NCast Presentation Recorder Reference Manual
4. The Channel Table
4.1. C
HANNEL
S
ETTINGS
A “Channel” is a preset or template, a collection of parameter settings that defines the operating
characteristics for a streaming webcast or a recording session. Just as Channel 2 on your TV defines the
video carrier to be “55.25 MHz.”, Channel 2 on a Presentation Recorder might define the graphics
multicast address to be “239.192.0.1”. There are many parameters associated with a Channel, items like
the video and audio multicast or unicast addresses, port numbers, MTU’s, codecs, bit rates, layouts,
overlays and modes of operation. Think of a Channel as a type of “preset” for all of those parameters.
There are 25 Channels allowed, so 25 different presets are available for definition.
By default, the encoder comes with 25 factory-defined Channel layouts for the most commonly used
inputs and compositions. These layouts are not “fixed” permanently, but simply examples of commonly
used arrangements. Any Channel may be completely customized by the customer simply by overriding
the factory default settings.
Once the Channel settings have been established, typically by the administrator of the Presentation
Recorder, or maybe the IT or Network department within an organization, they will not be changed by
ordinary users of the Presentation Recorder. The user is instructed to “Use Channel 2” and no further
detailed instructions are required.
When a Channel is started the Presentation Recorder begins its broadcast or recording Session. All of
the many Channel parameters are transferred to the working Session parameters and the encoding and
layout parameters defined by the Channel become the current encoding mode and layout of the
Presentation Recorder. Any changes or updates to the Channel Table have no effect on the Session until
the next Session start.
Session parameters which may be changed or updated appear on the Quick Start page and on the
Custom page. Windows and Overlays may be altered during a Session, but the initial Frame size and
aspect ratio may not change. The Frame size MUST remain fixed during a Session.
NCast Corporation
Revision 1.0
Page 22
