Black Bear TV FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Encoder Basics

What is an encoder and why do I need it?

An encoder is the device that takes the video signal from your microphone and camera or other production systems and sends it to Black Bear TV for live streaming.

Without a properly configured encoder, we cannot receive or distribute your game feed!

Which encoders are supported by Black Bear TV?

Black Bear provides encoders from Videon. 

Black Bear TV only supports approved Videon hardware encoders configured to our specifications. However, we can take signal from any encoder or device that can stream via SRT.

How do I set up my encoder for the first time?

Connect the encoder to your wired internet network.

Connect all video and audio sources, including mics, soundboards, and camera

Black Bear TV will configure your encoder after an initial test

BBTV will apply stream settings (resolution, bitrate, codec)

Enter the correct stream destination (SRT)
You may also reference the setup video at BBTVops.com/setup

Black Bear TV also update the graphic from Time To Score at the beginning of each game.

My scorebug is not updating, why not?

If you are not seeing updates to your scorebug,or see Home / Away and no teams listed, ensure that your scorer is logged in via the Time To Score app, and that data is being sent to Time To Score.

If no scorer is present, you may ask us in Discord to disable it for the game. Additionally if you use your own scorebug, you may ask us to permanently disable it.

Do you need to reconfigure my encoder for every game?

Usually no, other than your Time To Score scorebug, which is updated every game.

Once configured correctly, most encoders can be reused for future games unless:

Your internet connection changes

You switch venues

You change equipment inputs to the encoder

(IE going from HDMI in, to SDI in / changing audio cabling from embedded to 3.5mm)

How do I start streaming a game?

Typical workflow:

Power on the encoder and connect all sources

Confirm network connectivity by verifying a flashing light on the network interface card on the back of the unit.

Verify signal is live before warm-ups by checking the lights on the back of the encoder.

You should see a green light on the ethernet cable, and a flashing yellow light.
Check the lights on the front of the encoder. All lights should be blue, including Power, Stream, and Source.

Be sure that all lights are blue, and not red, or flashing red.

It is highly recommended that you perform a test of your audio and video quality 30 minutes prior to warm-up time by going to bbtvops.com/soundcheck

How early should I get ready before a game?

USPHL rules and regulations require streaming of warm-ups.
We strongly recommend starting your setup at least 30 minutes before warm-up time to allow verification and troubleshooting with a technician if needed.

What should I do if my stream isn’t showing up?

Reach out to tech support at bbtvops.com/soundcheck immediately.

Check the following:

All physical connections are made.
All devices are powered on.

Encoder is actively streaming
(all blue lights on the front of the encoder and green / yellow lights on in the back of the encoder)

Internet connection is stable

Correct stream destination is selected
(if using CloudControl for Spiideo or for OBS or other hardware/software)

Firewall / ports are not blocking traffic (Preferably by having a computer running Wireshark, or by checking Portchecker.io while connected wired to your network will give you an accurate topography of your open ports)

If issues persist, consult our technicians in Discord to begin a soundcheck session by typing BBTVops.com/soundcheck into your computer or phone's browser. Additionally you can consult the Technical Documents at https://bbtvops.com/encoder-broadcast-documentation

What kind of internet connection do I need?

A wired ethernet connection to the encoder is essential. The Videon encoder will not operate with a vMix setup. Wi-Fi is a backup, not meant to be used as a primary connection to the Internet due to the inherent problems with Wi-Fi uploading lots of real-time data in a busy arena

How fast does my internet need to be?

Upload speed: at least 15 mbps

Note that low packet loss and stable latency are more important than raw speed

Do I need to open any network ports?

Yes - see this document for specifics for the Videon encoder 

https://support.videonlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/13657520548627-Networking-Ports-Endpoints-Requirements-Best-Practices

Inquire with your BBTV Technician what port your SRT feed is being sent to as well.

(This will vary per sheet of ice being broadcast.)

Will firewalls or venue networks block my stream?

Yes - this is very common in arenas and municipal venues.

This is the most common reason for a game to fail to broadcast.

What if my game fails to stream live?

The USPHL rules and regulations allow for the uploading of a video on demand (VOD) to be uploaded after the game. 

How do I get help uploading my video on demand? 

Use the VOD Scheduler at BBTVops.com/repair when:

A recorded game needs repair

Audio/video sync issues occurred

A stream failed or partially recorded

Do not use the scheduler for general setup questions.

What issues can NOT be fixed after the game?

Some problems are not recoverable, including:

No video signal sent

Encoder never connected to the internet (Device Offline status)

Severe packet loss with no usable data

Preventative testing is the best solution with redundant recording such as recording in your camera.

Where should I go if my question isn’t answered here?

Technical setup & documentation:
Schedule at bbtvops.com/setup.
Check the Technical Documents section

Post-game issues: Use the VOD Scheduler

General questions: Email [email protected]