ADENA Hack: How to add IP sources to the DS-X09?

The DS-X09 Media Decoder, a 9-channel device, supports connecting IP sources through four different protocols:

• RTMP (audio and video)

• RTP (audio and video)

• RTSP (video only)

• NDI|HX (audio and video)

  
  

To add sources, the decoder uses the AREC Multi-view Maker app for Windows (which we reviewed in a previous ADENA Hack ). To add RTSP, RTMP, and RTP sources to the list, simply type their URL like you would on an AREC Media Station, VLC Media Player, OBS, or another application/device in the Main URL field. For instance, to add an RTSP stream of a Media Station, simply type rtsp://IP address of the Media Station/movie. To add a stream from a RADA A-TC02, type rtsp://IP address of the A-TC02/live/av0. Filling out Sub URL fields is optional, but if you do, the Sub URL will be used for previews inside the Multi-view Maker.

NDI links work a bit differently and require filling out both the Main and the Sub URLs. You can find the URLs in the NDI Studio Monitor, or from an NDI-enabled AREC Media Station if you have it. In the NDI Studio Monitor, press the menu button on the top-left corner of the app to see NDI devices in your network. It will look like this:

To check the URL in a Media Station, open the Network Device Manager, scan, and look for it in the “Host Name” column:

Now, open the Multi-view Maker and login to the DS-X09. This will open the Source Setting list. Fill out your sources’ names and enter their Main and Sub URLs in the following format:

Main URL: ndi://Source Name (Channel Name)

Sub URL: Source Name (Channel Name)

You can see how we added our sources in the picture below:

Press “Save” and that’s it, the system is ready to go!

Would you like to know more about the DS-X09 or other AREC solutions? Contact us at www.a-dena.com and we will be happy to assist you.

ADENA Hack: How to use a network camera to send microphone audio in Media Stations?

AREC Media Stations can capture audio from network sources using AAC-LC audio coding standard. Depending on the model of the station, this is available for RTMP, RTP, and sometimes RTSP network sources. Which network sources can be used with audio is described in the datasheet of each Media Station.

Particularly for the LS-US2, network may be the preferable way of connecting audio sources, as there are no 3.5mm line or mic inputs on the device. The station supports audio via all of its network protocols: RTP, RTMP, RTSP, and NDI|HX in the LS-US2N version, and you can watch the video below for an example of how this connection can be established, using RADA Duo and A-PC01 PanoCam as examples.

If you would like to know more about connecting audio from network sources to AREC, contact us at www.a-dena.com and we will be happy to discuss it with you.

ADENA Hack: How to configure tracking on the A-TC02 and A-TC04 AI Tracking Cameras?

Our AI Tracking cameras OnyxCam and NoirCam both come equipped with two tracking modes: ‘Presenter’ and ‘Zone’ tracking. You can enable these tracking modes through the camera’s web interface. To open it, enter the IP address of your camera (by default, 192.168.5.163), log in, and proceed to the ‘Monocular Tracking’ page, available on the top-right part of the camera’s interface. You will find the tracking settings on the right side of this page.

A-TC04 NoirCam AI Tracking Camera

A-TC02 OnyxCam AI Tracking Camera

‘Presenter’ is the default tracking mode and, when enabled, will make the camera automatically follow the target it acquires until said target leaves the field of view of the camera. The camera will automatically adjust zoom and keep the tracking target in the centre of the image. Tracking targets can be changed by using the IR remote that comes with the camera. To do that, simply point at the camera with the remote and press the blue ‘F4’ button. You can keep pressing the button until the camera settles on the target you need. Importantly, the camera also keeps track of the order in which the tracking targets appeared, and so it will return to the first acquired tracking target if the current one leaves. Please keep in mind that when the ‘Presenter’ tracking mode is enabled, manual PTZ control is restricted, and you will only be able to adjust the PTZ by using NDI.

‘Zone’ tracking mode works very differently. The purpose of this mode is to set up different zoom and preset positions depending on the area the tracking target is in. To set it up, first, disable tracking, and adjust the camera’s PTZ to your desired position. This position should be on the edge of your tracking area. Click on ‘Set’ next to ‘Region1’ to save this position. Then, move the camera either left or right, depending on your tracking area. The areas should intersect a little, so a fragment of region 1 should be visible in region 2. When ready, click ‘Set’ next to ‘Region2’ to save this position. With two regions set, you can now enable the mode. Tick the boxes next to regions 1 and 2, enable tracking, and set the mode to ‘Zone’. Now, the camera will apply the presets you configured depending on which zone you move in. You can set up to 4 continuous regions in this tracking mode. To give an example of how this can be used, take a look at these diagrams.

In this case, there are 4 continuous zones with the same zoom level applied. As the tracking target moves from one zone to another, the presets will change accordingly. The camera will only move when the tracking target moves into a different zone, reacting solely to bigger movements.

In this case, the camera will zoom out when the tracking target approaches the board, but zoom in when the target sits behind the desk. If the tracking target walks over to the chairs, it will zoom out again.

The two tracking modes make it possible to use A-TC02 OnyxCam and A-TC04 NoirCam in all sorts of scenarios in conference rooms, lecture halls, and other facilities. Would you like to see how the tracking works, or learn more about AREC and RADA solutions? Contact us at www.a-dena.com and we would be happy to assist you.