Grass Valley iTX Delivery Manager User Manual

ITX DELIVERY MANAGER

INTEGRATED CONTENT DELIVERY

Configuration and Setup Guide

iTX v2.6

2015-04-13

Notices

Belden, Belden Sending All The Right Signals, and the Belden logo are trademarks or

egistered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and

r other jurisdictions. Grass Valley USA, LLC, Miranda, iTX, Delivery Manager, iTX Core, Colossus, Missing Materials Manager, Workflow Service, Workflow Application Service, Media Watcher, OPUS, SmartClient, PinPoint and TXPlay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Grass Valley USA, LLC. Belden Inc., Grass Valley USA, LLC, and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein.

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A Grass Valley manual may have been revised to reflect changes made to the product during its manufac product. Care should be taken to ensure that one obtains the proper manual version for a specific product serial number.

Information in this document is subject to change without commitment on the part of Grass Valley.

Warranty information is available in the Support section of the Grass Valley Web site

ww.grassvalley.com).

turing life. Thus, different versions of a manual may exist for any given

to owners of iTXs to use their product

notice and does not represent a

Title Delivery Manager Configuration and Setup Guide

Software Version v2.6

Revision 2015-04-13, 18:08

1 About Delivery Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

What is Delivery Manager?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Delivery Manager’s Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Delivery Manager’s Modes of Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Content Changed (or Drop Box) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Search Media (or Missing Materials) Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Manual (or Export) mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Modes of Operation and Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Delivery Manager and Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Post Media Import Workflows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Delivery Manager’s Distribution and Resilience Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Load balanced system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Endpoint monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2 Installing Delivery Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Installing the Delivery Manager service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

What’s next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3 Configuration Profiles and Endpoint Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Creating a New Configuration Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

About Endpoint Configuration Tabs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Generic Endpoint Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Removing a Configuration Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

4 Adding Network Share Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adding a CIFS Endpoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Configuring a CIFS Endpoint in Content Change (Drop Box) Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Configuring a CIFS Endpoint in Search Media Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Adding a CIFS Endpoint in Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

CIFS Endpoint Details Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Adding an FTP Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Adding a Pitch Blue Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

5 Adding 3rd Party Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Adding a DIVA Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Prerequisites for DIVA Endpoints in Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Configure DIVA to restore media to iTX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

iii

Table of Contents

Configure DIVA to archive media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Configure the default Opus store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Configure DIVA for partial restores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Configuring a DIVA Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Adding MassTech Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Adding a PathFire Endpoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Prerequisites for PathFire Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Configuring a PathFire Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Adding Ardome Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Adding FlashNet Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Prerequisites for FlashNet Endpoints in Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Configuring a FlashNet Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

6 Adding Core Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

About the Core Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Core Endpoint Asset Deletion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Preparing the Database for Core Endpoints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Running the batch files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Generic Steps for Adding a Core Endpoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Additional Configurations for Colossus Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Importing Business Metadata from a Colossus system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Registering new media from a Colossus systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Registering Business Metadata from a Colossus systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Import Media via the CIFS endpoint from a Colossus system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Additional Configurations for iTX 1.4 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Registering new media from an iTX 1.4 system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Importing Media via the CIFS endpoint from an ITX 1.4 system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Additional Configurations for Both Colossus and iTX 1.4 Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Importing an asset with media Missing Materials Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Import Media via the DIVArchive endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Import media via the FTP endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Configuring Omneon Video Servers and FTP Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

7 Configuring the Server Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Configuring Server Controller to run a named instance of Delivery Manager. . . . . . . .51

Adding a named instance to Server Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Restarting an iTX Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

8 Setting Up Delivery Manager Resilience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

How to Set Up a Load Balanced System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

How to Set Up Endpoint Monitoring System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Cloning a configuration profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

9 Finalizing the Delivery Manager System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Additional Setup for Search Media mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Install the Missing Materials Manager service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Configuration and Setup Guide

Configure the Missing Materials Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Configuring Missing Materials Manager for the Core Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Disabling Media Watcher’s Media Cache De-archive functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Additional Setup for Manual/Export Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Install the iTX Workflow service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Configure Delivery Manager Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Configuring the Manual Archive workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Configuring a Manual Restore workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Configuring the ShotList Export workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Optional Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Additional Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Processing Associated XML Metadata Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Deep Analysis During Proxy Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

10 User Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

iTX Desktop Transfer Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Job Monitoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Filtering jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Viewing more details and displaying keyframes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Changing priority of a job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Changing required by data and time of a job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Direct Monitoring of MassTech Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Manually Archiving and Restoring Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Partial Restore jobs (DIVA only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Viewing a partially restored media file. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Exporting ShotLists from the iTX Desktop and SmartClient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Exporting ShotList XML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Delivery Manager

Appendix A Delivery Manager Feature Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Delivery Manager Feature Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Supported Features by Endpoint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Appendix B Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Basic System Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Monitoring Status and Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Core Endpoint Connection Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Running Diagnostics on the Delivery Manager Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Generating Trace Logs in Delivery Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Viewing trace logs from the Delivery Manager Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Creating a log file from Delivery Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Viewing trace logs from the iTX Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Monitoring Active Jobs in Delivery Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Verifying the Database Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Verifying the 'Trigger On' table is present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

Verifying the Stored Procedures are present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Verifying the required functions are present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Verifying the Service Broker is present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Table of Contents

This chapter explains role of the Delivery Manager module as iTX’s media delivery and asset registration tool, as well as outline its architecture, supported endpoints, operational modes and failure resilience models.

Summary

What is Delivery Manager? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Delivery Manager’s Endpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Delivery Manager’s Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Delivery Manager and Workflows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Delivery Manager’s Distribution and Resilience Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

What is Delivery Manager?

Delivery Manager is an iTX service that retrieves and manages the processing of media and assets that have been stored on, or delivered by, third-party content management systems.

Delivery Manager uses automated workflows to manage end to end schedule-driven content delivery, which eliminates the need for a number of labor-intensive user tasks that are normally required to prepare new media for playout.

About Delivery Manager

Delivery Manager uses custom software plug-ins, called ‘endpoint drivers”, to interface directly with third party media archives, content stores and network repositories. Each plug-in is designed to interface with a specific type of content storage or archive system and actively searches for and retrieves media from these endpoints as and when they are required for playout.

Delivery Manager’s Endpoints

The supported endpoint types can perform a range of content management operations, such as:

• Monitoring external network locations (i.e. drop folders)

• Acquiring assets when they are placed into the drop folder

• Working with content management software to retrieve media required for broadcast and archiving media that is no longer required.

Once Delivery Manager has been configured to use specific endpoints, the retrieval and archiving of media can be triggered manually by an operator or automatically by a scheduling system, via iTX Missing Materials Manager or an iTX Workflow, as required.

About Delivery Manager

Delivery Manager’s Endpoints

Fig. 1-1: Overview of the relationship between Delivery Manager, Workflow, Missing Material Manager, the endpoints and the iTX media store.

The available endpoint drivers are:

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which includes

• Ascent Media Pitch Blue Archive

• Grass Valley K2

• CIFS (Common Internet File Systems), which includes

• SMB (Server Message Block)

• Signiant Media Exchange Archive

• Front Porch Digital DIVArchive

• DG PathFire Media Distribution and Management System

• MassTech Archive Solutions

• Viz Ardome Media Management System

•SGL FlashNet Archive

• Core endpoint

For more information Delivery Manager’s content management features and which ones each endp

oint supports, see Delivery Manager Feature Set, o

n page 83.

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

Each of these endpoints can be categorized in one of three ways, based on what type of content archive, delivery systems or protocols they interface with, as described in the table below:

Endpoint category Description

Network share endpoints Network share endpoints use an established IT network file

transfer protocol to monitor shared directories within a network and transfer any files placed there using the standard IT transfer methods. These are:

Third party archive and content store endpoints

•FTP The FTP endpoint can also be confi Omneon Spectrum video servers.

•CIFS The CIFS endpoint can be configured to access content on

Omneon M

edia Grid servers.

These endpoints interface directly to either a proprietary third

ty media archive or storage management application.

par

gured to access content on

In these cases, Delivery Manager's endpoints do not access the st

ored files directly themselves, they simply query and make transfer requests to the third party system which then handles delivery of the media to an iTX Location.

The third party system may use a standard IT file transfer

od to execute the copying of the stored files to a specified

meth iTX location, or it may 'restore' the requested media to a network shared location that is part of the archive or storage system, where Delivery Manager can then transfer the file into iTX.

Depending on the system, separa

te asset metadata (in the form of an XML file) may also be requested for retrieval and transfer into iTX. These endpoints are:

• Front Porch Digital DIVArchive

• DG PathFire Media Distribution and Management System

• MassTech Archive Solutions

• Viz Ardome Media Management System

• Ascent Media Pitch Blue Archive (using the FTP protocol)

• Signiant Media Exchange Archive (using the CIFS protocol)

•SGL FlashNet Archive

Core endpoint (for legacy media management systems)

Since there are major differences between iTX 2.x and the older iTX 1.4 and Colossus database structures, these systems cannot be integrated. Instead, Delivery Manager has a special endpoint called the Core endpoint that interfaces with these legacy systems (which are sometimes referred to as Core systems).

About Delivery Manager

Delivery Manager’s Modes of Operation

Depending on the endpoint driver being used, Delivery Manager can react to content delivered to the monitored locations, actively seek content required for schedules or be manually controlled by an operator. The mode of operation is defined by the selected workflow or mode option in the endpoint configuration profile.

Content Changed (or Drop Box) Mode

This mode uses Delivery Manager's own internal workflow engine to determine which new media files need to be registered or updated and at what time.

Content Changed mode requires that a networ

k share is configured as a monitored location within the appropriate endpoint configuration. Delivery Manager monitors the location for the presence of new or updated files. Delivery Manager processes new content

telligently, prioritizing material required for playout.

When new or updated files are detected, Delivery Manager does one of the following:

File status Delivery Manager action

File is required by a currently active schedule

New file that is not yet required by

y known schedule

An updated version of a file that

eady exists in iTX

alr

File not yet required for playout The updated version of the file remains in the monitored

Delivery Manager moves the file to an iTX store and

es the database with the new asset's information

updat and availability by placing the task in the active jobs queue.

Delivery Manager creates an Asset Record in the database. In order to avoid unnecessary network bandwidth, the file will not be processed until required. When the file appears in a schedule it will then be transferred to an iTX location and the Asset Record updated.

Delivery Manager updates the Asset Record for that file. If the new version of the file is required for playout it will be transferred to iTX and the original version will be deleted.

location un

til it is required

The internal workflow that handles all Content Changed Mode actions needs to be selected in the configuration options for the endpoint’s configuration profile, using the Content Changed Workflow field.

Search Media (or Missing Materials) Mode

When configured in Search Media mode, the endpoint responds to “Find Content” requests from Delivery Manager clients. When a search request is received, the CIFS driver searches for any configured file type with the same name as the search request in the configured search folder, and any of its sub folders (if configured), excluding any specifically configured exclude folders. If a matching file is found, the driver generates a block of Asset XML detailing the media, and returns it to Delivery Manager.

The Missing Materials Manager can be configured to query Delivery Manager’s endpoints when they attempt to locate and import the media required by channels that are not currently located within iTX.

Once found, Missing Materials Manager then triggers a workflow that creates the new asset (and its new location) in the iTX database, so that the media can be copied to an iTX location. The workflow then requests the Delivery Manager endpoint to import the actual media file.

The internal workflow that handles all Search Media mode actions needs to be selected in the endpoint configuration profile, using the Cache Content Workflow field.

For more information on the additional setup required to operated in Search Media mode,

Additional Setup for Search Media mode, on page 63.

see

Manual (or Export) mode

In a busy and complex playout facility, manual media management might often be needed. System administrators or media managers may need to free up space on content stores to allow new content to be ingested. Late arriving content may need to be processed quickly by hand, rather than queued in a job list, or last minute schedule changes may require media to be pulled into the system rapidly.

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

Delivery Manager therefore allows users with CIFS endpoints to move media assets in and out of the system on an ad-hoc basis.

These manually triggered jobs are initiated by action buttons on the Asset Layout of the iTX Desktop or SmartClient:

• Move a clip to an externally managed third party archive system.

• Restore a clip from an externally managed third party archive system.

The following additional jobs may only be carried out in conjunction with a DIVArchive system:

• Partial Restore of a clip from an external archive (DIVA Only).

• Export of a ShotList to an external location (usually a network share) outside of iTX (DIVA Only).

Unlike the Content Changed and Search Media modes, no workflows are required to perform these manual operations.

For more information on the additional setup required to operated in manual or Export mode, see

Additional Setup for Manual/Export Mode, on page 65.

About Delivery Manager

Modes of Operation and Endpoints

The table below shows which modes each endpoint supports:

Content Changed

Endpoint driver

mode

Search Media mode

Manual (export) mode

CIFS

FTP

Diva

MassTech

PathFire

Ardome

FlashNet

Core

Delivery Manager and Workflows

Depending on the task its performing, Delivery Manager uses one of two workflow systems.

• To trigger automated workflow operations (ca internal workflow engine.

• To transfer media (and any associated metadata) t Delivery Manager uses the ITX Workflow service.

Custom workflows (in the form of XML files) can also be cr enhance Delivery Manager’s functionality. These workflows may provide the ability to process different types of content and trigger other jobs (such as QC or file verification) to prepare media for playout.

  



  

 



 

lled ‘jobs’), Delivery Manager uses its

o the iTX content store and database,

eated in iTX Workflow to further



Post Media Import Workflows

The Post Media Import process is a series of jobs triggered by a workflow following the import of a new piece of media into Delivery Manager. This workflow runs internally for all endpoints and therefore all media import jobs, which includes:

• Generation of proxy media copies for SmartClient and Desktop viewing.

• Generation of key frames for viewing in SmartClient.

• Deep analysis of the media file for extraction of metadata about the media.

Note: The Post Media Import workflow is added to all endpoints by

default and is part of the standard Delivery Manager installation, but requires FPP Transcode Service to function.

To generate proxy media, the Proxy Generation Service is required.

Configuration and Setup Guide

Delivery Manager’s Distribution and Resilience Models

Delivery Manager can be installed on one or more framework servers, each running one or more instances of the service. Each instance of the service requires its own configuration profile and each configuration profile can monitor multiple endpoints in different modes, in order to manage different groups of content sources.

iTX can apply a single asset template (also known as clip templates) per monitored

ectory, so that media of different resolutions is deposited in separate (and appropriately

dir named) folders, each with their own configured endpoint. You can apply an iTX media asset templa

te to all clips, so that they are registered with the same characteristics.

Delivery Manager

For example, if you acquire both HD and SD med be placed in a folder named “SD” and HD media should be placed in a folder named “HD”. Each folder should have its own endpoint to monitor it, as it then applies the appropriate asset template.

Figure 1-2 below illustrates the different combinations of server, configuration profiles, instances and endpoints that can be used.

ia using a drop box, then SD media should

Fig. 1-2: Distribution models for single and multiple servers.

These different distribution models can also be used to provide uninterrupted service in the event of software or hardware failure. Whether you are running multiple instances on a single server or you have multiple servers, Delivery Manager can be configured to provide one of two resilience models.

About Delivery Manager

Load balanced system

Delivery Manager’s workload can be balanced by spreading the monitored endpoints across multiple instances of the service. Some degree of load balancing can be achieved by running multiple instances of Delivery Manager on a single server, but ideally the monitored endpoints should be spread across instances running on their own framework server.

This is illustrated in Figure 1-3 below, where four endpoints (A to D) are shared between two instances of Delivery Manager.

Fig. 1-3: Four endpoints load balanced between two instances of the Delivery Manager service.

By distributing your endpoints across multiple instances of Delivery Manager you reduce the workload on each individual instance. Where each instance is also on a different framework server, the workload is better distributed.

The table below shows how the number of servers and instances of Delivery Manager

ovide a sliding scale of load balancing effectiveness.

Load balancing

Servers Instances Endpoints

One One Multiple in a single configuration profile Poor

One Multiple Multiple per configuration profile

One Multiple One per configuration profile

Multiple Multiple per server Multiple per configuration profile, per

ser

ver

Multiple Multiple per server One per configuration profile, per server

Multiple One per server One per server Best

effectiveness

Good

Better

Endpoint monitoring system

In order to create an endpoint monitoring system you need to have Delivery Manager running on two framework servers, using identical configuration profiles. When two instances with the same name are started, the one that started first becomes the main (or promoted) instance and the one that started second becomes the backup instance.

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

The backup instance monitors the main instance and if the mai

n instance stops responding, the backup instance will promote itself and all jobs pass over to it. The backup will remain as the promoted instance from that point on, even if the original main instance is restored.

The relationship is not hierarchical and

name under the control of one Delivery Manager instance.

it is not possible to have two instances with the same

Figure 1-4 below shows the same two endpoints (A and B) are configured on two instances of Delivery Manager. Cloning endpoints reduces the risk of an individual endpoint failure

using media transfers to stall.

Fig. 1-4: Endpoint monitoring each instance must be running on a different framework server.

About Delivery Manager

Endpoint monitoring system

Installing Delivery Manager

This chapter explains how to install the Delivery Manager service itself.

Summary

Installing the Delivery Manager service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

What’s next? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing the Delivery Manager service

If your facility stores content or has media delivered via servers or archives external to iTX, then Delivery Manager should be installed on an iTX framework server. This should be done as either a stand-alone service or in conjunction with any of the other framework services that iTX requires in order to manage the delivery of media into the system.

Note:

• You will need to be logged on with Administrative Rights to perform the installation.

• Whether or not you require workflows, the Workflow Service must also be insta

lled as a prerequisite of Delivery Manager.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

To install Delivery Manager:

1 Extract the contents of the iTX Zip file on the Framework Server you wish to install

Delivery Manager on.

2 Right click on the Se

Select Run as A

a If this is a fresh installation, the Option Selec

main installation screen.

b If performing an upgrade or addition to an existing server, click the Se

Software on the bottom left of the main Installation window. The Select Software window appears.

3From the Sel

4Check Deliv

checked.

ect Software menu, expand External Interface.

ery Manager. By default, all the required components will also be

tup.exe that is contained within the iTX 2.x Suite folder.

dministrator.

tion Window appears in front of the

lect

Installing Delivery Manager

What’s next?

5Expand Workflow.

6Check W

This will install the Workflow Service, which is required for Delivery Manager to function correctly.

7Click OK.

8 On the main installation splash screen, you will see Deliv

list of components you are installing. Click Continue.

The Delivery Manager installation will start.

orkflow Server.

ery Manager added to the

The installer guides you through the installation st iTX Domain and the means by which the service communicates with the rest of the iTX Framework Services. For more information on installing iTX, see the iTX System Administrator Guide.

Delivery Manager is installed to the standard iTX location of

2.0\Services

What’s next?

Once Installation has completed, you need to perform the following tasks in order to use Delivery Manager:

1 Create a configuration profile.

2 Add and configure your required endpoints. See the following chapters for more

3 Configure the Server Controller to run the Delivery Manager service. This may also

eps, including providing details of the

See Configuration Profiles and Endpoint Tabs, on

inf

ormation:

• Adding a CIFS Endpoint, on page 21.

• Adding an FTP Endpoint, on

page 24.

• Adding a Pitch Blue Endpoint, on page 26.

• Adding a DIVA Endpoint, on

page 27.

• Adding MassTech Endpoints, on page 32.

• Adding a PathFire Endpoint, on page 34.

• Adding Ardome Endpoints, on page 36.

• Adding FlashNet Endpoints, on

• Adding Core Endpoints, o

include configuring a

resilience model.

page 37.

n page 39.

C:\Program Files\iTX

page 15.

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

See Configuring the Server Controller, on page 51 and Setting Up Delivery Manager

Resilience, on page 55.

4 Set up your required resilience model.

See Setting Up Delivery Manager Resilience on page 55.

5 Finalize your Delivery Manager system by installing and configuring any additional

systems and services that are required.

See Finalizing the Delivery Manager System, on page 59.

Installing Delivery Manager

What’s next?

Configuration Profiles and Endpoint Tabs

Although Delivery Manager provides a blank Default configuration profile on first installation, it is recommended that you create named profile, as this provides more control should you need to change endpoints or set up either of the resilience models.

This chapter explains how to create a configuration profile, the basic steps for adding an endpoint, an overview of the endpoint tab and how to remove a configuration profile.

Summary

Creating a New Configuration Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

About Endpoint Configuration Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Removing a Configuration Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Creating a New Configuration Profile

To create a new, named configuration profile:

1 From Windows, click START > All Programs > iTX 2.0 > Delivery Manager Config. The

Select Configuration dialog is displayed.

2 In a blank area of the Select Configuration dialog, right-click and select Add new

configuration from the context menu.

3 A dialog appears with a prompt for the new configuration name. The name you enter

will also be used to identify the corresponding instance in Server Controller Config, e.g. “CIFS Search” for a CIFS endpoint configured in Search Media mode.

4Click OK to confirm your selection. The new named configuration profile appears in the

Select Configuration list.

5 Add endpoint tabs to store the configuration for each endpoint you required. For more

information see

Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint, on page 15.

Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint

To add a new endpoint to a Delivery Manager configuration profile:

1In the Select Configuration window, select a configuration profile and click OK. A blank

endpoint tab appears.

2 On the blank endpoint dialog, click Add new Endpoint. A blank “new” endpoint tab

appears.

Configuration Profiles and Endpoint Tabs

Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint

3Click the Select button next to the Endpoint Driver field. The Select Delivery Manager

Driver dialog appears.

4 Select an endpoint driver and click OK.

5In the En

dpoint Name field, enter the name to be used as a reference in the iTX

database.

6 Complete the dialog boxes that appear for the selected endpoint driver.

For information on the properties that are common to most of the endpoints, see

Generic Endpoint Configuration Settings, on page 17.

Specific instructions for each endpoint type can be found on the following pages:

• Adding a CIFS Endpoint, on page 21.

• Adding an FTP Endpoint, on

page 24.

• Adding a Pitch Blue Endpoint, on page 26.

• Adding a DIVA Endpoint, on

page 27.

• Adding MassTech Endpoints, on page 32.

• Adding a PathFire Endpoint, on page 34.

• Adding Ardome Endpoints, on page 36.

• Adding FlashNet Endpoints, on

• Adding Core Endpoints, o

7 If you wish to add another endpoint, click Ad

Another “new” tab appears. Follow step 2 to step 6 on

page 37.

n page 39.

d New Endpoint.

page 16 to configure each new

endpoint.

8Click S

ave then Close.

9 Restart the Delivery Manager service. See Restarting an iTX Service on page 53 for

more information.

About Endpoint Configuration Tabs

When a driver for an endpoint is selected, the corresponding configuration options are displayed. Certain generic options are shared by all of the endpoints types, but each endpoint also has its own options. The image below shows the interface for an FTP endpoint.

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

The specific endpoint configuration options are described in each endpoint’s chapter.

Generic Endpoint Configuration Settings

The following configuration options are common to all endpoints and can be configured in different ways. Therefore the following guidelines should be considered when adding and configuring endpoints.

Setting Description

Content Changed

rkflow

Content Deleted

rkflow

Click the browse button, then select the workflow to be used when a new asset is discovered. Click

Click the browse button, then select the workflow to be used when an asset is deleted. Click

OK to confirm you choice.

Configuration Profiles and Endpoint Tabs

Generic Endpoint Configuration Settings

Setting Description

Cache Content Workflow

Post Media Import Workflow

Generate Proxy This checkbox is only available when the Post Media Import

Asset Template Name Click the browse button, then select an iTX media asset template, so

Max Concurrent Jobs Enter a value for the total number of jobs that are allowed to run

Allow Media Deletes Check this option if you want the endpoint driver to process and act

Maximum Concurrent Delete Jobs

Keep Media Location This option appears within the configuration options for certain

Test Co nnection If available, click this button to connect to the endpoint using the

Click the browse button, then select the workflow used to move media and assets from the monitored endpoint to the iTX store (which may trigger other jobs also). Click

The Post Media Import is an optional setting. See Post Media Import

Workflows, on page 6 for more information.

Workflow

versions of the media (e.g. smooth stream or MP4) will be generated on import.

that all of the clips are registered with the same characteristics. Click OK to confirm your choice.

For more information on creating asset templates see the iTX System Administration Guide.

simultaneously from the endpoint. The default is 5. A value of 0 is equal to unlimited.

upon delete requests. When an endpoint is operating in Content Change mode and is

monitoring a network repository where media is placed temporarily (i.e. just for iTX to ingest) it is recommended that this option is checked. This means that once new media has been processed and ingested, the copy deposited in the Content Change folder is actively deleted by iTX.

However, if an endpoint is running in Content Change mode but is monitoring a permanent network store, such as a NAS, then the option should be unchecked to prevent accidental deletion of media being added to the storage.

Checking this option also makes the Maximum Concurrent Delete

Jobs

This setting is only available if Allow Media Deletes is checked. The maximum number of concurrent delete jobs you can set is 5.

endpoint types. If you are exporting media or sending it an archive that is external to

iTX, you should consider checking this option. When checked, the iTX database knows where the media has been moved to. Retrieving and restoring the media to iTX is then a quicker process, as Delivery Manager does not need to request all endpoints to search their stores or archives when trying to find this asset.

current settings. This will confirm if the endpoint is correctly configured.

is field is available. When checked, low resolution proxy

option appear.

OK to confirm you choice. .

Removing a Configuration Profile

If you have created additional configuration profiles they can be removed from the Delivery Manager Config. However, once

restored.

Note: You cannot remove the Default configuration profile. If you no

longer require the Default configuration profile, you can remove all of the endpoints configured within it. If a Delivery Manager service attempts to use a blank configuration profile, the service will fail to start.

To remove a Delivery Manager configuration,

1 From Windows, click ST

Select Configuration dialog appears, listing all of the existing configuration profiles.

2In the S

3 Right click on the selected configuration profile and choose Remove Configuration.

4 A dialog appears asking you to confirm the removal.

elect Configuration dialog, click on a configuration profile name to select it.

a configuration profile has been removed it cannot be

ART > All Programs > iTX 2.0 > Delivery Manager Config. The

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

5Click Ye s.

Note: If you only want to remove a single endpoint, open the configuration

profile, select the endpoint table and click

Remove Current Endpoint.

Configuration Profiles and Endpoint Tabs

Removing a Configuration Profile

Adding Network Share Endpoints

This chapter explains the prerequisites and configuration steps required to add any of the supported network share endpoints.

Summary

Adding a CIFS Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adding an FTP Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adding a Pitch Blue Endpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adding a CIFS Endpoint

Configuring a CIFS Endpoint in Content Change (Drop Box) Mode

To add a CIFS endpoint in Content Change (Drop Box) mode:

1 Open an existing configuration profile or crea

tab, as described in step 1 and step 2 of Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint, on page 15.

2Click the Se

Driver dialog appears.

3 Select CIFS and

4In the En

database. For example, “

5 Click the browse button for the C

Changed’ Workflow... dialog appears.

6 Select the required workflow for performing drop box actions.

DefaultContentChanged_RegisterAndImport.

7The Post Media Import Workflow field will be automatically populated with

DefaultPostMediaImport.

lect button next to the Endpoint Driver field. The Select Delivery Manager

click OK.

dpoint Name field, enter the name to be used as a reference in the iTX

CIFS Drop Box”.

ontent Changed Workflow field. The Select ‘Content

te a new one, then add a new endpoint

This workflow should

For example

. . . . . . 24

. . . . . . 26

Note: If you have not got the FPP Transcode Service installed, you will need

to delete this entry.

8 If you are using a Post Media Import Workflow, you can also generate low resolution

versions of clips as they are imported by checking the Generate Proxy checkbox.

9 Click the browse button for A

appears.

10 Select the required template, so that all of the clips are registered with the same

acteristics. Click OK.

char

sset Template Name. The Select Asset Template dialog

Adding Network Share Endpoints

Configuring a CIFS Endpoint in Search Media Mode

11 Specify the Maximum Concurrent Jobs you want this endpoint to process.

12 Under CIFS Endpoint Details, select Drop Box.

13 In the Me

14 Complete the fields in the CI

Reference, on

15 Click S

dia Path field, enter the UNC path of the directory being monitored.

FS Endpoint Details, as described in CIFS Endpoint Details

page 23.

ave then Close.

16 Restart the Delivery Manager service. See Restarting an iTX Service on page 53 for

more information.

Configuring a CIFS Endpoint in Search Media Mode

To add a CIFS endpoint in Search Media mode:

1 Open an existing configuration profile or crea

tab, as described in step 1 and step 2 of Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint, on page 15.

2Click the Se

lect button next to the Endpoint Driver field. The Select Delivery Manager

Driver dialog appears.

3 Select CIFS and

4In the En

dpoint Name field, enter the name to be used as a reference in the iTX

database. For example, “

5 Click the browse button for the C

click OK.

CIFS Search Media”.

ache Content Workflow field. The Select ‘Cache

Media’ Workflow... dialog appears.

6 Select the required workflow for moving media and assets to the iTX store. For

DefaultCacheMedia.

examp

7The Po

st Media Import Workflow field will be automatically populated with

DefaultPostMediaImport.

te a new one, then add a new endpoint

Note: If you have not got the FPP Transcode Service installed, you will need

to delete this entry.

8 If you are using a Post Media Import Workflow, you can also generate low resolution

versions of clips as they are imported by checking the Generate Proxy checkbox.

9 Click the browse button for A

sset Template Name. The Select Asset Template dialog

appears.

10 Select the required template, so that all of the clips are registered with the same

acteristics. Click OK.

char

11 Specify the Max

12 If required, check A

imum Concurrent Jobs you want this endpoint to process.

llow Media Deletes, then Specify the Maximum Concurrent Delete

Jobs you want this endpoint to process.

13 Under CIFS Endpoin

14 In the Me

dia Path field, enter the UNC path of the directory being monitored.

15 Complete the fields in the CI

Reference, on

16 Click S

ave then Close.

t Details, select Search Media.

FS Endpoint Details, as described in CIFS Endpoint Details

page 23.

17 Restart the Delivery Manager service. See Restarting an iTX Service on page 53 for

more information.

18 To use a CIFS endpoint in Search Media mode, you must also complete the steps

described in

Additional Setup for Search Media mode, on page 59.

Adding a CIFS Endpoint in Manual Mode

To add a CIFS endpoint in manual (Export) mode:

1 Open an existing configuration profile or create a new one, then add a new endpoint

tab, as described in page 15.

2Click the Select button next to the Endpoint Driver field. The Select Delivery Manager

Driver dialog appears.

3 Select CIFS and click OK.

4In the Endpoint Name field, enter the name to be used as a reference in the iTX

database. For example, “

5 Click the browse button for Asset Template Name. The Select Asset Template dialog

appears.

6 Select the required template, so that all of the clips are registered with the same

characteristics. Click OK.

7 Specify the Maximum Concurrent Jobs you want this endpoint to process.

8Under CIFS Endpoint Details, select Export.

9In the Media Path field, enter the UNC path of the directory being monitored.

10 Complete the fields in the CIFS Endpoint Details, as described in CIFS Endpoint Details

Reference, on page 23.

11 Click Save then Close.

12 Restart the Delivery Manager service. See Restarting an iTX Service on page 53 for

more information.

13 To use a CIFS endpoint in manual mode, you must also complete the steps described in

Additional Setup for Manual/Export Mode, on page 61.

step 1 and step 2 of Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint, on

CIFS Export”.

Delivery Manager

Configuration and Setup Guide

CIFS Endpoint Details Reference

The table below describes the additional configuration options contained within the CIFS Endpoint Details section of a CIFS endpoint.

Setting Description

Mode CIFS endpoints can operate in Drop Box (Content Changed) Mode,

Search Media mode or Export Mode.

Media Path The UNC path of the directory being monitored.

Search Sub Folders (on/off)

The endpoint driver searches any folders contained within the designated media folder.

Adding Network Share Endpoints

Adding an FTP Endpoint

Setting Description

File Extensions

Default Extension If restoring files that have no file extension from an external archive,

Exclude Folders

Keep Media Location

Remove File Extension on Archive

List of file extensions to be processed. If you want all file types to be processed, leave this field blank.

the extension entered here will be added to each file name when they are transferred into iTX.

Using add/remove buttons you can add details of sub folders you wish to exclude. This is a search string, so the folders need to be typed in the dialog like this:

*\folder name\*

When using CIFS endpoints with Omneon essence based media, add

media.dir to the list of excluded folders to prevent Delivery Manager

viewing components from essence based media files as individual assets.

This option instructs the database to keep the original location of the media as part of the asset record (if the file is being copied rather than transferred).

Some archives and media stores do not support DOS file extensions, because they only support one file type, meaning the extension is not required.

This endpoint option removes the file extension from the file name when it is moved to an archive.

Maximum Transfer Bitrate

Adding an FTP Endpoint

FTP endpoints can be configured as generic FTP endpoints, a Grass Valley K2 or a PitchBlue endpoint. They work in the same as any standard FTP client, such as FileZilla. Therefore, the FTP endpoint's configuration options reflect standard FTP requirements and settings.

FTP endpoints only operate in Search Media Mode.

To add an FT P end poin t :

1 Open an existing configuration profile or create a new one, then add a new endpoint

tab, as described in page 15.

2Click the Select button next to the Endpoint Driver field. The Select Delivery Manager

Driver dialog appears.

3 Select FTPDriver and click OK.

4In the Endpoint Name field, enter the name to be used as a reference in the iTX

database. For example, “

5 Click the browse button for the Cache Content Workflow field. The Select ‘Cache

Media’ Workflow... dialog appears.

This slider sets the throttle rate on network file transfer speeds for each file. The default is 100mbs.

step 1 and step 2 of Basic Steps for Adding an Endpoint, on

FTP K2”.

+ 67 hidden pages