NewTek NC1 Studio Input/Output IP Module

Operating Instructions

This document provides operating instructions for the NewTek NC1 Studio Input/Output IP Module.

Chapter 1: Introduction and Setup

This chapter explains how to connect power, monitors, and audio-visual devices to your NewTek NC1 Studio Input/Output IP Module. It also covers the registration process.

Section 1.1 Welcome

Thank you for purchasing this NewTek™ product. NewTek IP Series products are advanced live production tools, offering powerful and versatile capabilities. NewTek's innovative live production systems have redefined broadcast workflows, and the NewTek NC1 Studio Input/Output IP module continues this tradition by implementing the NDI (Network Device Interface) protocol, positioning it at the forefront of IP technology solutions for video broadcast and production.

Section 1.2 Overview

The NC1 Studio I/O IP Module is a powerful, versatile platform for multi-source production and multi-screen delivery workflows. It allows for the assembly of multi-system and multi-site workflows with ease. The module provides an efficient interoperability link between production locations and systems on your network. It can translate up to four A/V streams (1080p at 59.94) from SMPTE 2110 input to NDI™ output, and four more from NDI (or other supported sources) to SMPTE 2110 output. It integrates with compatible systems and devices across your network for switching, streaming, display, and delivery, allowing modules to be stacked in a rack or distributed across multiple locations.

Section 1.3 Setting Up

1.3.1 Command and Control

Hint: NC1 IO's interface requires a monitor resolution setting of at least 1280x1024.

Connect an external computer monitor to the HDMI port on the backplane.
Connect the mouse and keyboard to USB ports on the backplane.
Connect the power cord to NC1 IO's backplane.
Turn on the computer monitor.
Press the Power switch on NC1 IO's faceplate (behind the drop-down door).

The Power switch LED will illuminate blue as the device boots. It is strongly recommended to use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for mission-critical systems. Surge protection and AC power conditioning are also advised, especially in areas with unreliable power.

A word about UPS devices: 'Modified sine wave' UPS devices are less reliable for protecting systems from abnormal power events compared to 'pure sine wave' UPS units, which are recommended for high-reliability applications.

Section 1.4 Input/Output Connections

External audio and video sources connect to the NC1 IO's backplane. The backplane features:

HDMI – monitor port
Ethernet – network connections
USB – for keyboard, mouse, and other peripheral devices.
RESERVED – HD-BNC connector (High Density BNC)
SFP A and SFP B
Power

(Diagram description: Figure 1 shows the backplane of the NC1 IO IP module with ports labeled 1 through 6.)

Section 1.5 Networking

1.5.1 Ethernet

Connecting a suitable cable from one of the two Gigabit Ethernet ports to a local area network (LAN) is typically sufficient for NDI i/o connections. For more complex configurations, consult your system administrator.

1.5.2 SFP A and B (SMPTE 2110)

The unit includes two MSA-compatible SFP cages (SFP A and B) for connecting to SMPTE 2110 traffic. Each SFP connection supports two SMPTE 2110 input connections (total of four) and two outputs.

Section 1.6 Configuration (Administration)

Configuration of SFP ports, Genlock, and I/O Channels is done via the NC1 Studio I/O IP's Administration panel (Figure 2). This panel appears on first launch or can be accessed via 'Exit to Admin' from the Desktop or the Windows Start menu.

1.6.1 SFP Configuration

To configure an SFP port (A or B), navigate to the 'SFP and Genlock' tab and select the desired SFP header. You will need to provide values to identify the SFP connection on the network, including IPv4 Address, Gateway, and Net Mask. VLAN tags (PCP, DEI, VID) can be configured if using a Virtual LAN.

(Diagram description: Figure 3 shows the SFP Configuration interface with fields for IPv4 Address, Gateway, Net Mask, Virtual LAN, VLAN Tag PCP, and VLAN Tag DEI.)

1.6.2 Genlock Configuration

Genlocking synchronizes video sources with each other and external systems. The 'Genlock' tab in the Administration panel provides settings for this. The 'Type' can be set to SMTPE2059 for external timing reference or 'Internal' for system clock timing. A Master source (SFP A or B) can be designated, or 'Automatic' can be selected. For the Master SFP, configure IP Mode (Multicast, Unicast, Hybrid), Join Type (None, IGMPv2), and Master Clock ID.

(Diagram description: Figure 4 shows the Genlock Configuration interface with settings for Type, Master, SFP A, SFP B, and Video Settings.)

Video Settings: Specify Frame Rate, Type (fielded/progressive), Width, and Height. The selected frame rate influences available NTSC format options.

(Diagram description: Figure 5 shows the Video Settings within the Genlock Configuration, including Frame Rate, Type, Width, and Height.)

1.6.3 I/O Channels

Each SFP transceiver supports two SMPTE 2110 inputs and two outputs. SFP A handles inputs 1 & 2 and outputs 1 & 2, while SFP B handles inputs 3 & 4 and outputs 3 & 4. Input and output settings are configured individually in the 'I/O Channels' tab.

INPUTS: Enable Video and Audio switches. Configure destination IPv4 Address and UDP Port for IP streams. For multicast addresses, specify Multicast Join Type, Audio Packet Duration, and Track Count.

(Diagram description: Figure 6 shows the I/O Channels tab with input configuration options including Enable Video, Enable Audio, Dest IPv4 Address, Dest UDP Port, Multicast Join Type, Audio Packet Duration, and Track Count.)

OUTPUTS: Similar configuration for outputs, including RTP Sync Source, Type of Service DSCP/ECN, Time to Live, Source UDP Port, Dest IPv4 Address, Dest UDP Port, and RTP Payload ID.

1.6.4 Administration Panel Footer Tools

The Administration panel includes 'About', 'Manual', 'Exit', and 'Launch' buttons at the bottom. The 'About' panel provides hardware and software version information, useful for support and licensing inquiries.

(Diagram description: Figure 7 shows the Administration Panel Footer Tools with About, Manual, Exit, and Launch buttons.)

Chapter 2: User Interface

This chapter details the user interface, how to configure NC1 IO audio and video input/output, and supplemental video production features like Proc Amps, Scopes, and capture.

Section 2.1 The Desktop

The NC1 IO IP default Desktop interface offers remote monitoring, configuration, and control features. It includes a titlebar at the top and a Dashboard at the bottom, with viewports in the middle displaying video channels.

(Diagram description: Figure 8 shows the NC1 IO IP Desktop interface with numbered elements indicating the titlebar, viewports, and dashboard.)

2.1.1 Configure Channels

You can select audio and video sources for each input or channel via the Configure panel (Figure 10). Access this by clicking the gear icon next to a channel label below a viewport, or by double-clicking the viewport.

The configuration panel has tabs for configuring inputs (from SMPTE 2110) or outputs (to SMPTE 2110). For inputs, sources are automatically converted to NDI streams. The 'Channel Name' is editable for network identification.

Note: NDI Access Manager, part of NDI Tools, can be used to control access to NDI sources and outputs.

(Diagram description: Figure 9 illustrates accessing the Configure Channel panel.)

(Diagram description: Figure 10 shows the Configure Channel panel with the Input tab selected, displaying Video Source, Video Format, Alpha Matte Source, and Audio Levels.)

Hint: Video standard selections depend on the Frame Rate setting in the Administration panel's Genlock options.

The Alpha Matte Source menu allows configuration of 'key/fill' inputs for transparency and fill color. A Delay setting provides A/V synchronization.

Capture: This tab allows assigning paths and filenames for captured still images.

(Diagram description: Figure 11 shows the Capture tab with fields for Grab Name and Grab Directory.)

Audio Levels: Faders in the Configure Channel > Input tab control audio levels for up to eight channels. VU meters display levels in dB FS. A speaker icon (?) mutes the audio stream.

(Diagram description: Figure 12 shows the Audio Levels section with faders and VU meters for channels 1 through 8.)

Output Tab

The Output tab in the Configure Channel panel allows settings for outputting the channel to SMPTE 2110. You select the audio/video source and Video Format for the output stream.

(Diagram description: Figure 13 shows the Configure Channel panel with the Output tab selected, displaying Audio/Video Source, Output Channel, Video Format, and Capture settings.)

Clips and IP Sources

NDI sources, such as PTZ cameras with NDI output, can be selected directly. The 'Add Media' item lets you play video files. 'Add IP Camera' opens the IP Source Manager for adding network cameras.

(Diagram description: Figure 14 shows the Clips and IP Sources selection within the Configure Channel panel.)

(Diagram description: Figure 15 shows the NewTek IP Source Manager window.)

Adding IP cameras to the Source Manager makes them available in the 'Local' group within the Video Source menu. Selecting 'Add New Camera' allows choosing from a list of supported camera types, opening a specific configuration dialog for each.

(Diagram description: Figure 16 shows the dropdown list for adding new cameras.)

(Diagram description: Figure 17 shows the configuration dialog for a Panasonic PTZ Camera.)

Note: After adding an IP source, exit and restart the software for changes to take effect.

Section 2.2 Titlebar & Dashboard

The NC1 IO's Titlebar and Dashboard display important information, tools, and controls. The Dashboard spans the full width of the screen at the bottom.

(Diagram description: Figure with numbered elements 1-8 pointing to the Titlebar and Dashboard components: 1. Machine name, 2. NDI KVM menu, 3. Time Display, 4. Configuration, 5. Notifications Panel, 6. Minimize and Exit, 7. Headphones Source and Volume, 8. Display.)

2.2.1 Titlebar Tools

NDI KVM: Enables remote control of the NC1 IO system via NDI connection using the free NDI Studio Monitor application. You can select 'Monitor Only' or 'Full Control' mode. The 'Security' option allows NDI Group control.

To view and control the remote system, select its device name in Studio Monitor and enable the KVM button.

(Diagram description: Figure 21 shows the NDI KVM menu with options Off, Monitor Only, Full Control, and Security.)

Hint: Studio Monitor's KVM toggle button can be relocated by dragging.

This feature allows studio or campus-wide control. The user interface can run full-screen in Studio Monitor, supporting touch control.

(Diagram description: Figure 22 shows the System Configuration dialog accessed via the gear icon next to the time display.)

LTC Timecode: Timecode support can be activated by selecting an audio input for the timecode signal.

About: Displays current software and hardware version information.

Notifications: Opens a panel listing system messages and cautionary alerts. Individual entries can be cleared by right-clicking, or all can be cleared with the 'Clear All' button.

2.2.2 Viewport Tools

Each NC1 IO channel has a toolbar beneath its viewport with elements like Channel name, Configuration (gear icon ⚙️), Grab, Full screen, and Overlays.

(Diagram description: Figure 23 shows the toolbar elements beneath viewports, numbered 1-5.)

Grab: Captures still images, stored by default in the Pictures folder. The path can be modified.

(Diagram description: Figure 24 shows the Grab tool icon.)

Full screen: Expands the video display to fill the monitor. Press ESC or click to return to standard display.

(Diagram description: Figure 25 shows the Full Screen button icon.)

Overlays: Useful for visualizing safe zones, centering, etc. Click an icon in the list to activate an overlay.

(Diagram description: Figure 26 shows the Overlay button icon. Figure 27 shows a list of overlay options like Checkerboard, Title Safe, Center Cross, 4:3 Safe, and VU meters.)

2.2.3 Dashboard Tools

Audio (Headphones): A headset can be connected to the green audio output jack on the rear of the motherboard.

(Diagram description: Figure 28 shows the headphone connection and basic audio controls on the dashboard.)

Headphone audio controls are in the lower-left of the dashboard. The audio source can be selected via a menu next to the headphone icon (Figure 29). Volume is adjusted with a slider.

(Diagram description: Figure 29 shows the headphone source selection menu.)

Display: The Display widget in the bottom-right of the Dashboard offers layout options for viewing channels individually or in groups (Figure 30).

(Diagram description: Figure 30 shows the Display widget with layout options.)

Waveform and Vectorscope features are available when the 'SCOPES' option is selected in the Display widget (Figure 31).

(Diagram description: Figure 31 shows Waveform and Vectorscope displays.)

Appendices

Appendix A: NDI (Network Device Interface)

NDI is NewTek's video over IP protocol for live production, enabling systems and devices to communicate, encode, transmit, and receive high-quality, low-latency, frame-accurate video and audio in real time. NDI enhances video production pipelines by making video input and output available anywhere on the network. The NC1 IO is designed primarily to convert SDI sources into NDI signals.

For more details, visit http://www.newtek.com/ndi.html.

Appendix B: Dimensions and Mounting

The NC1 IO is designed for standard 19" rack mounting, with included 'ears'. It occupies 1 Rack Unit (RU). The unit weighs approximately 14 pounds (6.35 KG). Adequate ventilation is crucial; allow 1.5 to 2 inches of space around the chassis for cooling.

(Diagram description: Figure 32 shows the dimensions and mounting details of the NC1 IO unit.)

Appendix C: Enhanced Support (ProTek)

NewTek's optional ProTek™ service programs offer extended support beyond the standard warranty. Details are available at http://www.newtek.com/protek.html or from authorized resellers.

Appendix D: Reliability Testing

NewTek products undergo rigorous reliability testing. For the NC1 IO, applicable standards include Mil-Std-810F, ASTM D3580-95, and IEC 61000-4-2 for environmental and electrical stress resistance.

(Table description: A table lists Test Parameters like Temperature, Humidity, Vibration, Electrostatic Discharge, and their corresponding Evaluation Standards.)

Credits

Acknowledgments: Tim Jenison, Jim Plant

Engineering: Andrew Cross, Alvaro Suarez, Brian Brice, Cary Tetrick, Charles Steinkuehler, Dan Fletcher, Gil Triana, James Killian, Jan Uribe, Jarrod Davis, Jeremy Wiseman, John Perkins, Karen Zipper, Kevin Rouviere, Kirk Morger, Mahdi Mohajer, Masaaki Konno, Matt Gorner, Menghua Wang, Michael Joiner, Michael Watkins, Mike Murphy, Nathan Kovner, Naveen Jayakumar, Ryan Hansberger, Shawn Wisniewski, Steve Bowie, Troy Stevenson

Additional thanks to: NewTek Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Customer Support, Training and Development, and Operations.

Trademarks: A comprehensive list of NewTek trademarks including TriCaster, NDI, LightWave, and others is provided, along with a statement that all other brand names belong to their respective holders.