Niagara 9100 Series User Guide
ViewCast 149
Output tab
Microsoft® 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, the two methods are pull and push.
Pull method
In the pull method, the system begins to generate broadcast packets as soon as you start 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.
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. You can use mms or http scheme with either the IP address of DNS host name. For example:
http://encoding_computer_name:port
Push method
With the push method, the system maintains a secure connection to Windows Media Server. This
connection allows it to pass a user name and password to authenticate access to the server.
http://IP_address:port/publishing point
By default, the system supports up to 50 direct connections during a broadcast, but if you’re sending to
a lot of clients push to Windows Media Server. Use the pull method for testing. Use the push method for
a wide distribution.
Note: The more direct connections to the system, the more system resources are required. ViewCast
does not recommend directly connecting players to the 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 digital input settings for a Windows Media encoder.
Note: The choices in the drop-down list may vary.
