Grass Valley Vertigo XG User Manual
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration
User Manual
www.miranda.com
M852-9014-233
22 April 2013
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Document Identification
• Title: Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Manual
• Part number: M852-9014-233
• Software version: iTX v2.3 SP3
• Last revised: April 22, 2013
Document Revision History
After the original release date, this user manual may be updated with edits and then rereleased. The following table tracks the versions of this document.
Publication date Description
October 30, 2012 Original publication of the document.
December 5, 2012 Introduced a new document cover page design.
April 9, 2013 Added a limitation statement to acknowledge the inability to
perform traditional iTX squeeze-backs and PIP (page 1-4
).
April 22, 2013 • Added to the A
page 2-9 that this setting’s value be set to at least 500ms
when the Enable TS Commands setting (Timestamped
Takes) is selected.
• Changed the default value for Xplay’s Number of Devices
setting from 20 to 9 on page 2-3
• Added a note on page 1-1
Vertigo Suite and iTX software that support XG & iTX
integration.
UTOMATION DELAY setting’s description on
.
that identifies the versions of the
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Integration of Vertigo XG & iTX .......................................................................................... 1-1
Overview of the XG Inside workflow.................................................................................................. 1-2
Overview of the downstream Vertigo XG workflow............................................................................ 1-5
Configuration Procedures................................................................................................... 2-1
XG Inside configuration procedures .................................................................................................. 2-2
Installing ITXG Xmedia Suite Install on an iTX Output Server...................................................... 2-3
Establishing a connection between TXPlay and Xplay ................................................................. 2-5
Adding an XG Inside device to the Xmedia Server’s Device Manager ......................................... 2-6
Enabling auto-publishing on the Templates, Pages and/or Scenes categories............................ 2-7
Installing and configuring the VertigoXG Desktop plugin.............................................................. 2-8
External Vertigo XG and iTX configuration procedure..................................................................... 2-10
Configuring Xplay’s keyers ......................................................................................................... 2-11
Configuring Xplay to use automation to control the Vertigo XG.................................................. 2-13
Adding the Vertigo XG device to the central XMS’s Device Manager ........................................ 2-15
Configuring the Vertigo XG’s Dashboard settings for automation .............................................. 2-16
Enabling auto-publishing on the Templates, Pages and/or Scenes categories.......................... 2-17
Installing and configuring the VertigoXG Desktop plugin............................................................ 2-19
VertigoXG Plugin: Adding XG Events to a Schedule........................................................ 3-1
Procedural overview for creating an XG event .................................................................................. 3-4
Browsing or searching for templates, pages or scenes on an Xmedia Server .................................. 3-5
Creating a new page from a template................................................................................................ 3-7
Adding a page to the VertigoXG Palette..........................................................................................3-10
Opening and editing an existing page in the VertigoXG Viewer ...................................................... 3-11
Adding an unedited scene to the VertigoXG Palette ....................................................................... 3-13
Updating a scene already listed on the VertigoXG Palette.............................................................. 3-15
Creating a new scene based on an existing scene ......................................................................... 3-16
Adding XG events to an iTX schedule.............................................................................................3-18
Editing the properties or content of a scheduled XG event ............................................................. 3-20
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide TOC-1
1 INTEGRATION OF VERTIGO XG & ITX
NOTE
The branding capabilities of a typical iTX playout channel can be enhanced by integrating
Vertigo graphics events into the iTX playout schedule. Using the VertigoXG plugin,
Vertigo XG events can be added to the iTX Desktop’s schedule as secondary graphics
events and then inserted into the iTX program stream either using:
• the XG Inside as an option that integrates the XG Renderer directly within iTX Output
Servers and iTX Playout Appliances
or,
• an external Miranda Vertigo XG device downstream of the iTX Output Server
This document provides you with an understanding of the two ways in which the Vertigo XG
can be integrated into an iTX system, as well as how to install, configure and use the
VertigoXG plugin. The iTX Desktop’s VertigoXG plugin allows you to create Vertigo graphics
pages and add these pages, as well as Vertigo scenes to an ITX schedule for playout.
Overview of the XG Inside workflow” on page 1-2
• “
• “Overview of the downstream Vertigo XG workflow” on page 1-5
• “XG Inside configuration procedures” on page 2-2
• “External Vertigo XG and iTX configuration procedure” on page 2-10
• “VertigoXG Plugin: Adding XG Events to a Schedule” on page 3-1
The integration of the Vertigo XG and iTX is supported by the following versions of the iTX
and Vertigo Suite software: iTX v2.3 SP3 or higher and Vertigo Suite v.4.8 or higher.
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide 1-1
Integration of Vertigo XG & iTX
Overview of the XG Inside workflow
Figure 1-1 shows how iTX and the XG Inside components work together on an Output
Server machine.
Figure 1-1. XG Inside signal path and workflow
Graphics preparation
Vertigo templates are created offline using the Vertigo Suite’s Xstudio application. The
templates provide the layout, formatting and optional logic for controlling the graphics
during playout. An advantage of using graphics templates is that unique instances of the
graphics can be quickly created by changing the content elements, without having to
recreate the layout and formatting. See the Xstudio User Manual for more information
about using Xstudio to create Vertigo templates.
Once a template is created, it is saved to a Vertigo Xmedia Server. From there, the template
and its associated graphics files are published to the Embedded Xmedia Server (EXMS) on
the iTX Playout Server, where they become available for playout. The Xpublish Agent puts
the graphics files in the Scene folder.
The VertigoXG plugin associated with the iTX Desktop allows users to browse the
templates and pages stored on the Xmedia Server. Opening the template in the plugin
allows users to edit the content of the template and save it as a graphics page on the
Xmedia Server. The Xmedia Server then publishes the page and its associated graphics
files to the Embedded Xmedia Server (EXMS) on the iTX Playout Server.
In addition to templates and pages, the VertigoXG plugin associated with the iTX Desktop
also allows users to browse for standalone scenes stored on the Xmedia Server. Like the
scene-side of a template, scenes contain the collection of graphic objects that will be
displayed on air during playout. Standalone scenes are appropriate if the scene’s objects
and playout do not require any control logic (static and/or timed playout). However, if the
1-2 Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide
Integration of Vertigo XG & iTX
scene’s objects are to be data driven or controlled during playout, the scene should be
associated with a template. See the Xstudio User Manual for more information about using
Xstudio to create standalone scene assets.
Processing and playout of video & graphics
Using the Vertigo XG plugin in the iTX Desktop, the graphics page and scenes can then be
added to the channel’s schedule or timeline as a secondary event.
TXPlay controls schedule playout. It sends commands through the Output Server to the
iTX Player (Pandora) to play out events at specified times. An event can feature one or two
video sources, from which iTX produces an SDI or HD SDI output signal.
When an event includes a Vertigo page or scene, the iTX Player feeds the video streams
to the XG Renderer. It always supplies two streams; if there is only one video source, one
of the streams has blank frames.
Using the Oxtel protocol, TXPlay instructs Vertigo Xplay to cue and take the page or scene.
Xplay processes the page/scene requirements and sends playout commands to the
XG Renderer.
The XG Renderer loads the page or scene and its associated graphics. The XG Renderer
and the GPU renders the graphics with the video streams and passes a single rendered
video stream back to the iTX Player, which combines this with the audio stream(s) for
playout through the AJA video card.
The iTX Player does not pass any audio content to the XG Renderer. It de-embeds the audio
content from the video streams, diverts it around the XG Renderer and then re-embeds it into
the rendered video stream (after a delay to compensate for the render process).
For events that do not feature a Vertigo page or scene (XG Event), the video streams simply
pass through the XG Renderer (figure 1-2
).
Figure 1-2. For all other event types, the video streams pass through the XG Renderer
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide 1-3
Integration of Vertigo XG & iTX
Limitations of the XG Inside
The following limitations currently apply to the integration of the Vertigo XG components in
the iTX Output Server.
• The system can handle one or two video streams from any of the following source
options: one video clip; two video clips; a live feed; a video clip and a live feed.
• The integration is suitable only for a single-channel iTX Output Server.
• Cel animations are only supported if they are in the Miranda VAF format.
Uncompressed TGA sequences are likely to have an adverse affect on the
performance of the Output Server.
• The XG Renderer plays out audio clips embedded in a Vertigo XG template; but it does
not perform any audio mixing with content from the iTX Player, since this contains no
audio stream. This means that Vertigo templates cannot modify the audio properties
(e.g. volume levels) of the clips played out by iTX.
• Audio-level reduction (ducking) and sound effects cannot be controlled from the
XG Renderer.
• The XG Renderer does not modify any AFD code in the video streams.
• The XG Renderer does not include caption or subtitle data in the video stream it returns
to the iTX Player.
• The XG Renderer cannot pass SNMP data to the iTX system.
• Where there is only one video stream and the source is a live feed, only transitions that
do not involve overlapping video streams are possible (e.g. cut-cut; fade out, followed
by fade in).
• Since the XG Renderer is responsible for the compositing of PGM A and PGM B video,
traditional iTX functionality for squeeze-backs and picture-in-picture (PIP) effects do
not work.
1-4 Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide
Integration of Vertigo XG & iTX
Xstudio
VertigoXG Plugin
Publish
PGM
iTX Content Store
iTX Output Server
iTX Desktop
(Channel Control)
iTX Framework Server
Vertigo assets
(Templates & graphics elements)
Overview of the downstream Vertigo XG workflow
Figure 1-3 demonstrates that in a downstream branding model, the iTX Output Server acts
as an upstream video server, feeding video and audio content to the external Vertigo XG
device. Meanwhile, graphics content is created and managed using the Vertigo Suite’s
Xstudio and the Xmedia Server. iTX is the automation system that drives the playout
schedule, including controlling the playout of graphics events from the Vertigo XG using
Oxtel automation protocol commands.
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide 1-5
Figure 1-3. System diagram of an external Vertigo XG device downstream of an iTX system
Graphics preparation
Vertigo templates are created offline using the Vertigo Suite’s Xstudio application. The
templates provide the layout, formatting and optional logic for controlling the graphics
during playout. An advantage of using graphics templates is that unique instances of the
graphics can be quickly created by changing the content elements, without having to
recreate the layout and formatting. See the Xstudio User Manual for more information
about using Xstudio to create Vertigo templates.
Once a template is created, it is saved to a Vertigo Xmedia Server. From there, the template
and its associated graphics files are published to the Embedded Xmedia Server (EXMS) on
the Vertigo XG device, where they become available for playout.
The VertigoXG plugin associated with the iTX Desktop allows users to browse the
templates and pages stored on the Xmedia Server. Opening the template in the plugin
allows users to edit the content of the template and save it as a graphics page on the
Integration of Vertigo XG & iTX
iTX Channel1
iTX Channel1 - Backup
Controlled by Main Channel
Controlled by Backup Channel
Router
(controlled by iTX)
Xmedia Server. The Xmedia Server then publishes the page and its associated graphics
files to the Vertigo XG device.
In addition to templates and pages, the VertigoXG plugin associated with the iTX Desktop
also allows users to browse for standalone scenes stored on the Xmedia Server. Like the
scene-side of a template, scenes contain the collection of graphic objects that will be
displayed on air during playout. Standalone scenes are appropriate if the scene’s objects
and playout do not require any control logic (static and/or timed playout). However, if the
scene’s objects are to be data driven or controlled during playout, the scene should be
associated with a template. See the Xstudio User Manual for more information about using
Xstudio to create standalone scene assets.
Processing and playout of video & graphics
For system resilience, we recommend an independent control setup where the backup
channel is configured to use a different Vertigo XG device and commands are always sent
from both the Main and Backup channels regardless of which one is Master.
Using the Vertigo XG plugin in the iTX Desktop, graphics pages are added to the channel’s
schedule or timeline as a secondary event.
TXPlay controls schedule playout. It sends commands through the Playout Server to the
iTX Player (Pandora) to play out events at specified times. An event can feature one or two
video sources, from which iTX produces an SDI or HD SDI output signal. The output signal
is then fed to the Vertigo XG device’s input.
When an XG event (Vertigo page or scene) is encountered in the schedule, TXPlay uses
the Oxtel protocol to instruct the Vertigo XG’s Xplay to cue and take the page or scene.
Xplay processes the page requirements and sends playout commands to the XG Renderer.
The XG Renderer loads the page/scene and its associated graphics. The XG Renderer and
the GPU renders the graphics with the video streams and outputs a single rendered video
stream to air.
For events that do not feature a Vertigo page or scene (XG Event), the video streams simply
pass through the Vertigo XG.
1-6 Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide
2 CONFIGURATION PROCEDURES
NOTE
Integrating the Vertigo XG’s branding capabilities with the iTX automation playout system
involves the coordination and configuration of several hardware and software components
to ensure proper communication and operation.
This chapter provides information and instructions for how to add and setup the XG Inside
option on an iTX Output Server or iTX Playout Appliance - Single channel. Similarly,
instructions are also provided for how to configure a system that uses an external
Vertigo XG downstream from an iTX Output Server.
XG Inside configuration procedures” on page 2-2
• “
• “External Vertigo XG and iTX configuration procedure” on page 2-10
The scope of this chapter does not include hardware installation, cabling and other systemlevel installation and configuration information and instructions. We recommend that you
consult the Vertigo XG, Xmedia Server and iTX system installation and configuration
documentation before attempting to configure your system for the integration of XG
branding within an iTX system.
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide 2-1
Configuration Procedures
XG Inside configuration procedures
XG Inside is an option for iTX Output Servers and iTX Playout Appliances that enhances
the branding capabilities of an iTX playout channel by integrating the XG Renderer software
directly within the iTX playout device.
As the system diagram on page 1-2 demonstrates, the integration of XG graphics rendering
into an iTX system requires adding and configuring new software and hardware
components to the system.
The following procedure provides instructions for installing and configuring the software
components required for using the XG Inside option on an iTX Output Server or iTX Playout
Appliance - Single channel:
Step # Ta s k
1 Install the “ITXG Xmedia Suite Install” software component on the iTX
Output Server.
See “
Installing ITXG Xmedia Suite Install on an iTX Output Server” on page
2-3 for complete instructions.
*** This task should only be performed on iTX Output Servers. Proceed to the
next task if you are configuring XG Inside on a iTX Playout Appliance since
the software component is factory-installed on iTX Playout Appliances. ***
2 Establish the connection between TXPlay and Xplay.
See “
Establishing a connection between TXPlay and Xplay” on page 2-5 for
complete instructions.
3 Add the XG Inside device to the Xmedia Server’s Vertigo Device
Manager.
See “
Adding an XG Inside device to the Xmedia Server’s Device Manager”
on page 2-6 for complete instructions.
4 Enable auto-publishing on the Xmedia Server’s Templates, Pages
and/or Scenes asset categories.
See “
Enabling auto-publishing on the Templates, Pages and/or Scenes
categories” on page 2-7 for complete instructions.
5 Install and configure the “Vertigo ITX Desktop plugin” on the client
machine hosting the iTX Desktop application.
See “
Installing and configuring the VertigoXG Desktop plugin” on page 2-8 for
complete instructions.
2-2 Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide
Configuration Procedures
NOTE
Installing ITXG Xmedia Suite Install on an iTX Output Server
The Vertigo Suite Installer’s ITXG Xmedia Suite Install software preset contains the
XG Renderer and its associated components, which must be added to the iTX Output
Server or iTX Playout Appliance - Single channel.
The ITXG Xmedia Suite Install software component is factory-installed on all iTX Playout
Appliance - Single channel devices. If you are adding and configuring the XG Inside option
on an iTX Playout Appliance unit, do not
configuration procedure.
To add the ITXG Xmedia Suite Install component to an iTX Output Server:
1. Ensure the iTX Server Controller is not running.
2. Acquire and run the latest version of the Vertigo Suite Installer (v.4.8 or later).
3. When the installation wizard requests you to select components, select the ITXG
MEDIA SUITE INSTALL preset configuration.
X
This preset will automatically install the following components on the Playout Server:
Xplay, Software CG, Vertigo ITXG, XpublishAgent, Dataserver, Clip Playback and
Encoding (codecs) and Xmedia Server (EXMS).
4. Follow the wizard instructions and respond to the prompts to install all dependencies.
The wizard may prompt you to restart the machine to continue the installation (e.g.
when an SQL database is created) and to complete the installation.
5. Restart the iTX Output Server machine when the wizard prompts you to.
The wizard takes a few minutes to complete the installation after the (final) restart.
reinstall it. Proceed to the next task in this
The installer pre-configures most of the XG Inside components with the required settings.
• EXMS & XPA windows: No additional configuration required.
• iTXG Renderer Control Panel & Dashboard: No additional configuration required.
Note that the R
iTX Output Server.
• Software CG Control Panel & Dashboard: No immediate configuration required.
Note however that a valid CG license is required, which is sold separately.
• Xplay Settings are automatically configured for XG inside.
ERVERS>XMEDIA SERVER IP ADDRESS> 127.0.0.1
•S
ENERAL>LAYOUT>MULTI-DEVICE
•G
•GENERAL>NUMBER OF DEVICES>9
•LAYOUT>MULTI-DEVICE>PREVIEWONAIR
•AUTOMATION>AUTOMATION (NO MESSAGE BOXES)>SELECTED
• Xplay Automation Configuration (Tools>Configure Automation) is automatically
configured with the Oxtel over TCP/IP protocol added to the iTXG device.
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide 2-3
ESOLUTION setting will be determined and automatically passed in by the
Configuration Procedures
• EXMS Device Manager: An iTXG device is added and pre-configured in the EXMS’s
Device Manager (Xplay>Tools>Device Manager). Figure 2-1 demonstrates that it is
configured as:
EVICE TYPE: PREVIEW (OR OTHER DEVICE)
• D
ONTROL IP: LOCALHOST
• C
UBLISH IP: LOCALHOST
• P
• The ITXG device is also automatically assigned to each of the device layers
in the Device Manager’s Active Device table.
Figure 2-1. The ITXG device is automatically added to the EXMS Device Manager
2-4 Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide
Configuration Procedures
Establishing a connection between TXPlay and Xplay
TXPlay controls the channel’s schedule playout. So when TXPlay encounters an XG event
(graphics event) in the schedule, it communicates with Vertigo’s Xplay using the Oxtel
protocol to instruct Xplay to cue and take the page.
The relationship between TXPlay and Xplay must be configured by enabling the Integrated
XG setting in the iTX Channel Config dialog. This setting adds Vertigo’s Xplay to the
Server Controller Configuration tool, which then creates a relationship between TXPlay
and Xplay.
1. Open the iTX Channel Config dialog box (figure 2-2
Config icon on the Output Server’s desktop.
) by double-clicking the TXPlay
Figure 2-2. Enable the Integrated XG setting
2. Enable the Integrated XG setting.
3. Click Save.
Vertigo XG & iTX Integration User Guide 2-5
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