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.

ADENA Hack: How to use the DS-X09’s Multi-view Maker?

AREC Multi-view Maker is a free control application made for Windows to control and configure the DS-X09 Media Decoder. You can download this application from our website, www.a-dena.com -> Resources -> Firmware & Applications. After you download and install it, simply run the application and enter the IP address, username and password of your DS-X09. 

The first page that will open afterwards, called ‘Source’, is used to configure your network video sources. You can assign names for easier recognition of sources, and input their primary and secondary RTP, RTMP, RTSP, or NDI|HX URLs. You can have up to 96 network sources in the list and switch between them easily on the ‘Control’ page of the app. 

This page is used to configure and switch between themes — combinations of layouts, overlays, and backgrounds, preview any of the individual sources, as well as the mixed video that the DS-X09 outputs via HDMI. Thus, to use the device, simply customise one of the 5 available themes by pressing a paper and pen icon next to them. 

To adjust a source’s position, simply left-click on it and drag it or use the X-Y coordinates at the bottom of the page. You can resize the source by dragging its bottom-right corner or by specifying the W-H parameters. Just as in our Layout Editor app, you are able to change crop modes for your sources, selecting letterbox, fit to width, fit to height, or fill modes, and also change the source order, putting it in front or behind of other sources. Also, when you select a source, you can enable or disable its audio input by using the tick box in the bottom-left corner of this page. You can use the ‘Add’ and ‘Delete’ buttons to either add or remove sources from a theme. You can rename your theme on the right side of this page, as well as add or remove backgrounds from themes. Simply click on the image you would like to use. When you finish customising a theme, press ‘Save’ to apply changes, and then click on the newly customised theme to output it on the DS-X09.

Would you like to know more about the DS-X09 or other AREC hardware and software products? Let us know at www.a-dena.com and we will gladly answer your questions.