Avid Technology AirSpeed Installation And User Manual

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Avid® AirSpeed

Installation and User’s Guide

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Avid

Product specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Avid Technology, Inc.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement. You can obtain a copy of that license by visiting Avid's Web site at www.avid.com. The terms of that license are also available in the product in the same directory as the software. The software may not be reverse assembled and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.

Avid products or portions thereof are protected by one or more of the following United States Patents: 4,746,994; 4,970,663; 5,045,940; 5,267,351; 5,309,528; 5,355,450; 5,396,594; 5,440,348; 5,452,378; 5,467,288; 5,513,375; 5,528,310; 5,557,423; 5,577,190; 5,584,006; 5,640,601; 5,644,364; 5,654,737; 5,715,018; 5,724,605; 5,726,717; 5,729,673; 5,745,637; 5,752,029; 5,754,851; 5,799,150; 5,812,216; 5,828,678; 5,842,014; 5,852,435; 5,987,501; 6,061,758; 6,223,211; 6,301,105; 6,532,043; 6,546,190; 6,636,869; 6,747,705, 6,763,523; 6,813,622. Other patents are pending.

This document is protected under copyright law. An authorized licensee of Avid AirSpeed may reproduce this publication for the licensee’s own use in learning how to use the software. This document may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes, such as selling copies of this document or providing support or educational services to others. This document is supplied as a guide for Avid AirSpeed. Reasonable care has been taken in preparing the information it contains. However, this document may contain omissions, technical inaccuracies, or typographical errors. Avid Technology, Inc. does not accept responsibility of any kind for customers’ losses due to the use of this document. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software [i.e., the TIFF library] and its documentation for any purpose is hereby granted without fee, provided that (i) the above copyright notices and this permission notice appear in all copies of the software and related documentation, and (ii) the names of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics may not be used in any advertising or publicity relating to the software without the specific, prior written permission of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS-IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SAM LEFFLER OR SILICON GRAPHICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE, AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.

The following disclaimer is required by the Independent JPEG Group:

Portions of this software are based on work of the Independent JPEG Group.

The following disclaimer is required by Ray Sauers Associates, Inc.:

“Install-It” is licensed from Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. End-User is prohibited from taking any action to derive a source code equivalent of “Install-It,” including by reverse assembly or reverse compilation, Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. shall in no event be liable for any damages resulting from reseller’s failure to perform reseller’s obligation; or any damages arising from use or operation of reseller’s products or the software; or any other damages, including but not limited to, incidental, direct, indirect, special or consequential Damages including lost profits, or damages resulting from loss of use or inability to use reseller’s products or the software for any reason including copyright or patent infringement, or lost data, even if Ray Sauers Associates has been advised, knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages.

The following disclaimer is required by Videomedia, Inc.:

“Videomedia, Inc. makes no warranties whatsoever, either express or implied, regarding this product, including warranties with respect to its merchantability or its fitness for any particular purpose.”

“This software contains V-LAN ver. 3.0 Command Protocols which communicate with V-LAN ver. 3.0 products developed by Videomedia, Inc. and V-LAN ver. 3.0 compatible products developed by third parties under license from Videomedia, Inc. Use of this software will allow “frame accurate” editing control of applicable videotape recorder decks, videodisc recorders/players and the like.”

The following disclaimer is required by Altura Software, Inc. for the use of its Mac2Win software and Sample Source Code:

The following disclaimer is required by 3Prong.com Inc.:

Certain waveform and vector monitoring capabilities are provided under a license from 3Prong.com Inc.

Attn. Government User(s). Restricted Rights Legend

U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. This Software and its documentation are “commercial computer software” or “commercial computer software documentation.” In the event that such Software or documentation is acquired by or on behalf of a unit or agency of the U.S. Government, all rights with respect to this Software and documentation are subject to the terms of the License Agreement, pursuant to FAR §12.212(a) and/or DFARS §227.7202-1(a), as applicable.

Trademarks

888 I/O, Adrenaline, AirPlay, AirSPACE, AirSPACE HD, AirSpeed, AniMatte, AudioSuite, AudioVision, AutoSync, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid DNxcel, Avid DNxHD, AVIDdrive, AVIDdrive Towers, Avid Learning Excellerator, Avid Mojo, AvidNet, AvidNetwork, AVIDstripe, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Xpress, AVoption, AVX, CamCutter, ChromaCurve, ChromaWheel, DAE, D-Fi, D-fx, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, DigiDrive, Digital Nonlinear Accelerator, DigiTranslator, DINR, DNxchange, D-Verb, Equinox, ExpertRender, FieldPak, Film Composer, FilmScribe, FluidMotion, HIIP, HyperSPACE, HyperSPACE HDCAM, IllusionFX, Image Independence, iNEWS, iNEWS ControlAir, Instinct, Intraframe, iS9, iS18, iS23, iS36, LaunchPad, Lo-Fi, Magic Mask, make manage move | media, Marquee, Matador, Maxim, MCXpress, Media Browse, Media Composer, MediaDock, MediaDock Shuttle, Media Fusion, Media Illusion, MediaLog, Media Reader, Media Recorder, MEDIArray, MediaShare, Meridien, MetaSync, MissionControl, NaturalMatch, Nearchive, NetReview, NewsCutter, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, OMM, Open Media Framework, Open Media Management, ProEncode, Pro Tools, QuietDrive, Recti-Fi, RetroLoop, rS9, rS18, Sci-Fi, Softimage, Sound Designer II, SPACE, SPACEShift, SpectraGraph, SpectraMatte, Symphony, Trilligent, UnityRAID, Vari-Fi, Video Slave Driver, VideoSPACE, and Xdeck are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

GOT FOOTAGE?

Editors — Filmmakers — Special Effects Artists — Game Developers — Animators — Educators — Broadcasters — Content creators of every genre — Just finished an incredible project and want to share it with the world?

Send us your reels and we may use your footage in our show reel or demo!*

For a copy of our release and Avid’s mailing address, go to www.avid.com/footage.

*Note: Avid cannot guarantee the use of materials submitted.

Avid AirSpeed Installation and User’s Guide • 0130-07444-01 Rev. A • February 2006

Using This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

If You Need Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

How to Order Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Avid Educational Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Hardware and Software Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Software Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ethernet Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Networking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

PortServer Pro Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MediaManager Client . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Network Time Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Internal Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Serial Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

User Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Software Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Digital Input and Output Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Analog Output Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Supported Media Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Capture Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chunking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

RetroLoop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Media Formats and Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

OMF Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

MXF Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Media Destination Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Playout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Studio Playout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Play While Transferring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Closed Caption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Front and Rear Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Front Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Panelless Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Visual Status Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

UI and Playback Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Audio Knobs and LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Headphone Jack, Volume, and Channel Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Shuttle Ring and Jog Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Operational Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Rear Media Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Control Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

DNxchange HD Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

HD Video With AirSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Monitoring HD Video During Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Chapter 2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Installing AirSpeed in a Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Checking the Contents of the Rack-Mount Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Separating the Slide Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Positioning the AirSpeed in the Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Attaching the Outer Rails to the Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Attaching Inner Rails to the AirSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Securing the AirSpeed in a Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

SDI and Video Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Audio Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Timecode Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Control and Communications Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

PS/2 Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Ethernet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

SMPTE Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Remote Serial Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

GPIO Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Turning the AirSpeed On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Workgroup Requirement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Default IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Setting the Time Zone, Date, and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Accessing the AirSpeed Through Telnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Setting Up for Transferring to Unity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

MediaManager System User Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Multiple Domain Names and DNS servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Static Mounted Workspaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Adjusting the Audio Playout Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Chapter 3 User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

AirSpeed UI Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Common UI Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Play Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Capture Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Setup Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Diagnostic Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Shutdown Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Accessing the Setup Subtabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Network Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

System Config Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Avid Pilot, Avid FlightPlan, and VNC Password Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Setting Passwords to Access AirSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Channels Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Destination Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Software Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Network Setup for the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Software-Naming Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Loading Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Send Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Maintenance and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Power-On Self-Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Network Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Message Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Chapter 5 AirSpeed Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Power-On Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

AirSpeed Startup Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Button and Wheel Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Channel Select Button 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Channel Select Button 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Operational Control Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Play Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Record Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Fast Forward Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Rewind Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Stop Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Locator Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Jog Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Shuttle Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Mark IN Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Mark OUT Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

RetroLoop Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Deleting Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Timecode Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Clip Duration Verses Total Duration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Clip Absolute Timecode Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Clip Relative Timecode Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Virtual Timecode Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Timecode Values for Network Links to Clips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Chapter 6 AirSpeed Studio and Playout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Studio Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Creating the Studio on the AirSpeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Adding the Studio to Your WorkGroup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Using the Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Connect to Playout Server or Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Send to Playout Server or Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Monitoring Studio Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Transfer Status Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Chapter 7 AirSpeed Operations with Other Avid News Applications. . . . . . . . . . 127

Transferring Sequences from an Avid NewsCutter Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Transfer Setup Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Transferring Sequences from a NewsCutter Product to AirSpeed. . . . . . . . . . 128

Using Avid Pilot to Load Clips into a NewsCutter Product’s Capture Tool . . . . . . . 128

AirSpeed Setup Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

NewsCutter Product Setup Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Configuring AirSpeed to Work with a NewsCutter Product using Avid Pilot. . . 129

Loading AirSpeed Clips into the Capture Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Using FlightPlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Transferring Clips From AirSpeed to NewsCutter Product. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Remote Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Virtual Network Computing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

General Remote Control Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Remote Control from an Automation System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Remote Control from a System Using Sony Protocol (such as an

Edit Controller) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Remote Control from Any Device Providing Contact Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Appendix A Chassis 0010-07109-xx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Control Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Video/LTC Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Appendix B Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Physical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Audio Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Video Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Control and Synchronization Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Data Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Rear Panel Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Remote 1 and Remote 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Ethernet Connector Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

GPIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Analog Audio Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

LTC Timecode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Keyboard/Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Appendix C Regulatory and Safety Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

FCC Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Canadian ICES-003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

European Union Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Australia and New Zealand EMC Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Taiwan EMC Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Using This Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of an Avid® AirSpeed® multichannel media server. You can use your AirSpeed to capture and output broadcast-quality media.

Symbols and Conventions

Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:

Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action

> This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the

Italic font Italic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables.

Courier Bold font

Ctrl+key or mouse action Press and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the

A note provides important related information, reminders, recommendations, and strong suggestions.

A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to your computer or cause you to lose data.

A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm. Follow the guidelines in this document or on the unit itself when handling electrical equipment.

order you select them. For example, File > Import means to open the File menu and then select the Import command.

This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a list indicate that you perform one of the actions listed.

Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.

mouse action. For example, Ctrl+drag.

Using This Guide

If You Need Help

If you are having trouble using AirSpeed:

1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It is especially important to check each step of your workflow.

2. Check for the latest information that might have become available after the documentation was published:

- If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as printed release notes,

they ship with your application and are also available online.

- If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as a ReadMe file, it is

supplied in your Avid application folder as a PDF document (ReadMe.pdf) and is also available online.

You should always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe because the online version is updated whenever new information becomes available. To view these online versions, select ReadMe from the Help menu. or visit

the Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/readme.

3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for maintenance or hardware-related issues.

4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/onlinesupport. Online services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find answers, to view error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates, and to read or join online message-board discussions.

How to Order Documentation

To order additional copies of this documentation from within the United States, call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). If you are placing an order from outside the United States, contact your local Avid representative.

Avid Educational Services

For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, please visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-

2843).

Chapter 1

AirSpeed Overview

This chapter provides background information about the AirSpeed media server. The following topics are discussed:

• Design

• DNxchange HD Option

• Hardware and Software Requirements

• Software Overview

• Front and Rear Panels

AirSpeed is a digital recorder or playback device designed to work seamlessly in Avid Unity environments (Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, and LANshare). AirSpeed allows you to capture incoming media directly into storage allocation groups (called workspaces) or play out media to air. Previously, Avid editing systems were used to capture the media, preventing the Avid editor from editing. Now media can be captured directly into Avid Unity workspaces unattended, freeing the Avid editing system for editing. Use the Avid editing system to edit the captured media into sequences and send the sequence back to the AirSpeed for playout. Up to five AirSpeeds together can be grouped to form a Studio.

Design

AirSpeed is designed for ease of use. Once the AirSpeed is configured, this network media server captures one stream of video and up to eight channels of audio to a preselected Avid Unity workspace. The video format you select in the AirSpeed should be compatible with the editing systems at your site. The captured material is made available to Avid editing systems that use media files compliant with Open Media Format (OMF) Exchange Format (MXF).

The AirSpeed is also a two-channel playout server. Select the AirSpeed’s host name in the Send To Playback list on the Avid editing system and you can transfer a sequence to the AirSpeed server. Then use AirSpeed CountDown manage the playout of the sequence. You can group from two to five AirSpeed servers as a

or Material

™

or Avid iNEWS® ControlAir™ to

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Studio by following an AirSpeed host naming method. Send a sequence to the Studio and all the AirSpeeds in that Studio have the capability to playout the sequence. For information on the Studio concept and configuration, see “AirSpeed Studio and Playout” on page 119.

There are two functionally equivalent AirSpeed chassis. The front panel on both chassis are exactly the same but the connectors on the rear panel are in different locations. This document includes information on the currently shipping chassis (0010-07109-xx). To view the connector layout, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135.

You can set up and configure the AirSpeed using the user interface (UI) displayed on the built-in front panel monitor as well as remote applications, such as the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) application, Avid Pilot, and Avid FlightPlan. For more information on VNC see, “Virtual Network Computing” on page 131.

Media that you previously captured plays back in the UI monitor on the front of the AirSpeed as well as through the connections on the back of the AirSpeed. You can play back two streams of video at the same time. Use the UI playback buttons to select the video stream you want to view. For more information, see “UI and Playback Monitor” on page 29.

The Record and Stop buttons, located on the front panel of the AirSpeed, allow you to initiate and terminate the capture of material. In addition to these front panel buttons, you can control and capture material using Avid CaptureManager You can control the AirSpeed through serial or Ethernet connections.

™

through a network interface.

If Avid Unity becomes unavailable, AirSpeed captures media to the internal drives until Avid Unity becomes available or the internal drives are full.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Your AirSpeed system requires specific Avid components and software versions; see the AirSpeed ReadMe included with your release for the qualified versions. The following Avid products are required:

• Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, or

• Avid Unity MediaManager

• Avid NewsCutter

• Avid PortServer Pro II or LANshare EX based on the Intel SR2400, or newer platform

The AirSpeed connects to an Avid Unity PortServer Pro through an Ethernet network switch.

• A network Domain Name System (DNS) server (recommended in the Avid Unity MediaNetwork environment, required in the Avid Unity ISIS environment)

If your Avid Unity environment does not have a network DNS server, instructions for creating one can be found on the Avid Knowledge Base. Go to www.avid.com.

Optional Avid applications and hardware include:

• Avid Unity TransferManager

• Avid Media Browse

• Avid iNEWS ControlAir

• Avid AirSpeed FlightPlan

• Avid AirSpeed Pilot

, Avid NewsCutter XP, or Avid Media Composer® editing system.

Avid Unity LANshare EX

Server Chassis SR2200,

• Avid AirSpeed CountDown

• Avid DNxchange (see “DNxchange HD Option” on page 35)

Software Installation

The AirSpeed software resides on the system’s disk drives. The software comes preinstalled. Future releases and updates require you to load the software on your Avid Unity MediaManager server where the AirSpeed can access the new or old versions. AirSpeed software is installed using the Setup > Software tab in the AirSpeed UI. For more information, see “Software Tab” on page 95.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Synchronization

When AirSpeed is capturing media, the sync is locked to the input signal. During playback, the outgoing media should be locked to the house reference signal provided on the Reference In connector on the rear of the AirSpeed. For information on video reference output and configuration, see “System Config Tab” on page 78.

Ethernet Connections

AirSpeed systems have an Ethernet connection used to control, configure, capture media to, or play out from, Avid Unity. For more information see “Control Connectors” on page 35.

Each AirSpeed needs its own IP address. The AirSpeed system operates as a PortServer Pro client to the Avid Unity storage area network (SAN).

AirSpeed establishes a connection with Avid Unity MediaManager, via an Ethernet connection, to check in project information and other metadata associated with the captured material. This process occurs at the start of capturing, during chunking, and when capture is terminated.

Networking

AirSpeed connects to the Avid Unity network with a unique name and IP address. Avid Unity identifies each AirSpeed using either the AirSpeed name or the IP address. AirSpeed operates as an attached Avid PortServer Pro or Avid LANshare EX Ethernet client.

PortServer Pro Connection

The AirSpeed software contains Avid Unity client code that provides the appropriate file and directory access to the storage area network. Avid has qualified AirSpeed support on the PortServer Pro based on the SR2200 and newer platforms.

The PortServer Pro based on the Intel ISP2150 Internet Server platform is not qualified to support AirSpeed.

AirSpeed uses an Ethernet client license in the Avid Unity workgroup environment and appears in the PortServer Pro Status Viewer. You do not have to purchase an additional license for the AirSpeed seat. Contact your Avid representative about updating your Avid Unity dongle to add AirSpeed Ethernet client licenses at no charge.

MediaManager Client

AirSpeed sends metadata to the Avid Unity MediaManager server during check-ins and when capture is terminated. The Avid Unity MediaManager client generates and stores an OMF or AAF clip media file on the Avid Unity.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Network Time Protocol

Captured Material Exchange Format (MXF) media is stored in the workspace as Advanced Authoring Format (AAF). For more information on MXF, see “Media Formats and Files” on

page 22.

AirSpeed supports the use of a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. By entering the IP address of your NTP server on the network, the AirSpeed gradually synchronizes to the network time. The date and time in AirSpeed operating system is corrected to match the NTP server. For information on configuring the NTP server, see “Network Tab” on page 77.

Internal Storage

The AirSpeed is equipped with four internal SCSI drives. These drives are used as a buffer for incoming media and storing playback media. The AirSpeed is equipped with four internal drives. These internal drives are in a 4-way RAID 0 stripe.

Serial Control

For flexibility, the AirSpeed supports more than one control mechanism. The AirSpeed supports the standard Sony Protocol (VDCP). These operations include capturing, playing, pausing, shuttling, and navigating to timecode. The serial control of the AirSpeed is through two standard 9-pin RS422 interface connectors on the rear of the AirSpeed. For information on configuring the serial remote ports, see “Channels Tab” on page 85.

BVW slave deck control operations and Video Disk Control

The following commands are implemented in Avid products as extensions to the Sony BVW protocol. These protocol extensions provide clip name processing support not covered under the Sony BVW specification.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

The AirSpeed responds with an ACK upon successful completion of the commands listed in the following table. In the event of a transmission error, the AirSpeed responds with a NACK followed by a status byte.

Supported BVW Extensions

Extension Description

Clip Loading Enabled Clip loading is always enabled in AirSpeed.

Disable Clip Loading The AirSpeed accepts the but does nothing in AirSpeed since clip

Clip Length Request The AirSpeed returns the current Mark In and Mark Out set for

Clip Length Response The AirSpeed returns the current Mark In and Mark Out set for

Set Clip Length The AirSpeed sets the Mark In and Mark Out timecodes for currently

Find First Clip Request The AirSpeed finds the first clip.

Find Next Clip Request The AirSpeed finds the next clip.

loading is always enabled.

currently loaded clip.

currently loaded clip as in the Clip Length Request.

active clip. It does not do any trimming or clip modification.

Find Clip Response The AirSpeed sends a response after finding the clip.

Load Clip The AirSpeed implements a load clip command. (playback function)

New Clip The AirSpeed implements a command to create a new clip. (capture

Delete Clip The AirSpeed deletes the clip. If the clip is locked, the clip is not be

User Interface

The front panel of the AirSpeed unit provides a monitor that has the option to display the AirSpeed UI. The UI provides windows for capturing media, playing media, and configuring the AirSpeed. The AirSpeed UI is explained in “User Interface” on page 63. Also included on the front are buttons for capturing and marking media, indicators and controls for the audio, and a headphone jack. See “Front Panel Layout” on page 26.

function)

deleted.

Issuing a BVW eject command causes the currently active clip

to be unloaded.

Portions of the front panel are designed to resemble a standard deck control interface with the appropriate buttons for capturing, playing, pausing, and shuttling. Additional controls are provided for nonlinear deck navigation.

The AirSpeed UI provides you with the flexibility to tailor capture and playout settings. These settings include network and workgroup settings, audio and video formats, and interface operations.

You have the ability to instantly capture (crash record) to a predetermined workspace on Avid Unity by pressing the Record button.

Software Overview

The AirSpeed system software supports all networking and operational requirements of the AirSpeed.

Digital Input and Output Selection

The AirSpeed can capture and play back video from serial digital interface (SDI) connectors on the rear of the AirSpeed. Digital audio input and output connectors are also on the rear panel. Digital audio is available through the following AES/EBU BNC connections:

Software Overview

• SDI Inputs and outputs using 525 lines (NTSC) or 625 lines (PAL) of video with optional embedded 48 KHz 20-bit audio.

• Eight AES inputs (4 AES/EBU pairs), with 16 or 24-bit sampling at 48 KHz (Inputs 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8)

• Eight AES outputs (4 AES/EBU pairs), with 16 or 24-bit sampling at 48 KHz (Outputs 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8)

When no video signal is present, black is recorded.

Analog Output Selection

Analog video output is available through composite and component (Y, Pr/R, Pb/B) connectors. Eight analog audio outputs are available through an Avid supplied cable that connects to a 25-pin connector on the AirSpeed. The eight XLR connectors on the other end of the cable connect to the analog inputs of your audio device (see “Audio Cable” on

page 49).

The audio and video analog outputs are intended for monitoring. If you want to integrate the media into analog devices, use professional digital-to-analog converters.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Supported Media Formats

The media files created by AirSpeed and stored on Avid Unity workspaces are OMF Version 1.0 and MXF compliant. The AirSpeed supports the following Avid media formats:

Supported Avid Media Formats

Media File Type Supported Formats

Video (NTSC and PAL) DV25

NTSC supports DVCPRO (DV25 411) PAL supports DVCPRO (DV25 411 and DV25 420)

DV50

IMX 50 — MPEG 50 I-frame-only compression IMX 30 — MPEG 30 I-frame-only compression

1:1 (MXF only)

Optional Avid DNxchange (DNxHD)

Audio WAVE — 48 kHz

Capture Mode

AirSpeed captures real-time events or media. Video and audio are captured through the SDI input and stored on an Avid Unity workspace. You can start a capture using the front panel operational controls or the Avid Pilot application.

The captured media is saved in chunks so that portions are available to edit while you are still capturing it. For more information, see “Chunking” on page 20.

Chunking

When capturing, the media is sent in segments to a workspace, allowing workgroup users access to media that is currently being captured. AirSpeed refers to this capture process as chunking (also called Shared Volume Segmentation). Chunking is supported for both audio and video media.

1080 Interlaced

1080i/59.94 fields per second 1080i/50 fields per second

720 Progressive

720p/59.94 frames per second

Software Overview

You can set the length of the chunk, so that media is available shortly after capturing has started. At each chunk interval, more media is available, adding to your previous media. The AirSpeed supports chunking by creating clips of the material at a predetermined duration times and by periodically checking in captured material through the Avid Unity MediaManager client interface.

AirSpeed captures short chunks of media up to a transition time, then from the transition time forward, media is captured at your selected Chunking Period. For example, if the Chunking Period is set to 3 minutes, the Transition Interval to 1 minute and the Short Chunking period to 15 seconds, media checks in at 15, 30, 45, 60, 240, 420 seconds, etc. See the following illustration.

AirSpeed Chunking Model

Transition Interval (1 minute)

In the AirSpeed workflow, even though MXF media is streaming to Avid Unity, metadata becomes available according to the Channel tab chunking settings. MXF media follows the same chunking model as the OMF media. To have access to the captured MXF media as soon as possible, set your Short Chunking Period to the minimum value of 15 seconds and both the Transitional Interval and Chunking Period to 3 minutes.

Chunking values are set in the Setup > Channel tab of the AirSpeed UI. For chunking time constraints, see “Channels Tab” on page 85.

RetroLoop

RetroLoop™ provides the ability to capture material for a predetermined, user-selectable amount of time before an unknown event occurs. RetroLoop captures media continuously in a loop, using a predetermined amount of storage space. Start capturing media using the RetroLoop feature; when the event happens, start a normal capture and capture as much of the event as you want. The end result is a clip that contains material before and after the event.

For information about entering RetroLoop mode, see “RetroLoop Mode” on page 112.

Start capturing

Short chunking period (15 seconds)

Chunking period (3 minute chunks)

Time

You must initiate RetroLoop using the AirSpeed front panel.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Media Formats and Files

The AirSpeed creates media and metadata files in the OMFI or MXF MediaFiles directories on the target workspaces. If the system’s unique MediaFiles directory is not present on the selected network media drive, the AirSpeed creates one. The AirSpeed also creates a subdirectory under the OMFI MediaFiles (for OMF) or Avid MediaFiles (for MXF) directory.

The AirSpeed does not perform bin management operations. Bin entries for AirSpeed media are generated by the MediaManager server as the material is checked in.

The media format (OMF or MXF) that is captured depends on the workgroup environment of your MediaManager. If you want to capture MFX media, the MediaManager needs to be set to AAF in the Data Format menu in the MediaManager System Setup window. If you want to capture OMF media, select OMF in the MediaManager System Setup window. For details on configuring your MediaManager, see the Avid Unity MediaManager documentation. To change your AirSpeed between capturing OMF and MXF media, enter the name of the MediaManager that is configured for the media environment you want. Use the Send tab to change the MediaManager (see “Send Tab” on page 98).

When the MediaManager workgroup is set to AAF mode, all new media checked into the workgroup is in MXF format with AAF metadata. All editors and applications included in the MXF/AAF workgroup must support the ability to read and write MXF media and AAF metadata.

OMF Files

Workspaces must already be created in Avid Unity in order to enter the workspace name during the AirSpeed setup (see “Destination Template” on page 92). AirSpeed creates new projects, bins, and catalogs if the names in the configuration do not already exist.

Open Media Format (OMF) was developed by Avid Technology, Inc. and many industry and standards partners for the interchange of digital media data between platforms and applications.

OMF Interchange (OMFI) is a platform-independent file format that stores both the digital media (video, audio, graphics, animation) and the information describing how the media is edited together to form a final sequence. This editing information, called a composition, is the OMFI representation of the sequence created in Avid editing applications.

Any other program that supports OMFI can read OMFI files, even if the program resides on a different computer platform. As a result, with OMFI you can transfer files between different applications on different platforms without worrying about cross-platform translations.

MXF Files

Software Overview

The Material Exchange Format (MXF) is a format developed by the Professional MPEG Forum in association with organizations such as the SMPTE, The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the AAF Association.

Material Exchange Format is a wrapper or container format which encapsulates media and rich production metadata into a single file, which is useful for media storage and exchange. It is an open technology that can be implemented by any manufacturer.

MXF has been designed to be flexible enough for use in all stages of content creation, from acquisition, to authoring, to distribution.The primary benefit of MXF is that it provides greater workflow efficiency by preserving useful metadata as media files make their way through the content creation process.The MXF format is independent of the type of content that it contains, so an MXF file can contain video and/or audio at any resolution or compression. In many instances, MXF files encapsulate media that is already formatted to one of the existing industry standards.

MXF allows for easy exchange of material between file servers, tape streamers and digital archives. MXF is an ideal interchange format to enable workflow efficiencies in news broadcasting, post production, asset management, and archiving applications.

Media Destination Selection

The AirSpeed remembers the last storage destination set. Whether you initiate the capture by manually pressing the front panel Capture button or by remotely controlling the capturing, media is stored to the last selected Avid Unity network workspace. This feature allows you to crash record using the front panel Record button for quick captures.

Captured media is first stored on the internal drives of the AirSpeed and then copied to the selected Avid Unity workspace. To avoid reaching the internal drive’s maximum storage capacity, AirSpeed can be configured to automatically delete the media that has been saved to a workspace. The Auto Delete setting in the Setup > System Config tab controls when to delete the media and how much media to delete. For more information on setting the Auto Delete, see “System Config Tab” on page 78. When the workspace is full, the AirSpeed continues to capture until the internal drives are filled. Once the internal drives are full, the AirSpeed stops capturing.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Playback

You can play back media previously captured by the AirSpeed. Two video streams of media can be played back at the same time. Pressing the Channel Select buttons allows you to switch between the two play channels. Navigation and playback of specific clips is initiated by the AirSpeed UI and controlled using the Operational Control buttons. Load a clip in the Play button of the AirSpeed UI and press the Play button on the front of the AirSpeed to view the clip in the UI and playback monitor.

Playout

When working with HD and 1:1 uncompressed media, only single channel play out is supported. You cannot select the second play out channel from the front panel or the AirSpeed Pilot application. The Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is disabled and the second play channel selection in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled.

Once you have edited your media, use the AirSpeed as a playout server. The AirSpeed allows you to play out two channels at the same time. To select the dual channel control options, see “Channels Tab” on page 85. Media sent to the AirSpeed for playout from an Avid Unity client can be controlled using the Avid AirSpeed CountDown application. In an Avid iNEWS environment, use the Avid iNEWS ControlAir application. For information on controlling clips on the AirSpeed, see the Avid AirSpeed CountDown User’s Guide or the Avid iNEWS ControlAir Device Manager Guide.

Before you can send your sequence to the AirSpeed from an Avid editing system, you must add the AirSpeed to your Send To Playback list in the Avid editing application. Adding an AirSpeed to the Send to Playback list is done by adding the AirSpeed Host Name to the TMClient.ini tab of the Transfer settings.

To send a sequence from an Avid editing system to playout:

1. Add the AirSpeed Host Name to the TMClient.ini tab in the Transfer settings. This process is described in “Adding the Studio to Your WorkGroup” on page 120.

2. Connect to the AirSpeed by selecting Transfer > Reconnect to Server. This process is described in “Connect to Playout Server or Studio” on page 122.

3. Send a sequence to playout by doing one of the following:

t Right-click on the selected sequence and select Send To Playback > AirSpeedname. t Highlight the sequence in your bin and select Transfer > Send To Playback >

AirSpeedname.

4. (Optional) Monitor the transfer status by selecting Transfer > Status Window (see

“Transfer Status Window” on page 124).

Do not delete the sequence or source media off of the Avid Unity workspace until you are sure the transfers to the AirSpeed or Studio are complete.

Studio Playout

An Avid AirSpeed Studio consists of two to five AirSpeeds grouped together using the network host names of the AirSpeed. When an Avid editing system sends a sequence to the Studio, any AirSpeed member of the Studio can play out the sequence. If one or more AirSpeeds in the Studio are offline, any other AirSpeed still online in the Studio can perform the playout.

For detailed information on the Studio concept, configuration, and using the Studio, see

Chapter 6.

Play While Transferring

Play while transferring (PWT) is a feature that allows you to begin playing out media from the AirSpeed as soon as 5 seconds of media has been transferred. You do not need to wait for the transfer from the Avid editing system to finish. When PWT is not used, the media is not available until the media is completely transferred. The PWT option is selected in the Avid editing application when a clip is sent to playback.

Software Overview

The PWT feature is designed for time-sensitive playout needs. It is recommended that you do not send all your playout media to the AirSpeed using the PWT option.

Closed Caption

Closed caption information is captured and supported on playout. This information is hidden in the video signal, invisible without a decoder. Closed captions are stored in line 21 of the vertical blanking interval (VBI) for NTSC. When the closed caption option is selected, closed caption data is preserved. If deselected, this closed caption data line is left blank and can be used for other data. To set the closed caption option, see the “System Config Tab” on

page 78.

Closed captioning is not displayed in the AirSpeed UI and playback monitor. To view closed captions, connect a television that supports closed captioning decoding to the MON connector on the back of the AirSpeed. Make sure that closed captions are enabled on the television.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Front and Rear Panels

AirSpeed uses industry-standard video and audio input and output connections in addition to network and control connections. The AirSpeed is designed for a 19-inch (483-mm) rack occupying three rack units (3U). For information on installing the AirSpeed into a rack, see

“Installing AirSpeed in a Rack” on page 39.

You can manually configure your AirSpeed by using the UI and playback monitor. “User

Interface” on page 63 lists the tab structure of the AirSpeed UI as seen in the UI playback

monitor.

Avid recommends using the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) application to configure the AirSpeed when access to the AirSpeed is not available or when a keyboard and mouse are not attached. For more information see, “Virtual Network Computing” on page 131.

The AirSpeed is available in two models; one with a front panel monitor and controls, and one with a blank front panel that can only be configured and controlled with remote network applications. The following sections describe the differences in the two front panels:

• Front Panel Controls

• Panelless Model

Front Panel Controls

The following figure shows the controls on the front of the AirSpeed.

Front Panel Layout

AirSpeed logo

UI and playback monitor

Audio indicators and gain controls (see “Audio Knobs

and LEDs” on page 30)

Built-in jog and shuttle wheel

Mark IN and OUT button

Channel Select buttons (see “UI and Playback Monitor”

on page 29)

12 34567 8

Operational controls (see “Operational Control

Buttons” on page 33)

Headphone control (see

“Headphone Jack, Volume, and Channel Select” on page 32)

Front and Rear Panels

You can lock the front panel controls and buttons disabling the Front Panel Control option in the Setup > System Config tab in the AirSpeed UI; see “System Config Tab” on page 78. When you disable the front panel, capture and playback functions are done through remote applications. The following table describes the front panel controls.

Front Panel Controls

Control Description

UI and playback monitor The UI and playback monitor displays the UI or video during playback and captures.

Configure or change settings in the UI using a keyboard and mouse connected to the PS/2 port.

Channel Select buttons The channel select buttons are used to switch between the two play channels.

Channel one is the record channel as well as play channel one. Both channel one and channel two can be playing video at the same time. Switch between the two channels by pushing either Channel Select button. For more information on the buttons, see

“UI and Playback Monitor” on page 29

Manual audio gain controls

Operational controls Six buttons to the lower right of the UI and playback monitor match the buttons on a

Mark IN and OUT Mark IN and OUT are set on-the-fly by pressing the IN or OUT buttons while

Headphone jack volume control and channel select

The audio gain controls allow you to adjust the gain of the audio outputs. Audio levels are displayed on the front panel LEDs. For more information on the knobs and LEDs, see “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 30.

videotape recorder (VTR). For more information on the buttons, see “Operational

Control Buttons” on page 33.

capturing. When you press IN again, the first mark IN point moves. Pressing OUT again moves

the mark OUT point. You cannot mark more than one mark IN and one mark OUT point per clip.

You can have an IN point without having an OUT point.

Plug a headphone set into the headphone jack and use the knob above the jack to adjust the volume. The headphone jack is a stereo output.

You can only hear two audio channels at a time through the headphone jack.

Select the audio channels you want to hear using the audio channel select knob (see “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 30.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Panelless Model

The following figure shows the front of the panelless AirSpeed. All configuration, capture, and playback functions are done through remote applications.

Panelless Front Panel

AirSpeed logo Power and Mode LED

There are two AirSpeed functions that cannot be performed with the panelless model that are available on the full panel model. The two functions that cannot be performed on the panelless model are:

•Retroloop

•Locators

All other front panel functions are performed in the following software:

• Virtual Network Computing (VNC) — used to access the AirSpeed UI and configure the AirSpeed. For more information see, “Virtual Network Computing” on page 131.

• Avid AirSpeed Pilot — used to capture media and play it back. The application is also used to set the audio gain. The audio gain controls only appear in the Pilot application when accessing an panelless AirSpeed. For more information see, the Avid FlightPlan and Pilot User’s Guide or online Help.

• Avid AirSpeed FlightPlan — used to manage your captured media by moving, renaming, or deleting clips. For more information see, the Avid FlightPlan and Pilot User’s Guide or online Help.

The LED on the front of the panelless system is a tri-colored LED that indicates when the AirSpeed is in the following modes:

Panelless LED Functions

LED State Function

Constant Yellow Indicates the AirSpeed is powered on and idle

Blink Red Indicates an new clip has been created, and the AirSpeed is waiting to start

capturing

Constant Red Indicates the AirSpeed is capturing

Blink Green Indicates a clip has been loaded, and the AirSpeed is ready to play out

Constant Green Indicates the AirSpeed is playing out

Visual Status Information

You can monitor a variety of status information using the UI and playback monitor, the LEDs, and the operational control buttons. Monitored system components are displayed on the Diagnostic button of the AirSpeed UI (see “Diagnostic Button” on page 73).

Front and Rear Panels

UI and Playback Monitor

The UI and playback monitor displays the AirSpeed UI configuration settings, the incoming video, or play out video. You select the display with the Channel Select buttons; what you see depends on if you are in the Capture or Play out mode. The setup and configuration settings are explained in “User Interface” on page 63 and “Configuring the AirSpeed” on

page 75. The following figure identifies the monitor and buttons.

UI and Playback Monitor

User interface and playback monitor

Channel Select buttons switch the monitor between display modes

12345 67 8

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Use the Channel Select buttons to switch between the Capture mode or the two Playout channels. You can either watch the video that is being captured or play back two channels of video that were just captured.

Each time you press the Channel Select buttons, they cycle through the following functions:

• Press Channel Select button 1

- Capture mode (channel 1) — settings for capturing media

- Play mode (channel 1) — settings for playout on channel 1

- Video — view media that is being captured or playing on channel 1

• Press Channel Select button 2

- Play (channel 2) — settings for playout on channel 2

- Video — view media that is playing on channel 2

When capturing media, Channel Select button 2 has no function.

Audio Knobs and LEDs

The front panel provides audio LEDs and gain control knobs for each of the eight audio channels. The audio knobs are recessed under each LED row and extend out the front panel when pushed. Push the channel knob again to retract the knob to be flush with the front panel. Turn the knob to adjust the output gain when playing media. The LEDs above the knob provide a visual indication of the signal for each channel. Numbers under each knob indicate the audio channel it controls.

The following figure shows the eight knobs that control the audio channel gain and their LEDs. HeadPhone controls are also identified.

Audio Controls

LEDs indicate the audio level

Audio channel gain control knobs

12 345 67 8

Audio channel 1 through channel 8

3-4 5-6

1-2

7-8

Headphone audio channel select knob

Headphone jack

Headphone volume control

Front and Rear Panels

The LEDs reflect the current audio capture level. Use the gain control knobs to manually adjust the audio gain during playout. Green and yellow LEDs help illustrate the audio levels.

You cannot adjust the gain of the audio being captured.

The audio LEDs on the front panel monitor audio display between –12 dB to –35 dB. The following table compares the audio range with the markings on the front panel.

Audio LEDs in Full Scale Digital

Stenciled Scale Actual Value From Full Scale Digital

+3 dB – 12 dB

+1 dB – 14 dB

0 dB – 15 dB

– 1 dB – 16 dB

– 3 dB – 18 dB

– 5 dB – 20 dB

– 10 dB – 25 dB

– 20 dB – 35 dB

You use the eight audio gain controls when the AirSpeed is being configured, and not during a broadcast. Typically you calibrate the AirSpeed to house gains, although there might be other legitimate configurations.

To calibrate the AirSpeed audio for playout, press the audio gain control knob to extend it out of the front panel and allow it to be adjusted. Each of the eight audio output channels has a separate gain control.

Select the Play 1 channel by pressing the Channel Select button 1. Play a test tone clip and use the audio gain control knobs to adjust the audio gain outputs on the rear of the AirSpeed associated with that playout channel. The audio output channels map to the Play 1 and Play 2 channels as described the “Channels Tab” on page 85.

The audio output channels depend on which Channels are selected in the Setup > Channels > Audio Channel Selection During Playback setting. Audio could be set to 0, 4, or 8 audio channels. If Channel 1 is set to eight, all eight audio gain controls are associated with the Play 1 channel. If the Play 1 channel has four audio channels allocated to it, you can have the other four channels allocated to Play 2. The Audio Channel Selection During Playback setting maps which audio gain controls are associated with each Play channel.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Set the Audio Channel Selection During Playback setting so that all eight channels are allocated to Play 1. Make sure the test tone clip has audio on all the relevant channels (if the playback channel has all eight audio channels allocated to it, make sure you play a test clip with eight channels of audio). The LEDs give you feedback as to which audio channels have audio present. For more information on adjusting the audio gain with a scope, see “Adjusting

the Audio Playout Gain” on page 61.

Play the test tone clip on the Play 1 channel and adjust the gains so that output audio on each channel is at the house levels. When you have finished setting the audio gain controls, push them back into the recessed position to prevent inadvertent changes. While recessed, they are flush with the front panel.

Headphone Jack, Volume, and Channel Select

Shuttle Ring and Jog Wheel

Changes to the gains happen in real time. As soon as you adjust the volume control, you see and hear the signal change.

Reallocate all eight audio channels to the Play 2 channel using the Setup > Channels > “Audio Channel Selection During Playback” settings. Select the Play 2 channel by pressing the Channel Select button 2. Play a test tone clip on Play 2 channel and repeat the adjustment process.

Audio Gain Precaution

If Channel Select button 1 is selected and you change audio gains on channels associated with the Play 2 channel, or if you have Channel Select button 2 selected and you change audio gains on channels associated with the Play 1 channel, the change does not occur until the next time you load a clip on that Play channel. Only adjust audio gains on the Play channels associated with the currently selected playback channel.

A stereo headphone jack is provided on the AirSpeed front panel. The jack provides output for two audio channels at a time. Select channels 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, or 7–8 using the audio channel select knob. Adjust the headphone volume using the headphone volume control. Controls are identified in “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 30.

The Shuttle ring and Jog wheel on the front panel allow you to quickly search and scan captured clips while viewing them on the UI and playback monitor. Turning the outer Shuttle ring allows variable speed playback, both forward and backwards. The speed is related to the extent of rotation away from the starting position of the wheel. Rotate the ring clockwise for forward shuttle, rotate the ring counter-clockwise for reverse shuttle. The shuttle plays the video forward or backward up to 5 times the real time speed. The clip continues to move until the ring is released or returned to its center position.

Front and Rear Panels

The center wheel is the Jog wheel allowing you to view a clip frame-by-frame. The speed and direction is directly proportional to the speed and direction that the wheel is rotated. The following figure shows the Shuttle ring and Jog wheel.

Shuttle Ring and Jog Wheel

12 345 67 8

Operational Control Buttons

The following figure shows the operational control buttons. These buttons have a backlight to help determine the capturing state of the AirSpeed. The following table lists the functions of these buttons; “User Interface” on page 63 lists all the front panel button functions.

Operational Control Buttons

Shuttle ring

3-4 5-6

1-2

Jog wheel

7-8

Stop buttonPlay button Fast forward

Rewind buttonRecord button

button

Locator button

The following table lists the functions of the buttons that light.

Operation Control Buttons

Button Indicator and Condition

Record Solid red when system is capturing.

Play Plays out video from the AirSpeed. Two video clips can be played

out; one clip on each channel.

Stop Lit when system is paused.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Operation Control Buttons (Continued)

Button Indicator and Condition

Rewind/Fast Forward Lit when system is shuttling.

Locator Mark frames where you want to identify later while editing the

Rear Media Connections

The AirSpeed supports industry-standard inputs and outputs to provide flexibility for individual requirements. The following table lists the inputs and outputs on the AirSpeed. For details on each connector, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135.

Video and Audio Connectors

Connector Description

media. You can mark up to 8 frames per clip.

Serial Digital Interface

Analog Reference In and Loop Out

Video Outputs 1 composite output with overlay for monitoring the source video (1 BNC)

LTC In and Out 2 analog TC outputs (2 XLR)

Audio Inputs 8 digital audio AES/EBU inputs (4BNC, software configurable)

Audio Outputs 8 digital audio AES/EBU outputs (4BNC, software configurable) 8 analog

Keyboard and Mouse

You need to provide your own PS/2 keyboard and mouse to navigate through the AirSpeed UI. The keyboard and mouse plug directly into the PS/2 connectors rear of the chassis. For more information, see “PS/2 Connections” on page 51.

1 serial digital interface (SDI) input (1 BNC) 2 SDI outputs (2 BNC)

1 reference input (1 BNC) 1 reference output (1 BNC)

1 composite output (1 BNC) 1 component output (rear panel, 3 BNC)

1 analog TC input (1 XLR)

audio outputs (25-pin cable included)

Control Connectors

The following table lists the connections used for controlling the AirSpeed. For details on each connector, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135.

Control Connectors

Connector Description

Ethernet Gigabit (1000BASE-T) Ethernet data connection

Remote 1 and Remote 2 9-pin female RS-422 remote operational control connector

DNxchange HD Option

The Avid DNxchange™ is transcoder interface that converts high-definition (HD) media from HD-SDI devices to Avid DNxHD media encoded in a Serial Digital Transport Interface (SDTI) stream. The Avid DNxchange also transports of 8 channels of embedded audio, longitudinal timecode (LTC), and other ancillary data embedded in the HD SDI input stream. This device enables you to move HD media through your existing standarddefinition (SD) serial digital interface (SDI) networks. This enables you to transport high quality HD compressed media greater distances than with HD-SDI.

DNxchange HD Option

When the Avid DNxchange is connected to the AirSpeed you can capture HD into your SD workgroup environment. The Avid DNxchange is a rack-mounted I/O device which can be populated with two transcoder channels. Each DNxchange channel can be configured as either an HD-to-SD transcoder (compression/capture) or as an SD-to-HD transcoder (decompression/play). For more information on features and connections, see the Avid DNxchange Installation and User’s Guide.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

HD Video With AirSpeed

The process for monitoring HD media using the AirSpeed is different than the way SD media is monitored. The HD media is in an SDTI stream coming and going and from the DNxchange channels. The HD playback and captured media cannot be viewed from the input and output connections on the back of the AirSpeed or the AirSpeed UI and playback monitor on the front. The HD embedded data needs to be played out through a DNxchange channel to be decoded back into HD media. Although, Avid editing systems can view and edit the HD media in the Avid Unity environment.

When working with HD media, only single channel play out is supported. You cannot select the second play out channel from the front panel or the AirSpeed Pilot application. The Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is disabled and the second play channel selection in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled.

Monitoring HD Video During Capture

When capturing HD media you can monitor the captured HD media at the following two locations:

• The easiest way to view the HD media coming into the DNxchange is to connect an HD monitor to the HD Out connector on the same DNxchange channel that is doing the capturing. As the media is being captured through the HD In connector, the video (without audio and ancillary data) is looped back through to the HD Out connector.

• If you would rather see that the encoded HD media in the SD SDTI stream is being captured accurately, connect the SDI Out (either SDI OUT 1 or SDI OUT 2) on the AirSpeed to the SD In connector on a second DNxchange channel that is configured for Play mode. This output stream includes the video, embedded audio, and ancillary data.

You must provide a reference signal to both DNxchange channels and make sure the appropriate channels are configured for capturing or playing out.

DNxchange HD Option

C O

Connect an HD monitor to the HD Out connector on the DNxchange play channel. As the media is being captured through the HD In connector and the SDTI stream sent to the AirSpeed it is looped back through to SDI Out connector. The SDTI stream is decoded back to HD media with the DNxchange play channel and can be seen on the HD Out connector of the DNxchange play channel. The HD output of the second channel lags behind the HD input of the first channel by 12 frames. The following figure provides a diagram showing both methods.

Cabling for Monitoring HD Video While Capturing

Reference signal

HD deck

HD monitor

DNxchange channel in Capture mode

SERIAL

REF REF

OUT

10/100 BASE T 10/100 BASE TLTC

SD SDTI

HD SDI

DIGITAL AUDIO

SMPTE CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8 CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8

AES/EBU

SDI IN SDI OUT 2 COMP Y/G P

MOUSE

KEYBOARD

OUT

SD SDTI

GIG E

DNxchange channel in Play mode

SERIAL

OUT

HD monitor

HD SDI

B/B PR/R MON REF OUT REF INSDI OUT 1

EXT VIDEO

ON OFF

MONITOR

OUT

USB USB

OUTLTC

REMOTE 1

REMOTE 2

SCSI

GPIO

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

LTC IN LT

If you have several AirSpeeds capturing HD media, connect one of the SDI Out connectors from each AirSpeed to a router. Also connect the router to a DNxchange channel that is configured for Play mode. Use the HD Out of the DNxchange play channel to view the HD media on each AirSpeed by selecting the AirSpeed source to route to the DNxchange play channel.

Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview

Chapter 2

Installation

This chapter provides AirSpeed installation, connections, and system “power-up” instructions. The AirSpeed requirements in the Avid Unity workgroup environment are also listed.

You might want to configure the AirSpeed prior to rack mounting if the front panel access limited in your rack location.

Do not connect multiple AirSpeed servers to your Avid Unity environment until you have assigned a new unique IP address to each AirSpeed.

Installing AirSpeed in a Rack

The AirSpeed is designed for 19-inch (483-mm) rack enclosures and requires three EIA rack units (3U), or 5.25 inches (133.4-mm) of rack space. The rail kit installs into rails that are between 24 to 30 inches deep. AirSpeed provides rack nuts for those rack enclosures that do not have threaded holes. Rack-nut clips position the rack nuts at the holes of the rack and are used to secure the rack components in place.

The AirSpeed ships with slide rails, brackets, and rack-mount screws. When the inner slide rails are mounted to the AirSpeed and the outer slide rails are mounted to the rack, you can secure the AirSpeed in the rack so it doesn’t slide forward. If your rack has threaded holes, you might have to supply your own rack fasteners. If your rack does not have threaded holes, install the rack nuts included with the AirSpeed (see “Attaching the Outer Rails to the Rack”

on page 43).

The UI and playback monitor provides optimum viewing when positioned at eye level and lower. If you are looking up at the UI and playback monitor, the clarity is impaired.

The AirSpeed is designed to be installed horizontally in a rack. Installing the AirSpeed on an angle or in a sloped console causes the internal drives to wear faster than the intended life of the drive.

To ensure the stability of the rack enclosure, start from the bottom when you install the rack components in the rack enclosure.

Chapter 2 Installation

Rack-mount Requirements:

• Elevated Operating Ambient — If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment might be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consider installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified by the manufacturer.

• Reduced Air Flow — Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.

AirSpeed airflow is from the front of the chassis enclosure to the rear. Make allowances for cooling air to be available to the front panel surface and no restrictions at the rear.

• Mechanical Loading — Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.

Make sure your rack enclosure is stable enough to prevent tipping over when one or more AirSpeed systems are extended on the sliding rails.

• Circuit Overloading — Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.

• Reliable Earthing — Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).

Checking the Contents of the Rack-Mount Kit

The rack-mount kit contains the following:

• 2 – rack-mounting adjustable slide rails

• Assorted screws and nuts

- 12 – rack-nut clips

- 10 – 8-32 x .25” pan-head screws (not shown)

- 4 – 10-32 x .75” flat-head screws (not shown)

- 4 – 10-32 x .75” truss-head screws (not shown)

- 4 – 10-32 x .75” black screws with nylon washers (not shown)

Use your own rack hardware if your rack has threaded holes or unique fasteners.

Rack-Mount Kit Contents

Installing AirSpeed in a Rack

Rear adjustable outer slide rail

Separating the Slide Rails

You need to separate the slide rails and attach the inner “movable” section to the AirSpeed and the outer “fixed” section to the rack rails.

To separate the slide rails:

1. Slide the slide rail completely open.

2. Press the spring clip on the inside of the slide rail.

3. Pull and separate the two halves.

Rack-nut clip(12)

Slide rails (2)

Inner slide rail

Front rail bracket

4. Repeat these steps to separate the second slide rail.

Separating the Slide Rails

Spring clip

Outer slide rail (attach to rack)

Inner slide rail (attach to AirSpeed)

Chapter 2 Installation

Positioning the AirSpeed in the Rack

The following procedure helps you decide where to install the AirSpeed in the rack. If your rack enclosure does not have threaded holes, install the rack-nut clips included with the rackmount kit where the slide rails and AirSpeed front panel secures to the rack enclosure. If your rack enclosure has threaded holes, do not attach the rack-nut clips.

To position the AirSpeed in the rack enclosure and attach the rack-nut clips:

1. Select a position in the rack where you can mount the AirSpeed at eye level (or lower). The AirSpeed needs to be positioned at the proper baseline position (see the following figure).

If your rack enclosure has threaded holes, continue with “Attaching the Outer Rails to

the Rack” on page 43.

Positioning the AirSpeed

Rack mounting rail hole spacing

1 3/4 in

EIA rack unit

3U1 3/4 in

5/8 in 5/8 in

1/2 in 5/8 in

5/8 in 1/2 in 5/8 in

5/8 in 1/2 in

Rack mounting rail

AirSpeed bezel mounting holes

Rail kit mounting holes

AirSpeed

Baseline position is between two 1/2-inch holes.

2. From the inside of the enclosure rail, slide the rack-nut clips over the holes where the

Attaching Rack Nuts onto the Rack Enclosure

Rack enclosure mounting rail

Installing AirSpeed in a Rack

AirSpeed rails and front panel will secure to the rack enclosure; see the following figure. Each front rack-mounting rail needs 4 rack-nut clips and 2 rack-nut clips for each rear

mounting rail.

Rack-nut clip slid over hole

Use your own rack hardware if your rack has threaded holes or unique fasteners.

Attaching the Outer Rails to the Rack

After separating the slide rails as previously described (see “Separating the Slide Rails” on

page 41), attach the outer slide rails to the rack.

There is a post at each end of the slide rail bracket that allows you to hold the slide rail in position while putting in the screws.

Chapter 2 Installation

To attach the bracket and rails:

1. Place one outer slide rail inside the rack mounting rails. The rail ends should be outside of the front and back mounting rail surfaces.

2. Attach the front of the outer slide rail to the front mounting rail with the two flat-head screws.

If you haven’t already attached the rack-nut clips for the AirSpeed bezel (if necessary), place a rack-nut clip just above and below the holes used for the front slide rail. For more information, see “Positioning the AirSpeed in the Rack” on page 42.

Attaching the Outer Rail Assembly to the Front of the Rack

Front mounting rail

Outer slide rail

Flat-head screws Rack-nut clips for AirSpeed bezel (if necessary)

(10-32 x .75)

Secure with rack-nut

clips (if necessary)

3. Attach the rear of the outer slide rail to the rear mounting rail with the two truss-head

Attaching the Outer Rail Assembly to the Rear of the Rack and Adjusting the Support Rail

Truss-head screws (10-32 x .75)

Installing AirSpeed in a Rack

screws.

Outer slide rail assembly

Rear mounting rail

Rack-nut clips (if necessary)

4. Repeat this procedure to attach the second outer slide rail on the other side of the rack.

Chapter 2 Installation

Attaching Inner Rails to the AirSpeed

After separating the slide rails as previously described (see “Separating the Slide Rails” on

page 41), attach the inner slide rails to the AirSpeed.

To attach the inner slide rails:

1. Position the inner slide rail against the side of the AirSpeed so that the tapered end and release spring clip of the inner slide rail is toward the back of the unit.

2. Secure the inner slide rail to the AirSpeed enclosure with five pan-head screws.

Attaching the Inner Slide Rails

1 of 10 screws (pan-head screws 8-32 x .25)

3. Repeat this procedure to attach the other inner slide rail on the other side of the

AirSpeed.

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8

5-6

7-8

3-4

1-2

AUDIO

Securing the AirSpeed in a Rack

Cabling

You should have someone helping you lift the AirSpeed while you are positioning it into the slide rails.

To secure the AirSpeed to the rack enclosure:

1. Lift and position the AirSpeed so that the inner slide rails attached to the sides of the AirSpeed align with the outer slide rails secured to the rack.

2. Push the front of the AirSpeed flush against the front mounting rail. Align the holes in the AirSpeed bezel with the holes in the front mounting rail (see the following figure).

3. From the front of the rack enclosure, insert the screws with nylon washers through the AirSpeed and front mounting rail, and tighten.

Front Panel Screws

5-6

7-8

3-4

1-2

AUDIO

34567 8

1 2

1 of 4 black screws

Rack enclosure front mounting rail

with nylon washers

Cabling

The following sections describe the cabling on the rear of the AirSpeed:

• SDI and Video Cables

• Audio Cable

• Timecode Cables

• Control and Communications Cables

• Power Cord

Chapter 2 Installation

SDI and Video Cables

The SDI and Video connections are marked on the rear of the AirSpeed; the following procedure describes which connector to use. To find the exact location “Chassis 0010-

07109-xx” on page 135.

To connect video cables on the chassis:

1. Ensure that you have the proper digital AES/EBU (75 ohm-rated) and SMPTE 259M serial digital interface coaxial cables available.

SDI, Reference, and Video Output Connections

To sync the input of the AirSpeed and broadcast devices

House Reference

CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8

OUT

SDI input

Monitor output

DIGITAL AUDIO

AES/EBU

REF IN REF OUT

SDI IN SDI OUT1SDI OUT2

Broadcast devices

Composite output

GPIO

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

MON COMP P

Component output

VIDEO OUTPUTS

R/R Y/G PB/B SMPTE

LTC IN LTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2

KEYBOARD MOUSE

Two SDI outputs

REMOTE 1

REMOTE 2

2. Connect a composite video reference source (house reference, black burst) to the Ref input connector. If the AirSpeed is the last device in your reference loop, terminate the remaining Ref Out connector with a 75Ω terminator. If the AirSpeed is in the middle of your reference loop, connect the remaining Ref Out connector to the next device’s reference input.

3. Connect the SDI input connector to your incoming digital signal. Two different SDI outputs are available for sending SDI signals out to your other devices.

For information on selecting the component video format, see “Channels Tab” on page 85.

4. Connect the analog component video output connectors (Y, Pb, Pr) to your analog component video monitoring devices as required.

5. Connect the COMP connector (composite output) to a composite analog monitoring device if required.

6. Connect the MON connector (additional composite output) to an appropriate composite analog monitor.

Audio Cable

Avid provides an analog audio cable harness with the Avid AirSpeed. The cable uses a DB25 connector on one end, and eight industry-standard XLR male audio connectors on the other end.

Analog Audio Output Cable

The connections between the AirSpeed and your source and destination equipment vary depending on the type of audio equipment you have. The following figure identifies the connections for your audio equipment. See “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135 for exact connector locations.

Cabling

Avid analog audio cable provided with the AirSpeed

Audio Input and Output Connections

AES/EBU I/O cable connection

DIGITAL AUDIO

SMPTE CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8 CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8

AES/EBU

SDI IN SDI OUT 2 COMP Y/G P

B/B PR/R MON REF OUT REF INSDI OUT 1

Optional analog audio out cable connection

OUT

REMOTE 1

REMOTE 2

GPIO

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

To connect your audio equipment:

1. Connect the Avid analog audio out cable to the 25-pin Analog Audio Out connector.

2. Connect the eight analog audio out XLR connectors to the appropriate monitoring devices.

3. Connect the Digital Audio In connectors 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8 to your AES/EBU digital audio source.

4. Connect the four DIGITAL OUT connectors to your AES/EBU audio device.

Chapter 2 Installation

Timecode Cables

To connect longitudinal timecode (LTC) cables:

t Connect your LTC timecode source to the LTC IN connector.

The LTC Out functionality has not been implemented.

LTC Connection

REMOTE 1

REMOTE 2

GPIO

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

LTC IN LTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2

LTC in

Control and Communications Cables

The following figure identifies the connectors used to connect the control and communication cables. For the exact location of the control and communication connectors, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135.

Control and Communication Connections

SMPTE connector

DIGITAL AUDIO

SMPTE CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8 CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8

AES/EBU

SDI IN SDI OUT 2 COMP Y/G P

B/B PR/R MON REF OUT REF INSDI OUT 1

OUT

RS-422 serial connection

REMOTE 1

REMOTE 2

GPIO

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

GPIO connector

LTC IN LTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2

MOUSE

KEYBOARD

PS/2 connector

GIG E

GigE (Ethernet) connection

EXT VIDEO

ON OFF

MONITOR

USB USB

SCSI

PS/2 Connections

You need to provide a standard PS/2 compatible keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and mouse plug directly into the rear of the chassis.

To connect the keyboard and mouse cables:

1. Connect the PS/2 compatible mouse to the connector with the mouse icon on the rear of the Airspeed.

2. Connect the PS/2 compatible keyboard to the connector with the keyboard icon on the rear of the Airspeed.

Keyboard and Mouse PS/2 Connectors

PS/2 mouse connector

MOUSE

KEYBOARD

PS/2 keyboard connector

GIG E

EXT VIDEO

ON OFF

MONITOR

Cabling

USB USB

Ethernet Connection

To connect the Ethernet cable:

t Connect an Ethernet CAT-5 cable with a RJ-45 connector from the GigE connector to an

Gigabit (1000BASE-T) Ethernet switch.

If the AirSpeed system is connected to only a single additional device (for example, a network with a single node at each end), no switch is required when using Gigabit Ethernet (GigE).

SMPTE Connection

To connect the SMPTE alarm cable:

t Connect the SMPTE Alarm (BNC) connector to your facility SMPTE Alarm loop or

other contact closure activated alarm system.

Chapter 2 Installation

Remote Serial Connection

The following illustration shows the equipment needed to connect an AirSpeed CountDown PC to an AirSpeed server, using standard RJ-45 Category 5 Ethernet cable. This cable must be a straight cable with all eight conductors wired.

DB-9 to RJ-45 adapter

AirSpeed server

RJ-45 (Cat 5) cable

Avid supplies the following adapters for the Digi

Technical description Avid part number Avid description

RJ-45 to DB-25 adapter

card:

Digi serial card and cable

AirSpeed CountDown PC

RJ-45 (female) to DB-9 (male) adapter 0070-03154-01 “RS-422 deck”

RJ-45 (female) to DB-25 (female) adapter 0070-03153-01 “RS-422 Digi”

These adapters use the following pinouts:

DB-9 (male) to RJ-45 (female) adapter RJ-45 (female) to DB-25 (female) adapter

AirSpeed DB-9 Pin Number Wire Color Digi DB-25 Pin Number Wire Color

2 (TX–) Black 16 (RX–) Black

3 (RX+) Red 2 (TX+) Red

7 (TX+) Yellow 3 (RX+) Yellow

8 (RX–) Green 14 (TX–) Green

not used Brown not used Brown

not used Gray not used Gray

not used Blue not used Blue

not used Orange 1 (not used) Orange

To connect remote serial cables:

1. Connect one end of a 9-pin serial cable to either the Remote 1 and Remote 2 RS-422 connector.

2. Connect the other end of the serial cable to your RS-422 device, such as an automation system or edit controller. The remote ports can be used for:

- Remote control via VDCP protocol

- Sony BVW protocol

3. Connect the second remote port by repeating steps 1 and 2.

GPIO Connection

To connect a GPIO cable on the rear panel:

1. The general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface requires you to build a cable. Refer to “GPIO” on page 147 for GPIO connector pin assignments and build a cable using a 25-pin D-type female connector on one end. The other end of the cable depends on the GPIO interface on the device you are controlling.

2. Connect the 25-pin connector to the GPIO connector.

3. Connect the other end of the GPIO cable to the GPIO device.

Cabling

Power Cord

An U.S. IEC power cord is shipped with the AirSpeed. If your local power distribution is not compatible with the supplied cord, you must provide your own IEC power cable that is compatible with your country’s power system. The power connector accepts 100 to 240 Vac, 50/60 Hz.

Power Connection

To connect power:

1. Attach the power cord to the power receptacle on the rear of the AirSpeed.

2. Connect the other end of the power cord to a properly grounded stable power source.

For maximum power protection, Avid recommends surge protected uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

Power cord receptacle

SCSI

Chapter 2 Installation

Turning the AirSpeed On and Off

To turn on up the AirSpeed:

t Press the AirSpeed power switch, located on the rear panel.

This is a spring-loaded switch that does not stay recessed after you press it.

Power Switch

SCSI

Power switch

When the user interface appears on the front panel display, the system is ready to be configured.

To turn off the AirSpeed:

1. Press the Channel Select button 1 until the UI is displayed.

2. Click the Shutdown button.

Shutdown Tab

Shutdown option

Workgroup Requirement

Shutdown button

3. Select the Shutdown option to completely turn off the software and hardware.

4. Click OK. A variety of internal tasks such as file system clean-up are performed, and the console

screen appears. Wait until the operating system text stops scrolling on the UI monitor and the word Reset is displayed twice.

5. After the text in the console has stopped for approximately 10 seconds, press the power switch located on the rear chassis panel to turn the AirSpeed off.

Workgroup Requirement

You must have the Avid Unity workgroup environment already operating before adding the AirSpeed to the environment.

Chapter 2 Installation

Configuration

The AirSpeed is configured at each site as a network appliance. Site-specific settings need to be applied for the AirSpeed to operate in your workgroup environment. Each AirSpeed installed needs to be uniquely configured.

AirSpeed requires fixed internet protocol (IP) addresses for the network interface. As part of a setup procedure, your administrator must first configure an administrative client system to match the AirSpeed configuration IP address. Typically, a direct physical connection is established using this IP address.

Program AirSpeed with the following:

• A site-specific host name/domain name

• A site-specific node IP address and mask for the network interface

• The DNS server IP address (required for Avid Unity ISIS)

• The NTP server IP address

• The Shared Storage Server

- PortServer Pro name (if DNS is present, if not use an IP address)

- System Director name (DNS required)

• MediaManager host name (if DNS is present, if not use an IP address)

Some setting changes require you to power cycle the AirSpeed. A message appears in the UI and playback monitor when you must power cycle the AirSpeed for the changes to take effect.

Do not connect any AirSpeed to your workgroup environment until you have assigned a new, unique IP address to each AirSpeed.

Default IP Address

The AirSpeed chassis 0010-07109-xx is initially configured with the following default IP address and Subnet mask:

• IP address: 192.168.1.101

• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

The 0010-06715-xx chassis did not ship with an IP or subnet address preconfigured.

To avoid network IP address and subnet mask conflicts, connect one AirSpeed to your Avid Unity environment at a time. S

settings in the Setup > Network tab for that AirSpeed and save the settings. For information on the Network tab, see “Network Tab” on page 77. The

et the appropriate IP address and subnet mask

information must be provided to you by your network administrator.

Setting the Time Zone, Date, and Time

AirSpeeds are shipped from Avid with the default time zone set to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). When setting up the AirSpeed for the first time, you need to select your time zone, then set the date and time.

Configuration

IP address and subnet mask

The AirSpeed must be idle when you set or change the date or time.

To localize the AirSpeed with the date and time.

1. Open a console window by simultaneously pressing

2. Log in using:

-Login name —

- Password —

3. At the command prompt, type

4. Type Find the correct continent or zone for your specific locale from the list. The following

list is displayed:

Africa Australia Etc MET WET America CET Europe MST posixrules Antarctica CST6CDT Factory MST7MDT zone.tab Arctic EET GMT PST8PDT Asia EST HST Pacific Atlantic EST5EDT Indian SystemV

You must type the selection exactly as it appears in the list (upper or lower case).The time zones for North America are listed in the directory with the daylight savings time zones ending with DT.

, and press

maint

mars

Enter

cd /usr/share/zoneinfo

Ctrl+Alt+F1

, and press

Enter

5. At the command prompt, type For example, if your continent is America, type

now at the

6. At the command prompt, type Choose the closest city file to your location.

7. At the command prompt, type:

/usr/share/zoneinfo/Asia

cd <region or zone>

and press

cp <city> /etc/localtime

cd Asia

directory.

Enter

, and press

and press

Enter

. You are

Enter

Chapter 2 Installation

For example, if your city is New York, type

/localtime

After pressing

To set the date and time:

1. While still in the console window, type

at the command prompt.

Enter

, the city file is copied into the /etc directory.

date

and time set.

2. To set the date, type

Enter

date

and enter the date and time in the following format and press

yymmddhhmm.ss

Do not use spaces or any characters between the numbers.

After pressing enter, the date and time display are displayed. Confirm that the information is correct. If not repeat Step 2.

3. Close the console window by simultaneously pressing

4. Restart the AirSpeed by selecting Shutdown > Restart Entire System in the AirSpeed UI.

5. Click OK.

Accessing the AirSpeed Through Telnet

cp New_York /etc

and press

Enter

to view the current date

Ctrl+Alt+F3

You can also access the AirSpeed console using remote systems on the Avid Unity network. Telnet is a common way to remotely access the AirSpeed using a client system such as a NewsCutter. You need to know the IP address and host name of the target AirSpeed. The following information does not provide the details on how to completely set the time zone, but advanced administrators might find this information helpful.

This procedure is one way to get to the a time zone utility in the AirSpeed console. This procedure is not recommended because some selections are difficult to select without a color UI. There are several free Telnet applications on the Internet that make it easier to use this utility, for example, PuTTY.

Windows

HyperTerminal has also been used but you must make sure you select TCP/IP for

your connection. Avid has found that selecting VT100 provides the best results.

To access your AirSpeed using Telnet to select the time zone:

1. Make sure your AirSpeed is powered on.

2. From an Avid Unity Client system, click Start > Run.

3. Type

Telnet <AirSpeed host name>

and press

Enter

4. Log in using:

Configuration

-Login Name —

- Password —

5. Type

6. Select your region, country, and time zone.

7. Enter the date and time as previously described.

8. Close the Telnet application.

tzsetup

maint

mars

and press

Enter

Setting Up for Transferring to Unity

After setting up the appropriate Avid Unity settings for the AirSpeed in the Setup > Network tab, enter the settings for the MediaManager and PortServer in the Setup > Send tab. Remember to save the settings on each tab. Captures are complete when the clips have been transferred to Avid Unity and are checked into MediaManager. After they are checked into MediaManager; they are available for automatic deletion.

MediaManager System User Account

The AirSpeed must be a system user client on the MediaManager. Use the following procedure to add the AirSpeed account to your MediaManager, see the MediaManager Help for more information.

The MediaManager application now includes the AirSpeed System User account. However, if your MediaManager does not already have an AirSpeed System User account, you must create one.

To create a system user account on your MediaManager server:

1. Click Administration in the mode selector.

2. Click the New User icon in the Functions list. The Create User window opens.

3. Specify the account attributes by typing in the appropriate text boxes.

-User Name —

- Password —

The built-in login password for all AirSpeed servers is “avid.”

4. Select the System User account privilege level from the Role list.

5. Click Save. The account is created and added to the Users list.

airspeed

avid

Chapter 2 Installation

License Agreement

Once the AirSpeed is connected to the Avid Unity environment, you must accept the Avid End User License Agreement. AirSpeed uses an Avid Unity Ethernet client license.

Multiple Domain Names and DNS servers

In the event there is a failure with the primary domain and DNS server, multiple domains and DNS servers can be used as backups.

To create multiple domain names and DNS servers:

1. Open a console window by simultaneously pressing

Ctrl+Alt+F2

2. Log in using:

- Login name —

- Password —

3. At the command prompt, type

4. Type

5. Type

vi secondary_dns

(this characters does not display, the editor goes into insert mode).

maint

mars

cd /usr/home/pluto/etc

, and press

Enter

, and press

Enter

The “n” in the following step represents the IP address of the backup DNS servers on the network. You can enter as many DNS servers as you want.

6. Type the following to add additional DNS servers as backups:

nameserver

Press

Esc

7. Close the console window by simultaneously pressing

nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn and press nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn and press

and type

:wq!

and press

Enter

Ctrl+Alt+F3

8. Restart the AirSpeed by selecting “Restart Entire System” in the Shutdown window of the AirSpeed UI.

Static Mounted Workspaces

Avid recommends you use static mounted workspaces with the AirSpeed. You must disable dynamically mounted workspaces on the Avid Unity PortServer.

To disable dynamic mounted workspaces:

1. Log in to your Avid Unity PortServer.

2. Double-click PortServerConfiguration.exe in the following location: drive:\Program Files\Avid Technology\AvidUnity\PortServerStartup The Avid Unity PortServer Service Configuration window opens.

3. Deselect “Enable dynamic mounting of MediaNetwork workspaces” if selected.

4. Click OK and log off the Avid Unity PortServer.

Adjusting the Audio Playout Gain

The eight audio gain controls on the front panel are used to calibrate the AirSpeed for playout. These audio gain controls do not provide any function during capture. Avid recommends you play out a test tone on all eight audio channels for both Play channels. There is a separate gain control for each of the eight audio output channels. While the tone is playing, monitor the audio out on the rear of the AirSpeed with a scope to fine tune the output audio. Use the eight audio gain control knobs to vary the output. For more information see “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 30.

Configuration

Use the Channel Select buttons to select the playout channel. The audio gain controls only adjust the audio for the Play channel selected and the audio channels allocated to that Play channel in the Setup > Channels > “Audio Channel Selection During Playback” settings. After you have made the adjustment, recess the audio gain control knobs back into the front panel so they are not easily changed.

Chapter 2 Installation

Chapter 3

User Interface

This chapter introduces the AirSpeed user interface, and provides detailed descriptions of all user interface sections and controls. This chapter includes the following sections:

• Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface

• Play Button

• Capture Button

• Setup Button

• Diagnostic Button

• Shutdown Button

Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface

The following figure shows the AirSpeed user interface (UI) with the Play button selected.

AirSpeed User Interface

UI buttons

Button information

Dashboard

Chapter 3 User Interface

AirSpeed UI Buttons

The AirSpeed UI is divided into the following sections:

• Play button — allows you to play recorded clips that are on the internal AirSpeed drives. You can play back clips on two separate channels. While playing back clips you can enter Mark IN and Mark OUT points and create locators. See “Play Button” on page 66 for information on each setting.

• Capture button — allows you to capture media with or without the timecode. You can remotely capture the media or manually press the Record button on the front panel and start capturing the media instantly. You can also set the duration of the capture in addition to setting Mark IN and Mark OUT points, and locators. See “Capture Button”

on page 69 for information on each setting.

• Setup button — allows you to set system parameters such as channel configuration, video setup, network configuration and Controller Setup. For details, see “Setup

Button” on page 72.

• Diagnostic button — provides front panel, disk drive, CPU fan, network, and license status. For details, see“Diagnostic Button” on page 73.

• Shutdown button — presents three different system level command options. For details, see “Shutdown Button” on page 74.

Dashboard

The dashboard is always present at the bottom of the AirSpeed UI; regardless of which UI button is clicked. It provides the AirSpeed status and also displays the internal clock. See the following figure:

AirSpeed Dashboard

Reference status indicator

The dashboard display includes the following:

• Reference status indicator — Indicates (by color) the presence and quality of your

• Channel status indicator — Indicates (by color) the presence and quality of your SDI

Channel status indicator

indicator

Time of daySystem status Network status

reference signal. Red indicates no signal and green indicates usable reference signal is present and the system is locked to it.

input signal. Red indicates no signal and green indicates usable input signal is present.

Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface

• System status — Displays a scrolling text message indicating the status of the system. Messages vary depending on the selected button and the operating state of the AirSpeed.

• Network status indicator — Indicates (by color) the presence of your network connection.

- Green — Indicates a usable network signal and the TransferManager are present.

- Yellow — Indicates a network signal is present but the MediaManager or

TransferManager is not available.

- Red — Indicates no network signal.

The Network status indicator is red if the Ethernet cable is plugged into the wrong port. For the exact location, see “Control Connections” on page 136.

• Time of day — displays the AirSpeed system’s internal clock. For more information see

“Accessing the Setup Subtabs” on page 75.

Common UI Buttons

The following buttons are used throughout the AirSpeed UI. Not all of the buttons are used in each UI window. The meanings of the common AirSpeed UI buttons are described in the following table.

Common AirSpeed UI Buttons

Button Name Function

Create The Create button activates when a new Video ID has

been entered. Click Create to create a new file after all the fields in the button are filled in as desired. Once clicked, the Record button allows you to capture the file. Used in the Capture window.

Delete The Delete button activates when a known Video ID is

entered, allowing you to delete the file. Used in the Play and Capture windows.

Unload The Unload button clears all text fields in the window.

Used in the Play and Capture windows.

OK Accepts the information or selection and performs the

function. Used in the Shutdown window.

Save Accepts the information and saves the settings. Used in

the Setup window.

Chapter 3 User Interface

Common AirSpeed UI Buttons

Button Name Function

Play Button

The following figure shows the Play button. Channel 1 and channel 2 can have unique information (two different clips) loaded at the same time. Switch between the clips using the UI and Monitor buttons. For details on the Channel Select buttons, see “Button and Wheel

Functions” on page 105. AirSpeed can play only the clips that are on the internal drives.

Play Button

Revert Returns you to the information that was previously saved.

Once you click the Save button, the Revert buttons uses the new saved information. Used in the Setup window.

Browse Opens a window listing the available clips on the

AirSpeed internal drives. Used in the Play and Capture windows.

Browse button

Displays the available clips on the internal drives.

Delete button

Unload button

Most of the text boxes in the AirSpeed UI require input from a keyboard. After entering information in a text field, press the Enter key to enter the data and advance to the next field. The Tab key also advances you to the next user input field. Shift+Tab does not bring you back to the previous field.

Play Button

• Name — Type the name of the clip you want to view. You can type in the Video ID instead. Once you press Enter, the Video ID displays.

• Video ID — Type the reference identification (ID) for the video you want to view. You can type in the Name instead. Once you press Enter, the Name displays.

• Clip Duration — Displays the length of time between the Mark IN and Mark OUT points. If no Mark IN and Mark OUT are set, the time matched the Total Duration text box.

• Clip Type — Select the type of media from the menu. The choices are as follows:

- Virtual — Plays the entire clip regardless of the Mark IN and Mark OUT points. For

information on the differences between virtual and absolute modes, see “Timecode

Modes” on page 113.

- Absolute — Plays the clip from the Mark IN point to the Mark OUT point. If Mark

IN and Mark OUT points were not set, the entire clip is played.

• Total Duration — Shows the total extent of all media captured for the current clip (the amount of time between the first captured frame and the last). This is the same as the Clip Duration unless Mark IN or Mark Out points have been set.

• Time Code — Displays the timecode of the displayed frame.

• Mark IN — Displays the clip’s playback inpoint as entered during the capture or as trimmed by an automation system. If no inpoint is marked, the text box is empty if in Absolute mode. In Virtual mode, 1 hour is entered.

• Mark OUT — Displays the clip’s playback outpoint as entered during the capture or as trimmed by an automation system. If no outpoint is marked, the text box is empty.

• Channel 2 — Is highlighted to indicate when the play channel1 button is lit and channel 1 is selected. This is not a button that selects the channels.

• Channel 3 — Is highlighted to indicate when the play channel 2 button is lit and channel 2 is selected. This is not a button that selects the channels.

Chapter 3 User Interface

To load and play a clip:

1. Access the AirSpace UI by pressing Channel Select button 1 or 2.

2. Do one of the following:

t Type in the Video ID in the Video ID text box and press t Click the Browse button, select a clip from the menu, and click OK.

3. Click one of the following buttons after viewing the clip:

Enter

t Click Unload if you want to clear the Play button window and view a different clip. t Click Delete if you want to delete the clip from the internal AirSpeed drive. The text

fields in the Play button will also clear.

Clips that have been sent to the workspace are deleted. You cannot delete a clip that is in the process of being saved on the workspace.

Capture Button

The following figure shows the Capture button. Click the Capture button when you want to configure your capture settings. The capture can be controlled both locally using the operational control buttons on the front and by up to two remote control devices and by any number of Pilot applications, all simultaneously. Make sure to avoid operational conflicts. After you enter the data in this button, click the Create button.

Capture Button Selections

Capture Button

Browse button

Displays the available clips on the internal drives.

Delete button

Select the Clip type (Virtual or Absolute mode) first, to avoid data entry loss.

• Name — Type the name you want for the clip. The Name can be the same as the Video ID. Clip Names cannot contain spaces or these characters: *, ?, :, /, and \.

• Video ID — Type the reference identification (ID) you want for the captured video. Pressing enter twice enters the text to the Name field. Video IDs can be up to eight or 31 alphanumeric characters in length. The Maximum Video ID Length is set in the Setup > System Config window, see “System Config Tab” on page 78. Video IDs can not contain spaces or these characters: *, ?, :, /, and \.

Unload button

Chapter 3 User Interface

• Clip Duration — Type in the length of time you want to capture. This text box allows you to set up closed-ended captures for new clips and displays the playable clip duration for existing clips:

- If you know when to stop capturing the media, enter the length of time you want to

capture. For example, if you know media you want ends in an hour, type 00:01:00:00.

- Leave this field blank if you are doing a crash record.

• Clip Type — Select the type of media from the menu. The choices are as follows:

- Virtual — Captures whatever media is coming in. Use this selection during a crash

record. When a new Video ID is created in Virtual mode, the Clip Duration timecode text box is dimmed, allowing open-ended capture.

Crash records are only valid when in Virtual mode.

- Absolute — Captures media for the duration set in the clip duration. When a new

Video ID is created in Absolute mode, the Clip Duration timecode text box activates and allows you to type the desired duration of the clip to be captured. After a capture is initiated, it automatically terminates at this duration (a value greater than 0 must be entered in order to capture).

• Internal Time Code — Displays the current internal AirSpeed timecode.

• Source TC — Displays the current timecode information reflected in the frame when capturing. The internal AirSpeed timecode is used when the media being captured does not have an embedded timecode. The timecode source is selected in the Setup > Channel tab, see “Channels Tab” on page 85. The Recorded TC Source selections are:

- VITC — the time base is taken from the SDI input. If no VITC is present, the

default starting timecode value is 02:22:22:22.

- LTC — the time base is taken from the LTC input on the rear of the AirSpeed. If no

LTC is present, the default starting timecode value is 01:11:11:11.

- Internal — the internal absolute timecode is used as the time base, the default

starting timecode value is 01:00:00:00.

- Manual — you must enter the starting timecode manually.

To load and recapture a clip:

1. Access the AirSpace UI by pressing Channel Select button 1 or 2.

2. Do one of the following:

t Type in the Video ID in the Video ID text box and press t Click the Browse button, select a clip from the menu, and click OK.

3. Click one of the following:

Enter

Capture Button

t Click OK if you want recapture of an existing clip. t Click Cancel to close the Video ID dialog box and return to the previous window.

Clips that have been sent to the workspace are deleted. You cannot delete a clip that is in the process of being saved on the workspace.

Chapter 3 User Interface

Setup Button

The following figure shows the Setup button. The Setup button contains six subtabs that divide the settings into groups. Once you enter your settings in a subtab, click the Save button to save and enter the settings. If you make a mistake, click the Revert button to return to the last saved settings. All Setup subtabs are described in Chapter 4.

Setup Button Selections

Save button

Revert button

Diagnostic Button

Click the Diagnostic button to display the system diagnostic report. When no problem is detected, the Diagnostic button should look similar to the following illustration.

Diagnostic Button Information

Diagnostic Button

This button allows you to examine the status of the monitored AirSpeed subsystems. Alert conditions are displayed at the bottom of all the windows as dashboard indicators. If a system problem detected, a status indicator on the dashboard informs you where the problem resides. For explanation of the dashboard indicators, see “Dashboard” on page 64.

The SMPTE output connector on the rear of the AirSpeed provides a alarm signal (SMPTE 269M) if the AirSpeed is in an error condition. For the location of the connector and a description of the signal, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135.

• Front Panel — The text to the right of Front Panel states OK when displaying information for a AirSpeed with a full front panel. On panelless AirSpeed systems, “Not Present” is displayed. For more information on the two models, see “Front Panel

Controls” on page 26 and “Panelless Model” on page 28.

• Network — The text to the right of Network states OK when all of your network components are detected. If the Avid Unity MediaManager or the Avid Unity TransferManager is not available, the missing server is displayed beside the Network text stating a particular server is offline.

Chapter 3 User Interface

• Ingest Frame CRC Errors (DNxHD only) — AirSpeed has the capability of detecting frame cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors in the incoming SDTI encoded HD feed, during captures. The frame containing the CRC error is discarded and the last known good frame is used in its place.

DNxHD media is only available when you have the Avid DNxchange option, allowing you to capture encoded HD media. For more information on this option, see “DNxchange HD

Option” on page 35.

Typically, CRC errors are caused by cable integrity. If a high number of CRC errors are displayed, check your cable connections and lengths. If more than 200 CRC errors are detected, the SMPTE alarm is triggered. CRC errors are automatically cleared when the AirSpeed restarts. The clear button clears both the recent and total errors.

Shutdown Button

Click the Shutdown button to turn off or restart the AirSpeed. The Shutdown button is shown below.

Shutdown Button Selections

• Restart User Interface — Use to restart the software only.

• Restart Entire System — Use to restart both the system and the software.

• Shutdown — Use to completely shutdown. A variety of internal tasks such as file system clean-up will be performed before the operating system shuts down.

When completely turning off the AirSpeed, you must wait until the operating system text stops scrolling on the UI monitor before pressing the power switch.

Chapter 4

Configuring the AirSpeed

This chapter provides information on each of the Setup tab parameters within the AirSpeed UI. You can change the AirSpeed configuration settings remotely using the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) application from any client on the Avid Unity Media Network. Use the VNC application to configure the AirSpeed when access to the AirSpeed is not available or when a keyboard and mouse are not attached.

After using the VNC application to remotely change the AirSpeed setting, you must restart the AirSpeed before the changes are implemented. For more information on VNC see,

“Virtual Network Computing” on page 131. The following topics are discussed:

• Accessing the Setup Subtabs

• Network Tab

• System Config Tab

• Channels Tab

• Destination Template

• Software Tab

• Send Tab

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Prior to proceeding with AirSpeed configuration, ensure that your AirSpeed is installed and connected using the information in “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 135.

Accessing the Setup Subtabs

The Setup button allows you configure all aspects of the AirSpeed. Accessing this area impacts all of the AirSpeed operations and should only be conducted by qualified personnel.

Changing AirSpeed setup parameters can cause interruption of playout and/or destruction of media on the AirSpeed. However, viewing setup parameters can be done without impacting the AirSpeed. Proceed with caution.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

You need a keyboard and mouse connected to the rear of the AirSpeed to select and enter data using the AirSpeed UI; see “Control and Communications Cables” on page 50. Alternatively you can also use the VNC application to access the AirSpeed UI. The following figure shows the Setup button, which is divided into six subtabs.

Setup Button

Setup button tabs

The Setup button list six tabs that provide access to the various AirSpeed setup areas. The tabs remains on the window while the setup parameter section changes accordingly. The Setup button subtabs are used to perform the following:

• Click Network to configure the AirSpeed’s network parameters.

• Click System Configuration to change the audio and video format.

• Click Channel to configure your audio and video channels.

• Click Destination Template to create capture templates. Multiple templates can be saved.

• Click Software to update AirSpeed software via the network.

• Click Send to identify the shared storage and bandwidth management in your Avid Unity environment.

Network Tab

The Network configuration tab allows you to set the network configuration parameters and identify your DNS server. All network communication is done through the gigabit Ethernet (Gig E) connection on the rear of AirSpeed.

The following figure shows an example of the Network tab.

Setup Button — Network

Network Tab

Save button

Any changes you make to the current network settings do not take effect until you click the Save button and then restart the AirSpeed.

If you are unsure about any network configurations, names, or setup values discussed below, please contact your facility’s AirSpeed administrator for technical assistance.

• Host Name — Type the name you want to give the AirSpeed.

• Domain Name — Type the name of the domain for your Avid Unity environment (option).

• Use the following IP Address — You are required to provide the following information:

- IP Address — Enter the IP address you want to assign to the AirSpeed.

- Subnet Mask — Enter your subnet mask values.

- Default Gateway — Enter the address for your network’s default gateway (option).

• DNS Server — Enter the address for your DNS server (option).

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

• NTP Server — Enter the IP address for your Network Time Protocol (NTP) server (option). The NTP server synchronizes the time on your network and client to a reference time source.

When you enter an IP address for a NTP Server, click the Save button and confirm you want to make the changes by clicking OK in the dialog box. AirSpeed checks to see if the NTP server is running. If the NTP server is not running or in a valid state, the NTP Server checkbox is deselected, and the IP address is reset to NO.

Click Save to save your configuration and enable the network interface. After the network is configured, restart the AirSpeed to enable the changed settings.

System Config Tab

The System Config (Configuration) tab enables you to select the video standard, video and audio format, and the method for deleting media off of the AirSpeed.

Modifying System Configuration Selections can invalidate media.

The following figure shows an example of the System Config tab.

Setup Button — System Config (First Window)

Save button

Next button

Revert button

When you click the Next button a second set of System Config selections become available, see “Setup Button — System Config (Second Window)” on page 82. Click the Previous button to return to the first window of the System Config selections.

System Config Tab

The first window of the System Config tab displays the following:

• Video Standard — Select standard definition (SD) NTSC or PAL or select a high definition (HD) format. The following formats are available:

- SD NTSC (525 lines, television standard, normally Drop Frame)

- SD PAL (625 lines)

- HD 1080 Interlaced (available with the DNxchange option — MXF only)

HD 1080i/59.94 fields per second HD 1080i/50 fields per second

- HD 720 Progressive (available with the DNxchange option — MXF only)

HD 720p/59.94 frames per second

DNxHD media is only available when you have the HD media encoded using the optional Avid DNxchange. When an HD Video Standard is selected, the Compression Type menu is not available.

• Compression Type — Select the SD NTSC and SD PAL compression you want to capture. The following types are available:

Changing the media format alters the available capture time. For example, if you change from DV 25 to DV 50, your AirSpeed’s available capturing time is cut roughly in half.

-DV compression

DV 25 — captures the most DV media on your workspace DV 50 — captures higher DV quality video using twice the space of DV 25

- MPEG I-frame-only compression

IMX 30 — captures the most MPEG media on your workspace IMX 50 — captures higher MPEG quality video

- 1:1 captures high quality standard definition uncompressed media (MXF only).

When working with 1:1 uncompressed media only single channel play out is supported. You cannot select the second play out channel from the front panel or the AirSpeed Pilot application. The Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is disabled and the second play channel selection in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled.

In SD 1:1 uncompressed and DNxHD playback modes, AirSpeed limits the number of simultaneous transfers to two: one play while transfer and one background transfer, or two background transfers.

• Chroma Format — Select either 4:1:1 or 4:2:0 format (chroma and luma ratio) when PAL is selected as the Video Standard with a DV 25 Compression Type. This option is not available when you have NTSC selected as the Video Standard.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

• Audio Source — Select the appropriate Audio Source button to choose whether you want the audio input to be embedded or discrete:

Discrete audio cannot be used with the DNxchange option. HD video, timecode, audio, and ancillary data are embedded in the SD SDTI stream.

- Discrete — assigns up to eight channels of audio to be captured from the AES

digital inputs (AES 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 found on the rear panel).

- Embedded — assigns up to eight channels of 20-bit audio to be captured from data

extracted from the horizontal ancillary data embedded in the SDI video stream.

• Audio Resolution — Select if you want to capture at 16- or 24-bit audio:

- 16 bit — for normal DV media compatibility.

- 24 bit — for ultimate audio quality or Dolby E compatibility.

24 bit is required to operate with Dolby E signals, while 16 bit is adequate to support Dolby AC-3.

• TC Mode — Select whether you want Drop or Non-Drop frames:

Do not select Drop Frame if you are using PAL.

- Drop — is short for Drop Frame and puts the AirSpeed into Drop Frame mode

(only in NTSC format).

- Non Drop — is short for Non Drop Frame and puts the AirSpeed into Non Drop

Frame mode.

• Clip Deletion Mode — Select whether you want to manually or automatically delete media off of your internal drives:

- Manual — lets you delete the media off of the AirSpeed internal drives when you

determine appropriate.

- Auto — allows AirSpeed to automatically delete media from the internal drives (set

the percentage using the Auto Delete button).

• Maximum Video ID Length — Select the maximum number of characters allowed for the video ID names:

- 8 — Maximum number of characters supported with VDCP. The VDCP selection is

under the Remote Control Protocol, see the “Channels Tab” on page 85.

- 31 — Maximum length of characters supported in Avid workgroups.

All saved Destination Templates are erased when changing the Maximum Video ID Length setting.

System Config Tab

• Auto Delete — When Auto is selected in the Clip Deletion Mode, click the Auto Delete button to set a high and a low percentage for deleting media. When media has filled the internal storage capacity to the high percentage setting (percentage of storage used on the internal drives), media is deleted until it reaches the low percentage setting.

Media is deleted after it has been transferred and saved to the Avid Unity workspace. If AirSpeed is unable to transfer the media or if the workspace is filled, AirSpeed continues to capture until the internal drives are filled. Once the condition is corrected, and the media is transferred, media deletes as specified in the Auto Delete dialog box.

Clips are protected from the Auto Delete function under the following conditions:

- Clips that are in use

- Clips that are delete protected (Avid FlightPlan and Avid Pilot function)

- Clips that have not successfully transferred to a workspace (Capture mode only)

Media can be manually deleted using the Avid FlightPlan or Avid CountDown applications.

Auto Delete Dialog Box

- Delete Recorded Clips — Select this option to delete the captured media when the

drives reach the high percentage mark.

- Delete Send to Playback Clips — Select this option to delete the playout media

when the drives reach the high percentage mark.

- Delete All the Clips at Time (HH:MM) — Select this option and set the time (hour

and minutes) when you want the media to be deleted from the internal drives. All candidate media is deleted from the internal drives every day regardless of the high and low percentage settings.

Click Save to save your configuration and enable the video mode settings, or Revert to cancel any changes and return to the previous settings. After the settings are saved, restart the AirSpeed to enable the new settings.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

When you click the Next button, a second set of system configuration selections become available; see the following “Setup Button — System Config (Second Window)”. Click the Previous button to return to the first System Config selections.

Setup Button — System Config (Second Window)

Save button

Previous button

Revert button

The selections in this window allow you to adjust the SDI output timing.

The second window of the System Config tab displays the following:

• Genlock — Locks the video output signal timing to the analog reference input signal provided to the rear panel connector.

• μsecs (Microseconds) — Allows you to slow down or advance the video timing relative to the horizontal genlock timing source.

The recommended setting when using DV 25 and DV 50 with closed captioning is –2 μsecs. Since the closed captioning line is beyond the standard DV display lines, changing the timing shifts the display so that the closed caption line can be displayed.

• Freeze Mode — When performing any operation other than playing and shuttling a clip, select the behavior of the frame that is displayed when you stop.

- Frame Freeze — The SDI and composite output alternate between the fields of a

frame.

- Field Freeze — The SDI and composite output play the first field of a frame.

• SDI — Locks the video output signal timing to the SDI video input signal provided to the rear panel connector.

System Config Tab

• Closed Caption — Enables and disables the line typically used in the media for closed captioning. When selected this line includes closed caption data. If deselected, this closed caption data line is left blank and can be used for other data.

• TC Shown On OSD — Provides an on-screen display (OSD) in the AirSpeed UI > Capture > Source TC text box of how much time has past or is left during a capture.

- Elapsed — Displays how much time has passed since the capture started. Timecode

elapsed can be displayed in either Absolute mode or Virtual mode. In virtual mode, the timecode continues until the capture or play is stopped.

- Remaining — Displays how much time is remaining to the end of the clip.

Timecode remaining can be displayed only in Absolute mode. Virtual mode denotes an endless tape and does not calculate the time remaining.

• Front Panel Control — Prevents the operation control buttons, Mark In and Mark Out buttons, locator buttons, shuttle ring, and jog wheel from functioning on the AirSpeed front panel. Front panel control functions are described in “Operational Control

Buttons” on page 106. This option is not selectable on the panelless AirSpeed model.

The Channel Select buttons and the AirSpeed UI are not affected when the front panel controls are disabled.

- Enable — Allows you to control the AirSpeed using the front panel controls and

buttons.

- Disable — Restricts you from using the front panel controls and buttons on the front

panel. Capture and playback functions are done through remote applications.

• At End of VDCP Play — Select one of the following functions to be performed at the end of the clip playout from VDCP:

This setting is only available when using VDCP protocol with an external controller.

- Cue to First of Next — Cues to the first frame of the next clip in the playlist.

- Wait in Black — Displays black after playing the clip. The output goes to black and

the AirSpeed does not advance to any other clip.

- Stop in Last Frame — Displays the last frame of the clip that was just played.

• Change Client Password — Click the Change Client Password button to set a password for accessing the AirSpeed through Avid Pilot Avid FlightPlan, or VNC.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

Avid Pilot, Avid FlightPlan, and VNC Password Requirements

When you change the default or the existing password, you must meet the following requirements. The password must include:

• 6 to 12 characters

• at least 4 distinct characters

For example, these passwords will work:

• AirSpeed

• StudioASp4

For example, these passwords will not work:

• Air4

• aaa44AS

Setting Passwords to Access AirSpeed

When you attempt to log into AirSpeed from the Avid Pilot, the Avid FlightPlan, or the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) applications, you are prompted for a password. A password is required even if you have not set one. The default password for Avid Pilot and Avid FlightPlan is the AirSpeed from the Avid Pilot, Avid FlightPlan, or VNC clients without entering a password. For more information on VNC, see “Virtual Network Computing” on page 131.

avid123

. The default password for VNC is

mars

. You cannot connect to

The default password for VNC is mars but it does not follow the password requirements previously described. Once the default VNC password is changed, you cannot return to the default password of mars.

Channels Tab

To set or change the password:

1. Click Change Client Password in the Setup > System Config (second window).

Client Password Dialog Box

2. Select Pilot, FlightPlan, or VNC from the Select Client menu.

3. Type your password in the Password text box.

4. Re-type the password in the Confirm password text box.

5. Click Save to save the new password, or Cancel to not make any changes and return to the previous settings.

The new password is required next time you log in to this AirSpeed with Avid Pilot, Avid FlightPlan, or VNC.

After you save the new password, the change takes effect immediately. You do not need to restart the AirSpeed or the AirSpeed UI before the new password is enabled.

Channels Tab

The Channels tab allows you to select the number of channels used while capturing and playing back audio. This tab is also used to select your timecode source, remote control configuration, and characteristics of your analog component video output.

Channel configuration can be configured independently, with variations appropriate to primary or secondary channel features.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

The following figure shows an example of the Channels tab.

Setup Button — Channels (First Window)

When you click the Next button, a second set of channel selections become available, see

“Setup Button — Channels (Second Window)” on page 89. Click the Previous button to

return to the first window of the Channel selections.

Next button

The first window of the Channel tab displays the following:

• Control Configurations — This menu allows you to control the AirSpeed through a remote controller. AirSpeed supports the following remote controller configurations:

- Local/Network Record or Play — Local and network clients have full control of the

AirSpeed. These clients can perform capture and play operations. VDCP or Sony BVW clients cannot connect to AirSpeed.

- Local/Network Play1 and VDCP Play2 — Local and network clients control

playout of Channel 1, and VDCP clients control the playout on Channel 2 of the AirSpeed.

No capture functions can be performed and Sony BVW clients cannot connect to the AirSpeed.

- VDCP Record — Video disk control protocol (VDCP) clients can control the

AirSpeed through the serial RS-422 remote connector. Only one VDCP client can connect to AirSpeed and perform captures.

Network, local, and Sony BVW clients cannot control the AirSpeed or perform playouts.

Channels Tab

- VDCP Play1 Play 2 — VDCP clients can connect to AirSpeed and use each of the Play channels independently.

Network, local, and Sony BVW clients cannot control the AirSpeed and no captures can be performed.

- Sony Play1 or Record — Sony BVW VTR protocol. Sony BVW clients can control the AirSpeed through the RS-422 remote connector. One Sony BVW client can capture or play using VTR type operations.

Network, local, and VDCP clients cannot control the AirSpeed and the Play2 Channel cannot be used.

When using Sony BVW modes, use the Avid Pilot application to create, load, or unload clips into AirSpeed. Sony BVW protocol has no provisions for such operations.

- Sony Play1 Play2 — Sony BVW VTR protocol. Sony BVW clients can control the AirSpeed through the RS-422 remote connector. Two Sony BVW clients can connect to the AirSpeed and initiate playout operations on Play1 and Play2 channels.

Network, local, and VDCP clients cannot control the AirSpeed and no captures can be performed.

- Unrestricted VDCP — This setting uses absolute mode and allows both VDCP and network clients to control the AirSpeed using the serial RS-422 remote (VDCP) and network (PAPI) protocols. Sony BVW clients cannot control AirSpeed in this mode.

When capturing in this mode using the network or VDCP (serial port 1 only), you cannot play a clip on either channel using any protocol.

When playing out on either channel 1, channel 2, or both channels, you cannot perform a capture using any protocol.

You cannot initiate a crash record from the front panel with this setting. VDCP works only with absolute mode, crash records are in virtual mode.

- Unrestricted Sony — This setting uses virtual mode and allows both Sony and network clients to control the AirSpeed using the Sony BVW and network (PAPI) protocols. VDCP clients cannot control AirSpeed in this mode.

When capturing in this mode using the network or Sony protocols, you cannot play a clip on either channel using any protocol.

When playing out on either channel 1, channel 2, or both channels, you cannot perform a capture using any protocol. Clips that you have loaded cannot deleted clips.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

AirSpeed does not support using all three protocols (VDCP, PAPI, and Sony) simultaneously. For example, you cannot access AirSpeed using VDCP through serial port 1, Sony through serial port 2, and PAPI using the network at the same time.

• Recorded TC Source — This menu allows you to select the timecode source while capturing. When you use CaptureManager, this setting is automatically set by the application and the current mode is overridden. The timecode selected in this menu is displayed in the Capture > Source TC text box; see “Capture Button” on page 69.

- VITC — When this option is selected, the time base is taken from the SDI input. If

no VITC is present, the default starting timecode value is 02:22:22:22.

- LTC — When this option is selected, the time base is taken from the LTC input on

the rear of the AirSpeed. If no LTC is present, the default starting timecode value is 01:11:11:11.

- Internal — This setting uses the internal absolute timecode as the time base, the

default starting timecode value is 01:00:00:00.

- Manual — Use this setting to enter the starting timecode manually. The timecode

value is entered into the Capture > Source TC text box, see “Capture Button” on

page 69. The default value is zero.

• Analog Component O/P — Select whether you want Y, Pb, Pr or G, B R characteristics for your video component output.

• Audio Channel Selection During Playback — These menus allow you to select how many audio channels you want to output. The selections are:

-0

-1 – 4

-5 – 8

-1 – 8 You can select a maximum of eight channels total, so if you select 1 – 4 channels of

audio output on one playback channel, you have 0 or 5 – 8 channels available for the other playback channel. However, if you select 1 – 8 audio outputs on one of the playback channels, you cannot select any audio output on the other playback channel.

• Capture — Select the number of audio channels you want to capture from the menu. The choices are as follows:

-0

-1 – 2

-1 – 4

-1 – 8

Channels Tab

When you click the Next button, a second set of Channel selections become available see

“Setup Button — Channels (First Window)” on page 86. Click the Previous button to return

to the first Channel selections.

Setup Button — Channels (Second Window)

Save button

Previous button

Revert button

The second window of the Channel tab displays the following:

• Retroloop Time — This numeric text box allows you to enter the amount of time (in seconds) you want to capture before an unknown event occurs. You must select a Retroloop Time between 60 seconds and 14280 seconds (approximately 4 hours).

Enter the time for the Retroloop text boxes in seconds.

AirSpeed continuously captures media in a loop, using this predetermined amount of time. Once the event happens, you trigger a normal Record mode and the capture continues until stopped. The end result is a clip that contains material before and after the event.

Transfers to Avid Unity begin when you trigger the normal Record mode.

The maximum allowed value cannot exceed the total amount of disk space on the AirSpeed internal drives. When the internal drives are empty, the following table provides the approximate seconds available per video and audio format.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

Internal Drive Capture Time per Video and Audio Format

Resolution 16-bit Audio 24-bit Audio

DV 25

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

DV 50

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

IMX 30 (MPEG 30)

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

28620 seconds (7 hours 57 minutes)

61260 seconds (17 hours 01 minutes)

255120 seconds (70 hours 52 minutes)

14280 seconds (3 hours 58 minutes)

30600 seconds (8 hours 30 minutes)

127560 seconds (35 hours 26 minutes)

27480 seconds (7 hours 38 minutes)

58740 seconds (16 hours 19 minutes)

244680 seconds (67 hours 58 minutes)

26820 seconds (7 hours 27 minutes)

57420 seconds (15 hours 57 minutes)

239160 seconds (66 hours 26 minutes)

13380 seconds (3 hours 43 minutes)

28680 seconds (7 hours 58 minutes)

119580 seconds (33 hours 13 minutes)

25740 seconds (7 hours 9 minutes)

55080 seconds (15 hours 18 minutes)

229380 seconds (63 hours 43 minutes)

IMX 50 (MPEG 50)

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

1:1

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

18300 seconds (5 hours 05 minutes)

39180 seconds (10 hours 53 minutes)

163140 seconds (45 hours 19 minutes)

5820 seconds (1 hours 37 minutes)

12360 seconds (3 hours 26 minutes)

51720 seconds (14 hours 22 minutes)

17160 seconds (4 hours 46 minutes)

36720 seconds (10 hours 12 minutes)

152940 seconds (42 hours 29 minutes)

5760 seconds (1 hours 36 minutes)

12180 seconds (3 hours 23 minutes)

50820 seconds (14 hours 7 minutes)

Channels Tab

Internal Drive Capture Time per Video and Audio Format

Resolution 16-bit Audio 24-bit Audio

1080i/59.94

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

1080i/50

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

720p/59.94

36 GB drives

73 GB

300 GB

(24-bit audio only)

6180 seconds (1 hours 43 minutes)

13260 seconds (3 hours 41 minutes)

55320 seconds (15 hours 22 minutes)

(24-bit audio only)

7260 seconds (2 hours 1 minutes)

15600 seconds (4 hours 20 minutes)

64980 seconds (18 hours 3 minutes)

(24-bit audio only)

6660 seconds (1 hours 51 minutes)

14220 seconds (3 hours 57 minutes)

59280 seconds (16 hours 28 minutes)

The number of channels selected for the capture does not affect the predetermined amount of space. AirSpeed assumes eight tracks of audio are being captured in Retroloop mode.

For a description of Retroloop, see “Capture Mode” on page 20. For information on using Retroloop mode, see “RetroLoop Mode” on page 112.

• Chunking Period — This is the period of time (in seconds) during which captured media is made available for transfer from the AirSpeed to the workspace. Media is transferred in chunks specified at this setting after the media has reached the Transition Interval.

For example, if the Chunking Period is set to 3 minutes, Transition Interval to 1 minute, and Short Chunking period to 15 seconds, media checks in at 15, 30, 45, 60, 240, 420 seconds, etc. For more information, see “Chunking” on page 20.

• Short Chunking Period — The AirSpeed captures short chunks of media building up to the Transition Interval. This setting allows media to be available seconds after you have started the capture. See the example in the Chunking Period description.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

• Transition Interval — The transition time specified (in seconds) is the point where the Short Chunking Period switches to the Chunking period. See the example in the Chunking Period description.

The following tables show the minimum and maximum chunking times.

Minimum and Maximum Chunking for DV 25 and MPEG 30 (IMX 30)

Chunking Setting Minimum Maximum

Chunking Period 3 minutes 9 minutes (DV 25)

Transition Interval 1 minute 3 minutes

Short Chunking Period 15 seconds 3 minute

Minimum and Maximum Chunking for DV 50, MPEG 50 (IMX 50), HD, and 1:1

Chunking Setting Minimum Maximum

Chunking Period 3 minutes 3 minutes

6 minutes (IMX 30)

Transition Interval 1 minute 3 minutes

Short Chunking Period 15 seconds 3 minutes

• VITC Input Line Select — The VITC Input Line Select control determines the line on which to read the VITC timecode. Click the Up/Down buttons to select the line where VITC is located on the input. The selections are 12 to 19.

Click Save to save your channel settings, or Revert to cancel any changes and return to the previous settings. After the settings are saved, restart the AirSpeed to enable the changed settings.

Destination Template

The Destination Template tab is used to quickly select capture formats and settings you use on a regular basis. If you normally have several common media formats that you capture on specific workspaces, save these settings as a template. When you want to capture a format, select your saved template instead of configuring the settings again.

The following figure shows an example of the Destination Template tab.

Setup Button — Destination Template

The Destination Template tab displays the following:

Destination Template

• Template — The information displayed in this text box displays the currently loaded template.

t To load a template, select a template from the Stored Template list, then click

Activate.

t To create a new template, select a template from the Stored Template list, click

Edit, make your changes, give the template a new name and click Save. The new template is added to the Stored Template list.

• Video ID — Displays the reference identification (ID) given to the clip. Type in the name you want for the clip. When multiple clips are made, the base name stays the same and a 001, 002, 003, etc. is added to the name.

• Name — Displays a second reference name for the clip. Type in a second name you want for the clip.

• Tape Name — Displays the name given to the tape. Type in the name you want for the tape.

• Stored Template list — When you have created and saved one or more templates, they are listed in this scroll box. Select a saved template to load or delete it.

• Workspace — The information displayed in this text box displays the currently loaded template.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

• Workspace list — AirSpeed scans for workspaces on Avid Unity every few seconds to check the workspace availability. When a workspace is added to Avid Unity, the scan detects the new workspace and adds the name to the Workspace list on AirSpeed. If a workspace has been removed from the Avid Unity, the workspace is deleted from Workspace list. If the deleted workspace is being used by the current Template, transfers are sent to the workspace in the default Template.

If no workspaces exist, the captured media is saved to the internal AirSpeed drives only. The internal drives in the AirSpeed eventually fill up and the AirSpeed stops capturing.

To change the workspace for in a template:

1. Click Edit.

2. Select the new workspace in the Workspace list.

3. Click Save.

• Check Into method — Captured media can be associated with either a Project or Catalog. Depending on the method you select, the following options are available:

- Project name — Type in the name of the project that you want used with the media.

- Bin name — Type in the name of the bin where the clips are stored.

- Catalog Name — Type in the name of the catalog where you want the bin and clips

saved.

The Project, Bin, or Catalog names do not have to pre-exist before you type in the name. Typing in a new name will create the project and bin.

• Activate button — This button opens an existing template that you have previously saved. Select a template from the Stored Template list, then click Activate. The selected template is loaded.

• Edit button — This button allows you to make changes to an existing template. Select a template from the Stored Template list, then click Edit. Make the changes and click the Save button to save the template changes.

• Save button — This button saves changes you have made to an existing template or a newly created template. Create a new template or edit an existing one, and click the Save button to save the template.

• Delete button — This button deletes an existing template you have previously saved. Select the template from the Stored Template list, then click Delete.

Software Tab

The Software tab is used to update or retrieve a pervious version of AirSpeed software via the network. The following figure shows an example Software tab.

Setup Button — Software

Software Tab

The Software tab displays the following:

• Server — This text box is used to type the URL to a web page where the AirSpeed ISO images are located.

• Available Versions — List the available versions of software in the location designated by the Server text box.

• Update Version button — Loads a new or earlier version of AirSpeed software from a network client.

Network Setup for the Software

The AirSpeed software upgrade process requires an .iso file on the network which can be reached via a Web browser. Since the Avid Unity MediaManager runs a Web server, Avid recommends you use your MediaManager to provide such a directory.

Before you can update your AirSpeed software through the network using the AirSpeed UI, you need to create a Web server directory on your Avid Unity MediaManager server.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

To set up a web server directory on your MediaManager:

1. On the MediaManager desktop, right-click My Computer and select Manage.

2. In the Computer Management window, expand Services and Applications > Internet Information Services > Default Web Site.

3. Right-click the OMM object and select Properties.

4. In the Properties dialog box, select Directory Browsing under Local Path.

5. Note the directory path shown in the Local Path box.

6. Click OK. This allows you to browse to the c:/omm directory level and below.

7. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the directory shown in the Local Path box, noted above. (This is typically c:/omm.)

8. In the omm directory, create a directory named “airspeed.”

9. Copy the AirSpeed_nn.iso file into the airspeed directory.

If you rename the AirSpeed .iso file, you must follow the naming requirements listed in the “Software-Naming Convention” on page 96.

Software-Naming Convention

When you store the AirSpeed software on the MediaManager server for AirSpeed upgrades, you must follow strict naming conventions. The Setup > Software tab in the AirSpeed UI looks for a software version similar to the following:

AirSpeed_1977.iso

Each character between the word “AirSpeed” and the “.iso” extension must be a number, a period, an underscore, or a dash. The word “AirSpeed” and the extension must not be changed.

For example, these naming formats will work:

• AirSpeed_1977.iso

• AirSpeed.1977.iso

• AirSpeed.1977-1.iso

For example, these naming formats will not work:

• AirSpeed.1977_old.iso

• AirSpeed.1977old.iso

• AirSpeed.1977a.iso

• ASpeed_1977.iso

Loading Software

To load new or earlier versions of AirSpeed software:

1. Make sure your AirSpeed is on the Avid Unity network.

2. Copy the update software to a client in the network. Avid recommends you store your AirSpeed ISO images in the following location on the MediaManager server:

Software Tab

MediaManager_name

3. Select Setup > Software.

4. In the Server text box, type in a URL to a web page where the list of AirSpeed ISO images are located.

For example:

5. Select the AirSpeed ISO image from the Available Versions list in which you want to load.

6. Click Update Version.

7. Select the appropriate dialog boxes. When the upgrade is complete, the AirSpeed will restart.

Do not interrupt the AirSpeed while the software is being updated.

Multiple AirSpeeds can be updating the software from the same MediaManager file at the same time.

MediaManager_name/omm/airspeed/

/omm/airspeed/

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

Send Tab

The Send tab is used to select the destination for the media in the Avid Unity environment. It also sets the communication between the other servers on the network. The following figure shows a sample Send tab window.

Setup Button — Send

The Send tab displays the following:

• MediaManager — Select this option to configure the AirSpeed as a MediaManager client. Enter the MediaManager IP address or name in the text box.

• Shared Storage Type — Select the Avid shared storage network environment in which you are connecting the AirSpeed.

- MediaNetwork — Select MediaNetwork from the Shared Storage Type menu if

™

your media network is an Avid Unity

MediaNetwork.

- ISIS — Select ISIS from the Shared Storage Type menu if your media network is an

™

Avid Unity ISIS

• BW Mgmt MediaNetwork — Select Yes or No in the bandwidth (BW) management (Mgmt) menu when Unity is selected in the Shared Storage Type menu. This option is not available when ISIS is selected an the Shared Storage Type.

- Yes — Should be selected if you are using any combination of Avid editing systems

and AirSpeed servers on the same PortServer or LANshare.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Enabling bandwidth management in the Unity environment prevents the AirSpeed from taking more bandwidth than it actually requires from the network. The network bandwidth is more evenly distributed between all the PortServer or LANshare clients when this option is enabled.

- No — Should be selected if the AirSpeed servers are the only clients on your PortServer or LANshare (no Avid editing system clients), bandwidth management is not needed. The AirSpeed servers perform the network tasks using all the available bandwidth the PortServer or LANshare has available.

• BW Mgmt ISIS — Select Play or Ingest, or Ingest Only from the BW Mgmt ISIS menu. The BW Mgmt ISIS selections are not available when MediaNetwork is selected in the Shared Storage Type menu.

- Play or Ingest — Should be selected if the AirSpeed will be playing out or capturing

media.

- Ingest Only — Should be selected if the AirSpeed will be capturing media. The

AirSpeed play out function should not be used with this setting.

• Shared Storage Server — Enter the PortServer IP address or name if working in an Avid Unity MediaNetwork environment. Enter the Virtual System Director Name if working in an Avid Unity ISIS environment.

You must also add the AirSpeed name to the Management tab in the Avid Unity ISIS Administration software. The AirSpeed name does not appear in the Avid Unity ISIS Device window of the Administration software until the AirSpeed is restarted.

If you are not using a DNS server in your Avid Unity MediaNetwork environment, enter an IP address of your PortServer. To identify the DNS server, see “Network Tab” on page 77. A DNS server must be used in an Avid Unity ISIS environment.

• Current MetaData Fmt — Displays the metadata format of media. The metadata format is either OMF or MXF, depending on the format set in MediaManager workgroup. If the MediaManager is not detected, “NOT LOGGED IN” is displayed.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

The AirSpeed UI provides status indicators to alert you to detected network problems. For information on what is detected and the meaning of the colors displayed in the status indicators, see “Dashboard” on page 64.

Power-On Self-Test

When you turn on the AirSpeed, it performs an internal self-test. A successful startup of the AirSpeed indicates that the internal boards are working.

Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed

The power-on self-test does not test the external interface connections.

Network Test

You can contact the AirSpeed with the ping command to see if the AirSpeed is seen by the network. To verify communication from a client system (such as a NewsCutter) which is on the Avid Unity network, obtain the IP address of the target AirSpeed.

To ping AirSpeed from a client system on the Avid Unity network:

1. Click Start > Run.

2. Type the

ping 192.168.1.101

A command prompt window opens and displays the ping command and a response, if the AirSpeed is seen by the network.

If the ping succeeds, a series of responses appears, for example: 8 packets transmitted, 8 packets received, 0% packet loss

3. Close the command prompt window when done.

To ping a target AirSpeed from another AirSpeed on the network:

1. On the AirSpeed, simultaneously press

2. At the login prompt type:

ping

command and the

IP address

Ctrl+Alt+F1

of your AirSpeed. For example:

100

-login —

- password —

3. Type

ping <AirSpeed I/P address>

maint

mars

. If the ping succeeds, a series of responses appears, for example: 8 packets transmitted, 8 packets received, 0% packet loss

4. Type

Ctrl+C

5. Simultaneously press

to terminate the ping.

Ctrl+Alt+F3

to return to the AirSpeed UI.

Avid Technology AirSpeed Installation And User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Using This Guide

Symbols and Conventions

If You Need Help

How to Order Documentation

Avid Educational Services

AirSpeed Overview

Design

Hardware and Software Requirements

Software Installation

Synchronization

Ethernet Connections

Networking

PortServer Pro Connection

MediaManager Client

Network Time Protocol

Internal Storage

Serial Control

User Interface

Software Overview

Digital Input and Output Selection

Analog Output Selection

Supported Media Formats

Capture Mode

Chunking

RetroLoop

Media Formats and Files

OMF Files

MXF Files

Media Destination Selection

Playback

Playout

Studio Playout

Play While Transferring

Closed Caption

Front and Rear Panels

Front Panel Controls

Panelless Model

Visual Status Information

UI and Playback Monitor

Audio Knobs and LEDs

Headphone Jack, Volume, and Channel Select

Shuttle Ring and Jog Wheel

Operational Control Buttons

Rear Media Connections

Keyboard and Mouse

Control Connectors

DNxchange HD Option

HD Video With AirSpeed

Monitoring HD Video During Capture

Installation

Installing AirSpeed in a Rack

Checking the Contents of the Rack-Mount Kit

Separating the Slide Rails

Positioning the AirSpeed in the Rack

Attaching the Outer Rails to the Rack

Attaching Inner Rails to the AirSpeed

Securing the AirSpeed in a Rack

Cabling

SDI and Video Cables

Audio Cable

Timecode Cables

Control and Communications Cables

PS/2 Connections

Ethernet Connection

SMPTE Connection

Remote Serial Connection

GPIO Connection

Power Cord

Turning the AirSpeed On and Off

Workgroup Requirement

Configuration

Default IP Address

Setting the Time Zone, Date, and Time

Accessing the AirSpeed Through Telnet

Setting Up for Transferring to Unity