Focus Live Capture - Setup Considerations

Introduction 

Here is a summary of Focus Capture and some of the considerations to make when viewing live video in Focus.

All capture is done on the Focus Server.  Focus Server can run on a Mac or Windows PC.  Focus Server can capture multiple angles at one time and re-stream them for other remote Focus users to view on their Mac, PC, or iPad.

Hardware Required

• Focus Software
  • Capturing on Focus Server
  • Connect to a live capture on additional Focus workstations
• Video Source
  • IP Feed from existing IP Cameras - RTMP or RTSP streams
  • HDMI / SDI Capture Device - Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G or AJA U-TAP device is required
• Networking Equipment
  • Network Switch 
  • Wireless Access Point - recommended: Ruckus R610 or better
  • Apple Thunderbolt to Ethernet Adapter - if connecting iPads via Ethernet

For more specifics please see Recommended Computer Hardware and Operating Systems and Recommended Hardware to Capture, Record and Re-stream Video

Setting it up in your Environment

There are multiple network configurations that are supported. 

Some questions to factor in determining what network environment is right for you.

• Will there be an internet source?
  • If No, log in to Focus while connected to the internet before capture to ensure the license is valid.  The Focus license expires after 7 days if not connected to the internet.
• How are my Focus stations connecting to Focus Server?  WiFi or wired?
• If using an IP camera, is there a password or a specific syntax for the URL?
• Do you require your own dedicated Wireless Access Point (WAP)?

Regardless of your network typology, below are some guidelines to follow to ensure a successful capture.

• Focus Server and Focus workstations (MacBook, Windows PC, iPad) all need to be on the same IP Scheme, with the same subnet mask and default gateway.
  Example:
  • Focus Server - 192.168.50.10 / 255.255.255.0 / 192.168.50.1
  • Focus MacBook Pro - 192.168.50.55 / 255.255.255.0 / 192.168.50.1
  • iPad - 192.168.50.56 / 255.255.255.0 / 192.168.50.1
• If the Focus Server is streaming IP cameras over multiple networks, it is recommended to statically assign the Focus clients IP addresses to ensure traffic from Focus to Focus Server is on the dedicated network for Focus.
• When adding Channels to capture, the re-stream setting is dependent on how the Focus workstations will connect.
  • If you are connecting via WiFi, you need the re-stream setting to be HLS (default).
  • If you connect via Ethernet, the re-stream setting is UDP.
    • MatchTracker users are only able to see live video if the re-stream setting is on UDP.

Network Examples

 

Wired Setup with a Network Connection

1. Connect your Ruckus to the house provided internet.
   • One port should have been configured on initial setup to be a WAN or internet Port. Plug the ethernet cord from the house network into that port (either Port 1 or 2).
     
     
     
      
2. Connect your network switch to the Ruckus via an ethernet cord in the other unused port.
   • The Ruckus will provide the IPs to the machines, as well as a Wireless Network.
   • If your local network provides an IP, then you could get away without the Ruckus.
     
3. Connect Focus Server and Focus Client machine(s) to the network switch via ethernet cords.
4. Connect your feed(s) to the Focus Server. How To Add Channels in the Focus Server.
5. Start a New Session.
   

Wired Setup Without Internet Access from the WAP

1. Ensure Focus Systems have connected to the internet within 7 days prior.
2. Connect your network switch to the Ruckus via an ethernet cord.  Do not use the Port configured for the internet (WAN Port).
   • The Ruckus will provide the IPs to the machines, but connected systems will have no internet access.
3. Connect Focus Server and Focus Client machine(s) to the network switch via ethernet cords.
4. Connect your feed(s) to the Focus Server. How To Add Channels in the Focus Server.
5. Start a New Session. 
   

Wireless Setup With a Network Connection

1. Connect your network switch to the local network via an ethernet cord.
2. Connect Focus Server and Focus Client machine(s) to the network switch via ethernet cords
3. Plug an ethernet cord into each port on the Ruckus.
   • One port should have been configured to be a LAN network. Plug the ethernet cord from this port into the network switch.
     
     
     
      
   • The other port should have been configured to be a WAN network. Plug the ethernet cord from this port into the internet Feed. 
4. Connect your feed(s) to the Focus Server. How To Add Channels in the Focus Server.
   • If you are having issues seeing your Blackmagic feed after updating your computer, you may need to trust your BM device.
   • Further Blackmagic Troubleshooting Steps Outlined Here.
   • If all of your connections are wired, then your feed can be set up UDP. If not, it is recommended to be set up HLS.
5. Start a New Session.
   

Setting Up Capture in Focus Server

1. Upon first launch of Focus Server, ensure you have a password created for users to connect with.  
   
2. Edit Channels to Add IP Cameras or Blackmagic/AJA-U-TAP Devices.
   • Multiple channels can exist in 1 Recorder.  As a default, there is no need to add additional Recorders.
   • When setting up re-streaming, use the default HLS setting for Wifi and UDP for wired only network configurations.
     

Connecting Focus to Server

1. Ensure Focus workstations have the same IP scheme as Focus Server.
2. In the Settings Server. 
3. Expand the Advanced Options and make the following adjustments:
   • Server - Change to Remote.
   • Click on the Button with the Server Name.
     • The Focus Server IP address will display in the URL.  This can be keyed in manually too.
   • Click Connect.

Looking to Connect an iPad?

Click Downloading and Connecting an iPad to a Focus Server

Starting a Session with Paused Recording

You can alter the general settings to always start a live session with the recording being paused. This is useful if you want to verify that the video stream is working correctly ahead of starting the recording. 

To activate this setting:

1. In Focus Client, go to Settings > General.
2. De-select the tick next to Start recording on session start, then click Save.
   
3. When you Open Live Session, the recording will be automatically paused. Click Resume Recording when you are happy to start.
   

Troubleshooting

Click Troubleshooting Focus Live Capture