PNC and Tsymmetry users can now stream live video with real time GPS (when applicable) from select drone platforms to the LineVision Online PNC Team instance currently hosted at Amazon AWS.

This is facilitated by the deployment of a geoDVR Tablet as a “ground station” in the field which is connected to the drone’s controller or computer.

The geoDVR can be configured to receive, record and stream video with optional GPS data over a communication network to the hosted LineVision Online Team account.

LineVision Online users can login in and optionally view any current “real-time” live streams in the live streaming panel. By default, live streams are also recorded for archive and future playback at LineVision Online.

The geoDVR implementation ordered by Tsymmetry and PNC will come with a geoDVR Tablet (Microsoft Surface brand), a docking station, as well as a DIGI IX20 cellular router w/ DIGI IX20 CORE plug-in LTE modem and various other accessories. This geoDVR Tablet and router/modem combination offers a cellular network connectivity option to begin live streaming from the geoDVR Tablet to LineVision Online.

Qty 1 – geoDVR Tablet Hardware: Microsoft Surface 8 Pro

Qty 1 – Microsoft Surface 8 Pro Power Brick

Qty 1 – Microsoft Surface 8 Pro Power Cable/Plug

Qty 1 – Ruggedized Cover for Microsoft Surface 8 Pro (Installed)

Qty 1 – Detachable Keyboard for Microsoft Surface 8 Pro (Installed)

Qty 1 – Microsoft Surface Dock 2

Qty 1 – Microsoft Surface Dock 2 Power Brick

Qty 1 – Microsoft Surface Dock 2 Power Cable/Plug

Qty 1 – Garmin GPS Antenna/Receiver

Qty 1 – HDMI to USB Encoder

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem (LTE Cat 4 Global, Wi-Fi) w/ Core Module and Extra Green Connector Installed

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Power Cable/Plug

Qty 2 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Cell Antenna (wide)

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Wi-Fi Antenna (skinny)

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Ethernet Cable

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Wall Mounting Hardware

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Installation Guide & IMPORTANT: Product Numbers Bundle – SAVE THIS!

Qty 1 – Hard Shell Case w/ “Pluck Foam” Inserts

Qty 1 – geoDVR Module – Live Video & GPS Streaming

We highly recommend first powering up the geoDVR Tablet “on-the-bench” with wall power to get familiar with its operation before installing in an aircraft or vehicle and/or deploying to the field for drone operations.

Before powering on the geoDVR, verify the following parts are connected:

• GPS Antenna Cable
• Start/Stop & Waypoint Button Switch (Optional)
• Camera (and power to cameras) or Ground Station PC.

Press the POWER button on the right side of the geoDVR Tablet.  After powering on the geoDVR, the geoDVR interface should appear within 20-40 seconds.

NOTE:  For an explanation of the interface, see the geoDVR Tablet User Interface section. Please read through this section so that you can configure the geoDVR for your project requirements and personal preferences. Once configured, you should be ready to start recording.

The geoDVR Tablet is usually pre-configured by Remote GeoSystems technicians based on a customer’s specifications; however we understand from time to time you may need to make changes for different projects, cameras, operator consoles, etc.  The geoDVR interface has been designed for easy configuration of new settings when connected to a monitor, and wired keyboard and mouse.

This section will cover the various geoDVR interface components and menu items used to change layout and settings.

The following geoDVR interface examples are typical of what users might see.

NOTE:  The following screenshots were captured without video cameras or GPS connected which is why the video panels are blank.  If video cameras are properly connected and configured you should see a video feed in these panels.

Screenshot of geoDVR interface configured for 1 camera without any optional modules enabled

The main interface components are described below.

Menu Bar:

The menu bar contains the majority of the configuration options.

NOTE:  Depending you geoDVR configuration and options, your Menu Bar items may vary, however all configurations will include File, Options, Window and Help items.

Live Video Panel:

Each Live Video panel shows the live camera feed for its associated channel. If no camera feed is detected, it will be grey as in the image below.

System Output Panel:

This panel shows a continuous status update of the geoDVR system, such as camera changes, GPS information, and any relevant problems encountered.

Status Indicators:

Shows the status of various system components and readiness status. Red generally indicates NO, NOT READY, or a PROBLEM, and Green indicates READY and NO PROBLEMS DETECTED.

NOTE:  The number of boxes next to the Video Channel Detected and Is Recording labels corresponds to the number of channels configured on your geoDVR.

Video Channel Detected

Red:  No camera feed is detected – check camera power and signal cables, then click Window -> Refresh.

Green:  A live camera feed is detected and operating properly for the associated channel. Ready to record.

GPS Detected

Red:  No GPS receiver is detected.

Green:  GPS receiver is detected and functioning.

GPS Fix

Red:  GPS receiver has not yet obtained a GPS fix. Check the GPS antenna connection and make sure you have a clear path to the sky from the antenna end’s location.

Green:  GPS receiver has obtained a GPS fix. The number indicates strength of the GPS fix, 1 being the lowest and 3 being the strongest.

Is Recording

Red:  Channel is not recording.

Green:  Video channel is currently recording

Start/Stop Recording Button

Starts recording if stopped, and stops recording if started.  A touch screen monitor is recommended to use this button, but the functionality is otherwise identical to the Start/Stop and Waypoint Trigger Switch.

Drop Waypoint Button

Drops a Waypoint.  Has extended functionality if you have Waypoint Keywords option to let you select a predefined waypoint description when dropping waypoints.

The geoDVR has a customizable interface, allowing you to

The geoDVR allows operators to customize the layout and sizing of live video previews, map windows and other interface components.  You can float, dock, and hide panels as you wish to meet specific project requirements and end-user preferences. and save up, save up to 4 unique profiles and settings for different missions.

IMPORTANT:  In orde tto save

IMPORTANT: Once you have the layout set as desired, be sure to go to the File menu > Save Current Layout. This will enable you name your custom layout to be visible each time you reboot the geoDVR.

NOTE:  If you want to restore your geoDVR interface to default layout settings, go to the File menu > Advanced Settings > Reset Settings to Factory Default.

Hiding Panels

If you do not want or need to see certain panels/windows and would prefer more screen real estate, simply click the X in the top-right corner to hide the panel from view.

NOTE:  If you want to restore the view of a hidden panel (or window), open the Window menu and select the appropriate window.

Floating Windows

When you select to “float” a panel, it detaches from the main interface to become a window and allows you to drag, resize and place it wherever you wish. For example, you could float the Live Moving Maps module to a second monitor and resize it to take up the full screen. Or you could resize one Live Video Panel to overlay it above another channel.

To Float a panel, click on the arrow on the right side of its Title Bar and select Floating. The window will immediately detatch, allowing you to move the panel by dragging its title bar, or resize by clicking on the bottom-right corner of the window and setting it to the desired dimensions. If you wish to leave Floating mode, click the arrow and select Dockable to return to docking mode.

Screenshot of Channel 2 Live Video Panel floating over docked Channel 1 panel

 

Docking Panels

Docking re-positions where a panel is displayed, but still keeps it locked to the main interface window. If you dock two panels to the same location, a tabbed interface automatically opens up.

Channel 1 and Channel 2 panels are docked side-by-side in the above image

 

To dock a panel, click on the arrow in the top right of its Title Bar and be sure that Dockable is selected. You may then drag the panel above, to the right, to the left, and below other panels. The panel remains locked into the main interface window with this method.

If you drag a panel to the CENTER of another panel, the two panels will combine into a single tabbed interface. See below images:

Channel 2 Window is being docked into Channel 1 center. 

 

Channel 1 and 2 can be toggled back and forth via a “tab” option in the interface.

The Main Menu bar is at the top-left corner of the main geoDVR interface window.

NOTE:  Depending you geoDVR configuration and optional modules, your Menu Bar items may vary, however all standard configurations will include File, Options, Window and Help items.  In this section we will cover the standard items.  If your geoDVR is configured with a geoDVR Optional Module, please reference that module’s section for documentation on configuration and use.

 

Screenshot of geoDVR Main Menu without any optional modules enabled

 

Screenshot of geoDVR Main Menu with all optional modules enabled

 

Open Output File Folder

This will open the location that your data (videos, screenshots and GPS companion files) are stored in Explorer, usually on the D Drive.

Set Recording Output Location

You can configure the Output Path and the base Output File Name of the geoDVR with this setting.  It is not recommended to change these settings, as typically you will want your data saved directly to the removable drive.

Save Current Layout

Any setting changes you make will be lost when geoDVR interface is closed and/or the unit is shut down.  To save a custom layouts and settings, select Save Current Layout.  The Save Layout & Settings Window launch, where you can save up to 4 custom layout and settings profiles.  You have the option to give your layout a new name and choose/change which layout is the default layout when the geoDVR starts up.

 

Advanced Settings

> Load Default Layout

Selecting this item will load the default layout previously saved in the Save Layout & Settings window.

> Reset Settings to Factory Default

This will reset all settings back to Factory Defaults.  Note that any settings and layout changes you have made will be lost when the factory default settings are restored.

Custom Layouts

Selecting this item will allow you to choose and load one of the 4 layouts previously saved in the Save Layout & Settings window.

 

Turn Off geoDVR (Completely Shutdown)

This will exit the geoDVR application and shut down the unit.  IMPORTANT:  You should always select this option when you are finished using the geoDVR and are ready to shut  it off.  We typically do NOT recommend using the power button on the front of the unit to power off the geoDVR.

Exit geoDVR Screen

This will exit out of the geoDVR interface and bring you to the geoDVR Windows Desktop.

Since the Options menu contains a diverse array of functionality, for the sake of documentation, we have split the Options menu items into sections based on related functionality – GPS Options, Audio Options and Video Options and Other Options.  NOTE:  These options are not necessarily grouped together and may appear in different areas of the main Options menu.

There are several GPS-related sub-options a user may see within the main geoDVR Tablet Options menu.  NOTE:  These sub-options are not necessarily grouped together and may appear in different areas of the main Options menu.

Update geoDVR Time to Match UTC Time

Selecting this item will sync the geoDVR Windows clock to UTC time when a GPS source is connected.  IMPORTANT:  This is recommended for applications using the geoDVR DSLR Camera Geotagging module.

Use External Garmin USB GPS

Select this option only if using a supported Garmin GPS receiver with the Garmin protocol rather than the internal geoDVR GPS receiver.  (Most geoDVR Gen4 users will NOT use this option.)

Use GSS Gimbal GPS

This menu item is only visible for geoDVRs using the Gyro-stabilized Systems (GSS) protocol and paired with a compatible gimbal camera manufactured by GSS.

Use GPS from MISB Stream

This menu item is only visible for geoDVRs with the MISB FMV Metadata Module enabled and paired with a compatible gyro-stabilized gimbal camera providing a MISB FMV / STANAG 4609 data stream.  NOTE:  This option often used for modern gyro-stabilized gimbal cameras manufactured by Trakka Systems, FLIR and others.

Use Remote Geo Ethernet GPS

This option is generally used for geoDVRs paired with a compatible gyro-stabilized gimbal camera using the Remote GeoSystems Camera Target Footprint (CTF) protocol.  NOTE:  This option should be selected for gyro-stabilized gimbal cameras manufactured by OFIL Systems.

Use Internal or Serial GPS (Via COM Port)

IMPORTANT:  This option needs to be selected when using the included Garmin GPS receiver to also broadcast the geoDVR Tablet location.

This is the default option and uses the geoDVR internal GPS receiver, or allows for using an external Serial GPS receiver.  Selecting this menu item will open a Serial port settings window where the Port, Baud Rate, Bits and other related settings can be configured.

Show GPS Output

Checking this option will show advanced GPS data output (including the NMEA stream) in the System Output panel.

Record Continuous GPS Log (in addition to GPX logs)

This option is checked by factory default.  Once the geoDVR detects an adequate GPS signal it will begin logging GPS in a CSV file regardless of recording status.  Unchecking this option will disable this functionality.

Show GPS in Decimal Degrees

This option is checked by factory default.  Unchecking this option will display GPS in degrees, minutes, seconds in the “Last GPS Coordinates Received:” section of the geoDVR Interface in the lower right corner.  NOTE:  This is for display only. The GPX companion files will still log GPS in decimal degrees.

Limit GPS Embedding to 1 Hz

This option is checked by factory default.  This setting only applies when recoding videos with “embedded” GPS.  Currently only applies to MISB FMV / STANG 4609-spec .TS files and .AVI files with Remote GeoSystems “Whisper” embedding.  NOTE:  The GPX companion files will still log GPS at the original frequency.

There are several Audio-related sub-options a user may see within the main geoDVR Gen4 Options menu.  NOTE:  These sub-options are not necessarily grouped together and may appear in different areas of the main Options menu.

Enable Push to Talk

Selecting this item enables the geoDVR’s Push-to-Talk (PTT) button which will appear next to the Drop Waypoint button at the bottom of the user interface.

VIDEO:   Learn more about using the Push-to-Talk capabilities in this video:  https://youtu.be/4AJEFUwBD4c

Mute All Audio Alerts

Checking this option will disable all audio status messages.

Play Recording Message

geoDVR will periodically play audio status messages.  By checking this option, users can set the interval at which you receive a message that the video is in fact recording.

Audio Option Submenu

 

> Audio Input Submenu

 

>> Line In (from Mic input)

Audio input from Line In (typically a headset with mic) is used, allowing you to use speech recording while recording video.

>> Embedded (in Video Stream)

If your camera records audio, this setting will use the camera’s audio stream when recording video.

>> Sound Card Line In

This option is checked by factory default.

>> Sound Card Mic In

If your camera records audio, this setting will use the camera’s audio stream when recording video.

There are several video-related sub-options a user may see within the main geoDVR Tablet Options menu.  NOTE:  These sub-options are not necessarily grouped together and may appear in different areas of the main Options menu.

Set Max Recorded Video Size

Push option allows you set a maximum video size, either in length of time (minutes) or file size (megabytes).

Automatic Recording

This item allows user to select how they want the geoDVR to start recording video.

 

> Manually Start – Requires the user to engage the Start Recording button in the user interface or the wired switch. (Recommended)

> Start Immediately After Video Initialization – The geoDVR will automatically start recording after it boots up and detecting a video camera signal.  This will begin recording even if there is no GPS connection or fix detected.  (We do NOT recommend using this option as there is a good chance you may record vie without complete GPS data.)

> Start After Video & GPS Detection – The geoDVR will automatically start recording after it boots up and detecting a video camera signal AND adequate GPS signal. (Recommended only for when users will not have immediate access to the geoDVR interface or wired switch to otherwise start the recording process.)

Preserve Preview Video Aspect Ratio

This option is checked by factory default.  This will preserve the aspect ratio of the video streams when displayed in the Live Video panels. Turning off this setting will cause the video streams to be stretched to the full size of each panel.

Set Preview Aspect Ratio

Allows you to set the aspect ratio for the Live Video panel previews.  For example, if you input “1920×1080” as the dimensions, the streams will be shown with a 16:9 ratio.

Perform Advance File Recording Check

Checks the video stream periodically to make sure the video is successfully recording to disk.

Video Options Submenu

> Take Snapshots with Waypoints

When enabled, this setting will store geotagged snapshots of the current video stream(s) whenever a waypoint is dropped.  These images are stored in a folder with the same name as the video being recorded (by default, geoDVR_Recording_X).

> Recording Quality

Low to Highest – By default, recording quality is set to High.  This provides a good balance between video image detail, resource utilization, and file size. It is not recommended to change this setting, but if desired, you can select among Low, Medium, High and Highest.

Custom – The Custom option is for advanced users needing to change advanced recording quality parameters for each channel.  NOTE:  It is not suggested to change these settings unless you are familiar with the H.264 encoder parameters.

> Default Video Codec

This option is currently set to the H.264 codec by factory default.

> Default Video File Type

This option lets users select the default video file type to be recorded.  We recommend using the factory default .MP4 file for maximum editing flexibility post-data collection in our LineVision Desktop – Ultimate edition and Video GeoEditor software.

> HD Options

Ignore this “legacy” option.  The geoDVR Gen4 comes with video cards that will auto detect and configure to match the video resolution and frame rates, so users should not need to change anything in this section.

> IP Camera Options

Allows the configuration of your IP (internet protocol) camera if your geoDVR unit is configured for such.

> Video Display/Record Options

This option submenu lest users choose which video channel(s) to display only, but NOT record.  This is ideal situations such as a DSLR camera preview or viewing a HD video feed with overlays in-mission but only recording a “clean” 4K video for post-mission playback.

This section covers the Option menu items not covered in the previous GPS, Audio and Video sections above.  NOTE:  These options are not necessarily grouped together and may appear in different areas of the main Options menu.

Disable Popup Message Alerts

This will prevent any popup windows from appearing that require a user response to continue proper operation. This is useful if you intend to run geoDVR without a monitor/interface and/or without an observer to monitor the geoDVR interface.  IMPORTANT:  If using the optional Drill Down Waypoint Descriptions module, this setting must be OFF (no checkmark).

Image Geotagging

Image Geotagging is an optional geoDVR module for DSLR still image photo cameras that do not have a method for native geotagging.  If your geoDVR is configured with this option please reference the Image Geotagging Module section for documentation on configuring and using this module.

Render Interface in Software

Renders the interface in software rather than using GPU acceleration.

Ethernet Channel 1 Preview Window

Selecting this option will restore the view of the related Ethernet Channel Video window if it has been hidden from view.  NOTE:  This option is only visible if your geoDVR is configured for Ethernet/IP cameras.  There will be one item per video channel configured.

Channel “X” Preview Window

Selecting this option will restore the view of the related  BNC Channel Video window if it has been hidden from view.  NOTE:  This option is only visible if your geoDVR is configured for BNC cameras (most geoDVRs).  There will be one item per video channel configured.

Map Window

Selecting this option will restore the Live Moving Map window if it has been hidden from view.   NOTE:  This option is only visible if your geoDVR is configured with the optional Live Moving Maps w/ Offline Tile Server module.

Map Layer Control

Selecting this option will restore the Map Layer Control window if it has been hidden from view.  NOTE:  This option is only visible if your geoDVR is configured with the optional Live Moving Maps w/ Offline Tile Server module.

Video Window Rotation

Selecting this option allows user to rotate the aspect of video in the Live Video window and recording of the video.  This capability is sometimes useful if there is a camera positioned “up side down” that you would like to see “right side up” or on one side.

System Output Window

Selecting this option will restore the System Output window if it has been hidden from view.

Refresh

This will force all interface items to “redraw”, and force a reconnect of all video channels.  For example, this is sometimes useful if you connect a video channel after starting the geoDVR firmware to force it to detect the new video channel.

Allow Windows Resizing

Selecting this option will reduce the geoDVR user interface from consuming the monitor’s full screen and let you move and manage it like a traditional Windows application.  This is sometimes useful if you need to run other approved 3rd-party software on the geoDVR Gen4 such as Capture One and IRT Analyzer.

 

Email Program Logs

If your geoDVR has a temporary connection to the internet, you can email our support team system logs that can often be helpful in trouble shooting.

View Debug Output

Provides a system log that can be saved as .TXT file, copied and emailed.  This can often be helpful in trouble shooting.

About

Provides contact information and Build (version) information about the current geoDVR firmware build being used.

The geoDVR Tablet (Windows Surface models) come with the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 docking station. The docking station provides an alterative method for powering and connecting components to the geoDVR Tablet.

Docking Station Ports

Referencing the image below, the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 has the following inputs (Left to right):

• Docking Station Power Connector
• Ethernet Cable Port
• Audio Output Device Port
• 2 USB-C ports
• 2 USB 3.1 ports

In order to stream live video from the geoDVR to LineVision Online, there will need to be a network with adequate bandwidth. Means of accessing the the network will be up users, but might include: the Digi cellular router/dual SIM Modem, a mobile hotspot, satellite (i.e. Starlink ) or traditional wireless access point.

Users may optionally try to using their mobile phone as a hotspot to try and connect to a network supporting LineVision Online compatibilities.

Connecting the geoDVR Tablet with a mobile hotspot follows the same process as connecting to a wireless network in Microsoft Windows environment.

You will need to exit or resize the geoDVR interface to get access the Windows desktop on the geoDVR Tablet. This can be done in one of two ways.

• Close or exit the geoDVR interface entirely by going to the File menu > Exit geoDVR Screen.
• Resize the geoDVR interface by going to the Windows menu > Allow Windows Resizing.  (Selecting this option will reduce the geoDVR user interface from consuming the monitor’s full screen and let you move and resize it like a traditional Windows application.

Activate the hotspot on your mobile device per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Connect to your mobile hotspot as you normally would in the Microsoft Windows environment.

After following these steps, your device should be connected to the internet as if connected to a Wi-Fi router, and you will be able to livestream to LineVision Online.

A rugged combination cellular router / dual SIM card modem is included with the geoDVR Tablet kit as an option for network connectivity in the field.  The specific brand and model is listed below along a packing list of the included parts and accessories.

Router & Modem

Digi IX20W — LTE Cat 4 Global, Wi-Fi, (2) Ethernet, DB-9 RS-232

Learn more at:  https://www.digi.com/products/models/ix20-w0g4

Packing List

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem (LTE Cat 4 Global, Wi-Fi) w/ Core Module and Extra Green Connector Installed

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Power Cable/Plug

Qty 2 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Cell Antenna (Broad)

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Wi-Fi Antenna (Skinny)

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Ethernet Cable

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Wall Mounting Hardware

Qty 1 – DIGI Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Installation Guide & IMPORTANT: Product Numbers Bundle – SAVE THIS!

The DIGI Core Modem (IX20) provided with the geoDVR does not have Wi-Fi enabled by default. This page will go over how to connect to the router to enable WIFI and configuring SSID.

Modem Antennas

The DIGI Core IX20 Modem comes with one(1) Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Wi-Fi Antenna (skinny) and two (2) Dual SIM Card Cellular Modem Cell Antennas (broad). These will be needed to ensure connectivity to the router device. The connector for the Wi-Fi antenna can be found left side of the port panel of the DIGI Router, and the SIM Card antenna connectors can be found on the opposite side.

 

See below image for antenna instillation reference:

 

 

Connecting to the Digi Device Management Console

Connect the router to a host machine via ethernet cable to establish connection. Once connected, use an internet browser to navigate to 192.168.2.1. This will bring the user to the login page for the router.

 

 

Note: The default username for the device login will always be “admin” (case sensitive)

The password for your device can be found on the data card that came with your Digi IX20 Router. This password can be changed from the Device Management Console if desired.

IMPORTANT: The default password is unique to the device and will be need to be kept in the event the device is reset to its factory settings. Losing this default key could result in loss of access. The password label is only available on the device, the shipping box, and the loose label that came with the device.

 

Device Management Console

After logging in, you will be able to view the device dashboard which provides technical information such as device uptime, internal temperature, active connections, and more.

 

Device Configuration Menu

To enable your modems Wi-Fi and to configure the SSID, navigate to the top right hand corner of the Device Management Console, click “System”, then from the dropdown menu underneath “Configuration“, select “Device Configuration“.

 

 

After navigating to the configuration page, there will be a number of options that users can change to configure the device to their liking.

 

Enabling Wi-Fi and Configuring Access Points

Underneath the “Wi-Fi” tab, users can click the “Enable” button to enable Wi-Fi on the device. Users may also adjust the frequency band, access point modes, channels, and other options.

 

Next, under the “Access Points” tab, then “Digi AP“, users can setup the device’s SSID, as well as entering the desired pre-shared key. Additionally, there is a toggle that allows for the broadcasting of the device’s SSID.

 

Another option for connecting to the internet is Ethernet.

Connect an Ethernet cord from your network device into the docking station for the geoDVR Tablet. Once connected, the device will automatically detect the access point and be connected to the internet.

In certain configurations, a hard wired connection can provide smoother uploads or more consistent internet connections.

In order for the geoDVR Tablet to connect to LineVision Online you will need to manage some configurations within the geoDVR interface.  These actions are outlined below. Before accessing the livestream, please refer to the Connectivity Options section to view the possible options for internet connectivity.

IP Address & Ports

Below are the unique IP address and ports for streaming video and GPS to the LineVision Online PNC Team account:

NOTE: If the Enable GPS Stream option is currently checked from a previous session, then the live stream(s) may start automatically after making changes covered below.  If this occurs before you are ready to start streaming simply uncheck the Enable Live Stream channel.

Set Live Stream Protocol (Video) URL

Referencing the image below, go to the Live Streaming menu > Live Stream Protocol and select UDP.

 

This will launch the following window where users will enter the URL for the live video stream.  Referencing the image below, this is usually composed of “udp://” then the IP address then a “:” then the port number.  When finished click OK.  NOTE:  The URL referenced in image below may be different than the one used for your specific configuration.

 

Set GPS Stream IP Address & Ports

Referencing the image below, go to the Live Streaming menu > Enable GPS Stream.  This will launch the following window where users will be prompted to enter the GPS IP address and port for LineVision Online.  When finished click OK.

 

IMPORTANT:  Once you have the above settings configured as required, go to the File menu > Save Current Layout.  This will enable you save and optionally name your custom custom configurations/layout to be active each time you reboot the geoDVR, eliminating the need to do the same for every mission.

Enabling Live Streaming

Go to the  Live Streaming menu > Enable Live Stream > check Channel 1.  If your IP settings have been set correctly, you will begin streaming both video and GPS data to LineVision Online.

 

Referencing the image below, users can confirm that the stream has started by checking the System Output panel where they should see a “Streaming started…” message.

 

Disabling Live Streaming

Go to the Live Streaming menu > select Enable Live Stream > UNCHECK Channel 1 (or any other channels if applicable.)

Changing resolutions mid-stream can cause major issues as the geoDVR locks into the resolution inputted when connecting your cameras. It should be noted that the geoDVR encoder settings are optimized for 720p and 1080p resolutions at 30fps.

Should you need to change your video resolution, it is advised to factory reset the geoDVR firmware using the File > Avanced Settings > Restore to Factory Default. This will delete the currently saved recording parameters. Finally, after resetting your firmware, restart the geoDVR interface.

Upon launching the geoDVR firmware again, you will need to reenter the IP for your online instance  (See above section for IP setup guide)

 

From there you can change your video resolution on your cameras before you start livestreaming again.

 

 

Once the IP address and port settings have been set on the geoDVR Tablet, and once the live stream has been enabled, then the live stream will be accessible from LineVision Online.

After signing into your LineVision Online (pnc.linevision.com), there will be a notification if there is an active stream available.  After clicking the confirmation box, a Live Stream tab will appear on the left hand side under the various media browsers. Simply select the live stream to watch it.

 

 

This tab will also show any other available streams to users in LineVision Online.

Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN while live streaming video and GPS from the geoDVR.

Disadvantages

– Depending on the security protocol and encryption, VPN’s can add additional overhead and increase latency, especially with the video streams you will be viewing. Also, depending on where the encryption/decryption occurs, the hardware resource requirements of the devices and servers can increase substantially. This can be alleviated if the VPN is integrated via a hardware solution in your datacenter, although due to the shear bandwidth required for streaming video and GPS data, there is already a large overhead and VPNs unfortunately add to this overhead requirement.

– Complexity – Ideally, the VPN is fairly transparent and easy to connect to. However, they do add an additional layer of potential complexity that can cause issues, especially during debugging and troubleshooting devices connected to them.

– Reliability – Since the VPN is adding potential overhead, connectivity loss (along with latency as mentioned above) is a concern, especially when trying to stream video and GPS over cell connections. The Remote Geo Live Stream Server tries to accommodate some latency, although stream timeouts (and thus dropped connections) are possible if the VPN introduces extra latency and/or causes connectivity loss.

Advantages

– Depending on the setup, VPNs typically allow all devices to be on the same subnet. This can make video stream routing much easier.

– Security – With the encryption capabilities of most VPN, they typically add a much greater layer of security.