Contemporary Research
11
QIP IPTV Encoders
Using VLC Media Player to Test Streaming
The simplest way to test IPTV operation is to use a PC with VLC Media Player onboard. For a streaming test, use your PC
and QIP off-line from a network. Use an IP cable between the PC and QIP (it will auto-sense and make it a crossover
cable). Set the QIP’
s quad address to the same as your PC (usually 192.168.0.xxx or 192.168.1.xxx), set the last number on
the QIP to be different than your laptop. With this setup, you can test Unicast and Multicast streaming. If you stream over
your network, Unicast usually
works, but you’ll shut down the network if it’s not set up for Multicast and IGMP. Get
approval from your IT staff before doing a streaming test on an Ethernet network.
QIP Setup
Using the onboard Web Common page or front panel menus:
•
Select the
UDP Mode
to Unicast
•
Enter the IP Quad address of your PC for the
Unicast Address
•
For
Multicast,
use the default multicast address
•
The default
Destination IP Port
is
1234
, you can change if needed
•
Click
Make Changes
If your PC and the QIP are on the same network,
the video is now streaming to your PC. I’m using Unicast as most
networks aren’t set up for Multicast as yet. Unicast will easily work in your home or integrator shop. If you’re at a
customer’s site, you’ll want to get approval by the IT department before
streaming any content.
VLC Setup
Launch VLC on your PC. If you need to download the software,
make sure that your download the app from VideoLAN only
–
there are many phishing sites that include malware with the
VLC download.
•
Click the Media menu and select the
Open Network
Stream
option
•
Enter
udp://@:1234
or the port you defined above
•
Click Play to watch the video
•
For multicast, include multicast group address as well, such
as
udp://@239.0.27.34:1234
Unicast
This form of Video over Ethernet creates a link from the QIP to a specific IP receiver. The pros are that this stream will
operate over most current networks and routers. The takeback is that you can only stream to one receiver at a time, and
you need to set up the link within the QIP.
Multicast
Multicasting is a more intelligent solution, as you can broadcast the stream with a multicast address, and the routers and
switches do the work of sending and copying the stream to receivers that request it.
The usual catch for integration is that not all routers can handle multicasting. All of the site's routers and switches must
have multicasting and IGMP enabled, which may require either software updates or new equipment. IGMP protocol
restricts the routing of streams to only the receivers that request the media.
Multicast IP addresses range from 224.0.0.1 through 239.255.255.255, which are set aside for multicast streams.
However, there are "reserved" combinations in that range that won't work efficiently, so you'll want to use addresses
assigned by the IT department. Typical "non-reserved" addresses include:
239.0.0.5
239.0.100.99
239.3.0.1
