Streambox360Live. Document Version 1.0 (released June 2016)

Transcription

1 Streambox360Live Document History: June 1, Initial beta release. Document version 1.0. DB July 7, Updated info about Blackmagic driver. Document version DB July 7, Updated info on External Microphone. Document version DB Document Version 1.0 (released June 2016)

2 1 INTRODUCTION 360 panoramic space videos require high resolution, high motion fidelity, and high overall quality. With Streambox Cloud Encoder you can capture, encode, and Stream full 1080p 30fps 360 panoramic space video from the Theta s HDMI port. 1 Streambox provides support for network bonding of any of USB modems, WiFi, and LAN/Ethernet. Streambox Cloud will convert a single stream to a YouTube 360 compatible stream or triple play streams for other content delivery networks, CDNs. 2 REQUIREMENTS The following requirements are based on the use of the Ricoh Theta S camera. This camera captures near 360 panoramic space. 1. Ricoh Theta S camera (Figure 1) 2 2. MacBook Pro ( models, i7 recommended) 3. BlackMagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder (Figure 2) 3 4. Micro HDMI to HDMI cable (to connect #1 to #3) 5. Micro USB to USB cable (to charge #1) 6. Thunderbolt cable (to connect #2 to #3) 7. Tripod extension post with ¼ 20 camera mount (Figure 3) 8. Optional camera extender with monopod base/feet (items #7 and #8 provide a freestanding mount for the Ricoh camera with nominal obstruction of 360 panoramic space) 4 9. Streambox Cloud Encoder (go to to download Encoder) 10. YouTube account with 360 event enabled for YouTube 360 Streaming Figure 1. Ricoh Theta S Figure 2 BlackMagic UltraStudio Mini Figure 3. Tripod extension post 1 The Ricoh Theta S UVC Blender software with USB is an easy way to start but is limited to 15 fps at a 1280x720 resolution Example: Q3 Telescoping Threaded Thumbscrew/dp/B00XN1P9QI Page 2 of 13

3 3 STREAMBOX SETUP 3.1 THE BIG PICTURE The basic 360 setup workflow is to connect the Ricoh Theta S camera to the BlackMagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder which connects to the Mac Book Pro where the Streambox Cloud Encoder can process the stream and send it to the Streambox Cloud where it is routed to YouTube and then out to the world (see Figure 4). 3.2 THE SETUP ORDER The following descriptions apply to Figure 4 and its corresponding number: 1. Connect the Ricoh Theta S camera to the BlackMagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder with a micro HDMI to HDMI cable. Make sure Blackmagic software is installed and configured for HDMI (see section Blackmagic Design Desktop Video Software) 2. Connect BlackMagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder to MacBook Pro with Thunderbolt cable. Installation and operation of Streambox Cloud Encoder will be discussed below (see section Streambox Cloud Encoder) 3. Turn on the camera for live streaming, the camera must first be off, then you need to push and hold the bottom Capture mode button and then push the top Power button. Then release both after you see word Live on the Camera. The word Live under will appear if you are in streaming mode (see green circles for button location). 4. If you plan to spend some time with the setup, it is recommended that you attach the Ricoh Theta S camera to a USB power supply via a micro USB to USB cable. This charges the internal battery as well as provides power for operation. We recommend to pre charge camera before prolonged usage with USB. 5. Setup your event on the YouTube LIVE STREAMING Events, Create a new event page ( Creating an event and Advanced settings will be discussed below (see section YouTube Events). 6. Strat Streambox CLoud Encoder and Select Setup Ricoh HDMI from Service menu to autoconfigure encoder for Ricoh Streaming 7. Stream to Streambox Cloud and route to YouTube. Setting up a Streambox Live account and routing a stream will be discussed below (see section 3.5, Streambox Cloud Account Setup) Figure 4. Schematic of Basic Setup Page 3 of 13

4 If you are new to 360 video, there will be some setup for each component. The first time through can be a little tedious but once you get things setup, it s quite easy. So we will walk you through each step along the way. Let s go 3.3 BLACKMAGIC DESIGN DESKTOP VIDEO SOFTWARE Installing the Desktop Video software provides the needed drivers for its UltraStudio Mini Recorder. Follow the link below and download and install the latest version (at least version 10.5) onto your Mac Book Pro. and playback Note: Remember to set the Blackmagic video input to HDMI 3.4 STREAMBOX CLOUD ENCODER SOFTWARE The heart of this enhanced 360 panoramic space experience lies in the Streambox Cloud Encoder software which can deliver full 1080p, 30fps, video via the HDMI port on the Ricoh camera. Compare this to the Ricoh Theta UVC Blender software with USB connectivity which is limited to 1280x720 resolution at 15fps. The Blender is a great starter program but for professionals and enthusiasts Streambox Cloud Encoder delivers the better experience. You can download the OSX Encoder software at: Once installed, find the CloudEncoder icon in your Applications folder and double click (see image to right). A dialog will open that gives you the option to Activate the Encoder software, Buy activation, or the free trial option, Use w/cloud (see Figure 5). NOTE: For initial setup we recommend choosing Use w/ Cloud. Figure 5. Activation Dialog If you are a first time user, you will be asked to create an account on the Streambox Cloud Server (see section Streambox Live below), otherwise the Streambox Cloud Encoder opens (see Figure 6). It will take a few seconds to load and establish connection. Once loaded take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the user interface. Page 4 of 13

5 Figure 6. Streambox Encoder with Ricoh Camera Input Video Input & Settings You need to tell the Encoder which video input to use. Select the Service menu from the top bar and choose Setup Ricoh HDMI to automatically configure all settings for Ricoh streaming in 360 Video. 5 A dialog will be displayed (see image to right). Choose Yes, go on an ABN dialog will open (see Figure 7). 6 Automatic Bitrate Negotiation (ABN) is a useful feature that we recommend each time you are on a new network. ABN determines the optimal bitrate and settings for a particular network. ABN can take up to several minutes depending to the quality of the network connection and bandwidth. You can allow ABN to fully determine the optimal bitrate and latency (recommended) or at any time you can ACCEPT the current bitrate. Once ABN is complete you will see the Encoder, as in Figure 6. Here you can see the bitrate was set to 2940Kbps (2.9Mbps) and the latency about 1298ms (1.3 seconds). This was determined to be the best settings given the network bandwidth and condition. Figure 7. Automatic Bitrate Negotiation (ABN) Dialog 5 For Advanced users, Go to the Service menu, select Video and choose Blackmagic for Ricoh Theta S camera. Also ensure that on the same menu, 360 VIDEO, Fisheye Correct, and are checked and Audio Fix 32 Khz is selected. 6 Please note that an ABN network test can be repeated as needed or performed independent of Setup for Ricoh by Clicking the Low Delay button from the Encoder s lower drawer. Page 5 of 13

6 3.5 STREAMBOX CLOUD ACCOUNT SETUP You will need a Streambox Cloud account in order to stream with the free version of the software, or to stream to the web. If you are a first time user, or have just installed a new Encoder, then when you click Use w/cloud, as in Figure 5 above, a Metadata is Not Set for Encoder dialog will be displayed (Figure 8). If you have an account, you can enter the Group name and a Contributor name. If you do not have an account, you should click on the Create Account button. Figure 8. Metadata Form When you click the Create Account button the following Registration Form appears (Figure 9). Don t omit the Contact since that is the only way we can keep you informed of updates. NOTE: You will need to know your Username and password for later access. You may want to jot it down. Figure 9. Registration Dialog Once the account is created the following dialog window will open (Figure 10). Click Go to Streambox Live here to open the Streambox Live page (inside red outline). Alternatively, and here after, you enter live.streambox.com in your web browser (see Figure 11). Page 6 of 13

7 NOTE: At this point, go back to the Metadata for Encoder window (see Figure 8 above) and enter your Username for Group and provide any name for Contributor. After you click OK you should be back in the Encoder window as in Figure 6. Figure 10. Registration Complete Click for Streambox Live On the log in page enter your Username and Password and click the Log In button. You should now be in the Streambox Cloud (Figure 12). Spend a few minutes to get to know the Live Channel interface. As we move along, many of the steps you are taking are one time only to get your Live Channel set for 360 streaming to YouTube. Onward. Switch to the Advanced Mode from the navigation menu (upper right hand corner see Figure 12). From the Advanced Mode page, click on Accounts from the menu bar (image below). Figure 11. Streambox Cloud Log in Page Figure 12. Streambox Cloud Basic Interface On the Account Information page (Figure 13 next page), make sure that Live Streaming: Enabled, Publish New Streams, and Full HD are all checked. Though optional, it is a good practice to also provide First Name, Last Name, and E mail so you can be notified of updates and server status. Click Save. Page 7 of 13

8 Now click on Decoders in the menu bar (image to right) to open the Decoders page (Figure 14). This is where you setup decoders which are destination routes. You will notice that a default Live Channel decoder was created for you (streamboxvr360 in this case). We need to setup this decoder so click Edit the Edit Decoder page will open (Figure 15). Figure 14. Decoders Page Figure 13. Account Information Form This is the page that will route your stream to YouTube. For that, there are two items that need attention. CDN 7 needs to be set to Custom (see green circle). This opens two fields, Server URL and Stream Key. These respectively are the address and keys to your site on YouTube. Later, we will cover how to obtain these values from YouTube (see on page 10). The blowup demonstrates how this might appear with real values. For 360 live streaming set Type to Live Streaming Channel and lower down on the form, make sure Enable HD Streaming is checked. All other settings can be the same as in Figure 15. Of course, Name will reflect the account name which will be unique to you. You may change Name if you desire. You may also choose to create a new Decoder click Add Decoder and fill in the same form as above. Figure 15. Edit Decoder Form 7 Content Delivery Network is a system to deliver web content; like YouTube Page 8 of 13

9 4 YOUTUBE SETUP Time to setup your YouTube account. If you don t have a YouTube account, you will need one. In YouTube, click the user icon in the upper right hand corner and then click the Creator Studio button (see arrow in image on right). The CREATOR STUDIO page will open. Next click LIVE STREAMING from the left panel list, and then click Events (see image on right). Then on the upper right hand side click the New live event button which opens the new live event form (Figure 16). First, enter a Title; for example, My 360 Test #1. It is also a good practice to provide a short Description and any appropriate Tags. Then set access to Public, Unlisted, or Private from the dropdown opposite the Title field. Then choose Type Custom. Now click Advanced settings from the top of the form (see Figure 16). In the Advanced settings form, scroll to the lower right panel, check 360 video (see arrow), and then click Create event (Figure 17). Figure 17. Advanced Settings (lower right panel) Now click Ingestion Settings from the top of the form. Then, on the bottom right corner, select the Custom ingestion option, then Select a stream, and Create new stream (Figure 18). You will want to give your ingestion stream a unique Name; for example, we used 360 video stream but any name will do. Again, it is good practice to provide a Description. Page 9 of 13

10 You will also need to set the Maximum sustained bitrate that you can support to 3000 Kbps 6000 Kbps (1080p). If your network cannot support sustained bitrates of 6000 Kbps (6 Mbps) then you may not be ready for live 360 streaming. Click the Save Changes button. Figure 18. Ceate Stream Dialog Now you will be in your Stream page (note the title of your stream in the upper left hand corner). If you look a half a page down from there you will see where you can Select your encoder. From the dropdown, select Other Encoders which will reveal the required settings to point your stream toward YouTube; that is, Stream Name, Primary Server URL, and Backup Server URL (Figure 19). We now need to jump back to the Streambox Live Decoders form and fill in the values from the Select your encoder dialog (see on page 8). Use Primary Server URL here for Server ULR and Stream Name here for Stream Key (Figure 20). Figure 20. Streambox Decoder Form with YouTube Values Figure 19. Select Your Encoder Dialog Page 10 of 13

11 5 THE WORKFLOW Everything is now set up to stream 360 live at 1080p. From this point on, streaming should be easy to setup. So let s go through the steps (I refer you back to our workflow overview below): Steps 1 & 2: Make sure the Ricoh is powered on for Streaming and optionally connected to a power source via the USB port (see item 1 on page 3) Steps 3 & 4: Connect BlackMagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder (see items 2 4 on page 3) Step 4: Step 5: Start Streambox Encoder on Mac Book Pro and stream to Streambox Cloud (see on page 4) Open Streambox Cloud in your browser (live.streambox.com). If it opens in the Live Channel view switch to Advanced Mode (see on page 7). Choose your 360 video and click the ROUTE button (Figure 21). This will open your Decoders page (see on page 8). From the decoder you setup for YouTube, click the START button. In a few seconds, the Status pane will display the stream activity. Figure 21. Streambox Cloud Live Page Step 6: Open your Events page on YouTube and shortly you should see the stream status (Figure 22). If it s GOOD, at this point you can click the Preview button. Once the PREVIEW window displays your stream (it will be at a lower resolution than the live stream), YouTube displays the Start Streaming button click it and you are live! Figure 22. YouTube Events Page Stream Status Page 11 of 13

12 6 EXTERNAL MICROPHONE Though not required for 360 streaming, the latest release of the Cloud Encoder has support for the use of an external microphone. Now, in addition to the audio tied to the video source, an audio overlay can be added to your video stream. For example, this feature could be employed where a news reporter wanted to add their voiceover narration to a live video stream. 6.1 REQUIREMENTS 11. Latest Version of Streambox Cloud Encoder for OSX 12. Installed microphone (built in or external) 6.2 SETUP Latest Version of Streambox Cloud Encoder Make sure you have the latest Streambox Cloud Encoder. Click on the Streambox Cloud Encoder menu (red arrow) and select Check for Updates. If there is an update available, go ahead and download & install that update. The version number should be at least the same or greater than shown here (green arrow) Page 12 of 13

13 6.2.2 Setup Audio Input in Encoder Make sure your microphone is plugged in if it is external; e.g., a USB microphone. From the Service menu select Audio. From the Audio list select the desired microphone (in this example, we have chosen the Samson C01U external USB microphone). That s it, you are now set to use an external microphone to voice live streams Checking the Status You can check the status of your audio input from the Status Box. If it is hidden, click the right chevron button (red arrow); the Status Box will slide out to the right. Select the Encoder tab on the top (between the Network and Statistics tabs). Then, in the Audio panel, you can verify that your input is working from the levels monitor (green arrow). Simply tap your microphone with your finger to see if the levels monitor responds accordingly. Page 13 of 13 END of Document