Install the EchoSystem Capture Appliance

In this section:

The EchoSystem Capture Appliance is no longer supported as of March 31st, 2016. Echo360 has not sold or marketed the SD appliance since 2011 and has fully depleted its supply of replacements. There will be no more technical support, software patches, security updates or other development updates. EchoSystem releases after this date will not be tested for compatibility.

For additional information, see these FAQs.

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Receive the Capture Appliance

Echo360 ships the Capture Appliance with all of the necessary software pre-installed. Visually inspect the Capture Appliance for damage when you receive it.

Place the Capture Appliance

You must physically secure the Capture Appliance in a location within the classroom. You can mount it into a podium using the feet on the bottom of the appliance. You can also mount it into a standard 19" rack using the supplied rack mount kit. Choose a location to physically install the appliance before running your cables. See Dimensions.

Cable the Capture Appliance

Install each Capture Appliance in a secure location inside the classroom or lecture hall where it is to be deployed. The length of cable runs and connectivity should also be considered when choosing a location within the classroom.

photograph of the back of a Capture Appliance showing input and output ports.

The Capture Appliance has plugs for VGA, video, audio, network, and power connections, as shown in the above figure. They are described in the sections below.

VGA Connection

The Capture Appliance provides a VGA (Video Graphics Array) distribution amplifier for simple integration into every classroom. On the back of the Capture Appliance are two VGA connectors:

  • The bottom connector (VGA In) is the input port. Connect this port to the source computer or switcher.
  • The top connector (VGA Out) is the output port. Connect this port to the classroom projector or the in-room equipment for providing a signal to the projector. Use a VGA D-sub 15 Cable (VGA Cable).

For both ports:

  • Use the screws to ensure a tight connection.
  • Keep the cable runs as short as possible, no longer than 50 feet.

The Capture Appliance is designed to pass through the VGA signal in the event of a power failure.

Video Connection

The Capture Appliance provides two different video input sources, each with its own input connectors. Both S-Video and Composite (RCA) are supported.

  • Select S-Video or Composite (RCA) and securely plug the input cable into the connector (Video Input 1).
  • The other connector (Video Input 2) is disabled.

Keep the cable run as short as possible. It should not be longer than 50 feet.

Use the Video Port for Cameras

Do not connect cameras to the USB port. Use the USB port to initialize the appliance with software downloaded from a USB drive.

Audio Connection

The Capture Appliance provides two different audio input sources, each with its own input connectors. The appliance supports either unbalanced stereo RCA or 1/4" stereo audio input.

Unless you are using external signal conditioning/amplification, we recommend that you keep the cable run as short as possible, and no longer than 25 feet. The audio input signal should be capable of 1.0v to 1.2v peak levels to provide optimal volume in the captured recordings.

Network Connection

The Capture Appliance provides an integrated 10/100 Ethernet switch for network connectivity and expansion in the classroom.

You can use any of the ports for connectivity to the network inside the classroom. Once connected, you can connect up to three other network devices to the switch.

Echo360 ships the Capture Appliance already configured to use DHCP for IP addressing. The MAC address of the Capture Appliance is printed on a label affixed to the base of the unit. (This is useful if your network is configured to restrict DHCP addressing based on MAC address.) The EchoSystem Server (ESS) uses the MAC address to identify the Capture Appliance.

Power Connection

The Capture Appliance uses a specific power adapter. Use the power adapter that shipped with the Capture Appliance.

When you are ready to power on the Capture Appliance, plug the circular connector into the power supply (DC), located on the far right side.

Congratulations! You have successfully physically installed the Capture Appliance. The next stage involves configuring the device.