Kaptivo Sharing Modes

Kaptivo now offers three ways for users to share their whiteboard.

1. Share via Cloud

By default, Kaptivo shares whiteboard content through our secure cloud bridge. Kaptivo uses an Internet relay in the cloud to connect clients (e.g. web browsers) to Kaptivos. All data transmitted is SSL encrypted and no content is ever stored in the cloud. Whenever you are using the https://kaptivo.live web application to view a Kaptivo session, you are using our cloud sharing mode.

If you have purchased Kaptivo for Zoom Rooms, select 'Share via Cloud'.

2. Share via Local Network Only (Self-Hosted)

Enterprises that do not allow devices to send data into the cloud can use Kaptivo in Self-Hosted mode, which ensures that no data escapes their network. Furthermore, the Self-Hosted functionality is delivered through the Kaptivo devices themselves, so no separate on-premise server is required.

Kaptivo functionality remains essentially unchanged including live whiteboard viewing, Timeline feature, inviting others to join, and saving the whiteboard content as a PDF. The Self-Hosted mode requires the Kaptivo to be assigned a static IP address within the network, and users on the local network (or connected to the local network through a VPN) can then view and share Kaptivo sessions by pointing their web browser at the IP address of the Kaptivo.

Requirements

Kaptivo Enterprise must have Firmware Release 1.1.0 or above installed in order to select Self-Hosted mode. Kaptivo Business can run this firmware, but the feature is not available, an upgrade from Kaptivo Business to Kaptivo Enterprise is required - Contact sales@kaptivo.com for more info. Kaptivo Office (device model AF-10152-970, Wi-Fi only) is not supported. Updates to Firmware Release 1.1.0 will automatically be provided to all compatible Kaptivo devices over the air – there are no actions you need to take.

Setting the Mode

To set up Self-Hosted mode on a new Kaptivo you have not previously configured, go to https://kaptivo.com/setup, select ‘Set up a new Kaptivo over Ethernet’, and then select ‘Share via Local Network Only (Self-Hosted)’.

To set up Self-Hosted mode on a Kaptivo you have already set up fully on your network, go to https://kaptivo.com/setup and select ‘Reconfigure a Kaptivo already on your network’, then follow the instructions on-screen to get into the Device Administration tools. Once in, select the ‘DEVICE’ tab where you’ll find you can switch from Cloud Mode to Local Mode (Self-Hosted) with the click of a button. After making the change, Kaptivo will prompt you to reboot.

Note: you will need to know the IP ADDRESS of the Kaptivo in order to connect when in self-hosted mode.  While you are connected to the admin web pages, write down the IP Address. You will also see a sample URL showing how to connect to this device when you select self-hosted mode.  You may wish to note down that specific URL.

If you do not see the Local Mode option, please wait a few days for your unit to receive our over-the-air firmware update, and then try again.

Using Local Mode (Self Hosted)

With the Kaptivo set to use Local Self-Hosted mode, you will use the IP Address of the device directly in the browser or https://A-B-C-D.ip.kaptivo.live as the URL, where A-B-C-D is the IP Address separated by dashes.

When you connect to the Kaptivo you will see a landing page with the Kaptivo ID and a field where you can enter your participant name. You can also access the admin web page by clicking the Config gear icon on the top-right

3. Share via HDMI (KaptivoCast Required)

With the addition of a KaptivoCast HDMI converter (sold separately), you can output the live session of a Kaptivo as an HDMI signal. Pair the KaptivoCast accessory to your Kaptivo Enterprise device (model AF-10380-970) to livestream vibrant, unobstructed whiteboard images to any HDMI-capable input device including TV displays, video conference codecs, or lecture capture systems.

Requirements

Kaptivos must have Firmware Release 1.2.0 or above installed in order to pair with a KaptivoCast. Firmware Release 1.2.0 is compatible with Kaptivo Enterprise only (device model AF-10380-970, with Ethernet connectivity). Kaptivo Office (device model AF-10152-970, Wi-Fi only) is not supported. Updates to Firmware Release 1.2.0 will automatically be provided to all compatible Kaptivo devices over the air – there are no actions you need to take.

In addition, you will need the KaptivoCast HDMI Converter (device model KC100).

Setting the Mode

First, ensure that your Kaptivo is setup and connected to your network. Start at https://kaptivo.com/setup and follow the on-screen instructions.

Second, power up and connect the KaptivoCast to an HDMI input device (e.g. a TV monitor) and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the Cast to a Kaptivo directly or through the network. For network-connected KaptivoCasts, go to its setup page by entering the IP address of the Cast. You will see a list of Kaptivos that you can then link to the Cast.

Once linked, just press the control pad button on the Kaptivo to view the whiteboard.