Videolinq Platform Portal

My Account

Output Hours This Month	0
Data Transfer Used (This Month in GB)	0
Active Streams	0
Stream Job Limit
Endpoint Limit

Account Options

Active Stream Jobs

No active streams.

Job ID	Display Name
		Action Stream Job Configuration Preview Stream

Start / Stop Pull Jobs

Job ID	Display Name
		Action Start Job Stop Job Stream Job Configuration

Preview Player

Network Status

Video Origin
Caption Ingest
Video Transcoding

Error:

Stream Jobs

Select a job from the list to view information or make changes.

Stream Jobs define publishing channels on the Videolinq Network. For each stream you want to publish, you will create a new Stream Job.

Each Stream Job requires an input source and at least one endpoint. If you will publish using an RTMP encoder or if you will publish closed captions, your Stream Job will require at least one User. For complete instructions on configuring Stream Jobs and publishing to the Videolinq Network, please see the "Help" tab above.

Stream Jobs define publishing channels. For each stream you want to publish, you will create a new Stream Job.

Each Stream Job requires at least one publishing User. Users can publish video and captions or closed captioning only. Stream Jobs accept video source from encoders pushing video in RTMP format, or from a Scheduler pulling video in the RTMP/RTSP/HLS media format. Stream Jobs generate a HDS/HLS paths that can be used to create HTML5 Players. Stream Jobs can send live video to multiple Endpoints.

Click the button below to add a new Stream Job.

Name

Description

Date

No Stream Jobs configured for this account.

Stream Job Name:

User:

This user does not have permission to ingest video.

This user does not have permission to ingest closed captioning messages.

This user can ingest video:

Live Encoder RTMP path:

RTMP URL: rtmp://

Stream Name:

Job input is configured as RTSP/RTMP pull. This user will not be allowed to ingest video.

This user can publish closed captioning messages:

Closed Captioning publishing links:

Host: http://

Stream Job:

User:

HDS/HLS paths to live video playback.

Stream Job playback links:

HDS URL: https://out.videolinq.net/stream/

HLS URL: https://out.videolinq.net/stream/

Create New Stream Job

General Information

Please complete each field below

Display Name

Required

Description

Users

If you plan to publish your video stream using an RTMP encoder, or if you plan to send closed captions through our Closed Caption Ingest System, you'll need to add users to your Stream Job.

No Users! You haven't created any users yet. To add users, click on the "Users" tab above.

Check the boxes for each of the users you would like to access this stream. You will be able to add and remove users later.

Input Source

The Videolinq Platform currently supports encoders pushing RTMP, and a Scheduler pulling RTMP/RTSP/MPEG-TS/HLS video sources. Please refer to the Help section for more information.

Please choose your method of input.

I will publish using RTMP capable encoding device or software. Use the Scheduler as the input video source.

No Pull Schedules! You haven't created any Pull Schedules. To add a schedule, click on the "Scheduler" tab above.

Choose Schedule:

Check this box if audio is not present in the stream.

My video has no audio.

Transcode

Important: Each transcoder output is billed hourly. For example, if you have three transcoders configured here, your Stream Job will incur billing for three output hours per hour.

No Transcoders. Since you are not using transcoding, your stream will be published directly to your configured Endpoints.

Display Name

Endpoints

Check the boxes for each of the endpoints you would like this transcoder output published to. You will be able to add and remove endpoints later.

H.264 Profile

Audio Bitrate

Video Bitrate

Video FPS

Video Width

Video Height

Endpoints

Transcoders Enabled. You have transcoders configured for this Stream Job.

Important: Each Endpoint added here will generate one output hour per hour. For example, if you select three Endpoints, your Stream Job will incur billing for three output hours per hour.

No Endpoints! You haven't created any endpoints yet, and we need at least one endpoint so we can send your video stream to your CDN. To add endpoints, click on the "Endpoints" tab above.

Check the boxes for each of the endpoints you would like this stream published to. You will be able to add and remove endpoints later.

Review

Endpoints

Users

This job will generate output hours per hour.

Error:

Stream Scheduler

Select a Schedule from the list to view information or make changes.

Use the Scheduler to automate scheduled live stream delivery to Endpoint. The Scheduler works in "Pull" or "Push" mode. Pull video signal from H.264 encoders or IP cameras, at a specific time frame, and distribute the live stream to designated Endpoints. Activate existing RTMP streams pushed to Videolinq, and specify when they will be sent out to target Endpoints on a constant, daily, or weekly basis.

Use the Scheduler to automate scheduled live stream delivery to Endpoint. The Scheduler pulls a video signal from H.264 encoders, IP cameras, or MPEG4 media files. Schedules have four method of operations: manual activation, 24/7 state, repeated daily schedule, and different schedule for each day of the week.

Important: Stream Jobs using a Schedule as the input source, must be manually started in the main dashboard "Start / Stop Pull Jobs" section to become active.

Click the button below to add a new Schedule.

Name

Description

Date

No Pull Schedules configured for this account

Editing Pull Schedule:

Display Name

Description

URL

Schedule Type:

Each time slot defines a period of time during each day the source will be acquired. Times are in your computer's local time zone

This schedule is empty. To add time slots, click the button above.

Start

Stop

Each time slot defines a period of time during each day the source will be acquired. Times are in your browser local time zone

Schedule for

This schedule is empty. To add time slots, click the button above.

Start

Stop

Error:

Account Users

Account users provide access to video publishing, and two caption publishing methods. You may configure as many users as you like.

To edit or delete an existing user, select the user from the list. To create a new user, click the button below.

Name

No users configured for this account

Editing User: ()

Complete the form below to add a new user to this account.

User Name

Password

Display Name

Job Limit

Endpoint Limit

Allow Video Publishing

Allow Closed Caption Publishing

Activate This User

Error:

Stream Endpoints

Select an Endpoint from the list to view information or make changes.

An Endpoint is a destination for your live video stream. Videolinq can publish your streams to many social media sites and to most media servers and services. Output streaming formats include RTMP, HLS, and MPEG-TS. Create one Endpoint for each target destination streaming service. Later, during the configuration of a "Stream Job", you will be prompt to select a target Endpoint.

An Endpoint is a destination for your live video stream. When using Endpoints you can distribute the same stream to multiple social media sites and streaming services. Output streaming formats include RTMP, HLS, and MPEG-TS. Create one Endpoint for each target destination. Later, during the configuration of a "Stream Job", you will be prompt to select a target Endpoint.

To edit or delete an existing CDN endpoint, select the endpoint from the list.

Click the button below to add a new Endpoint.

Name

Description

Date

No endpoints configured for this account

Editing Endpoint:

Display Name

Description

Choose Destination:

Stream ID

Stream Name

User Name

Password

Edgecast HTTP CDN
If you would like to make your stream available to Edgecast's HTTP CDN, check the box below.

Enable Edgecast HTTP

HTTP Origin Host Is: http://

Edgecast Flash (RTMP) CDN
If you would like to publish to Edgecast's Flash Streaming Network, enter your details below

Publishing Point Url

Stream Name

Password

Stream Name

User Name

Password

Host Name

Application Name

Application Instance Name

Stream Name

Connection Query String

Stream Query String

Host Name

Application Name

Application Instance Name

Stream Name

User Name

Password

Connection Query String

Stream Query String

Server URL

Stream/Key

Server URL

Stream/Key

Server URL

Stream/Key

Server URL

Stream Key

Server URL

Stream Key

Server URL

Stream Key

Server URL

Stream Key

Server URL

Stream Name

User Name

Password

Server URL

Stream Name

User Name

Password

Working with Videolinq - General

This self-help section provides a simple step-by- step guide how to configure a Videolinq account to connect to social media sites, to a media server, or to any streaming service. For more in-depth information visit the help desk knowledgebase articles section, or watch short tutorial videos:

Only 3 steps are required to configure a data relay job:

First, create the “Endpoint”. Endpoints are destinations you want the outbound stream to reach. Outbound streams can be video only, or video + closed captioning.
Next, create a “User”. A User is a profile that is allowed to publish RTMP streams or closed captioning data to Videolinq.
Last, create a “Stream Job”. A Stream Job is a Videolinq record that includes the details of incoming video/data stream, published by specific “User”, going to a specific “Endpoint”. One Stream Job can have multiple Users and Endpoints.

Use the Scheduler to automate signal acquisition and publishing rules associated with specific Stream Jobs.

After creating a Stream Job, copy the publishing information, and configure your RTMP encoder and closed captioning data publishing tool. For list of compatible data publishing tools refer to the knowledge base section of the help desk.

Working with Stream Jobs

Stream Jobs are created after Endpoints and Users were created. The number of Stream Jobs allowed on your account vary by plan and are visible on the Videolinq Client Portal main dashboard. When a Stream Job is created the associated Users, Endpoints, and Scheduler can be changed without affecting the URL generated for the RTMP and Closed Captioning Encoders.

Provide easy to identify names to a Stream Job. Specify more information in the Description box, and proceed to select the components that set the Stream Job values:

Select the Users that are allowed to publish.
Select the video source from (a) RTMP push option (b) Pull Scheduler.
Specify if default transcoding is required (240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p)
Specify Endpoints for the output streams.
Create the Stream Job and copy & paste the URL information needed for the RTMP and the Closed Captioning encoders.
Copy the HDS/HLS paths to a Player you create with Videolinq, or to any 3rd party player. When you use the HDS/HLS paths provided, you will be using Videolinq as a content delivery network (CDN). Additional data transfer rates will apply.

Working with Account Users

System “Users” have various permission levels. Users are profiles that are allowed to access Videolinq to perform one or more functions. Users can do the following:

- Publish live video using the "push" or "pull" (Scheduler) method.

- Publish closed captioning as a separate feed (allow permission to 3rd party vendor or software to publish closed captioning for a live stream.

- Publish closed captioning as as part of the live video feed.

Users require a "username" and "password" credentials. Assign Users to StreamJobs. Create unlimited number of Users and “Active” or “Deactivate” them as needed.

Working with Endpoints

Endpoints are target destination for live streams with or without closed captioning data. The number of Endpoints allowed on your account vary by plan and are visible on the Videolinq Client Portal main dashboard. How to create an Endpoint?

Select the “Endpoints” tab from the upper navigation bar.
Select “Create New Endpoint”.
Type the Endpoint name the way you want it to show on the console. Add description to identify the endpoint.
Select the proper CDN/server from the destination drop down option. The interface will change based on the required information needed to complete setup.
You will need the proper information from your 3 rd party CDN or media server to complete this step. Enter all required fields. If you need assistance contact Videolinq technical support.
Save the Endpoint.

Working with the Scheduler

The live stream and IP camera Scheduler has a simple function: it is a tool to automate the “start” and “stop” time of live streams. The Scheduler can be used to pull a live video source or simulate a live stream from a recorded file. Accepted formats for "pull" purposes include RTMP/RTSP/HLS paths. When using a recorded video to simulate live steams, use a MP4 file encoded with the H.264 and AAC codecs. Four schedule types can be applied to each case: start the stream manually, set the stream to work 24/7, set video to stream at the same time every day, or set the video to stream at different times of the day/week.

RTMP streams pulled by the Scheduler allow real time closed captioning insertion. When a Stream Job configuration is completed, give the closed captioning credentials (2nd paragraph of the Stream Job User Information publishing details) to a 3rd party closed captioning vendor. The vendor can use these credentials to send closed captioning data to Videolinq. The closed captioning data will be merged with the video, and sent to all selected Endpoints.

The Scheduler configures schedules based on the User computer time.

Example of same time zone configuration:

I am in London (GMT+1) and I want to start a 1 hour live stream at 4 PM. I look at my computer time, it is now 3 PM. I configure the Scheduler to start at 4 PM and stop at 5 PM.

Example of another time zone configuration:

I am in New York City (Eastern Time), it is now 3 PM, and I want to start a 1 hour live stream at 4 PM Los Angeles time (Pacific Time). I look at my computer time, add 3 hours to match the Pacific Time zone, and add 1 hour. My stream configuration will be: start the stream at 7 PM and stop it at 8 PM.

Follow the steps listed below to create a scheduled live stream:

Select the "Scheduler" tab on the Videolinq dashboard.
Assign the record a name.
Enter the RTMP or RTSP source path.
Drop down to select an optional schedule type to start/stop the stream. Configure the selected option and save.
Create a "Stream Job" and specify all required details. In the "Input" tab check the box "Use an RTMP or IP Camera Pull Schedule as the input source" and select from the drop down the proper schedule. Save the configuration.
Once the "Stream Job" is created it will appear in the "Start/Stop Pull Jobs" section of the dashboard. Click the "Action" drop down option to the right, and enable "Start Job". This will place the scheduled stream on standby. When the stream start time comes, a stream will appear in the "Active Stream Jobs" section, and the video will be sent to the target "Endpoints". When the broadcast schedule will end, the Scheduler will stop the stream and remove it from the "Active Stream Jobs" section. The Scheduler will stay on standby, and will repeat the same action for future "Start/Stop" programmed events.

Working with the Player Wizard

The Videolinq player wizard creates custom HTML5 players to display live or recorded streams. Create a custom player, give it a name, save all settings as a profile, and get an easy to use copy & paste embed code. Make endless changes to the player settings without the need to change the original embed code.

Select the "Player" tab from the upper navigation bar.
Select "Create new player".
Give the player a name you will remember.
The player requires a HDS or HLS stream paths. Get this path from your streaming video provider. HDS and HLS paths will guarantee the video will play in the browser of most computers, and mobile devices. You have also an option to use Vimeo or YouTube stream paths. This will allow you to design your own player look & feel and to display video content from these video platforms.
Select the Skin Design tab and make changes to the colors displayed on the player.
Select the Player Controls tab and change the player functionality.
Configure commercial insertion to the live/VOD stream by using single path links, or XML files with VAST compliant configuration.
Save and preview the player configuration. Make endless changes to the player settings after you generate the embed player code. Once the player is saved, the configuration receives a unique player ID. This allows for more changes to the player settings without the need to get a new embed code.

Working with Transcoder

Transcoding is the process of using one input stream to send out multiple output streams of various resolutions and bitrates. Transcoding output streams allow better playback experience, but it requires a compatible media player that can sense the available connection data rate, and adjust incoming live streams accordingly.

Check with your streaming service provider before using this feature, if they provide transcoding service for input streams. Many streaming provider like Facebook or YouTube auto transcode all live streams and require one incoming high quality. In this case you do not need to use the Videolinq transcoding service. How to configure the transcoder?

When creating a “Stream Job” select the “Transcoder” from the left navigation tab.
Click on “Add Transcoder”. If you want to configure three outputs streams (example 720p, 360p, 240p) click three times.
Give each transcoding job a unique name to be displayed.
Check the Endpoint to be associated with the specific transcoding job. You can modify this settings and end Endpoints later.
Select the proper H.264 profile, video bitrate, if you want full or half frames per second to be used, and the desired video output width and height.
Repeat step 5 for each transcoding job record.
Click “Next: Selected Endpoints” and complete the Stream Job configuration.
You can modify the transcoder settings at any time and disable Stream Job transcoding at any time. Remember to restart the live stream for the changes to take effect.

Important note: Videolinq bills for each transcoded video output separatly. For example: 3 differenet transcoded streams at 720p, 360p, 240p, will be billed as 3 separate stream outputs.

Videolinq: Live API

The Videolinq Live Streaming API provides a programmer interface for creating Users, Stream Jobs, Endpoints, Schedulers, and Players programmatically. The API accepts JSON POST requests and returns responses as JSON.

The API is language agnostic and can be used with any programming language capable of sending HTTP POST requests and parsing JSON data. The following is a reference for using the API, and the operations available to you or your application developer.

Videolinq accounts with API access share a "bucket" of available Stream Jobs, Endpoints, output hours, and data transfer pool. Accounts with API access can create an unlimited number of Sub-Users, Schedulers, and Players. It is the responsibility of the programmer using the API feature on a Videolinq account to assign and limit the number of Stream Jobs, Endpoints, output hours and data transfer their Sub-Users can use.

The following features are managed by the Videolinq API:

User/Create new User and assign credentials.
User/Edit User.
User/Allow User to publish video and or closed captioning.
User/Remove User.
StreamJob/Crete new StreamJob.
StreamJob/Send a RTMP stream with unique stream key (stream id).
StreamJob/Use the StreamJob credentials to send closed captioning data.
StreamJob/Point to stream HDS/HLS paths.
StreamJob/Edit StreamJob.
StreamJob/Remove StreamJob.
Scheduler/Create new Scheduler.
Scheduler/Edit existing Scheduler.
Scheduler/Remove Scheduler.
Endpoint/Create new Endpoint.
Endpoint/Edit existing Endpoint.
Endpoint/Remove Endpoint.
Statistics/Output hours used per Account/User/Stream.
Statistics/Data transferred used per Account/User/Stream.
Statistics/Transcoder hours used per Account/User/Stream.
Player/Create player.
Player/Edit player.
Player/Remove player.

To use the API, you will need an active service account that will accept API calls, and a secret unique key that identifies your account when API calls reach Videolinq. Contact our Sales Department to request an API compatible service account.

Stream Job Name:

User:

General Information

Users

Input Source

Transcode

Endpoints

Editing Pull Schedule:

Schedule for

Player Design Tips:

Give the player a name and description

Player type and source media

Player skin design

Select visible player control bar features

Advertising campaign settings

The preview player option helps find errors in the player before publishing:

Editing User: ()

Editing Endpoint:

Videolinq Portal and API Help

Media Dashboard

Stream Jobs

Stream Job Name:

User:

Create New Stream Job

General Information

Users

Input Source

Transcode

Endpoints

Stream Scheduler

Editing Pull Schedule:

Schedule for

HTML5 Player

Player Design Tips:

Give the player a name and description

Player type and source media

Player skin design

Select visible player control bar features

Advertising campaign settings

The preview player option helps find errors in the player before publishing:

Account Users

Editing User: ()

Stream Endpoints

Editing Endpoint:

Videolinq Portal and API Help