Using Focus Server During Thunder Network Capture

In Thunder Hockey version 25.2.1.2, users can leverage the benefits of Focus Server to improve the stability of their Thunder Hockey Network Capture workflow. The main benefits for users are: 
 

1. Increased Network Capture stability: In the event of a camera feed drop or network connection loss, Focus Server will continue sending a black feed until the video returns. This will result in an continuous capture file and eliminate the need to restart capture in the event of a feed drop or network outage. 

2. Support for BlackMagic 3G Recorder: The BlackMagic 3G recorder is now qualified to record a single capture feed with a Thunderbolt cable. 

    

Users must enable the following components to use this workflow:

1. Thunder Hockey version 25.2.1.2 must be installed on the capture machine.
2. Focus Server version 9.1.50.18633 must be installed on the capture machine.
3. Users must have their email verified by Catapult for Focus Server licensing purposes.
   • To verify your email and activate your Focus Server license, please look out for an email from ops@sbgsportssoftware.com with the subject line, "Welcome to the SBG Cloud." 
   • If your license activation link has expired, please reach out to provideo@catapultsports.com for a new one.

For any Focus Server questions or for assistance with setup, please reach out to provideo@catapultsports.com. 

How to Set Up Focus Server for Thunder Network Capture

1. After opening the above email and activating your license, sign in with your SBG credentials using this link. 

2. Download the Focus Server Windows installer from the list of installers on the SBG Licensing portal. 

   

3. Once installed, open Focus Server on your desktop. You will be prompted to upgrade to Focus Server version 9.1.50.18633 - select "Yes."
4. Sign in to Focus Server using the same email and password you used to sing in to SBG Cloud. 
5. Download the Preferences file at the bottom of this article and confirm that "Thunder Compatible Capture" is set to "true" (this is case sensitive ensure it matches the image below) in the Preferences file in this directory: 
   App Data->Local->SBG->Focus
   
6. Navigate to the "Recorders" Tab.
7. Select the "Edit Channels" option.
   
8. Add up to four channels to be used in Thunder. Rename the Channel Names as needed. 
9. Single click on the re-streaming address for one of the feeds to open a context menu.

1. Check the box to show Advanced Settings.
2. Confirm the re-streaming protocol is HLS.
3. Confirm the "Thunder compatible stream" is checked.
   
4. Repeat step 10 for each of the feeds to make them Thunder compatible. 
5. Save the channel settings by selecting "Save."

How to Set Up Focus Server Streams in Thunder Hockey

1. In Focus Server, right-click on the "Re-streaming" address and use the "Copy URL" button 

2. Paste that URL in the corresponding View in the Thunder Network Capture Settings window. 

3. Repeat copying and pasting the URL for each desired angle in Thunder.

4. Start Network Capture in Thunder.