EVS Xfile User Manual Version 1.11

User's Manual - Version 1.11 - April 2007

Archive/Storage & Gateway Solutions

www.evs.tv

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Issue 1. 0

Table of Contents

Table of Contents __________________________________________________ 1 Introduction_______________________________________________________ 3 Configuration______________________________________________________ 5

Hardware ___________________________________________________________5 Software installat i on___________________________________________________7 Creating and Reinstalling a Ghost of your System___________________________11

Software management _____________________________________________ 13

Start-up____________________________________________________________13

System Configuration area: ___________________________________________14 Session Config area ________________________________________________14 Status area: ______________________________________________________15

System configuration _________________________________________________16

Network area _____________________________________________________17 Storage Area______________________________________________________18 System area ______________________________________________________18

Session configuration_________________________________________________19

1. Autobackup select i on______________________________________________19

2. MXF METADATA AREA ___________________________________________24

3. XFILE SESSION AREA ____________________________________________25

4. Advanced Parameters _____________________________________________26

5. Grab__________________________________________________________28

6. Export_________________________________________________________29

6. XML__________________________________________________________31

Autobackup mode____________________________________________________33 FILTERS___________________________________________________________39 Backup mode_______________________________________________________53 Restore mode_______________________________________________________56 Publish mode _______________________________________________________60 Maintenance mode___________________________________________________63 Disk/Folders Maintenance _____________________________________________69 Disk Maintenance____________________________________________________71 Statistics___________________________________________________________72 XSTREAM mode ____________________________________________________73

System configurati on: _______________________________________________78 Creating/EDITI N G / m odi f yi ng a j ob:______________________________________82

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

External modules __________________________________________________87

Preview Clip ________________________________________________________87 Editing a Clip________________________________________________________88 Export Data to TXT file________________________________________________95 Export Data to HTML fi l e (Storyboard)____________________________________96

Notes ___________________________________________________________97

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

DIGITAL ARCHIVING ON REMOV ABLE ME DIA

Issue 1. 0

Introduction

The XFile has access to all footage recorded on XT6U, XT4U, AirBox and SpotBox servers through the SDTI network. When a clip is created on one

of the servers, a copy is automatically transferred to XFile.

This copy is a background process, and as a lower priority on the network compared to real-time transfers between servers for remote playback, in order not to disturb the live production in any way. If the network is not very busy, the transfer to the removable media can be performed several times faster than real-time. As soon as real-time transfers are required on the network, the backup process is slowed down to make enough bandwidth available to guarantee these new requests.

Each clip is saved as a separate file on the removable media, including not only video, audio and time code information, but also all metadata associated with that clip: name, descriptors, creation date, original location (server s/n, register), etc. The transfer between an XT6U or XT4U to the XFile is a data transfer, i.e. no decoding/encoding process takes place at any point, preserving the original quality of the footage, including super-motion character if applicable.

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

The XFile is equipped with 2 removable media, working as mirrored drives: each clip is automatically saved as 2 separate files on these drives. This provides a security copy in case of drive failure, and also gives the possibility to send these 2 drives to 2 different locations/studios after the show. Each removable media has a capacity of 500GB or 32 hours of footage at standard bit-rate. More XFile stations can be inserted on the network if more archive copies are required.

The XFile can also be used as a security backup of the network: should one server lose its footage for any reason (accidental delete for instance), clips can be restored from the XFile to any other server (XT6U, XT4U or AirBox) on the network.

All Super-motion clips, created on any networked LSM-XT, are stored by XFile amongst the normal files. The 75 fps nature of such material is maintained during archiving and is restored in a single pass without alteration. Therefore, restored Super-motion clips can be re-used as Super-motion footage (playback at 33%) or as a standard material (variable speed) just as if they where captured from the super-motion camera just now.

The combination of XT4U, XT6U, AirBox and XFile, all interconnected on XNet, forms the basic architecture required to move from a mostly tapebased production to a disk-based environment.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Hardware

Issue 1. 0

Configuration

The XFile software is installed in a workstation operating under Windows XP Pro. The standard system is Intel Core2 Duo E6300 Processor, Intel Motherboard with DRAM 1GB and an EVS PCX board. The hardware components are housed in a 3U rack cabinet equipped with 2 x ATA 133 250GB or 500GB Mobile Cartridges.

The XFILE platform is included in the XNet in which XT6U, XT4U SpotBox and AirBox servers interact via SDTI network.

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

INSTALLING A NEW HARD DISK

The aim of the following procedure is to describe how to place and format a new storage hard disk into an XFile.

1. Configure the hard disk in master mode (see Picture 2). Connect the IDE cable and place the hard disk into the disk tray then fix it with the four screws. Place the disk tray cover then insert it into the XFile (see Picture1).

Picture1

2. Create a partition on the storage disk.

1. From the desktop, right click on ‘My Computer’. Select Manage then Disk management.

2. Right click on the disk with the red icon, then select initialize.

3. Right click on the same disk then select new partition.

4. Create a full size primary partition; select the G letter (for the left disk) or the H letter (for the right disk). Format it with the following parame ters: NTFS / Default / Data / Qu ick format.

3. Disable the Disk indexing.

1. Open Windows explorer.

2. In the left window, right click on the new G or H disk then select Properties.

3. Into the general page, deselect the Allow indexing service option then click on Apply.

4. Select Apply to subfolders and files click on OK then on OK again.

Picture 2:

No jumper

Western Digital WD2500

Storage IDE hard disk set in master mode.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Software installation

Issue 1. 0

IMPORTANT NOTE: The XFILE 1.11.00 installer includes the

XFILE and XSTREAM installers, the Clip Info Exporter installer, EditFrameWork 3.03.04 (for preview option), the PCX2 drivers and the EVS Logs collector installer. Prior to install XFILE 1.11.00, uninstall the previous versions of XFILE and XSTREAM.

Run XFILE INSTALLER and then follow the steps of the Setup Wizard:

1. Accept the software license agreement;

2. Do not modify the S/N of the system. This S/N is hard-coded in factory.

3. Select the items to install:

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

 Main files which include XFILE and XSTREAM installers  Clip Info Exp orter  EVSEdit Framework (for VGA preview)  Drivers of PCX2 board  EVS Log Collector

4. Select the destination directory to install the new software;

The following step offers the user to reset all operational parameters (like SDTI speed, Video Standard, database size, net name and net number) to default parameters.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Issue 1. 0

5. Set the RESET EXISTING SETTINGS if required and press NEXT to continue.

6. Then press INSTALL to start the installation of the Main Files. A progress bar shows the activity of files transfer.

7. The next step of the process is the installation of the EVS EditFrame work. Press NEXT to install.

8. The Setup Wizard will continue with the PCX Drivers installation.

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Press INSTALL to load the drivers.

9. Press EXIT to quit the PCX Drivers installation

10. The last step of the process is the EVSLogCollector installation. Press NEXT to begin.

11. In order to complete the installation the Setup wizard needs to restart the computer, select one of the two options and then press FINISH to quit the installation process.

After re-start, the XFile installation is successfully completed and a XFILE shortcut is saved to your desktop.

Note: The quality of audio monitoring for HD clips is directly

linked to the performances of the system. Some audio defects or video freezes can occur during the preview. The audio monitoring for HD clips is disabled by default. To enable / disable the HD monitoring parameter use the REG files provided with XFILE installer: XFile EditDlg Audio HD Enabled / Disabled

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Creating and Reinstalling a Ghost of your System

Issue 1. 0

The aim of this procedure is to describe how to create a ghost image of your system and how to restore your system with an existing image.

Note: All delivering systems have a R: RESTORE partition located on the system disk. This allows you to have an image file of the C: partition, and easily restore the complete XP operating system and XFile Software to the factory default state at any time.

How to re-install your system wi th an exi sti ng image

1. Reboot the system on Bootable DVD (or USB key) which is delivered with the original system. On XFILE system, modify Boot priority in the BIOS settings in order to boot on the USB key.

2. For USB key only, select ‘EVS Ghost Backup or Restore’ in the menu.

3. In the ghost startup window, press [ENTER] to open the toolbar.

4. In the next window, select Local / Partition / From Image followed by [ENTER ].

5. In the next window, press the [TAB] key to select the ‘Look in area’ and open the list by pressing the [down arrow] key. Select the source drive: D fat drive (RESTORE) then [ENTER].

6. Select the image file you want to restore then [ENTER].

7. In the next window, select the Source partition #1 then [ENTER].

8. In the next window, select the Destination drive #1 then [ENTER]. Press the [TAB] key to select the OK button, and then press [ENTER].

9. In the next window, select the Destination partition #1 then [ENTER]. Press the [TAB] key to select the OK button, then press [ENTER].

10. At the message ‘Proceed with partition restore’ select yes then [ENTER].

11. When the process is complete press [ENTER]. Select Quit then [ENTER], then Yes and [ENTER].

12. Remove the DVD disk (or USB key) and reboot the system.

Issue 1. 0

How to create a new ghost image of your system

1. Reboot the system on Bootable DVD (or USB key) which is delivered with the original system. On XFILE system, modify Boot priority in the BIOS settings in order to boot on the USB key.

2. For USB key only, select ‘EVS Ghost Backup or Restore’ in the menu.

3. In the ghost startup window, press [ENTER].

4. In the next window, select Local / Partition / To Image then [ENTER].

5. In the next window, select the Source drive, drive #1 then [ENTER].

6. In the next window, select the Source partition #1 then [ENTER]. Press the [TAB] key to select the OK button, then [ENTER].

7. In the next window, press the [TAB] key to select the Look in area and open it by pressing the down arrow key. Select the destination drive: D fat drive (RESTORE) then [ENTER].

8. Press the [TAB] key to select the File name area then type the file name: XFI111XX (where 111XX is the current version number). It is also recommended to provide a description of the GHOST you are creating.

9. Press the [TAB] key to select Save then [ENTER].

10. Select ‘Compress high’, then [ENTER].

11. At the message ‘Proceed with partition image creation’ select yes then [ENTER].

12. When the process is complete press [ENTER]. Select Quit then [ENTER], then Yes and [ENTER].

13. Remove the USB key or DVD and reboot the system.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Issue 1. 0

Software

management

NOTE: XFILE and XSTREAM applications work simultaneously into 2

separate windows but share the same bandwith for all operations. To access to the XFILE or XSTREAM window select the item from the taskbar .

Start-up

At first start the upper part of the window displays:

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION ARE A:

This field displays the current parameters of the system. Some relevant parameters are required to connect to the XNet. If an error message is displayed facing one of the parameters, click on the ‘System Config’ button to enter the System configuration window.

If the values are coherent, press ‘START’: the ‘System Config’ field is replaced by the ‘Session Config’ field.

SESSION CONFIG AREA

This field displays the current parameters and values saved to the descriptive metadata of the MXF header and added to each clip. This data can be modified for each session in the session configuration window.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

STATUS AREA:

Issue 1. 0

The aim of this area is to check the hardware validity, the remaining capacity of disks and to verify the compatibility between the software, the drivers and the data recorded. The system automatically starts the test processing. One after the other, the different stages of the boot sequence are displayed in the Status window.

If an error occurs during one stage, write the message down and contact EVS staff for support.

The last test is the connection to the XNet. If this stage is successful, the XFile is ready to operate. Press ‘START’ again to enter the application.

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

System configuration

The system configuration window is only available for modifications from the start page before start-up: system parameters are required to complete the boot sequence and to connect to the XNet.

During operations, this window will be displayed in read-only mode for information.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

NETWORK AREA

Issue 1. 0

Standalone mode:

Selects this option allows the operator to start the XFile without being connected to the XNet. In this mode only the maintenance mode is active.

Note : The bandwidth, the video standard and the Database Size

must be identical on all machines connected to the XNet. If one system is configured with a different bandwidth, video standard or database size, it will block the entire network.

SDTI : (540Mbps / 1485Mbps) Selects the bandwidth of the network.

Video Standard: (PAL/NTSC) Selects the video standard. NTSC format is also applicable for HD formats

Database Size: (6000/16000clips) Select the maximum number of clips saved to the LSM database.

Net Name:

The Net name defines the machine name on the network. This name is user-defined and can exceed 8 characters, but only 8 characters will be visible from the XNet views. Entering a Network Name is not mandatory because a network number is automatically given to the system, but it is recommended to name the machines in order to easily identify all systems connected to XNet.

Net Number:

Range: [1 … 29] The Net number defines the machine number on the network. This number is user-defined.

Optional SERVER mode for XFile

XFile system can turn to SERVER mode and host the LSM database. This option is useful when no XT is present on the network.

Note: This option has been temporary disabled to avoid

disconnection problems during operation.

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

STORAGE AREA

Disk mode: (Single Disk / Dual Disk / Mirroring)

Single Disk: only one disk is used. Dual Disk: When the first disk is full, the system automatically switches to the second disk. Mirroring: Same clips are saved to both disks at the same time.

Path A / B:

Selects the destination to save the MXF files. Depending on the Disk mode selection, one or two paths is/are active for modifications.

Important Note: At start-up, only the clips saved into the Path(s) are

scanned. This means only those clips, data included, will be accessible and display in the XFile list.

To avoid long scanning process at start-up, we advise the clips to be

distributed over different paths.

SYSTEM AREA

Serial Number: The serial number of the system is defined during the first installshield process and cannot be modified afterwards. The S/N is also written on the back plate of the mainframe.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Session configuration

1. AUTOBACKUP S ELECTION

Issue 1. 0

The session configuration window is divided into 7 tabs:

This selection list is only active while Autobackup mode is disabled. In the left area, all systems connected to the XNet are listed by net numbers.

1. First select the server to backup. The selected line changes to dark blue.

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

2. then Select the camera angles desired to be part of the autobackup process. Selected cameras appear in a green square, and unselected cameras in a red square

Not e: For the AirBox and SpotBox servers, all cameras must be

selected.

3. Press OK to confirm the selection and to close the window.

4. Press the Autobackup button

Different shortcuts are available to select cameras or systems with ease:

Reset: clears all selections Backup all:

selects all cameras of all systems. New systems being

connected will be also backed up. Backup all present:

selects all cameras of all systems currently connected

to the network. Backup all Present PREF cam:

selects all preferential cameras of all

systems currently connected to the network.

ADDITIONAL CRITERIA:

ARCHIVE S T ATUS

The basic working of the XFile is to compare the content of its disks with the clips present on the XNet. According to the result, the missing clips on disk will be au tomatically back ed up.

If several disks are required to backup a complete session, the Archive status must be kept to avoid a second backup of same clips while changing the disks.

Three conditions are required to validate the Archive status:

1. Before the Autobackup session, place a checkmark in the following box:

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Issue 1. 0

2. Then set the ‘DEFAULT XFILE’ parameter in the Setup menu of your LSM-XT server. (see Multicam documentation for complete information).

The

label appears on the line of the LSM-XT server if the

‘DEFAULT XFILE’ has been correctly defined.

3. and then activate the AUTOBACKUP by pressing the button.

Note : The ‘DEFAULT XFILE’ setting allows the operator to initiate the

backup of a clip from the LSM-XT server via the >ARCHIVE command (see Multicam documentation for details.)

The ‘Archive Flag’ also initiates the backup of a clip as requested

by the >ARCHIVE command even if the ‘DEFAULT XFILE’ is not set. But the Archive status on the Multicam server is not updated.

TIME RANG E

The autobackup session can be defined for a specific duration.

Select the square to activate the time range filter and press one of the Time range selection button to access this window:

Issue 1. 0

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

The ‘Time Range’ filter requires a date-time for the beginning and a datetime for the end to be valid.

1. In the calendar field select the month, and then select the day of the month.

2. In the time field select the hour, use the arrows to change the value displayed or directly type the value when the field lights green.

3. Press enter to confirm your selection.

4. Enter the second selection window to enter the values for the end limit. The Autobackup criterion is now active and only the clips created into the

time range will be back up.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

AUTOBACKUP VALIDATION:

Issue 1. 0

In the right area, the Autobackup validation list displays the current selection of Autobackup.

The clips displayed in a red line will not be taken to account by the Autobackup criteria and the clips displayed in a green line will be backed up when starting the Autobackup mode.

The message box in the lower part of the screen displays the details of the clip selec ted.

Issue 1. 0

2. MXF M ETADATA AREA

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

This area displays the current parameters and values saved to the descriptive metadata of the MXF file.

This data is modifiable by clicking on the value to modify. The value appears in the text field edition. After the modification, press MODIFY to confirm the command.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

3. XFILE SESSION AREA

Issue 1. 0

Session Folder:

Selects the folder destination to save the MXF files.

Important note 1: The system checks the clips present into the

session folder and its sub-folders. If a clip is not present and according to the criteria defined in the Autobackup selection tab, this clip is automatically backed up.

Note 2: In dual disk mode, when the first disk is full, the system

automatically switches to the second disk in the same folder. The session folder selection can be modified during operation. Clicking on a folder displays the number of clips and the capacity of this

folder. The total number of clips, the capacity and the remaining capacity are displayed in the lower part of the window for each path.

The current Session Folder is always represented by a green icon.

Issue 1. 0

4. ADVANCED P ARAM ETERS

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Autostart:

This option auto-starts the XFILE software

Autobackup at start-up:

This option automatically starts the autobackup mode at start-up.

AutoRetry when starting Autobackup:

This option is disabled in version 1.09.00.

Confirm Manual backup:

Enables or disables the confirmation message while initiating a Backup command.

Confirm Manual restore:

Enables or disables the confirmation message while initiating a Restore command.

Confirm Manual update:

Enables or disables the confirmation message while updating a clip previously backed up. This command is only available in Manual backup mode.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Issue 1. 0

Use fixed size font for Clipnames and keywords:

Enabling this option will display the content of clipnames and keywords columns with fixed size font in all modes.

Backup Filename Format String

The default filename automatically given to the MXF file is EVS_XFILE_creation date_clip number. mxf The MXF filename is user-defined and can be modified by typing a generic term (i.e.: WC2006_Match03…) and/or by adding one or many available items:

Issue 1. 0

5. GRAB

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

The Multicam operator from his remote control panel is able to select a video frame/field and to grab a picture. (A Default Xfile must be defined in the Setup menu of the Multicam - See Multicam documentation for more details) Those pictures are created by the XFile and stored on the disks of this XFile.

Grab folder

Select the destination folder to save the JPG/BMP files.

Stretch field to frame size

Enabling this option will automatically stretch the ‘field image’ to the original ‘fr ame size’

Output format

The automatic selection of the output format depends on the previous option. If the images are not modified by stretching the JPG format is defined and if the images are modified by stretching the BMP format is selected. The user can force the selection of one format.

Note: No compression artifact is added to this file creation process,

so the original quality of the image is kept.

XFILE Version 1.11 – Us er’s M anual

Author: M. Lothaire

Issue 1. 0

Grab XT/XFILE Filename Format String

The default filename automatically given to the JPG/BMP file is EVSGRAB_date_clip number_timecode. jpg/bmp

This filename is user-defined and can be modified by typing a generic term (i.e.: WC2006_Match03…) and/or by adding one or many available items:

6. EXPORT

All clips backed up by the XFile can be exported to other systems for different purposes.

+ 69 hidden pages