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Software Input Support on Max products

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This article pertains to all LiveEdge Max 2, LiveEdge Max, EZ Max, and EZ Max 2 devices.

This guide walks you through how to install the required Docker container, create a GStreamer software input, and configure it for use on your Max device.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview

  2. Step 1: Install the RTSP Input Container

  3. Step 2: Create a GStreamer Software Input

  4. Step 3: Find the Software Input ID

  5. Step 4: Configure the RTSP Input Container

  6. Step 5: Verify the Software Input

  7. Step 6: Attach the Software Input to an Encoder

  8. Tips & Notes

Overview

Software Inputs on Max allow you to ingest an RTSP stream directly into the device using a software input (GStreamer). This is useful when you want to stream content without relying on physical (hardware) inputs.

Step 1: Install the RTSP Input Container

Pre-requisite: Your Videon Max device must contain the proper licensing to permit the installation of the RTSP Input container! If you need help gaining access to or trialing this license, reach out to Videon Support!

First, you need to install the RTSP Input container on your device.

  1. Navigate to your device page in LiveEdge Cloud

  2. Go to CONTAINERS

  3. Select the STANDARD tab

  4. Scroll down to find RTSP Input

  5. Click the green INSTALL button

After a short time, the container will be downloaded and installed on your device.

Step 2: Create a GStreamer Software Input

Next, create a new input that will use the RTSP stream.

  1. Go to CONFIGURATION → Inputs

  2. Create a new GStreamer input

  3. Name it Software Input (recommended for clarity)

This input will later be linked to the RTSP container.

Step 3: Find the Software Input ID

You will need the input channel ID to configure the container.

  1. Go to your device's Device Info page on LiveEdge Cloud

  2. Scroll to the Device State section

  3. Locate the internal IP (only if local to the device. If you are remote from the device, these steps can be done via the LiveEdge Cloud API as well. Contact Videon Support for assistance.)

Open a new browser tab and enter:

http://<internal_ip>:2020/v2/in_channels

  1. Find the entry for your GStreamer input

  2. Note the following fields:

    • in_channel_id (this is your software input ID)

    • input_type:  gstreamer (used for verification)

    • Example result

       

Step 4: Configure the RTSP Input Container

Now configure the container to send the RTSP stream into your software input.

  1. Go to CONTAINERS

  2. Find RTSP Input under installed containers

  3. Click MANAGE

  4. Select CONFIGURE CONTAINER

 

Fill in the following fields:

  • sw_input_id → enter the in_channel_id from Step 3

  • rtsp_url → enter your RTSP stream URL (must start with rtsp://)

  • enabled → check this option

Click Save.

Step 5: Verify the Software Input

  1. Go to DEVICE INFO

  2. Wait a few seconds. Under Configuration State, confirm that Software Input is updated

This indicates the container is successfully feeding the input.

Step 6: Attach the Software Input to an Encoder

  1. Go to CONFIGURATION → Encoders

  2. Select your desired encoder

  3. Under Input Selection, choose Software Input

You can:

  • Use the same software input for both audio and video

  • Attach it to multiple encoders if needed

Tips & Notes

  • The RTSP stream must be active and accessible from the device

  • Ensure your RTSP URL is correctly formatted (rtsp://...)

  • To confirm you are using the software input, disconnect any hardware input cables

  • If the configuration does not update, wait a few moments and refresh

Once configured, your Max device will ingest and stream video using the RTSP-based software input.

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