Thunder 25 Network Capture using IP and RTSP Cameras

In Thunder 25, users have the ability to use Network Capture to record video feeds from network-connected cameras. This is an efficient way to integrate systems like PlaySight, Spiideo, and others, which are designed to operate cameras on a network, similar to Thunder. Instead of using traditional video capture encoders with physical cables like SDI or HDMI, the user captures the video stream over a network using URLs for each camera.

Prerequisites 

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• Catapult Thunder: The latest version of the Catapult Thunder Hockey 25 software installed on a supported computer.
• Third-party Cameras: Your PlaySight, Spiideo or any other provider camera systems are set up, calibrated to 720 p 59.94 fps with either 15 or 30 GOP, and connected to your network.
• Network Infrastructure: A stable and robust network (preferably a dedicated gigabit Ethernet network) that can handle high-bandwidth video streams.
• IP Addresses: The IP addresses for each of your camera streams.
• Admin Access: Administrative access to your network cameras or cloud interface and Catapult Thunder software on the same VLAN.
• Network Capture Devices: If necessary, you may need a dedicated network capture device (e.g., Limit 8 encoder, AVMATRIX or Antrica) to convert the IP stream into a format Catapult Thunder can ingest. Check Catapult's qualified hardware list for supported devices.

Please note that 3rd-party cameras and network encoders cannot be synchronized in the network capture window and their formats may not match up, preventing Thunder from capturing both angles together on the same device. It is then recommended to run two separate captures from different client laptops connected to the network, further outlined here. 

A total of four angles can be stacked together after the separate captures finalize using the Stacked Masters workflow. It is required for video formats to match in order to use the Stacked Masters workflow. If video formats do not match, please transcode the mismatched media before importing and stacking. For a guide on installing transcode folders, please click here. 

Introduction to Thunder Network Capture

1. To begin a Network Capture, select Network Capture.
2. Name the Master Edit of the file. Good naming convention is important.
3. Select the Network Organizer (dropdown) and folder to save the capture. Select the intended server or local volume for the video file.
4. Change Capture Settings or select a pre-made Capture Template from the dropdown.

Network Capture Settings

1. Select a pre-made template, if applicable.
2. “Save” template, “Cancel”, Create a “New” template, or “Delete” a template.
3. Activate a channel, confirm audio selection, and enter the camera’s RTSP address. Make each angle a different view selection. Save template to confirm and close the settings window.
4. From the Master Edit window, click OK to begin capture.

Network Capture Log Tool Setup and Game Information

1. Select a Log Template and enter all game data and team selection.
2. Click OK.

Network Capture

1. Finish Capture to finalize. Cycle multiple views with the hotkey.
2. Cycle multiple views with the hotkey: CTRL + Space Bar
3. DVR functionality with media player controls or keyboard arrows.