• | • Genie Stream™ Server - Setup • • |
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We are in the process of updating online manuals from version 2.x to include help for new features released in new Genie Stream Server & Client versions 3.x. Until online manuals are fully completed we are providing you with an Early Experience package, giving you the opportunity to use this fully functional and developed version of Genie Stream at a great price! For every purchase of a Genie Stream™ Server 3.5 Basic license during the Early Experience Promotional offer – you will receive 20 additional advanced licenses (worth $200!!!) all for the standard Basic license price of $49!!!. |
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STEP 1: Server Stream Mode.
I. AUDIO REDIRECTION:
This mode allows one sound card / PC Audio Device (source) in the
computer to re-direct its output to the input (target) of a second sound card or
other PC Audio Device supporting
MS WINDOWS AUDIO WAVE MIXER DRIVERS FORMAT installed in the same computer (no additional wires, software or devices required),
with the subsequent capacity to broadcast via the computer network.
This is a very powerful function with great opportunities for redirected audio broadcasting.
II. STREAM - AUDIO LIVE:
This mode is designed for audio broadcasting in real time from a selected audio device input
according to the settings and rules set for each user or group of users. No additional wires,
software or devices are required.
III. STREAM - AUDIO FILE:
This mode is designed for audio broadcasting of saved audio files in a set order according to
the settings and rules set for each user or group of users. Depending on the settings, this mode can resume
interrupted broadcasting (RESUME MODE) and gives the user control over his/her listening choice. No additional wires,
software or devices are required.
IV. RECORDING - AUDIO FILE:
This mode is designed to record an audio file automatically in the
"GS" file format suitable for streaming.
Recording can be made from any PC Audio Device installed in the computer, which
supports the mixer-recording function.
No additional wires, software or devices are required.
STEP 2: Server Users Control Mode.
Server users control mode allows "GS" Service Provider to create two
scenarios of general broadcasting rules:
I. Easy User (EU):
This scenario mode is most appropriate for non-commercial service, when a user ID and password are not necessary.
All users of this service may have the same user ID and password or not have them at all.
In the STREAM AUDIO FILE mode, only one file at a time can be broadcast.
A file, however, can be listened to in a Loop Mode. In addition, this service includes
the option of confirming a user's age (for example in the case of "adult service" offer),
granting permission to record and setting time limits for a particular session.
Further, this mode is especially well suited for the initial trying out of the system,
including working out some of possible broadcasting problems.
II. Service Manager (SM):
Service Manager – is the main mode for broadcasting rules and most appropriate for connecting a user or group
of users to the "GS Server" in complex and commercial scenarios. All main settings of services, users and users
groups
are accessed through the "GS" Server "Service Manager".
STEP 3: Active Server Channel.
The "GS" Server allows broadcasting through three independent channels:
General, Adult and Children.
Using the radio broadcasting analogy, this type of audio streaming can be compared to a broadcasting frequency.
In computer terminology, a channel is called "port".
For the "GS" Server and the "GS" Client to work, the computer ports (assigned to "GS" System)
must be free of any other
application/process other than the "GS" system. The following computers ports
have been
assigned to the "GS" System:
General Channel: port 6669
Children Channel: port 6670
Adult Channel: port 6671
The channel-port division is convenient for hosting services since it allows an even
distribution of computer resources. One, two or all three channels can broadcast at the same time from
the same or different computers, using a database located on any of the
broadcasting computers or on a separate computer
hooked up to the network accessible to BDE (Borland Database Engine)/ODBC (Open Database Connectivity)
managers.
Access to the service of a concurrent broadcasting of more than one channel with shared database is available only
with the PROFESSIONAL (FULL UNLIMITED) license.
STEP 4: Network Type.
"GS" Server can broadcast for two types of computer networks:
Local (LAN), fast and Global (WAN), slow. When the WAN broadcasting option is selected,
the "GS" Server uses special algorithms of process optimization and more complex connection methods
(it takes slightly more of the computer resources) with the
"GS Client", which, although remaining invisible for the
user.
STEP 5: Server Load Limit.
The "GS" Server protects the computer from overloading when the number of “GS” users exceeds the "maximum users limit" or system resources.
It can also send a "system overload" message to the "GS"
Client.
I. Limit by connections number.
Set this option if you want to limit the numbers of users allowed to connect to the "GS" Server.
This number cannot be set greater than the number permitted by type of the "GS" license installed.
If the PROFESSIONAL (FULL UNLIMITED) license has been installed, this number can be set to 3000.
In reality, the actual number of users that can be served from a single "GS" Server is highly
depends on the computer system and
system recourses available to the "GS" Server! In most cases this number should never be set greater than 150-200 and must
be defined experimentally in every case for each computer system-environment where "GS" Server is used.
II. Limit by buffer performance
If the "GS" Server is set in the "AUDIO REDIRECTION" or
"STREAM AUDIO LIVE" mode, you may limit
the server loading
level by setting this option. The level of buffering performance is another feature of
the "GS" Server that
highly depends on the system resources and the number of other applications running
concurrently with the "GS" Server, which can use up significant CPU
resources.
Common for all Stream Modes.
Assign text string to the "Service Name" edit field to inform users - "GS"
Clients, about the service
to which they are connected.
Check "Adult confirmation required" box if you want to have a user confirm his/her
age
threshold for specific services that require age confirmation according to general or local
laws.
Check "Allow the user to record this service" box if you want to permit the recording of your
broadcast by users for subsequent access through the "GS" Client's built-in "Records
Manager".
Audio File Stream Modes.
Use the 
folder button to select and assign "GS" audio files that will be broadcast to all connected
users when the "GS" Server is set in the "STREAM
- AUDIO FILE" stream mode. These files can be created using "GS" Server in the "RECORDING
- AUDIO FILE" stream mode or by converting a text or "wave" file using
the built-in audio "Media
Converter".
Check the "Stream file in loop" box if you want a selected file to be streamed to the users
in the loop - non - stop mode. It is highly recommended that this option
be used along with
the "Time limit" option since playing files in the loop - non
- stop mode might unnecessarily exhaust your server resources and can be a potentially
costly operation; for example, if you have to pay for your Internet access.
Security (common for all connected users).
Check the "Request authorization" box if you want connecting
users
to be authorized by using their "User ID" and "Password". Please note that when your "GS" Server
operates under the "Easy User" users control mode, "User ID" and
"Password" will be the same for all connected users!
Use the 
button
to quickly generate a new "User ID" in the "Easy
User" mode
Use the 
button
to quickly generate a new "Password" in the "Easy
User" mode
Time Limit
Set the "Time not limited" radio button if you want connected users to be indefinitely
connected to the "GS" Server.
Set the "Time limited" radio button and define the time limit for the user's connection.
Audio Hardware
Settings
Recording - Input Sound Device
When your "GS" Server is required to be set in one of the following streaming modes - "AUDIO
- REDIRECTION",
"STREAM - AUDIO LIVE" or "RECORDING -> AUDIO FILE" you must specify a valid source for
the audio input signal
from one of the audio devices installed on your computer system. Once you select "Input Sound Device",
you can use the 
button to determine what input audio channels (sources) will be available
as inputs for audio signals.
Output - Playback Sound Device
When your "GS" Server is required to be set in the "AUDIO REDIRECTION" mode,
you must specify a valid source for the audio output signal that will be redirected
from the Input Sound Device.
Once you select the "Output Playback Sound Device", you can use the 
button to determine what output audio channels will be available for output of redirected
audio signal from the "Input Sound Device".
You can use the 
button to determine what are
software drivers, audio codecs and hardware properties of your audio device.
In both cases, the "Input - Sound Device" and the "Output Playback Sound Device", "seconds to buffer" is
an important value
that specifies buffer delay for the streamed or redirected audio signal and highly depends
on system resources, network bandwidth, the type of audio hardware and even the version of MS Windows.
The minimum value for
"Seconds to buffer" is 25, maximum is 100. Generally a value of 30
seconds would
satisfy most computer systems,
but at the same time it can be defined experimentally for any specific system.
Common
Time - Intervals
If the "GS" Server requires authorization from the connected user, then the user
should complete "User ID" and "Password" fields and this may take some time. You can
specify an inactivity interval
for the User after which time the user will be disconnected from the "GS" Server.
By
setting up a second option in the "Time Intervals"
section you may specify a time interval during which the user must accept or decline
the "GS" Service Provider offer. If the "GS" Service Provider
provides commercial services, where the user is allowed to select streaming content topics (content menu), or services
requiring the user to confirm his/her age the user will be presented
with a dialog box that will prompt acceptance of the "GS" Service Provider's
terms and conditions for the particular service in order to continue the session.
If declined the session will stop and the user will be disconnected from the "GS" Server.
Note that if the selection of the content menu is allowed, the time interval will automatically increase by an
additional 5 seconds per menu content item.
Commercial / Adult Services
Check the "Disable charge money functions for all commercial services"
box if for some reason (e.g., some special advertising / promotional event) you
need to block all functions of the "GS" Server responsible for
computing users credit/debit status while accessing commercial services. For
the user - "GS" Client it would be like a free service.
Check "Show initial user's credit amount in the "Connected Users List View"
box to see the amount of initial credit on the account when the user
connected to the "GS" Server ( the "Main Screen" - connected users list
view).
Use "Min credit ($) for service start option" to specify the minimum credit that user must have on his/her account
to access commercial services. If the user's credit is less than a set value or equals
to zero, the user will be presented with a dialog box regarding the credit deficit, prompting
deposit into the user account
or requiring the user contact the "GS" Service Provider.
If information for the 
is set, another dialog box with a prompt to connect to a specified web address and
to update the user's credit will appear. Please note that the web address http://www.verisign.com is just an example.
In reality it can be any other
financial institution that will help the "GS" Service Provider to
organize the payment process and integrate it with the "GS" System.
Use the "Age limit for Adult Services" option to set the minimum
user age for access to the services considered by your local laws as "Adult Services"
Default Web / IP Addresses, Domain Names
The "GS" Server provides the ability for the "GS" Service Provider
to specify four web
addresses-links that may be passed
to the user ("GS" Client)
at the start of every connection session. These address-links can be specific to
each users groups when the "Service Manager" is used for a
user's connection control mode or common for all users connected to the "GS" Server under
the "Easy User"
control mode. Data from the fields that have not been left blank will be automatically
inserted into the corresponding fields under the "User Group Properties" dialog box.
Host Home Web Page: this web page address link may be used as a home page
for "GS" Service Provider where
information about available "GS" Services may be found. This link can be used as a
gateway link to the "GS" Web Control Interface
if a valid network scenario has been used for providing the "GS" Services. If this
field is not left blank and address-link
has been provided, the following menu item 
will appear in the "GS" Client "Main Menu"
after the user-"GS" Client establishes a connection
with the "GS" Server.
Auto Popup / Advertising Web Page: this web link can be used as a good opportunity
to advertise information specifically for those users who use a non-commercial services.
At the same time, it can be used as a part of a banners affiliation program.
If this field has not been left empty ( or if the field is not blank or if this
field is filled in), after "GS" Client establishes a connection with the "GS" Server,
the user's default web browser will automatically open the specified address-link.
The "GS" Service Providers who have obtained a Professional (FULL UNLIMITED) license and
have access to the "GS" Database structure can create a process of dynamic
link allocation, based on defined rules.
Credit and Payment Web Page: This web address-link entirely depends on how
the "GS" Service Provider has organized
service payment process for a specific user group or for all users. This can be a link to a web page
created by the "GS" Service Provider or provided by
one of many financial institutions that help online businesses simplify payment
/ money transaction processes for people buying products
online. If this field is not left blank, in case when the user has insufficient
amount in the credit account to access commercial services, the user will be
prompted to connect to a specified web address-link to update the user account (after the
"GS" Client establishes a connection with the "GS" Server).
Client Software Update Address: Each time a "GS" Client
establishes connection with
the "GS" Server,
it checks to determine if the version of the "GS" Client is up- to-date and is ready to communicate with
the "GS" Server.
If incompatibility is found, the user will be informed accordingly. If this field has not been left
blank the user can update the client application at a specified address. This link can be an update link from www.ikatron.com,
a link set by the "GS" Service Provider, or
any other valid link where an up-to-date version of the "GS" Server can be found.
Database - BDE
/ ODBC Control
This section is addressed to the advanced users or professionals who obtained a Professional (FULL
UNLIMITED) license and want to take full advantages of versatile "GS" Server database connectivity.
Database Maintenance
Every time you start "GS" Server internal procedures of application, check your database for a way to optimize data. It can be an optimization of data tables, packing of unused space inside the
user's database or removing "dead" files links that do not exist. These procedures can take some time during the "GS" Server start up, but they help maintain the "GS" Database and keep it in good working order.
If you are an advanced user using the "GS" Server only occasionally and your data base
does contain very many users, you can check the "Skip database optimization on start up (not recommended)"
box if you want faster loading
of the "GS" Server.
If you are a professional using the "GS" Server as a system that provides dynamic contents and
automatically update "GS" files with stable file names and file descriptions
but for one reason or another
those files may be absent for a while from their usual place on the hard drive, you can check
"Skip removal of the stream file's description on start up if files do not already exist on the disk"
box to avoid the situation where you will be required to recreate a file's description
when the file reappears on
the hard drive.
Use Aliases (BDE / ODBC)
If you have obtained the Professional (FULL UNLIMITED) license,
you can enjoy connecting the "GS" Server to a wide verity of databases supporting BDE / ODBC connection scenarios.
Doing so, you are not just receiving all benefits from connecting to highly reliable
and efficient databases (like Microsoft SQL Server for example) but have the ability to integrate "GS" Database
into already existing database structures (e.g., serving your company's Web
Site) and to create very powerful "GS" Web Control Interfaces
to design even more flexible and user-friendly "GS" Services using different
"GS" Network Scenarios.
All this gives you the power to integrate the "GS" System into already existing services
provided by your company based on DBMS and web control interface.
What is BDE?
BDE stands for Borland Database Engine (Middleware to connect to a database management
systems - DBMS).
Originally designed as the an engine that deals with both dBASE and Paradox data-bases,
it was extended to serve as middleware to remote connectivity with relational databases through a set of libraries
known as Borland SQL Links. BDE supports both record-oriented commands and SQL syntax.
The name BDE is used to refer to the package that consists of the core technology
(that includes the IDAPI Infrastructure and the common Query engine) plus the three IDAPI
drivers/engines (for Paradox, dBASE and Text formats) plus the ODBC Socket that makes any
ODBC driver into an IDAPI driver for BDE applications.
BDE will be installed on your system (if it was not installed before, by any
of other software
vendor) during installation of the "GS" Server.
What is ODBC?
ODBC stands for Open Database Connectivity. ODBC gives you the ability to access data
from a variety of database management systems (like BDE, for example).
To do this, you must add software components called drivers to your system.
Data Sources (ODBC) helps you add and configure these drivers. The ODBC package is
an integrated part of the Microsoft Windows Operating System.
Therefore, assuming the correct installation of your operating system, ODBC package should
already be installed on your computer.
Please note that to successfully configure the "GS" Server database, which uses BDE/ODBC managers, it is
desirable that you have some knowledge of database administration routines including "database aliases" theory.
It is highly recommended that if you do not have a-such knowledge, you first contact your
system-db administrator or contact iKatron Solutions support service
before making any System / DB changes.
You can use following steps to connect the "GS" Server to a third party Database
after this Database has been setup and rules (including security) for connections
have been defined:
DB STEP 1:
Open the ODBC Data Source Administrator and in the System DSN section configure
"Name" and "Source" for your "GS" Database source.
DB STEP 2:
Open the BDE Manager and add a new alias name selecting the correct driver for your database and using
the alias just created in the STEP 1, "Name" of the Database source.
DB STEP 3:
Refresh the list of available BDE aliases and select from the "Available Database Aliases"
drop down box an alias that you have created.
DB STEP 4:
Build all necessary tables in the selected database.
Use "BDE / ODBC Login Rules"
to define the security login style for your Database.
Please visit this section later for updated information about the "GS" Server Database connectivity and different connections patterns.
