This manual provides installation, setup and operating instructions for 360 Systems MAXX 6T Image
Server™. It is organized to provide quick access to topics of primary interest. An extensive Table of
Contents is provided at the beginning and a subject Index at the end, to assist in locating
information.
If you have already used hard disk video servers (or VTRs), you may find discussion of the basic
server to be covering familiar topics. However, it is strongly recommended that engineering
managers and staff members operating the MAXX 6T read through this manual. Being familiar with
its operation can prevent operational mistakes, and will make all users aware of important set-up
and maintenance issues.
Software and Operations Manual Revisions
Software revisions are released from time-to-time that introduce new product features, or improve
the performance of the product. When such revisions are shipped in the form of a CD-ROM,
printed operational notes will be included. When revisions are introduced in the course of product
production, an updated Operations Manual will be shipped with new servers.
The title page of an Operations Manual indicates its revision number, which should always match
the software revision of the server with which it is used. Operations Manuals for the latest revision
may be obtained from 360 Systems Customer Service, or from 360 Systems’ web site.
Your comments are welcome. If anything in this manual seems unclear, please let us know by
sending an email to support@360systems.com.
Typographical Conventions
The following typographical conventions are used to clarify meaning:
• Connector or indicator labeling that appears on the unit is shown in Arial Narrow Bold.
• GUI menu items are shown in Arial Bold.
• Test typed into the GUI and Key Commands are shown in Courier Bold.
• GUI sub-menu paths are shown by the > symbol.
SAFETY NOTICES
Safety Terms and Symbols
THE FOLLOWING WARNING SYMBOLS ARE USED IN THIS MANUAL:
ENGLISH ATTENTION: REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR IMPORTANT
FRANÇAIS ATTENTION: VEUILLEZ VOUS RÉFÉRER AU MODE D’EMPLOI
ITALIANO ATTENZIONE: FATE RIFERIMENTO AL MANUALE PER
ESPAÑOL ATENTCION: FAVOR DE REFERIR AL MANUAL DE OPERACION
INFORMATION.
POUR UNE INFORMATION IMPORTANTE.
INFORMAZIONI IMPORTANTI.
POR INFORMACION IMPORTANTE.
ENGLISH
FRANÇAIS AVERTISSEMENT: DANGER DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE.
ITALIANO AVVERTIMENTO: PERICOLO DI SHOCK ELETTRICO.
ESPAÑOL ADVERTENSIA: PELIGRO DE CHOQUE ELECTRICO.
WARNING
:
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD.
General Safety Caution
• Heed the following important cautions regarding the MAXX 6T in order to avoid personal injury
or equipment damage.
• Only qualified personnel should perform installation and service. Refer to appropriate sections
of this product manual for instruction. Contact 360 Systems Customer Support for further
explanation, or to clarify any uncertainty.
• Disconnect the power cord before removing the cover.
Personal Injury Precautions
• To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product with covers removed.
• To avoid risk of fire, replace the power cord only with same type and rating as specified.
Replace damaged power cords immediately.
• This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric
shock, do not remove or modify the contacts on the plug.
• Prevent the power cord from being walked on, pinched, or abraded.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
• Remove jewelry, such as rings, watches, or necklaces before servicing this equipment.
• Lifting or moving the unit should be done using appropriate carts and/or dollies. Use two people
• MAXX 6T recorders contain hard disk drives and other fragile electronic and mechanical
devices. While this product is very reliable, it is still vulnerable to shock. Handle it with care,
and exercise caution not to drop or bump the recorder as damage to internal components may
result. Turn off power before moving the server.
• Do not obstruct air vents. Maintain an ambient temperature below 30°C (86°F).
• Clean only with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not spray cleaners or solvents directly on
the product.
CAUTION
Replace battery only with the same, or equivalent, battery type. Follow all local laws
regarding the disposal of BR and CR Lithium batteries. Batteries should be fully discharged
prior to disposal.
CAUTION
Never use the rear-panel power supply switch to shutdown the MAXX 6T. Doing so may
cause errors in the hard disk array. Should this happen, the array can be reinitialized without
any data loss; however, the process may take several hours. Shutdown the system only by
momentarily pressing the front panel power button, or through the On-Screen user interface.
Product Registration
Important: As the owner of new capital equipment, you will want to take advantage of the product
information, enhancements, upgrades, or notifications issued by 360 Systems. Send in your
Warranty Card so 360 Systems can remain in contact with you. Mail or fax it to 360 Systems offices
in the USA at the address given below.
:
:
Product Improvements and Upgrades
360 Systems reserves the right to make changes and/or improvements to its products without
incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes or improvements in units previously sold.
Certain features mentioned in this document may not be present in all models. MAXX 6Ts are not
offered for sale in all countries.
Trademarks
MAXX 6T Image Server, Multi-Format Image Server, 360 Systems, 360 Systems Broadcast, Bit-for-Bit, and
Direct Digital Import are trademarks or registered trademarks of 360 Systems in the U.S. and/or foreign
countries. Other trademarks referred to in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Software Copyrights
Software in this product is based on the work of, or is copyright by, 360 Systems, SuSE® GmbH, Trolltech, and
FreeType Team. Copyright 2003-2008 by 360 Systems.
Video and Audio Copyright Reminder
It is illegal to use this product to make copies of copyrighted material without the express permission of the
copyright holder.
When many pieces of equipment are mounted in an equipment rack, a considerable amount of heat
may be produced, which must be removed efficiently. Further, a lower operating temperature will
make equipment operate more reliably, and last longer. In the extreme case, excessive
temperatures cause rapid equipment failure, and damage which can be difficult to repair.
Heat in an equipment rack should be removed by forced air. This is often accomplished by blowers
installed in the top of the rack, venting into the room. An alternative is to draw hot air from the top
of the rack into an air-conditioning return duct, and not vent it into the equipment room. Cold air
should be ducted into the bottom of the rack. The optimum air temperature for cooling electronic
equipment is 25° C (72° F). When many pieces of equipment are contributing to the heat load, a
substantial air-flow will be needed, and the inlet temperature may need to be lower.
Check These Points
• Are all ventilation holes in the MAXX 6T free of obstruction?
• Can blowers or HVAC system adequately remove heat from the equipment rack?
• Have you measured the actual temperature inside the rack? Do this near the top.
• Verify that the HVAC system is not on a timer that can shut off on weekends or holidays.
• What procedures are in place to protect the equipment when the HVAC system fails?
Power Conditioning
It is good practice to operate an on-air video server from an Uninterruptible Power Source, or UPS.
All utility power systems experience occasional transient events, including brownouts and dropouts,
which are capable of taking a server off the air. It is the station operator’s job to plan for and
overcome such contingencies. UPS units come in two varieties:
Change-over UPS Design
This design senses drop-outs and low-line voltage, and switches its output to an internal inverter
operating from a battery. This UPS is low in cost, and is most often used in non-critical applications
such as desk-top computers. A disadvantage is that it may create its own power transients when
switching between utility power and its inverter supply. For this reason 360 Systems does not
recommend this type for use with the MAXX 6T.
Continuous Conversion UPS Design
This improved design continuously converts utility power to DC, stores it in a battery, then
produces isolated AC power from an inverter. It never switches, and is immune to input transients,
brownouts, and blackouts. Models are available with batteries of almost any size, making the
continuous-conversion UPS suitable for transient suppression or long-term operating power in the
absence of utility power.
The following makes of continuous conversion UPS systems are suitable for use with 360 Systems’
MAXX 6T products:
• APC Smart-UPS 2200-XL
• Eaton/Powerware Corporation, Model 9125, www.powerware.com
This unit is available in several different configurations to accommodate various current load
and power failure support times.
The minimum requirement for a single MAXX 6T is 500 Watts.
RFI/EMI interference
Many people are not aware that cell phones can attain a very substantial power output, even when
no conversation is taking place. You may have experienced the effect of a cell phone interfering
with a common desk phone or radio placed nearby. Carrying a cell phone into a machine room
where it is in close proximity to broadcast equipment and its associated wiring is unwise. They are
able to interfere with serial control commands, video synchronization, and in some cases can crash
the CPU in equipment.
Some major broadcasters prohibit the carrying of cell phones into certain machine areas. 360
Systems believes that the risk of undesired equipment behavior from their RF fields is very real.
Static Discharge
Static electricity discharge is accepted by most people as an inevitable consequence of living in a
dry area. It is, rather, a result of floor coverings that may enhance appearances, but are
inappropriate for use around critical pieces of broadcast equipment. Static discharge can do two
adverse things:
• Discharge into a connector can—and will—destroy internal circuitry of equipment. The result
will always be difficult to diagnose and repair. This includes the unconnected ends of cables
connected to the equipment.
• Discharge to equipment frames or wiring can cause unpredictable behavior including data loss
and crashes that can take the station off the air. Several steps can be taken to protect equipment
from static discharge:
• Do not install critical broadcast equipment (video servers) in a room with carpeting.
• Connect equipment racks directly to an earth ground with a heavy copper conductor.
• Do not operate equipment with a lifted safety ground (green frame ground).
• Install a humidifier to reduce the level of static discharge.
The Image Server MAXX 6T is the logical evolution of the successful Image Server line of Broadcast
Digital Video Server products. The MAXX 6T is designed from the ground up to deliver outstanding
performance and value in a multi-channel MPEG-2 and DV-format server. MAXX 6T adds a 6
Terabyte hot-swappable RAID-6 array and a new intuitive hierarchical file system for organizing
large amounts of content. Three video outputs with analog, digital, and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
make it an excellent choice for the next-generation plant.
• 6 Terabytes of Double Fault tolerant RAID-6 storage space ( 4.6Terabytes useable )
• Hot swappable drives with front access
• Redundant Power Supplies
• Playout for MPEG-2, DV-25, key-and-fill TARGA graphics and optionally IMX ( D10 )
• 1 Input with Frame Synch for capturing content from asynchronous sources such as VTRs.
• 3 simultaneous outputs.
• SDI and composite video
• Fast file import via FTP over Gigabit Ethernet
• Content exchange with NLEs
• Optional round-trip support for Final Cut Pro® with the IMX Option.
• MXF Compliant
• Intuitive graphical user interface
• Remote Control from a PC using the Remote Workstation software
• Intuitive hierarchical file system
• Advanced Playlisting capability
• +4dBu balanced analog or AES/EBU digital, with SDI embedded audio, four audio channels
Image Server MAXX 6T weighs more than 75 pounds with all disks installed. Please use appropriate
carts and lifting techniques when following these instructions.
Package Contents
Confirm that all items on the packing list have been received. Contact 360 Systems if any item is
missing.
Before unpacking hard drives, refer to the following sections on RACK MOUNTING (Page 15) and
INSTALLING THE HARD DRIVES (Page 16) before removing the drives.
It is recommended that you first rack mount the MAXX 6T before installing the drives. This will
reduce the weight significantly and simplify the mounting process.
Refer to instructions packaged with the Rack Mount Hardware Kit for specific installation
information.
Note: If you plan to use digital audio, be sure to change the configuration of the Analog/ Digital
Audio Jumpers inside the unit before mounting the MAXX 6T in a rack. The jumpers are factory set
to the Analog audio position. For more information about changing the jumpers, see APPENDIX A
– SETTING THE AUDIO JUMPERS FOR ANALOG/DIGITAL.
In North America, the MAXX 6T will usually be mounted in a 19” rack enclosure having 10-24 or
10-32 tapped holes. In countries with metric standards, the user will need to supply appropriate
fasteners.
Cables attached to the rear of the MAXX 6T should be supported by the rack mounting rails. Do not
support substantial cable weight from the MAXX 6T.
Install the included rack mount slide rails in the rack. They must be securely mounted at both the
front and back of the rack. Extend the slides in the slide rails. Carefully mate them with the rails on
the sides of the MAXX 6T – this process requires at least two people unless an adjustable lift is
available. Slide the MAXX 6T into the rack.
Deploy the front panel to expose the rack screw slots. Unscrew the knurled fasteners and pull
forward and down to deploy the front panel. Fasten the MAXX 6T into the rack using #10 flat-head
Phillips screws (provided in North America). Retract the front panel. Tighten the front panel access
screws.
Mounting the Audio and Control ( ACX ) Module
The supplied ACX module may also be rack mounted in a Standard 1-RU space above or below the
MAXX 6T. Four elongated screw holes are provided to facilitate rack mounting of the ACX Module.
The ACX module is connected to the MAXX 6T using the supplied 68 Pin cable. Connect one end of
the cable to the mating connector on the rear of the ACX Module. Connect the other end to the ACX
connector on the rear panel of the MAXX 6T. Refer to Figure 2 on Page 17.
The MAXX 6T is not shipped with a video monitor. Select a VESA-compliant CRT or LCD monitor
with a minimum refresh rate of 75Hz. Note that the MAXX 6T may not start correctly if an
unsuitable monitor is connected. Connect the monitor to the VGA port on the rear of the unit. Refer
to Figure 2 on Page 17
Connect the keyboard to the PS-2 keyboard port on the rear of the unit; connect the mouse to the
mouse port. Refer to Figure 2 on page 17. NOTE: If the mouse and keyboard connections are interchanged, the MAXX 6T may not boot up properly. Be especially careful about this when using
extender cables.
If you own more than one MAXX 6T, it may be appropriate to use a single keyboard, monitor, and
mouse with a KVM switch to select between servers. Not all KVM switching systems are
compatible. The KVM switch must supply an active signal to the Image Server at all times, even
when switched away from it. When first powering up the MAXX 6T, use only the supplied
keyboard and mouse directly connected. Then test the KVM switch system that will be used
thoroughly before installation is completed.
Installing the Hard Drives
MAXX 6T uses twelve, 500 GB drives in its 6 Terabyte RAID 6 array. These are packaged in a
separate carton inside the main carton. The drives are fully configured and ready to run the MAXX
6T application. It is important that the drives be installed in the correct positions in the RAID array. Each drive has a number affixed to its packaging material. Install each drive in the
corresponding numbered bay according to Figure 1.
Deploy the drive bay door by loosening the knurled screws and pulling lightly forward and down.
Install each hard drive in the corresponding numbered slot as follows.
1. Open the blue locking lever by pulling forward slightly
2. Insert the drive in the bay by sliding it in till you feel it “seat”
Figure 2 indicates the Rear Panel connections on MAXX 6T. Each connection is described briefly in
the following text. Make all connections appropriate to your workflow before applying power to the
MAXX 6T.
8910
13
6
7
2
3
1
Figure 2 - Rear Panel View
1. Dual Power Supply 2. Mouse
3. Keyboard 4. Monitor
5. Gigabit Ethernet Port (NET1) 6. LTC Input
7. LTC Output 8. Channel 1 CVBS ( Analog ) Input
9. Channel 1,2 and 3 CVBS ( Analog ) Output 10. Channel 1 SDI (Digital ) Input
11. Channel 1,2 and 3 SDI ( Digital ) Output 12. Genlock Input
13. ACX Expansion Module Connector
45
12
11
Video Inputs (8, 10)
The MAXX 6T records video on channel #1. It has separate BNC inputs for SDI (serial digital per
SMPTE 259M) and analog video (CVBS) signals. Both video inputs have a fixed 75-ohm
termination. The graphic user interface selects between the two.
Video Outputs (9, 11)
Video outputs are provided in SDI and Composite (CVBS) formats simultaneously. Digital video
appears in SDI format at 270 Mb/s and conforms to SMPTE 259M. Analog video is composite
(CVBS).
Gigabit Ethernet Port (5)
A Gigabit Ethernet port is provided on the MAXX 6T. The NET 1 port is intended for external
transfer of program content between video servers. The server supports MXF file transfer (MPEG-2,
Op 1a ), which allows content interchange between products from different manufacturers, as well
as file import in various formats from desktop editors. The NET 1 port is also used for remote
control using the optional Remote Workstation software. The NET 2 port is reserved for future use
and is not active. Use only the NET 1 port.
The MAXX 6T can be referenced to an external genlock reference in the form of CVBS black. The
GENLOCK input provides a fixed 75-ohm termination. An internal crystal reference is also provided
so that the server can be used as a stand-alone player.
LTC Time Code Input (6)
A LTC time code input is provided on the LTC IN BNC connector. The LTC input provides a >10k
ohm termination. This input may be selected by means of the On-Screen user interface and used as
a start time reference. Note that time code is not actually recorded, the time code read at the start
of recording is captured. When the clip is played back, the time code (in display, VITC and LTC
outputs) starts from the captured time and proceeds continuously.
LTC Time Code Output (7)
An LTC time code output is provided on the LTC OUT BNC connector. It may be selected by means
of the On-Screen user interface to output time code from any of the three video channels during
playback. The LTC output has a source impedance of <5 ohms.
Keyboard (3)
Attach the alphanumeric keyboard to the purple 5-pin KEYBD connector to control the server and
manage clips with the On-Screen graphic user interface. Note that the server will only recognize
the keyboard if it is attached before power up.
Mouse (2)
A two-button scroll mouse is provided with the MAXX 6T. Plug the mouse into the green 5-pin
MOUSE port. Do not use the USB ports, even if the supplied mouse is USB capable. Note that the
server will only recognize the mouse if it is attached before power up.
Monitor (4)
A VESA-compliant computer monitor may be connected to the 15-pin VGA video port. The MAXX
6T resolution is fixed at 1024 x 768 pixels, with a refresh rate of 72 Hz. This is best-viewed on 17inch or larger monitors. 360 Systems does not provide monitors for the server. Note: Do not use
older monitors that are not VESA compliant. The server may not start properly if an unsuitable
monitor is connected.
Serial Port
The system board serial port is not used. Make no connection.
USB Ports
The system board USB ports are not used. Make no connection.
Power (1)
An IEC mains socket is provided on the rear panel for power input. The MAXX 6T will accept
world-wide power sources in the range of 100-240 volts AC, 50-60 Hz. The server is shipped with
a power cord appropriate for the region in which it is sold. Replace the power cord only with one
of the same type and rating.
The ACX Module is a 1RU Rack-mountable module that provides for connection of the audio, serial
and GPI equipment. Connect The ACX Module to the Expansion connector on the rear panel of
MAXX 6T using the supplied 68 Pin SCSI connector. Figure 3 indicates the ACX module’s
connectors and their functions.
Figure 3 - ACX Expansion Module
Audio I/O
The MAXX 6T provides audio inputs and outputs in three formats:
• Balanced analog audio at a reference level of +4 dBu, corresponding to a digital level
of -20dBFS.
• Digital audio in AES/EBU format per AES-3-2000. 48 KHz sample rate, 24 bit.
• SDI embedded audio, 4-channels on SDI audio group 1, channels 1, 2, 3 and 4. 20 bit.
Note that both analog and AES/EBU audio signals are not available at the same time on a given
input or output channel. Internal jumpers select between analog or digital; however, each
channel’s pair of inputs and outputs can be set up differently, if desired. A set of XLR-3 connectors
allows high-quality connections to be made in either format. Refer to Appendix A for instruction on
how to set the unit up for analog or digital audio. Embedded audio appears in the SDI output stream
at all times.
Analog Audio Capability
When the analog audio format is selected, each video channel has two audio channels, recorded
together as a stereo pair. Internal trimmers allow adjustment to unity gain. Refer to APPENDIX H AUDIO LEVEL CALIBRATION. The outputs carry channels 1 and 2 when four channel material is
played back.
Digital Audio Capability
When AES/EBU digital audio is selected, each video channel has four audio channels, which are
recorded as two stereo pairs. Because a single XLR connector carries a stereo pair in AES/EBU
format, and only one (monaural) channel in analog, the server provides an extra pair of audio
channels when used with AES/EBU audio signals.
When SDI embedded audio is selected, four audio channels are available for recording. Embedded
audio is always inserted in the video outputs. Note that discrete audio (analog or AES/EBU) is also
available on XLR connectors, at the same time embedded audio appears in the video stream.
Embedded audio has a 20-bit resolution. Refer to Using Embedded Audio on Page 66 for details on
using embedded audio.
Audio Word Size and Sample Rate
The MAXX 6T employs 24-bit audio A/D and D/A converters, and records audio into a 24-bit frame,
regardless of the word size received. The sample rate is fixed at 48K. When using the AES/EBU
digital input, the 48K sample rate of the incoming digital audio must be derived from the video
genlock reference. If not, or if a different sample rate is used, the MAXX 6T’s input sample rate
converters must be selected. Refer to Using Sample Rate Conversion on page 68.
Note:
Encoded audio streams, such as Dolby E® must be referenced to video genlock, and the input
sample rate converters must be disabled when recording such streams.
Serial Control Ports
Each of the MAXX 6T’s three 9-pin “D” connectors permits independent control of any of the three
video channels. They can accept serial commands in VDCP, Sony BVW or Odetics protocol. The
multiple serial ports allow simultaneous connection of an automation controller and a desktop
controller. See the chapter on Automation Control for further details.
Most broadcast automation systems, and some remote control panels, employ the VDCP protocol.
A list of supported VDCP commands will be found in APPENDIX K - SERIAL COMMAND
PROTOCOLS. Many controllers used for transport, instant replay, and edit control employ Sony
BVW or Odetics protocol.
GPI Control
The MAXX 6T provides six GPI inputs for control of machine functions, which appear on the 25-pin
GPI connector. This “General Purpose Interface” can be connected to switch contacts or an opencollector transistor output. GPI inputs are programmable, and can provide machine control such as
PLAY, STOP, or RECORD through simple external switches.
The MAXX 6T also provides six GPI status outputs which may be used to confirm that a command
has been received, or for other purposes. The functions of these open-collector outputs are
programmable, and may be used to operate an LED, or they can be connected to a suitable logic
input. The pin-out for the GPI connector will be found in APPENDIX I on Page126.
Maxx 6T is equipped with fully redundant power supplies. Connect each power supply to a
separate source of AC power. Looking at the rear of the unit, the two IEC main power receptacles
are located on the left. The unit will operate indefinitely on a single supply. If AC power is lost on
one of the two supplies, a high-pitched alarm will sound to indicate the power loss. The MAXX 6T
will accept world-wide power sources in the range of 100-240 volts AC, 50-60 Hz. The server is
shipped with a power cord appropriate for the region in which it is sold. Replace the power cord
only with one of the same type and rating.
Power On
The blue front panel button initiates start-up and shut-down of the MAXX 6T. Press it momentarily
to start the server. A sequence of start-up screens will appear, ending with the display of the 3channel Graphic User Interface (GUI) (Figure 4 on Page 22 ).
During the first power on the system must be connected to a keyboard, monitor and mouse. The
Image Server will ask you to accept the Software Licensing Agreement before it will operate. This
screen will only appear during the initial startup.
Power Off
When the MAXX 6T is running, pressing the blue button momentarily will cause the system to begin
an orderly shutdown. This can also be initiated from the GUI by selecting
START > SHUTDOWN > SHUTDOWN. In most cases the power will shut off automatically,
however if the front panel lights begin to blink the file system has been properly closed and it is safe
to force the power off by holding the front panel button in for 4 seconds.
In the event that the system has stopped responding to commands and will not shutdown, hold the
button in for 4 seconds to force a power down.
CAUTION:
LOSS OF DATA CAN OCCUR IF THE POWER IS TURNED OFF WITHOUT A SHUTDOWN.
USE THE FOUR SECOND SHUTDOWN ONLY IF THE SYSTEM IS NOT RESPONDING OR DOES
NOT TURN THE POWER OFF AUTOMATICALLY.
CAUTION:
A
LWAYS DISCONNECT BOTH POWER CABLES ANY TIME THE TOP PANEL IS TO BE REMOVED
Serious damage to the server can occur if service is attempted with AC power attached.
The front panel power switch does not disconnect AC power!
Once MAXX 6T has successfully powered up, the VGA monitor will display the GUI of Figure 4.
This view provides:
• A main System Menu bar for configuration operations
• A Status Bar that displays various system messages
• Three VTR-like transport controls, one for each of the three video channels.
Figure 4 - User Interface
When using the mouse, all buttons of all channels will operate immediately, without first selecting a
window to activate it. (Channel 3 is active in the illustration above, indicated by its blue title bar.)
When using key commands, the active window is the only transport that will respond. Use the
CTRL+TAB key combination to change the active window in rotation, or use the mouse to activate
the desired window by clicking anywhere in it.
Windows can be moved, resized and overlapped by dragging the title bar, the edges or the resize
tab at the lower right corner of each window. The CTRL+TAB key combination will also bring the
activated window to the top, in front of all other windows.
The System Menu bar contains four menus: Show, Edit, Windows and Help.
Show Menu
Contains selections for the three Channels and the clip management windows.
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Opens the specified window if it is closed, brings it to the top and activates it.
Key Commands – F1, F2, F3
Clip List
Opens the Clip Navigator window if it is closed, brings it to the top and activates it. See page
46.
Key Command – Ctrl+L.
Find Clips
Opens the Clip Locator dialog. See page 48.
Key Command – Ctrl+F.
Edit Menu
Contains a single selection, Configuration. This opens the main System Configuration dialog. See
page 39.
Windows Menu
Choices in this menu change the way the windows are displayed. Use the CTRL+TAB key
combination to change the active window in rotation, or use the mouse to activate the desired
window.
Cascade
Arranges all open windows so that they are overlapping, but offset. It is useful as a starting
point to rearrange the windows. This choice is especially useful with small monitors.
Tile
Arranges all open windows so that each is fully visible at the same time. This choice is
especially useful with larger monitors. In case the Windows don’t tile as expected, select
Cascade to restore their original size and order, then select Tile.
In addition, there are selections for each open transport window. Selecting one of these brings that
transport to the top of the display and makes it the active window.
Help Menu
Contains a single item, About, which displays the Image Server software versions, serial number
and Unit ID.
The Status Bar
A status bar appears at the bottom of the window that provides system information to the user
including
CONNECTED TO HOST
GENLOCK, INPUT VIDEO DETECTED
or
CONNECTION TO HOST REFUSED
, and
TIME REMAINING—PERCENT FULL
are also displayed as diagnostics. Error and
. Messages such as
status messages from the RAID system can also be displayed here.
Channel 1 is the only channel that can either Record or Play video content. Channels 2 and 3 can
play back content. All channels may be used at the same time.
Each channel can be controlled in two different views.
The Transport Channel View is shown in Figure 5 - Transport Channel View. This is the default
view of each channel. Basic transport operations such as play, stop, record, and head/tail trimming
appear in the Clip Transport window for each channel. These operate in familiar VTR fashion.
Figure 5 - Transport Channel View
Transport Menu Bar
There are two menus, File and Options.
File Menu
Contains six selections in Channel 1, five in Channels 2 and 3.
New
Channel 1 only. Opens the Clip Navigator to allow naming of a new clip, then prepares the
channel for recording. See page 32.
Key Command – Ctrl+N.
Open
Opens the Clip Navigator to allow choosing a clip to load into the transport.
Saves an edited clip using its existing file name.
Key Command – Ctrl+S.
Save As
Opens the Clip Navigator to allow saving an edited version of the clip with a new name.
This allows making alternate versions of a clip or making multiple segments of a master clip.
Key Command – Ctrl+A.
Playlist
Switches from Transport View to Playlist View.
Close
Closes the Transport window. This has the same effect as the Close box in the upper right
corner of the window. Note that this will not stop playback or eject a loaded clip.
Options Menu
This menu contains two selections.
Take Control
Takes control of the video channel from another user (the Serial Control, a Remote
Workstation, or if you are using a Remote Workstation possibly the local GUI.) This item is
grayed out when the window has control.
Key Command – Ctrl+T.
Configure
Opens the video channel’s Configuration dialog. See pages 29 and 45.
The Playlist Channel View is shown in Figure 6 - Playlist Channel View. This view allows multiple
clips to be loaded in a “playlist” and played in sequence.
Figure 6 - Playlist Channel View
Playlist Menu Bar
There are two menus, File and Options.
File Menu
Open
Opens the Clip Navigator to allow choosing a clip to load into the transport.
Key Command – Ctrl+D.
Append
Opens the Playlist Selection dialog to allow choosing a Playlist to Append to the currently
loaded list. This can be done while playing to allow continuous playback of new Playlists.
See page 57.
Save
Saves an edited Playlist using its existing file name.
Opens the Clip Navigator to allow saving an edited version of the clip with a new name.
This allows making alternate versions of a clip or making multiple segments of a master clip.
Key Command – Ctrl+A.
Rename
Opens the Playlist Selection dialog to allow renaming the currently loaded Playlist.
Transport
Switches from Playlist View to Transport View.
Eject
Ejects the currently loaded Playlist in preparation for creating a new one. (It is not necessary
to Eject a list to load another saved list.)
Key Command – Ctrl+N.
Close
Closes the Playlist window. This has the same effect as the Close box in the upper right
corner of the window. Note that this will not stop playback or eject a loaded list.
Options Menu
This menu contains two selections.
Take Control
Takes control of the video channel from another user (the Serial Control, a Remote
Workstation, or if you are using a Remote Workstation possibly the local GUI.) This item is
grayed out when the window has control.
Key Command – Ctrl+T.
Configure
Opens the Playlist’s Configuration dialog. See page 56. Note that this is different than the
dialog for the video channel setup, which must be accessed from the Transport View
window.
Video recordings are made using the Transport View of Channel 1. Channel 1 can record or play
back clips but cannot do both at the same time. Channels 2 and 3 are playback only. Follow these
steps to record a clip on MAXX 6T. Note that most of these configuration setting steps can be
skipped once an established workflow is in place.
Record Configuration Options
Set Channel 1 to the Transport View
If necessary, set channel 1 to the Transport View (Figure 5 ). Click FILE >TRANSPORT in the
Channel 1 Playlist View to switch to the Transport View.
Setting the Sync Source
To use a genlocked source, select External Sync using the GUI as follows:
A. From the main menu bar select EDIT->CONFIGURE. The screen of Figure 7
appears. Select the TIMING option.
B. Select EXTERNAL as the sync source.
C. Check that the front panel GENLOCK LED is now illuminated and the word
GENLOCKED now appears in the bottom right of the main GUI window.
D. If necessary set the LINES and SUB-PELS settings. See System Timing on page 66.
About Genlock Signal Quality
A genlock signal connected to the MAXX 6T must conform to the SMPTE318M standard or EBU
Technical Standard N14-1998. An unstable genlock source may result in unwanted artifacts in the
video output or recorded data.
To use a non-genlocked CVBS source, follow the instructions above but select either INTERNAL or
EXTERNAL Sync.
NOTE: The CVBS input of the MAXX 6T is equipped with an Input Frame Buffer that allows
recording from non-genlocked sources. No configuration is required to use the frame buffer. Refer
to Appendix D for more information.
Comment [b1]: Delete if the SDI
input gets frame buffering.
Comment [b2]: Remove this if the SDI
frame sync is ever fixed.
Figure 7 - Timing Configuration Screen
Setting the Video Input Source
The MAXX 6T can accept a video signal at either its composite video input (CVBS), or its serial
digital (SDI) input. Verify that the input to be used is currently active. For a discussion of the SDI –
Embedded Audio option, refer to Configuring Embedded Audio on Page 67.
Select OPTIONS->CONFIGURE from the Channel 1 Transport Window.
The Dialog of Figure 8 appears. Select the appropriate Video Input source by clicking the related
radio button in the Video Input Source section of the dialog. Click APPLY or OK.