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AJA Video Systems Inc HELO Plus - User Manual

AJA Video Systems Inc HELO Plus
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HELO Plus
H.264 Advanced Streaming and Recording Encoder
Version 1.0
Published August 19, 2022
Installation and Operation Guide

Table of Contents

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Summary

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Overview

Introduces the HELO Plus as a compact, advanced H.264 streaming and recording appliance.

Hardware

Describes the HELO Plus's compact desktop footprint and silent, fan-less operation.

Dual Streaming Outputs Plus Record

Details the dual encoders and outputs for flexible streaming settings from one source.

Layouts for Picture-in-Picture

Explains the feature for combining multiple inputs into a single screen with graphic overlays.

Web Server Built-In

Describes remote configuration via web browser over Ethernet connection.

Scheduler and Automation Control

Highlights scheduling capabilities for automated recording and streaming events.

Features

Lists key hardware and software features including HLS streaming and security.

Simplified Block Diagram

Provides a visual representation of the HELO Plus's internal signal paths and components.

About Video Reference (Genlock)

Explains the use of the SDI input signal for video reference and framesync.

Using Mobile Devices

Details connecting HELO Plus to a WiFi router for wireless communication with mobile devices.

Whats In The Box?

Lists the components included with the HELO Plus streaming/recording encoder.

System Requirements

Specifies requirements for remote computer configuration and control via web browser.

HELO Plus REST API Documentation

Describes the API for issuing commands and building automation scripts.

Chapter 2 - Product at a Glance

Front Panel

Introduces the front panel layout with buttons, ports, and indicators.

Buttons

Explains the function of the Record, Stream, and Reset buttons on the front panel.

Ports;Slots

Lists the available ports including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and SD Card Slot.

Front Panel Status LEDs

Details the status indications for Record, Stream, USB, SD, and Power LEDs.

Audio Level Meter

Describes the audio level meter indicating output channel levels.

Rear Panel

Introduces the rear panel with various input/output and connection ports.

Connections

Lists audio connection types, including analog and embedded audio.

Rear Panel Status LEDs

Explains status LEDs for SDI In, HDMI In, and LAN ports.

Record LEDs

Explains the status indications for primary and secondary recording LEDs.

Retained Settings With Soft Reset

Lists system settings retained after a soft reset.

Stream LEDs

Describes the status indications for the two streaming outputs.

USB LED

Explains storage availability and activity for the USB port.

SD LED

Explains storage availability and activity for the SD card slot.

Power LED

Details the status indications for the Power LED.

Chapter 3 - HELO Plus Installation

Overview

Covers network connection, DHCP, and eMini-Setup for initial configuration.

HELO Plus Initial Configuration Summary

Provides a step-by-step summary for setting up the HELO Plus.

Static IP Address Configuration Using eMini-Setup

Details how to configure static IP addresses using the eMini-Setup application.

HELO Plus Recording Quick Start

Guides users through the basic steps for starting a recording.

HELO Plus Streaming Quick Start

Guides users through the basic steps for starting a stream.

HELO Plus Firmware Update

Explains how to download and install firmware updates from the AJA website.

HELO Plus Safeboot

Describes the safeboot feature for system recovery.

Chapter 4 - HELO Plus Web Interface

Overview

Introduces control via front panel buttons and the web interface.

Direct Front Panel Control

Explains control using the physical Record and Stream buttons.

Remote Control

Describes remote control via web browser over an Ethernet network.

Web Browser via Ethernet

Illustrates the HELO Plus web browser interface screen areas.

General Screen Description

Explains common screen elements like scroll bars and control buttons.

Menu Pane

Describes the left-hand menu for navigating available screens.

Recordings Pane

Lists primary and secondary recording destinations and their content.

Alarms Pane

Displays alarms and warnings with additional detail on hover.

Connections Pane

Shows connection information for the connected HELO Plus device.

Network Panel

Lists other AJA devices on the network and provides an identify feature.

Top Menu Line

Describes the top menu line with function buttons and status indicators.

Data Transfer Button

Explains the button for downloading files, disabling record/stream.

Scheduler Button

Indicates the status of the enabled Scheduler function.

Lock Button

Shows the status of the front panel button lock.

Video Confidence Monitor

Displays a low frame rate video monitor for signal confidence.

Record, Link and Stream Buttons

Explains the Record, Stream, and Link buttons and their functions.

Parameters and Information

Details how to interact with parameters and view information.

Status Screen

Reports current status and settings for Input, Encoder, Scheduler, and Output.

Config Screen

Contains parameters for general HELO Plus operation.

Video Source

Selects the video input source from available connections like SDI or HDMI.

Audio Source

Selects audio input from SDI, HDMI, or analog connections.

Audio Input Level

Adjusts the level for analog audio input.

Audio Delay

Delays analog audio output relative to the input.

Closed Captioning Source

Determines the source for closed captioning data from SDI signals.

AV Mute

Mutes video and audio while maintaining a stream.

Uploading a Custom Video Test Pattern Image

Guides on uploading custom test pattern images for display.

Loss of Video Behavior

Controls the HELO Plus's response to lost input video signals.

Auto-Recover Streaming

Determines automatic reconnection behavior after a streaming disconnect.

Group Mode

Sets HELO Plus behavior when receiving a Group trigger command.

Power Up State

Selects the HELO Plus's action upon powering on.

RTP;UDP Traffic Shaping

Controls traffic shaping for RTP/UDP stream output.

Video Test Pattern Format

Sets the video format for the internal test pattern generator.

Video Test Pattern Type

Selects the type of internal test pattern generator output.

Audio Bit Rate

Selects the audio bit rate for encoded recording.

Dropped Frames Stream Behavior

Selects behavior when input frames are lost during streaming.

Encoder 1, 2 Screens

Allows simultaneous encoding for different outputs.

Import Encoder Settings

Imports pre-configured encoder templates.

Encoder Page

Details configurable parameters for each encoder.

Frame Rate

Selects encode frame rate relative to input frame rate.

Video Geometry

Selects whether encoded video geometry matches input or is manual.

Lock Aspect Ratio

Controls whether encoded video pixel aspect ratio matches input.

Video Bit Rate

Adjusts the desired bit rate for encoded video recording.

Additional Advanced Settings

Provides settings for advanced users, typically for CDN/provider direction.

I-Frame [GOP] Every

Selects how often I-frames are encoded for Group Of Pictures size.

B-Frames

Defines the B frame cadence for predictive encoding.

H.264 Encoding Profile

Selects the encoding profile for H.264 streams.

Slices Per Frame

Selects the number of encoding slices per frame for parallel decoding.

Entropy Coding

Selects the algorithm used for entropy encoding like CABAC or CAVLC.

Display Aspect Ratio

Codes video for playback with specific aspect ratios like 4:3 or 16:9.

Stream 1, 2 Output Screens

Configures two simultaneous streaming outputs independently.

Stream 1 Enable

Enables or disables Stream 1 or Stream 2 output.

Stream 1 Encoder

Selects the encoder source for Stream 1.

Stream Type

Selects the stream type (HLS, RTMP, RTSP, etc.).

RTMP

Details the RTMP protocol for pushing content to a CDN.

RTSP

Explains the RTSP pull protocol used by client applications like VLC.

RTP-TS

Describes RTP-TS for multicast applications using UDP.

UDP-TS

Describes UDP-TS for multicast applications using UDP.

HLS

Explains HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for compatibility with various devices.

SRT

Describes SRT for secure, reliable transport with low latency.

Record Output Screen

Configures recording parameters including encoder and media type.

Recording Encoder

Selects which encoder is used for recording.

Primary Recording Media Type

Selects recording destination: SD Card, USB, or Network Share.

SMB and Record Path

Details SMB/NFS share configuration and record path creation.

SMB Dialect

Selects the SMB protocol version for remote shares.

Secondary Recording Media Type

Selects destination for secondary recordings: None, SD, or USB.

Dropped Frames Record Behavior

Selects HELO Plus behavior when frames are lost during recording.

Filename Prefix

Sets the prefix for recorded file names.

Recording Duration Extent

Selects recording duration: Unlimited, Fixed, or Long Single Segment.

Starting Segment Number

Sets the number appended to the filename of the first recording.

File Segment Record Duration (minutes)

Sets the maximum duration in minutes for each recording segment.

Recording File Type

Selects file type: MOV (QuickTime) or MP4 (MPEG-4).

Formatting Media

Guides on formatting USB and SD media as exFAT.

Formatting with HELO Plus

Recommends formatting media directly on the HELO Plus device.

Scheduler Screen

Allows scheduling of one-time or recurring recording and streaming events.

General Calendar Description

Explains calendar views, navigation, and the agenda.

Calendar Views

Describes viewing the calendar by day, week, or month.

Agenda

Shows a list of scheduled events with dates and times.

Scheduler Status

Displays current and next scheduled events.

Scheduler Operator Controls

Manages scheduler settings like enabled/disabled and activity type.

Scheduler Activity

Sets the activity for scheduled events: Record, Stream, or both.

Schedule Source

Selects the source for the schedule: Local or Remote.

Local Calendar Operation

Details the functionality and editing of the local calendar.

Import;Export Local Calendar File

Manages downloading and uploading calendar files.

Creating, Editing or Deleting Local Calendar Events

Provides instructions for managing local calendar events.

To Create a New Local Event

Step-by-step guide for creating a new calendar event.

Remote Calendar Operation

Explains how remote calendars are linked and synchronized.

Remote Calendar URL

Specifies the URL for linking an external calendar.

Sync Now

Manually synchronizes the remote calendar with the HELO Plus.

History Events Log

Shows scheduled events, their attempts, and outcomes.

Group Screen

Manages groups of AJA devices for synchronized operation.

Presets Screen

Allows saving and recalling HELO Plus configurations into memory registers.

Presets Screen Controls

Explains controls for managing presets like Recall, Store, Export, Import, Erase.

Recall

Recalls saved preset configurations, replacing current settings.

Store

Saves current configuration into a preset register.

Export

Saves preset contents to a file on the computer.

Import

Imports preset files from the computer into the preset register.

Erase

Erases data within a specific preset.

Default Preset (Web UI)

Performs a soft reset of most parameters, keeping network settings.

Layouts Screen

Allows creation and saving of layouts for composite video outputs.

About Layouts

Explains how HELO Plus combines inputs, graphics, and matte layers.

Layout View

Displays a representation of the current layout with input rasters and layers.

Layout Config

Contains controls for configuring layout elements like selection, layers, and scales.

Layout Selection

Lists and loads available layouts for display and adjustment.

Layers

Shows and allows reordering of SDI, HDMI, and Graphic layers.

SDI Scale, HDMI Scale

Adjusts the size of SDI and HDMI inputs.

Active Layer

Provides access to parameters affecting a specific active layer.

Layout LOV

Determines output behavior upon loss of SDI or HDMI input video in a layout.

Layout Images Screen

Manages framestore images for use in layouts.

Image Upload

Uploads PNG images to the framestore for use in layouts.

Shotbox Screen

Allows quick recall of layouts for on-air use.

System Screen

Configures system-wide settings like button lock and system name.

Front Panel Button Lock

Determines if front panel buttons are active or ignored.

System Name

Defines a unique name for the HELO Plus unit.

User Authentication

Requires a password to log in to HELO Plus from the network.

Time Source;Date Set

Configures time source (Manual/Automatic) and date/time settings.

Time Zone

Selects the local time zone for accurate scheduling.

HTTPS Web Access

Enables encrypted communication via HTTPS with a digital certificate.

Network Screen

Views and changes HELO Plus network settings.

IP Address Type

Selects between DHCP and Static IP address assignment.

IP Address

Sets a static IP address for TCP/IP networking.

Default Gateway

Sets the gateway or router for LAN TCP/IP networking.

Firmware Screen

Allows downloading and installing firmware updates from AJA.

Log Screen

Displays a technical event log for troubleshooting.

Recordings Panel

Accesses recordings made to primary and secondary media destinations.

Changing the Recording Destination

Guides on changing recording destinations via the Recordings panel.

Viewing Recorded Files

Displays recorded files with details like name, format, and duration.

Data Transfer Mode

Enables downloading files from the device, disabling record/stream.

Deleting Files

Selects and deletes files from the device storage.

Chapter 5 - CDNs and Clients

Introduction

Covers CDN configuration for RTMP and client info for RTSP streaming.

Akamai

Provides configuration summary for streaming with Akamai.

Amino Set-Top Boxes

Guides on configuring HELO Plus for Amino set-top boxes via UDP.

Facebook Live

Guides on setting up Facebook Live streaming.

Instagram via Third Party Application Yellow Duck

Instructions for streaming to Instagram using Yellow Duck.

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

Explains how HELO Plus streams to OBS via RTSP.

Twitch

Guides on setting up Twitch streaming with HELO Plus.

UStream

Guides on setting up UStream streaming with HELO Plus.

vMIX

Explains using HELO Plus as an input source via RTSP stream in vMix.

Wirecast

Explains using HELO Plus as an input source via RTSP stream in Wirecast.

Wowza

Guides on configuring HELO Plus with Wowza Streaming Engine.

YouTube Live

Guides on setting up YouTube Live streaming with HELO Plus.

Chapter 6 - eMini-Setup

Overview

Introduces eMini-Setup for configuring AJA device network settings.

Acquiring eMini-Setup

Provides download link for the eMini-Setup application.

Installing eMini-Setup

Guides on installing eMini-Setup on Windows PCs.

PC Installation

Step-by-step installation instructions for Windows.

Mac Installation

Guides on installing eMini-Setup on Mac computers.

Running eMini-Setup

Explains how to connect and run eMini-Setup.

eMini-Setup User Interface

Describes the user interface elements of eMini-Setup.

AJA Device Selection

Selects the AJA device to connect to using a pull-down menu.

AJA Device Identification

Displays device firmware version and serial number.

Network Tab Screen

Allows changing network setup on the connected AJA device.

IP Address Type

Selects between DHCP and Static IP address assignment.

IP Address

Displays or allows entry of IP addresses.

Default Gateway

Displays or allows entry of the gateway IP address.

Update Tab Screen

Accesses and installs new firmware updates.

Info Tab Screen

Provides basic information about the connected AJA device.

System Name

Allows assigning a unique name to the AJA device.

Appendix A - Specifications

HELO Plus Tech Specs

Lists technical specifications for the HELO Plus encoder.

Video Formats

Details supported video formats including HD and SD resolutions.

Video Codec Support

Specifies support for H.264/MPEG-4 part 10 Encoder.

Video Encoding Parameters

Lists parameters for video encoding, including bit rate and profiles.

Audio Encoding Parameters

Details audio encoding parameters like bit rate and sample rate.

Protocols

Lists supported streaming protocols like RTMP, RTSP, HLS, SRT.

Storage

Details storage options including USB, SD card, and network shares.

Video Input Digital

Specifies digital video input connectors and formats.

Audio Input Digital

Details digital audio input capabilities.

Audio Input Analog

Details analog audio input specifications.

Audio Output Analog

Details analog audio output specifications.

Network Interface

Specifies Ethernet interface and web server details.

User Interface

Lists user interface elements like buttons, web UI, and calendar.

Control and Automation

Outlines capabilities like scheduling, remote calendars, and API control.

Environment

Lists operating temperature, humidity, and altitude limits.

Appendix B - Safety and Compliance

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance Notices

Provides FCC compliance statements and caution for Class A digital devices.

Canadian ICES Statement

Details Canadian radio-noise emissions compliance with ICES-003.

European Union and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Regulatory Compliance

Lists countries where the equipment complies with EU/EFTA regulations.

Declaration of Conformity

Indicates compliance with EU EMC Directive and lists conformance standards.

Recycling Notice

Provides information on proper disposal and recycling of the product.

Korea KCC Compliance Statement

States compliance with Korean regulations for office environments.

Taiwan Compliance Statement

Provides compliance statement for Taiwan, Class A product.

Japanese Compliance Statement

Provides compliance statement for Japan, Class A product.

Translated Warning and Caution Messages

Lists standard warning and caution messages in multiple languages.

General Safety Warnings

Compiles warnings regarding water proximity, ventilation, heat sources, and lightning storms.

Warranty and Liability Information

Limited Warranty on Hardware

Details the three-year limited warranty for hardware and one-year for storage modules.

Limitation of Liability

States limitations on AJA Video's liability for damages and lost profits.

Governing Law and Language; Your Rights

Specifies governing law, warranty language, and consumer rights.

AJA Video Systems Inc HELO Plus Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandAJA Video Systems Inc
ModelHELO Plus
CategoryTV Tuner
LanguageEnglish