1. TEST REPORT IPTV Gateway
NetUP DVB-IP Gateway 4x 0.98
Now You Can Be
an Armchair TV Director Too!
Up until a few years ago TV via Internet or Ethernet
was beyond our imagination. Today, however, high-
capacity fibre-optic cables and the continuing rollout
10-1
1/2010
of broadband connections right to the living room NetUP DVB-IP Gateway 4x
Perfect ease of use, combined with
have become a reality. IPTV is one option out of many reliable technology – ideal for
IPTV providers.
and these days competes against satellite and cable
On the front panel you find
television. Have you ever thought about how content is a two-line LCD display indicat-
actually distributed via IPTV? ing the current mode of oper-
ation and providing valuable
To answer that question we looked at the DVB-IP help during initial installation
gateway offered by NetUP, which is the ideal system for of the network interfaces.
small systems like at hotels or hospitals, but also for Speaking of which, there
private users or anyone else, who wants to distribute TV are a total of six such inter-
faces, all of which can be set
content on the Internet. up individually. Above these
The NetUP DVB-IP Gateway 4x is a professional product, connections there are 10
LEDs and to the right five but-
which means all technology is packed into a 19-inch tons allow direct control of the
housing. On addition, all important connection interfaces unit. Apart from the network
interfaces mentioned above
are located both on the front and rear panels, which there are two USB ports for
is another clear indication that the gateway is not for hooking up external storage
media and an RS-232 port for
presentation next to the TV, but should rather be installed putting out status information
in a dedicated server cabinet or professional 19-inch rack. to an external console.
12 TELE-satellite — Global Digital TV Magazine — 10-1
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2. Four satellite IF inputs
strike us when looking at the
rear panel. They are required
to receive the signals for fur-
ther processing.
As we’re talking about a
professional device here it
goes without saying that each
tuner input is equipped with a
dedicated Common Interface
slot. This means a maximum
of four CI modules can be
used in connection with this
gateway, which also comes
with a mechanical power
switch.
■ Diagram of an IPTV network
All components boast
extraordinary build quality, of a standard vacuum cleaner. a network connections has to be selected in the PC’s web
with the integrated power Watching TV next to the gate- be established. browser. As soon as the first
supply unit alone letting most way is virtually impossible IP address is assigned to the
competitors turn pale by com- – but as mentioned previ- To this end one of the six gateway, all you need to do
parison. The modulator comes ously, the gateway should be available network interfaces is enter this address in your
with 2 GB of flash memory located in a dedicated server is connected either directly browser’s address line to
and a 1 TB hard disk. room anyway, where the fans with a PC or with a router, access the built-in web server.
can buzz away happily. and is assigned an IP address.
Professional use in most The five buttons on the front You need to enter correct
cases means permanent use, The manufacturer ships this panel come into play here, as user name and password,
so a sufficient number of system with a full range of well as the LCD display. which is set to standard values
internal fans is paramount to mounting accessories so that by default. We strongly rec-
breathe in a steady stream of the housing can be fitted into In theory, you can set IP ommend setting an individ-
fresh air. Without these, many any standard 19-inch rack or addresses for all three net- ual user name and password
sensitive components would server cabinet. The manual work interfaces directly to make sure the gateway is
risk overheating, which ulti- that comes with the gate- on the unit; for the sake protected from unauthorised
mately would result in failure. way has a very user-friendly of simplicity we do recom- access.
design and should answer mend to start with one port
Here too, it is more than any question that might ever and deal with the remaining The web interface is
evident that this gateway is arise. five through the web inter- extremely easy to use and
not designed for use in the face that becomes available resembles MS Windows – so
living room, as the fans create Before being able to access once the first port is hooked it will be familiar to most. In
noise that easily equals that the gateway for the first time up. This way all settings can the main menu there are five
www.TELE-satellite.com — 10-1
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3. TELE-satelliteother languageswww.TELE-satellite.com/...
Download this report in
World from the Internet: specifications, however, the we have come to expect from
Arabic ‫العربية‬ www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/ara/netup.pdf
Indonesian Indonesia www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/bid/netup.pdf
NetUP DVB-IP Gateway 4x receivers for use at home –
Bulgarian Български www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/bul/netup.pdf will also be able to receive such as automatic search,
Czech Česky www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/ces/netup.pdf
German Deutsch www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/deu/netup.pdf DVB-T, DVB-C and analog sig- extensive DiSEqC options,
English English www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/eng/netup.pdf
Spanish Español www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/esp/netup.pdf nals, with reception modules blind scan and other techni-
Farsi ‫فارس ي‬ www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/far/netup.pdf
French Français www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/fra/netup.pdf being exchanged similar to cal gadgets – are not avail-
Hebrew ‫עברית‬ www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/heb/netup.pdf
Hungarian Magyar www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/mag/netup.pdf Plug&Play hardware compo- able, as this is professional
Mandarin 中文 www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/man/netup.pdf
Dutch Nederlands www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/ned/netup.pdf
nents. equipment focussing on an
Polish Polski www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/pol/netup.pdf altogether different scope of
Portuguese Português www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/por/netup.pdf
Romanian Română www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/rom/netup.pdf The manufacturer is cur- application.
Russian Русский www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/rus/netup.pdf
Turkish Türkçe www.TELE-satellite.com/TELE-satellite-1011/tur/netup.pdf rently working feverishly on
Available online starting from 1 October 2010 implementing this feature, With the NetUP DVB-IP
1
items (Files, IPTV, System
Administration, System
Configuration and System
Status), with configuration
and administration drawing
most attention, of course. 2
With the help of this inte-
grated web interface all six
network ports can be man-
aged separately, and usage
3
data for each of the ports can
be retrieved as well.
In case you’re wonder-
ing why a total of six Eth-
ernet ports are available,
when a single one should do,
the answer is quite simple: 4
With several Ethernet ports
it is possible to distribute
channels on various differ-
ent levels, which means that
one level might supply chan-
nels that are not available on
another distribution level.
Thus it is possible to create
up to six different chan-
nel packages, which are all
received and processed by
the same gateway, but can
be made up of completely
different channels and which
can be distributed, marketed
or sold individually. In addi-
tion, each network adaptor
can be assigned different IP
addresses so that several
levels are available within the
same network architecture.
Finally, there is also the ques-
tion of bandwidth as high- four DVB-S2 tuners, which because right now only satel-
■ 1. Main menu of the web server
definition content may call for means we were able to lite tuners are available. 2. The manual is stored right in the
gateway as PDF
distribution on more than one receive, process and distrib-
connection. ute satellite signals. Each of the four DVB-S2 3. Four tuners are available for indi-
tuners can be set up and con- vidual configuration
Our test device came with Depending on customer figured individually. Features 4. Setting reception parameters
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4. 1
Gateway 4x it is possible to set
individual LOF parameters for
each tuner, as well as defining
simple DiSEqC 1.0 configura-
tion and activating the 22 kHz
2
signal. In addition you need
to key in the required trans-
ponder frequency, symbol rate
used and polarisation – com-
plete with the corresponding
power supply for the LNB.
As soon as the gateway 3
has detected an active trans-
ponder based on the supplied
parameters, five green blocks
(for signal, carrier, FEC, sync
and lock) appear. If there are
reception problems, one or
more blocks is/are coloured
red, giving an indication of
where the problem lies.
Channel selection comes
next. Once the tuner has
identified and locked a signal,
a dedicated menu item is 4
used to display the complete
transponder content. Each
detected channel (no matter
whether TV or radio) is shown
with all its technical specifica-
tions (audio and video PID).
If more than one PID is
provided (in case of multiple
audio tracks, for example) you
can define which PID is to be
distributed. It is then neces-
5
■ 1. All found channels are listed and
can be individually configured
6 2. Several multicast addresses and
Ethernet ports can be defined for
each channel
3. DVB-S2 transponders? No pro-
blem!
7 4. Thanks to four CI slots encrypted
channels can also be received and
processed. CI data is displayed right
in the settings menu
5. The current configuration can
be saved onto an external storage
medium
6. Software updates are managed
through the web interface – talk
about convenience!
7. All six Ethernet ports can be confi-
gured individually
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5. 1
sary to assign a multicast IP
address, a port and one of
the six Ethernet interfaces
to each selected channel. It
is also perfectly possible that
a channel can be assigned to
more than one Ethernet inter-
faces and multicasts or ports,
in order to distribute it on
several levels.
It goes without saying that
the NetUP DVB-IP Gateway 4x
2
is able to handle EPG data of
received channels, which is
forwarded to the middleware
for further processing and
this way provided to the IPTV
set-top boxes.
In our test setup we chose
to send signals from four
different satellites to the
gateway. In detail, the sig-
nals came from the following 3
transponders: BBC on ASTRA
28.8° East, MBC on NILESAT
at 7° West, ORF on ASTRA
19.2° East and a fourth trans-
ponder on TURKSAT at 42°
East. Even when pushing 4
the tuners to the limit with a
rather weak signal from ABS1
at 75° East all four of them
were able to put out flawless
video and audio. We simply
could not ask for more!
Altogether we arrived at an ■ 1. Precise statistical data is collec-
ted for each Ethernet port
impressive 32 TV channels able to zap up and down a list meant we had to devise a test
which were bundled into a of 32 channels in next to no that would give the gateway 2. Network routing
multicast using the IP address time at all. Of course there’s the hardest time imaginable.
3. A MySQL server as well as a time
224.200.200.201. We also no point in setting up such What about transmitting Brit- server are also available
could have left the port with an IPTV network for a single ish TV to a colleague in Thai-
4. Lots of VOD content can be stored
1234, for example, and distrib- client receiver, which is why land via IPTV? on the built-in 1 TB hard disk
uted the individual channels we expanded our installa-
using separate IP addresses tion to include various PCs in Off we went and started offers uploading speeds in
such as 224.200.200.202, our editorial office for IPTV with setting up a VPN con- excess of 20 MBit/s. Anything
224.200.200.203 and so on. access. nection using two Netgear less would not be sufficient
VPN routers at each end for high-resolution content. At
At the receiving end we The VLC player software before turning on the IPTV any rate, our Thai buddy was
used an AzBox Ultra HD (see (available at www.videolan. gateway. Only seconds had overwhelmed by the audio
test report in previous TELE- org for various operating sys- passed before our colleague and video quality as well as
satellite issue 08-09/2010), tems) has turned out to be a contacted us on Skype to let zapping speed of the IPTV
which currently is one of only handy solution for IPTV recep- us know that our attempt was package we sent to him.
very few receivers capable tion on the PC, and no matter successful.
of processing IPTV alongside how hard we tried, there Thanks to DVB-S2 sup-
DVB-S2. Setting up the AzBox was no way we could ever For what it‘s worth, we do port the gateway is not only
for receiving the channels of make the gateway falter. As have to mention at this stage capable of receiving and dis-
our very own IPTV network a matter of fact, there wasn’t that we have very fast Inter- tributing SDTV but also HDTV
was a breeze and we were even the slightest hiccup. This net access at our office, which MPEG4/H.264. We detected
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6. no fault when playing back the operating mode last used. In most cases, however, here again we can say with
HDTV content via IPTV. In Voltages from 90 to 240 VAC the DVB-IP gateway will be conviction that the manu-
addition, the gateway auto- and 47 to 63 Hz can be han- used as an integral compo- facturer does not offer half-
matically detects and adjusts dled by the power supply unit, nent in a much more com- hearted solutions: Both the
to technical parameters such which allows for global use of plex IPTV network. To this DVB-IP Gateway 4x and the
as modulation and error cor- the gateway. When running end the gateway is connected IPTV Combine 4x with built-
rection, which is a feature we the NetUP DVB-IP Gateway 4x to middleware which creates in middleware are based on
cannot praise highly enough. draws approximately 100 W a provider-specific graphic exactly the same hardware.
of power. OSD and presents channels So if a client already oper-
The overall impeccable processed by the gateway in ates the DVB-IP Gateway 4x
impression of the NetUP While the NetUP DVB-IP an easy-to-use and visually and needs to upgrade his
DVB-IP gateway is further Gateway 4x is one component pleasing design. Operators system to IPTV Combine 4x
complemented by a number of many that make up a fully- may even add VOD (video with built-in middleware and
of routing options, the inte- fledged IPTV network, it can on demand), billing or other VOD services all he needs
grated 1 TB hard disk as of course also be used for its customer-specific features, to do is purchase extended
well as a very user-friendly own sake, just like we did in which make such an IPTV software to magically unlock
software update feature. All our test setup. It is respon- network a perfect system for all Combine 4x features with-
it requires is to download sible for processing and con- hotels, hospitals, apartment out having to change a single
the latest firmware from the verting a DVB signal into an buildings or similar fields of hardware component.
manufacturer’s website and IPTV compatible format and application.
then transfer it to the NetUP thus serves as an interface This upgrade option is
DVB-IP Gateway 4x via the between DVB input signal and We should add at this stage also one of the reasons why
network using FTP. It imme- IPTV network. that NetUP does not only every DVB-IP Gateway 4x is
diately appears in the update offer its gateway as a single shipped with an enormous
menu, complete with exact Client receivers, on the component, but also com- 1 TB hard disk in the first
version number, and can be other hand, simply switch plete IPTV systems by way of place. Its full capacity is
loaded and installed with a between channels and pack- turnkey solutions. These may only required once the gate-
simple click. ages using different IP include corresponding mid- way has turned into an IPTV
addresses and ports. With dleware and VOD, apart from Combine 4x with VOD, when
All six Ethernet ports are this approach in mind the the gateway at the core of the the hard disk is filled with
10/100/1000 Mbit LAN com- gateway might act as a con- network. content for users to watch
patible, which means they venient backbone for supply- whenever they feel like it. We
support the current maximum ing signals to several monitors The IPTV Combine 4x is believe you can gather from
that is technically feasible. within a building, and – natu- one of these systems, and what you have read so far
The gateway itself is capable rally – for distributing sat-
of simultaneously processing ellite, cable or terrestrial
up to four transponders with signals via a network or the
an overall bandwidth of up to Internet. Speaking of which,
240 MB/s. With its dimension it yet remains to be seen
of 430x44x411 it exactly fits whether we will be allowed
into a standard 19-inch rack to disconnect our test gate-
or a server cabinet, and its way, as our Thai colleague
weight is a whopping 11.5 kg seems to have become a BBC
(mainly due to its high-end addict in the meantime. He is
power supply unit). As you strongly opposed to us ending
would expect from profes- this test, as the BBC channels
sional equipment, the gateway he can receive at the moment
automatically reboots after are not available otherwise in AzBox HD Ultra channel list consisting of both DVB-S and IPTV channels
power failure and returns to Thailand.
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7. that we were truly impressed NetUP uses very low thresh-
ENERGY
with the DVB-IP Gateway 4x old tuners which deliver a DIAGRAM
during our test. Extraordi- stable signal even under far
nary build quality and perfect from perfect reception condi-
ease-use are among its key tions.
Apparent Power
characteristics.
Thanks to a total of six Eth- Active Power
While you have a com- ernet ports output signals can
prehensive and well written be freely configured and dis-
manual at hand at all times, it tributed on different levels.
would probably even be pos- An additional highlight is Mode Apparent Active Factor
Active 100 W 98 W 0.98
sible to set up and run the hidden behind the convenient
system without it. Naturally, update feature that can easily
technical details and useful turn the gateway into an IPTV
hints can only be found in the Combine 4x with built-in mid-
written documentation. dleware and VOD.
Expert Opinion
+
Glossary: Excellent build quality
DVB-IP Gateway Easy to use
Converts DVB signals received via satellite, cable or antenna Low threshold tuner
Versatile network options
so that they can be distributed via an IPTV network.
SDTV and HDTV reception Thomas Haring
TELE-satellite
DVB-S2 compatible Test Center
Middleware Austria
Upgrade option to IPTV Combine 4x standard
Takes care of displaying content in a visually pleasing way.
Creates on-screen menus for IPTV receivers and thus provides
-
a graphic interface for end users. Fan noise
VOD
TECHNICAL
Allows permanent access to stored multimedia content. DATA
Users are able to start, pause and stop playback at any time, Manufacturer NetUP, Olof Palme Street 1, Floor 7 resp.
Postbox 87, 119311 Moscow, Russia
without being restricted to scheduled times.
Fax +7 499 143 5521
E-Mail info@netup.tv
Model DVB-IP Gateway 4x
Function IPTV Gateway for DVB Signals
Tuners 4
Max. simultaneous Transponders 4
Max. bandwidth 240 MB/s
DiSEqC 1.0
Ethernet ports 6 x Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 MB/s
CI Slots 4
USB Connector yes (2)
RS232 yes
Dimensions 430x44x411mm
Power 90 ~ 264 Volt, 47 ~ 63 Hz
MBC4 via IPTV on the AzBox Ultra HD
Weight 11.5kg
Consumption ~ 100W
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