VBrick 9000 Series, Getting Started Manual, Page: 21 / 80

Appliance Setup
H.264 Encoding/Decoding Appliance Getting Started Guide 11
Environmental Considerations
Airflow and ventilation are primary concerns when installing VBrick appliances. Each
appliance has slots and openings to guard against overheating and guarantee reliable
performance. Never block these openings or cover them when placing equipment in a
cabinet, rack, or shelf. Never place an appliance inside a built-in enclosure such as a bookcase
unless proper ventilation and airflow is available. In all cases, the equipment must be
separated from other products by at least two inches on each side and at least four inches
above and below in order to provide maximum airflow and circulation.
The equipment should never be placed on top or near any heat-radiating product or
equipment. The equipment should not be used near water sources or high-humidity areas.
Side ventilation provides the best air circulation. There are vents on each side of the
appliance and a fan that provides circulation. If appliances are rack-mounted in a cabinet and
air flow is blocked, you may need to provide a vent hole or a notch on the side of the rack
that is roughly equal in size to the vents on the appliance. You need to make sure there is at
least two inches of space between the appliance and the edge of the rack.
Best Practices
In general, VBrick appliances are designed for rooms that are comfortable for humans
(approx. 70
°
F or 21
°
C) with adequate airflow and ventilation. Wall mounting will typically
block the side vents and is not recommended. Mounting appliances above a drop ceiling is
also discouraged. Ceiling spaces have little protection against heat, cold, dust, etc. Some
common practices to avoid include:
• Attempts to "hide" appliances in enclosed areas.
• Closed cabinets with poor air circulation or no air circulation.
• Appliances mounted too close to other heat sources or other electrical devices.
Appliance Setup
Use the steps listed below, in the order shown, to setup your appliance.
1. Connect Encoder Audio and Video
The audio and video connectors allow the H.264 video appliance to receive audio and/or
video from your input source, for example a video camera or a DVD player. (If you have a
rack mount shelf, be sure to install any encoder blades before performing this step. See
6. Installing Blade Encoders)
1. Connect the video. On the back panel, connect one end of the VBrick-provided
"breakout" cable to the Micro-D15
A/V
connector in Slot 1.
Note If you are mounting the device on a wall or ceiling, the best option is an open shelf or
an open mount. Poor ventilation can affect performance and may cause the appliance
to fail prematurely.