IP-based production workflows are quickly becoming more prevalent across the broadcast industry. The EEG HD492 iCap™ Caption Encoder allows users to simultaneously encode ancillary data- including closed captions, AFD, and SCTE-104 triggers- in both SDI and IP, using the ST 2110-40 IP Simulcast module.
Typical Application
EEG offers multiple solutions for customers interested in ST 2110-40 encoding. This module is a good fit for users who intend to continue working with SDI video, but who also need to be able to generate a matching ancillary data stream in the IP domain. This is an alternative to Alta™, which is used with purely IP-based workflows. Alta™, in addition to generating a ST 2110-40 ancillary stream, supports audio input via ST 2110-30, as well as ST 2110-40 caption data input.
Getting Started
In order to start using the ST 2110-40 IP Simulcast feature, the first step is to make sure it's included in your encoder's software build. If you browse to the HD492 Web Portal, you should see a link to the module on the left-hand sidebar:
If this link is not present, please contact EEG Support to obtain a software update. Once you visit the page, you will initially be asked for a license key:
If you have not already obtained a license key, please contact EEG Sales in order to purchase one. Once you have entered and saved a license key, you will see the following interface:
In the Multicast target field, you should enter the multicast IP and port to which you want to send 2110-40 data. This multicast stream will mirror all of the VANC data that is being embedded in SDI.
Note that for proper timing of the output stream, you must also set up Precision Time Protocol (PTP), on your network and on the HD492. Once your network has a PTP master clock running, you can configure the clock settings on your HD492 by going to the Date/Time section of the HD492 Web Portal, where you will see the following configuration fields:
You will need to set the Service field to PTP, and you will also need to make sure the Domain setting matches what your master clock is using. Once you save these settings, you should see the following section at the top of the page, reflecting your encoder's connection to the master clock:
This completes the setup process; you will now see a ST 2110-40 stream upon subscribing to the multicast IP address and port you have chosen.