ZyCast ZPro-C1/ZPro-C2 User Guide and Installation Manual
Introduction
The ZyCast ZPro-C Series is a single or dual version, engineered to meet the high demands of commercial, hospitality, higher education, and advanced video systems. This encoder-modulator series delivers broadcast-quality video all within a sleek and compact 1RU design. Equipped with a robust set of features, the ZPro Series offers performance and flexibility. Key functionalities include IP streaming capabilities, GOP control (factory set), and separate RJ-45 ports for IP streaming and remote setup. Users can also choose between MPEG-2 and H.264 outputs, ensuring compatibility with diverse video systems and requirements.
- QAM 64 / QAM 256 output
- High Resolution up to 1080i/1080p
- 3 VCN Modes
- GUI for easy setup and control
- HDMI, Component / Composite via DIN cables
- MPEG2 or H.264 (AVC) Video (Selectable) Output
- +43dB MER
- Closed Captioning Support
- 25 dBmV Output
- Rack mountable (with provided rack mount ears)
The ZyCast ZPro Series of Encoders (ZPro-C1/ZPro-C2) are compact encoder-modulators offering MPEG-2/H.264 Video Encoding with QAM and IP out.
Front Panel Overview:
The front panel features a Scrolling LCD Status Screen and LCD Front Panel Controls. The rear panel includes DIN input(s), AV, HDMI, IP OUT (UDP/RTP Multicast/Unicast), RF OUTPUT, USB, REMOTE SETUP/Web GUI, and Power Input (DC/12V).
Key Features:
- Available in Single or Dual Inputs (ZPro-C1 / ZPro-C2)
- Simultaneous QAM / IP Out
- HD/SD Video Bitrate Control
- H.264 or MPEG-2 Video Encoding (Selectable)
- HDMI in / DIN input (Component / Composite) inputs
- Rack Mountable (with rack mount kit)
- MPEG-1 Layer II / MPEG-2 AAC / MPEG-4 AAC / AC-3 Pass Through
Specifications
Inputs:
- HDMI 1.4 Single / Dual Connector
- Component / Composite Single / Dual-Input Mini DIN to 6x RCA (Y, Pb, Pr) or (Video, Audio L & R)
- Audio: HDMI: Embedded PCM; Component / Composite: Analog
Encoding Profile:
- Resolution: 1080p (H.264 Only) / 1080i / 720p / 480p / 576i / 480i
- Video Codecs MPEG-2 MP@HL: 1920 x 1080p60 High Profile @Level 4.2, 1920 x 1080p30 High Profile @Level 4, 1280 x 720p60 Main Profile @Level 3.2, 1280 x 720p30 Main Profile @Level 3.1
- Video Codecs H.264 (HD): 720 x 480p60 Base Profile @Level 3, 720 x 480p30 Base Profile @Level 3
- Video Codecs H.264 (SD): 720 x 576p50 Base Profile @Level 3, 720 x 576p25 Base Profile @Level 3
- Video Bitrate (per video): MPEG-2: 10.0-15.7 Mbps (HD)/ 2.0-8.0 Mbps (SD); H.264: 2.0-10.0Mbps (HD) / 1.0-4.0 Mbps (SD)
- Audio Codecs: MPEG-1 Layer II / MPEG-4 AAC / AC-3 Pass Through
- Closed Captioning: Composite / EIA-608
- GOP: Open / Closed (Options Available while Ordering, Factory Setting not User Adjustable)
RF Output:
- RF Connector: 1 x "F" Female
- Modulation: 64-QAM / 256-QAM
- Standard: J.83 Annex B
- Frequency Range: 57 to 861 MHz (Under STD Mode)
- Channels' Bandwidth: 6 MHz
- Output Level: 98 dBμV Typical
- Level Adjustment: 0 to 20dB
- Carrier Suppression: 55 dB
- VCN: Auto (Major & Minor) / Manual (Major & Minor) / Manual (One Part)
- Output Return Loss: 10 dB Typical
- MER: 41 dB Typical
IP Output:
- Connector: Single RJ45
- Standard: Web Management: 100Base-T Ethernet, Full Duplex; IP Streaming Output: 1000Base-T Ethernet, Full Duplex
- Protocol: UDP / RTP Unicast / Multicast Supported
General:
- Power Supply: 12VDC 3A
- Consumption: 13W Typical for Single-Input Model; 18W Typical for Dual-Input Model
- Fan Cooled: Internal
- Weight: ZPro-C1 approx. 4.58 lb / ZPro-C2 approx. 4.63 lb
* Specifications subject to change without notification
Installation
System Installer must adhere to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper grounding and specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as possible.
Unpacking and Inspection
Each unit is shipped factory tested. Ensure all items are removed from the container prior to discarding any packing material. Thoroughly inspect the unit for shipping damage with particular attention to connectors and controls. If there is any sign of damage to the unit or damaged or loose connectors contact your distributor immediately. Do not put the equipment into service if there is any indication of defect or damage.
Hardware Installations and Connections
It is highly recommended that quality cables and connectors be used for all video and audio source connections.
- The unit can be rack mounted in a standard EIA19” rack using the provided rack ears kit. Connect the right and left rack mount ears (if rack-mounting).
- The unit comes with HDMI and Component/Composite (via DIN) inputs. Connect the required cables to the back of the unit using a HDMI or DIN cables. Repeat this step for each video source connection. Be sure the connections for each source are consistent with the unit's inputs (IN1...IN2).
- Use a quality 75Ω coaxial cable with “F” connectors from the unit's RF Output.
- Connect the included power cord to the unit's POWER plug.
- Connect the power cord to an appropriately rated AC power outlet.
DEVICE PROGRAMMING AND SETUP:
Connecting to the GUI Interface:
Factory Default IP: 192.168.1.9
- Connect an Ethernet cable to the Remote Setup Port of the ZPro-C2 and to your PC/Laptop.
- Modify your PC/Laptop's IP address to 192.168.1.50.
- Enter '192.168.1.9' into your web browser.
- Make all required parameter changes.
- Save all changes.
Encoder Programming and Setup via GUI Interface:
After connecting the device to the Remote Setup port located on the rear of the device and connecting to a PC / Laptop.
Overview
Step 1: Enter Device's IP address in web browser.
The web interface provides access to device settings. The Overview page displays device information, RF status, and stream details.
GUI Login Password:
- Default User Name: admin
- Default Password: Admin123
Note: To change the Password for the GUI go to the Administration Tab.
Step 2: Enter User Name/Password
Select the Encoder Setup Tab. The user will be prompted to enter the user name and password for the device.
Encoder Setup
Step 3: Encoder Setup
This page allows the user to configure the parameters of each encoder. After changes are made, use the 'Save and Confirm' button. The demodulators will apply the new settings.
Encoder 1 & Encoder 2 Configuration:
Parameter | Encoder 1 | Encoder 2 |
---|---|---|
RF # | 1 | 1 |
Short Name | DTV-101 | DTV-102 |
Long Name | ATSC-digi-TV-101 | ATSC-digi-TV-102 |
VCN | 101.1 | 102.1 |
VCN Mode | Manual(two-part) | Manual(two-part) |
Source ID | 101 | 102 |
Video Input | Auto Detect | Auto Detect |
Video Output | MPEG2 CBR | MPEG2 CBR |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
HD Bitrate | 14.8 | 14.8 |
SD Bitrate | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Audio Input | Auto Detect | Auto Detect |
Audio Output | MPEG1 Layer2 (MP2) | MPEG1 Layer2 (MP2) |
Brightness | 128 | 128 |
Contrast | 128 | 128 |
Saturation | 128 | 128 |
Hue | 128 | 128 |
TS ID (IP only) | 1000 | 1001 |
Program Number | 1 | 2 |
HDCP (test mode) | Active | Active |
Closed Caption | Active | Active |
Encoder Setup page allows the integrator to select and set the parameters needed for each stream.
1. Select the "Edit" Icons for the Encoders. (Both Encoders can be managed at the same time)
2. Select and set the specific parameters settings as required.
3. After setting all the required parameters, Select the edit icon again. Note: All changed parameters will be shown in red.
4. Select "Active/Inactive" to activate for remaining parameter(s) as required.
5. Select "Save and Confirm" to save all changed parameters.
6. Select "Apply" in the pop-up window.
7. Repeat process for each encoder or if additional changes are required.
VCN Modes
The ZPro-C Series offers 3 VCN (Virtual Channel Number) Modes:
- VCN (Auto two-part): VCN Auto 2-part will force the VCN channels to be based on the CH/freq. selected on the Output Setup page of the device.
Examples:
CH | VCN Channel
57 | 57.1, 58.1
101 | 101.1,102.1
134 | 134.1, 135.1 - VCN (Manual two-part): VCN Manual 2-part will allow the installer to control VCN channels regardless of the CH/freq. selected on the Output Setup page of the device.
Examples:
CH | VCN Channel
57 | 55.1, 57.2
101 | 101.1,107.1
134 | 134.2, 135.2 - VCN (Manual one-part): VCN Manual 1-part will allow the installer to control VCN channels regardless of the CH/freq. selected on the Output Setup page of the device.
Examples:
CH | VCN Channel
57 | 59, 69
101 | 101,107
134 | 133, 135
AV over IP Setup
Streaming Setup
This page allows the user to configure the streaming settings. Enter the Streaming Destination and TTL information for each Stream. Use the 'Save and Confirm' button to save any changes made. The Streaming engine will apply the new settings.
Enable | Streaming Destination | TTL |
---|---|---|
1 | 4 | |
2 | 4 |
Input format: [protocol]://[IP]:[port]
Protocol:
- UDP: The most common low-level protocol to use multicast addressing.
- RTP: A protocol provides facilities for jitter compensation and detection of out of sequence arrival in data.
IP address:
- IP Multicast: Multicast addresses are defined by the leading address bits of 1110 (224.0.0.0/4).
- UDP and RTP port: Port number is a 16-bit unsigned Integer, thus ranging from 0 to 65535. Specific port numbers are often used to identify specific services. Of the thousands of enumerated ports, 1024 well-known port numbers are reserved by convention to identify specific service types on a host.
Example:
- UDP multicast: udp://224.1.1.1:1234
- RTP unicast: rtp://123.234.135.79:28450
1. Enable the Stream by selecting the check box 1-2. (All streams can be enabled at the same time by using the “master” checkbox)
2. Enter the stream Destination IP [example: udp://224.1.1.4:1234].
3. Set the TTL value.
4. Select 'Save and Confirm' once all the streams are setup.
Disabling IP Stream(s):
To disable an IP Stream uncheck the checkbox in front of the appropriate IP Stream_ID.
Output Setup
This page allows the user to configure the RF settings. Enter/Select the required settings for each RF Channel. Use the 'Save and Confirm' button to save any changes made.
1. Enable the RF by checking the checkbox. (Factory Default is enabled)
2. Select and set the required parameters for your installation:
- RF: Normal, C.W., Inverted (Factory Default is Normal)
- Channel Type: STD, HRC, IRC (Factory Default is STD)
- CH/Freq.: Factory Default is 101.
- Attenuation: 0 ~ -20 (Factory Default is 0)
- Constellation (QAM Type): 256 QAM, 64 QAM (Factory Default is 256)
- Interleaver: Factory Default is I=128, J= 1.
Save and Confirm all changes settings on Output Setup page.
Application Note:
When installing more than 1 device into a system, each device must have a unique RF TS_ID. We highly recommend you save your encoder configuration files. See Administration tab for how to backup device settings.
Network Configuration
Network Setup Tab
Network Setup
This page allows the user to configure the device's network settings.
CAUTION: Incorrect settings may cause the device to lose network connectivity. Recovery options will be provided on the next page.
Management IP
Hostname: QM-000
MAC Address: F8:0D:EA:62:DE:26
IP Address Mode: DHCP / Static IP
IP Address: 192.168.8.210
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0
Management IP Setup: Use the Network Setup to configure the device's Management Port's IP address (GUI address) of the device, Subnet Mask, Gateway, Enable/Disable DHCP, and set Host Name. Save and Confirm: Once all parameters are set remember to Save and Confirm all changes.
Note: Above example shows current GUI IP as 192.168.8.210. Factory Default GUI IP is 192.168.1.9.
Streaming IP SETUP:
IP Address Mode: DHCP / Static IP
IP Address: 192.168.1.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 0.0.0.0
Use the Streaming IP tab to modify the Streaming IP port of the device as required. Save and Confirm: Once all parameters are set remember to Save and Confirm all changes.
Administration
Reboot Device
Click the 'Reboot Device' button to reboot the device from within the GUI. All unsaved changes will be lost.
Reset to Default
Click the 'Reset to Default' button to disregard any parameter changes made to the device. Note: Device settings will revert to factory default settings.
Backup and Restore Configuration
Saving your configuration files: We highly recommend you save your encoder configuration files. Simply Click the “Backup” button and the config files will be saved to your computer.
Backup:
- Select Administration tab.
- Select backup from the menu.
- Locate (configs.hex) files and name file for future use.
Restore:
- Select Administration tab.
- Select "Browse"
- Locate the required file to be imported.
- Select "Upload” to import the selected file into the device.
Note: backup can be imported to assist in setting up new or multiple devices onsite. Remember to save and backup any and all changes.
Change Password
Use the Change Password section to change or modify the device's password as desired.
Change Password
CAUTION: The new password must contain:
- 6~8 characters
- At least one digit
- At least one uppercase character
- At least one lowercase character
Old Password:
New Password:
Retype New Password:
After changing the password use the Save and Confirm button. The browser will redirect to the Overview page allowing the user to use the new password. Save and Confirm new password.
References
Private Address Ranges, IPv4
Private IPv4 addresses are addresses set aside by the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) for use within networks that will not directly communicate or not be seen by the internet. These private addresses cannot be used on the Internet or be used to communicate with the Internet. ISP's filter out and delete packets using private IP addresses. Any organization that uses private IP addresses on devices that communicate with the internet must use a device that performs Network Address Translation.
Anyone can us private addresses and they are not required to seek permission to use them. Again, networks using private IP addresses cannot communicate directly with the internet.
There are three blocks of addresses that are set aside by IANA for use in private internets and are not publicly routable on the global internet:
- Private Class A Range: 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
- Private Class B Range: 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
- Private Class C Range: 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255
It is important to note that only some of the 172.xx.xx.xx and the 192.xx.xx.xx address ranges are designated for private use. The remaining addresses are public and can be routable via the global Internet.
More information regarding private addresses can be found at http://www.iana.org and https://www.arin.net.
For More information on ZyCast products visit: www.ZyCastTech.com