Grass Valley iTX System User Manual
ITX
System Administrator Guide
INTEGRATED PLAYOUT
iTX v2.6
2015-03-23
Title
System Administrator Guide for iTX 2.6 (Piccadilly)
First Issues
16 March 2015
Copyright & Trademark Notice
Copyright © 2015 Grass Valley USA, LLC. All rights reserved.
Belden, Belden Sending All The Right Signals, and the Belden logo are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other jurisdictions.
Grass Valley and iTX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Grass Valley, a Belden Brand.
Belden Inc., Grass Valley and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used
herein.
Terms and Conditions
Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. By using iTX v2.6 documentation, you
agree to the following terms and conditions.
Grass Valley, a Belden Brand (“Grass Valley”) hereby grants permission and license to owners of iTX
to use their product manuals for their own internal business use. Manuals for Grass Valley products
may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, for any purpose unless specifically authorized in writing by
Grass Valley.
A Grass Valley manual may have been revised to reflect changes made to the product during its
manufacturing life. Thus, different versions of a manual may exist for any given 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 notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Grass Valley.
Warranty information is available in the Support section of the Grass Valley Web site
(www.grassvalley.com).
Contents
About this manual .......................................................................................................... 21
Software versions ................................................................................................................... 21
Assumptions ........................................................................................................................... 21
About the iTX system ...................................................................................................... 22
System architecture ............................................................................................................... 22
Service-connection model and system domains in iTX v1 ............................................................. 22
Service-connection models and system domains in iTX v2 ............................................................ 22
Merged services and new services ................................................................................................. 23
iTX software modules ............................................................................................................. 23
Drivers for SDI video cards ............................................................................................................. 24
Processing of multi-channel audio ................................................................................................. 24
iTX machines, their operating systems and other required software ................................... 24
Database Server – one per system ................................................................................................. 24
Media Store – one or more per system ......................................................................................... 25
Output Server – one per playout channel (SD or HD) .................................................................... 25
Desktop Client workstation – one per operating position. ............................................................ 27
Encode Server – number dependent on the required capacity for simultaneous recordings ....... 27
iTX system design ................................................................................................................... 28
System time source ................................................................................................................ 28
Back-up protection ................................................................................................................. 28
System options ....................................................................................................................... 28
Preparing a system for iTX software .............................................................................. 30
Network connection............................................................................................................... 30
Using a DHCP server to allocate an IP address for a Locator Service machine ...................... 30
Locator Service – name resolution......................................................................................... 30
General machine requirements ............................................................................................. 31
Hard-disk size ................................................................................................................................. 31
Date and time properties ............................................................................................................... 31
Automatic logon ............................................................................................................................. 31
Windows error reporting ............................................................................................................... 31
Windows updates and security ...................................................................................................... 31
Windows Indexing .......................................................................................................................... 32
Shutdown Event Tracker ................................................................................................................ 32
Response to Windows system failure ............................................................................................ 33
Windows event logs ....................................................................................................................... 33
Network adapters – binding order ................................................................................................. 33
Display and power-saving properties ............................................................................................. 34
Preparing the Database Server machine ............................................................................... 34
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Microsoft SQL Server log-in password ........................................................................................... 34
Install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 .................................................................................................. 34
Configure SQL Server...................................................................................................................... 35
Preparing the Media Store ..................................................................................................... 35
Preparing Output Server machines ........................................................................................ 36
Driver for SDI video card ................................................................................................................ 36
License dongle ................................................................................................................................ 36
Windows sound scheme ................................................................................................................ 36
Smooth edges of screen fonts ........................................................................................................ 36
Preparing Encode Server machines ....................................................................................... 36
Windows sound scheme ................................................................................................................ 37
Direct connection to a VTR............................................................................................................. 37
Installing Drivers for SDI video cards ..................................................................................... 37
AJA video card driver version ......................................................................................................... 37
Installing the drivers ....................................................................................................................... 38
Steps to follow when using the Hardware Update Wizard ............................................................ 39
Installing iTX software modules ..................................................................................... 40
Installation notes.................................................................................................................... 40
Pre-installation check list ....................................................................................................... 41
Running the iTX installer ........................................................................................................ 42
Start the iTX installer ...................................................................................................................... 42
About the installer configuration file ............................................................................................. 44
About the main iTX Installer dialog ................................................................................................ 45
Running the iTX installer to upgrade or modify an installation ..................................................... 45
Setting up an iTX domain and load-balanced Locator Services ...................................................... 46
Install the Database Server module ....................................................................................... 48
Installing the iTX Database on a Remote Server .................................................................... 49
The Add Tables to Database dialog: ............................................................................................... 50
The Time Service Config dialog: ..................................................................................................... 51
Install the Media Watcher on a stand-alone Media Store, or other machine ....................... 53
iTX Desktop layouts ........................................................................................................................ 54
Configuring a Media Watcher after installation ............................................................................. 54
Install an Output Server module ............................................................................................ 55
The iTX Channel Config dialog (Output Server 1 only) ................................................................... 57
Configuring services on the Output Server machine after installation .......................................... 59
Install a Desktop Client module ............................................................................................. 59
Check the connection of an iTX Desktop to the Media Store ........................................................ 59
Digital Dorothy files ........................................................................................................................ 59
Install the Software Distributor module on a stand-alone machine ..................................... 60
Install the Encode Server module .......................................................................................... 61
Importing encode presets .............................................................................................................. 62
Re-configuring a service after installation ............................................................................. 62
Creating a Locator domain configuration file ........................................................................ 63
Locator Service Config .................................................................................................................... 63
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About the DomainConfig.xml file ................................................................................................... 64
Create a DomainConfig.xml file ...................................................................................................... 65
Setting up services to start automatically on machine start-up ............................................ 66
Starting the iTX system services ..................................................................................... 67
Start the system services ............................................................................................................... 67
Checking the Server Controllers ............................................................................................. 68
Checking the iTX system services ........................................................................................... 70
Adding users to the security system ...................................................................................... 71
Security in an iTX system ................................................................................................ 72
The security system of the iTX System Service ...................................................................... 72
Users............................................................................................................................................... 72
Groups ............................................................................................................................................ 72
Security attributes .......................................................................................................................... 73
Configuring the security system ..................................................................................................... 74
The built-in administrator .............................................................................................................. 75
About Manual Logon ...................................................................................................................... 75
About the Security Tool ......................................................................................................... 76
Logging onto the Security Tool ....................................................................................................... 76
The Security Tool menus ................................................................................................................ 76
Using the Security Tool .......................................................................................................... 81
Open the Security Tool ................................................................................................................... 81
Manually log onto the Security Tool with administrator rights ..................................................... 81
Import users, groups or computers ............................................................................................... 81
Add a group .................................................................................................................................... 82
Add a user ...................................................................................................................................... 83
Modify the membership of a group ............................................................................................... 83
Assign a user, computer or application to one or more groups..................................................... 83
Set security options for a group, user, computer or application ................................................... 84
Set a manual log-on password ....................................................................................................... 84
Configuring a Media Watcher ........................................................................................ 85
The Setup tab ......................................................................................................................... 86
File-store types ............................................................................................................................... 87
Inbox settings ......................................................................................................................... 87
Specify an Inbox folder ................................................................................................................... 87
Monitor the Inbox folder................................................................................................................ 88
Hold event durations for .osc imports ........................................................................................... 88
Create browse copies of video clips ............................................................................................... 88
Create keyframes from video clips ................................................................................................. 88
Check mono tracks for Dolby E data .............................................................................................. 88
Group mono tracks ........................................................................................................................ 88
Extended Audio language tagging for grouping mono tracks ........................................................ 89
Set a delay for media-file registration ............................................................................................ 89
Set the high-water mark for the Inbox folder ................................................................................ 90
Apply the Inbox high-water mark to Media folders on iTX Media Stores ...................................... 90
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Adding a file store of the store type to the File Stores list .................................................... 90
Add a file store of the store type to the File Stores list.................................................................. 91
Modify the options for a file store of the store type ..................................................................... 91
Adding a file store of the search type to the File Stores list .................................................. 92
Media Watcher plug-ins for external file stores ............................................................................ 92
About iTX timestamps on media files copied from external file stores ......................................... 95
Add a file store of the search type to the File Stores list ............................................................... 95
Set file-store options for an external IT store or Omneon video server ........................................ 96
Set file-store options for a Colossus system database ................................................................... 96
Set file-store options for a Front Porch Digital DIVArchive ............................................................ 97
Set file-store options for remote iTX domains ............................................................................... 98
Set file-store options for an FTP server .......................................................................................... 99
Set file-store options for a Suitcase TV archive .............................................................................. 99
Adding file stores of the Mirror type to the File Stores list ................................................. 100
Add a file store of the mirror type to the File Stores list .............................................................. 100
Modifying the File Stores list................................................................................................ 100
Remove a file store from the File Stores list ................................................................................ 100
Re-order file stores ....................................................................................................................... 100
Managing file stores ............................................................................................................. 101
Check the Media Watcher can access a file store ........................................................................ 101
Set up automatic access checking for file stores.......................................................................... 101
Set up the Media Watcher to recheck external file stores when searching for media files ........ 101
Set up the Media Watcher to delete old schedules ..................................................................... 102
File-copying speed................................................................................................................ 102
Change the file-copying speed ..................................................................................................... 102
Selecting default clip templates for media files imported through the Inbox ..................... 102
Select the default clip template for HD video clips ...................................................................... 103
Select the default clip template for SD video clips ....................................................................... 103
Searching for files requested by a Media Cache Service ..................................................... 103
Setting up search domains under the Domains tab ............................................................. 103
Create a central domain search list .............................................................................................. 104
Configuring a Media Watcher to copy media files to an independent back-up system ...... 104
Configuring the Time Service ........................................................................................ 105
Display the Time Service Configuration tool ................................................................................ 105
Configure the Time Service .......................................................................................................... 106
Starting iTX Desktops .................................................................................................... 107
Start an iTX Desktop ..................................................................................................................... 107
About the iTX Desktop ......................................................................................................... 107
About the iTX Desktop at a system-administrator workstation ................................................... 108
About the iTX Desktop at an operator workstation ..................................................................... 109
Checking the connection of iTX Desktops to the system services ....................................... 109
About service status indicators ............................................................................................ 110
Setting up views for workstations and operators ........................................................ 111
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Layout views ......................................................................................................................... 111
Selecting the workstation view or user view ............................................................................... 111
Registering of workstations and operators before the assigning of layout views ............... 112
Layouts available for layout views ....................................................................................... 112
Standard layouts .................................................................................................................. 113
Using cloned layouts ............................................................................................................ 116
Creating a system-administrator layout view ...................................................................... 116
Manage Views dialog ................................................................................................................... 116
Add layouts to your system-administrator user view .................................................................. 117
Assigning layout views from your system-administrator view ............................................ 118
Display the View Management pop-up layout ............................................................................. 120
Select a workstation layout view ................................................................................................. 120
Select a user layout view .............................................................................................................. 120
Add a layout to a layout view ....................................................................................................... 120
Change the order of layouts in a layout view............................................................................... 120
Remove a layout from a layout view ............................................................................................ 121
Refreshing a layout view .............................................................................................................. 121
About channel views ............................................................................................................ 121
Channel access levels ................................................................................................................... 122
Display the Channel View Management pop-up layout ............................................................... 122
Setting up a channel view .................................................................................................... 122
Create a channel view .................................................................................................................. 123
Select a channel view in the View Editor ..................................................................................... 123
Modify a channel view ................................................................................................................. 123
Delete a channel view .................................................................................................................. 124
Assigning a channel view ..................................................................................................... 124
Add a workstation to the Workstation Editor list ........................................................................ 124
Select a workstation in the Workstation Editor ........................................................................... 124
Assign channel views to a workstation ........................................................................................ 125
Delete a workstation from the Workstation Editor list ................................................................ 125
Modifying layouts ......................................................................................................... 126
About the layout-editing mode ............................................................................................ 127
Select the layout-editing mode .................................................................................................... 127
Configuring service-monitoring components ...................................................................... 128
Dummy routing ............................................................................................................................ 129
Connect the Server Monitor to a Database Server ...................................................................... 129
Connect a Channel Monitor to an Output Server ........................................................................ 129
Attaching an audio file to an Alert button ........................................................................... 130
Attach a sound file to an Alert button.......................................................................................... 130
Adding an Auto Failover Control to a layout ........................................................................ 130
Configuring component groups ........................................................................................... 131
Change the properties of a Group component ............................................................................ 132
Configuring the PinPoint panel on the Asset layout ............................................................ 132
Configure the group of Asset Type buttons on the PinPoint panel.............................................. 133
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Configuring search buttons on the Asset layout .................................................................. 133
Set the PinPoint search criteria for a search button .................................................................... 133
Configuring Encoder Settings buttons ................................................................................. 133
Configuring router components ........................................................................................... 134
Map destination buttons to router destinations ......................................................................... 134
Map source buttons to router sources ........................................................................................ 135
Set up a Destination Monitor ....................................................................................................... 136
Configuring the hold time for the previewing of events...................................................... 137
Configure the hold time for a Channel Selector ........................................................................... 137
Configure the hold time for a Timeline Display ........................................................................... 138
Configuring Re-cue control .................................................................................................. 138
Configure Re-cue to enable “Follow on air item” mode .............................................................. 138
Making a layout global ......................................................................................................... 138
Saving a layout ..................................................................................................................... 139
Exiting the layout-editing mode ........................................................................................... 139
Cancelling unsaved changes to a layout .............................................................................. 139
Configuring channels .................................................................................................... 140
Display the Channel Configuration pop-up layout ....................................................................... 140
Modifying the properties of channels .................................................................................. 140
Select a channel for configuration ............................................................................................... 140
Set channel properties ................................................................................................................. 141
Using the Channel tab .......................................................................................................... 141
Channel Config 1 – for all channel types .............................................................................. 142
Alias .............................................................................................................................................. 142
Details........................................................................................................................................... 142
Image ............................................................................................................................................ 142
Configure tracks ........................................................................................................................... 142
Channel Config 2 – for playout, edit and scheduled-ingest channels .................................. 143
Automation Engine Active ............................................................................................................ 143
Auto Cue After Live Event ............................................................................................................ 143
Fixed Availability Windows .......................................................................................................... 143
UTC Offset .................................................................................................................................... 144
Daylight Saving Time Boundaries ................................................................................................. 144
Frame rate (Output Server 1 only) ............................................................................................... 144
Channel Config 3 – for playout channels ............................................................................. 145
Type .............................................................................................................................................. 145
Hold Time ..................................................................................................................................... 146
Schedule Lock Out ........................................................................................................................ 146
Manual item updates ................................................................................................................... 146
Routing panel ............................................................................................................................... 146
Default Live Asset ......................................................................................................................... 147
Sub Channel Configuration........................................................................................................... 148
On Air ........................................................................................................................................... 148
Master/Slave Setup ...................................................................................................................... 148
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Simulcast Setup (Output Server 2 only) ....................................................................................... 149
Create As Run ............................................................................................................................... 149
Don’t Wait for Secondaries .......................................................................................................... 150
As-run schedules .......................................................................................................................... 150
As-run iTXML files. ........................................................................................................................ 150
As Run Start .................................................................................................................................. 151
Standby Video .............................................................................................................................. 151
Wide Screen Switch ...................................................................................................................... 151
3D Channel ................................................................................................................................... 152
Manual Events .............................................................................................................................. 152
Route on Failure ........................................................................................................................... 152
Offset Channel panel .................................................................................................................... 152
Search-domains panel .................................................................................................................. 152
Channel Config 4 – for playout channels ............................................................................. 153
Media Watcher ............................................................................................................................ 153
Off Air Slide .................................................................................................................................. 153
Breakdown Slide ........................................................................................................................... 154
Take Next Sequence ..................................................................................................................... 154
Manual Takes panel ..................................................................................................................... 154
Default Transitions panel ............................................................................................................. 154
Output Server panel ..................................................................................................................... 155
Alerts panel .................................................................................................................................. 155
Evergreen configuration panel ..................................................................................................... 155
Audio Mapping panel ................................................................................................................... 156
Advanced Aspect Ratio Control panel .......................................................................................... 156
Nielsen Ratings panel (Output Server 1 only) .............................................................................. 157
Secondary Record ........................................................................................................................ 158
Using the Configure Output Server dialog (Output Server 1 only) ...................................... 159
General Output Server settings .................................................................................................... 160
Resolution .................................................................................................................................... 160
Restart on input resolution change .............................................................................................. 161
Reference ..................................................................................................................................... 161
Cache Throttle in Mb/s ................................................................................................................ 161
SCTE 104 Signal – for sequence control ....................................................................................... 161
Enhanced SCTE104 ....................................................................................................................... 162
Dolby Digital settings.................................................................................................................... 164
Using the Configure Alerts dialog ........................................................................................ 165
Using the Advanced Aspect Ratio Control – Mapping Configuration dialog ....................... 166
The AFD code ............................................................................................................................... 167
Set the mapping configuration ..................................................................................................... 167
Use a default mapping configuration ........................................................................................... 168
Available ARC modes .................................................................................................................... 168
Media Keep List – for playout channels ............................................................................... 169
Manage the Media Keep List ........................................................................................................ 170
Export a Media Keep List .............................................................................................................. 170
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Import a Media Keep List ............................................................................................................. 170
The Cache Settings tab – cache channels ............................................................................ 171
Media Watcher ............................................................................................................................ 171
Search-domains panel .................................................................................................................. 171
The Scheduled Booking Config tab – scheduled-ingest channel ......................................... 172
Look Ahead ................................................................................................................................... 172
The Ingest Config tab – scheduled-ingest channel .............................................................. 172
Hold Time ..................................................................................................................................... 173
Creating device pools ................................................................................................................... 173
Using a spreadsheet to set properties for a group of playout channels.............................. 174
Configure playout and edit channels by using a spreadsheet ...................................................... 174
Configuring channel plug-ins ........................................................................................ 175
Modifying the properties of channel plug-ins...................................................................... 176
Select a channel for configuration ............................................................................................... 176
Set channel plug-in properties ..................................................................................................... 176
The Schedule Event Configuration panel ..................................................................................... 177
The External Subtitler Configuration panel .................................................................................. 178
The GPI Configuration panel ........................................................................................................ 179
The VANC Configuration panel ..................................................................................................... 179
The Clarity Configuration panel ................................................................................................... 180
The VizRT Graphic Configuration panel........................................................................................ 181
The VertigoXG panel .................................................................................................................... 181
The Studio Setup panel ................................................................................................................ 184
The Video Clip Configuration panel .............................................................................................. 184
The Schedule Import Configuration panel ................................................................................... 185
Map a generic logo to a logo file .................................................................................................. 186
Map a generic logo to an external logo ....................................................................................... 187
Set default playout properties for a mapped logo ....................................................................... 187
Map a CG template to a CG file .................................................................................................... 189
Set default playout properties for a CG template ........................................................................ 189
Map a graphics-script template to a graphics script .................................................................... 190
Set default playout properties for a graphics-script template ..................................................... 191
Delete all mappings for CG and graphics-script templates .......................................................... 191
Map a generic GPI output to an output on a GPI matrix ............................................................. 192
The Route Event Configuration panel .......................................................................................... 192
Conditional Access Configuration panel....................................................................................... 193
Scheduled Ingest Defaults panel .................................................................................................. 193
The External Logo panel ............................................................................................................... 194
The Logo Setup panel ................................................................................................................... 195
SCTE104 Configuration panel ....................................................................................................... 197
System Wide Config ...................................................................................................... 198
Displaying drop frame time codes as non-drop frame time codes ...................................... 198
Re-indexing the Opus service ....................................................................................................... 199
Configuring the audio output for a playout channel .................................................... 202
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About audio channels and tracks (and streams).................................................................. 202
Output-channel limit .................................................................................................................... 203
Encoded-data formats for playout ....................................................................................... 203
Configuring the audio output of an Output Server .............................................................. 203
Selecting the audio type ............................................................................................................... 204
Compatibility of source tracks ...................................................................................................... 206
Examples of a PCM stereo output from various source types ..................................................... 207
Distribution of source PCM channels in a Dolby D 5.1 output ..................................................... 207
Channel mapping ......................................................................................................................... 208
How iTX determines which source track to use for the output ................................................... 209
Track grouping .............................................................................................................................. 210
Track-group numbering for mono-track outputs ......................................................................... 211
Replicating a mono source track for a PCM stereo output track ................................................. 211
XML code for the channel-mapping configuration ...................................................................... 211
Testing a channel-mapping configuration .................................................................................... 212
Clip mapping ................................................................................................................................ 213
Using the Audio Mapping panel ........................................................................................... 213
Display the Audio Mapping panel ................................................................................................ 214
Add an audio track to the output of a playout channel ............................................................... 214
Remove an audio track from the output of a playout channel .................................................... 214
Configure an output audio track .................................................................................................. 214
Display the XML code for a channel-mapping configuration ....................................................... 215
Display a report showing the audio-track details for a video clip ................................................ 215
Modifying the list of available track tags in the Language Selection dialog ................................. 216
Upgrading a system that is configured for clip mapping ..................................................... 216
Output Server settings for Dolby Digital and Dolby E audio ................................................ 217
Running iTX services ..................................................................................................... 218
Common user-interface tabs ............................................................................................... 219
The Service Details tab ................................................................................................................. 219
The Trace Logs tab ....................................................................................................................... 221
The Installation Info tab ............................................................................................................... 222
Using the Server Controller Configuration tool ................................................................... 223
Start-up parameters ..................................................................................................................... 223
Modify start-up parameters ......................................................................................................... 226
Working with the services on the Database Server machine ...................................... 227
Service-window features of iTX services on the Database Server machine ........................ 228
System Service – Alerts Details tab .............................................................................................. 228
System Service – Alerts History tab .............................................................................................. 229
Logging Service – Messages tab ................................................................................................... 229
OPUS Service – Management, Control tab: ................................................................................. 230
OPUS Service – Management, Configuration tab: ....................................................................... 231
OPUS Service – Management, Job Types tab: .............................................................................. 231
Routing Data Service – Matrix Details tab:................................................................................... 232
Locator Service – Services tab ...................................................................................................... 232
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Locator Service – Domain Info tab ............................................................................................... 234
Working with the Media Watcher ................................................................................ 235
Copying and registering files ........................................................................................................ 235
Clip Templates .............................................................................................................................. 236
Re-ingesting files .......................................................................................................................... 237
Valid formats for media files and other types of file ................................................................... 237
Animated sequences and their different playout modes ............................................................ 239
Importing a single TARGA frame for use as a logo ....................................................................... 240
Registering of reference MOV and MXF files ............................................................................... 240
Registering of recordings ............................................................................................................. 241
Registering of media on an external Media Store ........................................................................ 241
Copying of media files for playout ............................................................................................... 241
Registering of Licenses ................................................................................................................. 242
Deleting files ................................................................................................................................. 242
Extra service-window features for the Media Watcher ....................................................... 243
Media Watcher – Setup tab ......................................................................................................... 243
Media Watcher – Media tab ........................................................................................................ 244
Media Watcher – Domains tab .................................................................................................... 245
Alternative Workflow-driven media imports ............................................................... 246
Media Import Configuration Tool ................................................................................. 247
Installation ........................................................................................................................... 247
Useage .................................................................................................................................. 248
Import Overrides (media registration) ......................................................................................... 248
Output Overrides (Playout) .......................................................................................................... 248
Local Overrides ............................................................................................................................. 249
Working with iTX services on an Output Server machine ............................................ 250
Extra service-window features for services on the Output Server machine ....................... 250
TXPlay and TXEdit – service-window headers .............................................................................. 251
Output Server 1 – Video Output tab ............................................................................................ 251
Output Server 1 – Engineering tab ............................................................................................... 252
The iTX Player window ......................................................................................................... 258
The Media Cache Service .............................................................................................. 259
Caching in a single domain ................................................................................................... 259
Checking media items .................................................................................................................. 259
Cache requests ............................................................................................................................. 259
Caching from an iTX Media Store ................................................................................................. 260
Caching from a search folder ....................................................................................................... 260
Caching a file that is being ingested ............................................................................................. 260
Skipping of missing media files ............................................................................................ 261
Interruption to caching ........................................................................................................ 261
Cache management ............................................................................................................. 261
Caching in a multi-domain system ....................................................................................... 261
Caching for a sub-channel .................................................................................................... 262
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Search order of domains in multi-domain caching .............................................................. 262
Setting up a system for multi-domain caching .................................................................... 263
Set up a system to copy files without registering them in the new domain ................................ 263
Media Cache Service window .............................................................................................. 263
Media Cache 1/2 - Service Details ................................................................................................ 263
Media Cache 1/2 - Status tab ....................................................................................................... 264
Media Cache 2 - Configuration tab .............................................................................................. 265
Cache channel in a Schedule Grid ........................................................................................ 266
Working with iTX services on an Encode Server machine ............................................ 268
Creating media files ...................................................................................................................... 268
Registering media files ................................................................................................................. 268
Recording of VANC data ............................................................................................................... 268
Video-format detection ................................................................................................................ 268
Encode Server control of a VTR .................................................................................................... 269
Extra service-window features for the services on an Encode Server machine .................. 269
Encode Server – service-window header ..................................................................................... 269
Encode Server – Settings tab ........................................................................................................ 269
Select a Media Watcher for file registration ................................................................................ 270
Import encode presets ................................................................................................................. 270
Set the in-point timecode flag for recordings .............................................................................. 271
Request the iTX Encoder to detect the timecode track in an SD video feed ............................... 271
Set the pre-roll time for a VTR connected directly to the Encode Server .................................... 271
Test the connection between an Encode Server machine and a VTR .......................................... 271
Release a locked Encode Server ................................................................................................... 272
Restart the Encode Server ............................................................................................................ 272
Request the Encode Server to create a snapshot log file ............................................................. 272
Using iTX Desktop layouts for system administration .................................................. 273
The Engineering layout ........................................................................................................ 273
Monitoring iTX services ................................................................................................................ 274
Selecting a different playout source in a transmission chain ....................................................... 274
View the Media Store Gauge ....................................................................................................... 275
Monitoring system alerts ............................................................................................................. 275
Alert buttons ................................................................................................................................ 275
Active Alerts list ............................................................................................................................ 275
Acknowledge or cancel an alert ................................................................................................... 276
Cancelling and restarting TXPlay alerts ........................................................................................ 276
Active Alerts pop-up layout .......................................................................................................... 276
System Management pop-up layouts .......................................................................................... 277
The Logging pop-up layout ................................................................................................... 278
Filtering log-message lists ............................................................................................................ 278
Creating a manual log entry ......................................................................................................... 279
The OPUS Administration pop-up layout ............................................................................. 280
Create a live event........................................................................................................................ 280
Using the Store Manager ............................................................................................................. 280
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Delete installation zip files ........................................................................................................... 281
Untag all assets from a category .................................................................................................. 281
Delete a category ......................................................................................................................... 281
The Naming Rule Configuration pop-up layout ................................................................... 281
Rule elements............................................................................................................................... 282
Create a naming rule .................................................................................................................... 283
Add elements to a naming rule .................................................................................................... 283
Create a sequence for an automatically generated name ........................................................... 284
The Colour Configuration pop-up layout ............................................................................. 285
Change the colour of a schedule event type ................................................................................ 286
Add a new schedule event type ................................................................................................... 286
Delete a schedule event type ....................................................................................................... 286
Restore the default colour scheme .............................................................................................. 286
The Colour Selector .............................................................................................................. 287
Use the Colour Selector................................................................................................................ 287
The Server Manager layout .................................................................................................. 288
About the Server Manager ........................................................................................................... 288
Register and connect to a Server Controller ................................................................................ 289
Upgrading or uninstalling iTX software modules on single machines ......................... 291
Upgrading an iTX software module ..................................................................................... 292
Upgrade an iTX software module ................................................................................................. 292
Uninstalling an iTX software module ................................................................................... 293
Prepare to uninstall a software module by using the iTX installer to automatically select
components ................................................................................................................................. 293
Prepare to uninstall a software module by manually selecting components .............................. 293
Uninstall components of an iTX software module ....................................................................... 294
Installing a different type of iTX software module on a machine ........................................ 294
Manually delete the installer configuration file ........................................................................... 294
Replace an installed iTX software module with a module of a different type ............................. 294
Migrating between Output Server 1 and Output Server 2 .................................................. 295
Upgrading a batch of iTX server machines ................................................................... 296
The Software Distributor ...................................................................................................... 296
Registering of iTX installation folders ........................................................................................... 296
The iTX Software Updater .................................................................................................... 297
Setting up and running an automatic batch upgrade .......................................................... 297
Register a new iTX installation folder ........................................................................................... 298
Specify upgrade requirements and start an upgrade .................................................................. 298
Create an installation report ........................................................................................................ 299
Closing down your iTX system ...................................................................................... 300
Closing down an iTX Desktop ............................................................................................... 300
Closing down a server machine ........................................................................................... 300
System resilience .......................................................................................................... 301
Service resilience modes ...................................................................................................... 301
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Configuring resilience modes ....................................................................................................... 302
Checking the resilience mode ...................................................................................................... 302
Redundancy options ............................................................................................................ 302
System Database .......................................................................................................................... 302
Output Server ............................................................................................................................... 302
Configuring an N+1 Server ........................................................................................................... 303
Encode Server .............................................................................................................................. 304
Media Store .................................................................................................................................. 304
Live Sources .................................................................................................................................. 304
Running a back-up Database Server .................................................................................... 305
Back-up System Database ............................................................................................................ 305
Back-up system services ............................................................................................................... 305
Preparing a back-up Database Server .......................................................................................... 305
Set up a back-up Database Server to run the iTX services ........................................................... 305
Configuring the System Service to use the back-up Database Server .......................................... 306
Running a back-up Output Server ........................................................................................ 306
Master and slave channels ........................................................................................................... 306
Failover of an Output Server ........................................................................................................ 307
Use of a dummy router to identify the master channel .............................................................. 307
Prepare the back-up Output Server cache ................................................................................... 307
Add a back-up Output Server 1 to an iTX system ......................................................................... 308
Add a back-up Output Server 2 to an iTX system ......................................................................... 308
Running a standby Output Server ........................................................................................ 308
Add a standby Output Server to an iTX system ............................................................................ 309
Failover a live schedule to a standby Output Server .................................................................... 309
Running a back-up Encode Server........................................................................................ 310
Set up a back-up Encode Server ................................................................................................... 310
Add a Output Server 2 simulcast channel to an iTX system ................................................ 310
Duplicating a live source ...................................................................................................... 311
Set up live sources ........................................................................................................................ 311
Using iTX with a matrix router ...................................................................................... 314
Setting up an iTX system for routing .................................................................................... 314
iTX router-control services ........................................................................................................... 314
Dummy router .............................................................................................................................. 314
Routing Data Service .................................................................................................................... 315
Installing a Router Bridge ..................................................................................................... 315
Machine requirements for a Router Bridge ................................................................................. 315
Install the Router Bridge .............................................................................................................. 316
Running the Router Bridge ........................................................................................................... 316
Configuring an iTX system after the installation of a Router Bridge .................................... 316
Change the name of the Router Bridge........................................................................................ 316
Test the Router Bridge connection .............................................................................................. 317
Copy crosspoint details to the System Database from the Router Bridge ................................... 317
Perform test routes from the Router Bridge ................................................................................ 317
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Updating information from the Router Bridge .................................................................... 318
Copy all information from the Router Bridge to the System Database ....................................... 318
Copy selected information from the Router Bridge to the System Database .............................. 319
Installing a GVG Acappella Router Server ............................................................................ 320
Install the GVG Acappella Router Server ...................................................................................... 320
Running the Acappella Router Server .......................................................................................... 320
Configuring an iTX system after the installation of a GVG Acappella Router Server ........... 321
Add the Acappella Router configuration panel to a layout .......................................................... 321
Enter network-connection details ................................................................................................ 321
Enter crosspoint details in the System Database ......................................................................... 322
Perform test routes ...................................................................................................................... 322
Installing an NVision NV9000 Router Control System Service ............................................. 322
Install the NVision NV9000 Router Service .................................................................................. 322
Running the NVision NV9000 Router Service ............................................................................... 323
Configuring an iTX system after the installation of an NVision NV9000 Router Control
System Service ..................................................................................................................... 323
Enter the router connection details in the program configuration file ....................................... 323
Enter router connection details in the NVision NV9000 Router Control System Service ............ 323
Enter crosspoint details in the System Database ......................................................................... 324
Perform test routes ...................................................................................................................... 324
Reloading Configuration changes to the NV9000 ........................................................................ 324
Installig the Evertz 7700 Router Server ................................................................................ 325
Install the Evertz7700 Router Server ........................................................................................... 325
Running the Evertz7700 Router Server ........................................................................................ 325
Configuring an iTX system after the installation of an Evertz 7700 Router Server .............. 325
Add the Evertz 7700 Router configuration panel to a layout....................................................... 325
Enter connection details in the Evertz 7700 Router configuration panel .................................... 326
Enter crosspoint details in the System Database ......................................................................... 326
Perform test routes ...................................................................................................................... 327
Installing the Quartz Router Service .................................................................................... 327
Install the Quartz Router Service ................................................................................................. 327
Running the Quartz Router Service .............................................................................................. 327
Configuring an iTX system after the installation of a Quartz Router Service....................... 327
Add the Quartz Router configuration panel to a layout............................................................... 327
Enter connection details in the Quartz Router configuration panel ............................................ 328
Enter crosspoint details in the System Database ......................................................................... 328
Perform test routes ...................................................................................................................... 329
Installing the Hardwired Router (for a dummy router) ....................................................... 329
Install the Hard Wired Router ...................................................................................................... 329
Running the Hard Wired Router................................................................................................... 329
Configuring an iTX system after the installation of a Hardwired Router ............................. 329
Stop the router-control service .................................................................................................... 329
Enter crosspoint details for the dummy router in the program configuration file ...................... 330
Example of a dummy-router configuration file ............................................................................ 330
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Restart the router-control service................................................................................................ 331
Enter crosspoint details in the System Database ......................................................................... 331
Perform test routes ...................................................................................................................... 331
The Routing Configuration pop-up layout ........................................................................... 331
Routing Configuration Tool .......................................................................................................... 332
Log Monitor .................................................................................................................................. 332
Display the Routing Configuration pop-up layout ........................................................................ 332
Use the Routing Configuration Tool to enter crosspoint details in the System Database ........... 332
Use the Routing Configuration Tool to perform test routes ........................................................ 333
Viewing details of a router event in the Log Monitor .................................................................. 333
Filtering by groups in routing configuration ........................................................................ 333
Setting up router control on the Router Control layout ...................................................... 334
Configuring the Router Control layout ......................................................................................... 335
Using the features on the Router Control layout ................................................................ 335
Route a source to a destination from a router control panel ...................................................... 335
Using iTX with a GPI device .......................................................................................... 337
Supported GPI devices ................................................................................................................. 337
The GPI Service ..................................................................................................................... 337
Installing the GPI Devices module ........................................................................................ 338
Configuring the GPI Service .................................................................................................. 338
Start the GPI Service Configuration application ........................................................................... 338
Add a driver for a GPI device ........................................................................................................ 339
Configuration settings for a GPI Service driver ............................................................................ 340
Enable a GPI Service driver........................................................................................................... 341
Edit the settings for a GPI Service driver ...................................................................................... 341
Delete a GPI Service driver ........................................................................................................... 341
Restart the GPI Service ................................................................................................................. 342
Assign names to GPI input and output triggers ........................................................................... 342
Check inputs and outputs under the driver Status tab ................................................................ 342
Assigning GPI inputs to playout actions ............................................................................... 343
Setting up a Videoframe VNode .......................................................................................... 343
Using Missing Materials Manager ................................................................................ 344
About Missing Materials Manager ....................................................................................... 344
Reports ......................................................................................................................................... 345
Running multiple instances of Missing Materials Manager ......................................................... 345
License dongle .............................................................................................................................. 345
Installing the Missing Material Service module ................................................................... 345
Configuring Missing Materials Manager .............................................................................. 346
Saving your settings ..................................................................................................................... 347
Automatic deletion of media files to clear disk space ................................................................. 347
Selecting Media Watchers for Missing Materials Manager to work with .................................... 349
Searching stored schedules for events with missing media files ................................................. 349
Event types for checking .............................................................................................................. 350
Look-ahead time .......................................................................................................................... 351
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Cache-ahead time ........................................................................................................................ 351
Specifying which live schedules Missing Materials Manager should monitor ............................. 351
Missing Materials Manager Reporting ......................................................................................... 352
Configuring an iTX Desktop to accept commands from a keyboard or hard panel ..... 354
Component-input mapping .................................................................................................. 355
Assign a keyboard shortcut or hard-panel control to an action of a layout component ............. 355
Delete an input mapping .............................................................................................................. 357
Editing data for an input mapping ............................................................................................... 358
View details of all input mappings ............................................................................................... 358
Components that support input mapping ................................................................................... 359
Macro mapping .................................................................................................................... 362
Assign a keyboard shortcut or hard-panel control to an iTX Desktop macro .............................. 362
Delete the mapping for an iTX Desktop macro ............................................................................ 363
Using iTX with the XML Adaptor ................................................................................... 364
About the XML Adaptor ....................................................................................................... 364
License dongle .............................................................................................................................. 364
Installing the iTX XML Adaptor module ............................................................................... 364
Setting up multiple service instances................................................................................... 364
Configuring the XML Adaptor .............................................................................................. 365
Configure the XML Adaptor ......................................................................................................... 365
Configuration settings .................................................................................................................. 366
Media types in schedule update messages .................................................................................. 367
Using iTX with the Alerts Forwarding Service .............................................................. 368
About the Alerts Forwarding Service ................................................................................... 368
Installing the Alerts Forwarding Service module ................................................................. 368
Configuring the Alerts Forwarding Service .......................................................................... 368
Stop the Alerts Forwarding Service .............................................................................................. 369
Add the Alerts Forwarding SNMP Plugin Configuration tool to a layout ..................................... 369
Enter connection details .............................................................................................................. 369
Restart the Alerts Forwarding Service .......................................................................................... 369
Testing the Alerts Forwarding Service ................................................................................. 370
Test the operation of the Alerts Forwarding Service ................................................................... 370
Check the logs for the Alerts Forwarding Service ........................................................................ 370
iTX Emergency Alerts Service ............................................................................................... 370
Using iTX with the RSS Streamer .................................................................................. 371
Installing the RSS Streamer module ..................................................................................... 371
Starting the RSS Streamer .................................................................................................... 371
Configuring the RSS Streamer .............................................................................................. 372
Add an RSS feed to the list ........................................................................................................... 372
Delete an RSS feed ....................................................................................................................... 373
Change the number of headlines the RSS Streamer includes in an output file ........................... 373
Change the type of information the RSS Streamer includes in an output file ............................. 373
Refresh the RSS feed content ....................................................................................................... 373
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 18 of 404
Edit the program configuration file .............................................................................................. 374
Using iTX Workflow ...................................................................................................... 375
About the Workflow Service and job services ..................................................................... 375
Proxy Generation Service ............................................................................................................. 376
Keyframe Generation Service ...................................................................................................... 376
File Copy Service .......................................................................................................................... 376
Media Rules and MediaFlow Processes ............................................................................... 377
Installing ITX Workflow components ................................................................................... 377
Selection of software modules ..................................................................................................... 377
Install the Workflow Service ........................................................................................................ 378
Install a job service ....................................................................................................................... 379
Install Media Rules components .................................................................................................. 379
Install MediaFlow Processes components ................................................................................... 379
Configuring workflow definitions in the Workflow Service ................................................. 380
Open the Workflow Configuration tool ....................................................................................... 380
Configure the Keyframe All workflow definition .......................................................................... 380
Configure the Proxy All workflow definition ................................................................................ 381
Configure the Media Flow Export Asset workflow definition ...................................................... 381
Restart the Workflow Service ...................................................................................................... 382
Configuring the File Copy Service......................................................................................... 382
Configure the File Copy Service on start-up ................................................................................. 382
Configuring the Proxy Generation Service ........................................................................... 383
Proxy Quality ................................................................................................................................ 383
Single Pass .................................................................................................................................... 383
Running the ITX Workflow services ..................................................................................... 383
Enabling iTX v2 to use the assets in an iTX v1 system .................................................. 384
Identifying the iTX v1 domain .............................................................................................. 384
Installing the iTX software module ...................................................................................... 385
iTX v2 Locator Service configuration ............................................................................................ 385
Install the migration services ....................................................................................................... 385
Configuring other services ................................................................................................... 386
Edit the Media Data Service configuration file ............................................................................ 386
Set up the Media Watcher for multi-domain operation .............................................................. 387
Running the new services .................................................................................................... 387
Checking the interaction of the two systems ...................................................................... 387
BXF Schedule Importing ............................................................................................... 388
Installing the Workflow Application Service ........................................................................ 388
Configuring the Workflow Application Service .................................................................... 388
Configuring File Based Workflow ................................................................................................. 390
Configuring the Web Service Workflow ....................................................................................... 392
Importing of Harris ADC100 schedules ........................................................................ 394
Setting up the Workflow Application Service for importing Harris ADC100 schedules....... 394
BXF As Run Support ...................................................................................................... 395
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 19 of 404
HDSDI/SDI Preview from an iTX Desktop ..................................................................... 396
Video playout ....................................................................................................................... 396
Audio playout ....................................................................................................................... 396
Volume-level meters .................................................................................................................... 397
Installing the feature ............................................................................................................ 397
Video card .................................................................................................................................... 397
FPP installation ............................................................................................................................. 398
Media Viewer options .......................................................................................................... 398
Show/hide the volume-level meters ............................................................................................ 398
Licensing ............................................................................................................................... 399
Not supported ...................................................................................................................... 399
Comparison of functionality ................................................................................................. 399
Supporting Tools ........................................................................................................... 401
OPUS Metadata import tool for Core Systems .................................................................... 401
Updating Aspect Ratio information database location ........................................................ 402
Installing Clip Fixer ....................................................................................................................... 402
Setting the media format with Clip Fixer ..................................................................................... 402
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 20 of 404
About this manual
About this manual
In this manual, we describe the steps you should follow to install and configure the software
modules that provide the functionality in an iTX system.
We tell you how to start the system services, which are used by operators at iTX Desktop Client
workstations, and how to monitor these services to ensure the iTX system continues to run
effectively.
Software versions
The manual covers various releases of iTX version 2 (identified by version numbers v2.1, v2.2,
etc.). Some of the features described in the manual may not be available in your version of
software. For more information, contact iTX Support.
This manual covers generic installation and configuration for both Output Server 1 and Output
Server 2-based iTX systems. However, the installation of Output Server 2 and the configuration
of Output Server 2 channels is covered in the iTX Output Server 2 Channel Configuration Guide.
Assumptions
To successfully install and set up an iTX system, you need to have a certain level of IT
knowledge and experience. We make these assumptions:
• You have system-administrator privileges for the network.
• You have experience of installing and configuring client-server software on a TCP/IP
• You are capable of installing and setting up an SQL database.
• You will install the software on machines that have been connected to a LAN or WAN
• You are familiar with the arrangement of the machines in the iTX system and know
• You understand generally the main broadcasting concepts of the iTX system; e.g. the
network.
by a competent network engineer.
which machine is to be used for which purpose. We describe the different types of
machines in "About the iTX system" (see page 22) in this manual.
function of the VITC time feed, and the method used for broadcasting the output of
the iTX system.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 21 of 404
About the iTX system
About the iTX system
System architecture
For those who are familiar with previous versions of iTX, we summarise below the main
differences between the system architectures of iTX v1 and iTX v2.
Whereas iTX v1 operates within our previous (G
our latest iTX platform. There are two significant differences between the two system
architectures:
• The ability in iTX v2 to use Microsoft Windows Discovery Service for service and client
connections. This makes it possible for iTX v2 to work using either of two serviceconnection models: Locator-based or Discovery-based.
• The merging of functionality into fewer services in iTX v2.
We explain the differences in more detail below.
3
) Framework, iTX v2 is designed to operate on
Service-connection model and system domains in iTX v1
iTX v1 uses the Locator model for the connecting of services and clients. In this model, the
Locator Service gives services and clients the connection details they need to interact with each
other; it also manages failover to back-up services. The Locator Service defines the iTX domain
in which the various system components (services and iTX Desktops) operate.
Service-connection models and system domains in iTX v2
iTX v2 can use either the Locator model or the Discovery model for service and client
connections. Failover of services is generally managed by the services themselves. An iTX
domain is formed by services and clients that have a common domain name – this is set for the
machines on which they run.
In the Locator model, the iTX Locator Service provides the service connection details.
In the Discovery model, an alternative method for connecting services and clients is available
through the Microsoft Windows Discovery Service. Each service and client broadcasts its
presence to all other services and clients in its domain; it keeps its own list of domain members
and the connection details it needs to be able to interact with them.
The Discovery model requires special configuration of the IT network and is best suited to
single-domain systems.
For multi-domain systems, especially those spread over a large network, we recommend you
use a Locator Service in each domain to share service-connection information with each other.
In such a system, there is less network traffic between domains than there is in a system that
uses the Discovery model. Such a set-up is necessary if any of the domains is an iTX v1 domain,
since iTX v1 does not support the Discovery model.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 22 of 404
About the iTX system
Merged services and new services
Some individual Framework Services that iTX v1 uses have been combined into a single
Framework Service for iTX v2: the iTX System Service replaces the Object Data Service, Security
Service and Alerts Service.
Similarly, the two services for media-asset management are merged: the OPUS 2 service
replaces the Media Search Service and the Media Data Service. The OPUS 2 Service also
includes two services, the Keyframe Service and the Text Indexer Service, that were not in iTX
v1.
The iTX Logging Service replaces the previous Logging Service.
The iTX As Run Service replaces the Schedule Data Service.
All iTX v2 services run under the control of the iTX Server Controller.
iTX software modules
The iTX system software is organised in a number of software modules and supplied in a folder
called iTX Suite (followed by the software-version number):
The folder includes an automatic installer, called Setup. By running the installer, you can install
standard iTX v2 software modules and some custom ones.
For a basic playout system with the manual ingest of media, you usually install these modules:
• Database Server
• Output Server
• Desktop Client
• Media Watcher
• Encode Server
• Software Distributor
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 23 of 404
About the iTX system
Required operating
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard 64-bit Edition R2 with
Required other software:
A Microsoft SQL database server:
iTX software module:
Database Server.
Media Watcher (with iTX Desktop layouts).
Drivers for SDI video cards
The installation folder includes a subfolder, called Drivers. This folder contains the required
device drivers for the SDI video cards that iTX can use. If any machine in your iTX system does
not have the correct driver for the version of Output Server you are using, you need to install
one from this folder. More details, page 37.
Processing of multi-channel audio
iTX includes an option to use Dolby* technology to decode and encode Dolby Digital and Dolby
E audio content. For these options, separate iTX Licenses are required.
*Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
iTX machines, their operating systems and other required software
For a basic iTX system, with playout and recording facilities, you need the machines we
describe here. Complex iTX systems may require additional, or more powerful, machines.
Database Server – one per system
system:
The Database Server module includes the iTX System Database and the system services.
In small systems, the Database Server machine may also act as a Media Store. It then requires
the Media Watcher to run on it. The iTX Desktop layouts are installed with the Media Watcher,
which registers them for use in your iTX system. More details, page 25.
If you are using iTX with any of the following system options, you may install the required
software modules on the Database Server machine:
Service Pack 1.
SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition.
Optional:
• A matrix router.
• A GPI device.
• The Missing Materials Manager.
• The XML Adaptor.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 24 of 404
About the iTX system
Required operating
For a standalone Media Store:
iTX software module:
Media Watcher (with iTX Desktop layouts).
Required operating
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard 64-bit Edition R2 with
iTX software module:
Output Server or Output Server HD.
Media Watcher.
Media Store – one or more per system
system:
The Media Store holds the media files that are to be available for use in playout schedules. It
may be a standalone machine, or it may be part of the Database Server machine. There may be
more than one Media Store in an iTX system.
The Media Watcher runs on the Media Store (provided the Media Store allows this). Where
there are multiple Media Stores, it runs on the main one.
If the Media Store does not allow iTX software to run on it, the Media Watcher should run on
the Database Server machine instead. Since this requires the use of network (UNC) paths in file
transfers, the processing of files in the Inbox takes slightly longer than when the Media
Watcher runs on the Media Store.
There must be at least one Media Watcher in an iTX system, to monitor the Inbox on the Media
Store. There may be other Media Watchers in a system, doing the same jobs for different
Media Stores as well as managing the copying of media files that are needed for playout to the
Output Server caches.
iTX Desktop layouts are installed with the Media Watcher, which registers them for use in your
iTX system.
Any version of Microsoft Windows that gives a specified number
of users’ simultaneous access to the Media Store contents.
Output Server – one per playout channel (SD or HD)
system:
The Output Server machine is the iTX playout engine for a single channel.
For a system that requires a channel to play out content to several regions simultaneously, you
can include up to 8 additional regional channels per main playout channel. Each regional
channel requires an additional Output Server.
Service Pack 1.
Optional:
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 25 of 404
About the iTX system
License dongle
The Output Server machine must have a hardware License key, or "dongle", inserted in one of
its USB slots. This authenticates the iTX software and allows you to use the software once the
License is registered in the iTX system.
The License allows specific iTX plug-ins to run. The plug-ins provide the features on components
that the scheduling services, TXPlay and TXEdit, use to process media files of different types.
You may start with a basic iTX system that has reduced functionality, and later increase the
functionality by adding License files to activate more plug-ins; you do not need to change the
dongle.
New License files can be registered with the system in two ways. They can either be copied into
any Media Watcher’s Inbox, where they will be processed by the Media Watcher itself and the
iTX database will be updated with details of the new functionality.
Or you can import them via the System Service, which is usually running on a framework server:
1. Locate the System Service and click on the Licensing tab.
2. Select the sub tab labelled License Details.
3. Click the Import License button.
4. Browse to the directory where you have downloaded your License files to.
5. Select the License file and click OK.
NOTE: You will need to restart the services running on the machine you have updated the
License for in order for it to expose the new features.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 26 of 404
About the iTX system
Required operating
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 or
iTX software module:
Desktop Client.
Required operating
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard 64-bit Edition R2 with
iTX software module:
Encode Server.
iTX Desktop layout
Desktop Client workstation – one per operating position.
system:
The Desktop Client module consists of the iTX Desktop (a user interface for systems based on
iTX technology), a set of iTX Desktop layouts, and the controls that feature on the layouts.
Together these form the iTX Desktop, through which an operator interacts with the iTX system
in building and controlling playout schedules and in recording and managing media for use in
schedules.
There is only one version of the iTX Desktop, but it can run in administrator mode or operator
mode; this depends on the security attributes of the user who starts it.
Microsoft Windows 7.
Optional (on a system-administrator workstation):
Software Distributor.
Encode Server – number dependent on the required capacity for simultaneous recordings
system:
The Encode Server module provides a recording channel under the control of the Encode
Server. This operates an encoder to record a digital video signal, which the machine receives
through a serial (SDI) connection. The source of the video signal may be a videotape, video
server or live feed. The encoder converts the video into a file, in a selected storage format, and
places this in the Media Store.
The Encode Server machine must have a video capture card, capable of handling the incoming
video.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 27 of 404
Service Pack 1.
About the iTX system
License dongle
The Encode Server machine must have a hardware License key, or "dongle", inserted in one of
its USB slots. This authenticates the iTX software and allows you to use the software once the
License is registered in the iTX system.
Note: If there is no requirement to record media, the iTX system does not have to include an
Encode Server machine.
iTX system design
iTX systems can vary greatly in the number of Output Servers, Desktop Clients, Media Stores
and Encode Servers they contain. But, in general, every basic system is a variation of one of two
models. In one model, the main Media Store is a standalone device; in the other, the Media
Store is part of the Database Server machine.
System time source
The Time Service keeps time in an iTX system and distributes it to parts of the system that
require it; for instance, TXPlay, the playout service on the Output Server.
The time the service delivers is in the international time standard known as UTC (Universal
Time, Co-ordinated). To be able to supply the correct time, the Time Service needs to receive
an accurate time reference signal. It may get this from one of three sources:
• A VITC input card connected to a VITC generator.
• The PC clock on the Database Server machine.
• An external NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.
If the reference signal is interrupted, the Time Service continues to keep time using an internal
system process, until the reference signal is restored.
The Time Service runs on a separate machine, the Time Server, in a system that uses a VITC
generator to provide a time reference signal. In a system with no VITC generator, it runs on the
Database Server machine.
Back-up protection
You can apply various levels of back-up protection to an iTX system. More details, page 301.
System options
The iTX system software has modules for a variety of system options. These include:
• Media acquisition features that enable iTX to access media content on Front Porch
Digital DIVArchives, Suitcase TV archives, Omneon Spectrum video servers and FTP
servers.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 28 of 404
About the iTX system
• Regional channels that can play out their own media content (such as commercial
• Control of a Screen Polistream subtitling system that iTX delivers its output signal to.
• Control of an external Grass Valley logo inserter that iTX delivers its output signal to.
• Control of an external character generator that iTX delivers its output signal to.
• The control of GPI devices, matrix routers and hard panels.
• The management of missing media content.
• The generation of keyframes and low-resolution browse copies for video clips.
breaks) across multiple regions. You can include up to 8 regional channels per playout
channel. Each regional channel in an iTX system requires an additional Output Server.
Supported devices include the Pixel Power Clarity and the VizRT character generator.
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 29 of 404
Preparing a system for iTX software
Preparing a system for iTX software
Before you install the iTX software modules on their machines, you should ensure the system
meets the requirements that we outline in this section.
Network connection
The machines that are to receive the iTX software modules should be connected to a TCP/IP
network – LAN or WAN – in an arrangement with these characteristics:
• The network and the machines can handle data rates of at least 1000 Mbps.
• All machines are in the same network domain or workgroup.
• None of the machines is connected to the internet.
Ensure all intended users have network user accounts.
Using a DHCP server to allocate an IP address for a Locator Service machine
The iTX system services, which provide the operating platform for iTX, include an optional
service called the Locator Service. Many iTX systems use this service, even single-domain
systems that use the Discovery model for finding services. Sometimes a system has multiple
Locator Services, for load balancing or multi-domain connections.
Any machine on which a Locator Service runs must have a static IP address. If the iTX network
uses a DHCP server to allocate IP addresses, this server should be set up to provide a static
address for each Locator Service machine.
Locator Service – name resolution
All other system services contact the Locator Service by using its host name, "omn-locator". iTX
translates this host name into an IP address in one of two ways: either by using a WINS or DNS
server, if there is one in the system; or by referring to a local-machine Hosts file.
Important: If you are installing iTX in a system that uses a WINS or DNS server to resolve host
names, you must enter the Locator Service details in the server before starting to install the iTX
software.
To enable iTX to get IP addresses from a Hosts file instead of a DNS server, you enter the IP
address of the Locator Service during the software-installation process. For more information
about Hosts files, see the Help information for a particular machine operating system (e.g.
Windows XP).
March 2015 System Administrator Guide Page 30 of 404
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