User Guide Addendum Configuring and Using Flash Live Video On Niagara GoStream Plus Abstract: This Addendum to the Niagara Pro and Niagara GoStream Plus user guides details how to configure and use the Flash Live Video codec option now available for selected Niagara models. Introduction This addendum to the ViewCast® Niagara® Pro and the ViewCast Niagara GoStream® Plus user guides details how to configure and use the Flash® Live Video codec option now available for selected Niagara models. This optional feature adds Flash Live streaming video to the Flash-to-File feature built into all Niagara products. Changes detailed in this addendum are primarily set forth to identify differences in the user experience between the Flash-to-File and Flash Live control pages on the web interface. Installation The Flash Live option is factory-installed on the Niagara Pro and the Niagara GoStream Plus. There are no user steps required to install and configure this option. When this option is installed, all Niagara SCX® web pages that would ordinarily reference Flash encoding are modified to include additional choices for streaming live Flash video. When to use Flash Live Video. Niagara Pro and GoStream Plus have the ability to create several different types of audio and video streams, and the user guides for each detail some considerations for selecting which of the available encoding formats are suitable for the application(s) applied. Although all are a type of IP video format, each encoder has distinct properties that make it more suitable for specific streaming video applications. For example, Niagara Pro was designed for creating video content in resolutions suitable for transmission across the Internet to be played back on a computer or on a handheld mobile device. The following chart lists all formats supported by Niagara Pro and GoStream Plus with the Flash Live option installed, and includes suggested application uses. These formats can be used for many different applications. IP Video Compression for Streaming in Full Resolution & Lower Windows Media® Streaming Internet video and mobile devices RealVideo®/Helix® Streaming Internet video and mobile devices MPEG-4 Handheld devices and mobile phones Flash-to-File For VOD playback to selected media players that support Flash encoding format, including the popular QuickTime® and VLC players Flash Live Video For live streaming to Adobe® Flash players that support the On2 VP6 codec. Page 1 User Guide Addendum In choosing the appropriate streaming format for the application(s) to be used, one should first consider the target audience to which the content will be streamed. For example, what is the most common player an audience will have available to watch the content? The answer to this question will determine the format of the stream to be created for the audience. To determine the data rate at which the content will be streamed, one will need to determine the IP bandwidth to which the targeted audience has access. For example, if the access method uses an ISDN connection or less, then one would stream the video and/or audio at a low data rate, such as QCIF, at 56kbps. If the bandwidth is large, such as with a cable modem or DSL connection, then one can provide a higher quality full resolution stream at 2 Mbps. Niagara Pro and GoStream Plus models provide preconfigured encoding profiles for different bandwidth connections. The profiles loaded will depend upon how the Niagara encoder is configured on its initial setup. Page 2 User Guide Addendum Flash-to-File versus Flash Live Encoder Properties The following screen shots compare the Niagara Flash-to-File property page to the same web page with the Live Flash option enabled. Figure 1 – Flash-to-File screen without the Flash Live option installed Page 3 User Guide Addendum Figure 2 – Flash Encoder screen with Flash Live option installed Notice the Advanced Streaming Settings – SimulStream section has been moved to the right of the screen and a new Streaming to File section has been added. The Streaming Properties section includes an Enable Streaming checkbox. Leaving this box unchecked causes the Flash encoder to remain in the Flash-to-File mode. All controls, settings, and procedures for creating a Flash file remain unchanged and one should proceed as directed as set forth in the applicable Niagara user guide. Checking the Enable Streaming box causes the Flash encoder to enter Flash Live mode, which provides the ability to stream live. Alternatively, leaving the box unchecked and choosing to save a copy of a live stream to file, with proper consideration for the performance capabilities of the particular Niagara encoder, is another option. Unlike Windows Media (and some other live video encoders), one cannot view a Live Flash stream directly from the Flash Live encoder. The encoded stream (commonly referred to as an uplink stream) must be directed to a suitable Flash streaming server – this can be the Adobe Flash Media Server installed on a machine on a network or a Flash server hosted at a streaming service provider. The URL or IP address of the Flash Live server must be entered using the exposed text boxes. Figure 3 shows the Streaming checkbox has been checked. Checking the Streaming checkbox signals to the Flash encoder that this is to be a Flash Live stream. Note the Server Type drop-down is now enabled, and contains three choices, as follows: Server Without Password, and two popular Streaming Media service providers, Akamai and LimeLight. Page 4 User Guide Addendum The Server Without Password choice should be selected when feeding an encoder output to one’s own Flash media server. If one has subscribed to a media streaming delivery service, one must select the appropriate vendor (Akamai or LimeLight). Note that many streaming service providers use the same uplink stream protocol. Therefore, if one is using an unlisted service provider that requires a password authentication process in the uplink stream, Akamai should be selected. Figure 3 – Flash encoder screen showing server type options The field entitled Stream Name is also available to enter the Stream Name, sometimes referred to as the application name. Also note the Encoder Summary page, available by selecting Encoders >All Encoders on the main page, will still show any configured Flash encoders without distinguishing which are Flash-to-File or Flash Live. Figure 4 shows a typical encoder summary page that includes some Flash encoders. Page 5 User Guide Addendum Figure 4 – Typical encoder summary page showing three Flash encoders have been configured Copyright© 2007 ViewCast Corporation. All rights reserved. ViewCast, Niagara, Niagara SCX, and GoStream, are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Media are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. RealVideo, RealPlayer, and Helix are the trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Adobe and Flash are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. User Guide Addendum for Niagara Pro User Guide 40-03230-02 and GoStream User Guide 40-03225-05 Page 6 User Guide Addendum 40-03250-01 .