User Guide
Streaming AV Products
VNS 104
Multi-Stream Decoding Software for VN-Matrix® 200 Series and 225 Series
68-2421-01 Rev. A
05 13
Contents
Introduction and Installation.............................. 1
About this Guide................................................ 1
Overview of the VNS 104 .................................. 1
VN-Matrix Device Compatibility ........................ 3
System Requirements....................................... 3
VNS 104 Software Installation........................... 4
Before Installing the Software ....................... 4
Installing the VNS 104 Software.................... 4
VNS 104 Configuration........................................ 8
VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller Licensing........ 8
VNS 104 Configuration...................................... 9
Device ID and Device Checksum................ 10
Network Configuration ................................ 11
Application Configuration............................ 12
Reconfiguring the VNS 104 Software.......... 12
VNS 104 Operation............................................. 13
VNS 104 Multi-Stream Software Decoder....... 13
Connecting to a VN-Matrix Enterprise
Controller.................................................... 14
Full Screen and Reduced Screen Modes.... 15
VNS 104 Display Format and
Scaling Modes................................................ 15
Decoder Window Quad Stream
Display Format ........................................... 16
Decoder Window Single Stream
Display Format ........................................... 16
VNS 104 Scaling Modes.............................. 17
Decoded Window Splash Screen................ 18
Decoded Window Status Messaging.......... 18
VNS 104 Audio ............................................ 18
VNS 104 Device Name ................................... 18
Multiple Controller Domains............................ 18
VNS 104 Performance ....................................... 19
Image Quality and Motion ........................... 19
Host PC Resource Monitoring..................... 19
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Contents
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VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Contents
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Introduction and
Installation
This section gives an overview of the guide and features of the Extron VNS 104
Multi-Stream Decoding Software. It also describes the requirements for using the
application. Topics that are covered include:
•
•
•
•
•
About this Guide
About this Guide
This guide provides detailed information on how to install and use the VNS 104
Multi-Stream Decoding Software. The terms “decoder software”, “decoder”, and
“VNS 104” refer to the VNS 104 Multi-Stream Decoding Software. The term “encoder”
refers to a VN-Matrix system hardware encoder. “EC”, “controller”, and “system
controller” refer to the VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller.
Overview of the VNS 104
The VNS 104 Multi-Stream Decoder Software application allows decoding up to four
simultaneous PURE3 video streams from VN-Matrix 200/225 Series and VN-Matrix 300
Series encoders and PURE3 recorded streams in active playback on the network.
PURE3 streams contain video information compressed by the PURE3 codec and used
to transport media signals in real time over an Ethernet network. In addition, a PURE3
stream may contain associated audio content.
NOTE: The VNS 104 Multi-Stream Decoding Software will not correctly display
interlaced source images.
The PURE3 codec preserves three performance factors that affect the delivery of video
over a network:
•
•
•
Low latency
Low bandwidth
High image quality
The VNS 104 software is a Microsoft® Windows® -based PC application installed on a
Windows-based PC. Each VNS 104 installation requires a unique device ID and license.
These are supplied with the VNS 104 and entered as part of the installation process.
NOTE: Only one instance of each VNS 104 device ID is allowed on a system.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
1
A system license, stored on the VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller, manages the number
of connections that can be made simultaneously. The VNS 104 decoder is ideal for use
in monitoring, remote presentation viewing, collaboration, or data visualization. It is also
useful as an alternative to hardware-based PURE3 decoding.
The VNS 104 Multi-Stream Software Decoder is controlled by the VN-Matrix Enterprise
Controller. Stream selection, screen layout, scaling, and audio settings are configured
and assigned by the controller.
See the user guides and supporting documentation associated with the
VN-Matrix 200/225 Series and VN-Matrix 300 Series encoders, VN-Matrix Enterprise
Controller, and VNM Recorders for more detailed information about these devices. This
Follow 4:3
Follow 4:3
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (others)
Follow 5:4
Multicast-enabled
Network
Browser-based User
Control
VNS 104 Multi-Stream
Software Decoders
Running on Windows-based
Host PCs
Network
VNM Enterprise Controller
LAN -1
LAN -2
STATUS
Screen
1
Screen
Screen
2
4
VN-MATRIX 225 SERIES
RGB/DVI OVER IP
Screen
3
LAN-1
LAN-2
STATUS
VN-MATRIX 200 SERIES
RGB/DVI OVER IP
LAN-1
LAN-2
STATUS
VN-MATRIX 200 SERIES
RGB/DVI OVER IP
LAN-1
LAN-2
STATUS
VN-MATRIX 200 SERIES
RGB/DVI OVER IP
Multiple VNM Series Encoders
(or CODECs configured as encoders)
Figure 1. Application Diagram
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
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VN-Matrix Device Compatibility
The following table addresses the firmware versions running on compatible VN-Matrix
Series encoders. The VNS 104 is compatible with PURE3 streams that originate from
encoders running the specified firmware versions or newer.
Device Type
Minimum Firmware Version
VNM Enterprise Controller
VN-Matrix 200
VN-Matrix 225
VN-Matrix 300
VN Recorder
1.05.20
3.11
3.11
4.6.9
5.2.0
9.2.0
VNR 100
System Requirements
The recommended system requirements for a PC running the VNS 104 software are:
Hardware:
•
•
•
•
•
Intel® Core™ i5®, quad core processor
4 GB of RAM or greater
512 MB graphics memory, Intel HD chipset recommended
12 MB of hard disk space or greater
1 Gbps network interface card (NIC)
Operating System:
•
•
•
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3,
Windows 7 Pro (32- or 64-bit), or
Windows 8 Pro (32- or 64-bit).
NOTE: The network requires multicast support for “one-to-many” applications.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
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VNS 104 Software Installation
Before Installing the Software
Before starting the VNS 104 installation, the Enterprise Controller must be updated with
Once the controller has been updated, be certain you have the following items:
From the VNS 104 Software Case
• Device ID
From the Enterprise Controller (EC)
• EC IP address
• Device checksum
• EC port (default = 5432)
NOTE: The Enterprise Controller may need to be updated with compatible
firmware (see VN-Matrix device compatibility on page 3).
Installing the VNS 104 Software
1. Ensure that the PC running the VNS 104 software is connected to a network.
2. Insert the application disc into the disk drive of the PC.
3. Locate the VNS 104 installation file, VNS104SetupV1.0.0.15.exe, and double-click
on it.
4. The next screen is different depending on whether this is the first installation of the
VNS 104 software, an update, a repair attempt, or if you are removing the software.
•
If this is the first installation of the VNS 104 software, the following screen
appears (see figure 2).
Figure 2. VNS 104 Splash Screen
The splash screen remains for a few seconds, then the installion program begins
with step 7.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
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•
If a previous installation of the VNS 104 software is detected by the install
program, the following screen appears (see figure 3).
-Select Update to update Extron’s VN-Matrix Multi-stream Decoding Software, -Repair to fix or
reinstall, -Remove to delete all.
Update
Updates your currently installed version.
Repair
Reinstall all program features installed by the previous setup.
Remove
Remove all installed features.
<Back
Next>
Cancel
Figure 3. VNS 104 Splash Screen
From this screen there are three options:
•
Update – Select this option if you have a previous installation of the
VNS 104 on this computer. The previous installation is removed, then the
update begins.
•
•
Repair – Select when experiencing problems with the VNS 104 software.
This option reinstalls the current VNS 104 application on this computer.
Remove – Select this option to remove the VNS 104 application from this
computer.
Select the desired option and click Next.
5. On-screen instructions appear. The screen is slightly different depending on the
option selected in step 4.
Click Next.
Welcome to the Extron Electronics Installation
Program for Extron’s VN-Matrix Multi-stream
Decoding Software v1.0.0
The Extron Electronics Installation Program will install the
VN-Matrix Multi-stream Decoding Software onto your
computer. To continue, click Next
Figure 4. VNS 104 Installation Screen
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
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6. Read, then accept the terms of the license agreement by clicking on the selection
button. Click Next (see figure 5).
Figure 5. VNS 104 Software License Agreement Screen
7. On the Destination Folder dialog box (see figure 6):
•
•
accept the default destination folder (recommended), or
click Browseto select a different destination folder.
Click Nextwhen ready.
Figure 6. Destination Folder Dialog Box
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
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8. The VNS 104 software installation begins. A status screen indicates the progress of
the installation (see figure 7).
Figure 7. Installation Progress
9. When the installation is complete, select Check here...if you want to add a
shortcut to the program on your desktop, then click Finish (see figure 8).
Figure 8. Completed Installation
The software installation is complete.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Introduction and Installation
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VNS 104
Configuration
This section outlines the steps required to configure the VNS 104 software and connect
to the VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller. Topics that are covered include:
•
•
VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller Licensing
The VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller must be licensed to allow the VNS 104 to connect.
Ensure the controller has the appropriate license checksum and structure present. The
license sets the maximum number of simultaneous software decoders that may run on a
VN-Matrix system. The system controller limits the number of software decoders to the
maximum set by the license.
See the VN‑Matrix Enterprise Controller User Guide, at www.extron.com for information
about adding and managing the controller license.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Configuration
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VNS 104 Configuration
On the first launch of the VNS 104 application, the licensing and setup dialog box opens
automatically (see figure 9).
Figure 9. VNS 104 Configuration Dialog Box
NOTE: When the VNS 104 application is launched the first time in Windows 7
or Windows 8, the application must be run in Administrator mode. To run the
application in Administrator mode:
1. Locate, then right-click on the VNS 104 desktop shortcut.
2. Select Run as Administrator.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Configuration
9
Device ID and Device Checksum
Configuration requires several inputs. Be certain that you have the following items:
From the VNS 104 Software Case
From the Enterprise Controller (EC)
• EC IP address
• Device ID
• Device checksum
• EC port (default: 5432)
Enter the Device ID and Device checksum from the software case into the appropriate
boxes in the VNS 104 Configuration dialog box (see figure 10).
NOTE: If either the Device ID or Device Checksum entry is incorrect, a red “X” is
shown after the Device Checksum box (see figure 10). When both are correct,
a green checkmark is shown (see figure 11).
Figure 10. Device ID or Device Checksum Incorrect
10808902
0J3V0-YC30D-V51Z6-KP1E3-3C4FF
Figure 11. Device ID and Device Checksum Correct
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Configuration
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Network Configuration
The VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller IP address and port number are entered in the first
two fields (see figure 12).
Figure 12. Controller IP Address and Port, Local IP Address and Port
Controller IP Address: The Controller IP Address is the IP address of the VN-Matrix
Enterprise Controller that the VNS 104 connects to.
Controller Port: The Controller Port number shown in figure 12 (5432) is used by all
VN-Matrix devices to communicate with the Enterprise controller. The value is only
changed if the Enterprise Controller is configured to accept communications on a
different port number. Under normal circumstances the setting should remain at the
default setting (5432).
Local IP Address: The IP Address of the PC the VNS 104 is installed on. If the PC
has more than one network interface (NIC), select the required IP address from the
drop-down box.
Local Port: The Local Port is a read only value set by the VNS 104 application during
installation.
Defaults: The Defaultsbutton restores the Controller Port and Local Port values to
their defaults (shown in figure 12 above).
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Configuration
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Application Configuration
To start the VNS 104 decoder each time someone logs on to the host computer, select
the Auto Start Applicationbox (see figure 13).
Figure 13. Application Configuration
If you want a customized splash screen as the software background and the background
presented in a viewing window when no streaming media is assigned or available, a
bitmap (*.bmp) image of any size may be used.
Click the User Defined Splashbox. The Splash Image File:field activates. Browse
to locate and select the custom picture file. The image is resized by the program. The
next time the program is started, the new splash image is used.
Once these final options are selected, click OK. The VNS 104 software is ready to use.
Reconfiguring the VNS 104 Software
If the VNS 104 configuration needs to be changed, select the Configuremenu from the
toolbar (see figure 14).
Figure 14. Toolbar - Configure
Selecting Configureaccesses the same configuration dialog box as the initial installation
as required.
When the configuration is complete, the VNS 104 software is ready to use.
NOTE: If network configuration or device configuration values are changed, the
VNS 104 must be restarted for those changes to take effect.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Configuration
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VNS 104 Operation
This section describes the process for decoding content using the VNS 104
Multi-Stream Decoder. Topics that are covered include:
•
•
•
•
VNS 104 Multi-Stream Software Decoder
The VNS 104 Software Decoder provides viewing of up to four live PURE3 streams from
VN-Matrix Series encoders that are on the same network. You can also view up to four
PURE3 recorded streams that are in active playback on the same network. Before you
can view content from the encoders, you need to configure the software and connect to
the VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller that is controlling the other devices on the network
If the VNS 104 is correctly configured during installation, it automatically connects to the
Enterprise controller. The Enterprise controller configures the VNS 104 software to run in
the same mode as it was in when last used.
Figure 15. VNS 104 Connected to Enterprise Controller (Splash Screens Only)
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Operation 13
If the VNS 104 was not configured during installation, or changes to the controller,
the PC, or the network have occured and the VNS 104 is unable to contact the
controller, the controller is not properly licensed, or the VNS 104 shares the same ID or
checksum with an existing VNS 104, then the application displays “Unable to contact
controller” on the splash screen (see figure 16, below).
•
Check the Enterprise controller IP address and port number settings in the network
•
If the values are correct, ensure that the controller is powered and connected to the
same network as the VNS 104.
Connecting to a VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller
NOTE: Ensure that the computer using the application, the controller, and all
VN-Matrix sources are connected to the same network.
To connect to a controller and access the content of the available sources, open the
VNS 104 application. Either:
EXTRON
•
Double-click the icon on your desktop.
- or -
VS4
•
From the desktop, click Start>All Programs>Extron Electronics>VN Matrix>
Multi‑Stream Decoding Software>VNS 104.
The main screen of the application opens (see figure 16).
NOTE: The VNS 104 opens in the same screen mode (full screen or reduced)
as it was when previously closed. If the application starts in full screen mode,
double-click in the screen area, or use the <Esc> key to switch to the reduced
screen mode.
Figure 16. VNS 104 Main Screen
The four screens populate with the splash screen. When the Enterprise Controller
recognizes the VNS 104, a preset video stream is selected for each window.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Operation
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Full Screen and Reduced Screen Modes
The VNS 104 has two screen modes: full and reduced. When decoding and viewing
PURE3 streams, you can switch between the two.
Figure 17. Select Full Screen
To switch from the reduced screen to full screen, select Fullscreenfrom the toolbar or
double-click anywhere on the screen.
To return to the reduced screen size, press <Esc> on the keyboard or double-click
anywhere on the screen.
When the VNS 104 is in reduced screen mode, the toolbar and window borders are
visible. In full screen mode, only the decoded streams are displayed.
For both reduced screen mode and full screen mode, the size of the available viewing
area determines the scaling of the decoded stream.
VNS 104 Display Format and Scaling Modes
The VNS 104 has no capability to modify or change the streams, stream format, screen
layout, stream content, or window selection. All stream formatting and window layout
selection is done from the VN-Matrix Enterprise Controller. Individual stream selection
and configuration is also set by the controller. The VNS 104 can be configured by the
controller to run in either quad (4) or single (1) stream display layout.
When a stream is assigned by the Enterprise Controller, the decoded image is displayed
in the decoder window in the format assigned by the controller. When a stream is
assigned but not available, a black screen is displayed. If a splash screen is enabled, it is
displayed instead.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Operation
15
Decoder Window Quad Stream Display Format
The display area of the VNS 104 main display window is divided into four smaller
decoder windows (see figure 18) that result in four quadrants of equal resolution
positioned around the display window center.
Display
Window
Center
Figure 18. VNS 104 Main Window Display, Quad-split Layout
The Enterprise Controller assigns a stream to each window as required. The decoded
image is displayed centered in the chosen quadrant. Quadrants with no stream assigned
display the splash screen.
Decoder Window Single Stream Display Format
The Enterprise Controller can assign a single stream to be displayed in a full screen
window (see figure 19). The single stream is assigned to a full screen decode window,
displayed around the center of the display window, with all scaling modes supported.
Display
Window
Center
Figure 19. VNS 104 Main Window Display, Full Screen Layout
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Operation
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VNS 104 Scaling Modes
Each window can be set to one of three scalings: unity, follow, or fill (see figure 20,
below).
•
•
•
Follow: The aspect ratio of the source image is maintained: the entire source video
is displayed in the available screen or window size.
Fill: The entire source image is scaled to fit the available window or display size.
Aspect ratio is not maintained.
Unity: The source will be displayed at its native resolution, positioned at the center
of the decoded window as follows:
•
Display viewing area resolution is less than the source resolution:
A reduced size view of the image is displayed, anchored at the center of the
image. No scroll bars are shown at the edges and panning of the image is not
possible.
•
•
Display viewing area resolution is equal to the source resolution: The
entire image is displayed at its native resolution.
Display viewing area resolution is greater than the source resolution:
The complete image is displayed at the center of the display viewing area with a
black border at the video edges as necessary.
Follow 16:9
Follow 16:9
Follow 4:3
Follow 4:3
Follow 4:3
Follow 4:3
Follow 16:9
Follow 16:9
a
b
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (others)
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (others)
Fill 4:3
Fill (all others)
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (all others)
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (others)
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (others)
Follow 4:3
Follow 4:3
c
d
Follow 16:9
Follow 5:4
Follow 16:9
Follow 4:3
Follow 5:4
Follow 4:3
Fill/Follow 16:9
Fill (others)
Fill/Follow 4:3
Fill 16:9, 5:4
e
f
Figure 20. Screen Formats as Displayed in the Decoder Window
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Operation
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Decoded Window Splash Screen
Each decoded window may display a splash screen generated by the program. The
splash screen is enabled by default and displayed when a source stream is either not
assigned or not available. The splash screen option may be disabled from the Enterprise
Controller.
NOTES:
• A custom splash screen may be added and used in place of the supplied
• Only one splash screen can be used at a time. The same splash screen is
applied to all decode windows.
Decoded Window Status Messaging
Status text may be overlaid at one of 9 positions on each decoded window. The
messaging provides information on the status of the stream connection.
Status text is authored and enabled by the Enterprise Controller. The size and
positioning of the text, and the foreground and background color are configurable from
the Enterprise Controller.
The status messaging appears as follows:
Status
On-screen Message
[encoder name]
Stream assigned and available
Stream assigned but not available
No stream assigned (Stream = none)
No source data stream
No stream selected
VNS 104 Audio
Whether a single stream is displayed in full screen layout, or multiple streams are
displayed, audio from one of the assigned sources is selected by the controller.
Audio controls include signal level and mute, selected by the Enterprise Controller.
VNS 104 Device Name
The VNS 104 Decoder can be given a user-defined name to help identification in a large
system. The device name is visible in the device list of the Enterprise Controller and is
displayed as part of the status overlay text when it is enabled.
The default name is the same as the device ID entered during the installation of the
VNS 104 software. This value can be changed from the Enterprise Controller.
Multiple Controller Domains
The VNS 104 is able to decode streams that originate from different VNM Enterprise
Controller domains.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Operation
18
VNS 104
Performance
The performance of the VNS 104 depends on the bit rate of the PURE3 streams and the
capability of the PC hardware it resides on.
If hardware limitations are encountered, the image may update more slowly. The
VNS 104 monitors its performance and makes adjustments in real time to ensure the
highest quality video. Decoding a source stream can be suspended when resource limits
mean decoding is no longer possible.
Image Quality and Motion
When the hardware hosting the VNS 104 is unable to sustain performance at the bit rate
of the connected stream, image quality is maintained at the expense of motion. Where a
tradeoff must occur, the application throttles back to support a maximum 30 Hz refresh
rate, independent of the encoded stream.
Host PC Resource Monitoring
The VNS 104 monitors the host PC resources at all times. It can suspend decoding
of a single stream or all streams when resource limits in the host PC prevent normal
decoding.
The application monitors resources and protects against problems that may cause the
VNS 104 application or the operating system to fail.
NOTE: Resource limitations can occur if the bit rate of the streams is such that the
packet density causes UDP frames to be dropped in the network (switch) or in the
PC network card. Resource problems can also occur on a PC platform that does
not meet the minimum requirements.
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Performance
19
Single stream limit
When PC resources are insufficient to support decoding and display of all streams,
the connection for a single stream is temporarily suspended giving the resources time
to recover. A splash screen is displayed in the window of the affected stream (see
figure 21).
Exit Fullscreen Configure
Help
Quad_Split.decoder0
Stream suspended... Please wait...
Figure 21. Decoder Window, Single Stream Limit
Each decoded window can have its stream suspended independently of the other
decoded windows. The administrator is advised to reduce the bit rate of the affected
stream or streams.
Quad stream limit
When PC resources are insufficient to support decoding and display of any incoming
streams, all existing connections are suspended for 65 seconds allowing the PC to
recover. The splash screen is displayed in all decoded windows (see figure 22).
Exit Fullscreen Configure
Help
Quad_Split.decoder0
Quad_Split.decoder1
Stream suspended... Please wait...
Stream suspended... Please wait...
Quad_Split.decoder2
Quad_Split.decoder3
Stream suspended... Please wait...
Stream suspended... Please wait...
Figure 22. Decoder Window, All Stream Limits
Under these circumstances, the administrator is advised to reduce the bit rate of one or
more of the streams.
20
VNS 104 Multi‑Stream Decoder • Performance
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