transfer on completion in the Recorder application, with the local AvediaServer as the specified destination, or subsequently after completion using the Transfer application. Recordings made on a remote AvediaServer become assets when they are transferred to the local AvediaServer, again using the Transfer application. Assets can be imported in one of three ways: FTP DVD/CD ROM USB memory stick Note: Unauthorised use and/or duplication of copyrighted material may be a violation of copyright law in one or many countries/regions. Only import material over which you own the copyright or have been authorised by the copyright owner to copy and use. To import assets: 1. If using DVD/CD ROM or USB memory stick, insert the media into the correct slot on the AvediaServer chassis. Note: DVDs, CDs, or USB devices may require a few seconds to be recognised by the AvediaServer. If the media is not listed in the Method drop-down click the Import Asset to refresh the page and repeat until the media is listed. 2. Start the Asset Manager application. 3. Click the Assets tab and click Import Asset. 4. Click the Method drop down list and select FTP, FTP (Passive), DVD, CD, or USB device. 5. If using FTP, the following additional steps are required. 18 Administrator s Guide

19 a. Enter the IP address of the FTP server on which the asset resides in the FTP server field. b. Enter your username in the Username field. c. Enter your password in the Password field. d. Enter the file path in the Filename field or use the Browse button to find the file on the FTP server/device. This Filename is required for all imports. e. Enter the image path in the Image field or use the Browse button to find the image on the FTP server/device. This field is optional. 6. Enter a name in the Name field. This field is required. 7. Enter a description for the asset in the Description field. This field is optional. 8. Enter a Vendor Media ID value (user defined). This field is a unique ID to refer to the asset as defined by you. It is optional, and is displayed when a report is requested. 9. Using the Normalise drop-down menu, select Yes(Scheduled Play/VoD) or No(VoD only).this field is required and defaults to Yes(Scheduled Play/VoD). Normalising is a process applied to an imported asset to minimize the risk of playback glitches. Information for items such as different language audio tracks and subtitle availability forms part of the MPEG-2 transport stream and can change during a program causing possible disruption to playback devices. The information is contained in Packet Identifiers (PIDs). The normalisation process fixes the location of this information in specific PIDs. 10. If the asset is encrypted, choose the Asset is Encrypted option from the Encryption drop-down menu, otherwise select None. This field is required and defaults to None. Note: Encryption refers to the original format of the file. 11. If the asset is encrypted, enter the key ID into the Encryption Key ID field. This field is required for an encrypted asset. Encrypted assets required an identifier which defines the asset in the encryption system. These are defined by the SecureMedia encryption engine at the time of encoding and can be obtained from the SecureMedia key management console. 12. Once you have completed all the above fields, click the Import button. Note: Importing an asset is a two step process; once the AvediaServer has finished downloading the file from the FTP server, it processes the file in order to ensure the file is suitable for both scheduled play and VoD. This processing requires around 10% of the normal play duration of the file. Administrator s Guide 19

20 Creating Playlists The AvediaServer Asset Manager application provides you with the ability to join one or more assets together to create a playlist with a fixed order of playback. Just like discrete assets, playlists can be made available for VoD playback using the VoD application, or scheduled on a custom channel using the Play application. Once created, a playlist is listed in the Assets page and can be managed like any other asset. Note: To ensure smoother transitions in playback of assets in Playlists or AvediaServer Play channels, ensure that the video in each asset has the same codec, frame size and frame rate. The audio in each asset must have the same codec, sample rate and channel configuration (i.e. mono/stereo/surround). Note: You can create a playlist using assets that allow you read-only access. To create a playlist: 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Ensure the content you want to include in the playlist is listed as assets in the Type column. 3. Click Create Playlist: 4. Enter a name and description for the playlist in the respective fields. 20 Administrator s Guide

21 5. Click on an asset to be added from the Available assets list. 6. Click the button to add this asset to the In playlist list. 7. Repeat this until all the required assets are added to the playlist. Each additional asset is added to the end of the playlist. 8. To remove an asset from the playlist, select the asset from In playlist and click the button. 9. To change the play order select the asset you wish to reorder in the playlist and click the button to move it up in the playlist or to move the asset down in the playlist. Administrator s Guide 21

22 Note: The total duration of all assets in the new playlist is displayed in the Duration field. 10. Click the Apply button. The new playlist is created and displayed on the Assets page. Configure the Playlist attributes such as genres, groups, and aging as described in Managing Assets on page Administrator s Guide

23 Specifying Content Aging You can specify the length of time assets remain on the AvediaServer and enable/disable automatic removal. The default is 30 days with automatic deletion disabled. The aging policy is applied to all assets unless a specific asset is protected by setting Permanent to Yes (refer to Editing Asset Details on page 24). The Content Aging Service must also be running, refer to the Using the System Application section in the Managing the AvediaServer - Administrator s Guide for more information about Services. To specify content aging: 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Configuration tab: 2. Click Edit: 3. Enter a value for the age (in days) assets must reach before being automatically deleted in the Remove after field. 4. Enable automatic deletion by clicking the Age out by default Yes button. 5. Click the Save button. 6. The revised settings are displayed on the Configuration page, and if enabled, applied to all assets unless an asset has been protected by setting Permanent to Yes. Administrator s Guide 23

24 Editing Asset Details The information held for an asset can be edited at any time by accessing the asset details from its listing on the Assets page. You must be either the asset owner or have write access to edit the details. To edit asset information: 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click on the asset you want to modify and click Edit: 3. You can edit any of the following parameters: a. Name Name of the asset presented to the user in the Portal and AvediaServer Desktop client. b. Description Textual description of the asset displayed on all user interfaces and presented in the EPG when the asset is used as part of a Scheduled Play channel. c. Statistics Code You can enter an arbitrary value to help monitor usage. The code is included in the statistics , configured in and sent from the Portal Config application. d. Vendor Media ID A unique ID to refer to the asset as defined by you. This is generally used by Hospitality customers who want to track the same asset in multiple locations. Edit as required. e. Tariff Select from the drop down list as required tariffs are configured on the Tariffs. This feature must be used in conjunction with a compatible PMS. f. Permanent If you press No, the content aging specified on the Configuration page is applied. If Yes is selected the asset is retained until manually deleted. g. Permissions Specify the owner of the asset and the capabilities of users with the same profile as the asset owner, and those with different profiles. 24 Administrator s Guide

25 4. Click the Save button to apply any changes. Managing Assets This section shows you how to download assets to your local computer and how to delete them from the AvediaServer. It also shows you how to categorise assets to ensure correct listing in client interfaces and a PMS. Genre, Groups, and Tariffs must first be configured as shown in Genres, Groups, and Tariffs on page 12. You can also assign an image as a thumbnail and download or delete the asset. Downloading an Asset You can download an asset from the AvediaServer to your local computer. To download an asset: 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to download. (You can only download one asset at a time.) 3. Click Download and monitor your default browser download folder for the selected asset. Removing Assets Removing an asset completely removes it from the AvediaServer. Be sure you want to remove an asset before following the procedure below. You may remove unused assets, assets that have been scheduled in the past (past assets) and currently playing assets. To remove an asset 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to remove. You can select more than one asset at a time if required. 3. Click Delete: 4. Click the OK button to delete the selected asset. The asset is removed from the list immediately. Note: Assets that are in use or are scheduled for future use by the Play application cannot be removed without first clearing the schedule, Administrator s Guide 25

26 Adding Assets to Genres Adding an asset to a genre helps organise content within the IPTV network. Assigning content into categories (genres) such as sport, entertainment, and news also helps the end user quickly find content of interest. To add an asset to a genre: 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to configure. You can select more than one asset at a time if required. 3. Click Genres: 4. Locate and click the required genre from the Add list. You can add an asset to more than one genre if required by repeating this process. 5. Click the asset(s) again to deselect. To change or delete assets from genre(s) 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to configure. You can select more than one asset at a time if required. 3. Click Genres: 26 Administrator s Guide

27 4. Locate and click the required genre from the Add list to add the asset to another genre. To remove an asset from a genre, click the genre in the Remove list. 5. Click the asset(s) again to deselect. Note: You can create and add the asset to a new genre using the Create new genre entry field. Enter the name of new genre and click the button. The new genre is also listed in the Genres tab. Adding Assets to Groups Groups provide an additional level of content filtering. VoD assets and live or scheduled channels can be considered as content. Content can be placed in one or more groups. Receivers can also be a member of one or more groups. When a receiver is a member of the same group or groups as an item of content, the content is listed and playback of the content is allowed when selected by the end user. If a receiver is not a member of a specific group, any content in that group is not listed and therefore not available to be viewed. This provides receiver by receiver control of content available and in a hospitality context, meets the need of restricting content when required. A similar process is applied to AvediaPlayer Desktop clients. Each user, or user group, is associated with a profile. The profile specifies the Groups membership. Profiles are specified in the Users application for more information refer to the Managing the AvediaServer - Administrator s Guide. Assets can be listed in more than one group, however the default group all overrides any other setting, and makes the content available to any receivers and AvediaPlayer Desktop users not assigned to a specified group. To add an asset to a group 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to configure. You can select more than one asset at a time if required. 3. Click Groups: Administrator s Guide 27

28 4. Locate and click the required group from the Add list. You can add an asset to more than one group if required by repeating this process. 5. Click the asset(s) again to deselect. To change or delete assets from group(s) 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to configure. You can select more than one asset at a time if required. 3. Click Groups: 4. Locate and click the required group from the Add list to add the asset to another group. To remove an asset from a genre, click the group in the Remove list. 5. Click the asset(s) again to deselect. 28 Administrator s Guide

29 Assigning an Image You can assign an image to an asset which can be used as a thumbnail. To assign an image: 1. Start the Asset Manager application and click the Assets tab. 2. Click the asset you want to configure. You can use the same image for multiple assets. 3. Click Assign Image: 4. Click the Choose File button, navigate to and select the file required. The selected file name is displayed: 5. Click the OK button to use the selected image file. Administrator s Guide 29

30 4 Using the Channel Announcer Application The IPTV system uses SAP announcements to advertise the availability of a channel. This enables client devices to automatically build a list of channels available on the network. If the system has third party streaming products which do not support SAP, you can use the Channel Announcer application to advertise their output streams. The AvediaServer Channel Announcer service must be running to ensure the announcement is transmitted (configured in the System application Services page). Adding a Channel Figure 2 Channel Announcer Page To add a channel: 1. Start the Channel Announcer application. 2. Click New: 3. The entry fields are automatically populated. Change those that do not automatically enter the following details: 30 Administrator s Guide

31 o o o o o o o o o Number The number you are assigning to the channel Name The name you are assigning to the channel Original Network ID If available, enter the original Network ID Transport Stream ID If available, enter the Transport Stream ID Service ID If available, enter the Service ID Video PID If available, enter the Video PID Audio PID If available, enter the Audio PID for the required language Stream Select UDP or RTP from the drop down list and enter the Multicast address you want to use. Normally addresses of x.y and port 5000 are used. Channels are assigned a multicast address based on this address, where y is the last digit(s) of the AvediaServer IP address and x is a unique number assigned by the AvediaServer. Groups Enter the required group(s) for the channel. The group all is automatically entered. 4. Click the Local only check box if you want to make the channel available only in the Portal Client Interface and AvediaPlayer Desktop. When selected, the channel details are made available for the Portal Client Interface and the AvediaPlayer Desktop, but SAP announcements are not sent out on the network for this channel. 5. To announce the channel using the configured values click the Enabled check box. 6. Click the OK button to add the channel. 7. Confirm the channel is listed: Administrator s Guide 31

32 8. Start the Channel Monitor application and use the Search or column head ordering facility to locate and confirm the channels you have configured: Note that, as channels 602 and 603 in the above examples are not enabled, they are not announced, and subsequently not listed by the Channel Monitor application. Deleting a Channel To delete a channel: 1. To remove a channel, start the Channel Announcer application. 2. Click on the channel to select it. 3. Click Delete. 32 Administrator s Guide

33 5 Using the Recorder Application The AvediaServer Recorder application allows you to create scheduled or continuous recordings of any channel content available on the IPTV system. You can also configure how the recording is managed on completion including transfer to other AvediaServers. All scheduled and completed continuous recordings are listed on the Assets page of the Asset Manager application. You can use the Transfer application to make a completed recording available as an asset for the Video on Demand or Play applications by transferring a completed recording, either on completion (prior configuration) or at a later time, to the local or a remote AvediaServer. Figure 3 Recorder Application Recordings Page An in-progress recording is indicated by a vertical green bar on the left of the recording listing as shown in Figure 4.33 Figure 4 Recorder Application In-progress Recording Listing Administrator s Guide 33

34 Recording Overview There are important differences between the two recording methods and their management. Scheduled Recordings Scheduled recordings are configured by specifying the channel, date, and time. Whilst it is important to correctly configure the channel selection and timing, you should also give consideration to where the recording is to be stored and how it will be accessed. You can specify how the recording is to be managed during the configuration process or subsequently use the Transfer application to convert recordings to assets and move them to the required location. You can configure a scheduled recording to perform the following actions when the recording is complete: Remain in the recordings list and be available to download to your local computer. Remain in the recordings list and be shared, therefore available for download by other users in the same profile. Be listed as an asset in the local AvediaServer Play application. Transfer to one or more specified AvediaServer(s). Transfer to an FTP destination. Transfer to a share destination. Be listed as a VoD asset in the specified local, a remote AvediaServer destination, or a combination of the above. Some actions can be combined, such as multiple transfer destinations. Continuous Recordings Continuous recordings are configured by specifying the channel and the duration of the recording. The continuous recording process allows you to continuously record a channel and retain the content for a specified period of time in what can be thought of as a sliding window, the size of the recording is never greater than the specified duration. The recording commences on completion of the configuration process and is continually updated. The recording is listed on the Recordings page, even when stopped, and remains available for download/viewing/transfer until it is removed. Figure 5 Continuous Recording Window 34 Administrator s Guide

35 Figure 5 shows the sliding window concept used for continuous recording. In this example, a continuous recording of 60 minutes duration has been configured. The recording commences as soon as you have completed the configuration process. If the recording started at exactly 10:00 a.m.: 10:00 - The recording has just started so the Record application has yet to write to disk. No recording stored. 10:30 - The recording has been running for half an hour and the Record application has written 30 minutes of stream data to disk.10:00 10:30 stored. 11:00 - The recording has been running for an hour and the Record application has written 60 minutes of stream data to disk. 10:00 11:00 stored. 11:30 - The recording has been running for 90 minutes. Although the Record application has written 90 minutes of data to disk since it started, only the most recent 60 minute period is saved and available to view or download. The first 30 minutes of the recording have been deleted. 10:30 11:30 stored. 12:00: The recording has been running for two hours. Although Record has written 120 minutes of stream data to disk, again only the most recent 60 minute period is available to view or download. The Record application has deleted the first hour of the recording. 11:00 12:00 stored. In this example, you can download or view the most recent 60 minutes of recording at any time. The window continues to slide until the recording or the Record service is stopped, retaining the most recent 60 minutes of the channel. Recording Parameters When a recording is configured, the Recorder application reserves disk space for the exclusive use of that recording. The amount of disk space reserved depends on the format, hence bit rate of the recording, and its duration. Requirements for in-progress and scheduled recordings are taken into account when capacity is evaluated for new recordings. Recordings are also constrained by the assigned disk space. If exceeded, the recording continues but earlier content is lost. Parameters The Recorder application uses a fixed set of bitrates for each of the three stream types available as shown in Table 2. Table 2 Formats and Corresponding Bitrates. Format Bitrate Mbps (bits per second) Audio 1 ( ) SD 6 ( ) HD 20 ( ) In order to prevent any recordings completely filling the disk, recordings can only reserve 95% of the available disk space. This ensures system stability and completion of recordings if one or more recordings grossly exceed assigned bitrates. Administrator s Guide 35

36 Creating Recordings This section describes the processes of creating continuous or scheduled recordings. The Recorder application actively monitors the available disk space. You are alerted if there is insufficient disk space for a new recording to be created. The recording is listed, but its status is shown as and the recording is not executed. Whilst there are differences between continuous and scheduled recordings, each user owns their configured recordings. Only the recording owner, or users assigned to the admin profile, can stop or remove a recording. If shared, recordings can be downloaded or viewed by any user assigned to the same profile as the recording owner. For example, if a recording is owned by user A who is a member of 3 profiles, user B only need to be a member of one of A s profiles to access A s recordings. Figure 6 Recorder Application - Scheduled Recordings Page Prior to creating a recording you should ensure the Record and Channel Listener services are running (configured on the System application Services page). You can create recordings without configuring transfer destinations, but if you plan to transfer a scheduled recording to another location on completion you should also ensure that you have configured any required destinations as described in Configuring Transfer Destinations on page 53. Simultaneous recordings can be configured up to the bandwidth limits of the AvediaServer. In this section: Creating a Scheduled Recording Creating a Continuous Recording Creating a Recording with an XMLTV File 36 Administrator s Guide

37 Creating a Scheduled Recording Creating a scheduled recording with the AvediaServer Record application is a similar process to that used by most consumer recorders. Specify start and stop dates and times, and the channel you want to record. However, in addition, you can specify who can view the completed recording, and how and where it is to be stored. The process requires the following steps: Name the recording Choose the channel Configure start and stop time Select a transfer destination To create a scheduled recording: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled tab. 2. Click New. 3. If displayed, confirm that you Accept the conditions of the Disclaimer window. Name the recording 4. Enter a name and description in the respective Name and Description fields to help you identify the recording. Note: Line-break/return characters entered in the description field are not honoured. The information is formatted as required by the AvediaServer Desktop Player and listings in other application. Choose the channel 5. Use the Channel table column headings to order the list to help locate the required channel. 6. Click on the channel to select it. Administrator s Guide 37

38 7. Confirm the Address and Port details have been populated. If the required channel is not listed but its details are known you can enter them directly into the Address and Port fields. 8. Select the required channel Bitrate from the drop down list. Recording Parameters lists the formats and corresponding bitrates. Configure start and stop time 9. In the Schedule section: The current date is automatically selected in the Start and Stop date fields. To schedule start/ stop dates and times: o To select a different date, click on the Start calendar icon and select the date required. (Note that the current date is highlighted in the calendar.) o o Click in the Start time field and set as required. Click in the Stop time field and set as required. o Select the calendar icon and select the date required if you need the recording to extend to the next day, or beyond. Note: The times used are server times. Refer to the Server time in the upper right of the AvediaServer banner. You can also create a scheduled recording that starts immediately. When selected, recording commences when you click the Save button and ends at the configured Stop date/time. To start recording now: o Click in the Stop time field and set as required. o Select the calendar icon and select the date required if you need the recording to extend to the next day, or beyond. o Click the Record now On button. 38 Administrator s Guide

39 Select a transfer destination 10. Click on the destination where you want to place the recording on completion. You can select more than one if required. When none is selected the recording remains in the local server. Note: if you have not configured destination paths in the Transfer application as described in Configuring Transfer Destinations on page 53, no destinations are listed in the Transfer table. Configure Repetition 11. Select the required repetition from the Type drop down list: o o o o o For no repetition select None. For repetitions in hours Select Hourly and enter the required rate in the Interval field. For example; to specify hourly repeats, select Hourly and enter 1. For repetitions in days Select Daily and enter the required rate in the Interval field. For example; to specify daily repeats, select Daily and enter 1. For repetitions in weeks Select Weekly, click the check boxes for the days required, and enter the required rate in the Interval field. For example; to specify weekly repeats for Friday to Monday, select Weekly, select Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Fri check boxes and enter 1. For repetitions in months select Monthly and enter the required rate in the Interval field. For example; to specify monthly repeats, select Monthly and enter Specify an end point for the repetitions using the calendar and time entry fields to configure the End date. Administrator s Guide 39

40 13. Finally, click the Save button and confirm that the recording is listed on the Recordings page. Note: The disk space requirement is calculated when you complete the configuration of the recording. The following message is displayed if the planned recording exceeds available disk space. If you selected Record now during the configuration, confirm the recording has started. This is indicated by a green vertical bar at the left of the recording listing as shown in Figure 4 on page Administrator s Guide

41 Creating a Continuous Recording Creating a continuous recording with the AvediaServer Record application requires that a channel and the duration of the sliding window are specified. Refer to Continuous Recordings on page 34 for more information. The recording commences immediately on completion of the configuration process. You cannot specify transfer destinations for a continuous recording. Even if stopped, it remains listed on the Recordings page and the file stored locally. The process requires the following steps: Name the recording Choosing the channel Specifying the duration To create a continuous recording: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Continuous tab. 2. Click New. 3. If displayed, confirm that you accept the conditions of the Disclaimer window. Naming the recording 4. Enter a name and description in the respective Name and Description fields to help identify the recording. Note: Line-break/return characters entered in the description field are not honoured. The information is formatted as required by the AvediaServer Desktop Player and listings in other application. Choosing the channel 5. Use the Channel table column headings to order the list to help locate the required channel. 6. Click on the channel to select it. Administrator s Guide 41

42 7. Confirm the Address and Port details have been populated. If the required channel is not listed but you now its details you can enter them directly into the Address and Port fields. 8. Select the required channel Bitrate from the drop down list. Recording Parameters lists the formats and corresponding bitrates. Specifying the duration 9. In the Duration section: 10. Enter the required time in the Duration days and hh:mm:ss fields. You can enter any value between 0 and 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds in the hh:mm:ss field. The length of recording is never greater than the specified length and is limited only by the available disk space. 11. Finally, click the Save button and confirm that the recording is listed and has already started (indicated by a green bar at the left end of the recording listing). Note: The disk space requirement is calculated when you complete the configuration of the recording. The following message is displayed if the planned recording exceeds available disk space. 42 Administrator s Guide

43 Creating a Recording with an XMLTV File You can configure a recording using an imported XMLTV format file. This allows you to use external editing tools to create the recording schedule. Transfer options are also provided allowing you to manage the storage and use of the asset on completion of the recording. You can configure multiple recordings in the file, but you can only specify one transfer configuration which is subsequently applied to all of the individual specified recordings. This section contains the following: Using XMLTV Files o Channel Selection o o Schedule Program Information Configure the Recording <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <!DOCTYPE tv SYSTEM "xmltv.dtd"> <tv generator-info-name="avediaserver"> <channel id=" "> <display-name lang="en">bbc ONE Scot</display-name> <!-- url of channel from channel listener --> <!-- <url>udp:// :5000</url> --> </channel> <programme start=" " stop=" " channel=" "> <title lang="en">news</title> <desc lang="en"> Regional News Items </desc> <category>genre 1 name</category> <rating system="avediaserver"> <value>pg</value> </rating> </programme> </tv> Using XMLTV Files Figure 7 Example XMLTV File In the example shown in Figure 7, the channel with id (BBC Scotland, URL udp:// :5000) is configured for recording between 15:00 and 16:00 on the 16 th of April Channel Selection The Channel ID is defined by "<service_id>:<orig_net_id>:<ts_id>". In Figure 7, the channel ID is: <channel id=" ">. If the ID can be found in the channel list, it is used to select the channel. If this is not found, the display-name is used to select the channel. In the example, the display name is: <display-name lang="en">bbc ONE Scot</displayname>. Note: The channel ID in the XML file uses stop separators (.), whereas the AvediaServer Director > Channel Monitor list uses colon separators (:). Administrator s Guide 43

44 When a URL is supplied as part of the imported file, it can be used to record the channel. In Figure 7, the url is: <url>udp:// :5000</url>. Schedule Programme start time is in the form YYMMDDhhmmss with an optional timezone or offset from UTC. The stop attribute must be specified and is of the same format. In Figure 7, the start, stop and channel are configured by: <programme start=" " stop=" " channel=" ">. Programme Information Title is the only mandatory element. In Figure 7, the title is: <title lang="en">news</title>. Optional description, genre and rating are configured by desc, category and rating. In Figure 7: Description: <desc lang="en"> Regional News Items </desc> Genre: <category>genre 1 name</category> Rating: <rating system="avediaserver"> <value>pg</value> </rating> Configure the Recording With all the data required correctly listed in the XMLTV file, you can now import the file and use it to configure the recording and include transfer options for the completed recording. To configure a recording with an XMLTV file: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled tab. 2. Click the Import button. 3. Click the Browse button and navigate to the required file in the file upload window. 4. Select the file and click Open. 5. Confirm the selected file is shown in the XMLTV File field. 44 Administrator s Guide

45 6. If you have selected a scheduled recording, select a destination for the completed recording (asset) from the Destination list. (Transfer cannot be configured for continuous recording.) 7. Click the OK button. 8. Click the Close button and confirm the details are correctly presented on the Recordings page. Administrator s Guide 45

46 Managing Recordings When a recording has been created and listed you can perform additional operations such as editing the details, the transfer destination, and stopping or deleting it. In this section: Editing a Scheduled Recording Editing an In-progress Recording Editing a Completed Recording Download an In-progress or Completed Recording Using Preview Delete a Recording Editing a Scheduled Recording If the recording has not started, you can edit all aspects of a scheduled recording. To edit a scheduled recording: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled tab. 2. Click on the required recording to select it and click Edit. 3. Make any changes required to the parameters listed in the Channel, Schedule, Asset, Transfer, and Repeat sections. 4. Click the Save button to update the recording. Editing an In-progress Recording You can only edit the Name and Description parameters (and the Destination for Scheduled recordings) for in-progress recordings. To edit in-progress recordings: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 2. Select the required recording and click Edit. 3. Change the Name and Description as required. You can also change the transfer destination of a scheduled recording. 4. Click the Save button to complete the update. Editing a Completed Recording For completed recordings, only the Name and Description parameters can be edited. To edit completed recordings: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 2. Select the required recording and click Edit. 3. Change the Name and Description as required. 4. Click the Save button to complete the update. 46 Administrator s Guide

47 Stop an In-progress Recording The recording owner or the system administrator can stop an in-progress scheduled or continuous recording at anytime. If you stop a continuous recording, the recording stops immediately and the recording can be downloaded, transferred, or deleted. Note: To stop ALL in-progress recordings, click Status > Service to display the Service Status page and click the Record Stop button in the Services list. To stop an in-progress recording: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 2. Select the required recording and click Stop. 3. Click the OK button and confirm the recording no longer displays a vertical green bar to the left of its listing in the recordings table. Note: You cannot re-start a stopped recording. Download an In-progress or Completed Recording You can download an in-progress or completed recording. You can download all or a part of a recording as a Program Stream (.mpg) or as a Transport Stream (.ts) file. Note: All recordings are stored as Transport Streams. Downloading as a Program Stream may slightly increase the time required to download as the conversion process takes place, but with reduced header information, may result in a smaller file. To download a recording: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 2. Click on the required recording to select it and click Download. If the recording has ended, the Start, Stop, and Duration of the recording are displayed. If the recording is in-progress, the current date and time, the most recent point in the recording are displayed in the Stop fields. Administrator s Guide 47

48 3. Select Transport Stream or Program Stream from the Format drop down list. 4. To select all or part of the recording: o o Do not edit the displayed date and time information to download all of the available recording. Enter different Start/Stop dates and times using the date/time entry fields and calendar. o Make precise selections of Start/Stop times as described in Using Preview on page 5. Click the OK button to save the file to your local computer. The filename has the following format: recordingname_startdate_starttime_enddate_endtime.ts Transport Stream or, recordingname_startdate_starttime_enddate_endtime.mpg Program Stream In the example, BBC_HD_ _160632_ _ ts is the downloaded file of a recording on 5 th July 2010 from 16:06:32 to 16:17:16 in transport stream format. Extract a Clip from an In-progress or Completed Recording You can extract a portion of an in-progress or completed recording and save the clip as a transport stream file (.ts). The clip is also listed as a completed recording by the Asset Manager application and can be managed as a completed recording. To extract a recording clip: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 2. Click on the required recording to select it and click Clip. If the recording has ended, the Start, Stop, and Duration of the recording are displayed. If the recording is in-progress, the current date and time, the most recent point in the recording are displayed in the Stop fields. 3. Enter a name for the clip in the Name field. 4. To select all or part of the recording: o o Do not edit the displayed date and time information to use all of the available recording. Enter different Start/Stop dates and times using the date/time entry fields and calendar. o Make precise selections of Start/Stop times as described in Using Preview on page 5. Click the OK button to save the clip on to the local AvediaServer. 48 Administrator s Guide

49 6. Confirm the clip is listed by the Asset Manager application. Delete a Recording You can remove a recording from the list on the Recordings page at any time. If the recording is in-progress or complete, the file is removed from the disk. When a scheduled recording is removed the reserved disk space is released. You can delete more than one recording at a time. To remove a recording: 7. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 8. Click on the recording(s) to be removed and click Delete. 9. Click the OK button to continue. 10. Confirm the recording has been removed from the Recordings list. Using Preview The Preview function available from the Download and Clip dialogue windows provides a visual/ aural method of specifying Start and Stop points in recordings where you want to extract a segment. The original recording remains intact therefore you can extract as many clips as required. When opened, the preview window displays and plays the recording in chunks, each up to a maximum of 10 minutes in length. During playback the each subsequent section is automatically displayed. Note that the preview function does not replace dedicated editing tools. If you need fine control of start/stop points and the ability to combine clips into a single file is required you should download the complete recording and perform editing in an appropriate application. In the Clip or Download dialogue window click Preview to launch the player and controls. The selected recording opens in the preview window, displaying the following information and controls: Administrator s Guide 49

50 Playback Controls: Use the playback controls to: Jump back to the start of the segment Go to the previous segment Play the segment Pause Play Go to the next segment Jump to the end of the segment 2. Playback information: Displays the segment playback position. 3. Time bar and Slider Button: The time bar and slider button, and segment start and end times (5 and 6) are always displayed. The time bar and slider button indicate the elapsed playing time. When playing, you can click and hold the slider button to skip in either direction. 4. Mark In Mark Out Controls: 50 Administrator s Guide

51 Use the playback controls to: Mark the start of the clip to be extracted (Mark in) Mark the end of the clip to be extracted (Mark out) Clear the Mark in point Clear the Mark out point 5. Audio Controls: The volume is controlled by clicking on the slider button and dragging it left or right. Dragging to the right increases the volume. Clicking on the speaker icon mutes the audio output. 6. Date/Time Stamps: 7. Date/Time Stamps: Displays the date and time of the start and end points of the segment. Using the Recording Editor To extract content using preview: 1. Start the Recorder application and click the Scheduled or Continuous tab. 2. Click on the required recording to select it and click Download or Clip. a. In the Download window select Transport Stream or Program Stream from the Format drop down list. b. In the Clip window enter a suitable name in the Name field. 3. In the Clip or Download dialogue window click Preview. Administrator s Guide 51

52 4. Use the playback controls to locate the section you want to extract from the recording. a. Scan the displayed segment to locate the required start point and click the Mark in ( ) button. b. Locate the required end point, using the Skip forward controls if necessary, and click the Mark out button. 5. Click the Preview window close button ( ) or click off the Preview window. 6. Confirm the Start/Stop and Duration fields have been updated to display the start/stop and duration of the clip selected. You can edit the start and stop fields whenever the Clip recording window is open. 7. Once the selection is made, only the selected portion is shown when you re-open it. 8. Click the OK button 9. Confirm the extracted clip is listed or the download has been placed in the configured location. 52 Administrator s Guide

53 6 Using the Transfer Application The Transfer application allows you to manage the location of the recordings. You can specify the destinations of the recordings and the method of file transfer. Configuring Transfer Destinations Configure a recording transfer destination before specifying a recording, unless: you plan to configure a continuous recording, you plan to save a scheduled recording on the local AvediaServer, you plan to download the recording from the local AvediaServer to a PC later. you plan to transfer the recording later. This section can be omitted for continuous recordings and locally saved scheduled recordings. Transfer Hosts Page The Transfer hosts page is used to set up and display different destinations for completed recordings. Only successfully completed scheduled recordings can be transferred. This allows you to convert a recording to an asset for play and VoD usage and to retain assets locally, or transfer them to another AvediaServer, FTP, or share destinations. Figure 8 Recorder Application Transfer Hosts Page Function Bar The Function Bar allows you to add and remove destinations to and from the list. Add Clicking this button launches the Add Transfer Host window allowing you to create and configure a new destination. Remove Selected Clicking this button deletes the selected destination from the list. Note: Assets already transferred are not affected by the removal of a destination, but inprogress and pending recordings configured to that transfer path remain on the local disk on completion. A failed transfer status is also displayed. Administrator s Guide 53

54 Column Headings Column Headings list the destination parameters and allow you to order the list by the heading title. For example, to order the list by name, click Name. To invert the order press Name again. Name Displays the name assigned to the destination during the configuration. Type Displays the type of destination configured, AvediaServer, FTP, or Share. Host Displays the IP address of the destination. Localhost indicates the destination is the local AvediaServer. Username Displays the configured username for FTP and share destinations. N/A is displayed for AvediaServer destinations. Path Displays the configured directory path for FTP and share destinations. Format Displays either TS (Transport Stream) or PS (Program Stream) recording configuration Normalise Recordings transferred to another AvediaServer can have audio and video PIDs set to known values to ensure stable playback on Exterity IPTV receivers. Add to VoD Recordings transferred to another AvediaServer can be flagged as an asset for VOD usage. Delete After Assets transferring to any other destination than the Local AvediaServer can be configured to be deleted on completion of the transfer. Default If more than one transfer destination is configured, you can select a default. Destination Details Each configured destination in the table lists information according to the column headings. The Normalise, Add to VoD, Delete After, and Default entries are active and can be changed in the table as required. Normalise Displays to indicate it is to be normalised, if not. You can toggle the setting by clicking on the or. Add to VoD Displays to indicate it is to be added to the VoD list on the destination AvediaServer, if not. You can toggle the setting by clicking on the or. Delete After Displays to indicate it is to be deleted, if not. You can toggle the setting by clicking on the or. Default If more than one transfer destination is configured, you can select a default. Click on the to toggle it to for the destination you want to set as default. 54 Administrator s Guide

55 Figure 9 Transfer Application Transfer hosts page Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer hosts tab to display the page as shown in Figure 9. The following transfer options are available to you for managing recordings on completion of the recording: Select None where it remains listed in the Recorder application Recordings and the Transfer application Transfer pages. The file is locally stored and available for download or subsequent transfer by the owner, same profile users if shared, or by the system administrator. Transfer it to the local host (AvediaServer) where it is listed as an asset by the local AvediaServer Asset Manager application. Transfer it to a remote AvediaServer where it is listed as an asset in the remote AvediaServer Asset Manager application. Send it to an FTP server where it can be accessed and managed out-with the AvediaServer interface. Send it to a file sharing server where it can be accessed and managed out-with the AvediaServer interface. You can specify that each recording is deleted from the local cache following its transfer to any destination other than the local AvediaServer. If an AvediaServer configured with a Video on Demand application is a selected destination, you can specify that the transferred asset is enabled for VoD. (You can subsequently enable the asset for VoD in the Video on Demand application) Specifying Destinations In this section: Specify the Local Host Specify a Remote AvediaServer Specify an FTP Address Specify A File Sharing Address Administrator s Guide 55

56 Specify the Local Host Use this option if you want to save the recordings on the local AvediaServer. You should not use this option unless the Play application is also locally licensed. When transferred, the recording details are deleted from the Recordings page and the asset can only be further managed from the Play application. Note: If the Device Listener service is currently not running, only previously discovered AvediaServers are listed for transfer destinations. To specify a local host: 1. Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer hosts tab. 2. Click the Add button. 3. Select AvediaServer from the Transfer type drop down list. 4. Enter the name you want to use in the Name field. 5. Select the local server from the Server drop down list. The name and IP address in brackets are listed, with the local server identified as (localhost). Note: If the drop down list is not populated, the Device Listener service is not running. 6. Select the Normalise checkbox if you intent to use the content in the Play application or as a VoD asset. 7. Select the Add to VoD checkbox if you want to make the recording available as an on demand asset in the AvediaServer Video on Demand application. 8. The Delete after transfer setting is ignored when selecting a local AvediaServer destination. The recording is always held in local storage, but deleted from the Recordings list. 56 Administrator s Guide

57 9. Click the Create button to complete the setup. 10. Confirm the local server is added to the Transfer hosts page as shown below: 11. To select the local AvediaServer as the default transfer destination click the and confirm it is replaced by a icon. The destination can now be used for any new recordings. You can change the Add to VoD and Default settings by clicking on the or icons to toggle them to the required setting. Specify a Remote AvediaServer Use this option if you want to save the recordings to a different, non-local AvediaServer. You should not use this option unless the Play application is licensed on the destination AvediaServer. If you choose to delete the local recording on completion of the recording, it can only be further managed from the Play application on the destination AvediaServer. Note: For successful transfer of recordings to a remote AvediaServer, remote destination must be running version 3.2.x (or later) firmware. To specify a remote AvediaServer: 1. Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer hosts tab. 2. Click the Add button. Administrator s Guide 57

58 3. Select AvediaServer from the Transfer type drop down list. 4. Enter the name you want to use in the Name field. 5. Select the required server from the Server drop down list. The name and IP address in brackets are listed. Note: If the drop down list is not populated, the Device Listener service is not running. 6. Select the Normalise checkbox if you intent to use the content in the Play application or as a VoD asset. 7. Select the Add to VoD checkbox if you want to make the recording available as an on demand asset in the AvediaServer Video on Demand application. 8. The Delete after transfer setting is ignored when selecting a local AvediaServer destination. The recording is always held in local storage, but deleted from the Recordings list. 9. Click the Create button to complete the setup. 10. Confirm the remote server is added to the transfer page as shown below (Remote Server): To select the remote server as the default transfer destination click the and confirm it is replaced by a icon. The destination can now be used for any new recordings. You can change the Add to VoD, Delete after, and Default settings by clicking on the or icons to toggle them to the required setting. 58 Administrator s Guide

59 Specify an FTP Address Use this option if you want to transfer recordings to an FTP address. The remote FTP destination IP address and login credentials are required. You can specify an additional remote directory path if, for example, content specific folders have been set up at the remote FTP destination. If Delete after transfer is selected you have no further access to the recording from the AvediaServer interface when the transfer is complete. To specify an FTP address 1. Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer hosts tab. 2. Click the Add button. 3. Select FTP from the Transfer type drop down list. 4. Select Transport or Program Stream from the Transfer as drop down list. 5. Enter the name you want to use in the Name field. 6. Enter the IP address of the destination in the Address field. 7. Enter the remote destination user name and password in the Username and Password fields. 8. If required, enter a specific directory path at the destination address in the Path field. Note: If no specific directory path is specified you must enter a back-slash (\) character in the Path field to place the transferred file in the ftp root folder. 9. Select the Delete after transfer checkbox if you want to delete the recording from the local AvediaServer disk after it has transferred to the selected destination. Administrator s Guide 59

60 10. Click the Create button to complete the setup. 11. Confirm the new FTP destination is added to the transfer page as shown below (FTP Server): 12. To select the FTP location as the default transfer destination click the and confirm it is replaced by a icon. The destination can now be used for any new recordings. You can change the Delete after and Default settings by clicking on the or icons to toggle them to the required setting. Specify a File Sharing Address Use this option if you want to save the recordings to a share location. The share must be set up on the remote computer prior to any attempt to send a recording to it. Normal prerequisites are required for the configuration such as the share IP address, directory path, username and password. If Delete after transfer is selected you have no further control of the recording from the AvediaServer interface after the transfer is complete. To specify a file share address: 1. Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer hosts tab. 2. Click the Add button. 3. Select File Share from the Transfer type drop down list. 4. Select Transport or Program Stream from the Transfer as drop down list. 5. Enter the name you want to use in the Name field. 6. Enter the path of the destination in the Address field. 7. Enter your user name and password in the Username and Password fields. 8. Enter the directory path at the destination address in the Path field. 9. Select the Delete after transfer checkbox if you want to delete the recording from the local AvediaServer disk after it has transferred to the selected destination. 60 Administrator s Guide

61 10. Click the Create button to complete the setup. 11. Confirm the new Share location is added to the transfer page as shown below (Recordings): 12. To select the Share location as the default transfer destination click the and confirm it is replaced by a icon. The destination can now be used for any new recordings. You can change the Delete after and Default settings by clicking on the or icons to toggle them to the required setting. Administrator s Guide 61

62 Managing Completed Recordings You can transfer one or more completed recordings to any of the transfer hosts you have configured. The transfer process promotes a recording to an asset, allowing it to be used in the Video on Demand and Play applications. You must first configure the transfer destinations. More than one recording and more than one destination can be specified. You can also delete one or more recordings or any asset held on the local AvediaServer if they are no longer required. Transferring Recordings Figure 10 Transfer Application - Transfer Page To transfer a recording: 1. Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer tab. 2. Use the column headings to order the list to locate the recording(s) you want to transfer. 3. Click to select the recording(s). 4. Click Transfer. 62 Administrator s Guide

63 5. Click to select a destination from the list. 6. Click the OK button to continue. The Transfer page shows the status in the Transfer column, (TRANSFERRING) in this example. 7. When the transfer status is COMPLETE, confirm the item has been listed as an asset by the Asset Manager application and that the Transfer page list has been updated according to the configuration of the Transfer hosts used. For example, if delete after transfer is configured, the recording is deleted from the local server list. Deleting Recordings To delete a recording: 1. Start the Transfer application and click the Transfer tab. 2. Use the column headings to order the list to help locate the recording(s) you want to delete. Note: You can also delete an asset. (The Transfer application only lists assets on the local AvediaServer) 3. Click to select the recording(s). 4. Click Delete. 5. Click the OK button to delete the recording or Cancel. Administrator s Guide 63

64 7 Using the Play Application You can construct channels from assets or playlists, arranging the content in the order required, and multicast these onto the IPTV network. The number of channels is limited only by the combined simultaneous bandwidth requirement of the assets in the channels being played. Each of these channels constructed on the Scheduled Play page has a schedule associated with it. Configuring the channel specifies the parameters required for its successful operation as a multicast stream within the IPTV network. To enable the Play application channels to be listed, the EPG Generator page allows you to specify the IP address of the AvediaServer running the EPG Server application. Note: the AvediaServer EPG Generator service must be running to enable creation of EIT tables for the EPG Server application. Services are configured in the System application. Figure 11 AvediaServer Play Application Scheduled Play Page Note: To ensure smoother transitions in playback of assets in Playlists or AvediaServer Play channels, ensure that the video in each asset has the same codec, frame size and frame rate. The audio in each asset must have the same codec, sample rate and channel configuration (i.e. mono/stereo/surround). 64 Administrator s Guide

65 Channel Attributes For each new channel created on the Scheduled Play page, the following attributes are configured: Name Number Address Port Original Network ID Transport Stream ID Service ID Groups Bandwidth Name used by all interfaces to refer to this channel and announced on the network. Default: New Channel Channel number used in SAP announcements for this channel. This can be configured to any number between 0 and 999. Default: 1 Multicast address for the channel stream. Default: UDP port of the multicast channel stream. Default: 5000 Creates unique channel identifier when combined with transport stream ID and service ID. This is used by the EPG Generator to uniquely identify the channel. Value Default: 1 Creates unique channel identifier when combined with original network ID and service ID. This is used by the EPG Generator to uniquely identify the channel. Value Default: 1 Creates unique channel identifier when combined with original network ID and transport stream ID. This is used by the EPG Generator to uniquely identify the channel. Value Default: 1 Groups associated with this channel. Groups are used to filter channels when used to ensure that only the audience that you want to view the channel can view it. A channel can be associated with one or more groups. Default: all If Reserve selected, exclusive bandwidth is provided for the channel based on the maximum bit rate of the scheduled assets. If not, the channel is played on a best effort basis. Default: Reserve Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Optional Administrator s Guide 65

66 Creating and Managing Channels A channel must be enabled in order to stream. If a channel is not enabled, or is disabled during playback, all content on that channel is stopped. When enabled, and the Channel Announcer service is running (refer to the System application Services page), the channel is automatically added to the Channel Announcer application for announcement on the network, allowing detection by all SAP enabled IPTV clients on the same network (all Exterity clients detect these SAP announcements automatically). The channel is listed and available to clients where the group settings allow. You can also specify a default asset for a channel which is played continuously when no other content is scheduled. When a channel is disabled, there is no associated (SAP) announcement and none of the clients on the network can list the channel. Constructing a new channel is a three step process: Specifying the channel parameters required for its successful operation as a multicast stream within the IPTV network. Adding content to the channel. Enabling and disabling the channel. Note: To ensure smoother transitions in playback of assets in Playlists or AvediaServer Play channels, ensure that the video in each asset has the same codec, frame size and frame rate. The audio in each asset must have the same codec, sample rate and channel configuration (i.e. mono/stereo/surround). Figure 12 AvediaServer Play Application Create/Edit Channel 66 Administrator s Guide

67 Specifying Channel Parameters The first step in configuring a new channel is to specify the parameters required for its successful operation as a multicast stream within the IPTV network. To specify the channel parameters: Naming the Channel The channel name is the SAP announced name for a channel over the network. The channel name is listed by any IPTV clients in the network. Use the Channel Monitor application to list the channels currently in use in the network and avoid duplication of names. 1. Start the Play application and click the Scheduled Play tab. 2. Click New. 3. Enter the required channel name in the Name field. Setting the Channel Number You can set a channel number between 0 and 999. The channel number is listed by any IPTV clients in the network. Use the Channel Monitor application to list the channels currently in use in the network and avoid duplication of numbers. 4. Enter the required channel number in the Number field. Setting the Multicast Address and Port Number for the Channel The multicast address needs to be a valid IP multicast address and is the address on which the channel is transmitted. By default, the multicast address is and must be configured for each new channel you create. The IP port number for the multicast stream needs to be a valid UDP port number in the range The default is 5000 and can be the same for all multicast streams. Care should be taken when specifying the multicast address to make sure the multicast address assignment contains no duplicated multicast entries locally or with other multicast devices on the network, as this will result in the user being unable to view the stream. Note: Care should be taken when choosing a port number as some port numbers are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). 5. In the Address section enter the required multicast address and port in the respective fields using the channel number and server IP address as described above. Administrator s Guide 67

68 Setting the IDs of a Channel The value of the original network ID, the transport stream ID and the service ID of a channel combine to make a single ID that is used by the EPG generator to uniquely identify the channel s stream and identify the channel. For example, if two channels have exactly the same original network ID, transport stream ID and service ID, standard DVB conventions assume them to be the same channel. 6. In the Stream Identifiers section, enter values for the Original Network ID, Transport Stream ID and the Service ID. Note: The EPG generator assumes that channels with duplicated values are streaming the same content. Assigning a Channel to one or more Groups Channels must be assigned to one or multiple groups. The default group is all, which means that all clients can view this channel. Group settings allow you to gather together assets of similar types, and when used together with the groups setting on Exterity receivers, allow restriction of access to content. 7. To add the new channel to a group click on the name(s) in the Groups list. Reserve Channel Bandwidth To ensure the AvediaServer can manage the bandwidth requirements of any record and play operations you can reserve bandwidth for the channel. Bandwidth is reserved for the channel by determining the highest bitrate within the scheduled assets. Bandwidth is reserved as soon as the channel is enabled. Bandwidth remains reserved until the asset is removed from the channel. If bandwidth is not reserved, the channel is played on a best effort basis. 8. Click the Reserve or Do Not Reserve button as required. 9. Click the Save button to save the changes. Note: You can check the bandwidth reserved for the channel after a schedule has been created and the channel has been enabled by opening the System application and checking the reservation for Scheduled Play on the Bandwidth page. 68 Administrator s Guide

69 Adding Content to the Channel Now you add content to the channel. You can add any asset or playlistl. Content is listed in the available media section of the Scheduled Play page. Content is added to the new channel by dragging the required assets from the list into the channel time-line. Figure 13 AvediaServer Play Application New Channel Timeline When the Scheduled Play page is opened, the channel timeline is displayed with the solid vertical line in the timeline bar showing a 2 hour timeslot around the current AvediaServer time. Click and drag the timeline to reposition the time zone displayed, or use the calendar to select a different day. You can also specify a default asset for a channel which is played continuously when no other content is scheduled. This asset does not appear in the schedule, allowing you to easily place new content. To add content to the channel: 1. Start the Play application and click the Scheduled Play tab. 2. Click and select a date for the channel start. 3. Click in the channel you want to construct and position the timeline to display the time where you want to begin. 4. Locate the asset you want to use in the Available media list and click and drag it onto the time line. 5. Position the asset on the time line where required. The start and stop times are displayed and continuously updated while you position the content and the length of the content is shown to scale on the timeline. 6. Release the asset when you have positioned the content as close as possible to the required start time. The asset is snapped into position. Administrator s Guide 69

70 You can fine tune the start time of the asset by zooming in. 7. Click to zoom in and display the required resolution. 8. Position the cursor over the icon to display the start time of the asset with resolution in seconds: 9. To make adjustments to the start time of the asset, click the icon to release the asset and reposition it as required. Note: You may need to use a full screen display and adjust the time resolution by clicking or to enable fine placement of the asset start time. 10. Click on the asset to release it on the timeline. 11. Click to reset the zoom and return the timeline to the default setting. 12. Continue adding assets to build up the channel content. 13. When completed, enable the channel for viewing as described in Enable or Disable a Channel on page 73. To specify default content: 1. Start the Play application and click the Scheduled Play tab. 2. Click the required channel to select it. 3. Click Set Default. 4. Select an asset from the list and click the Save button. If the channel is enabled but no content is playing, the default asset is played until the time for the next scheduled item is reached. 70 Administrator s Guide

71 Repeating Channel Content You can configure any assets added to a channel to be repeated at specified intervals, or played continuously by looping. Note: Looping short assets over a long period is not recommended. To continuously repeat a single asset, configure it as the default asset and enable the channel. To repeat an asset: 1. Start the Play application and click the Scheduled Play tab. 2. Locate the asset in the channel timeline. 3. To repeat an asset click on the asset in the timeline. 4. Select Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Loop from the Type drop down list. If you have selected Loop, omit step 5. Otherwise proceed as follows: 5. Specify a value for the Interval. 6. Specify an End Time. 7. Specify an End Date. 8. Click the Save button. 9. Confirm the asset has been repeated in the channel. For example, an hourly repeat: To delete an asset: 1. Start the Play application and click the Scheduled Play tab. 2. Locate the channel you want to edit. 3. Click on the asset you want to delete. 4. For a single asset click the OK button: Administrator s Guide 71

72 For a repeated asset, click the This button to delete only the current asset, or click the All button to delete all occurrences of the asset, then click the Delete button. 5. Confirm the asset(s) has been removed. 72 Administrator s Guide

73 Enable or Disable a Channel You can enable and disable the Play channels as and when required. You can also enable and disable more than one channel simultaneously. To enable and disable a channel: 1. Start the Play application and click the Scheduled Play tab. When a channel is not enabled, it is listed as shown: 2. Select the channel(s) you want to enable. The darker shading indicates selection: 3. Click Enable. The channel is enabled as indicated by the shading pattern: 4. Confirm the channel is now listed by the Channel Monitor application: You can check the channel content by clicking on the Name or URI hyperlinks. 5. Disable a channel by selecting it and clicking Disable. Its listing changes to disabled as shown by the light shading: When disabled, the channel is no longer available on the network and is not listed by the Channel Monitor application. Administrator s Guide 73

74 Configuring the EPG Generator The EPG Generator can be configured to send EPG data to an AvediaServer EPG Server. All Scheduled Play channel information for the enabled channels is forwarded to the configured EPG server and combined with any broadcast channel information, similar to the Exterity TVgateway products, enabling the EPG Server to make programme information available for all channels in the IPTV network. The EPG Generator is configured by entering the EPG Server IP address. The EPG Generator Service must also be enabled and running on the specified AvediaServer. To configure the EPG generator: 1. Log into the web admin interface for the AvediaServer you plan to use for EPG generation, start the System application and click the Services tab. 2. Confirm the EPG Generator service is running, indicated by a. 3. If any other state is displayed, click the Start button. 4. Confirm the EPG Generator service is configured to Start on Boot by the display of the Disable button. If the Enable button is displayed, click it. 5. On the local AvediaServer start the Play application and click the EPG Generator tab. 6. Click Edit and specify the address of the destination AvediaServer. 7. Enter localhost if you want to use the local AvediaServer EPG generator, or the IP address of a remote AvediaServer, for example: (The default is localhost) 8. Click the Save button. 74 Administrator s Guide

75 8 Using the Video on Demand Application The Video on Demand (VoD) application allows you to make content available for on-demand viewing and specify the use of other AvediaServers to supply additional content or to provide additional load capacity for the same content. You can: Manage asset VoD status use the table of listed assets to make content available for on demand viewing as and when required. All other aspects of the assets, for example; the associated image, are managed by the Asset Manager application. Add content from other AvediaServers assets held on other AvediaServers on the network can be made available for on-demand viewing without moving files. Add additional load capacity provide support for high demand situations by sharing the on-demand assets across one or more nominated AvediaServers. Note that this also deletes any other assets held on the additional AvediaServers. Figure 14 Video on Demand Application VoD Assets Page Administrator s Guide 75

76 Managing Asset VoD Status You can manage the VoD status of assets, enabling or disabling them as required. To enable and disable an asset VoD status: 1. Start the Video on Demand application and click the VoD Assets tab. 2. Click on the required asset(s) to select. 3. Click Mark for VoD to enable the asset for on-demand viewing. 4. Confirm the Available as VoD column displays Yes for the selected asset: 5. To make the asset unavailable, click Remove from VoD and confirm the Available as VoD column displays No. 76 Administrator s Guide

77 Adding Content from other AvediaServers If you have VoD content on other AvediaServers on the IPTV network you can make it available to through a single Portal Client Interface, therefore you do not have to re-configure the AvediaPlayer receiver. The URI of the additional content remains unchanged and group filtering applies. All content is available, you cannot select specific assets. To make more content available: 1. Start the Video on Demand application. 2. Click the Servers tab. The Local AvediaServer is added automatically. 3. Click the Add button to display the AvediaServers in the network. 4. Click one or more AvediaServers to select them and click the Ok button. 5. Confirm the remote AvediaServer is now listed. Administrator s Guide 77

78 6. Confirm the additional VoD assets are now available on a Portal Client Interface by pressing the Home button on the remote control handset and selecting Video on Demand. To delete a remote server: 1. Start the Video on Demand application. 2. Click the Servers tab. 3. Click on the remote AvediaServer(s) to be deleted. Note: If you delete all AvediaServers, including Local, no VoD is available in the Portal Client Interface and the icon and selection button are not displayed. 4. Click the Remove button. 78 Administrator s Guide

79 Adding Additional Capacity You can add additional bandwidth capacity to meet high demand periods by adding additional AvediaServers to form a cluster. Assets are automatically copied from the master AvediaServer to the specified AvediaServer configured as a slave. The slave server(s) must have the same license, for example Play 200, as the master server, and have equal or greater disk size. When configured as a slave, all content is replaced by content from the master AvediaServer and the slave cannot be configured for any other function. The available bandwidth for VoD assets is the sum of all the individual servers in the cluster. Note that this is for VoD content (rtsp) only. Http and Play capacity is not increased. To ensure the content is made available with the increased capacity a virtual server address is created. Each AvediaPlayer receiver in the IPTV network must be configured with this virtual address for its Portal Client Interface. Content subsequently added to the master AvediaServer is automatically copied to each slave after a period of time and is not made available for VoD until all AvediaServers have been updated. You can manually synchronise the servers if required. CAUTION: Adding any remote AvediaServer to a cluster deletes all assets, playlists and channel schedules on the remote AvediaServer. Preparing to build the cluster Before starting to configure the cluster you should fully consider the requirements and: Identify the AvediaServer to be configured as the Master. Identify the AvediaServer(s) to be configured as Slave(s). Ensure the Slave AvediaServers are each configured with equal or greater capacity than the Master. Ensure all AvediaServers are configured with licenses of the same type, for example; Play200. Identify a unique IP address within the IPTV system network that can be accessed by all AvediaPlayer Receiver or desktop clients. This will be used as the virtual address of the cluster. Ensure that all content of value located on the Slave AvediaServer(s) has been saved to alternative locations as all Slave content is replaced by that held on the Master. Administrator s Guide 79

80 To add an AvediaServer to the cluster: 1. Start the Video on Demand application on the AvediaServer you intend to use as the Master. 2. Click the Cluster tab. 3. Click Edit: in the Configuration table: 4. Click the Master button and enter the IP address you want to use for the cluster in the Virtual IP field. CAUTION: Do NOT use the same IP address as the local AvediaServer. The virtual IP address must be unique within the network. 80 Administrator s Guide

81 5. The Cluster page is updated to show the Master status and displays the cluster IP address. 6. Click Add in the Cluster Members area to display the list of available AvediaServers: 7. Select the required AvediaServer(s) and click the Save button. 8. Confirm the Slave AvediaServer has been added to the Cluster Members table. Note: The Slave Sync d and Status values indicate false and OFFLINE until all the Master content has transferred to the Slave(s). 9. Start the System application, click the Bandwidth tab and note that the RTSP Bandwidth now includes the additional server(s). You can also log into the Slave web interface and confirm its Slave status and Virtual IP address in the Video on Demand application Cluster page: Continue to add more AvediaServers as slaves to the cluster as required by repeating steps 6. to 8. in the above procedure. Administrator s Guide 81

82 10. When all Slaves have been added click Sync All to ensure all content is replicated in all the Slaves. This process is periodically carried out to ensure new content added to the Master is distributed to the Slaves, but you can manually use the Sync All to ensure content is distributed quickly. Note: The content is transferred from the Master to the Slave during the synchronisation process; however no content is listed on the Slave AvediaServer Video on Demand application VoD Assets page. All content is listed and managed on the Master Updating AvediaPlayer Receivers To take advantage of the additional bandwidth available for VoD content, you must configure the AvediaPlayer receivers in the IPTV system to use the configured Cluster Virtual IP address. You can do this by logging into the web interface of each device, or by using the Director application as follows: To update AvediaPlayer receivers: 1. Start the Director application. 2. Click the Receivers tab. 3. Click the checkboxes for the devices you want to configure and select Set Homepage from the Action drop down list: 4. Click the Ok button to apply the setting. 82 Administrator s Guide

83 Dismantling the Cluster If the additional VoD capacity is no longer required you can return all the AvediaServers in the cluster to normal operation. To remove a cluster: 1. Start the Video on Demand application on the Master AvediaServer. 2. Click the Cluster tab. 3. Select the Slave AvediaServer(s) and click Remove. 4. Click the Ok button in the confirmation pop up window. 5. Confirm the Slave has been deleted from the list. Continue to remove Slaves until the list is empty. Note: When all Slaves have been removed from the list, the Master status is still intact and the Virtual IP address is still valid and operational. 6. Click Edit in the Configuration section. Administrator s Guide 83

84 7. Click the None button and highlight and delete the Virtual IP address. 8. Click the Save button. 9. Confirm Cluster lists NONE and no Virtual IP is listed. Note: The Virtual IP can no longer be used to access the Portal Client Interface. 10. Use the procedure Updating AvediaPlayer Receivers on page 82 to reconfigure the AvediaPlayer receivers in the system with a revised address for the Portal Client Interface. Typically the address of the local AvediaServer is used. Note: VoD content copied from the Master AvediaServer to Slaves when configured as a cluster remains on the Slave servers after the cluster is dismantled. The content is listed in the Video on Demand application VoD Assets page. 84 Administrator s Guide

85 9 Using the EPG Server The AvediaServer can listen for EPG information from a TVgateway or any other EPG source and make that information available on the network for EPG display on connected devices. If no EPG source is available, an imported XML file can be used to provide the information. Figure 15 EPG Server Application Summary Page The EPG schedule and programme information is displayed as shown in Figure 16 by pressing the Guide button on an AvediaPlayer remote control handset (also accessed from the Guide link in the Portal display) and the Guide tab of the AvediaPlayer Desktop. Figure 16 AvediaPlayer Receiver Displaying Portal EPG Page Administrator s Guide 85

86 Figure 17 EPG AvediaPlayer Desktop EPG Note: To view the Guide on an AvediaPlayer receiver, the AvediaServer IP address must be specified in the EPG Server address field on the Web Services page of the AvediaPlayer receiver Web Interface. Refer to the respective AvediaPlayer Guide for more information. Configuration of the EPG Server requires that these services are enabled: Channel Discovery EPG Server In addition, to include channels created in the Play application in the EPG list, and enable user recording of channels listed in the EPG, these services must also be enabled: EPG Generator Record If the default port is unsuitable, you can specify the EPG listening port so that the information sent to the EPG Server can be collated. Configuring the EPG Port Number 86 Administrator s Guide

87 Enabling the Channel Discovery Service Channels are discovered using SAP. All Exterity products can be configured to announce their channels using this protocol. The AvediaServer provides a Channel Listener service to receive the SAP announcements. The Channel Listener service is a System application function and can be monitored, started, and stopped on the Services page. The Channel Listener accepts broadcast traps ( ), multicast traps ( ) and unicast traps (AvediaServer IP addresses) on the commonly used UDP port To enable the Channel Listener service: 1. Start the System application and click the Services tab. 2. Confirm the Channel Listener is running, indicated by a. 3. If any other state is displayed, click the Start button. 4. Confirm the Channel Listener service is configured to Start on Boot by the display of the Disable button. If the Enable button is displayed, click it. Enabling the EPG Server Service The EPG Server service collates the EIT (Event Information Table) data from Exterity TVgateways sending EIT data to the AvediaServer and Play channels to make complete system channel schedule information available to the IPTV receivers and AvediaPlayer Desktop clients. To enable the EPG Server service: 1. Start the System application and click the Services tab. 2. Confirm the EPG Server is running, indicated by a. 3. If any other state is displayed, click the Start button. 4. Confirm the EPG Server service is configured to Start on Boot by the display of the Disable button. If the Enable button is displayed, click it. Enabling the EPG Generator Service The EPG Generator service creates EPG information for channels you have created in the Play application. Enable this service if you want these channels to be listed with the live broadcast channels in the EPG. To enable the EPG Generator service: 1. Start the System application and click the Services tab. 2. Confirm the EPG Generator is running, indicated by a. 3. If any other state is displayed, click the Start button. 4. Confirm the EPG Generator service is configured to Start on Boot by the display of the Disable button. If the Enable button is displayed, click it. Enabling the Record Service When the Record service is enabled, users of the AvediaPlayer Desktop client, when enabled by their assigned profile, can initiate programme recording using the links displayed in the summary of each programme in the Guide. To enable the Record service: 1. Start the System application and click the Services tab. 2. Confirm the Record is running, indicated by a. 3. If any other state is displayed, click the Start button. 4. Confirm the Record service is configured to Start on Boot by the display of the Disable button. If the Enable button is displayed, click it. Administrator s Guide 87

88 Configuring the EPG Port Number The Exterity TVGateways and the EPG Generator query the AvediaServer to obtain the port number they should use to send the EPG data. By default, the port number is UDP port and typically does not need changed unless there is a conflict with other ports in use on the network. To configure the EPG port number: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the Summary tab. 2. If required, click Edit in the EPG server configuration table. 3. Enter the new port value in the entry filed and click Save. Note: Changes to the Listening port number do not take effect until the EPG service is restarted. (System application, Services page) 4. Start the System application and click the Services tab. 5. Locate and click the EPG Server Stop button. 6. When the button changes to Start, click it to restart the EPG Server service and announce the revised port number. Note: If you change the EPG listening port number, you must also stop and restart the streamed channels from any TVgateway that is currently sending EPG data to the EPG Server. The AvediaServer Play application does not need to be restarted and uses the new port when it next sends EPG information. You must stop and re-start the EPG Server service first. To configure, stop, and restart TV gateway streams: 1. If EPG information has already been sent from one or more TVGateways, the IP addresses are listed on the Summary page, for example: 88 Administrator s Guide

89 Log into the web interface for each TVGateway you want to continue to use in the list using the displayed IP address and proceed from Step 4, or: 2. Start the Director application and filter the list to display TVGateways. 3. Click the Name hyperlink to launch the web admin interface for each required actively streaming TVGateway. 4. On the TVGateway web interface, click Stream and the stop all button to stop the channel streams and EPG data. 5. Click the start all button to re-start the channel stream with the new EPG table port value configured. To clear all schedule information: You may want to clear all schedule information from the AvediaServer if you are configuring a new source for the information. 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the Summary tab. 2. Click Clear database: 3. Click the OK button to clear all channel schedule information. Administrator s Guide 89

90 Using XML Files to Create the EPG To allow you to define programme information for channels that do not supply it, or to override channel information from a channel, the EPG Server application can upload programme information from one or more user defined files. XML format files are supported and are uploaded using FTP. Once uploaded to the EPG Server application, the information can be assigned to any channel discovered by the channel listener. Assigning a channel to XML defined programme information overrides any EPG information for that channel from any other source. Exterity supports two industry recognised XML formats: XMLTV and TV Anytime. These are defined by xmltv.org and in the ETSI specification TS 'Broadcast and On-line Services: Search, select, and rightful use of content on personal storage systems ("TV- Anytime")' Please note that: For XMLTV, the EPG Server application requires a channel element for each channel, and a start and stop time for each programme element. For TV Anytime, the EPG Server application requires a programme information table with a CRID (Content Reference Identifier) for each programme and a programme location table, giving a published start time and a published end time or published duration (or both). The files can either be defined by you as a text file following one of the above formats or the EPG data can be bought from EPG vendors. Exterity has made every effort to provide support for both formats. However, given the wide range of available XML sources, it is possible that some XMLTV or TV Anytime sources may not be supported. Note: Exterity does not accept legal responsibility for the distribution of XML TV listings from third parties. Always check that you are legally entitled to distribute the information before importing the files into the EPG Server application. This chapter contains the following sections: Importing an XML File Changing the XML Import Configuration Assigning an XML Channel to a Stream Un-assigning a Stream from an XML Channel Deleting an Inactive Channel 90 Administrator s Guide

91 Importing an XML File To import an XML file, you must place it in an accessible directory on an FTP server. The EPG Server application can be configured to regularly reload the file so that it picks up the most recent programme information, so you must ensure that the information in the file is kept up to date. To import a new XML file: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML import tab. Figure 18 EPG Server XML Import page 2. Click the Import New File button: 3. Enter the information: a. Enter the IP address of the FTP server in the FTP Server field. b. Enter the FTP Username and FTP Password of the FTP server. c. In the FTP Filename field, click on the browse button and select the required XML file. d. Enter a unique name in the Name field. By default, the Name field is filled in with the name of the XML file, excluding the file path. The XML import name is used when assigning streams to XML channel listings. e. Select the correct format for the XML import from the Format drop-down list. Administrator s Guide 91

92 f. If the file is frequently updated following programme schedule changes, tick the Auto-reload check box to have the programme information automatically updated. g. If you have selected Auto-reload, specify the frequency of updates by entering a value (in hours) in the Reload every field. h. The default file auto-reload is every 24 hours. You can auto-reload the file at intervals between 1 and 999 hours. If you deselect Auto-reload, the file is loaded once only. 4. Click the Apply button to upload the file and save your changes. The XML import page is re-displayed showing the new file. You may need to click on the Refresh button after a few seconds to allow the EPG Server application time to load and parse the file. Figure 19 EPG Server Populated XML Import page 92 Administrator s Guide

93 Changing the XML Import Configuration You can alter the XML import configuration at any time, for example, changing the auto-reload frequency of the XML import file or the IP address of the FTP server. This applies to both supported formats of XML. To change the XML import file reload frequency: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML import tab as shown in Figure Select the Reload check box if it is de-selected. 3. Enter the new reload frequency in hours in the Frequency box. 4. Click the Apply button to save your changes. The changes are effective immediately. To delete the XML import file: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML import tab as shown in Figure To remove a specific file, click Delete in the Actions column. The selected XML file is deleted immediately. Note: Any streams assigned to a deleted file are unassigned automatically. (For more information about assigning streams, refer to Assigning an XML Channel to a Stream on page 94.) To manually reload the XML import file: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML import tab as shown in Figure To immediately re-load a specific file, click Reload Now in the Actions column. The XML file is reloaded immediately. To change other XML import file settings: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML import tab as shown in Figure Click on the Name hyperlink of the file import you want to re-configure to display the respective File Import Configuration page. 3. Edit the required settings 4. Click the Apply button to save your changes. Administrator s Guide 93

94 Assigning an XML Channel to a Stream After you have imported XML files, you can assign channel information from the XML file to one or more discovered channels. When the EPG is displayed on an IPTV receiver the new imported XML data is displayed for the channel. Any channels announced by the Channel Announcer application and channels offered by the following products defined in Table 3 can be assigned to XML channels. Table 3 - XML Channel Assignment Support Device Type Module Number Software Version Supported AvediaStream TVgateway g4xxx or later AvediaStream Encoders e2xxx, e3xxx Any version AvediaServer Play m61xx or later AV Encoder all Not supported Figure 20 EPG Server XML Assignments page 94 Administrator s Guide

95 To assign an XML channel to a stream: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML assignment tab as shown in Figure For each channel which you want to assign to an XML channel, first select the XML Import Name from the drop-down list. The XML Channel drop-down list is subsequently populated with the list of channels available from that XML Import. 3. Select a channel from the drop-down list in the XML Channel column. 4. Click the Apply button to save your changes. The information for these streams is displayed on the EPG. Client browsers require a refresh to gain the updated data. Note: The EPG application uses the stream ID to identify channels. Identical channel streams from different TVgateways have identical stream IDs. If you have TVgateways streaming identical channels, the channels cannot be assigned separately, as the EPG application cannot distinguish between them. Identical channels are grouped together on the XML Assignments page. Administrator s Guide 95

96 Un-assigning a Stream from an XML Channel To un-assign a stream: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML assignment tab as shown in Figure For each stream you want to un-assign, select ---unassigned--- from the XML Import Name column drop down list. 3. Click the Apply button to save your changes. The EPG no longer displays information for the un-assigned streams. Client browsers require a refresh to gain the updated data. Deleting an Inactive Channel You can delete a channel from the list if it becomes inactive without importing a revised XML file. To delete an inactive channel: 1. Start the EPG Server application and click the XML assignment tab as shown in Figure An inactive assigned channel is listed at the top of the channels list with NO CHANNELS STREAMING displayed in the Channel column. 3. Click the Delete link in the Actions column to remove the inactive channel. 4. Click the Apply button to save your changes. 96 Administrator s Guide

97 10 Using the Secure Media Link Administrators have the option of offering the security of encrypted content only decoded on known and permitted receivers. Encryption can be applied to broadcast and on demand content, including assets forming part of AvediaServer Play application channels. Exterity uses the SecureMedia encryption scheme. When using the Portal in association with an encryption server to handle encrypted assets, the AvediaServer must be configured with the IP address of the encryption server. Likewise, the encryption server must also be configured with the IP address of the AvediaServer. The encryption system requires a duration called the VoD Authorisation period. This specifies the time available for the user to view the purchased content from the time of being authorised. The VoD Authorisation period must be specified on the Settings page of the Portal Config application. Any receivers requiring access to encrypted broadcast or on demand content must specify the IP address and port of the SecureMedia server on the Encryption page to enable registration with the SecureMedia system. The encrypted content is accessed in the same way as unencrypted content. There is no noticeable difference to the user when an asset is selected; an authenticated and authorised receiver automatically obtains the correct information to decrypt the content. To configure the SecureMedia Link: 1. Start the SecureMedia Link application. Figure 21 SecureMedia Link Page 2. Select the version of SecureMedia server from the Version drop down list. 3. Enter the IP address of the SecureMedia server in the IP Address field. 4. Click the Apply button. Note: Exterity only supports SecureMedia encryption. Administrator s Guide 97

98 To configure AvediaPlayer receivers: 1. Log into the AvediaPlayer IPTV receiver web admin interface. 2. Select the Encryption page. 3. Specify the encryption server address and port. 4. Click the Apply Changes button. 5. Confirm the receiver has been added to the list of receivers on the SecureMedia Link application page. 98 Administrator s Guide

99 Configuring Registration and Broadcast Authorisation The Viewing Rights page enables you to further control the availability of encrypted content on AvediaPlayer receivers. The SecureMedia Link page is populated by receivers when both the AvediaServer and the receivers are configured with the same SecureMedia server address. You can disable registration for specific devices, rendering then unable to decrypt any encrypted media. You can also modify the Broadcast Authorisation setting, selecting from the settings available, or none. Figure 22 Secure Media Link Broadcast Authorisation 1. Start the SecureMedia Link application. 2. Click the checkbox for the required receiver(s) and click on Registration: enable or disable to change the status as required. (You can click Select Receiver: All to select all listed devices) 3. Deselect the receiver(s) by clicking Select Receiver: None. To add a Secure Media band to a receiver: 1. Start the SecureMedia Link application. 2. Click the checkbox for the required receiver(s) and select the required band from the Add band list in the Broadcast Authorisation drop down. Administrator s Guide 99

100 3. Deselect the receiver(s) by clicking Select Receiver: None To remove a Secure Media band from a receiver: 1. Start the SecureMedia Link application. 2. Click the checkbox for the required receiver(s) and select the required band from the Remove band list in the Broadcast Authorisation drop down. 3. Deselect the receiver(s) by clicking Select Receiver: None 100 Administrator s Guide

101 11 Using the Property Management System (PMS) Link The Property Management System Link application provides AvediaServer compatibility with two propriety systems, Otrum Global and FIAS (Fidelio Interface Application Specification). Otrum Global The interface supports a subset of the capabilities defined within that interface. The implemented subset specifically matches the roommaster 2000 PMS and is described in the AvediaServer RoomMaster PMS Interface Protocol document. FIAS The interface supports MICROS-Fidelio, enabling the viewing rights and sales outlet codes to be aligned with the PMS database. If the requirements differ from this please consult with the Systems Integrator. This chapter contains the following sections: Using the PMS in the Portal Client Interface Configuring for Operation with RoomMaster PMS Configuring for Operation with MICROS-Fidelio PMS Administrator s Guide 101

102 Using the PMS in the Portal Client Interface When configured for operation with a PMS the Portal enables: Displaying Guest Names Viewing Guest Bills and Checkout Guest VoD Billing Information Displaying Guest Names The guest name is displayed automatically when the Portal is configured to work with the PMS. Guest names are displayed on the Portal Client Interface home page (for example, Welcome John Smith ) Viewing Guest Bills and Checkout By default, guest bills and checkout facilities can be viewed via the first services item on the Services page in the Portal Client Interface. This can be changed or disabled. For more configuration information refer to the Portal Config application in the AvediaServer IPTV Client Interface - Administrator s Guide. The following figures show example Portal Client Interface screens: Figure 23 Portal Client Interface Viewing Account or Checkout 102 Administrator s Guide

103 Figure 24 Portal Client Interface Viewing Customer Bill Figure 25 Portal Client Interface Checking Out Guest VoD Billing Information VOD billing information displays the user s bill if they have purchased an asset(s) that has a tariff associated with it. When purchasing a VoD asset, the Statistics Code is passed to the PMS as the code for the asset and the Vendor Media ID as the description. VoD assets availability and tariffs are configured in the Content pages. Refer to Genres, Groups and Tariffs in the AvediaServer Play Administrator s Guide for more information. VoD Price and VoD Paid information is displayed on the Portal Client Interface screen. All charges on the room account (for example, bar bill, room services, and newspapers) can be viewed, in addition to any VoD purchases. For more information on configuring tariffs refer to the AvediaServer Play Administrator s Guide. Administrator s Guide 103

104 Configuring for Operation with RoomMaster PMS The following configuration tasks must be carried out before the Portal can work with the PMS. Configure the PMS IP address Configuring Receivers To configure the IP address of the RoomMaster PMS: 1. Start the PMS Link application. 2. Click the Configuration tab. 3. Select RoomMaster from the PMS Type drop down list. 4. Enter the IP address of the RoomMaster PMS in the IP Address field. 5. Enter the RoomMaster port number in the Port field. 6. Click the PMS Enabled checkbox. 7. Click the Apply button. Configuring Receivers You must configure receivers with location = room and name = <room number>, as defined in the PMS. If the receiver is incorrectly configured the Portal does not display any PMS content such as the customer name, bill, and so on. Refer to the appropriate AvediaPlayer Receiver Administrator s Guide for more information about configuring the name and location of the receivers in you IPTV system. 104 Administrator s Guide

105 Configuring for Operation with MICROS-Fidelio PMS The AvediaServer Portal supports the MICROS-Fidelio TV rights system by allowing you to align channel collections created using the Exterity Groups mechanism to the MICROS-Fidelio categories. Receivers must also have the correct naming convention applied. The blue button checkout function (as shown in Figure 24 and Figure 25) is hidden unless pre-requisite conditions are met. Also, if disabled by the PMS, the Services page is hidden from view in the Portal Client Interface. Generally, any services that are not made available to guests by the hotel PMS are hidden from view in the Portal Client Interface. The following configuration tasks must be carried out before the Portal can work with the MICROS-Fidelio PMS. They are as follows: Configuring the PMS IP address Initiate a PMS Database Swap Configuring the PMS Groups Configuring Receivers Configuring the IP Address To configure the IP address of the MICROS-Fidelio PMS: 1. Start the PMS Link application. 2. Click the Configuration tab. 3. Select Micros-Fidelio from the PMS Type drop down list. 4. Enter the IP address of the Micros-Fidelio PMS in the IP Address field. 5. Enter the Micros-Fidelio port number in the Port field. 6. Click the PMS Enabled checkbox. 7. Click the Apply button. Administrator s Guide 105

106 Initiate a PMS Database Swap In order to ensure alignment of the AvediaServer and the MICROS-Fidelio PMS you can initiate a database swap. This ensures that data such as guest occupancy is transferred to the AvediaServer, whilst purchase information is sent to the PMS. This is typically initiated from the PMS but can be initiated from the AvediaServer web interface when required. To initiate a database swap: 1. Ensure the IP address of the MICROS-Fidelio PMS has been applied and that the PMS is configured and running. 2. Click the Initiate PMS Database Swap button to execute the data exchange. Configuring the PMS Groups The AvediaServer Portal supports the MICROS-Fidelio TV rights system by providing a mechanism to align the Exterity Groups with the MICROS-Fidelio categories configured on the MICROS-Fidelio server. To configure restriction categories: 1. Start the PMS Link application. 2. Click the Configuration tab. 3. Ensure Micros-Fidelio is selected, configured, and applied. 4. Click the checkboxes in the table to match the Groups to the PMS groups. Alignment with the MICROS-Fidelio as follows: 106 Administrator s Guide