EVS IPDirector User Manual Version 4.3

5 (1)

User's Manual - PART 1 - Version 4.3 - October 2007

Video Production Management Software

www.evs.tv

COPYRIGHT

DISCLAIMER

The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only and subject to change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this user manual is accurate, up-to-date and reliable, EVS Broadcast Equipment cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this publication.

IMPROVEMENT REQUESTS

Your comments will help us improve the quality of the user documentation. Do not hesitate to send improvement requests, or report any error or inaccuracy on this user manual by e-mail to doc@evs.tv.

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IP Director Version 4.3 – User Manual – Part 1: Introduction

EVS Broadcast Equipment

IP Director Version 4.3 – User Manual – Part 1: Introduction

EVS Broadcast Equipment

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction...........................................................................................................1

1.1 Production Applications..........................................................................................................4

1.1.1 Channel Explorer.............................................................................................................................4

1.1.2 IP Logger......................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1.3 Database Explorer ........................................................................................................................... 6

1.1.4 Mini Database Explorer ................................................................................................................... 7

1.1.5 Recorder Panel................................................................................................................................7

1.1.6 Ingest Scheduler.............................................................................................................................. 7

1.1.7 VTR Control Panel...........................................................................................................................8

1.1.8 Player Control Panel........................................................................................................................8

1.1.9 Play-List Editor ................................................................................................................................9

1.1.10 Clip Editor........................................................................................................................................ 9

1.2 Management and System Applications................................................................................. 10

1.2.1 Keyword Management................................................................................................................... 10

1.2.2 Keyboard Shortcut Definition......................................................................................................... 10

1.2.3 Logging Association Definition.......................................................................................................10

1.2.4 EVS System Tools......................................................................................................................... 11

2. IP Director Main Window...................................................................................12

2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................12

2.2 Menu Bar.............................................................................................................................. 15

2.2.1 File Menu.......................................................................................................................................15

2.2.2 View Menu.....................................................................................................................................15

2.2.3 Windows Menu.............................................................................................................................. 16

2.2.4 Layout Menu.................................................................................................................................. 16

2.2.5 Metadata Menu..............................................................................................................................16

2.2.6 Tools Menu.................................................................................................................................... 16

2.2.7 Help Menu..................................................................................................................................... 21

2.2.8 Freeze Workspace......................................................................................................................... 21

2.2.9 Lock keyboard............................................................................................................................... 21

2.3 Application Toolbar............................................................................................................... 21

2.4 Layout Panel......................................................................................................................... 22

2.4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................22

2.4.2 How to Create a Layout Toolbar.................................................................................................... 22

2.4.3 How to Add a Layout to a Layout Toolbar ..................................................................................... 23

2.4.4 Other Layout Toolbar Commands ................................................................................................. 24

2.5 Channel Status Panel........................................................................................................... 24

2.5.1 Recorder Status Panel................................................................................................................... 25

2.5.2 Player Status Panel....................................................................................................................... 26

2.6 Status Bar.............................................................................................................................27

2.6.1 Default Icons.................................................................................................................................. 28

2.6.2 Loaded Layout Icon....................................................................................................................... 29

2.6.3 Minimised Icon............................................................................................................................... 29

2.6.4 Message Panel.............................................................................................................................. 30

2.6.5 Copy/Move Status Panel............................................................................................................... 31

2.6.6 Process Status Icons..................................................................................................................... 33

2.6.7 Licence Icon .................................................................................................................................. 34

2.6.8 Shortcuts Icon................................................................................................................................34

2.7 Metadata............................................................................................................................... 34

2.7.1 Metadata, Profiles and fields ......................................................................................................... 34

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2.7.2 Current Profile ............................................................................................................................... 35

2.7.3 Metadata Menu..............................................................................................................................36

2.7.4 How to Change the Current Profile................................................................................................ 37

2.7.5 How to Modify the Default Values of a Profile................................................................................ 38

2.7.6 How to Reset the Default Values in a Profile................................................................................. 39

2.8 Layouts................................................................................................................................. 40

2.8.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 40

2.8.2 Layout Menu.................................................................................................................................. 40

3. Channel Explorer................................................................................................ 44

3.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................44

3.2 Status Displays.....................................................................................................................45

3.2.1 XT Server status............................................................................................................................ 45

3.2.2 XT Server Configuration................................................................................................................ 45

3.2.3 Channel Status Icons..................................................................................................................... 46

3.3 Channel Explorer Shortcuts..................................................................................................46

3.4 Operation..............................................................................................................................47

3.4.1 How to Assign a Player Channel to a Control Panel......................................................................47

3.4.2 How to Assign a Default Recorder for a Player Channel............................................................... 47

3.4.3 How to Set up the Default Player Channel For the User Interface................................................ 48

3.4.4 How to Lock a Channel.................................................................................................................. 49

3.4.5 How to Unlock a Channel.............................................................................................................. 49

3.4.6 How to Gang the Playback of Channels........................................................................................ 49

3.4.7 How to Ungang the Playback of Channels.................................................................................... 50

3.4.8 How to Associate Channels to Provide a PGM/PRV Mode........................................................... 51

3.4.9 How to Associate Channels to Provide a Key an d Fill Mode......................................................... 52

3.4.10 How to Assign a Record Channel for Use With IP Scheduler........................................................ 53

IP Director Version 4.3 – User Manual – Part 1: Introduction

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Document History

Date Author Document

Issue

Oct. 2007

Anne Delbruyère

4.3.C User manual for IP Director version 4.3.

Modifications

• User Manual split into four parts

Sections on new features:

• Metadata on clips

Part 1: sections 2.2.5, 2.7 Part 2: section 3.2.6 Part 3: section 4.7, 4.9, 4.19.3

• Control Panel: Clip-List tab

Part 3, section 4.11

• Control Panel: Grab Frame

Part 3: sections 4.5. 16, 4.13.4

• Play-Lists: export into / import

from .xml file

Part 2: sections 3.3.4, 3.3.6 Part 3: sections 4.20 .4, 4.20.5, 6.6.6,

6.6.5, 6.6.7

New or improved sections on existing features:

• IP Logger: general review + new sections

Part 1: new sections 1.3, 1.6.2 , 1.6.3,

1.6.6

• Database Explorer: contextual menus

Part 2: new sections 3.2.4, 3.3.4,

3.4.4 + 3.2.21

• Keyword Management: Keyword Grid creation

Part 2: reviewed secti on 2.3.3

• Control Panel: reviewed or new sections

Part 3: sections 4.4.3, 4.5.1, 4.5.6,

4.8.12, 4.16.1, 4.16.3; 4.18.1, 4.18.3 to 4.18.9.

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• Play-List Editor: contextual menu from Play-List Name field

Part 3: new section 6.6.5

• Terminology changes

Control Panel: View pane Î Channel Media pane

Layout: Layout pane, Layout toolbar and Layout shortcuts

Mini Database Explorer: Objec t list Î Element list

Sep. 2007

Mike Davis, James

4.3.B Reviews and comments on new and modified sections.

Stellpflug, Martin Tirtiaux

Sep. 2007

Anne Delbruyère

4.3.A Initia l draft version

IP Director Version 4.3 – User Manual – Part 1: Introduction

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This manual is intended to cover all aspects of IP Director. It should be seen as a reference guide that provides a detailed description on the various modules of IP Director, as well as procedural information on how to work with the IP Director system.

The user manual for IP Director Version 4.3 is divided into 4 parts:

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

The first part contains the following chapters:

Chapter Description Introduction This chapter gives an overview on the

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About this Manual

product and describes the components of the IP Director suite.

IP Director Main Window

Channel Explorer

This chapter details the various areas in the IP Director main window, i.e. the window that opens when IP Director is started.

This chapter describes the Channel Explorer, i.e. the module that provides an overview on the components of the XNet network. It allows the users, among others, to take control of one or several channels from different XT servers connected on the XNet.

PART 2: LOGGING AND BROWSING

The second part contai ns the following chapters:

Chapter Description IP Logger This chapter provides information on the IP

Logger module, which is used to create logs that relate to recorded events with timecodes, camera angles, clip numbers and metadata.

Keyword Management

This chapter covers the management of keywords, i.e. the creation and setup of the various tools which allow the users to assign keywords to logs or clips in a unified manner. Assignin g keywords to logs and clips make it possible to search on the video material stored on the XNet network

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Chapter Description

and easily find it back.

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Database Explorer

This chapter explains the Database Explorer module, which has been designed to allow the users to organize and search all media and data available within the XNet network.

Mini Database Explorer

This chapter explains the Mini Database Explorer, i.e. a compact version of the Database Explorer integrated into the PlayList Editor module and the Clip Editor module.

PART 3: INGEST AND PLAY-OUT

The third part contains the following chapters:

Chapter Description Recorder Panel This chapter provides information on the

Recorder Panel, i.e. the module used to control the recorder channels of an XT Server.

Ingest Scheduler

This chapter covers the Ingest Scheduler module that allows for clips to be automatically made on any channel under the IP Director control at a time scheduled in advance.

VTR Control Panel

This chapter describes the VTR Control Panel module that allows the users to control a VTR from IP Director and to extract clips from a tape to an XT Server.

Player Control Panel

This chapter explains in details the Player Control Panel, i.e. the module used to control player channels of an XT server and to make clips and simple play-lists.

Fill & Key This chapter explains the Fill & Key

function in IP Director, which make it possible to gang channels of the XT Server together in a Fill and Key relationship to allow the operator to perform synchronised clip recalls in a Fill & Key scenario.

Play-List Editor This chapter describes the Play-List Editor

module that allows complex play-lists to be made, modified and played to air using an efficient workflow.

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PART 4: SYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND TROUBLE-

SHOOTING

Chapter Description

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System Management

This chapter contains a description of overall system settings:

• shortcut definitions

• ShuttlePRO configuration and button

layout

Troubleshooting This chapter contains descriptions on the

problems you could encounter when configuring the system. It gives all the checks which must be performed to solve the problems.

IP Director Version 4.3 – User Manual – Part 1: Introduction

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A complete suite of production tools to manage networked XT series servers

IP Director is a suite of software applications designed to enhance the workflow of a Television production.

In combination with EVS XT series Servers, IP Director can utilize its applications to both control multiple channels within the XNet network and also add comprehensive logging features and database functionality. This provides browsing capability and production orientated asset management to increase the efficiency of any Broadcast Operation.

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1. Introduction

There are ten applications designed for use on a production. Each is integrated into the overall package and is accessed by installed software license s. Each of the applications can be used to perform different tasks. This could be in the form of multiple recordings of different events within a studio environment. This can be complemented with the logging system to associate data with each recording, compiling media from the database for inclusion in an edited package. The IP Director suite also allows the playback of several completed elements to multiple sources such as big screens, key and fill switcher effects, and studio play-in.

These applications are:

Channel Explorer IP Logger Database Explorer Mini Database Explorer Recorder Panel Ingest Scheduler VTR Control Panel Player Control Panel Play-List Editor Clip Editor

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Each IP Director system can function as a standalone workstation providing all applications on a production, or several workstations can be used, running only the applications required for a specific task and each workstation can be connected via Ethernet with a central Database. When networked together, IP Director Database information is available to all other workstations that are being used in other areas of the production and enhances the overall produc tion workflow.

IP Director can control channels of several XT servers. Each workstation sees the XNet network as one large server whose storage is divided into various volumes accessible by any channel from any XT within the XNet network.

In the Diagram below, different areas of the production workflow are identified:

1.1 PRODUCTION APPLICATIONS

1.1.1 CHANNEL EXPLORER

Channel Explorer gives a comprehensive overview of the entire XNet network. XT servers, XFi le, XStore and VTR devices appear as individual items in the Channel Explorer, with expandable nodes for servers in which the IP Director systems and the VTR are directly connected via RS422.

From within the Channel Explorer window, any IP Director workstation can take control of one or several channels from different XT servers connected on the XNet. When control has been taken, the selected channe ls can also be locked.

The flexibility of IP Director allows multiple channels to be managed together in a variety of methods:

• Ganged channels o Allowing simultaneous control of many channels from

one control panel (recorders or players)

• Key and fill o Allowing 2 clips to be linked in a Fill/Key pairing for

playback to a vision mixer (switcher) or keyable device.

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• Program/preview o Allowing dissolves and wipes between clips of two linked

These multiple playback modes can be used both on clips to offer a comprehensive range of operational playback modes.

1.1.2 IP LOGGER

A log of recorded material is essen tial to the production process; by using IP Logger the speed of operations is enhanced by automatically associating logging data to content on the XNet network of servers. It can replace the traditional paper log sheet (which produces manual timecode and descriptions) with a system that automatically links a logging entry to all relevant media created on XT servers.

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player channels to play clips sequentially with a transition either manually or from a play-list.

The IP logger provides an easy way to add descriptive data to the media and centralize logging data. Using the IP Logger wizard, a log sheet can be created based on specific production requirements.

The log sheet is created by capturing the timecode of important events, and then easily adding keywords using customised keyword grids, descriptions entered on the keyboard manually, and a level rating.

Any clip present on the XNet network which includes the timecode of logged events, and is made from a record train that has been defined as relevant to the current log entry is then automatically linked to the corresponding entry in the log sheet. This effectively links the media on the XNet network to a workflow that is friendly to a produ cer or editor.

IP Logger also features the capabilities to review and edit content of the log sheet at any time during or after the event. By linking a play channel from an XT server, the operator has a simple and flexible way to refine logging information captured during the live event.

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Compared to conventional logging techniques, IP Logger has significant time-saving benefits, and saving time is always critical in live production. By producing accurate logs, and providing an efficient search engine, information is available faster to all EVS XNet users for browsing, editing and archiving. Logs can be accessed by other users even while they are being generated, and XT media associated with the log can be cued and used instantly.

1.1.3 DATABASE EXPLORER

Database Explorer displays and manages clips, play-lists, bins and logs for the media available on the EVS XNet network.

EVS Broadcast Equipment

Clips & Play-Lists

Clips and Play-Lists created on XT servers are synchronised to the IP Director central database and can be browsed from this window.

Bins & Logs

Bins and Logs are details only present on the IP Director systems, and add improved methods for associating clips and other details to the user. These sections are not directly visible on XT servers, but the results of these functions can affect clips on the XNet network beneficially.

Features of the Database Explorer window include:

• bin management

• log sheet management

• free text search engine and search filters

• keyword filter and assignment

• thumbnail displays

• metadata details (ID , name, timecode, keywords, UmID…)

• fill & key management of clips

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• browse and playback di rectly from explorer window

• export of log sheets (XML, CSV)

• archive management via XFile

1.1.4 MINI DATABASE EXPLORER

The “Mini Database Explorer” is an integrated part of the Clip Editor and the Play-List Editor applications used to easily browse the database content and then use the selected material in either of the applications without the requirement to have a full Database Explorer Panel open. It can show all clips, bins and play-lists that are contained in the database.

1.1.5 RECORDER PANEL

The Record Panel is the graphical user interface used to control the recorder channels of an XT server. The Recorder Control Panel shows the record status of a channel and can enable channels to start or stop recording depending upon the XT server base configuration. In conjunction with the buttons on the VGA, there are also keyboard shortcuts and dedicated buttons on the optional ShuttlePRO controller. Where they are shown, these are the default settings.

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1.1.6 INGEST SCHEDULER

Ingest Scheduler allows for clips to be automatically made from any record channel under the control of IP Director at either a time scheduled in advance or entered manually by the user. This

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means multiple events over a period of time can be automatically stored. A clip can be created on a channel with a name, level rating and metadata associat ed with it, and also be automatically placed into a bin in the Database Explorer.

1.1.7 VTR CONTROL PANEL

The VTR Control Panel allows a VTR (Video Tape Recorder) to be controlled from IP Director. It is an advanced remote control, from within the IP Director application.

Apart from playback and record control, it also allows the extraction of clips from a tape to the XT servers.

1.1.8 PLAYER CONTROL PANEL

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IP Control Panel is designed to efficiently control XT server channels with VTR-like functions to clip, trim and playback media. The Control Panel also has more advanced features such as the ability to:

• build, edit and play clip lists

• use mix or wipe transitions between linked control panels set

in a Program/Preview mode

• playback in normal, loop, or bounce modes

• synchronize the playback of channels that are ganged

together

• offer parallel control or exclusive control to be passed to

third party devices (control lers, editors, vision mixers…etc).

Within the Control Panel a clip list can be built using a conventional drag and drop technique from the Database

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Explorer. Controls for the transition effect, transition duration, next, and skip are readily accessible and re-ordering, insertion and deletion of clips can be made even as the list is rolling to air

Using the Control Panel with a Secondary Control function gives traditional devices such as linear editors the power of instant access to any material available on the EVS XNet network. Any media, even while being recorded, can be cued using the Control Panel and simultaneously controlled by 3rd party editors, controllers and switchers using industry-standard RS-422 protocols (Sony BVW, Odetics, VDCP, etc…).

1.1.9 PLAY-LIST EDITOR

The Play-List Editor allows multiple play-lists to be made, modified and played to air using an efficient workflow with a great deal of flexibility

The workflow combines three work zones within the application that are needed to perform the task s required:

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• a Mini Database Explorer

• a Play-List interface to manage several play-lists using

different tabs

• a Control Panel (to control a preview channel)

1.1.10 CLIP EDITOR

The clip editor combines

• a Mini Database Explorer

AND

• a Control Panel displayed in full size

It allows the users to search for clips from the Mini Database Explorer on the left pane and load the clip onto the control panel on the right pane. The clip can be loaded by drag & drop or simple mouse click operations.

It is possible to drag and dr op a clip into the control panel of the clip editor to load it on the corresponding channel. The drag and drop operation can be performed from the Database Explorer, Mini Database Explorer , Control Panel and IP Logger.

It is possible to drag and drop a record train from the Clip Tree View of the Database Explorer, the Mini Database Explorer, from a bin window or a control panel.

It is possible to drag and drop a play-list from Database Explorer or the Mini Database Explorer from the Play-List Editor.

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1.2 MANAGEMENT AND SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

The IP Director system also has a set of management and monitoring tools included in the IP Director suite:

1.2.1 KEYWORD MANAGEMENT

A set of applications is used to manage the Keyword database, prepare grids and dictionaries for logging, searching and browsing.

Using the Keyword Management tools, a keyword grid’s or dictionaries content can easily be changed and organised by the operator and production team to make it perfectly suited for any sport or live production. An unlimited number of keyword grids, consisting of up to 300 words each can be managed by IP Director.

Keyword Management tools allows the addition of single keywords to the database and therefore to any grid. It also allows the import of keyword Grids generated by an XT sever, keyword grids from other IP Director installations and also the integration of keywords and keyword grids from 3 databases which may already exist such as competitor lists and team or event statistical databases.

Simple text files can also be easily imported into the Keyword Database making it easy to import data from a web page or other document where words exist for your event.

1.2.2 KEYBOARD SHORTCUT DEFINITION

This application is used to define shortcuts that can be used on the keyboard for each of the production applications in the IP Director suite

1.2.3 LOGGING ASSOCIATION DEFINITION

When the IP Director suite is opened a check is performed to establish that all data previously stored in the database still has associations that are correct and that the media is still available on the XNet.

party

This application allows the user to manually decide which aspects of the association between clips and logs should be initiated afterwards. This window normally is used by an experienced IP Director operator for very specific purposes.

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