Troubleshooting - Z3 Technology

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FAQs

Running the Encoder

First, you should confirm with Z3 that the version you have supports a Web GUI. Check your documentation to see if it mentions a Web GUI. If it is unclear, please contact Z3.

If your version supports a Web GUI but it is not appearing, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check that the Ethernet cable is solidly plugged into the Z3 unit (do you see the link lights on the Ethernet cable which indicates data is being transmitted?).
  2. Check that the Z3 unit IP address and the PC IP address have the same first 2 values (or, if netmask is set to 255.255.255.0, the same first 3 values).
  3. Check that the Z3 unit and the PC running VLC have the same netmask (the default value in Z3 products is 255.255.0.0).
  4. Check whether the Z3 unit and PC can see each other.
    • Try pinging the Z3 unit from the PC.
    • Try pinging the PC from the Z3 unit (a serial interface is required for this).
  5. Check that all firewalls on the network are turned off.
    • Try connecting the PC directly to the board without any routers, etc.

You can check the following:

  1. Does the IP address set in “Dest Address” equal the IP address of the PC running VLC?
  2. Does the port number in “Dest Port” equal the value entered in the URL for VLC?
  3. Does the video coming out of the source match the resolution in the encoder settings?
  4. Is the PC fast enough for 1080p decode on VLC?
  5. Does the PC have enough DDR to handle 1080p decode on VLC?
  6. Is VLC version 1.1x or later?
  7. One common mistake is to leave out the “@” in the VLC URL. Make sure there is an “@” after “udp://”

You can check the following:

  1. Are you using an SDP file?
  2. Does the value of “Dest Port” in encoder settings match the value listed in the User Guide?

It is recommended you try UDP first – UDP does not require an SDP file so that variable is removed.

First, you should try a different cable to make sure the cable is not the issue.

Second, if possible try a different source to rule out the video source as an issue.

The above 2 are the most common reasons for flicker.

There are 2 main things that can be done to reduce latency:

(a) Set the video burst size to the minimum value (150ms)

(b) Set the # of B-frames to zero.

Download ZFinder in your account.

Download the latest software in your account.

Refer to the latency document by logging in to your account.

Running the Decoder

Please see the same question under “Running the Encoder”

For more information about setting up a ZEUSTM encoder with Wowza Streaming EngineTM software, click here.

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