TurboCast SE Training
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
System Overview
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Simple Scenario
Capture
PC
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
UDP
Reflector
Web Server
TCP
Clients
Capture PC performs real-time encoding of audio and/or video data
The encoded stream is forwarded to the Reflector over UDP
Data is sent out and received in a specified UDP port number
Reflector streams the data to clients over TCP
Data is sent out and received in a specified TCP port number
Clients access the webcast via a Java applet
The Java applet is located on the web server
HTML page user clicks on to view the webcast has the applet embedded
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Secondary Input
Capture
PC
UDP
Reflector
Web Server
TCP
Clients
Maximum UDP port is 65535
Backup
Capture
PC
Reflector has the capability to accept a secondary input.
This input is used as a backup to the main input. Reflector
will switch over to the secondary input if the data stream is
lost on the main input. Clients cannot view the secondary
input unless the reflector switches over to it.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Daisy Chaining
Capture
PC
UDP
Reflector
Web Server
Backup
Capture
PC
TCP
Clients
There is no limit to the number
of reflectors that are between
the source (capture PC) and the
client.
UDP
TCP
Reflector
Web Server
Reflector
Web Server
TCP
The main reflector forwards the data stream to two down stream
reflectors via UDP. For every down stream reflector connected to
the main reflector, the main reflector will send out the stream over
different UDP ports.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Concurrent Instances
Capture
PC
Capture
PC
UDP
UDP
Reflector
Web Server
Backup
Capture
PC
TCP
The limitation on the number of
Clients instances that can be run is
bound by the compute power of
the server, amount of memory
and server load.
UDP
TCP
TCP
Reflector
Web Server
Reflector
Web Server
TCP
Concurrent instances of the reflector can be started. The key point to
understand is the UDP and TCP ports must be different. All reflector UDP
input ports must be different. If the reflector is streaming out to clients,
each concurrent instance must stream to a different TCP port.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
TCP/IP Information
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Data Packages
Data
Headers
Application Layer
Transport Layer
Internet Layer
Network Access Layer
• Application Layer data package is called a message.
• Transport Layer data package is called a segment if it comes from the TCP
protocol. It is called a datagram if it comes from the UDP protocol.
• Internet Layer data package is called a datagram.
• Network Access Layer data package is called a frame.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
TCP/IP Networking
Application
Layer
Network Applications
Either
Transport
Layer
Internet
Layer
Network
Access
Layer
?
TCP
UDP
IP
ARP/RARP
Token Ring
PPP (Modem)
Ethernet
Physical Network
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Transport Layer
• Transport Control Protocol (TCP)
– TCP provides extensive error checking and flow
control to ensure the successful delivery of data.
TCP is a connection-oriented protocol.
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
– UDP provides extremely rudimentary error
checking and is designed when TCP’s extensive
control features are not required. UDP is a
connectionless protocol.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Connection-oriented
Protocol
Establishes and maintains a connection between
communicating computers and monitors the state
of that connection over the course of the
transmission. Each package of data sent across
the network receives an acknowledgement, and
the sending machine records status information to
ensure that each package is received without
errors.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Connectionless Protocol
Sends a one-way datagram to the destination and
doesn’t worry about officially notifying the
destination machine that data is on the way. The
destination machine receives the data and doesn’t
worry about returning status information to the
source computer.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ports and Sockets
Transport layer serves as an interface
between network applications and the
network. This is accomplished
through a system of logical channels
called ports. Each port has a port
number to identify the port.
Example: A client computer connecting to a
server’s FTP application through TCP port 21.
FTP
… 20 21 22...
TCP
TCP and UDP data is actually
addressed to what is called a socket.
A socket is an address formed by
concatenating the IP address and port
number. For instance, the socket
number 10.11.11.129.21 refers to
port 21 on the computer with IP
address 10.11.11.129
UDP
Internet Layer
Network Access Layer
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
From Computer A
Well-known TCP ports
Service
tcpmux
compressnet
compressnet
echo
discard
systat
daytime
netstat
qotd
chargen
ftp-data
ftp
telnet
smtp
nsw-fe
time
name
whois
domain
nameserver
gopher
TCP Port Number
1
2
3
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
20
21
23
25
27
37
42
43
53
53
70
Description
TCP Port Service Multiplexor
Management Utility
Compression Utility
Echo
Discard or Null
Users
Daytime
Network status
Quote of the Day
Character generator
File Transfer Protocol Data
File Transfer Protocol Control
Terminal Network Connection
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
NSW User System
Time server
Host name server
NIC name
Domain name server (DNS)
Domain name server (DNS)
Gopher Service
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
TCP Ports (cont.)
Service
rje
finger
http
link
supdup
hostnames
iso-tsap
x400
x400-snd
pop
pop2
pop3
sunrpc
auth
sftp
path
uucp-path
nntp
nbsession
news
tcprepo
UDP Port Number
77
79
80
87
95
101
102
103
104
109
109
110
111
113
115
117
117
119
139
144
148
Description
Remote Job Entry
Finger
WWW service
TTY link
SUPDUP Protocol
SRI-NIC host name server
ISO-TSAP
X.400 Mail Service
X.400 Mail Send
Post Office Protocol
Post Office Protocol 2
Post Office Protocol 3
SUN RPC service
Authentication service
Secure FTP
UUCP Path service
UUCP Path service
USENET Network News Transfer Protocol
NetBIOS Session service
News
TCP repository
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Well-known UDP Ports
Service
echo
discard
systat
daytime
netstat
qotd
chargen
time
name
whois
domain
nameserver
bootps
bootpc
tftp
sunrpc
ntp
nbname
nbdatagram
snmp
snmp-trap
UDP Port Number
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
37
42
43
53
53
67
68
69
111
123
137
148
161
162
Description
Echo
Discard or Null
Users
Daytime
Network status
Quote of the Day
Character generator
Time server
Host name server
NIC name
Domain name server (DNS)
Domain name server (DNS)
Bootstrap Protocol Service/DHCP
Bootstrap Protocol Service/DHCP
Trivial File Transfer Protocol
SUN RPC service
Network Time Protocol
NetBIOS name
NetBIOS datagram
Simple Network Management Protocol
Simple Network Management Protocol trap
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
TCP/UDP
• TCP
– Built for reliability
– Extensive error checking and flow control
• UDP
– Built for speed
– Simple control mechanisms
UDP’s lean connectionless design makes it the choice
when sending out real-time video and/or audio streams.
If the source computer had to simultaneously open a
TCP-style connection with every client in order to send a
single broadcast, the result could be significant erosion
of network performance.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Benefits
• UDP provides a fast, efficient
transport mechanism without
incurring TCP overhead
• Reflector provides the ability to
determine where loading on the
network will occur
• Client TCP access provides easy
access to stream via HTTP. Using
HTTP addresses firewall issues.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
License Key
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
License Key Format
Format
The license key is an alphanumeric string. The string is made up of 8 sets
of 8 characters separated by a colon.
Example
12S45R7A:AFE456B8:12WEF6RG:SVPG5EF8:1SW3QA6F:A2A4D6E8:1H34FR5E8:QWS45KIL
Key Points
 User must enter in license key, otherwise software will not run.
 Keys are software specific. For example, you cannot use a
Vrecorder key in place of an Arecorder key.
 Keys will expire. The expiration date is set based on when the user
purchased the software and the length of service contract.
 Keys have a maximum number of clients it will allow.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
License Key Contents
Vrecorder and Arecorder Key Contents
Information within the key license:
 Customer ID
 Major Version
 Minor Version
 Maximum number of streams: This is set to 5
 Expiration Date
Reflector Key Contents
Information within the key license:
 Customer ID
 Platform: Any, Unix or Win32
 Major Version
 Minor Version
 Maximum number of streams
 UDP forward
 Secondary Backup
 Expiration Date
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Arecorder
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Spec Sheet
• GSM audio encoding
• Minimum modem connection: 28.8 kbps
• Ability to store webcast to file for timeshifted playback
• Supports UDP or TCP streaming
• UDP streaming to a reflector
• TCP streaming allows up to 5 clients to
hear webcast
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
• Operating System
– Windows 98 or NT 4.0 with OSR 3
•
•
•
•
200 MHz Pentium
32 MB RAM
5 MB disk space
Audio Capture Hardware
– Any Windows sound card capable of
recording 8 kHz, 16 bits
– Recommended: Creative Labs Soundblaster
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Installation
• setup.exe is located on the CD-ROM
in folder Arecorder
• User must enter in a valid serial
number and license key
• Install only checks license key format
• User must restart PC
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Arecorder UI
Stop - stops Arecorder
from streaming audio
data.
Time - displays length of
time for live webcast
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Broadcast - starts
streaming audio data.
Use Play when you do
not want to record the
webcast.
Broadcast and save to
file - starts streaming
audio data and saves the
webcast to a file. Record
is used when you want to
save the webcast for
later playback. Record
will also send the audio
stream out to a reflector
or attached clients,
depending on how
Arecorder is configured.
Configuration
Broadcast
HTTP Max Clients - Enter in the number of clients that can
connect to Arecorder. The maximum number of clients is 5.
When HTTP Max Clients is selected the system will
broadcast the live webcast via HTTP. In this configuration
the system will become a capture station/reflector. The
system will only stream the data over HTTP. Streaming via
UDP is disabled. See Serving Clients from Arecorder for
additional details.
Reflector URL - Enter in the URL or IP address of the
reflector to which the live webcast will be sent. In this
configuration Arecorder will send the live webcast to the
reflector via UDP. HTTP streaming is disabled.
Port - Required information for the system to stream the
live webcast.
- When HTTP Max Clients is selected, Port must be set to
the HTTP port being used to accept new client connections.
- When Reflector URL is selected, Port must be set to the
input UDP port the reflector will be receiving the live
webcast stream.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Configuration
Record
Always save to... - When recording an audio broadcast,
you can specify the directory and file name for the
recording to go to. This configuration will always store a
recording to this setting. Any previous saved recording will
be overwritten.
Ask every time - Arecorder will ask you for the location
and file name to save the recording to. It will ask every
time a new recording is made.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Arecorder Key Screen
To Edit or Delete a key, select
the desired key so it is
highlighted.
If all the license keys are
deleted or have expired,
Arecorder will prompt you to
enter in a license key when
the application is started. If
you do not enter in a valid
license key, Arecorder will not
run.
Add - allows you to add in a new
key. Enter in the new license key in
the Add Key dialog box. Select OK
to add the new key.
Edit - opens the Edit Key dialog
box. Make the required changes
and select OK to save the
changes.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Delete - removes the
highlighted license key.
Help
Help About screen
From the Arecorder menu, select Help, About Arecorder...
Help Files
Help files are formatted in HTML. The user can access this information in two ways:
From the Arecorder menu, select Help, Arecorder Help
From the Windows Start menu, select Programs, Arecorder, Help Files
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Recording a webcast
• In the record section of the Configuration screen, select
Always save to… or Ask every time
• Select the Broadcast and Save to File button on the
Arecorder screen. Arecorder will begin to webcast the
event and record the webcast to the designated file.
• Select Stop to stop the webcast and recording of the
webcast.
• The file extension is .gsm
• The file size is approximately 99k/60 seconds.
• The data is written to a file as the event occurs.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Invalid/expired key
• This screen will appear when the key has expired
or is invalid.
• After selecting OK, the Arecorder Key screen will
appear
• The user will need to enter in a valid key
• Once a valid key is entered, Arecorder will start
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vrecorder
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Spec Sheet
•
•
•
•
H.263 video encoding
GSM audio encoding
28.8 to 128 kbps transfer rate
Ability to store webcast to file for
time-shifted playback
• Supports UDP or TCP streaming
• UDP streaming to a reflector
• TCP streaming allows up to 5 clients
to view webcast
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
• Operating System
– Windows 98 or NT 4.0 with OSR 3
•
•
•
•
200 MHz Pentium
32 MB RAM
5 MB disk space
Audio/Video Capture Hardware
– Recommended:
• Video Capture: Viewcast.com Osprey-100
• Audio Capture: Creative Labs Soundblaster
– Others:
• Audio/Video capture: Winnov Videum A/V
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Installation
• setup.exe is located on the CD-ROM
in folder Vrecorder
• User must enter in a valid serial
number and license key
• Install only checks license key format
• User must restart PC
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vrecorder UI
Video window displays encoded video
fps - displays the current
frames per second
kbps - displays the
current transfer rate
Broadcast and Save To
File - starts streaming audio
and video data and saves the
webcast to a file. Use this
when you want to broadcast
and save the webcast for
later playback.
Stop - stops
Vrecorder from
streaming audio and
video data.
Broadcast Only - starts
streaming audio and video
data. Use Broadcast when you
do not want to record the
webcast for later playback.
Time - displays length of
time for live webcast
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Configure - Movie Quality
• Frame Rate - sets the encoded frame rate
• Image Quality - sets the picture resolution
• Refresh Interval - sets how often the entire
picture is refreshed
•Synch Skew - May be used to fine tune
audio/video synchronization (Lip Synch).
•Total Bit Rate - Used to limit the total average
bit rate of the output stream
Note that to maintain the selected average bit
rate, the actual frame rate may be lower than set
with the Frame Rate slider.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Configure - Transfer Mode
Broadcast
HTTP Max Clients - Enter in the number of clients that can
connect to Vrecorder. The maximum number of clients is 5.
When HTTP Max Clients is selected the system will
broadcast the live webcast via HTTP. In this configuration
the system will become a capture station/reflector. The
system will only stream the data over HTTP. Streaming via
UDP is disabled. See Serving Clients from Vrecorder for
additional details.
Reflector URL - Enter in the URL or IP address of the
reflector to which the live webcast will be sent. In this
configuration Vrecorder will send the live webcast to the
reflector via UDP. HTTP streaming is disabled.
Port - Required information for the system to stream the
live webcast.
- When HTTP Max Clients is selected, Port must be set to
the HTTP port being used to accept new client connections.
- When Reflector URL is selected, Port must be set to the
input UDP port the reflector will be receiving the live
webcast stream.
Record File Name
When recording a video broadcast, you can
specify the directory and file name for the
recording to go to. This configuration will always
store a recording to this setting. Any previous
saved recording will be overwritten.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Configure - Configuration
Video Device - select the video device that
will be used to capture the live video.
Video Format - select Software H263
Audio Device - select the audio device that
will be used to capture the live audio.
Audio Format - select Software GSM
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vrecorder Key Screen
To Edit or Delete a key, select
the desired key so it is
highlighted.
If all the license keys are
deleted or have expired,
Vrecorder will prompt you to
enter in a license key when
the application is started. If
you do not enter in a valid
license key, Vrecorder will not
run.
Add - allows you to add in a new
key. Enter in the new license key in
the Add Key dialog box. Select OK
to add the new key.
Edit - opens the Edit Key dialog
box. Make the required changes
and select OK to save the
changes.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Delete - removes the
highlighted license key.
Help
Help About screen
From the Vrecorder menu, select Help, About Vrecorder...
Help Files
Help files are formatted in HTML. The user can access this information in two ways:
From the Vrecorder menu, select Help, Vrecorder Help
From the Windows Start menu, select Programs, Vrecorder, Help Files
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Recording a webcast
• In the Record section of the Configuration screen, select
the Transfer Mode tab.
• Enter in the file name and location the recorded file will be
saved to.
• Select the Broadcast and Save to file button.
• Vrecorder will begin to webcast the event and record the
webcast to the designated file.
• Select the Stop button to stop the webcast and recording
to file.
• The file extension is .vtv
• File size is dependent upon the bit rate. To estimate the
required disk space, for a sequence of S seconds, at a bit
rate of R, then the amount of disk space needed is S*R.
• The data is stored to the file as the event occurs.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Invalid/expired key
• This screen will appear when the key has expired
or is invalid.
• After selecting OK, the Vrecorder Key screen will
appear
• The user will need to enter in a valid key
• Once a valid key is entered, Vrecorder will start
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Reflector
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Spec Sheet
• Windows NT or Sun Solaris
• Receives input stream via UDP
• Outputs stream via UDP and TCP
– UDP to downstream Reflectors
– TCP to attached clients
• Secondary Input backup support
• Supports concurrent instances for
multiple broadcasts
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
• Operating System
– Windows 98 or NT 4.0 with OSR 3
– Sun Solaris 2.6
•
•
•
•
266 MHz Pentium
32 MB RAM
1 MB disk space
Web Server
– Windows 98: Personal Web Server
– Windows NT: IIS
– Sun Solaris: Apache or Netscape
Enterprise Standard Edition
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
98/NT Installation
• setup.exe is located on the CD-ROM
in folder reflector\reflector98NT
• User must enter in a valid serial
number and license key
• Install only checks license key format
• reflector.exe can be installed
anywhere on the server
• Applets must be installed below the
web server root.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Solaris Install
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Perl must be installed
Located on the CD-Rom in Reflector\ReflectorSol is rfsol.pl and
reflector.tar
Type perl rfsol.pl to run the install script
Users must enter in a directory for software installation.
User must enter in a valid serial number and license key
Install only checks license key format
Source directory prompt is looking for the location of the reflector.tar file
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Solaris Created Directories
• Installation create four subdirectories:
– vapplet contains the Vviewer Java applet
files. This directory must be moved to be
within the web root
– rapplet contains the Aplayer Java applet
files. This directory must be moved to be
within the web root.
– help contains all the HTML help files.
Select reflector.html to view the files.
– Rfsol contains the following files:
reflector.exe, reflector.key and serial.no.
If this directory is moved, all three files
must be moved to the same location.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
System Information
• Serial Number
– Contained in text file called serial.no
– File is located in installed directory
• License Key
– Contained in text file called reflector.key
– File is located in installed directory
– File must be in the same directory as the executable
(reflector.exe)
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Invoking Reflector
• Command line executable
• Windows 98 and NT you cannot close
the DOS window after you have
invoked the software.
• Go to installed directory and type in
reflector -arguments
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Invalid Key
• Invalid license key or key that is not
formatted correctly will product this
output:
VTEL Reflector, Version 2.0
Copyright (c) 1997-1999 VTEL
Invalid key was found.
Exiting...
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Missing key file
• The following will be seen if
reflector.key is not in the directory
where the executable is:
VTEL Reflector, Version 2.0
Copyright (c) 1997-1999 VTEL
Could not read key file: Reflector.key
Exiting...
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Expired key
• Following will be seen if the license
has expired:
VTEL Reflector, Version 2.0
Copyright (c) 1997-1999 VTEL
Expired key was found.
Exiting...
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
No Arguments
• Invoking reflector without any
arguments will display:
VTEL Reflector, Version 2.0
Copyright (c) 1997-1998 VTEL
Key Information:
Program Expires: 6/8/99
Key File: Reflector.key
Max Streams: 500
UDP Forwarding: Yes
Second Input: Yes
Multicast: No
Everything fine…
Reflector now active.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Help
reflector -help produces this output:
VTEL Reflector, Version 2.0
Copyright (c) 1997-1999 VTEL
Key Information:
Program Expires: 6/8/99
Key File: Reflector.key
Max Streams: 500
UDP Forwarding: Yes
Second Input: Yes
Multicast: No
Reflector -file configuration_file_name
or
Reflector -keyfile file
[ -in1|-in host port ] | [ -input1|-input port ]
[ -in2 host port ] | [ -input2 port ]
[ [ -full host_n port_n ] ...]
[ -acceptnew none | http]
[ -output http_server_port ]
[ -help ] [ -silent ] [ -verbose]
[ -max MaxClients]
[ -maxtime MaxSeconds ] [ -maxerrortime MaxErrorSeconds ]
[ -maxsilence MaxSourceSilenceTime ] [ -detach ]
Default maxtime:
0 seconds
Default maxerrortime: 300 seconds
Default max:
500 (max key will allow)
Default maxsilence:
5 seconds
Default acceptnew:
http
NOTE: Some of these options require activation in the key
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Input Arguments
–input1 port
The Reflector accepts input from either the capture station, or from another upstream
Reflector on a UDP input port. This specifies the UDP port number. Thus, specifying
–input1 3000 means to receive data on the input UDP port #3000.
Note: If no secondary inputs are used, the Reflector can be given this argument
instead: –input port
Example: -input 3000 or -input1 3000
–in1 host port
This is similar to the –input1 argument, except that data must be received from the
specified host at the specified UDP port. This provides a measure of security. UDP
data sent to the reflector from other hosts to the input port will not be accepted.
Note: If no secondary inputs are used, the Reflector can be given this argument
instead: –in host port
Example: -in host1.com 3000 or -in1 host1.com 3000
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Input Arguments
–input2 port
The Reflector is capable of receiving data from a second input port. If there has been
no data received on the primary input port as specified in the –input1 parameter, the
program will choose to start forwarding data it receives from this secondary input
port. See –maxsourcesilence for information on setting the time length for switching
over to the secondary input port.
Example: -input2 3000
–in2 host port
This is similar to the input2 argument, except that data must be received from the
specified host at the specified UDP port. This provides a measure of security. UDP
data sent to the reflector from hosts other than the one specified to the input port
will not be accepted.
Example: -in2 host2.com 3434
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Forward Data Arguments
–acceptnew none | http
This specifies whether the Reflector should accept new client connections. None
means not to accept any new connections. Http means to accept client HTTP
connections. The default is to always accept HTTP.
Example: -acceptnew none
–full host port
This arguments means that the reflector should forward any data it receives on the
input port to the given host at the given port.
Example: -full host1.com 5645
–output httpserverport
This means the reflector will accept new client HTTP connections at the given port.
Edge reflectors that serve clients always have this argument.
Example: -output 3444
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
General Arguments
–detach
UNIX only. This causes the program to detach from the console and run in the
background. It is a good way to use when running it as a daemon.
Example: –detach
–help
This prints a help message.
Example: –help
–silent
Operate silently. Default mode.
Example: –silent
–verbose
Operate the opposite of silently, by printing to the terminal a spinning icon each
time data is received on the input. This is a good way to check and see if an input
connection is actually receiving data.
Example: –verbose
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Max Arguments
–max maxClients
Specifies the maximum number of clients to accept. It cannot exceed the number in
the license key. Default is the maximum number allowed by the license key.
Example: –max 100
–maxerrortime timeinseconds
The max error time is the time in seconds during which a reflector will try to send
data to a client. If the client does not accept the data within that time period, the
reflector will terminate the connection to the client. Default is 300 seconds.
Example: –maxerrortime 120
–maxsourcesilence timeinseconds
This is the maximum amount of time an input source can be silent before the reflector
switches to the secondary input. See –input1 and –input2 for an explanation of
primary and secondary input sources. Default is 5 seconds.
Example: –maxsourcesilence 10
–maxtime timeinseconds
This stipulates the maximum amount of time in seconds that a client can be attached to
the reflector. This is useful when implementing a system where people can only watch
X seconds of a broadcast. If maxtime is set to 0, the reflector will not force the client
off. Default is 0 seconds.
Example: –maxtime 30
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
File Argument
–file configuration_file_name
The Reflector program can read its input arguments from a file. Thus, arguments
such as –input 3000 can be placed in a file, and the name of the file given to the
program through this argument. There is a sample file, arg_file.txt, located in the
installed directory.
Example: –file arg_file.txt
Sample file content:
-input 3333
-output 3334
-verbose
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Examples
A Reflector receives input on port 6000, forwards to another reflector at
address 198.16.7.22 at port 6700, while also serving data to applet clients
at port 5000:
reflector –input 6000 –full 198.16.7.22 6700 –output 5000 –verbose
An internal reflector reflects to two hosts, host1.com at port 3000 and
host2.com at port 4000, while receiving data on input port 3456. This
internal reflector does not accept any HTTP client requests.
reflector –input 3456 –full host1.com 3000 –full host2.com 4000 –acceptnew none
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Number of clients
The number of clients can be calculated using Stan’s Equation.
If the transfer rate is R, the bandwidth available to TurboCast is B, then
# of clients = C * B / R, where 0 > C > 1
C is Stan’s Constant, and the suggest value is 0.7. This value is based on the
theory that things state to erode after 70% utilization. To be conservative,
use 0.3 to 0.5.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Applets
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Applet FYI
The Applet tag will attach a Java applet to the html page created. The applet tag is
used for live and recorded video and audio webcasts. There are two applets
available, the Vrecorder Vviewer applet and the Arecorder Aplayer applet. The
applet tag is inserted between the <BODY></BODY> HTML tags.
The default directory for the Vviewer applet is webroot/vapplet. Contained in this
directory is the Vviewer.jar and a number of gif images. This directory can be
placed anywhere within the web server. All files, Vviewer.jar and the gif images,
must be located within the same directory.
The default directory for the Aplayer applet is webroot/rapplet. Contained in this
directory is the Aplayer.jar and a number of gif images. This directory can be placed
anywhere within the web server. All files, Aplayer.jar and the gif images, must be
located within the same directory.
The resolution of Vviewer is QCIF (144x177)
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Syntax
<APPLET
archive=archive_jar
code=applet_type
codebase=“URL”
name=applet_name
height=background_height
width=background_width
vspace=vspace_value
hspace=vsapce_value
align=align_value>
<PARAM
<PARAM
<PARAM
<PARAM
NAME="background" VALUE="color_value">
NAME="AUTOSTART" VALUE="TRUE/FALSE">
NAME="srcport" VALUE="http_output_port">
NAME="src" VALUE="file_name">
</APPLET>
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Applet Arguments
Archive
Required. Based on the applet being loaded setting will be:
Vviewer applet - Vviewer.jar
Aplayer applet - Aplayer.jar
Code
Required. Based on the applet being loaded the setting will be:
Vviewer applet - VviewerApplet.class
Aplayer applet - Aplayer.class
Codebase
Optional. Defines the directory where the classes for the applet are stored. If this attribute is not specified, the
directory of the HTML page is searched. An example is "http://host1.com/vapplet"
Name
Optional. User defined. Provides a name for the applet being loaded into the browser.
Height
Required. Defines the height of the area the applet will cover. The minimum requirements are listed below. If the
value is set higher than the minimum, the BACKGROUND PARAM can be used to change the background color.
Vviewer applet - 240
Aplayer applet - 175
Width
Required. Defines the width of the area the applet will cover. The minimum requirements are listed below. If the
value is set higher than the minimum, the BACKGROUND PARAM can be used to change the background color.
Vviewer applet - 220
Aplayer applet - 300
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Applet Arguments (cont.)
Align
Optional. Defines how the applet is aligned in the HTML page. Any of the ALIGN options are valid.
vspace
Optional. Defines how many pixels of space are reserved above and below the applet.
hspace
Optional. Defines how many pixels of space are reserved on either side ofthe applet.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
PARAM Arguments
Background
Optional. Establishes the background color of the applet. If the HEIGHT or WIDTH setting is higher
than the minimum, the color of the area around the applet will be set the value entered. Colors are
specified as a hexadecimal number.
Autostart
Optional. Used only when streaming a stored Arecorder file. Default is FALSE
TRUE - the stored Arecorder file will automatically start playing when after the Aplayer applet is loaded.
FALSE - the Aplayer applet will load and the client has to press the PLAY button to hear the file.
Srcport
Required when streaming a live webcast. The value is set to the http output port to which the
reflector is streaming. The reflector must be configured to allow http clients to attach, and the http
port must be specified as a command line argument.
Src
Required when streaming a stored file. The value is set to the file name. The file must be placed in
the webserver root or lower. It is not necessary to install Reflector software on the webserver to
stream stored files.
Extensions:
Vrecorder file - .vtv
Arecorder file - .gsm
File Size:
Vrecorder - the file size is dependent upon the movie quality settings. The default settings will
produce a file size approximately 450k/60 seconds. Setting the frame rate at 10 will produce a file
size approximately 675k/60 seconds.
Arecorded - approximately 99k/60 seconds
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Live Video Example
Live Video Webcast Example
<html>
<head><title>Live Video Webcast</title></head>
<body>
<APPLET
archive=Vviewer.jar
code=VviewerApplet.class
name=LiveVideo
height=240
width=220>
<PARAM NAME="srcport" VALUE=3334>
</html>
</APPLET>
</body>
A sample file, LiveVideo.html, can be found where the Vviewer applet code is installed.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Live Audio Example
Live Audio Webcast Applet Example
<html>
<head><title>Live Audio Webcast</title></head>
<body>
<APPLET
archive=Aplayer.jar
code=Aplayer.class
name=LiveAudio
height=175
width=300>
<PARAM NAME="srcport" VALUE=3334>
</html>
</APPLET>
</body>
A sample file, LiveAudio.html, can be found where the Aplayer applet code is installed.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Time-shifted playback
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Overview
To playback a recorded Vrecorder or Arecorder webcast:
 The recorded file(s), filename.vtv or filename.gsm, must reside on a
web server. Clients access the recorded webcast file via a Java client
that is embedded into a HTML file.
 To playback recorded webcast files, it is not necessary to have the
Reflector software installed on the web server.
 File reads are handled via standard TCP. (To put it in a known
context, it is the same as when a file is accessed via FTP.)
 Sample files, RecordedVideo.html and commercial.vtv, can be found
where the Vviewer applet code is installed.
 A sample file, RecordedAudio.html and commercial.gsm, can be
found where the Aplayer applet code is installed.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Recorded Video Examples
Recorded Video Webcast Example
<html>
<head><title>Recorded Video Webcast</title></head>
<body>
<APPLET
archive=Vviewer.jar
code=VviewerApplet.class
name=RecordedVideo
height=300
width=300>
<PARAM NAME="src" VALUE="commercial.vtv">
</APPLET>
</body>
</html>
A sample file html, RecordedVideo.html, and vtv file, commercial.vtv, can be found wher
the Vviewer applet code is installed.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Recorded Audio Examples
Recorded Audio Webcast Example
<html>
<head><title>Recorded Audio Webcast</title></head>
<body>
<APPLET
archive=Aplayer.jar
code=Aplayer.class
name=RecordedAudio
height=550
width=320>
<PARAM NAME="src" VALUE="commercial.gsm">
<PARAM NAME="autostart" VALUE="TRUE">
<PARAM NAME="background" VALUE="008080">
</html>
</APPLET>
</body>
A sample html file, RecordedAudio.html, and gsm file, commercial.gsm,
can be found where the Aplayer applet code is installed.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Serving Clients from
Arecorder or Vrecorder
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Things to know
•
•
•
•
•
Intended for demo capability
Limited reflector capability built-in
License key limits support to 5 clients
Only available on Windows 98/NT
Must be installed on a PC with a web
server
• Data will stream to clients over TCP
• UDP streaming is disabled
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Minimum Requirements
• Operating System/Web Server
– Windows 98 with Personal Web Server
– NT 4.0/OSR 3 with IIS
•
•
•
•
200 MHz Pentium
32 MB RAM
5 MB disk space
Vrecorder Audio/Video Capture Hardware
– Recommended:
• Video Capture: Viewcast.com Osprey-100
• Audio Capture: Creative Labs Soundblaster
– Others:
• Audio/Video capture: Winnov Videum A/V
• Arecorder Audio Capture Hardware
– Any Windows sound card capable of recording 8 kHz, 16 bits
– Recommended: Creative Labs Soundblaster
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Installation
• Install the capture software,
Vrecorder or Arecorder
• Install the Java applets. Run
setup.exe located in the applets
folder on the TurboCast CD-ROM
• Select the applet to be installed
• By default, applets will be installed in
webroot\vapplet and webroot\rapplet
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Configuration
• Select HTTP Max Clients.
– A maximum of 5 clients are allowed
– Data will stream to clients via TCP
• Port must be set to the HTTP port the
clients will attach to
– The port number must match the srcport
setting in the HTML file that contains the
Java applet
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Troubleshooting
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
System
There are 3 components that are involved in a webcast:
The capture station that connects to the video/audio source and
performs multimedia encoding. The station transmits its data
stream to the network of reflectors.
 The reflector receives input streams of data and forwards the
data to other reflectors. It also can serve the video data to the
client applet.
 The applet which plays back multimedia data. The applet
connects to a reflector in order to receive the data for playback.
Because the VTEL Turbocast software is made up of 3 components, the user
has to set up each of the components with the correct parameters to ensure
that the whole system operates properly. In most cases, these simple
techniques will solve problems where the user has either entered the wrong
port number, or wrong host name, or some other problem involving
interconnecting the pieces.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
System
• The capture piece streams data to the first "root" reflector. Make sure that the output host address and
output port number of the root reflector is properly specified. For example, if the capture station is sending
to reflector.customer.com at port 3444, then the reflector on that machine must be run with a -input 3444
argument.
• Reflectors may not get data if the capture station is not sending to it. It is easy to tell if a reflector is
getting any data. Run the reflector with a -verbose argument. If a reflector is receiving data from its source
(either the capture station itself, or another upstream reflector), the reflector will print a twirly series of
characters to indicate data reception.
• It is also easy to tell if a reflector is getting any data if it is run without the verbose argument, or if there is
no access to the console where the reflector is being run. This method will also allow one to verify that an
applet can connect to the reflector. Since reflectors serve data through HTTP, one can simply connect to the
reflector with telnet. For example, if the reflector at reflector.customer.com serves output on HTTP port 6576,
one can connect to it by using this command: telnet reflector.customer.com 6576. If the connection is
successful, the reflector is accepting connections on that port. If there is data, the reflector will forward data
and the telnet program will print a stream of binary characters.
• If the Arecorder or Vrecorder capture program is configured for HTTP Max Clients, where there is no
reflector and the capture program functions as a server to clients also, one can use the same technique to
check that the capture program is both accepting connections and outputting data. Simply telnet to the
capture station at the HTTP port specified using the command line: telnet capture-station.customer.com port
number. One additional step is required: enter GET /media HTTP/1.0 followed by hitting ENTER twice. This
sends a HTTP GET command to the capture station and will induce it to begin sending data out.
• Make sure that the applet's parameters refer to the output port on which the reflector is serving data. For
example, if the reflector is serving data at HTTP port 8976, the reflector must have <param name=srcport
value=8976> in the HTML file including the applet.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Reflector
The reflector is run as a command line application on all platforms.
• Multiple reflectors can be run if there is more than one concurrent
broadcast. When running multiple reflectors on one computer, the input and -output port argument must be different for each
occurrence of the reflector software.
• When running a reflector on Unix, the -detach argument can be
used to run it in the background. When running a reflector on
Windows, one must take care not to close the DOS window in which
the reflector is executed. If you are using PCAnywhere to manage a
PC remotely, the DOS window must be configured not to be
automatically closed by PCAnywhere.
• If the Vviewer applet is seeing multiple streams, check the reflector
input and output ports. When running multiple instances of the
reflector each instance must use different UDP and TCP ports.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Capture
• Winnov Videum cards in release 2.7.2 have a problem switching video input
sources from Composite to S-video. The choice made in the initial configuration
of the driver software forces that input source to be chosen for Vrecorder.
• Winnov Videum cards in release 2.7.2 also have a problem with the audio
input. When using this card, take the audio input from another audio source,
otherwise the video frame rate will fall.
• When streaming to a reflector, make sure that UDP mode is chosen instead of
HTTP mode. In HTTP mode, the capture station becomes a server.
• No audio is being played back by the applet.
 Check to make sure the cable on the sound card is connected to the sound
input.
 Ensure the proper input on the sound properties control panel is selected.
Check using the sound properties control panel that the correct input is
selected for recording.
 Check with the Sound Recorder application that comes with Windows that
the audio can be recorded to a file. The Sound Recorder gives good visual
indication of the volume levels when it is recording. If the Sound Recorder
works, Vrecorder and Arecorder should also.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vviewer Applet
• The message "Cannot find class" or "Cannot load applet" indicates that the applet file, Vviewer.jar, included in the
distribution was not referenced properly in the HTML. The applet file holds the Java code that make up the client
applet. It's location must be specified in the initial applet tag through the use of the codebase and archive
statements. Please refer to your Java/HTML manual for further details.
• If the browser displays a gray square, it is likely the archive or code setting was not referenced properly in the
HTML.
• If the GUI frame surrounding the applet does not appear, it is likely that the GIF files included in the distribution
are not resident together with the .jar file.
• Vviewer error message "Vviewer could not contact the server. It may be out of connections. Please try again
later." This could be due to one of the following problems.
•The reflector is not running or not receiving a video stream from the Vrecorder capture application.
•The applet HTML file has the incorrect HTTP port.For example, if the reflector is serving data at HTTP port 8976,
the HTML file must have <param name=srcport value=8976>. If the port value is set incorrectly the applet will not
be able to connect to the server.
•If this message is seen when trying to view a recorded webcast, check to see if the file being referenced in the
HTML file is correct. Please note that the recorded file must be placed at the web server root or lower.
• A sound card is needed. If there is no sound card, the applet will not play.
• Video starts and stops. Data overload problem. Reduce the bit rate the Vrecorder is sending.
• Audio cuts in and out. Data overload problem. Reduce the bit rate the Vrecorder is sending.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Aplayer Applet
• The message "Cannot find class" or "Cannot load applet" indicates that the applet file, Aplayer.jar, included in
the distribution was not referenced properly in the HTML. The applet file holds the Java code that make up the
client applet. It's location must be specified in the initial applet tag through the use of the codebase and archive
statements. Please refer to your Java/HTML manual for further details.
• If the browser displays a gray square, it is likely the archive or code setting was not referenced properly in the
HTML.
• If the GUI frame surrounding the applet does not appear, it is likely that the GIF files included in the distribution
are not resident together with the .jar file.
• Vplayer error message "Vplayer cannot connect to the audio server. The server is out of connections. Please try
again later." This could be due to one of the following problems.
•The reflector is not running or not receiving a video stream from the Arecorder capture application.
•The applet HTML file has the incorrect HTTP port.For example, if the reflector is serving data at HTTP port 8976,
the HTML file must have <param name=srcport value=8976>. If the port value is set incorrectly the applet will
not be able to connect to the server.
• Vplayer message "Player Destroyed" usually indicates that the recorded file being referenced in the HTML file
cannot be found. Please note that the recorded file must be placed at the web server root or lower.
• A sound card is needed. If there is no sound card, the applet will not play.
• Audio is cutting in and out. The problem most likely is the user is connected at 14.4 kbps. The user must be
connected at a rate of 28.8 or greater. Check to see what the actual connection is, not the modem they are using.
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Synchronization
Video and audio in the Vrecorder capture program may be captured from the
same hardware capture card, or on different cards. For example, video may be
captured from one card while audio may be captured from the sound card,
or a sound card that is built into the motherboard.
The best way to get synchronized audio and video is to either:
•Use the “Default Audio Device” as the audio capture device
•Use the same card for both audio and video
DIGITAL VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS