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Aurora Playout
User Manual v.8.1
186 pgs4.74 Mb0
User Manual v.6.5
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User Manual v.6.3
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Grass Valley Aurora Playout User Manual v.8.1

Aurora Playout
Playback Control System
User Manual
Software Version 8.1
071-8516- 08
20131223
Aurora Playout
Playback Control System
User Manual
Software Version 8.1
071-8516- 08
20131223
Contents
About Aurora Playout................................................................................................................................9
Terms You Should Know.........................................................................................................................10
Overview of Aurora Playout....................................................................................................................10
Using Aurora Playout..............................................................................................................................11
Linking to a Newsroom Computer System (NCS) ..............................................................................11
Creating playlists manually .................................................................................................................12
Overview of the Assignment List Manager.............................................................................................13
Overview of the Housekeeper.................................................................................................................14
Overview of the Simple Database (SDB) Server ...................................................................................15
Overview of the XMOS Server ...............................................................................................................16
About Aurora Playout and SiteConfig.....................................................................................................17
About SiteConfig.....................................................................................................................................17
Aurora Playout installation checklists......................................................................................................17
Pre-installation planning checklist.......................................................................................................18
Hardware installation checklist............................................................................................................18
Network setup and implementation checklist......................................................................................19
Software update checklist...................................................................................................................20
Installing Aurora Playout hardware.............................................................................................................21
Hardware installation checklist................................................................................................................21
Installing Aurora Playout Hardware.........................................................................................................21
Cabling the Aurora Playout computer ....................................................................................................21
Connecting the RDU 1510 Under Monitor Display ................................................................................22
Installing the X-keys Jog/Shuttle Controller (optional)............................................................................23
Network setup and implementation checklist..........................................................................................25
About developing a system description..................................................................................................26
About the corporate LAN........................................................................................................................26
Configuring the corporate LAN...............................................................................................................27
Adding a group.......................................................................................................................................27
Adding a device to the system description.............................................................................................28
About device and host names................................................................................................................29
Modifying a device name........................................................................................................................29
About IP configuration of network interfaces on devices........................................................................29
Placeholder device IP configuration....................................................................................................30
Discovered device IP configuration.....................................................................................................30
Modifying unassigned (unmanaged) network interfaces on Aurora Playout devices..............................31
About SiteConfig support on Aurora Playout devices.............................................................................33
Discovering devices with SiteConfig.......................................................................................................33
Assigning discovered devices.................................................................................................................34
Modifying Aurora Playout device managed network interfaces...............................................................35
Making the host name the same as the device name.............................................................................40
Pinging devices from the PC that hosts SiteConfig................................................................................40
About hosts files and SiteConfig.............................................................................................................41
Generating host tables using SiteConfig.................................................................................................41
Managing software.....................................................................................................................................43
Software update checklist.......................................................................................................................43
Create record of software installed on devices.......................................................................................43
Adding a software role to a device..........................................................................................................45
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 5
Contents
Removing a software role from a device.................................................................................................45
Configuring deployment groups..............................................................................................................46
Distribute devices into deployment groups.............................................................................................47
Distribute devices into deployment groups with STRATUS system........................................................47
About deploying software........................................................................................................................48
Installing Aurora Playout software manually...........................................................................................49
Configuring Aurora Playout.....................................................................................................................51
Configuring the Aurora Playout application.............................................................................................51
Setting General options.......................................................................................................................52
Setting Playback options.....................................................................................................................54
Setting channel configuration..............................................................................................................56
Configuring General Purpose Input and Output..................................................................................57
Defining Function Keys.......................................................................................................................61
Defining status colors..........................................................................................................................65
Configuring the Remote Display Unit (RDU).......................................................................................66
Setting Cue and Chain options...........................................................................................................69
Configuring Archive Play.....................................................................................................................70
Configuring Graphics..........................................................................................................................71
Configuring the Simple Database (SDB) Server.....................................................................................73
Setting General Options of SDB Server..............................................................................................74
Setting Media options of SDB Server..................................................................................................75
Setting up STRATUS Database Server in SDB Server.......................................................................77
Reinitializing media monitor of SDB Server........................................................................................77
Repopulating rundown items from SDB Server..................................................................................78
Restoring backup database of SDB Server........................................................................................78
Creating a Thumbnail folder................................................................................................................78
Configuring the XMOS Server................................................................................................................78
Refreshing rundowns in XMOS Server...............................................................................................80
Configuring Housekeeper ......................................................................................................................81
Setting General options of Housekeeper............................................................................................81
Setting Media options of Housekeeper...............................................................................................82
Configuring the standalone Assignment List Manager...........................................................................83
Setting Up Your NCS for Aurora Playout.................................................................................................87
Setting up ENPS ....................................................................................................................................87
Sending scripts with ENPS.................................................................................................................88
Setting ENPS MOS ready to air .........................................................................................................89
Setting up iNEWS ..................................................................................................................................89
Configuring status translations for iNEWS..........................................................................................90
Setting up Octopus ................................................................................................................................90
Creating an ActiveX Device for Octopus.............................................................................................91
Configuring the MOS Device for Octopus...........................................................................................91
Using NCS rundowns and Aurora Playout..................................................................................................95
Using NCS rundowns and Aurora Playout..............................................................................................95
Using the Assignment List in STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in .......................................................................95
The Assignment List tool........................................................................................................................95
Assignment List buttons......................................................................................................................97
Adding placeholders...............................................................................................................................98
Modifying a placeholder........................................................................................................................100
Deleting a placeholder..........................................................................................................................100
Adding a new sequence.......................................................................................................................101
Checking missing clips.........................................................................................................................102
Viewing and modifying metadata of placeholders................................................................................103
Using the GV STRATUS application in a Newsroom Computer System .............................................104
About Newsroom Basic.....................................................................................................................105
6 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
Contents
Using GV STRATUS with ENPS ......................................................................................................105
Using Orad plug-in with ENPS .........................................................................................................108
Using GV STRATUS with iNEWS.....................................................................................................110
Using GV STRATUS with Octopus ...................................................................................................112
Using GV STRATUS with OpenMedia..............................................................................................116
Editing and Aurora Playout.......................................................................................................................121
Editing and Aurora Playout...................................................................................................................121
Using the Assignment List Manager.....................................................................................................121
Receiving Editing Assignments............................................................................................................122
Additional features of Assignment List Manager...................................................................................122
Creating placeholders in Assignment List Manager..........................................................................123
Deleting placeholders in Assignment List Manager .........................................................................124
Changing clip category in Assignment List Manager........................................................................124
Viewing by category in the Assignment List Manager.......................................................................125
Identifying missing clips....................................................................................................................125
Using the STRATUS application in Aurora Playout...............................................................................125
Logging on to the STRATUS application...........................................................................................126
Inserting placeholders from GV STRATUS.......................................................................................127
Inserting clips from STRATUS..........................................................................................................127
Linking clips automatically from GV STRATUS.................................................................................128
Playing clips to air....................................................................................................................................129
Playing Clips to Air................................................................................................................................129
About Playout Toolbar...........................................................................................................................129
About the Playlist..................................................................................................................................131
Understanding Playlist colors............................................................................................................132
About Playout channels........................................................................................................................133
About Rundowns..................................................................................................................................134
About the Clip Browser.........................................................................................................................135
About the Playlist overview...................................................................................................................137
Creating a Playlist.................................................................................................................................138
Opening an NCS Rundown ..............................................................................................................138
Appending rundowns to a playlist......................................................................................................138
Removing rundowns from a Playlist..................................................................................................139
Previewing other rundowns...............................................................................................................139
Creating a new playlist manually.......................................................................................................140
Saving local playlists.........................................................................................................................140
Opening saved Playlists....................................................................................................................141
Appending a Playlist..........................................................................................................................141
Exporting a Playlist............................................................................................................................141
Chaining Clips in a Playlist................................................................................................................141
Cueing Clips.........................................................................................................................................142
Using the Jog feature........................................................................................................................143
Playing clips..........................................................................................................................................144
Playing clips with Orad graphics.......................................................................................................144
Archiving Clips......................................................................................................................................145
Recording a black clip for Archive Play.............................................................................................146
Customizing playlist for broadcast........................................................................................................146
Rearranging the Playlist layout..........................................................................................................146
Viewing clip properties .....................................................................................................................146
Assigning clips to channels...............................................................................................................146
Rearranging clips in a Playlist...........................................................................................................147
Adding new clips to a playlist............................................................................................................147
Using the context-sensitive playlist menu..........................................................................................148
About the Housekeeper .......................................................................................................................151
About Housekeeping tab......................................................................................................................151
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 7
Contents
About Clip Import tab............................................................................................................................152
About Archive tab.................................................................................................................................152
About Housekeeper toolbar .................................................................................................................153
Deleting clips from the clip database....................................................................................................154
Deleting clips immediately.................................................................................................................154
Moving files to the recycle bin...........................................................................................................154
Emptying the recycle bin...................................................................................................................155
Unprotecting a clip............................................................................................................................155
Refreshing the clip list.......................................................................................................................155
Deleting clips from a media server only............................................................................................155
Importing clips from a media server.....................................................................................................156
Changing clip properties ......................................................................................................................157
Creating placeholders in Housekeeper.................................................................................................158
Archiving clips in Housekeeper.............................................................................................................159
Resynchronizing clips...........................................................................................................................160
Sample of MOS Gateway configuration file..........................................................................................161
Trademarks...........................................................................................................................................165
JPEG acknowledgment.........................................................................................................................165
Software licenses..................................................................................................................................165
cmemdc.............................................................................................................................................165
cping..................................................................................................................................................166
CSizingToolBar..................................................................................................................................166
CTextProgressCtrl.............................................................................................................................167
MIT....................................................................................................................................................167
mozilla...............................................................................................................................................168
Paintlib...............................................................................................................................................176
resizeable lib.....................................................................................................................................177
tconvert.............................................................................................................................................178
zlib.....................................................................................................................................................179
8 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223

Introducing Aurora Playout

About Aurora Playout

Aurora Playout is a playback control system that controls media servers for live playback. It includes tools to integrate the program production workow between a media server, editing application, GV STRATUS media workow application framework, and optionally a newsroom computer system.
Aurora Playout is compatible with these systems:
K2 Media Server and Media ClientMedia Server
K2 Summit Production Client
Apple Final Cut ProEditing Application
Adobe Premiere Pro
EDIUS Elite and EDIUS XS
Storyboard Editor tool in GV STRATUS
GV STRATUS Media Workow Application FrameworkMedia Workow
Application Framework
Associated Press Electronic News Production System (ENPS)Newsroom Computer
System
By using Aurora Playout with a media server for server playout in live programs you can effectively replace four to six tape machines, depending on your media server. Aurora Playout displays each channel simultaneously and you can control playout with a keyboard and mouse, or with GPI buttons.
Aurora Playout consists of ve software components:
• Main Aurora Playout application
• Assignment List Manager
• Housekeeper utility
• SDB Server
• XMOS Server
Avid Technology iNEWS
Octopus Newsroom
Annova OpenMedia
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 9
Introducing Aurora Playout

Terms You Should Know

To use Aurora Playout effectively and efciently, you should become familiar with terms that are frequently used with Aurora products.
DefinitionTerm
Clip
Logical Asset
Metadata
Placeholder
Script
Sequence
A piece of media you can edit, containing video, audio, or both. Once a sequence is sent from EDIUS XS or GV STRATUS client to a media server it becomes a clip again. All clips and subclips merge into one clip.
Combination of the GV STRATUS database information, metadata, physical assets or assets on the server, and proxy assets.
Data about data; it can include keywords, timecode information, and other terms that help you nd a particular asset.
The raw program material, such as video or audio.Physical Asset
An item (in the Aurora Playout Assignment List Manager or the GV STRATUS Assignment List) reserved for a clip that doesn’t yet exist or is not complete. Clips are linked to a placeholder in Housekeeper, NCS rundowns, Aurora Ingest, or via GV STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in.
A low-resolution clip that represents high-resolution material.Proxy
The textual information for a news story in the newsroom computer system (NCS) rundown. Scripts can also reference electronic media, such as clips from a media server.
Edited media, consisting of pointers to different clips and subclips edited using the EDIUS XS or GV STRATUS application.
Story
The story — a collection of clips, sequences, and scripts — is the complete news segment that plays to air.

Overview of Aurora Playout

Aurora Playout is a playout control system that links a nonlinear editing system with an electronic news production system, media workow application framework, and a media server for a complete digital solution.
Playback operators use the main Aurora Playout application to create new playlists, and to control playlists before and during broadcasts. Aurora Playout application consists of several components such as Clip Browser, Playlist Overview, Rundown List, Channel windows and Playlist to coordinate playback.
Aurora Playout also has graphics workow through an interface to the Orad graphics playout engine, Maestro. Editors can place MOS-driven graphic elements on the timeline and then transfer graphic timing information directly into Aurora Playout. As the story plays to air, Aurora Playout frame-accurately triggers the Orad graphics server for a direct play-to-air as well.
10 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
Introducing Aurora Playout
With the integration of GV STRATUS Media Workow Application Framework in Aurora Playout, playback operators can search, add, and edit metadata of assets created for broadcasts. The GV STRATUS ActiveX Plugin also allows playback operators to preview assets via the Source Viewer or the Inspector without taking up a channel on the playout server. In order to use GV STRATUS within Aurora Playout, the STRATUS-ELITE license is needed on the GV STRATUS Core Services server.

Using Aurora Playout

Aurora Playout includes tools to integrate the program production workow between a media server, an editing application, a newsroom computer system, and the GV STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in.
With Aurora Playout, you can control live playback for your broadcast. You can use Aurora Playout in two ways:
• Create playlists by linking to a newsroom computer system (NCS)
• Create playlists manually in Aurora Playout

Linking to a Newsroom Computer System (NCS)

The most efcient way to use Aurora Playout is with a MOS-compatible newsroom computer system.
The producer uses the newsroom computer system to create rundowns for news shows, and links clips to rundown scripts. After the clips are complete, control room personnel use Aurora Playout to play out the clips to air.
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 11
Introducing Aurora Playout
A typical newsroom workow using a newsroom computer system (NCS) is:
1. The news producer creates a rundown using NCS.
2. The news producer uses the Assignment List in GV STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in to:
• Create placeholders for scripts that require clips
• Assign placeholders to editors
• Link placeholders to scripts in the rundown
3. The news producer assigns playback channels within the NCS rundown.
4. The news editor creates sequences for assignments.
5. The news editor uses the Aurora Playout Assignment List Manager to:
• Receive assignments from the producer
• Create additional clip placeholders
• Reassign placeholders to other editors
6. Control room personnel use the main Aurora Playout application to:
• Open the producer’s rundown playlist
• Assign clips to specic channels for playback
• Rearrange, insert, or delete clips prior to broadcast if necessary
• Play back clips during the news broadcast
Related Topics
Using Aurora Playout on page 11

Creating playlists manually

When a MOS-compatible NCS is not available, you can manually create rundowns and playlists.
12 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
Introducing Aurora Playout
After creating playlists and using placeholders to link to clips, you can cue and play the clips for broadcast.
A typical newsroom workow using Aurora Playout to create playlists is:
1. The news producer creates a rundown.
2. The news editor creates sequences for assignments using Storyboard Editor tool in GV STRATUS.
3. The news producer uses the Aurora Playout Assignment List Manager to:
• Create placeholders for clips
• Assign placeholders to editors
4. The news editor uses the Aurora Playout Assignment List Manager to:
• Create placeholders for clips
• Reassign placeholders to other editors
5. Control room personnel use the main Aurora Playout application to:
• Create a new playlist and rundown using the scripts from the producer and the clip database
• Assign clips to specic channels for playback
• Rearrange, insert, or delete clips prior to broadcast if necessary
• Play back clips during the news broadcast
Related Topics
Using Aurora Playout on page 11

Overview of the Assignment List Manager

Producers (or other station personnel) use the standalone Assignment List Manager to determine how many clips are missing for a given news show. Editors use the embedded Assignment List
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 13
Introducing Aurora Playout
Manager to receive assignments from the producer. Both forms of the Assignment List Manager are used to create additional placeholders for clips and to reassign placeholders to other categories.
The standalone Assignment List Manager runs on any computer on the network—an icon in the task bar ashes red when items in the selected category or rundown are missing.

Overview of the Housekeeper

Playback operators use Housekeeper to remove les from the clip database, import les from media servers, and to archive clips.
Housekeeper typically runs on the computer with the Main Aurora Playout application, though it can be installed on multiple computers if necessary.
Due to differences in media server channeless connection limit, not all computers within your broadcast operation can run Housekeeper application at the same time. If your media server is K2 version 3.2 and above, you can run up to seven Housekeeper applications simultaneously. While for M-Series, Prole and K2 version 3.1 and lower; only three Housekeeper applications can run at the same time.
14 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
Introducing Aurora Playout

Overview of the Simple Database (SDB) Server

The SDB Server runs in the background to keep clip status current.
When the status of a clip changes, the SDB Server updates available status and clip duration in the database, which in turn updates the Aurora Playout application. When a clip is associated with a placeholder, the SDB Server updates the number of missing items in the Assignment List Manager, Assignment List Plug-in, and Assignment List tool in the GV STRATUS application.
The SDB Server runs on the same computer as the XMOS Server, and optionally on a second system as a hot standby backup database.
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 15
Introducing Aurora Playout

Overview of the XMOS Server

The XMOS Server displays the communication between the Newsroom Computer System and Aurora Playout.
It runs on the same computer as the primary SDB Server.
16 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223

Preparing for installation

About Aurora Playout and SiteConfig

Grass Valley supplies a CD containing Aurora Playout software and documentation.
For initial install of Aurora Playout within your operation, SiteCong is the recommended tool for network conguration and software deployment. For upgrading Aurora Playout from a previous version, you can either upgrade using SiteCong or upgrade manually using the Aurora Playout CD. Refer to Aurora Playout Release Notes for detailed instructions on upgrading Aurora Playout.
The Aurora Playout Server can be supplied with all the necessary hardware and software installed. The software for other Aurora Playout components can be installed on any PC which meets the system requirement. After installing Aurora Playout, the software license number needs to be obtained. Refer to Aurora Playout Release Notes for instructions on obtaining the software license number.

About SiteConfig

SiteCong is Grass Valley's tool for network conguration and software deployment. SiteCong is a ProductFrame application. ProductFrame is an integrated platform of tools and product distribution processes for system installation and conguration.
You can use SiteCong as a stand-alone tool for planning and system design, even before you have any devices installed or cabled. You can dene networks, IP addresses, hostnames, interfaces, and other network parameters. You can add devices, group devices, and modify device roles in the system.
As you install and commission systems, SiteCong runs on a designated PC. It discovers devices, congures their network settings, and manages host les. SiteCong also manages software installations and upgrades and provides a unied software package with compatible versions for deployment across multi-product systems.
You should use SiteCong for network conguration and software deployment at installation and throughout the life of the system in your facility. This enforces consistent policy and allows SiteCong to keep a record of changes, which makes the system easier to maintain and aids in troubleshooting should a problem arise.
SiteCong displays information from a system description le, which is an XML le.

Aurora Playout installation checklists

Use the following sequence of checklists to guide the overall task ow of installing and commissioning an Aurora Playout system using SiteCong.
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 17
Preparing for installation

Pre-installation planning checklist

CommentTask
Procure the Aurora Playout Software
Check hardware specication requirements for Aurora Playout devices
within your network operation
Check whether the correct Microsoft .NET version is already installed on Aurora Playout devices
Check whether ProductFrame Discovery Agent service is already installed on Aurora Playout devices
Get Aurora Playout software installation (*.cab) le
Aurora Playout installation les can be supplied via software CD, GrassValley website, FTP site or other distribution mechanisms
The minimum and recommended system specication requirements are listed in
Aurora Playout Release Notes
—Install SiteCong on a control point PC
The required version of Mircosoft .NET software is provided within Grass Valley Prerequisite les at your SiteCong install location if you need to install the application
ProductFrame Discovery Agent is provided within DiscoveryAgent Setup folder at your SiteCong install location if you need to install the service
Make the (*.cab) le accessible to the SiteCong control point PC
Next: Hardware installation checklist

Hardware installation checklist

Use items in this checklist as appropriate for the optional equipment you are installing for your Aurora Playout.
Connect GPI inputs and outputs depending on your device type
Connect the RDU 1510 Under Monitor Display
Install X-keys Jog/Shuttle Controller
Next: Network setup and installation checklist
CommentTask
GPI inputs and outputs can be connected through PCI board or ethernet
18 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223

Network setup and implementation checklist

Preparing for installation
CommentTask
Create a system description
Add a group for your Aurora Playout devices to the system description
description for each of your actual Aurora Playout devices
devices
Congure the network interfaces of the placeholder devices
placeholder device
If you already have a SiteCong system description managing other devices such as K2 SAN in your facility, you can use that system description rather than creating a new one.
If you have not already added the corporate LAN to the system description and you have Playout devices that connect to that network, use this procedure to add the corporate LAN to the SiteCong system description.
—Add a placeholder device to the system
—Congure the names of the placeholder
Specify IP address ranges and other network details
—Discover your Aurora Playout devices
—Assign each discovered device to its
For each discovered and assigned device, edit each network interface. Specify network settings and apply them to the device.
If not already set correctly, set the hostname of discovered devices
network communication
Generate host table information and distribute to hosts les on each device and on the control point PC
Next: Software update checklist
If a device connects to multiple networks, set the control network interface IP address rst. Also set the hostname.
Make sure the device name is correct, then make the hostname the same as the device name.
—Ping each Aurora Playout device to test
Make sure you have completed network conguration of all network interfaces across all devices to ensure complete and valid host table information. You can use SiteCong to copy hosts les to devices, or you can manage hosts les yourself.
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 19
Preparing for installation

Software update checklist

CommentTask
Add/remove software roles on Aurora Playout devices
Create/congure a deployment group
deployment group
Place software on control point PC
Check software on devices
Add software to deployment group
Set deployment options
Upgrade/install software to devices from control point PC
Make sure software roles match the software that should be installed on each device, according to your system design.
If you also have Ingest and Edit devices, create a single deployment group to contain all ingest, edit and playout devices.
—Add Aurora Playout devices to the
Procure the correct version of software installation les and prerequisite les.
Refer to Aurora Playout Release Notes for upgrading instructions.
20 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223

Installing Aurora Playout hardware

Hardware installation checklist

Use items in this checklist as appropriate for the optional equipment you are installing for your Aurora Playout.
CommentTask
Connect GPI inputs and outputs depending on your device type
Connect the RDU 1510 Under Monitor Display
Install X-keys Jog/Shuttle Controller
Next: Network setup and installation checklist

Installing Aurora Playout Hardware

The Aurora Playout system which runs on a standard PC, offers coordinated news playback from the K2 Media Server, K2 Summit Production Client and the M-Series intelligent video digital recorder (iVDR). The Aurora Playout Server can be supplied with all the necessary hardware and software installed. Other Aurora Playout components can be installed on any PC which meets the system requirement.

Cabling the Aurora Playout computer

Aurora Playout is typically installed on a computer with RS-422 boards and GPI boards. Proper cabling is needed for awless use of the application.
GPI inputs and outputs can be connected through PCI board or ethernet
The following illustration provides an example of a typical computer. Your particular computer might be different.
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 21
Installing Aurora Playout hardware
Connect the GPI inputs and outputs using the separate cables and connection blocks as instructed in the Sealevel manuals included with your system.
Related Topics
Installing Aurora Playout Hardware on page 21

Connecting the RDU 1510 Under Monitor Display

A Remote Display Unit (RDU) can be controlled via Aurora Playout.
22 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
Installing Aurora Playout hardware
Use a cable that has a DB9 serial connector on one end and an RJ11 connection on the other. The DB9 end connects to the COM1 serial port on the back of the Aurora Playout, and the RJ11 end connects to the port labeled "Control" on the back of the RDU-1510. This is an RS-422/RS-232 serial communication port.
The RJ11 connector’s pinout is described in the table below. Pin 1 is at the bottom of the connector. Aurora Playout can be connected to either pins 3 and 4 for RS-422 or pin 4 for RS-232. When using RS-232, pin 3 must be connected to ground. The remote display unit does not transmit data to this serial port connector.
FunctionPin
No connection1
Ground2
RS-422 non-inverted data or grounded for RS-2323
RS-422 inverted data or RS-232 data4
No connection5
No connection6
Related Topics
Installing Aurora Playout Hardware on page 21

Installing the X-keys Jog/Shuttle Controller (optional)

Once you have installed Aurora Playout and the other components, you can install the optional X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller.
Aurora Playout has been designed to work with the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller (model XPS-08-USB).
1. Plug the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller into a USB connector on the Aurora Playout machine.
2. On the Aurora Playout machine, insert the X-keys Macro Works installation CD and follow instructions. Do not check the box to put shortcuts on the desktop.
If AutoRun is not enabled on your CD-ROM drive, nd the le "ainstall.exe" on the installation CD and run it.
3. Reboot the computer when prompted.
4. When the installation has completed, the X-keys Macro Maker and Macro Manager windows automatically pop up. Close these windows. Aurora Playout comes with a pre-congured X-keys layout.
5. Start Aurora Playout.
6. In the Aurora Playout Tools menu, select Options.
7. Select the Function Keys tab.
8. Verify the “Enable X-keys” box is checked and click OK.
Now you can use the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller.
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 23
Installing Aurora Playout hardware
A default layout has been provided with pre-congured X-keys. You can customize the X-keys to suit your needs.
Related Topics
Installing Aurora Playout Hardware on page 21
24 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223

Configuring the network

Network setup and implementation checklist

CommentTask
Create a system description
Add a group for your Aurora Playout devices to the system description
description for each of your actual Aurora Playout devices
devices
Congure the network interfaces of the placeholder devices
placeholder device
If you already have a SiteCong system description managing other devices such as K2 SAN in your facility, you can use that system description rather than creating a new one.
If you have not already added the corporate LAN to the system description and you have Playout devices that connect to that network, use this procedure to add the corporate LAN to the SiteCong system description.
—Add a placeholder device to the system
—Congure the names of the placeholder
Specify IP address ranges and other network details
—Discover your Aurora Playout devices
—Assign each discovered device to its
For each discovered and assigned device, edit each network interface. Specify network settings and apply them to the device.
If not already set correctly, set the hostname of discovered devices
network communication
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 25
If a device connects to multiple networks, set the control network interface IP address rst. Also set the hostname.
Make sure the device name is correct, then make the hostname the same as the device name.
—Ping each Aurora Playout device to test
Conguring the network
CommentTask
Generate host table information and distribute to hosts les on each device and on the control point PC
Next: Software update checklist

About developing a system description

The topics in this manual assume that you are modifying an existing system description. Your system description is typically developed using one of the following taskows:
• For a system in which all devices are new from Grass Valley with one or more K2 SANs, you rst create a system description for your K2 SAN or SANs, then add Browse, Edit, Ingest, and Playout devices as appropriate. Refer to the K2 SAN installation and Service Manual for instructions on creating the system description.
• For a system in which all devices are new from Grass Valley with one or more standalone K2 systems, you rst create a system description and add your standalone K2 systems, than add other devices as appropriate. Refer to the K2 System Guide for instructions on creating the system description and adding your standalone K2 systems.
• For a system with existing devices running earlier software, you must rst migrate the system to become a SiteCong managed system. Refer to SiteCong Migration Instructions for instructions on migrating your devices to be SiteCong managed devices.
Make sure you have completed network conguration of all network interfaces across all devices to ensure complete and valid host table information. You can use SiteCong to copy hosts les to devices, or you can manage hosts les yourself.
If you are using a different taskow, use the topics in this manual as appropriate and refer to the SiteCong User Manual or SiteCong Help Topics for additional information.
Your devices must be in a SiteCong system description in order to be managed by SiteCong. When you already have a system description in place, you should use SiteCong to modify this system description and add your devices. You can do this in your planning phase, even before you have devices installed or cabled. Your goal is to have the SiteCong system description accurately represent all aspects of your devices and networks before you begin actually implementing any networking or other conguration tasks for those devices.

About the corporate LAN

Devices such as Aurora Playout Server, SDB Server, Assignment List Manager, and Housekeeper can be on the corporate LAN, which is considered an unmanaged network in SiteCong. You can congure your system description to include the corporate LAN for the following purposes:
• If a device, such as the Aurora Playout Server, is on the corporate LAN yet is a SiteCong managed device, then SiteCong needs to know the connection for each network interface on the device, including the corporate LAN connection. Otherwise, SiteCong displays error messages.
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• If a device uses a DNS server on the corporate LAN for name resolution, SiteCong needs to reference that DNS server.
• If a device has software that SiteCong supports and the device is on the corporate LAN, such as Assignment List Manager or Housekeeper, you can use SiteCong to deploy software to the device via the corporate LAN.
If the device is on the corporate LAN and is not on a network that is managed by SiteCong, you cannot congure network settings on the device.

Configuring the corporate LAN

1. Open the SiteCong application.
2. In the Network Configuration | Networks tree view, select a System node or a Site node.
The networks under that node are displayed in the list view.
3. If the corporate LAN is not already in the system description, proceed as follows:
• To add a network under the currently selected node, in the tree view right-click the node and
select Add Network.
Conguring the network
The Network Settings dialog box opens.
4. Congure the settings for the network as follows:
• Type – Ethernet
• Usage – Control
• Redundancy – None
• Name – Enter a name to identify the network in the system description
• Exclude from Host Files – Select the checkbox
• Unmanaged – Select this option, then select DNS and select the checkbox for IP Address
Allocation via DHCP.
• Base IP Address – Do not congure
• Number of IP Addresses – Do not congure
• Subnet Mask – Do not congure
• DNS Servers – Servers providing DNS for name resolution. These DNS server can be for
both managed and unmanaged networks.
• Default Interface Name Sufx – The sufx added to the end of host names to identify interfaces
on this network.
5. Click OK to save settings and close.
6. If you added a network, it appears in the Network Configuration | Networks tree view at the bottom of the list.

Adding a group

1. In the Network Configuration | Networks tree view, right-click a site node and select Add Group.
The group appears in the tree view.
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Conguring the network
2. Right-click the group and select Rename.
3. Enter the desired name for the group.

Adding a device to the system description

Prerequisites for this task are as follows:
• The system description contains a group.
1. In the Network Configuration | Devices tree view, right-click a group and select Add Device.
The Add Device dialog box opens.
2. Congure settings for the device you are adding as follows:
• Family – Select Aurora.
• Type – Select Aurora Playout Platform.
• Model – Select the appropriate Aurora Playout components.
• Name – This is the device name, as displayed in the SiteCong device tree view and device
list view. This name can be different than the host name (network name). You can accept the default name or enter a name of your choice. Devices in the tree view are sorted alphabetically.
• Amount – You can add multiple devices, as currently dened by your settings in the Add
Device dialog box. An enumerator is added to the name to create a unique name for each device added.
• Control network – Select the control network. If this device is connected to the corporate
LAN, choose that network from the drop-down.
• Starting Address – Select from the list of available addresses on the selected control network.
If adding multiple devices, this is the starting address, with addresses assigned sequentially to each device added.
NOTE: If this device is connected to the corporate LAN, a starting address is not needed since the address is provided by DHCP.
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3. Click OK to save settings and close.
4. Repeat these steps for each of your devices.

About device and host names

In SiteCong, a device can have different names, as follows:
• Device name — This is a name for display in SiteCong only. It is stored in the SiteCong system description, but not written to the actual device. It is displayed in the device tree view and in the device list view. It can be a different name than the device’s host name.
• Host name — This is the network name of the device. SiteCong has a default naming convention for host names which you can use or override with your own host names.
In most cases it is recommended that the Device name and Host name be the same. This avoids confusion and aids troubleshooting.
The Device name can serve as a placeholder as a system is planned and implemented. During the install/commission process, when you reconcile a device's current and planned network interface settings, the Host name as congured in the system description can be overwritten by the host name on the actual device. However, the Device name congured in the system description is not affected. Therefore it is recommended that in the early planned stages, you congure the Device name to be the desired name for the device, but do not yet congure the Host name. Then, after you have applied network interface settings, you can change the Host name to be the same as the Device name. This changes the host name on the actual device so that then all names are in sync.
Conguring the network
SiteCong does not allow duplicate device names or host names.
Items in the tree view are automatically sorted alphabetically, so if you change a name the item might sort to a different position.

Modifying a device name

1. In the Network Configuration | Devices tree view, right-click a device and select Rename.
2. Type in the new name.
Note that this does not change the hostname on the physical device. If you want the hostname to match the device name, you must also modify the hostname.

About IP configuration of network interfaces on devices

You can perform IP conguration of network interfaces when working with a placeholder device prior to discovery. When you add a device and choose a particular model, the model denes the number, type and usage characteristics of network interfaces to expect on such a device.
You can view and edit each network interface and set up IP conguration selecting an appropriate IP from the network to which each interface connects. The process for editing IP conguration varies, depending on the device's phase.
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Conguring the network

Placeholder device IP configuration

On a placeholder device, you edit network interfaces using the Unmanaged Network Interfaces dialog box.
The Unmanaged Network Interfaces dialog box allows you only to save changes to the system description.

Discovered device IP configuration

On a discovered device, you edit network interfaces using the Managed Network Interfaces dialog box.
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