Operation Manual

Advanced Operations
90 ViewCast
Output tab
Windows Media is both a storage format and a streaming format. In addition to the ability to output to a
file, the Windows Media encoder can stream to a Windows Media Server. The settings for Windows
Media encoder include the ability to set parameters for connecting and streaming to the server.
Some Windows Media Capture Profiles have pre-defined video resolutions and input selections. When
you select a Windows Media Capture Profile, verify your current video and audio settings have not been
modified. If they have been modified, simply change these settings back to their previous settings and
click Save Settings.
When streaming audio and video, there are two methods of delivery:
 Pull – Niagara system begins to generate broadcast packets as soon as you start the encoding.
However, it does not deliver the broadcast stream until Windows Media Server requests the
stream. This method does not provide a secure connection to the server and should only be used if
the encoder and server reside within the same network firewall.
 Push – Niagara system maintains a secure connection to Windows Media Server. This connection
allows the system to pass a user name and password to authenticate access to the server.
To enable clients to pull the stream from the Niagara system, set up a session and begin broadcasting
directly from the system. Clients (Windows Media servers or players) can connect to the stream at any
time by using the following URL format:
 http://IP_address:port (for Internet connections)
 http://encoding_computer_name:port (for LAN connections)
By default, the Niagara system supports up to 50 direct connections during a broadcast.
Note: The greater the number of direct connections to the Niagara 9100, the more system resources
is required. ViewCast does not recommend directly connecting players to the Niagara system.
Streaming servers should connect to the system and, in turn, players should connect to the
servers.
Use the following table to configure the output analog input settings for a Windows Media encoder.
Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary.