In support, we often get asked the following questions.
"I plugged my video source in and nothing is happening? How do I fix it?"
"What does the red blinking camera on BoxCaster mean?"
"Do I need to change a video setting to get BoxCaster to work with my camera?"
"I am trying to stream and am getting a message saying 'BoxCaster Cannot Detect an Audio/Video Signal.' Help!"
You might also see a message like this in the BoxCast Dashboard.
BoxCaster (HDSD2)
When the BoxCaster is not recognizing an HDMI (digital) or Composite (analog) signal, it will exhibit one of two conditions.
1. The camera icon will blink red.
2. The camera icon camera will not light at all.
Generally speaking, a red blinking camera may be caused by a loss of connection from the video source, or when changing video resolutions mid-stream. If you need to change video resolutions mid-stream, we recommend scheduling and starting a new broadcast to accommodate the change. You'll likely want to terminate the previous broadcast.
BoxCaster Pro
When the BoxCaster Pro is not recognizing an SDI or HDMI signal, it will be noted on the LCD touchscreen.
If a video connection is lost mid-stream, the Pro's light ring will light orange, indicating that something is wrong.
BoxCast Spark
When there are issues connecting to Spark, the encoder will show this error screen:
Troubleshooting Techniques
Connect encoder to another device
Your camera, video switcher, HDMI splitter or converter might not be set to output an acceptable signal. For example, the BoxCaster HDSD2 cannot accept a 4k signal, so sending such a signal will result in the box's camera icon remaining unlit. We recommend connecting the encoder to a laptop computer or a DVD player, and then running a test broadcast. If you see a working video input from another device, you may need to change the settings on the original video source.
Issues may also occur when you output to the encoder from a converter or HDMI splitter. Instead, try bypassing these devices and connecting the encoder directly to the video source. When considering a splitter and/or converter for use with BoxCast encoders, we recommend the ViewHD 2 Port 1x2 Powered HDMI 1 in 2 Out Mini Splitter and the DECIMATOR MD-LX HDMI/SDI Bidirectional Converter.
Re-seating Video Cables
Unplug HDMI or SDI (Pro only) cable from BoxCaster device and then plug back in. If there is no change, try re-seating cable end from device outputting to BoxCaster.
Some HDMI cables exceeding 25 feet in length can be one-directional, so ensure your HDMI cable is going the right direction. This can be done by flipping the cable around, or inspecting the plug ends for an indication of specific direction.
Using an active HDMI cable? Active HDMI cables carry power over the cable and are not known to work with BoxCaster devices. Try a passive cable.
Swapping Video Cables
Cables can go bad, so try a different one! Here are some guidelines on the types of cables you might use:
Micro HDMI – Should be no longer than 15 feet.
Mini HDMI – Should be no longer than 15 feet.
HDMI – Should be no longer than 25 feet.
SDI – Should be no longer than 300 feet.
If you need to extend your HDMI cable range, consider an HDMI-over-Ethernet extender, or even going wireless! Check out our following videos to learn more: Mars 300 Pro! Wireless HDMI Over 400 Feet! & How to Extend HDMI over 300ft. using Ethernet
Still having difficulties with your video input? Please reach out to the technical support team at Questions@boxcast.com and we would be happy to help!