ZowieTek 4K NDI Video Streaming Encoder/Decoder

1. Packing List

2. Device Interface Description

The ZowieBox features a variety of ports for connectivity:

Note: It is forbidden to use the DC Out interface to supply power to the ZowieBox. This may damage the device. Do not remove the DC Out Cap before reading the full instruction manual.

3. LCD Screen Information

The ZowieBox LCD screen alternately displays system status and information across two screens.

The First Screen

Displays current encoding/decoding status:

• Encoder NDI HX2
• VI: 1080p60 0kbps
• NDI: ZowieBox-12126
• IP: 192.168.1.126 DHCP

The Second Screen

Displays detailed system parameters:

4. Device Installation and Connection

4.1 Device Installation

Ensure your phone, PC, or iPad is on the same LAN or Wi-Fi as the ZowieBox.

1. Connect Video Signal: Connect an HDMI cable from your video source (e.g., camera) to the ZowieBox's HDMI In port. The ZowieBox automatically detects video formats and resolutions.
   Diagram shows an HDMI cable connecting a video source to the HDMI In port of the ZowieBox.
2. Connect Network: Use a LAN cable to connect the ZowieBox to a network port on a network switch or router that has DHCP enabled.
   Diagram shows a LAN cable connecting the ZowieBox to a network switch or router.
3. Connect Power Supply:
   • USB-C: Use the provided USB-C cable and power adapter to connect to the USB TYPE C, Power Input Only port.
   • PoE: The ZowieBox can also be powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+). Connect the LAN cable (at least CAT5e) to a PoE-enabled network switch. This eliminates the need for a separate power adapter.
   Diagram shows a USB-C cable connecting to a power adapter and the ZowieBox, and another diagram showing a LAN cable connecting to a PoE-enabled network switch and the ZowieBox.

4.2 Device Management

ZowieBox provides multiple ways to log into its Web console.

1. Login the Web Console: ZowieBox offers five easy ways to access the Web console.
2. Login via IP Address: The ZowieBox uses DHCP by default. Find the IP address displayed on the ZowieBox's LCD screen and enter it into your web browser.
   Screenshot shows a web browser with the IP address 192.168.1.126 entered in the address bar.
3. Login via mDNS: Enter http://ZowieBox-xxxxx.local in your browser (where 'xxxxx' is the device's unique identifier, found on the bottom of the ZowieBox).
   Screenshot shows the ZowieBox label with model, serial number, hotspot details, and login URLs including http://ZowieBox-12057.local.
4. Login via Hotspot: Connect your mobile device directly to the ZowieBox's Wi-Fi hotspot (SSID and password are on the device label). Then, enter http://170.128.88.1 in your browser. A prompt indicating no internet is normal.
   Screenshot shows a mobile device connected to the 'ZowieBox-12057' hotspot, with a browser displaying http://170.128.88.1.
5. Login by Device Discover: If you have other ZowieBox or ZowiePTZ products, use the "Device Discover" function in the Web console (Settings > Dashboard) to scan and connect to new devices.
   Screenshot shows the ZowieTek Web console with the "Discover" button and a list of discovered devices, including "New ZowieBox 192.168.1.47".
6. Failsafe IP: If DHCP fails or direct connection to a PC occurs, the ZowieBox defaults to a failsafe IP address (192.168.5.168). Configure your PC with a 192.168.5.x address to access it. Refer to the user manual for detailed PC settings.

Notes: Admin Login Username: admin; Password: admin

5. Device Operation

5.1 Tally Indicator

The Tally indicator on the ZowieBox shows its working status in automatic mode.

Note: When in NDI encoding mode, the ZowieBox's tally light color changes based on whether the NDI receiver is set to Program (PGM) or Preview (PVW).

5.2 Working Mode

ZowieBox supports two primary working modes: Encoder and Decoder. It handles resolutions up to 4K30 and supports RTSP, RTMP, SRT, and NDI streams.

To switch modes, log into the Web console and navigate to Setting > System > Mode.

General Encoder Mode

When NDI is not enabled, supports 4K30 input/output up to 50Mbps. Supports RTMP, RTSP, and SRT internet streaming. Users can adjust encoding resolution and bitrate.

NDI Encoder Mode

With NDI enabled, supports 4K30 input/output with quality up to HX3. Internet streaming is not supported. Users can adjust encoding resolution, bitrate, NDI quality (HX/HX2/HX3), and NDI Device Name.

3. Decoder

In decoder mode, the ZowieBox can decode RTSP, RTMP, NDI, and SRT streams for output.

5.3 NDI Connection

ZowieBox is compatible with other NewTek NDI-enabled software. Once in NDI encoding mode, NDI-supporting software on the same LAN will automatically discover the ZowieBox. Select it directly within the NDI tools.

Compatible Software:

• NewTek NDI
• vMix
• XSplit
• OBS Studio
• Wirecast

How to Play the Stream in VLC

1. Click Media > Open Network Stream in VLC.
2. Copy the stream URL into the text box and click Play.

The playback resolution, bitrate, and frame rate will match the encoder settings.

6. Local Stream

Users can view the real-time effect of encoder settings on the same LAN.

1. On the Web console, navigate to Streaming > Local.
2. Click the copy icon next to the desired stream URL (main or sub) to get the stream address.

Example URLs:

• Main Stream: rtsp://192.168.1.47:8554/main/av
• Sub Stream: rtsp://192.168.1.47:8554/sub/av

7. Internet Stream

1. On the Web console, click Streaming > Live.
2. Click + Add to create a new stream task.
3. Select the protocol (e.g., RTMP) and enter the Stream URL and Stream Key. Skip Stream Key if not applicable.
4. Enter an alias name for the stream.
5. Click Save, then turn on the Stream button to start.

2. Control Device Switching

Two methods are available for mobile login to the Web console:

1. Ensure your phone is on the same LAN as the ZowieBox. Scan the first QR code to access the mobile Web console.
2. Alternatively, click the hotspot icon, connect your phone to the ZowieBox's hotspot, and then scan the QR code to log in.

8. Restore Factory Setting and Reboot

• Reboot ZowieBox: Navigate to System > Default > Reboot in the Web console.
• Restore Factory Setting: Navigate to System > Default > Restore factory default settings.

Notes: Restoring factory settings resets most information except recorded files. The default username and password will be restored to admin.

9. Restore Initial Password

After five incorrect password attempts, a reset page will appear. Enter the dynamic verification code shown on the ZowieBox's LCD screen to restore factory settings and reset the password to admin.

10. Firmware Upgrading

1. On the Web console, navigate to System > Update.
2. Click Choose file and upload the correct firmware file.
3. Click Upgrade to begin the process.

Note: The ZowieBox will automatically upgrade the firmware and restart. Do not disconnect power during the upgrade. This may take several minutes.

11. Warranty

Zowietek Electronics, Ltd. offers the following warranty for the 4K NDI Video Streaming Encoder/Decoder:

• Hardware warranty: One year
• Software warranty: Lifetime

For FAQs and more information, please visit:

• https://www.zowietek.com/knowledge-base/
• https://www.zowietek.com/

You can contact Zowietek Electronics, Ltd. at:

• Email: support@zowietek.com

Zowietek Electronics, Ltd.
2218 Hunan Road, West Wing 1701
Pudong, Shanghai, China
PN: 30621-10X

ZowieTek is a registered trademark of Zowietek Electronics, Ltd.