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Aurora Playout
User Manual v.6.3
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User Manual v.8.1
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Grass Valley Aurora Playout User Manual v.8.1

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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.
26 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
• 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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Conguring the network
The Managed Network Interfaces dialog box allows you to edit and save changes to the device.

Modifying unassigned (unmanaged) network interfaces on Aurora Playout devices

Prerequisites for this task are as follows:
• The system description has one or more Aurora Playout devices that are placeholder devices.
• The placeholder device has a one or more unmanaged network interfaces.
Use this task to modify unmanaged network interfaces on Aurora Playout devices as follows:
• Aurora Playout Server
• Aurora Playout Client
1. In the Network Configuration | Devices tree view, select Aurora Playout placeholder device.
The interfaces for that device are displayed in the interfaces list view.
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Conguring the network
2. In the interfaces list view, right-click an interface and select Edit.
The Unmanaged Network Interface Details dialog box opens.
3. Congure the settings for the interface as follows:
For control network interfaceSetting...
Network
Control is required
The IP address for this interface on the network. Required.IP Address
The device host name. Required.Interface Name
Set to Default
Not recommended. Sets the interface name to SiteCong default convention, based on the root Site name and device-type.
...use Interface Name/Aliases in
Unselected is required. Since not selected, the default behavior occurs, which is to use the device host name in the hosts le.
Host Files...
Not allowedAliases
DNS Sufx
Allowed, if applicable to the network. The DNS sufx is added to the interface name.
4. Click OK to save settings and close.
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Conguring the network
5. If conguring Aurora Playout device that is also on the corporate LAN, repeat steps to congure an interface for the corporate LAN, with settings as follows:
For corporate LAN network interfaceSetting...
Network
Set to Default
...use Interface Name/Aliases in Host Files...
Aliases
DNS Sufx
6. Click OK to save settings and close.
If using DHCP or external hosts le, select the unmanaged network that you congured earlier.
Select the IP address you plan to assign to the device.IP Address
These settings are irrelevant, as SiteCong does not manage this network.Interface Name
For communication on some networks, a sufx, such as mycorp.com, must be added to host names.

About SiteConfig support on Aurora Playout devices

Before SiteCong can be used to discover or manage a device, the device must meet the following requirements:
• The device must be a Microsoft Windows operating system device.
• The device must have Microsoft .NET version 3.5 installed, as reported in the Windows Add/Remove Programs control panel.
• The SiteCong Discovery Agent service must be running on the device, as reported in the Windows Services control panel.
For Aurora Playout devices shipped new from Grass Valley with software version 6.5 or higher, these requirements are pre-installed. These requirements are pre-installed on recovery images for these systems as well. Therefore, if you suspect a problem with these requirements, do not attempt to install SiteCong support requirements. If you must restore SiteCong support requirements, refer to the SiteCong Migration Instructions for complete information on SiteCong support requirements.

Discovering devices with SiteConfig

Prerequisites for this task are as follows:
• The Ethernet switch or switches that support the control network are congured and operational. If multiple switches, ISLs are connected and trunks congured.
• The PC that hosts SiteCong is communicating on the control network.
• There are no routers between the PC that hosts SiteCong and the devices to be discovered.
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Conguring the network
• Devices to be discovered are Windows operating system devices, with SiteCong support installed.
• Devices are cabled for control network connections.
• If discovering a device with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 operating system, the device must have an IP address, either static or DHCP supplied.
1. Open SiteCong.
2. In the toolbar, click the discover devices button.
The Discover Devices dialog box opens.
A list of discovered devices is displayed.
3. Click Rescan to re-run the discovery mechanism. You can do this if a device that you want to discover has its network connection restored or otherwise becomes available. Additional devices discovered are added to the list.

Assigning discovered devices

Prerequisites for this task are as follows:
• Devices have been discovered by SiteCong
• Discovered devices are not yet assigned to a device in the system description
• The system description has placeholder devices to which to assign the discovered devices.
1. If the Discovered Devices Dialog box is not already open, click the discover devices button .
The Discover Devices dialog box opens.
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Conguring the network
2. Identify discovered devices.
• If a single device is discovered in multiple rows, it means the device has multiple network
interfaces. Choose the interface that represents the device's currently connected control connection. This is typically Ethernet ... 0.
• If necessary, select a device in the list and click ID Device. This triggers an action on the
device, such as ashing an LED or ejecting a CD drive, to identify the device.
3. To also view previously discovered devices that have already been assigned to a device in the system description, select Show … currently assigned devices.
The currently assigned devices are added to the list. Viewing both assigned and unassigned devices in this way can be helpful to verify the match between discovered devices and placeholder devices.
4. In the row for each discovered device, view items on the Device Id drop-down list to determine the match with placeholder devices, as follows:
• If SiteCong nds a match between the device-type discovered and the device-type of one
or more placeholder devices, it displays those placeholder devices in the list.
• If SiteCong does not nd a match between the device-type discovered and the device-type
of a placeholder device, no placeholder device is displayed in the list.
5. In the row for a discovered device, click the Device Id drop-down list and select the placeholder device that corresponds to the discovered device.
If there is no corresponding placeholder device currently in the system description, you can select
Add to create a new placeholder device and then assign the discovered device to it.
6. When discovered devices have been assigned, click OK to save settings and close.
7. In the Network Configuration | Devices tree view, select each of the devices to which you assigned a discovered device.

Modifying Aurora Playout device managed network interfaces

Prerequisites for this task are as follows:
• The physical device you are conguring has been discovered and is assigned to a device in the SiteCong system description.
• SiteCong has communication with the device.
• The device is dened in the system description with an appropriate network interface.
Use this task to modify managed network interfaces on Aurora Playout devices as follows:
• Aurora Playout Server
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Conguring the network
• Aurora Playout Client
1. In the Interfaces list view determine the interface to congure, as follows:
• Identify the interface with which SiteCong is currently communicating, indicated by the
green star overlay icon. This should be the control network interface.
• Verify that the interface over which SiteCong is currently communicating is in fact the
interface dened for the control network in the system description. If this is not the case, you might have the control network cable connected to the wrong interface port. The control connection should always be the rst port on the motherboard, except when you have a loopback connection.
• Congure the control network interface rst before conguring any of the other interfaces.
• After you have successfully congured the control network interface, return to this step to
congure each remaining interface.
2. In the Interfaces list view, check the icon for the interface you are conguring.
If the icon has a red stop sign overlay, it indicates that current settings and planned settings do not match or that there is some other problem. Hover over the icon to read a tooltip with information about the problem.
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Conguring the network
3. In the Interfaces list view, right-click the interface you are conguring and select Edit.
The Managed Network Interface Details dialog box opens.
4. Identify the interface on the discovered device that you are conguring.
• Identify Ethernet LAN adapters by their "Description" name. This is the Windows connection
name. SiteCong reads this name from the device and displays it at the top of this dialog box. This is the most accurate way to identify the network adapter on the discovered device that you are conguring.
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Conguring the network
5. Congure naming settings as follows:
For network interface Network ConnectionSetting...
The device host name. Required.Interface Name
Not recommendedSet To Default
DNS Sufx
Allowed, if applicable to the network. The DNS sufx is added to the interface name.
Not allowedAliases
Use Interface Name/Aliases in
Unselected is required. Since not selected, the default behavior occurs, which is to use the device host name in the hosts le.
Host Files
For network interface Corporate LANSetting...
The device host name. Required.Interface Name
Not recommendedSet To Default
DNS Sufx
Allowed, if applicable to the network. The DNS sufx is added to the interface name.
Not allowedAliases
Use Interface Name/Aliases in
Unselected is recommended. Typically this setting has no effect, since the Corporate LAN does not use host les.
Host Files
6. Evaluate settings on the Planned tab and change if necessary.
• Compare settings on the Planned tab with settings on the Current tab.
• If you want to keep the current settings as reported in the Current tab, click Remove to remove
the planned settings.
• Do not specify multiple IP addresses for the same interface. Do not use the Add button.
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7. To modify planned settings, do the following:
a) Select the network settings and click Edit.
The Edit IP Address dialog box opens.
Conguring the network
b) Edit IP address settings as follows:
For network interface Network ConnectionSetting...
Network
Address Allocation
Control is required
Static is recommended.
The IP address for this interface on the network. Required.IP Address
For network interface Corporate LANSetting...
Network
Address Allocation
Corporate LAN is required
DHCP is typical.
When DHCP is selected, you cannot select an IP address.IP Address
The networks listed in the Edit IP Address dialog box are those currently dened in the system description, with available settings restricted according to the network denition. If you require settings that are not available, you can close dialog boxes and go to the Network
Configuration | Networks tab to modify network settings, then return to the Edit IP Address
dialog box to continue.
8. When you have veried that the planned settings are correct, click OK, then Yes to apply settings to the device and close.
A Contacting Device message box reports progress.
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Conguring the network
9. After conguring control network settings, do the following
a) If a message informs you of a possible loss of communication, click OK.
This message is normal, since this is the network over which you are currently communicating.
b) In the Device list view, observe the device icon and wait until the icon displays the green star
overlay before proceeding.
The icon might not display the green star overlay for several seconds as settings are recongured and communication is re-established.
c) In the Interface list view, right-click the interface and select Ping.
The Ping Host dialog box opens.
If ping status reports success, the interface is communicating on the control network.

Making the host name the same as the device name

1. Verify that the current device name, as displayed in the SiteCong tree view, is the same as your desired host name.
2. In the Network Configuration | Devices | Device list view, right-click the device and select Edit.
The Edit Device dialog box opens.
3. Identify the state of buttons as follows:
• If the host name is different than the device name, the Set to Device Name button is enabled.
• If the host name is the same as the device name, the Set to Device Name button is disabled.
4. If enabled, click Set to Device Name.
This changes the host name to be the same as the device name.
5. Click OK.
6. When prompted, restart the device.

Pinging devices from the PC that hosts SiteConfig

Prerequisites:
• The devices you are pinging are in the SiteCong system description.
You can send the ping command to one or more devices in the system description over the network to which the SiteCong host PC is connected. Typically this is the control network.
1. In the Network Configuration | Networks tree view, select a network, site, or system node.
2. In the Devices list view, select one or more devices. Use Ctrl + Click or Shift + Click to select multiple devices.
3. Right-click the selected device or devices and select Ping.
The Ping Devices dialog box opens and lists the selected device or devices.
The Ping Devices dialog box reports the progress and results of the ping command per device.
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About hosts files and SiteConfig

SiteCong uses the network information in the system description to dene a hosts le and allows you to view the hosts le. SiteCong can manage this hosts le on Windows operating system devices that are in the system description and that are part of a SiteCong managed network.
When you have successfully assigned devices and applied planned network settings to interfaces, it is an indication that host table information, as currently captured in the system description, is valid and that you are ready to have SiteCong assemble the host table information into a hosts le. Your options for placing this host table information on devices are as follows:
• If you do not want SiteCong to manage your host table information, you can manage it yourself. This is typically the case if your facility has an existing hosts le that contains host table information for devices that are not in the SiteCong system description. In this case, you can have SiteCong generate a single hosts le that contains the host table information for the devices in the system description. You can then copy the desired host table information out of the SiteCong hosts le and copy it into your facility hosts le. You must then distribute your facility hosts le to devices using your own mechanisms.
• If you want SiteCong to manage all information in hosts les on devices, you can have SiteCong copy its hosts le to devices. In so doing, SiteCong overwrites the existing hosts les on devices. Therefore, this requires that all devices that have name resolution through the hosts le be congured accordingly in the SiteCong system description.
Conguring the network
If you choose to have SiteCong write hosts les to devices, the process consumes system resource and network bandwidth. Therefore you should wait until you have veried the information for all devices/interfaces in the host le, rather than updating hosts les incrementally as you discover/assign devices.
SiteCong does not automatically deploy hosts les to managed devices as you add or remove devices. If you add or remove devices from the system description, you must re-deploy the modied hosts le to all devices.

Generating host tables using SiteConfig

Prerequisites for this task are as follows:
• Planned control network settings are applied to control network interfaces and devices are communicating on the control network as dened in the system description.
• Interfaces for networks that require name resolution via the hosts le, such as the FTP/streaming network, have settings applied and are communicating.
• You have viewed host names, as currently dened in the system description, and determined that they are correct.
• The SiteCong PC is added to the system description so that it is included in the host tables generated by SiteCong.
When you add or modify devices or their IP addresses in the SiteCong system description, you should update host tables on all devices that use them.
1. In the Network Configuration | Networks tree view, select a network, site, or system node.
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Conguring the network
2. Click View Hosts file.
A Hosts File Contents window opens that displays the contents of the hosts le as currently dened in the system description.
3. Verify the information in the hosts le.
4. Do one of the following:
• If you are managing host table information yourself, click Save As and save a copy of the
hosts le to a location on the control point PC. Then open the copy of the hosts le, copy the desired host table information from it, and paste it into your facility hosts le as desired. Then you can use your own process to distribute the facility hosts le to devices. Remember to distribute to the control point PC so that SiteCong and other management applications such as K2Cong can resolve network host names.
• If SiteCong is managing hosts les, do the following:
NOTE: Writing hosts les to multiple devices consumes system resource and network bandwidth. Therefore it is recommended that you wait and do this after the system is complete and fully implemented, rather than updating hosts les incrementally as you discover/assign devices.
a) In the Network Configuration | Devices | Devices list view, right-click a device to which you
intend to write the hosts le and select View Current Host File.
A Host File Contents window opens that displays the contents of the hosts le that is currently on that actual device.
b) Verify that there is no information that you want to retain in the device’s current hosts le
that is not also in the hosts le as currently dened in the system description. If you need to save the device's current hosts le, click Save As and save to a different location.
c) In the Network Configuration | Devices | Devices list view, right-click a device or use Ctrl +
Click to select multiple devices, and select Update Host File.
The current hosts le is overwritten with the hosts le as dened in the system description.
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Managing software

Software update checklist

CommentTask
Add/remove software roles on Aurora Playout devices
Make sure software roles match the software that should be installed on each device, according to your system design.
Create/congure a deployment group
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
deployment group
Place software on control point PC
Procure the correct version of software installation les and prerequisite les.
Check software on devices
Add software to deployment group
Refer to Aurora Playout Release Notes for upgrading instructions.
Set deployment options
Upgrade/install software to devices from control point PC

Create record of software installed on devices

If you have not already done so, create a document to keep track of the software that you plan to install on each of your system devices, according to your system design. This is especially helpful for Aurora product devices. The following table is an example of this type of document. Then, as you proceed with subsequent tasks and remove/add software roles to devices in SiteCong, you can refer to your table and make sure you are assigning software roles correctly.
FTP-1HDK2-1FSM-1ING-1DSM-1EDIT-1CONF-1HD-1, 2, 3SVR-1Software
XMF Server
X+ K2 MDI
X+ News MDI
X+ NTFS
X+ FlashNET MDI
X+ Proxy MDI
20131223 Aurora Playout User Manual 43
Managing software
+ RMI core
FTP-1HDK2-1FSM-1ING-1DSM-1EDIT-1CONF-1HD-1, 2, 3SVR-1Software
X+ FTP MDI
XAurora Browse
XProxy Encoder
XNews Share
XConform
XAurora Suite
X+ Edit
X+ Edit LD
XX+ FTP
X+ SmartBins
XAurora Ingest
XAurora Playout
XXXXXK2 - Gen iSCSI
XXXXXXK2 - GVG MLib
XK2 - Server
XK2 - Client
XControl Point
44 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223

Adding a software role to a device

1. In the Software Deployment | Devices tree view, right-click the device and select Add Role.
The Add Role dialog box opens.
Managing software
FTP-1HDK2-1FSM-1ING-1DSM-1EDIT-1CONF-1HD-1, 2, 3SVR-1Software
XXXXXXXStorNext
The Add Role dialog box displays only those roles that SiteCong allows for the selected device type.
2. Select the role or roles that you want to add to the device. Use Ctrl + Click or Shift + Click to add multiple roles.
3. Click OK to save settings and close.
The new role or roles appear under the device in the tree view.

Removing a software role from a device

1. In the Software Deployment | Devices tree view, expand a device’s node to expose the roles currently assigned to the device.
2. Right-click the role you want to remove and select Remove.
The role is removed from the device in the tree view.
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Managing software

Configuring deployment groups

Prerequisites for this procedure are as follows:
• The device is assigned in the SiteCong system description and network connectivity is present.
1. In the Software Deployment | Deployment Groups tree view, right-click the top node and select
2. Right-click the deployment group, select Rename, and enter a name for the deployment group.
3. Right-click the deployment group and select Add Target Device.
Add Deployment Group.
A deployment group appears in the tree view.
The Add Target Device(s) wizard opens.
4. In the Available Target Devices tree view, select the node that displays the devices that you are combining as a deployment group.
5. In the right-hand pane, select the devices that you are combining as a deployment group.
To select multiple devices, you can drag through the devices, use Ctrl + Click, or use Shift + Click.
6. Click OK.
The devices appear in the Deployment Groups tree view under the deployment group. Before you perform a software deployment, you must check software on the devices that will be receiving new software. If you have already added packages to the group, on the Deployment Groups tab you will also see deployment tasks generated for every device with roles that match the package contents.
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Distribute devices into deployment groups

You can gather devices of different types into a SiteCong deployment group. This allows you to deploy software to all the devices in the deployment group at the same time, as part of the same deployment session. Based on the roles you have assigned to the devices, SiteCong deploys the proper software to each device. This increases the efciency of your software deployment with SiteCong.
If you have not already done so, congure your deployment groups. The recommended deployment group distribution is as follows. Depending on your system design, your system might not have all the device types listed.
• In a deployment group named "Aurora_Edit_Ingest_Playout", place the following devices:
• Aurora Edit workstation of any storage options: Shared storage, NAS storage, and stand-alone.
• Aurora Edit LD computer
• DSM
• Conform Server
• SmartBin Server
• FTP Server
• Aurora Ingest Platform
• IEP
• Aurora Playout Platform
Managing software
• If you have a K2 Nearline SAN (NAS), in a deployment group named for the SAN system, place the following devices:
• The Nearline SAN's K2 Media Servers.

Distribute devices into deployment groups with STRATUS system

You can gather devices of different types into a SiteCong deployment group. This allows you to deploy software to all the devices in the deployment group at the same time, as part of the same deployment session. Based on the roles you have assigned to the devices, SiteCong deploys the proper software to each device. This increases the efciency of your software deployment with SiteCong.
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Managing software
If you have not already done so, congure your deployment groups. The recommended deployment group distribution is as follows. Depending on your system design, your system might not have all the device types listed.
• In a deployment group named "STRATUS", place the following devices:
• In a deployment group named "EDIUS", place the following devices:
• GV STRATUS client PC connected on the corporate LAN for low-resolution (proxy) workow
• GV STRATUS client PC connected on the media (iSCSI) network for high-resolution workow
• GV STRATUS servers as follows:
• Express server
• Core server
• Proxy server (A1)
• Proxy Storage le system server (B1, C1)
• Proxy Encoder
• Conform Server
• Workow Server
• GV STRATUS/EDIUS XS client PC connected on the corporate LAN for low-resolution
(proxy) workow
• GV STRATUS/EDIUS Elite client PC connected on the media (iSCSI) network for
high-resolution workow
• EDIUS servers as follows:
• EDIUS XRE Server
• If you have Aurora Playout, in a deployment group named "Aurora_Playout", place the following devices:
• IEP
• Aurora Playout Platform

About deploying software

You must control the sequence of tasks and device restarts as you install or upgrade software. The exact steps can vary from software version to version. The following sequence of SiteCong tasks is typical:
1. Check currently installed software.
2. Add software package(s) to deployment group(s).
3. Set deployment options.
4. Deploy (install or upgrade) software.
Your product's release notes have the specic task ow for the version of software you are installing. The release notes are written for upgrading software on existing systems, but if you are installing software for the rst time on a new system, the steps are essentially the same. The primary difference
48 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
is that when installing software for the rst time, the SiteCong "uninstall" deployment tasks are not displayed.
NOTE: Make sure you follow the documented task ow in the release notes for the version of software you are installing or to which you are upgrading.

Installing Aurora Playout software manually

Because you must congure some components with the locations of other components, you should plan your overall installation before you begin.
If you don't have SiteCong within your operation, you can install Aurora Playout software using the Aurora Playout installation le that you received from Grass Valley.
The various Aurora Playout components reside on multiple computers. Using the Aurora Playout installer, you can choose which component to install on a particular computer.
Machine where you install it...Component
Managing software
Aurora Playout application
Aurora Playout Server Components: XMOS Server / SDB Server
(standalone version)
Hot Standby Database Server
1. Navigate to and double-click SetupAuroraPlayout.exe.
Aurora Playout computer.
NOTE: It is recommended that Aurora Playout is run at a display resolution of 1280 x 1024.
Recommend installing on a separate computer even though they are allowed to be on Aurora Playout computer.
NOTE: When the XMOS Server application is running on a Windows XP system, it is recommended that the “Windows Firewall” feature be turned off, as it can adversely affect the speed of MOS communication with the newsroom computer system.
Aurora Playout computer or another PC on the same network.Housekeeper
Non-NCS computers, usually used by Newsroom Producers.Assignment List Manager
Optional; install on a PC on the same network as the Aurora Playout computer.
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Managing software
2. Click Next until you reach the Select Features screen.
3. At the Select Features screen, select the component(s) that you want to install.
4. Click Next to start the installation.
5. Click Finish at the Installation Complete screen.
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Configuring Aurora Playout

Configuring Aurora Playout

Aurora Playout has many options that let you dene how your system is set up.
If your system is already pre-congured at the factory, you might want to adjust some options based on how you use Aurora Playout.

Configuring the Aurora Playout application

Each setting of the Aurora Playout application is discussed in case you need to recongure your system.
1. Choose Tools | Options.
The Options window appears.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
2. Go through each tab in the Options window and congure Aurora Playout using the description for each tab.
3. Click Apply to apply your settings to each tab.
4. Click OK when you are done setting options.
Related Topics
Conguring Aurora Playout on page 51

Setting General options

DescriptionOptionsSetting
Database Server
Enter the name of the computer hosting the primary SDB Server.
Backup Database Server
Enter the name of the computer hosting the hot-standby SDB Server.
Enter the name of the computer hosting the XMOS Server.XMOS Server
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Update MOS Status
Update MOS Channel
Thumbnail Path
By default, the Update MOS Status checkbox is selected. If you have two or more Playout systems running, deselect the box on the Tools | Options of the backup system. This is to avoid MOS status conicts when the same rundown is loaded by more than one Playout system.
When the checkbox is selected, it enables channel assignments in Aurora Playout to be updated to the Newsroom Computer System.
Enter the full path to the shared thumbnail directory on the computer where thumbnails are stored, in the format
\\server\foldername; e.g., if you have a shared folder
named “thumbnails” on your playout system named “Playout1”, the path would be \\Playout1\thumbnails. This path needs to match the path set in GV STRATUS Control Panel — Applications | Playout | SDB | SDB Thumbnail Path.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Yes; NoDisconnect
Warning

Setting Playback options

Select Yes to be alerted before Aurora Playout disconnects synchronization with the Newsroom Computer System.
DescriptionOptionSetting
SoftChannel
Assignment
Hard
When a rundown is loaded, Playout does not assign channels to stories; clips will be cued to the rst available channel.
When a rundown is loaded, Playout assigns channels to all stories without a current channel assignment and maintains that assignment regardless of the available channels.
EnabledSpace Bar Play
Disabled
Count DownCounter Mode
Count Up
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Enables or disables use of the space bar to play the next cued clip.
Sets the clip duration counter to count time down from the clip duration to zero, or from zero up to the clip duration.
MM:SS
Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionSetting
Determines how the counter is displayed.HH:MM:SS:FFCounter Display
Stop Cue Delay
Post Roll Stop
Out Cue Preview
Minimum On-Air
End Blip 1 and 2
End Blip Stay On
Prevent Pause within X Seconds of Play
Determines the amount of time to freeze a clip on its last frame before cueing the next clip on that channel.
When a channel is playing and Play Next is pressed, determines the amount of time that the clip continues to post roll before cueing the next clip to that channel.
Previews the last few seconds of the clip and immediately recues. (The number of seconds that previews is determined by your studio’s needs.)
Determines the minimum time that the On-Air GPI trigger must be on before releasing it will send the clip into post-roll and cue the next clip.
Determines the amount of time prior to the end of a clip to display an audio/visual warning.
Determines whether the End Blip visual signal remains on once triggered, or just ashes momentarily.
Determines whether stop commands (through GPI input or mouse click) can occur within a determined period of time after the playing of a clip begins.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionSetting
Prevent Stop Cue Delay on Post Roll

Setting channel configuration

Determines whether there should be a Stop Cue Delay duration when a clip goes into post roll mode by a play next command or tally off-air.
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Select the channel to congure.1-6Select Channel
Enter a name for the channel.Channel NameChannel
On; OffInclude in
Rotation
Check Include in Rotation to include this channel when automatically assigning channels.
On; OffUse Backup
Check Use Backup if you are using a second media server for mirrored playback.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Select the type of channel connection.RS 422;
Select the primary port for this channel.Playback Control
Enter the name of the K2 Media Client, K2
Channel/Backup Playback Channel
Control TypeMain Playback
Ethernet
Port
Media Server
Summit Production Client or M-Series.
Server Channel Name
Enter the name of the channel you are using for this playback channel. Use the naming convention VTR1, VTR2, etc., for the channel name.
• Click the button to view the complete list of channel information after the conguration.
This symbol indicates that an Aurora Playout channel is no longer connected to its corresponding channel on the media server. Check the following possible problems; as you cannot remotely control the media server while this symbol is present:
• Playout channels on the media server are not set to use the remote AMP protocol.
• If you are using RS-422, there is no physical serial/network cable connection between Aurora Playout and the media server used for playout.
• If you are using Ethernet channel connections, the entries for media server or Server Channel Name are not set correctly in the Aurora Playout Channel Conguration.
• COM ports are set incorrectly in the Aurora Playout Channel Conguration.
Related Topics
About Playout channels on page 133

Configuring General Purpose Input and Output

General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) conguration allows you to connect a switcher or other control device to the Aurora Playout system and use it to control the Aurora Playout software.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
Aurora Playout supports both PCI and ethernet based GPIO depending on your choice of GPIO device. You can select either PCI or Ethernet from the Device Type drop-down list.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
For ethernet based GPIO connection, you then need to enter the IP address and slave ID of your GPIO device.
• Check the Enable General Purpose Input box to start conguring your GP Input.
To assign the function of a GP input, select the GP Input number, the channel it affects, and the function you want the GPI to perform.
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Enable GP Input
Channel
GP Input Function for Channel A-F labels: First;
Second; Third
On (checked); Off (unchecked)
Check Enable General Purpose Input to control the Aurora Playout software via GP input.
Select the GP input you are conguring.1 through 16 or 32GP Input
<none>; Channel A
- F; Not Channel
Select the channel that this GP Input trigger will affect.
Specic
Select a function for each GP Input. Each input usually has only one function, though it can perform up to three functions.
The GP Input has no assigned function.<none>
Plays or stops the current clip.Play/Stop
Plays the current clip.Play
Stops playing the current clip.Stop
Recues the current clip.Recue
Cues the previous clip in the playlist.Cue Previous
Cues the next clip in the playlist.Cue Next
On-Air
Only used with the First GP Input function. Sends the specied channel an On-Air signal. When Aurora Playout detects a signal, the channel window becomes red to indicate the channel is playing to air. When the On-Air GP Input trigger is held longer than the Minimum On-Air duration specied under Options and then released, the channel goes into post-roll and then cues the next clip.
The GP Input has no assigned function.<none>GP Input Function for Not Channel Specic:
Cue All
Cues a clip into each available channel, starting with
the selected clip.
Plays the next clip in the playlist.Play Next
Stops all playing channels in the playlist.Stop All
Selects the previous item in the playlist.Cursor Up
Selects the next item in the playlist.Cursor Down
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Conguring Aurora Playout
• Check the Enable General Purpose Output box to start conguring your GP Output.
To assign the function of a GP output, select the channel it affects, the command in Aurora Playout that triggers GP output and the GP output number.
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Enable GP Output
Channel
On (checked); Off (unchecked)
<none>; Channel A ­F; Not Channel Specic
CuedCommand
Playing
Loop Play
Jog Forward
Jog Backward
End Blip 1 (Hold till End of Clip)
Check Enable General Purpose Output to allow Aurora Playout to trigger GP outputs.
Select the channel that will trigger the General Purpose output.
If you select the Not Channel Specific option, the only available option in the Command dropdown is
Embargoed.
The output is set when the channel is cued; reset when the channel is playing or if the clip is ejected.
The output is set when the channel is playing; reset when the channel is stopped or the clip is ejected.
The output is set when the channel is in loop play mode; reset if not in loop play mode.
The output is set when the Jog Forward or Jog Backward buttons are pressed; reset when the Play, Stop, or Eject buttons are pressed, or when the channel is re-cued.
The output is set when the playing channel reaches End Blip 1; reset when the channel is stopped or the clip is ejected.
End Blip 2 (Hold till End of Clip)
The output is set when the playing channel reaches End Blip 2; reset when the channel is stopped or the clip is ejected.
Embargoed
The output is set when the clip is played; reset when the clip is stopped or if the clip is ejected.
NOTE: This option is only available when the Channel is set to "Not Channel Specic".
GP Output
Select the GP output you want to activate.<none>; 1-16 or 1-32 (depending on your conguration)
After conguring your GP inputs and outputs, you can see the overview of your current GPIO
setting by clicking the button.
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Defining Function Keys

Conguring Aurora Playout
The computer function keys (F1 - F12) provide shortcuts to some Aurora Playout commands, and are pre-congured by default to control the following functions for channels 1 through 3. You can
click the button to view the summary of those pre-congured function key assignments.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
To reassign a function; select the Function Key number, the channel it affects, and the command you want the function key to perform.
Function KeyAurora Playout function
Channel 3Channel 2Channel 1
F9F5F1Play/Stop Cued Clip
F10F6F2Recue Current Clip
F11F7F3Cue Previous Clip
F12F8F4Cue Next Clip
DescriptionOptionSetting
F1 through F12Function Key
<none>Channel
Channel 1-6
<none>Command
Play/Stop
Recue
Cue Previous
Cue Next
Play without Graphics
On (checked)Enable X-keys
Off (unchecked)
Select the function key you want to set.
Select the channel on which the function key will operate.
Select the command the function key will perform on the specied channel.
This command is only enabled when you have graphics license with Aurora Playout.
Select the Enable X-keys check box to allow Aurora Playout to use an X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller. Click Congure to dene the function of each X-key.
Configuring the X-Keys Controller
You can use Aurora Playout with the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller.
Many of the X-keys have been pre-congured on the Green layer; only the Toggle key has been pre-congured on the Red layer. You can change the default layout or add new commands on the unused keys.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
NOTE: Before you can use the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller, you need to install the X-keys Macro Works software. However, do not use the X-keys Macro Maker application to modify the keys.
1. Check Enable X-keys on the Function Keys tab and click Configure.
2. Click on the key that you want to congure or modify.
A drop-down list displays the available commands.
3. Select a command to apply to this key.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to congure additional keys.
5. Once you have nished conguring keys, click OK.
In addition to keys, the controller comes with jog/shuttle knob. The jog control, the center disk of the knob, allows you to make precise frame by frame selections for editing. The outer rim can be used in Shuttle or Varispeed mode. The SH/VS key toggles between the two modes.
Shuttle and Varispeed modes both allow you to play clips at various preset fast forward, rewind, and slow-motion speeds. In Shuttle mode, when you release the knob the clip stops. In Varispeed mode, when you release the knob the clip keeps playing until you press the Stop key.
Using the X-keys Jog/Shuttle Controller
The X-keys controller allows you to simplify your workow. For example, you can use the default layout to easily navigate between different channels or between the Playlist and Clip Browser windows.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
Any commands you send using the X-keys controller apply to the currently active channel or window, which is considered to have focus. When a channel has focus, you can perform tasks such as navigating through a clip or trimming a clip. When a window has focus, you can scroll through the clips or the playlist. Always bear in mind that you need to give focus to a channel or window before you can apply the X-keys controller commands to it.
The following table describes the pre-congured keys on the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller.
DescriptionSetting
Enables or disables the X-keys Jog/Shuttle controller.Enable X-keys
Indicates whether you are conguring the Red or Green layer.Layer
Reset All Keys
Toggle
Focus PL
Focus CB
Scr Up , Scr Down
Focus 1-6
Focus Next
Resets all the keys on the particular layer that you are conguring. Reset All Keys does not affect keys that shift between the layers, i.e. the Toggle, Red, and Green keys.
While you are using the X-keys controller, Toggle switches between the Red and Green layers.
Gives focus to the main Aurora Playout Playlist window, that is, makes the Playlist window active. X-keys commands such as scrolling will apply to the window that has focus.
Gives focus to the Clip Browser window, if open. X-keys commands such as scrolling will apply to the window that has focus.
When the focus is on the Clip Browser window, you can press the Scroll Up or the Scroll Down button to select a clip in the Clip Browser. When the focus is on the main Playlist window, you can press the Scroll Up or the Scroll Down button to select a clip in the Rundown.
Gives focus to the specied channel. X-keys commands such as those related to playing, shuttling, or trimming a clip in a channel will apply to the channel that currently has focus.
Gives focus to the next channel. All X-keys commands will apply to the channel that currently has focus.
Jogs the clip backward 10 frames.10 Back
Jogs the clip forward 10 frames.10 Fwd
Jogs the clip backward 1 frame.1 Back
Jogs the clip forward 1 frame.1 Fwd
Rew
When the focus is on a channel, you can press the Rew button to rewind the clip in that channel.
FF
When the focus is on a channel, you can press the FF button to fast forward through the clip in that channel.
Tab Key
In message dialog boxes, functions in the same manner as the Tab key on a computer keyboard.
Enter Key
In message dialog boxes, functions in the same manner as the Enter key on the computer keyboard.
Toggles between Shuttle and Varispeed modes.SH/VS
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionSetting
Mark In
Mark Out
Out Cue
VAR -1; VAR 1; VAR -3; VAR 3; VAR -5; VAR 5; VAR -7; VAR 7
Play without Graphics
Marks a new In point for a clip. After trimming, the clip must be recued to apply the new Mark In.
Marks a new Out point for a clip. After trimming, the clip must be recued to apply the new Mark Out.
Clears the trim marks of a clip.Clear
When a channel has focus, you can use the Out Cue key to activate Out Cue Preview for that channel. This allows you to preview the end of a clip by playing the last few seconds, followed by a recue to the beginning. The duration of the preview can be congured by going to the Tools menu and selecting Options, then changing the Out Cue Preview eld on the Playback tab.
These seven speeds correspond to whatever values are typed into the elds in the Variable Speed Presets section of the X-keys Conguration dialog box. When you press a VAR key, the clip plays at the preset speed for that key until you press the Stop key. You can move the wheel to the left to access the negative (backward) speeds, move the wheel to the right to access the positive (forward) speeds.
Recues the clip.Recue
Plays or stops the clip.Play/Stop
Plays the clip without the accompanying graphics. This setting is only applicable with graphics license of Aurora Playout.
Variable speed presets

Defining status colors

Aurora Playout uses color to show clip status.
Preset speeds that you can access by using the shuttle/varispeed wheel of the controller or by using the VAR keys. You can modify these to your own settings.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
To change a color, open the drop-down menu for the color you want to change and select a new color.
Status DescriptionSetting
The color to indicate that a clip is cued.Cued
The color to indicate that a clip is playing.Roll
The color to indicate that a clip is stopped during play.Stopped
The color to indicate that a clip is in post roll.Post Roll
The color to indicate the rst audio/visual warning.End Blip 1
The color to indicate the second audio/visual warning.End Blip 2
Resets those colors to the default system colors.Default

Configuring the Remote Display Unit (RDU)

A Remote Display Unit (RDU) lets you see the clips playing on each channel and the status of each clip.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
The RDU usually resides in the control room so that operators can monitor playback status during a broadcast. There are two different RDUs you can use with Aurora Playout: RDU 1510 or TSI
1000.
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Type of Display Unit
Select your type of Remote Display Unit.RDU-1510;
TSI-1000
1; 2; 3Select Unit
For the TSI, select the unit that you want to use. You can connect the Aurora Playout system to up to three TSI Remote Display Units. The default values of these units are 1,2, and 3. You can congure these to more appropriate names for your needs.
Com Port; Machine NameControl
For the RDU 1510, select the Com Port on the Aurora Playout that the RDU is connected to (usually COM1). For the TSI 1000, enter the IP address or the host name of the TSI 1000 machine.
Select the text format to display on the RDU.Normal;
Font
Text FontColor and
Spaced; Thin; Small
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Resource
Normal Color
Red; Green; Amber
On-Air Color
Red; Green; Amber
External Color
Red; Green; Amber
On-Air and External Color
Red; Green; Amber
Display ID (1-6) / Resource ID
Tally Input (1-2) / Input ID
Display Size
Select the color to display on the RDU during normal operation.
Select the color to display on the RDU to indicate a GPI On-Air trigger.
Select the color to display on an external tally device to indicate an input trigger.
Select the color to display on the RDU to indicate that both the GPI On-Air and Tally Input are triggered.
Enter the Display ID number for each channel on the RDU. The Display ID determines the position of the clip information on the RDU.
The Tally Input determines the state of the channel, and the color display associated with the current channel state on the RDU. Typically, these settings should be left at their default values. For more information about tally states, please see the user manual for your RDU.
Check the Size checkbox to display the clip name with the full number of characters allowed. If Full is checked, 19 characters can be displayed. If Full is not checked, 13 characters can be displayed. (TSI-1000 only)
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Duration

Setting Cue and Chain options

Check the Duration box to display the minute and seconds. (TSI-1000 only)
DescriptionSetting
Auto Recue
Check Auto Recue to automatically recue clips in the playlist when a clip is moved to a new position within the Aurora Playout playlist or the NCS rundown, or when the status of clips changed to Ready.
NOTE: Only one Prevent Auto Recue option can be selected at a time after selecting the Auto Recue check box.
Prevent Auto Recue above last played item
Check Prevent Auto Recue above last played item to avoid automatic recue of clips above the last played item in the playlist. However, clips above the last played item can still be cued manually by the operator.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionSetting
Prevent Auto Recue above rst cued item
Auto Cue on Loading Rundown
Prevent Cue All from ejecting playing clips
Auto Chain

Configuring Archive Play

Check Prevent Auto Recue above first cued item to avoid automatic recue of clips above the rst cued clip in the playlist. However, clips above the rst cued item can still be cued manually by the operator.
Check Auto Cue on Loading Rundown to automatically cue clips into all available channels when you open a rundown.
Check Prevent Cue All from ejecting playing clips to prevent a playing clip from being ejected when the Cue All command is issued.
Check Auto Chain to have Aurora Playout automatically chain two or more consecutive clips in a playlist that are assigned to the same channel.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Archive Black
VTR Port
Disable GPI Input during Archive Play

Configuring Graphics

Aurora Playout supports graphics trigger workow through an interface to the Orad graphics playout engine, Maestro. Users need to require a license for the graphics workow to be enabled. Once enabled, the Graphics tab can be accessed from Tools | Options of Aurora Playout.
Channel A-FChannel
On (checked); Off (unchecked)
Select the channel to use for Archive Play. When in Archive Play mode, clips can be cued only to this channel.
Specify the Archive Black duration. Archive Black is the black video that separates each archived clip from the next. The default time is 5 seconds. If it does not already exist on your media server, you must record a black clip and place it in the default media bin. The clip should be about 10 seconds long and must be named “BLACK”.
Select the COM port you are using to connect the VTR.
Determines whether to disable GPI Input while archiving clips.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Enable Graphics Control
Check the box to enable graphics control in the workow.
Current support is for Orad device type only.Device Type
Server
Enter the name of the computer hosting the graphics server.
Port
Enter the port you are using to connect to the graphics server.
Preview; 1; 2Output
Determines whether the output is for preview or played-to-air.
Trigger Graphics automatically
Select the radio button if you want to trigger graphics automatically with each play command.
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Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Trigger Graphics via On-Air Tally
Select the radio button if you want to only trigger graphics when a channel is "on-air". If it is played without a corresponding tally event, the graphic will not be triggered.

Configuring the Simple Database (SDB) Server

When using a Hot Standby SDB Server, you should be logged in as Administrator while making any changes to the Options settings.
NOTE: If you want to congure the GV STRATUS application with Aurora Playout, refer to related topics about Playout conguration settings in the "GV STRATUS Installation and Service Manual" in order to congure the SDB Server.
The SDB Server provides you with status on all Aurora Playout playlists associated with NCS rundowns and media servers.
1. Double-click SDB Server button . on the desktop; or click the Start menu and choose
Programs | Grass Valley | Aurora | SDB Server.
2. Choose Tools | Options.
The Options window appears.
3. Go through each tab on the Options window and congure SDB Server using descriptions in the following sections.
4. Click OK.
Related Topics
Conguring Aurora Playout on page 51
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Setting General Options of SDB Server

DescriptionSetting
Database Identier
Enter an ID for the database, up to 4 characters, such as your station call letters. All clip IDs will begin with this identier. This is an optional eld.
Mirror Server
Enter the name of the computer hosting the backup database server. For the primary SDB Server, this is the system hosting the hot standby database server; for the hot standby database server, this is the system hosting the primary SDB Server.
Enter the name of the computer hosting the XMOS Server.XMOS Server
Video Standard
Select your newsroom video standard: PAL, NTSC - Drop Frame, or NTSC ­Non-drop Frame.
Enter the path for the database backups.Database Backup
Path
Enter how often you want the database to back up automatically.Database Backup
Interval
Thumbnail Server
Species the name of the computer running the Thumbnail Server application (if used).
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DescriptionSetting
Sets the path where the thumbnails will be stored.Thumbnail Path
Being Edited
Select the color that displays in the Assignment List to alert editors that a sequence is being edited.
Categories
Lets you dene categories for sorting and assigning placeholders. To add a category, click Add, enter the name of the category, and click OK. Categories appear in these locations: Assignment List Manager; Housekeeper; Aurora Playout Clip Browser, and Assignment List in the GV STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in.
Durations
Lets you set default estimated durations for new placeholders. To add a duration, click Add, enter the duration in the format hours:minutes:seconds:frames, and click OK.
Types
Lets you dene story types for placeholders. Two story types, SOT (Story on Tape) and VO (Voice Over) are default types. To add a story type, click Add, enter the type, and click OK.

Setting Media options of SDB Server

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DescriptionOptionsSetting
Playout Servers
Ingest Servers
Lets you dene the media servers you are using for playout. To add a playout server, click Add, enter the Name and Drive where the media is stored on the playout server, and click OK. If you are using mirrored playback, add both servers here.
NOTE: Refer to related topics about Playout conguration settings in the "GV STRATUS Installation and Service Manual" in order to congure the media server if you have GV STRATUS in your system.
Use the Auto Transfer feature to automatically transfer media from a source (ingest) server to a destination (playout) server. The Auto Transfer takes place only when media that is sent to or recorded on the ingest server is associated with a Playout placeholder that is part of a MOS-Active rundown. To add an ingest server, check Auto Transfer, click Add, enter the name, and click OK. To change the ingest server to a different server, select the server and click Rename. A media server can only be either a source or destination server for Auto Transfer, so the same media server should never be added to both the Playout and Ingest sections. If you are not using Auto Transfer, leave this section blank.
Media Bin
Monitor all rundownsRundown Status
Monitor open rundowns only
Aurora Playout creates a default Media Bin where playout media is sent; also used for monitoring ready status and clip duration.
Select Monitor all rundowns to update statuses for stories in all active rundowns in your newsroom computer system, regardless of whether they are currently open in Aurora Playout; this is the default.
Select Monitor open rundowns only to update statuses for only the rundowns that are open in Aurora Playout; when set, only updates the status column in your newsroom computer system for open rundowns.
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DescriptionOptionsSetting
16:9; 4:3Thumbnails
Select the video aspect ratio for thumbnails displayed in Aurora Playout components.

Setting up STRATUS Database Server in SDB Server

To connect to the host of STRATUS Database Server:
1. Click on the STRATUS tab.
2. Enter the following system information:
DescriptionSetting
Enter the name of the computer hosting the STRATUS Database Server.STRATUS
Database Server
3. Click Apply and OK.
After this setting is congured, STRATUS database can be accessed via the STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in within Aurora Playout, and proxy paths of assets are available to the newsroom computer system.
NOTE: If the STRATUS Database Server setting is changed in the STRATUS Control Panel application, you also need to launch and save the Playout settings in the STRATUS Control Panel to update the conguration. Then, SDB Server needs to be restarted to get the new setting of the STRATUS Database Server.

Reinitializing media monitor of SDB Server

To refresh rundowns, reinitialize media server connections and update database records, you can select the option to Reinitialize Media Monitor.
This is an option for you to manually execute the refresh function, even though SDB Server would be automatically updated each time there is a new change to your rundown.
To reinitialize media monitor:
1. Click SDB Server on the taskbar of your desktop to display the window.
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2. Select Tools | Reinitialize Media Monitor or press F5 for the shortcut button.

Repopulating rundown items from SDB Server

The option to repopulate rundown items is useful if you were to accidentally delete placeholders in Housekeeper for an active rundown. You can repopulate those placeholders by selecting this option within SDB Server.
However, this option only repopulate empty placeholders and you still need to associate clips to those placeholders before the rundown is ready for playback.
In the case of a complete loss or corruption of the SDB database, repopulate could be used to rebuild the database by importing placeholders from all MOS active rundowns.
To repopulate rundown items:
1. Click SDB Server on the taskbar of your desktop to display the window.
2. Select Tools | Repopulate Rundown Items.
You could see the change from “Unknown Placeholder” to the previous name of the placeholder in the rundown list.
3. Open the Housekeeper application and associate the clip to the repopulated placeholder.

Restoring backup database of SDB Server

You also have the option to restore your backup database in case the current database is corrupted or your system crashed.
For extra precaution, it is also advisable to have a backup database server on another machine on your network.
To restore the backup database:
1. Click SDB Server on the taskbar of your desktop to display the window.
2. Select Tools | Restore Backup Database.

Creating a Thumbnail folder

Regardless of which media server you’re using, you need to create a directory in which to store video thumbnails.
To create the Thumbnail folder:
1. Navigate to C:\Aurora Playout.
2. Create a folder and name it Thumbnails.
3. Right-click on the folder, select Sharing, and click Share this folder.
4. Click OK.

Configuring the XMOS Server

The XMOS Server provides communication between the Newsroom Computer System and Aurora Playout.
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NOTE: If you want to congure the GV STRATUS application with Aurora Playout, refer to related topics about Playout conguration settings in the "GV STRATUS Installation and Service Manual" in order to congure the XMOS Server.
To congure the XMOS Server:
1. From the Start menu, choose Programs | Grass Valley | Aurora | XMOS Server.
2. Choose Tools | Options.
The Options window appears.
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3. Enter the following system information:
DescriptionSetting
MOS ID
NCS ID
NCS MOS Server
MOS Version
Database Server
Backup Database Server
Enter your MOS ID: In ENPS, see ENPS | System Maintenance | MOS Conguration in the ID column. In iNEWS, this value matches the <mos> value within the conguration le on the iNEWS MOS Gateway at C:/Program Files/Avid/MOS Gateway/moscong.xml. See your iNEWS administrator for assistance. In Octopus, see Admin | MOS | Devices.
Enter the name of the server hosting your newsroom computer system: For ENPS, the name of the ENPS Server. If you have an ENPS Buddy server, you need to enter both the main and buddy server names in both the NCS ID and NCS MOS Server elds, in the format "MAIN,BUDDY". For iNEWS, the name of the iNEWS Server.For Octopus, see Admin | MOS | Devices.
Enter the name of the server hosting the NCS MOS Server component: For ENPS, the same value you entered for the NCS ID. For iNEWS, the name of the iNEWS MOS Gateway machine. For Octopus, the name of the Octopus Server machine.
Select the version of MOS you are using from the pull-down menu: 2.6 or
2.8.2 for ENPS, 2.7 for iNEWS and 2.6 for Octopus. If your version is unknown, leave the setting at the default value, 2.6.
Enter the name of the server hosting the Aurora Playout database (primary SDB server).
Enter the name of the server hosting the backup Aurora Playout database (hot standby SDB server).If you are not using a hot standby SDB server, leave this eld blank.
Enter the full path (or browse) to the directory where scripts are stored.Script Path
Web Script Path
Enter the full path (or browse) to the directory where web scripts are stored. Users are able to view scripts created through NCS from a standard web browser such as Internet Explorer and Firefox.
Generate MOS Objects for Feeds
Check the box to enable an enhanced MOS workow which requires MOS Objects generated for feeds. As assets are embedded with MOS Object IDs, they can be searched throughout ENPS and inserted below the black line of the script.
4. Click OK.
Related Topics
Conguring Aurora Playout on page 51

Refreshing rundowns in XMOS Server

To reect new changes on your rundown, you can select the option to refresh rundowns within XMOS Server.
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This is an option for users to manually execute the refresh function, even though XMOS Server would be automatically updated each time there is a new change to your rundown.
To refresh rundowns:
1. Double-click XMOS Server on the desktop or click the Start menu and choose Programs | Grass
Valley | Aurora | XMOS Server.
2. Click Tools | Refresh Rundowns.

Configuring Housekeeper

Housekeeper has several options that can be tailored to the requirements and equipment in your newsroom.
1. Double-click Housekeeper button on the desktop; or click the Start menu and choose
Programs | Grass Valley | Aurora | Housekeeper.
2. Choose Tools | Options.
3. Go through each tab on the Options window and congure Housekeeper using general and media options setup.
4. Click OK.
Conguring Aurora Playout
Related Topics
Conguring Aurora Playout on page 51

Setting General options of Housekeeper

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DescriptionOptionsSetting
Database Server
Enter the name of the computer hosting the Aurora Playout database (primary SDB server).
Backup Database Server
Enter the name of the computer hosting the backup Aurora Playout database (hot standby SDB server).
Editorial Duration Prompt
Check this box to prompt the user for an Editorial Duration when associating clips with placeholders through the Clip Import tab.
Thumbnail Server
Enter the name of the system running the Thumbnail Server application (if used).
Enter the full path to the thumbnail directory.Thumbnail Path

Setting Media options of Housekeeper

In order for Housekeeper to connect to media servers where clips are stored, you must rst add the server names to the Media tab.
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1. Click Add.
The Add Server window appears:
2. Enter the name of the server and select its type from the pull-down menu.
3. Enter the drive where media is located on the server.
The default drive for a Prole Server is EXT: and for an M-Series, K2 or Summit is V:.
4. Select the type of server—Playout, Import, and/or Archive:
• Playout Server—A server where you will be sending clips to be played to air.
• Import Server—Any server where you want to import clips from; this server is listed on the
Clip Import tab.
• Archive Server— Any server where you want to archive les; this server is listed on the
Archive tab. You can only have one Archive Server.
5. Click OK.

Configuring the standalone Assignment List Manager

The Assignment List Manager lets producers create placeholders for clips, assign or reassign placeholders to editors, and monitor clip status.
To congure the Assignment List Manager:
1. Click the Start menu and select Programs | Grass Valley | Aurora | Assignment List Manager.
The Assignment List Manager appears.
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2. Click Options button .
The Options window appears.
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3. Enter the following system information:
Conguring Aurora Playout
DescriptionOptionsSetting
Database Server
Backup Database Server
Thumbnail Path
Display
XMOS Server
Reset Columns
Placeholder List; Rundown View
Enter the name of the server where the Aurora Playout database resides (primary SDB server).
Enter the name of the server for the backup Aurora Playout database (hot standby SDB server).
Enter the full path to the shared thumbnail directory on the computer where thumbnails are stored, in the format \\server\foldername; e.g., if you have a shared folder named “thumbnails” on your playout system named “Playout1”, the path would be \\Playout1\thumbnails.
Select Placeholder List to display placeholders in the Assignment List Manager or select Rundown View to display the list of rundowns. Both can also be selected to display placeholders and rundowns in the Assignment List Manager.
Enter the name of the computer hosting the XMOS Server.
Click the button to reset columns to their original placement if they have been rearranged.
Enable Trim Capability
Allow Placeholder Deletion
4. Click OK.
Related Topics
Conguring Aurora Playout on page 51
Check the box if you want to enable trim capability for placeholders.
Check the box to allow placeholders to be deleted within the Assignment List Manager.
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Setting up your NCS for Aurora Playout

Setting Up Your NCS for Aurora Playout

With Aurora Playout, you can use your Newsroom Computer System (NCS) to create rundowns and link clips to rundown scripts via Assignment List in the STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in. The MOS-compatible NCS needs to be congured for use with Aurora Playout.
• ENPS
• iNEWS
• Octopus

Setting up ENPS

To set up ENPS for use with Aurora Playout, you need to modify your ENPS conguration.
1. On the ENPS server, nd the enps.ini le and add the following to the [ENPS] section:
QTMediaExtensions=.mov,.mp4
2. On an ENPS client, log in as the administrator and start up ENPS.
3. From the ENPS folder, select System Maintenance | Groups | New and create a new group with these parameters:
KXYZGVGID
GV ClipsDescription
Select the name of your ENPS server from the dropdown listServer
4. Click Save and close ENPS on the workstation.
5. Close the News Object Manager and it should restart automatically. After the NOM has started, restart the ENPS client.
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6. From the ENPS folder, select System Maintenance | MOS Configuration | New and create a new MOS entry with these parameters:
ID
IP
The MOS ID; this value is case sensitive and must match the MOS ID congured in the XMOS Server Options.The recommended format is <family>.<machine>.<location>.<enterprise>.mos. Standard practice is to use station call letters for location and station group abbreviation for enterprise.
GV STRATUS - for operation with GV STRATUS.Description
GV Assignment List - for Aurora Playout operation only.
The IP address or host name of the machine hosting the SDB Server and the XMOS Server.
GV.STRATUS.1 - for operation with GV STRATUS.ActiveX
GVG.XMOSCtrl.1 - for Aurora Playout operation only.
Leave blank. These settings are congured during installation.Default Settings
The group ID you congured in step 2.Program
2.6 or 2.8.2MOS Version
OffLocal DragDrop
OnAuto Create
OnStory Send
7. From the ENPS folder, select System Maintenance | Global Configuration Options, add a new property named AddMOSObjDuration and set its value to 1.
NOTE: AddMOSObjDuration is the optional setting that allows the duration of clips to be automatically included in the rundown timing. If you prefer to manually enter the duration of your story and clips, do not activate this setting.
8. Add mp4 to the MOSBrowseMediaExtensions property, as can be seen below:
MOSBrowseMediaExtensions=bmp,jpg,jpeg,mp4,3gp,wmv,wav,sdp,ts
9. Restart the ENPS client application.
Related Topics
Setting Up Your NCS for Aurora Playout on page 87

Sending scripts with ENPS

The ENPS MOS Story Send feature allows Aurora Edit systems to view scripts.
1. For an existing rundown or template in ENPS, go to Properties.
2. Temporarily toggle the MOS Control Active eld to OFF.
3. Click in the MOS Story Send eld and turn on the checkbox for the MOS ID used for Aurora Playout.
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4. Toggle the MOS Control Active to ON to make the rundown available to Aurora Playout.
5. Congure the XMOS Server to write scripts.
Aurora Edit systems will then be able to use the "Link to Story" and "Story View" features.

Setting ENPS MOS ready to air

If you want producers to have the ability to indicate to the Aurora Playout operation when a rundown is ready, use the ENPS MOS Ready to Air feature.
To set the feature:
• Set the ENPS rundown property “Ready to air” to ON.
A corresponding READY ag is set to ON in the Aurora Playout rundown window Status column.

Setting up iNEWS

To set up iNEWS for use with Aurora Playout, you need to add a new MOS device to the iNEWS conguration le:
Setting up your NCS for Aurora Playout
1. On the MOS gateway machine, open the le C:\Program Files\Avid\MOSGateway\moscong.xml.
2. Modify the following lines of the le, adding values for your location:
DescriptionValue
ncs id
mos
amcp
NOTE: With iNEWS, <handlesRoItemLevelCommands> default setting could cause stories to drop to the bottom of the playlist when they are newly inserted, or when their channel assignment is changed. Therefore, <handlesRoItemLevelCommands> value should be set to NO in the moscong.xml le.
Related Topics
Setting Up Your NCS for Aurora Playout on page 87
Your Newsroom Computer System name; this value is case sensitive and must match the NCS ID conguration in the XMOS Server options.
The hostname of the iNEWS server.host
Your MOS ID; this value is case sensitive and must match the MOS ID conguration in the XMOS Server options.
The tag displayed in iNEWS scripts for placeholders embedded in scripts. This value should match the device name that appears in the iNEWS SYSTEM.MAP le.
The hostname of the machine running the XMOS Server.network
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Configuring status translations for iNEWS

To ensure correct status reporting between Aurora Playout and iNEWS server, you need to edit the status translation table in the iNEWS conguration le.
• The status translation table within the moscong.xml le should appear as below:
<statusTranslations> <statusUnavailable>NOT READY</statusUnavailable> <statusCueing>CUEING</statusCueing> <statusAvailable>READY</statusAvailable> <statusCued>STAND BY</statusCued> <statusPlaying>PLAY</statusPlaying> <statusPaused>STOPPED</statusPaused> <statusStopped>END</statusStopped> <statusUnknown>DISCONNECTED</statusUnknown> </statusTranslations>
• On the iNEWS server, your MCS dictionary (located at /site/dict/mcs) would typically contain these lines:
A_EVERR /5ERROR A_CAFRZ /END A_CATREL /2STANDBY A_CATHRD /THREAD A_CACUING /2CUEING A_CACUED /2CUED A_CANOTAPE /4NOT READY A_CABIN /READY A_CAPLAY /3PLAY A_CAPAUSE /3STOPPED A_CAREW /REWIND A_CAEJECT /EJECT A_CAINCMPLT /TRANSFER
NOTE: Since the statuses that appear in this dictionary can be customized, the values shown in the right column of your MCS dictionary may vary slightly from the ones shown here.
To ensure correct conguration with iNEWS, a sample of the moscong.xml le is provided in the appendix section.

Setting up Octopus

In order to use Octopus with Aurora Playout, you need to congure it rst.
To congure Octopus for Aurora Playout, you need to create an ActiveX device, and modify the MOS Devices conguration.
Related Topics
Setting Up Your NCS for Aurora Playout on page 87
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Creating an ActiveX Device for Octopus

You need to create an ActiveX device before using Octopus with Aurora Playout.
1. In the Octopus application, go to Admin | MOS | Devices.
2. Highlight the MOS ID for Aurora Playout.
3. Click the ActiveX button in the toolbar.
4. Click New and congure the device as follows:
Setting up your NCS for Aurora Playout
SettingOption
User preference (e.g., GV Plug-in)Name
User preference (e.g., GV STRATUS Plug-in)Long Name
800 width x 600 heightSize
browserType
1.0 iNewsVersion
GUIDInsert ActiveX using
4A7EA76A-62A5-11D4-BAE8-0050048C80CAEnter GUID of ActiveX control
5. Click OK.

Configuring the MOS Device for Octopus

You need to congure the MOS Device before using Octopus with Aurora Playout.
1. In the Octopus application, go to Admin | MOS | Devices and double-click on the device you want to use with Aurora Playout.
2. Congure the Basic tab as follows:
These values must match those set for the XMOS Server.mosID
ncsID
UncheckedDisabled
2.6 or 2.8.1 (it must match with the version set for the XMOS Server)MOS protocol version
Name of machine hosting the SDB ServerMedia server host
SDB Server port (normally won’t change from default setting)Media server port
Name of machine hosting the XMOS ServerRundown server host
XMOS Server port (normally won’t change from default setting)Rundown server port
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3. Congure the Advanced tab as follows:
Send all objects
Send empty elements
Send empty stories
Editable times
Supports more than one show
Content synchronisation allowed
Send rundown metadata
Send story texts
Prompt story element labels
SettingOption
roReplaceReplace rundowns after connection
User PreferenceSend story text elements
Keep sending roStoryReplace
Log heartbeats
Send roElementAction
Uses UTC time
Receive feedback for all shows
Allow mosListAll
Use name instead of JobID
Delete lowres les
4. Congure the Object creation tab as follows:
Default MOS object creation device
Allow automatic MOS object creation
00:00:00:00Default MOS object duration
%n (where n = the name of the slug)MOS object naming pattern
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5. Congure the Statuses tab as follows:
Setting up your NCS for Aurora Playout
Controls story status
a) Create these status categories (these are the suggested names and order):
6. Congure the Extra tab as follows:
Send channel info:
Other settings based on user preference
7. On the Times tab, use the default settings.
8. Click OK.
(needed to provide status information on Aurora Playout)
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Using NCS rundowns and Aurora Playout

Using NCS rundowns and Aurora Playout

Producers can use Aurora Playout with a MOS-compatible newsroom computer system (NCS) to create rundowns, create placeholders for editor assignments, link clips to the rundown and insert graphics that can be frame-accurately triggered to play-to-air.
Producers can also use the NCS to assign clips to specic playback channels, eliminating the need for a playback operator to assign channels for the rundown.
In sites without an NCS, an editor can follow the producer’s script and create placeholders using another component of Aurora Playout, such as the Assignment List Manager, and have a playback operator manually create playlists.

Using the Assignment List in STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in

The Assignment List in STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in integrates with your NCS and allows you to create placeholders for clips, assign those placeholders to newsroom editors, and link the resulting clips back to your NCS rundown.
As you use your NCS to create rundowns for news programs and add scripts for each story, you can check the Assignment List in the STRATUS ActiveX Plug-in to ensure that the related news clip is ready for your story.
With the integration, you can also add general metadata, keywords and custom metadata on a placeholder. Once the metadata is added, it will be searchable and editable throughout all STRATUS clients.

The Assignment List tool

The Assignment List tool allows you to create placeholders for clips, assign those placeholders to newsroom editors, add new sequence, and link the resulting clips to rundown stories on your Newsroom Computer System. You also need Aurora Playout components such as SDB Server and XMOS Server to run the Assignment List tool. With the proper license and assigned role, Assignment List appears in the GV STRATUS application as a panel that can be accessed from the Window menu, the tool section of the Navigator panel, and the Link to Placeholder tab in the Inspector panel.
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The Assignment List panel features are as follows:
• Toolbar — Displays buttons to add placeholders, show placeholders with missing clips, delete placeholders, and add new sequence to placeholders.
• Missing clip indicator — Displays the number of missing clips that can help you determine the number of incomplete assignments.
• Incomplete placeholder indicator — Displays blank thumbnails for incomplete placeholders. Completed placeholders are identied by the thumbnail display and READY status in the Status column.
• Placeholder list — Displays incomplete and completed placeholders. When you select a rundown, all placeholders in that rundown appear in the placeholder list. When you select a story in the rundown, only placeholders in that story appear in the placeholder list in the same sequence as in the story.
• Playout Remote Site — Displays placeholders in the remote site. The Playout remote site must be congured in the GV STRATUS Control Panel before it can be accessed via the Assignment List.
• Rundown view — Displays rundowns and stories for each rundown. Rundowns display alphabetically in the panel, while stories appear in sequence as assigned in the Newsroom Computer System.
• SDB status indicator — Displays the connection status between Assignment List and Simple Database (SDB) Server. The SDB Server updates clip status, clip duration, and amount of missing clips for the Assignment List tool.
• — Connected
• — Disconnected
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• XMOS status indicator — Displays the status of XMOS Server. The XMOS Server provides the communication between the Newsroom Computer System and the Assignment List tool.
• — Connected
• — XMOS Server is disconnected with the GV STRATUS application
• — XMOS Server is disconnected with the Newsroom Computer System
With the Assignment List tool, you can create placeholders, monitor rundown or clip status, and view or change placeholder properties.
Standard Asset List features such as lter list, sort list, asset tooltip, and customization of View Mode are available in the Assignment List tool.

Assignment List buttons

These buttons located on the Assignment List panel let you perform various functions.
New Placeholder: Adds a new placeholder in the Assignment List tool.
Using NCS rundowns and Aurora Playout
Missing Placeholders Only: Shows placeholders with missing clips only in the Assignment
List tool.
Delete: Deletes the selected item or items. Disabled if delete rights denied in GV STRATUS
Control Panel.
New Sequence: Creates a new sequence.
New Project in EDIUS: Creates a new project in the EDIUS XS application.
Missing Clip indicator: Shows the number of placeholders with missing clips in
the Assignment List tool.
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Adding placeholders

Placeholders are essentially assignments for editors, who can then create clips for the story, and send them to a K2 Summit/SAN system for playback. You need to create a placeholder for each clip that you link to a rundown.
1. In the Assignment List tool, click the New Placeholder button.
The New Clip Entry dialog box opens.
2. Enter the clip name.
The name identies the placeholder in the Assignment List (which can also be seen in the Newsroom Computer System).
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3. You can also provide additional information about the placeholder:
• Story Type — Select a Story Type from the drop-down menu. Available story types are SOT
(Sound On Tape) or VO (Voice Over). You can also leave this eld blank.
• Category — Select a category from the drop-down menu. The category determines how stories
are grouped and sorted.
• Editorial Duration — Enter a duration for the placeholder. The Editorial Duration is an optional
value you can set for an estimated on-air duration of the clip that can be changed to a more precise value later.
NOTE: Editorial Duration has the priority over clip duration. Once an Editorial Duration is set; it will not be adjusted to clip duration, even after clip is associated with the placeholder. The editor needs to set the nal Editorial Duration before the clip is sent for playback.
• Description — Enter a description for the placeholder. The description helps editors to identify
the clip that they need.
• Protected — Check this box to prevent the clip from being deleted by other users.
• Being Edited — Check this box to indicate when the sequence for a placeholder is currently
being edited.
4. Click OK.
The new placeholder appears on the Assignment List tool.
NOTE: The Clip ID and Date are set automatically when you create a new placeholder.
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Using NCS rundowns and Aurora Playout

Modifying a placeholder

If you need to, you can change or modify properties of a placeholder.
1. Right-click on the placeholder that you want to modify and select Edit Properties.
The Clip Properties dialog box opens.
2. Modify any properties in the dialog box.
NOTE: Properties that cannot be modied are creator, modied date and clip ID.
3. Click OK.
The placeholder properties are modied on the Assignment List tool.

Deleting a placeholder

If desired, you can delete placeholders from the Assignment List tool.
Choose one of the steps below to delete a placeholder:
• Select the placeholder that you want to delete and click the Delete button.
• Right-click on the placeholder and select Delete Placeholder.
If the Delete button is not selectable or Delete Placeholder is grayed out in the context menu, you need to check ALP settings in the User Preferences menu.
Select Edit | User Preferences | ALP and check the Allow Placeholder Deletion box.
100 Aurora Playout User Manual 20131223
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