KanREN Streaming Server

Who can use it?

The KanREN streaming server is available for use by all KanREN sites.

Obtaining Access:

Contact the KanREN NOC or one of the systems staff to receive a login. Contact information is listed on the Support Page.

Requirements:

KanREN provides the streaming server and may provide the encoding software, depending on each site's needs.

The site will need to provide:

• Workstation: A powerful workstation is required to do the encoding and push the stream to the server.
  [ Recommended: 1GHz+ 512RAM+ ]
• Video Input Devices: This is usually a video camera and video capture card or a digital camera that can directly feed video to the workstation.
• Audio Input Devices: Normally this is a microphone and a sound card.
• Encoding Software: This can be RealNetworks Helix Producer, Apple QuickTime Encoder, or the Microsoft Windows Media encoder. The choice of encoding software limits which types of players users will be able to use to play the stream.
  [ Note: Only the Helix Producer encoder is capable of being automatically archived for later viewing. ]

Viewing the Stream

You will be able to link to the stream using the following format:

• Live Stream: http://helix.kanren.net/ramgen/broadcast/<streamname>
• Archived Stream: http://helix.kanren.net/ramgen/Archive/<streamname>

Configuring the Helix Producer Plus encoder:

Adding the KanREN Streaming Server:

To configure the Helix Producer software to stream to the KanREN streaming server, choose File/Add Server Destination from the menu bar.

The following screen should appear. Fill out the form substituting appropriate values for SITENAME and STREAMNAME.

Verifying IP Address:

The first time you use Producer with a new IP address, you will need to verify the address via the Advanced Options button. Verify that the Listen Address box contains the current IP address for the system. Click OK to continue.

Selecting Stream Quality:

To change the stream quality, select the Audiences button and enter the appropriate information for that stream.

To conserve bandwith, select the lowest quality stream that provides acceptable video to your users. This is something that should be explored and tested before the day of the event.

Define Clip Information

Information about the site encoding the stream can be defined. Select the Clip Information button and complete the form with the information for the encoding site.

This is not required, but it is highly recommended that some information is provided about the site or organization providing the stream.

Select Input Devices:

On the main screen, provide information about which input devices should be used for audio and video.

Select the appropriate devices for your system. If no devices are listed, Helix Producer is not recognizing any input devices and they may need to be reconfigured.

Encoding the Stream:

Once all other setup is completed, the stream is ready to be sent to the server. To do this, click the Encode button near the bottom of the main screen.

Something like the following screen should display. It is normal for there to be some delay between the two images. The image on the left is the local image retrieved from the video input device. The image on the right is the streamed image retrieved from the server.