Teradek User Guide

Serv 4K (2024) Quick Start Guide

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Serv 4K lets you securely stream live camera feeds and instant recordings to anyone, anywhere, on or off set. See what the camera, editor, and colorist see—from production through final color. Serv 4K can encode up to 4Kp60 video with stunning 10-bit 4:2:2 image fidelity, can stream to up to 20 local viewers when connected to a WiFi network in Client mode (10 viewers when using Serv 4K in AP mode) when using VUER, and can be connected to Teradek’s Core Cloud Platform for even more flexibility.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 1x  Serv 4K Encoder
  • 1x  2 pin Connector to Power Tap (D-Tap) - 18in cable
  • 1x  SDI - BNC to BNC Cable - 10in cable
  • 1x  PSU 2pin Connector to 30W AC Adapter (Int) - 6ft cable
  • 2x  Antenna 2dBi WIFI 2.4/5.8GHz

POWER AND CONNECT

1. Connect power to Serv 4K using the included A/C adapter or D-Tap cable to a battery.

2. Attach the two Wi-Fi antennas to the RP-SMA connectors (D).

3. Connect your video source's HDMI or SDI output to Serv 4K’s input connector (H or L). 

4. Turn the Power switch on the back (M) to the ON position.

NAVIGATION BUTTONS OPERATION (A) Use the Navigation Buttons to cycle through the status screens or switch your configurable settings.
Press Up or Down buttons: Cycle through status screens and navigate menus
Press Center or Forward: Edit configurable settings or cycle through options

MENU BUTTON OPERATION (C)
Use Serv 4K’s Menu button to navigate the status screens.
Press Button: Cycle through the status screens

  • Display settings menu - Adjust the display brightness, display timeout, and invert time.
  • Main screen - Displays the device name and firmware version
  • Regulatory info - Displays the device's regulatory certifications (FCC, EC, IC, etc.)
  • Stream mode - Displays the current stream mode
  • WiFi screen - Displays the current WiFi network and allows you to switch from AP to Client mode
  • Ethernet screen - Displays the Ethernet IP address and allows you to switch from DHCP to Static mode
  • Modems (1 and 2) - Displays the carrier name and allows you to switch SIM cards
  • Modem bitrates - Displays the current modem's bitrate.
  • Recording screen - Hold to enable or disable the recording function
  • Cloud services - Displays the Cloud service(s) Serv 4K is currently connected to.
  • Video/Encoder status screen - Displays the video input, encoder mode, and current resolution. Hold to switch the encoder mode
  • Bitrate screen - Displays the current bitrate. Press to edit the bitrate settings
  • Audio Input screen - Displays the current Audio bitrate. Press to switch from Embedded, analog, or Mixed

SERV APP

The Serv App allows you to remotely configure all of Serv 4K’s settings while monitoring your stream’s destination, bitrate, bonding status, and resolution to ensure you maintain a stable stream. The Serv App is available for iOS devices.

MAIN DISPLAY
• Main Screen (
1) - Displays the preview, streaming destination, audio and video bitrates, and resolution of your stream.
• Link/Unlink iOS Device (2)- Tap the Link/Unlink iOS button to use of your cellphone’s data as an Internet connection for streaming to Core.

STATS
Tap the Stats button (3) at the top of the screen to display Serv 4K’s serial number, current audio and video bitrates, runtime, recording status, IP address, and network.

SETTINGS
Tap the Settings button (4to configure the following options:
•  Streaming - Configure your streaming method and destination
•  Recording - Enable recording and select a media storage option
•  Input/Encoding - Adjust the Video and Audio input settings
•  Cloud Services - Select and connect to a cloud management service (Core, Frame.io, PIX, etc.)
•  Network - Choose a method of connecting to the Internet
•  System - View the model and serial number of your device, or rename the Serv 4K.

GET ONLINE

You can use the front panel interface, web UI, or Serv App to control and configure Serv 4K to connect to a network.

Connect to a WiFi Network

Serv 4K supports two wireless modes: Access Point (AP) Mode (for connecting directly to Serv 4K using WiFi) and Client Mode (for normal Wi-Fi operating and connecting to your local router).

NOTE: Serv 4K can stream to up to 20 clients when connected to a Wi-Fi network in Client mode, or 10 when using Access Point (AP) mode. The number of connected devices is based on streaming bitrate.

1. Connect your phone or laptop to Serv 4K’s access point, Serv-4K-XXXXX (XXXXX represents the last five digits of your Serv 4K’s serial number), then enter the default IP address 172.16.1.1 in your web browser.

2. To switch to Client Mode: From the Serv App or web UI, navigate to the Network settings, select WiFi/Wireless, then switch to Client Mode. From the front panel, press the Menu button to navigate to the WiFi screen. Press the Select/Enter button to navigate to the WiFi Mode screen, then hold down the Select/Enter button to switch to Client Mode.

3. From the Serv App or web UI, click the WiFi scan or Saved Networks tab to connect to an available network, then enter the password. Once connected, the display will list the network Serv 4K is connected to and the assigned IP address.


Connect via Ethernet

1. Connect Serv 4K’s Ethernet port (G) to an Ethernet switch or router. 

2. To confirm Serv 4K is connected, press the MENU button to navigate to the Ethernet screen and confirm the front panel status reads Ethernet: Connected along with the IP address. From the Serv App or web UI, navigate to the Network>Wired settings and confirm the status reads Connected along with the IP address.

3. Enter the IP address in your web browser’s navigation bar to access the web UI. 


Connect via Node II or USB Modem

1. Attach a Node II or USB modem to one or both to Serv 4K’s USB-C ports (I), then press the MENU button on the front panel to navigate to the Modem screen and verify that the modem has been detected and connected.

2. If the modem is not detected, connect your computer to Serv 4K’s AP network, then enter the default IP address 172.16.1.1 in the navigation bar to access the web UI and manually configure the modem from the Network menu.


Configure Node II

1. Navigate to the Network menu and select the corresponding USB (Node II) modem. 

 

2.  Select the slot with the SIM you will be using (Slot 1 or Slot 2).

NOTE: Node II supports most provider's SIM card and can operate on most LTE/4G/3G data bands. With dual SIM slots, you can swap from one provider to another without needing to unplug the Node II. Only one SIM card can be used at a time.

3. If applicable, configure the modem by entering an APN or select the Teradek Data configuration you have purchased.

4. Ensure that both Configuration mode and Authentication method are set to Auto.

MOUNTING

Serv 4K encoders have a 1/4”-20 threaded hole on the bottom for mounting. Additionally, you can install dual mount pro battery plates on your Serv 4K, allowing you to attach your unit to either the back of a camera or monitor.

  • Mount the Serv 4K onto the back of your camera keeping the antennas clear of any obstructions. 
  • For best results, orient the encoder so it has clear line-of-sight.



RECORDING

Serv 4K encoders support recording to an SD card or NFS drive. Each recording is saved with the same resolution and bitrate set in Serv 4K. 

Record to SD card

1. Insert a compatible SD card into the corresponding slot (J).

2. From the Serv App or the web UI, enter the Recording menu, and select Enabled.  

3. Create a name for the recording, select a format, then enable Auto-Record (optional). 


Record to NFS drive

1. Click the NFS icon.

2. Enter the Host address and Share port, then click Mount.

RECORDING CONSIDERATIONS

•  Recordings are triggered manually or automatically. If Auto-Record is enabled in the Recording
     Settings
, a new recording is automatically created when a streaming or camera event starts.
•  For best results, use Class 6 or higher SD cards.
•  Media should be formatted using FAT32 or exFAT.
•  If a broadcast is interrupted for connectivity reasons, recording will continue.
•  New recordings are automatically started after the file size limit is reached (FAT32).

CLOUD SERVICES

Core

Serv 4K can be remotely accessed, configured, and controlled using Teradek’s Core Cloud management and routing service. With Core, you can bond multiple Internet connections, remotely control Teradek encoders, decoders and bonded systems from anywhere in the world, and stream to multiple destinations. Visit https://corecloud.tv to learn more.

Connect Serv 4K to Core

1. From the web UI, select Cloud Services then click the Link this Device tab. 

2. Log in to Core: Enter your credentials to link Serv 4K to your Core account, then click Next.
Link with Code: Copy the authorization code generated for your Serv 4K, then follow the instructions provided. 

3. Once a connection is established, you can configure Serv 4K from either the web UI or Core dashboard.

Frame.io

Frame.io is a collaboration platform that allows video producers and editors to privately upload, review and share media with their entire crew from anywhere in the world. NOTE: You must first have a subscription before you can use Frame.io

1. From the web UI, select Cloud Services, select Frame.io, then click the Link this Device tab. 

2. Copy the authorization code generated for your Serv 4K by clicking the Copy tab. 

3. Log in to your Frame.io account, then create a project by tapping the sign next to your account name (see image). 


4. Enter a project name, then toggle the C2C Connections switch to enable your Serv unit to upload video. Click the Create Project tab.


5. Click the C2C Connections tab above, then click the Add new device tab (see image).


6. Click the Device ready to connect tab, then enter the authorization code. Click Authorize, then click Finish.

7. If successful, Serv 4K will be listed under the C2C Connections tab (see image). All future recordings will be listed under the Media tab.

MONITOR WITH VUER

Teradek’s VUER is a free app that allows you to monitor and analyze up to four live video feeds simultaneously, each with its own set of tools to help you and your crew gain insights into your footage.

1. Download VUER from the App Store (iOS devices), or from the Google Play Store (Android devices).

2. Connect your device to the same network as Serv 4K (Ethernet or WiFi), then launch VUER.

3. From the VUER app, tap CAMERA on the upper, left-hand corner, choose your device(s), then tap Done.

4. To adjust the stream resolution and bitrate, long-press VIDEO on the Tool bar to display the full menu. Make your selection, then tap APPLY.


PRO BATTERY PLATE INSTALLATION

Teradek’s Pro Battery Plates allow users to mount a Serv 4K unit to the back of a camera or monitor (Male), and/or attach a compatible battery for pass-through power (Female).

1. Position the male/camera-side plate (2) on the front of the unit, then insert the male plate’s XT60 connector through the hole (3) so that it passes through and exits on the same side of the unit’s JST connector.

 

2. Insert the socket/Phillips head screws through the plate and into the unit, then tighten.

3. Connect both the JST and XT60 connectors (4) on the opposite side to the female/battery-side plate’s matching connectors.

 

4. Position the female/battery-side plate (5) on the opposite side of the unit so that the screw holes on the plate align with the holes on the unit. 

5. Insert the Phillips head screws through the plate and into the unit, then tighten.

OTHER RESOURCES

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