TVU RPS Link Encoder Hardware Setup Guide

April 05, 2023

TVU RPS Link is a complete and versatile IP video solution designed specifically for REMI production. TVU RPS Link combines the TVU RPS encoder and TVU Rack Router into a single package for REMI production over aggregated wired or wireless connections.

Chapter 1 – Introduction, setup, and base operation

The RPS Link is an IS+ encoder in a 2RU rack-mount form factor. The RPS Link provides the same primary performance and features as the standard 4 or 6-channel RPS encoder and includes onboard Wifi and a Hotspot with external antennas. The RPS Link functional status can be viewed from the front panel LCD, and you can access the six SIM card slots from the front panel. The RPS Link works seamlessly with the standard RPS decoder and is fully compatible with the TVU Cloud ecosystem.

Product overview

The RPS Link transmitter encodes up to six synchronized SDI sources. It transmits high-quality, low-latency IP video from the remote location to a studio-based TVU RPS receiver, which decodes six accurately synchronized SDI outputs. The user-friendly RPS Link interface grants control over all aspects of transmission, including bitrate and latency, and provides previews of all four channels with the Duo 2 card and all six channels with the Quad 2 card.

TVU RPS Link provides up to two low-latency return video feeds from the studio to the field. VLAN tunnels on RPS decoders enable communication between the studio and the field over a private network.

Features

• Supports up to six fully synchronized multi-channel transmissions. Supports the 6-channel Quad 2 and 4-channel Duo 2 cards.
• Super low-latency transmission over commodity internet. Glass-to-glass latency is as low as 500ms over cellular networks and Ethernet.
• Includes multiple encode behaviors to suit virtually any network environment.
• The RPS sends metadata and control from the studio to the field using the VLAN Tunnel.
• Supports up to 16 channels of SDI-embedded audio or 8 channels of HDMI-embedded audio.
• A high-quality, low-latency video feed of the live program from the station via HDMI. Up to two low-latency return video feeds from the studio back to the field.
• Connect to virtually any live professional/consumer video device via 6G-SDI or HDMI 2.0a input, including cameras, routers, pool feeds, switchers, video players, and more.
• Aggregates any mix of cellular, Ethernet, and WiFi.
• Supports up to six embedded LTE or 5G modems. Ships standard with external IP67 rated external LTE antennas (3m cables included) or optional 5G antennas.
• Has the ability to support a mix of 5G (optional) /LTE/4G and 3G modems (internal to the chassis) with external SMA antenna connections (4x SMA per 5G Modem, 2x SMA per LTE modem). The RPS Link allows modem antennas to connect directly to the chassis, simplifying cabling.
• Auto-senses and supports virtually all video formats, including 4K (25/30P), 1080p, 1080i, 720p, NTSC/PAL transmission using HEVC or H.264 VBR or CBR encoding (300K-50Mb/s).
• File upload management; upload files from the field using a connected USB device (thumb drive or HDD/SSD) with file management capability (package dependent).
• Web-based ConfigT interface for local or remote monitoring and control.
• Easily accessible front panel SIM card slots for easy configuration.
• Front panel LCD interface for easy configuration, control, and monitoring.
• Embedded outbound WiFi module with external antenna support (MIMO) for use with IS+ transmissions.
• Embedded HotSpot Wifi module with external antenna support (MIMO) for access point use (Internet connectivity).
• Support for TVU Return Video Feed via rear-panel HDMI port.
• Talkback support uses TVU Voice (2-way voice) or traditional IFB (package dependent).
• Supported as a source when used with TVU Partyline for collaboration.
• Optional dual power supply
• Works seamlessly with the standard TVU RPS decoder.
• The RPS Link encoder easy-to-use browser interface that is accessible using the TVU RPS Web interface or your TVU Command Center account.
• Directly compatible with the TVU Cloud production tools, including TVU Command Center, TVU Producer, TVU Partyline, TVU CloudR, and TVU Channel.

About this guide

This user guide will enable you to:

• Describe the contents and key features of the RPS Link Remote Production System.
• Explain the primary function of the TVU RPS Link encoder.
• Identify the TVU RPS Link encoder and decoder hardware.
• Describe the TVU RPS Link encoder and RPS decoder components and connections.
• Set up the RPS Link encoder and RPS decoder hardware.
• Using the faceplate controls and operations panel
• Configure the RPS Link encoder IP address.
• Configure the RPS Link encoder and decoder ports.
• Log into the RPS Web interface.

Components

TVU RPS Link includes the following:

• TVU MLink transmitter (encoder)
• Two WiFi MIMO antennas
• LTE dome antenna
• 5G modem antenna
• 18x 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cables, BB or Tri-level (BNC adapter)

TVU RPS Web interface

After the unit is set up and powered on, monitoring and control of the system is performed with the TVU RPS Link Web interface, which is hosted on the encoder. This interface is also accessible through the Command Center user interface.

You will use the TVU RPS MLink Web interface to monitor and control all aspects of transmission, including real-time previews of all four channels with the Duo 2 card and all six channels with the Quad 2 card, current bitrate, and latency.

For more information about setting up the RPS Link with the 4-channel Duo 2 card, refer to “Hardware configuration options.”

Network requirements

TVU Networks® recommends that you assign a static IP address to the RPS decoder to ensure the network configuration remains stable.

Contact TVU Networks support if you want to use a configuration other than the one specified in the this hardware set up guide.

Router and firewall configuration

Complete the following steps to configure your router or firewall:

1. Permit all UDP incoming traffic for port 10001 at the receiver (video).
2. Permit both TCP and UDP incoming traffic for port 10010.
3. Permit TCP incoming traffic for port 10009.
4. Permit all UDP incoming traffic for port 6532 at the receiver (VLAN Tunnel).
5. For VoIP services, permit outbound traffic to ports 9001, 9091.

Front panel overview

The TVU RPS Link encoder and decoder front panel feature two USB 2.0 ports and the power on/off button.

Rear panel overview – Quad 2 card configuration

The TVU RPS Link encoder and decoder rear panel feature the following connections:

Rear panel overview – 4-channel Duo 2 card configuration

The TVU RPS Link encoder and decoder rear panel feature the following connections:

For SDI port mapping, refer to “Hardware configuration options.”

Encoder and decoder SDI port configuration table:

Note: The Duo 2 card 4-channel configuration supports WebRTC low-latency preview in the encoder web GUI.

Setup and configuration guide

This setup guide provides instructions to complete the following procedures:

• Setting up the TVU RPS Link encoder and RPS decoder
• Setting up the RPS Link encoder IP address
• Configuring the RPS Link encoder and RPS decoder ports
• Connecting WiFi and dome antennas.
• Front panel controls and operations
• Logging in to the RPS Link Web interface
• Configuring the RPS Link encoder and RPS decoder using the RPS Web interface.

Setting up the RPS Link encoder

Complete the following instructions to set up the RPS Link encoder and RPS decoder hardware.

Note: Refer to the port numbers printed on the adapter card when attaching the BNC cables, as the adapter may be oriented differently in the TE5700 chassis.

RPS Link (encoder) identification and setup procedure

The following procedure provides the steps necessary to identify and perform the initial setup for the RPS Link encoder with the 6-channel Quad 2 card.

If your RPS Link is using the 4-channel Duo 2 card refer to “Hardware configuration options” for set up information.

Complete the following steps to set up the TVU RPS Link transmitter (encoder):

All input sources must be the same video format and frame rate.

1. Connect the factory-supplied AC power cable(s) to the RPS Link hot-swap power supplies and AC power source.
2. Connect a computer display connector to the rear panel display or HDMI output port to view real-time system status.
3. Connect a VLAN cable to the LAN1 GbE Ethernet port for VLAN connectivity on the rear panel.
4. Connect an Ethernet cable to the LAN2 GbE Ethernet port for outbound connectivity on the rear panel.
5. TVU IFB and VoIP service are provided using the USB audio box connected to the receiver. Connect your audio equipment as appropriate.

6. Connect a keyboard and mouse to the encoder using the two front or rear panel USB ports.

7. Connect a factory-supplied 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cable to the decoder reference (Ref) input port.

Note: The RPS Link Quad2 card is installed in the upside down position starting with port 8 on the left side of the card.

8. Starting with port 6, connect 6 to 1 SD/HD-SDI video output sources to ports 1 to 6. Use the factory-supplied 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cables.

9. Connect SD/HD-SDI return video sources to ports 7 and 8, starting with port 8 for the return video. Use the factory-supplied 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cables.

10. If required, connect WiFi MIMO antennas to the top left WiFi connectors to support the MIMO mode configuration for LTE downloading (does not support uploading.)
11. Connect the antenna connector to the modem connection on the rear panel:

• 3 LTE dome antennas that use two modem ports each. One antenna supports 2 modems and should be installed at least 20 centimeters apart.
• 5G modem antennas (one per modem) with four connectors. Each 5G antenna connects to a single modem port. The 5G antenna should be installed at least 20 centimeters apart.

Powering the RPS Link on and off

Complete the following steps to power on/off and restart the RPS Link transmitter:

1. To power on the RPS Link, press the power button in the front panel’s left lower section. The name and PID number of the unit displays on the RPS Link LCD screen during boot-up.
2. To power off the RPS Link, press and hold the power button down for more than four seconds.

Note: The RPS Link will automatically restart if the power button is pressed and held in for less than four seconds.

RPS Link front LCD panel

The front panel’s LCD and button functionality is not currently supported.

The LCD panel displays the system PID and product information.

RPS receiver (decoder) and setup procedure

Complete the following steps to set up the TVU RPS VS3500 receiver (decoder):

1. Connect the factory-supplied power cable to the decoder.
2. Connect a monitor to the encoder using the HDMI or VGA connections.
3. Connect the VLAN cable to the VLAN 1 port for VLAN tunnel support. Ports marked “LAN1” (the left port) are later encoder models.
4. Connect an Ethernet cable to the following Ethernet port:

• LAN2 (second from left) is for a standard Ethernet connection.

5. Connect a keyboard and mouse to the decoder using the two front or rear panel USB ports.

6. Connect a factory-supplied 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cable to the decoder reference input (if required).

7. Starting with port 1, connect 1 to 6 SD/HD-SDI video output sources to ports 1 to 6. Use the factory-supplied 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cables.

8. Connect the SD/HD-SDI return video sources to ports 7 and 8 for the return video. Use the factory-supplied 2.3 DIN to BNC male adapter cables.

9. Verify that the encoder and decoder are connected as described in the encoder and decoder setup procedures. Then, power on both units.

During boot-up, the “RPS Decoder” and “RPS Link Encoder” Web interfaces display on their respective monitors.

TVU RPS Link encoder settings

The encoder and decoder setup pages display slightly different information. However, they accomplish the same goals and are accessible using an HDMI out connection, VGA connection, or a web browser. After the encoder is powered on and the splash screen briefly appears, the encoder server settings screen displays.

You will use the TVU RPS Web interface to monitor and control all aspects of transmission, including real-time previews of all six channels, current bitrate, and latency. The RPS Web interface includes three tabs in the top navigation to access the Encoder settings, Network settings, and Firmware upgrade screens.

Establishing an Internet connection

Notes:

1. IP Addresses can be static or DHCP and assigned to interface
   eth0, which is used for primary RPS functionality, or assigned to eth1, which is used for the VLAN tunnel.
2. The physical ports Lan1 / Lan2 and logical designations Eth0
   and Eth1, are reversed:
   LAN2 = Eth0. Primary communications
   LAN1=Eth1. VLAN tunnel functionality

To set up an internet connection for the encoder using a DHCP or static IP method, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Encoder tab. In the Ethernet pane, use the default slot ID ‘Eth0’.
2. IP Method dropdown options are Static or DHCP. The IP Address, Mask, and Gateway fields should automatically populate if DHCP is selected.
3. The IP address, Mask, and Gateway fields should automatically populate. Click the Apply button to save your settings.

4. If you use a static IP address, click the IP Method drop-down menu and select Static. Enter your desired IP address, Mask, and Gateway.
5. Click Apply to save your settings.

Private Network configuration

The Private Network configuration panel allows the user to enable the encoder and decoder as a private network.

To configure a private network, complete the following steps:

1. Click the Encoder tab.
2. Click the Status drop-down menu in the Private Network Config pane and select Enable.
3. Point the server to the Decoder by replacing 127.0.0.1 with the Decoder IP address.

4. Click Apply to save your settings.

VLAN Tunnel configuration overview

By default, VLAN configuration automatically populates. In addition, the VLAN tunnel is designed to be a “set it and forget it” network between the encoder and decoder and distributes IP addresses accordingly using DHCP.

If the user would like to perform an advanced VLAN configuration, the VLAN tunnel settings can be used to network several devices connected to an encoder by using a local switch or to view the encoder Web UI from the decoder network. The VLAN Tunnel supports IP Intercom, IP Tally, or CCU.

Subnet rules:

The IP addresses assigned to eth1 for each side of the VLAN tunnel must be on different subnets. The VLAN tunnel routes between networks.

For example:

• For the encoder, use: 192.168.100.1/255.255.255.0
• For the decoder, use: 192.168.101.1/255.255.255.0

VLAN Tunnel configuration

The VLAN Tunnel setting pane configures the VLAN tunnel functionality by inputting the IP address of the decoder, port, and bandwidth limit (optional). The port is associated with 6532 by default and can be changed if desired. Refer to the TVU port forwarding guidelines for more information.

To change the VLAN tunnel (Router) settings, enter your change(s) in the VLAN tunnel pane and click Apply.

VoIP configuration

The VoIP settings pane allows the user to enter the PID of the decoder into the encoder’s VoIP settings pane to establish communication between the encoder and decoder.

To configure VoIP complete the following steps:

1. In the VoIP pane, enter the full PID number of the encoder.
2. Click the speaker icon to initiate the call.

Output video format

The Output video setting panel allows a user to select the output resolution and framerate of all channels coming from the encoder.

In the Output Video format pane, select a Video format from the drop-down menu and click Apply.

TVU RPS decoder server settings

The encoder and decoder setup pages display slightly different information. However, they accomplish the same goals and are accessible using an HDMI out connection, VGA connection, or a web browser.

After the decoder is powered on and the splash screen briefly appears, the decoder server settings screen displays.

Establishing an Internet connection

Notes:
IP Addresses can be static or DHCP and assigned to interface eth0 which is used for primary RPS functionality, or assigned to eth1, which is used for the VLAN tunnel.

The decoder IP address cannot be changed when VFB is enabled.

To set up an internet connection for the decoder, complete the following steps:

1. If you use DHCP, click the Refresh button in the Set IP pane. The IP address, Mask, and Gateway fields should automatically populate.

2. If you use a static IP address, click the IP Method drop-down menu and select Static. Then, enter your desired IP address, Mask and Gateway.
3. Click Apply to save your settings.

Logging in to the TVU RPS Link Web interface

To log in to the TVU RPS Link Web interface, have your encoder static IP address available and complete the following steps:

Log in to the RPS Link Web interface

1. Open a Web browser window and enter:

http://IP_Address/rps/index.html
(Where IP_Address is your Encoder static IP address)

2. Click Enter. The login pop-up displays.

3. To Log in to the RPS Link Web interface, Enter the following using all lowercase letters:

User ID: tvurps
Password: Enter the last 8-digits of the PID using all caps

4. Click Login. The TVU RPS Link Web interface displays.

Hardware configuration options

There are two hardware configurations for the RPS Link encoder described as follows:

RPS 4-channel Duo 2 PCI Express card

The Duo 2 PCI Express, capture and playback card features 4 independent 3G-SDI connections. The card supports SDI formats in SD and HD up to 1080p60 with the flexibility of 4 separate capture or playback cards in one.

Connections:

• SDI Video Inputs – 4 x bidirectional 12-bit SD/HD independently configurable as either Input or Output.
• SDI Video Outputs – 4 x bidirectional 12-bit SD/HD independently configurable as either Input or Output.
• SDI Audio Inputs – 16 channels embedded in SD and HD.
• SDI Audio Outputs – 16 channels embedded in SD and HD.
• Sync Input – Tri-Sync or Black Burst.
• Server Interface – PCI Express 4 lane generation 2, compatible with 4, 8, and 16 lane PCI Express slots.

RPS Link 4-channel Web interface overview

The RPS Link encoder 4-channel configuration uses the same Duo 2 card instead of the standard Quad 2 card described in “TVU RPS Link rear panel connections.”

When a Duo 2 card is detected on the system, the main Web interface shows 4 previews instead of the standard 6 previews. The previews for the 4-channel configuration are much larger than the standard 6-channel version, as shown in the following figures.

Port mapping 4-channel Duo 2 card

The port mapping for the RPS Link 4-channel configuration is from left to right. The leftmost port is the reference port, and to its right are Ports 1, 2, 3, and port 4. The reference port is used for Genlock. Port 1 is for primary channel 1, port 2 is for primary channel 2, port 3 is for primary channel 3 or return video feed 1, and port 4 is for primary channel 4 or return video feed 2.

Port 3 and port 4 can either be used as the primary channel or return feed. You cannot use the primary and return feed simultaneously as there is no separate dedicated port for the return feed as with the 6-channel version for the Quad 2 card (where ports 7 and 8 are for the return feed).

Encoder and decoder SDI port configuration table

Port configuration options

For information about port configurations, refer to the TVU Server Port-forwarding guidelines.

Chapter 2 – Product Specifications

Server model VS5700 with dual power supply

1RU rack-mounted server model VS3500 with single power supply

TVU RPS Link production solutions and applications

• TVU RPS Link supports 1080p/1080i/720p HD, NTSC, and PAL formats.
• The system uses TVU’s Inverse Statmux Plus (IS+) transmission algorithm for stable, high-quality, low-latency transmissions. The system’s simple web interface gives real-time previews of all six channels. It allows users to monitor and control all aspects of the transmission, including current bit rate and latency.
• TVU RPS Link provides multi-camera remote production for live coverage without the costs associated with expensive dedicated fiber or satellite links, extensive dedicated transmission equipment, and large on-site production crews.
• TVU RPS Link features a VLAN tunnel to allow IP devices in the field to virtually connect to the LAN in the studio, making it ideal for teleprompters, tally, remote cameras, and more.
• TVU’s VoIP solution, TVU Voice, is also compatible with TVU RPS Link, making communication between the field and headquarters easier.

Applications

• 6-Channel Remote Multi-cam or Remote Studio Application
• 4-Channel Remote Multi-cam or Remote Studio Application with – Channel Return Video
• Remote Production System VLAN Tunnel Application – IP Intercom
• Remote Production System VLAN Tunnel Application – IP Tally
• Remote Production System VLAN Tunnel Application – CCU

© Copyright 2024 TVU Networks Corporation. All rights reserved in all media.
Document Part Number: TVU RPS Link Hardware Setup Guide Rev B EN 03-2024

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