Z3 Technology Q603-10

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Z3 Technology Q603 is a compact OEM system designed for high-performance video encoding, supporting H.265/HEVC, H.264, and MJPEG formats at resolutions up to 2160p at 30 frames per second. This versatile encoder supports both visible and thermal cameras, making it suitable for a wide range of advanced multimedia applications. The hardware consists of a Z3-Q603-MOD System on Module card, a Z3-Q603-APP-0x application board, and an IO/Connector board. The software is based on the Linux OS, providing a pre-integrated and configured environment with low-level resources such as the Linux kernel, u-boot, tool chain, and starter file system. An optional source code package for Z3's applications is available for customers who wish to develop custom applications. Z3 Technology also offers design services for customized software applications.

Function Description

The primary function of the Q603 is to encode and stream video over various IP protocols, including UDP, RTP, RTSP, RTMP, and TSRTP. It can simultaneously stream in multiple resolutions, bitrates, codecs, or output formats, supporting both unicast and multicast streaming. The device also features on-the-fly bitrate changes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of video quality without interrupting the encoding process. Additionally, the Q603 can record encoded video to a micro-SD card in .ts or .mp4 file formats, with support for cards up to 2TB. A unique feature is the ability to encode a Region of Interest (ROI) from the captured video, focusing only on the desired area. The Q603 also supports the overlay of a system timestamp on the video stream and can insert KLV data from a UART into a UDP stream.

Important Technical Specifications

Encoder Size: 50 x 40 x 38 mm
Encoder Weight: 76g
Power Consumption: 5.1W or 425mA at 12V Typical (Q603-10, 15, 23, SC)
PoE Support: Q603-10H and Q603-SC models
Supported Video Codecs: HEVC/H.265, H.264, MJPEG
Supported Audio Codecs: HE-AAC, HEv2-AAC, AAC-LC
Max Resolution: 2160p30 (Q603-10, 10H, 15, 23), 1080p60 (Q603-SC)
Input Resolutions (HDMI/KEL): 2160p30, 1080i60, 1080p60, 1080p59.94, 1080i50, 1080p50, 1080p30, 1080p29.97, 1080p25, p1080p24, 1080p23.98, 720p60, 720p59.94, 720p50, 720p30, 720p29.97, 720p25, 720p24, 720p23.98, 576p50, 576i25, 480p60, 480i30, and 480i29.97.
Input Resolutions (Composite): 576i25, 480i29.97
Input Resolutions (3G-SDI - SC ONLY): 1080p (up to 60fps), 720p, NTSC/PAL, VGA, CIF, and QVGA.
Inputs: HDMI 1.4 (micro-HDMI jack), KEL connector for HDMI cameras, LVDS from KEL connector, Composite In (Q603-10), 3G-SDI (Q603-SC).
Outputs: Micro HDMI Output.
Additional Interfaces: 1Gb Ethernet, USB type C, Micro SD Card, RS-232 Serial, RS-485.
WiFi: 802.11am dual band 4.33 Mbps (Q603-10W only, requires external antenna).
Bluetooth: 5.0.
Micro SD Card Support: Up to 2TB, formatted in FAT32, VFAT, EXT3, or EXT4.
GOP Sizes Supported: 10, 12, 15, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 200, 240 Frames.
Audio Bitrate Range: 12-384 Kbps for AACLC (64 Kbps or higher recommended), 32-64 Kbps for AACHE and AACHE V2.
TS Rate (UDP/TSRTP/TSFILE Only): 125K - 20000K (5000K default).

Usage Features

The Q603 offers a user-friendly HTTP-based graphical user interface (GUI) for configuration, control, and updates, accessible via a web browser (Firefox or Chrome recommended). A serial console is also available for technical configuration and control. The ZFinder PC Utility simplifies device discovery on the network.

Quick Start Guide: Provides step-by-step instructions for streaming UDP, RTP, RTSP, or RTMP, and recording to a micro-SD card.
Video Source Setup: Supports 4K or HD non-HDCP HDMI sources, Sony HDMI Camera KEL Input, LVDS HD Camera KEL Input, and Composite In.
Encoder Connection: Connects via Ethernet to a PC or network, and a serial cable for console access.
Streaming Protocols: Configurable for UDP, RTP, RTSP, RTMP, and TSRTP. SDP files are provided for RTP streams.
Dynamic Bitrate Change: Allows real-time adjustment of video bitrate without stopping the encoder, visible in VLC media player statistics.
Latency Tuning: Network caching values can be adjusted in VLC to reduce decode-side latency.
Multiple Resolution Streaming: Supports simultaneous encoding into up to two different HD or SD resolutions, bitrates, and output formats using separate channel tabs.
Recording to Micro-SD Card: Encoded video can be saved to a micro-SD card with auto-incrementing file names.
Simultaneous Stream and Record: Allows streaming UDP or TSRTP while simultaneously saving the TS stream to a micro-SD card.
Region of Interest (ROI) Encoding: Users can select and encode only a specific region of the video.
KLV Stream Encoding: Supports the capture and insertion of KLV data from a UART or binary file into a UDP stream.
Overlay Timestamp: Overlays a system timestamp on the video stream.
HEVC Interlaced Streams: Can encode interlaced streams with H.265 (HEVC), with support for separated video interlaced mode.
NFS Support: Enables mounting network file systems for storage.
SRT Support: Supports Secure Reliable Transport protocol for streaming.
User Presets: Allows saving and loading custom configurations for quick setup.
Advanced Settings Mode: Provides access to a wider range of encoding settings for greater customization.

Maintenance Features

Thermal Management: The system requires heat removal from the CPU and FPGA chips to maintain operating temperature specifications. An aluminum block is provided for thermal coupling to an external heat sink. Proper air circulation and thermal connection to a dissipating device are crucial.
Firmware Updates: The user interface allows for updating device firmware.
Device Logs: Users can download device logs for troubleshooting.
Reboot Functionality: The system can be rebooted via the user interface, especially after network setting changes.
Status Monitoring: A dedicated "Status" tab provides real-time information on video and audio status, stream status, and input status, including bitrate, FPS, resolution, and frame counts.
Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section for common issues like network connectivity, video playback problems, and software updates.
Warranty: Z3 Technology offers an Express Limited Warranty. To claim warranty, a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request must be submitted online. Physical labels on the hardware must not be removed or tampered with to maintain warranty validity.