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Getting Started

This guide will help you create your first channel and get familiar with the VidRedi interface.

Before production use, review Authentication and User Management and change the default admin password.

Creating Your First Channel​

Channels are the core component of VidRedi. Each channel represents a video input or output that can be recorded, monitored, and played back.

Using the Channel Wizard​

The recommended way to get started creating a new channel is to use the channel wizard, which provides starter templates for some of the most common configurations.

Your First Channel

When first getting started with VidRedi, use the wizard list of channel starters as your first step. These templates provide properly configured baseline settings that help avoid common configuration issues.

Steps to Create a Channel:​

  1. Access the Channel Creation Interface

    • Navigate to the Configuration menu and go to the Channel section
    • Click on "Create a New Channel"

  2. Select a Channel Starter Template

    • Choose from the available starter templates based on your source type:
      • Baseband/Capture Card (DeckLink)
      • Network Stream
      • HLS Download
    • Each template provides pre-configured settings for that source type

  3. Configure Channel Settings

    • Set the channel name
    • Configure input settings
    • Adjust recording parameters

  4. Configure Audio Channels

    • See the Audio Channel Support section below

  5. Save

    • Save your channel configuration
Editing a Channel

Editing a channel that is actively in use will stop and reload the configuration for that channel.

Audio Channel Support​

VidRedi DVR supports up to 16 audio channels for both input and output.

Important Audio Considerations:​

Some streams may not be fully standards-compliant or may not support 16 audio channels in the way the system intends. This is particularly true for:

  • Certain network streaming sources
  • Non-broadcast-standard content
  • Consumer-grade equipment outputs

If you experience audio issues, try reducing the number of audio channels or verify your source supports the configured channel count.

Common Channel Configuration Gotchas​

Wizard Templates Are Your Friend​

Always use the wizard templates as a starting point. They include:

  • Proper codec settings
  • Correct pipeline configurations
  • Appropriate buffer sizes
  • Optimal quality settings

Starting from scratch or heavily modifying templates can lead to pipeline failures or recording issues.

Video Format Matching​

Ensure your channel configuration matches your source:

  • Resolution (1080i, 1080p, 720p, etc.)
  • Frame rate (23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60 fps)
  • Color space and bit depth

Mismatches can cause:

  • Pipeline initialization failures
  • Video quality issues
  • Recording problems
Auto Resolution and Framerate

The system will attempt to change the rate and resolution in case of mismatch when playing out from a video file.

Source Availability​

Before activating a channel:

  • Ensure the video source is active and sending signal
  • For network sources, verify network connectivity
  • For Decklink sources, verify the card detects the input

Rearranging Channels​

You can reorganize your channels for better workflow:

  1. Drag and Drop: Most interfaces support dragging channels to reorder them
  2. Disabled Channels: Channels can be disabled so they do not function or show on the main Dashboard.

Runaway Video Recording​

A "runaway" recording occurs when a recording continues indefinitely without proper boundaries. To prevent this:

Set Recording Limits:​

Time-based Limits​

Time based limits and warnings can be added as a "Helper" plugin type.

  • Configure maximum recording duration per session
  • Set automatic stop times
Storage-based Limits​

Storage based limits can be set on the system-level in Configuration. Some cleanup automations can be setup on a per-folder basis.

  • Monitor available disk space
  • Configure alerts for low storage
  • Set up automatic cleanup of old recordings
Manual Controls​
  • Always verify recording has stopped when intended
  • Use the interface to monitor active recordings
  • Check recording status before leaving the system unattended

Best Practices:​

  • Set reasonable default recording durations
    • Higher bitrate recordings may require lower maximum lengths
  • Monitor storage usage regularly
    • Always maintain free storage capacity
  • Configure automatic cleanup policies

Understanding Channel Types​

Baseband/Capture Card Channels​

These channels connect directly to hardware:

  • Use Blackmagic DeckLink inputs
  • Provide highest quality and lowest latency
  • Support full audio channel complement
  • Ideal for live production environments

Network Streaming Channels​

These channels receive video over the network:

  • RIST, SRT, or other streaming protocols
  • Useful for remote sources
  • Network quality affects reliability
  • May have higher latency than baseband

Download Channels (HLS)​

These channels download content rather than capture live:

  • Pull from HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) sources
  • Downloaded content is stored in the library
  • Useful for archiving web-based content
  • Operates differently from live capture

Next Steps​

Now that you have created your first channel:

  1. Start Recording: See Recording a Channel
  2. Monitor Playback: Learn about Transport Controls
  3. Manage Your Library: Explore Managing the Library