Product specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of
Avid Technology, Inc.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement. You can obtain a copy of that license by
visiting Avid's Web site at www.avid.com. The terms of that license are also available in the product in the same directory as
the software. The software may not be reverse assembled and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license
agreement.
Avid products or portions thereof are protected by one or more of the following United States Patents: 4,746,994; 4,970,663;
5,045,940; 5,267,351; 5,309,528; 5,355,450; 5,396,594; 5,440,348; 5,452,378; 5,467,288; 5,513,375; 5,528,310; 5,557,423;
5,577,190; 5,584,006; 5,640,601; 5,644,364; 5,654,737; 5,715,018; 5,724,605; 5,726,717; 5,729,673; 5,745,637; 5,752,029;
5,754,851; 5,799,150; 5,812,216; 5,828,678; 5,842,014; 5,852,435; 5,987,501; 6,061,758; 6,223,211; 6,301,105; 6,532,043;
6,546,190; 6,636,869; 6,747,705, 6,763,523; 6,813,622. Other patents are pending.
This document is protected under copyright law. An authorized licensee of Avid AirSpeed may reproduce this publication for
the licensee’s own use in learning how to use the software. This document may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in
part, for commercial purposes, such as selling copies of this document or providing support or educational services to others.
This document is supplied as a guide for Avid AirSpeed. Reasonable care has been taken in preparing the information it
contains. However, this document may contain omissions, technical inaccuracies, or typographical errors. Avid Technology,
Inc. does not accept responsibility of any kind for customers’ losses due to the use of this document. Product specifications
are subject to change without notice.
Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software [i.e., the TIFF library] and its documentation for any purpose
is hereby granted without fee, provided that (i) the above copyright notices and this permission notice appear in all copies of
the software and related documentation, and (ii) the names of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics may not be used in any
advertising or publicity relating to the software without the specific, prior written permission of Sam Leffler and Silicon
Graphics.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS-IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR
OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SAM LEFFLER OR SILICON GRAPHICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE,
DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE, AND ON ANY THEORY OF
LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
The following disclaimer is required by the Independent JPEG Group:
Portions of this software are based on work of the Independent JPEG Group.
The following disclaimer is required by Ray Sauers Associates, Inc.:
“Install-It” is licensed from Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. End-User is prohibited from taking any action to derive a source code
equivalent of “Install-It,” including by reverse assembly or reverse compilation, Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. shall in no event be
liable for any damages resulting from reseller’s failure to perform reseller’s obligation; or any damages arising from use or
operation of reseller’s products or the software; or any other damages, including but not limited to, incidental, direct, indirect,
special or consequential Damages including lost profits, or damages resulting from loss of use or inability to use reseller’s
products or the software for any reason including copyright or patent infringement, or lost data, even if Ray Sauers Associates
has been advised, knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages.
The following disclaimer is required by Videomedia, Inc.:
“Videomedia, Inc. makes no warranties whatsoever, either express or implied, regarding this product, including warranties with
respect to its merchantability or its fitness for any particular purpose.”
“This software contains V-LAN ver. 3.0 Command Protocols which communicate with V-LAN ver. 3.0 products developed by
Videomedia, Inc. and V-LAN ver. 3.0 compatible products developed by third parties under license from Videomedia, Inc. Use
of this software will allow “frame accurate” editing control of applicable videotape recorder decks, videodisc recorders/players
and the like.”
2
The following disclaimer is required by Altura Software, Inc. for the use of its Mac2Win software and Sample
Source Code:
The following disclaimer is required by 3Prong.com Inc.:
Certain waveform and vector monitoring capabilities are provided under a license from 3Prong.com Inc.
Attn. Government User(s). Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. This Software and its documentation are “commercial computer software” or
“commercial computer software documentation.” In the event that such Software or documentation is acquired by or on behalf
of a unit or agency of the U.S. Government, all rights with respect to this Software and documentation are subject to the terms
of the License Agreement, pursuant to FAR §12.212(a) and/or DFARS §227.7202-1(a), as applicable.
Image In
make manage move | media, Marquee, Maxim, MCXpress, Media Browse, Media Composer, MediaDock,
Dock Shuttle, Media Fusion, Media Illusion, MediaLog, Media Reader, Media Recorder, MEDIArray, MediaShare,
Media
Meridien, MetaSync, MissionControl, NaturalMatch, Nearchive, NetReview, NewsCutter, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, OMM,
Open Media Framework, Open Media Management, ProEncode, Pro Tools, QuietDrive, Recti-Fi, RetroLoop, rS9, rS18, Sci-Fi,
Sound Designer II, SPACE, SPACEShift, SpectraGraph, SpectraMatte, Symphony, Trilligent, UnityRAID, Vari-Fi,
Video Slave Driver, VideoSPACE, and Xdeck are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the
United States and/or other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other
trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
HyperSPACE,
HyperSPACE HDCAM, IllusionFX,
Avid AirSpeed Installation and User’s Guide • 0130-30078-01 Rev. B • December, 2008
Congratulations on your purchase of an Avid® AirSpeed® multichannel media server. You
can use your AirSpeed to capture and output broadcast-quality media.
Symbols and Conventions
Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:
Symbol or ConventionMeaning or Action
n
c
w
>This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the
t
Italic fontItalic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables.
Courier Bold font
Ctrl+key or mouse actionPress and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the
A note provides important related information, reminders,
recommendations, and strong suggestions.
A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to
your computer or cause you to lose data.
A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm.
Follow the guidelines in this document or on the unit itself when
handling electrical equipment.
order you select them. For example, File > Import means to open the
File menu and then select the Import command.
This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a
list indicate that you perform one of the actions listed.
Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.
mouse action. For example, Ctrl+drag.
Using This Guide
If You Need Help
If you are having trouble using AirSpeed:
1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It
is especially important to check each step of your workflow.
2. Check for the latest information that might have become available after the
documentation was published:
-If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as printed release notes,
they ship with your application and are also available online.
-If the latest information for your Avid product is provided as a ReadMe file, it is
supplied in your Avid application folder as a PDF document (ReadMe.pdf) and is
also available online.
You should always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe
because the online version is updated whenever new information becomes
available. To view these online versions, select ReadMe from the Help menu. or visit
the Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/readme.
3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for
maintenance or hardware-related issues.
4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/onlinesupport. Online services are
available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find
answers, to view error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates,
and to read or join online message-board discussions.
How to Order Documentation
To order additional copies of this documentation from within the United States, call Avid
Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). If you are placing an order from outside the
United States, contact your local Avid representative.
Avid Educational Services
For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and
books, please visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-
2843).
14
Chapter 1
AirSpeed Overview
This chapter provides background information about the AirSpeed media server. The
following topics are discussed:
•Design
•DNxchange HD Option
•Hardware and Software Requirements
•Software Overview
•Front and Rear Panels
AirSpeed is a digital recorder or playback device designed to work seamlessly in Avid Unity
environments (Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, and LANshare). AirSpeed
allows you to capture incoming media directly into storage allocation groups (called
workspaces) or play out media to air. Previously, Avid editing systems were used to capture
the media, preventing the Avid editor from editing. Now media can be captured directly into
Avid Unity workspaces unattended, freeing the Avid editing system for editing. Use the
Avid editing system to edit the captured media into sequences and send the sequence back to
the AirSpeed for playout. Up to five AirSpeeds together can be grouped to form a Studio.
n
Avid also supports Avid AirSpeed in a non-networked environment known as standalone
mode. For further information regarding configuring a standalone AirSpeed, see
“Configuring Standalone AirSpeed” on page 111.
Design
AirSpeed is designed for ease of use. Once the AirSpeed is configured, this network media
server captures one stream of video and up to eight channels of audio to a preselected Avid
Unity workspace. The video format you select in the AirSpeed should be compatible with
the editing systems at your site. The captured material is made available to Avid editing
systems that use media files compliant with Open Media Format (OMF)
Exchange Format (MXF).
®
or Material
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
The AirSpeed is also a two-channel playout server. Select the AirSpeed’s host name in the
Send To Playback list on the Avid editing system and you can transfer a sequence to the
AirSpeed server. Then use AirSpeed CountDown
Avid iNEWS
to five AirSpeed servers as a Studio by following an AirSpeed host naming method. Send a
sequence to the Studio and all the AirSpeeds in that Studio have the capability to playout the
sequence. For information on the Studio concept and configuration, see “AirSpeed Studio
and Playout” on page 165.
®
ControlAir™ to manage the playout of the sequence. You can group from two
™
or Avid iNEWS® Command or
n
When working with HD and 1:1 uncompressed media, only single channel play out is
supported. You cannot select the second play out channel from the front panel or the
AirSpeed Pilot application. The Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is disabled and
the second play channel selection in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled
Using the User Interface (UI) displayed on the AirSpeed model with a built-in front panel
monitor you can set up and configure the AirSpeed as well as remote applications, such as
the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) application, Avid Pilot, and Avid FlightPlan. For
more information on VNC see, “Virtual Network Computing” on page 177.
Media that you previously captured plays back in the UI monitor on the front of the
AirSpeed as well as through the connections on the back of the AirSpeed. You can play back
two streams of video at the same time. Use the UI playback buttons to select the video
stream you want to view. For more information, see “UI and Playback Monitor” on page 32.
The Record and Stop buttons, located on the front panel of the AirSpeed, allow you to
initiate and terminate the capture of material. In addition to these front panel buttons, you
can control and capture material using Avid CaptureManager
You can control the AirSpeed through serial or Ethernet connections.
If Avid Unity becomes unavailable, AirSpeed captures media to the internal drives until
Avid Unity becomes available or the internal drives are full.
™
through a network interface.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Your AirSpeed system requires specific Avid components and software versions; see the
AirSpeed ReadMe included with your release for the qualified versions. The following Avid
products are required:
Avid Unity LANshare EX
®
Server Chassis SR2200,
16
•Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Unity MediaNetwork, or
•Avid Unity MediaManager
®
•Avid NewsCutter
•Avid PortServer Pro II or LANshare EX based on the Intel
SR2400, or newer platform
, Avid NewsCutter XP, or Avid Media Composer® editing system.
Hardware and Software Requirements
n
n
The AirSpeed connects to an Avid Unity PortServer Pro through an Ethernet network switch.
•A network Domain Name System (DNS) server (recommended in the Avid Unity
MediaNetwork environment, required in the Avid Unity ISIS environment)
If your Avid Unity environment does not have a network DNS server, instructions for
creating one can be found on the Avid Knowledge Base. Go to www.avid.com.
Optional Avid applications and hardware include:
•Avid Unity TransferManager
•Avid Media Browse
•Avid iNEWS ControlAir
•Avid AirSpeed FlightPlan
•Avid AirSpeed Pilot
•Avid AirSpeed CountDown
•Avid DNxchange (see “DNxchange HD Option” on page 40)
•Avid iNEWS
®
Software Installation
The AirSpeed software resides on the system’s disk drives. The software comes preinstalled.
Future releases and updates require you to load the software on your Avid Unity
MediaManager server where the AirSpeed can access the new or old versions. AirSpeed
software is installed using the Setup > Software tab in the AirSpeed UI. For more
information, see “Software Tab” on page 100.
Command
Synchronization
When AirSpeed is capturing media, the sync is locked to the input signal. During playback,
the outgoing media should be locked to the house reference signal provided on the
Reference In connector on the rear of the AirSpeed. For information on video reference
output and configuration, see “System Config Tab” on page 82.
Ethernet Connections
AirSpeed systems have an Ethernet connection used to control, configure, capture media to,
or play out from, Avid Unity. For more information see “Control Connectors” on page 40.
Each AirSpeed needs its own IP address. The AirSpeed system operates as a PortServer Pro
client to the Avid Unity storage area network (SAN).
17
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
AirSpeed establishes a connection with Avid Unity MediaManager, via an Ethernet
connection, to check in project information and other metadata associated with the captured
material. This process occurs at the start of capturing, during chunking, and when capture is
terminated.
Networking
AirSpeed connects to the
Unity identifies each AirSpeed using either the AirSpeed name or the IP address. AirSpeed
operates as an attached Avid PortServer Pro or Avid LANshare EX Ethernet client.
PortServer Pro Connection
The AirSpeed software contains A
directory access to the storage area network. Avid has qualified AirSpeed support on the
PortServer Pro based on the SR2200 and newer platforms.
n
MediaManager Client
n
The PortServer Pro based on the Intel ISP2150 Internet Server platform is not qualified to
support AirSpeed.
AirSpeed uses an Ethernet client license in the Avid Unity workgroup environment and
appears in the PortServer Pro Status Viewer. You do not have to purchase an additional
license for the AirSpeed seat. Contact your Avid representative about updating your
Avid Unity dongle to add AirSpeed Ethernet client licenses at no charge.
AirSpeed sends metadata to the Avid Unity MediaManager serv
when capture is terminated. The Avid Unity MediaManager client generates and stores an
OMF or AAF clip media file on the Avid Unity.
Captured Material Exchange Format (MXF) media is stored in the workspace as Advanced
Authoring Format (AAF). For more information on MXF, see “Media Formats and Files” on
page 24.
Avid Unity network with a unique name and IP address. Avid
vid Unity client code that provides the appropriate file and
er during check-ins and
Network Time Protocol
AirSpeed supports the use of a Network Time P
address of your NTP server on the network, the AirSpeed gradually synchronizes to the
network time. The date and time in AirSpeed operating system is corrected to match the
NTP server. For information on configuring the NTP server, see “Network Tab” on page 81.
18
rotocol (NTP) server. By entering the IP
Internal Storage
The AirSpeed is equipped with four internal SCSI drives. These drives are used as a buffer
for incoming media and storing playback media. The AirSpeed is equipped with four
internal drives. These internal drives are in a 4-way RAID 0 stripe.
Serial Control
Hardware and Software Requirements
For flexibility, the AirSpeed supports more than one control mechanism. The AirSpeed
®
supports the standard Sony
BVW slave deck control operations and Video Disk Control
Protocol (VDCP). These operations include capturing, playing, pausing, shuttling, and
navigating to timecode. The serial control of the AirSpeed is through two standard 9-pin
RS-422 interface connectors on the rear of the AirSpeed. For information on configuring the
serial remote ports, see “Channels Tab” on page 89.
The following commands are implemented in Avid products as extensions to the Sony BVW
protocol. These protocol extensions provide clip name processing support not covered under
the Sony BVW specification.
19
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
The AirSpeed responds with an ACK upon successful completion of the commands listed in
the following table. In the event of a transmission error, the AirSpeed responds with a NACK
followed by a status byte.
Supported BVW Extensions
ExtensionDescription
Clip Loading EnabledClip loading is always enabled in AirSpeed.
Disable Clip LoadingThe AirSpeed accepts the but does nothing in AirSpeed since clip
Clip Length RequestThe AirSpeed returns the current Mark In and Mark Out set for
Clip Length ResponseThe AirSpeed returns the current Mark In and Mark Out set for
Set Clip LengthThe AirSpeed sets the Mark In and Mark Out timecodes for currently
Find First Clip RequestThe AirSpeed finds the first clip.
Find Next Clip RequestThe AirSpeed finds the next clip.
loading is always enabled.
currently loaded clip.
currently loaded clip as in the Clip Length Request.
active clip. It does not do any trimming or clip modification.
Find Clip ResponseThe AirSpeed sends a response after finding the clip.
Load Clip The AirSpeed implements a load clip command. (playback function)
New ClipThe AirSpeed implements a command to create a new clip. (capture
Delete Clip The AirSpeed deletes the clip. If the clip is locked, the clip is not be
User Interface
The front panel of the AirSpeed unit provides a monitor that has the option to display the
AirSpeed UI. The UI provides windows for capturing media, playing media, and configuring
the AirSpeed. The AirSpeed UI is explained in “User Interface” on page 67. Also included
on the front are buttons for capturing and marking media, indicators and controls for the
audio, and a headphone jack. See “Front Panel Layout” on page 29.
20
function)
deleted.
Issuing a BVW eject command causes the currently active clip
n
to be unloaded.
Portions of the front panel are designed to resemble a standard deck control interface with
the appropriate buttons for capturing, playing, pausing, and shuttling. Additional controls
are provided for nonlinear deck navigation.
The AirSpeed UI provides you with the flexibility to tailor capture and playout settings.
These settings include network and workgroup settings, audio and video formats, and
interface operations.
You have the ability to instantly capture (crash record) to a predetermined workspace on
Avid Unity by pressing the Record button.
Software Overview
The AirSpeed system software supports all networking and operational requirements of the
AirSpeed.
Digital Input and Output Selection
The AirSpeed can capture and play back video from serial digital interface (SDI) connectors
on the rear of the AirSpeed. Digital audio input and output connectors are also on the rear
panel. Digital audio is available through the following AES/EBU BNC connections:
Software Overview
•SDI Inputs and outputs using 525 lines (NTSC) or 625 lines (PAL) of video with
optional embedded 48 KHz 20-bit audio.
•Eight AES inputs (4 AES/EBU pairs), with 16 or 24-bit sampling at 48 KHz (Inputs 1/2,
3/4, 5/6, and 7/8)
•Eight AES outputs (4 AES/EBU pairs), with 16 or 24-bit sampling at 48 KHz (Outputs
1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8)
n
When no video signal is present, black is recorded.
Analog Output Selection
Analog video output is available through composite and component (Y, Pr/R, Pb/B)
connectors. Eight analog audio outputs are available through an Avid supplied cable that
connects to a 25-pin connector on the AirSpeed. The eight XLR connectors on the other end
of the cable connect to the analog inputs of your audio device (see “Audio Cable” on
page 53).
n
The audio and video analog outputs are intended for monitoring. If you want to integrate the
media into analog devices, use professional digital-to-analog converters.
21
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
Supported Media Formats
The media files created by AirSpeed and stored on Avid Unity workspaces are OMF
Version 1.0 and MXF compliant. The AirSpeed supports the following Avid media formats:
Supported Avid Media Formats
Media File TypeSupported Formats
Video (NTSC and PAL)DV25
NTSC supports DVCPRO (DV25 411)
PAL supports DVCPRO (DV25 411 and DV25 420)
DV50
IMX 50 — MPEG 50 I-frame-only compression
IMX 30 — MPEG 30 I-frame-only compression
1:1 (MXF only)
Optional Avid DNxchange
(DNxHD)
AudioWAVE — 48 kHz
Capture Mode
AirSpeed captures real-time events or media. Video and audio are captured through the SDI
input and stored on an Avid Unity workspace. You can start a capture using the front panel
operational controls or the Avid Pilot application.
The captured media is saved in chunks so that portions are available to edit while you are
still capturing it. For more information, see “Chunking” on page 22.
Chunking
When capturing, the media is sent in segments to a workspace, allowing workgroup users
access to media that is currently being captured. AirSpeed refers to this capture process as
chunking (also called Shared Volume Segmentation). Chunking is supported for both audio
and video media.
1080 Interlaced
1080i/59.94 fields per second
1080i/50 fields per second
720 Progressive
720p/59.94 frames per second
720P/50
22
Software Overview
Start capturing
Short chunking
period (15 seconds)
Chunking period
(3 minute chunks)
Transition Interval
(1 minute)
Time
You can set the length of the chunk, so that media is available shortly after capturing has
started. At each chunk interval, more media is available, adding to your previous media. The
AirSpeed supports chunking by creating clips of the material at a predetermined duration
times and by periodically checking in captured material through the Avid Unity
MediaManager client interface.
n
These instructions refer only to networked environments. Chunking is not supported in
standalone AirSpeed. For further information regarding standalone AirSpeed configuration,
see “Configuring Standalone AirSpeed” on page 111.
AirSpeed captures short chunks of media up to a transition time, then from the transition
time forward, media is captured at your selected Chunking Period. For example, if the
Chunking Period is set to 3 minutes, the Transition Interval to 1 minute and the Short
Chunking period to 15 seconds, media checks in at 15, 30, 45, 60, 240, 420 seconds, etc. See
the following illustration.
AirSpeed Chunking Model
In the AirSpeed workflow, even though MXF media is streaming to Avid Unity, metadata
becomes available according to the Channel tab chunking settings. MXF media follows the
same chunking model as the OMF media. To have access to the captured MXF media as
soon as possible, set your Short Chunking Period to the minimum value of 15 seconds and
both the Transitional Interval and Chunking Period to 3 minutes.
RetroLoop
Chunking values are set in the Setup > Channel tab of the AirSpeed UI. For chunking time
constraints, see “Channels Tab” on page 89.
RetroLoop™ provides the ability to capture material for a predetermined, user-selectable
amount of time before an unknown event occurs. RetroLoop captures media continuously in
a loop, using a predetermined amount of storage space. Start capturing media using the
RetroLoop feature; when the event happens, start a normal capture and capture as much of
the event as you want. The end result is a clip that contains material before and after the
event.
23
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
For information about entering RetroLoop mode, see “RetroLoop Mode” on page 158.
n
You must initiate RetroLoop using the AirSpeed front panel.
Media Formats and Files
The AirSpeed creates media and metadata files in the OMFI or MXF MediaFiles directories
on the target workspaces. If the system’s unique MediaFiles directory is not present on the
selected network media drive, the AirSpeed creates one. The AirSpeed also creates a
subdirectory under the OMFI MediaFiles (for OMF) or Avid MediaFiles (for MXF)
directory.
The AirSpeed does not perform bin management operations. Bin entries for AirSpeed media
are generated by the MediaManager server as the material is checked in.
n
Interplay supports only the AAF data format in Avid AirSpeed environments. Please note
this when configuring MediaManager and Avid AirSpeed in an Interplay environment.
The media format (OMF or MXF) that is captured depends on the workgroup environment
of your MediaManager. If you want to capture MFX media, the MediaManager needs to be
set to AAF in the Data Format menu in the MediaManager System Setup window. If you
want to capture OMF media, select OMF in the MediaManager System Setup window. For
details on configuring your MediaManager, see the Avid Unity MediaManager
documentation. To change your AirSpeed between capturing OMF and MXF media, enter
the name of the MediaManager that is configured for the media environment you want. Use
the Send tab to change the MediaManager (see “Send Tab” on page 105).
OMF Files
24
When the MediaManager workgroup is set to AAF mode, all new media checked into the
workgroup is in MXF format with AAF metadata. All editors and applications included in
the MXF/AAF workgroup must support the ability to read and write MXF media and AAF
metadata.
Workspaces must already be created in Avid Unity in order to enter the workspace name
during the AirSpeed setup (see “Destination Template” on page 97). AirSpeed creates new
projects, bins, and catalogs if the names in the configuration do not already exist.
Open Media Format (OMF) was developed by Avid Technology, Inc. and many industry and
dards partners for the interchange of digital media data between platforms and
stan
applications.
MXF Files
Software Overview
OMF Interchange (OMFI) is a platform-independent file format that stores both the digital
media (video, audio, graphics, animation) and the information describing how the media is
edited together to form a final sequence. This editing information, called a composition, is
the OMFI representation of the sequence created in Avid editing applications.
Any other program that supports OMFI can read OMFI files, even if the program resides on
a different computer platform. As a result, with OMFI you can transfer files between
different applications on different platforms without worrying about cross-platform
translations.
The Material Exchange Format (MXF) is a format de
Forum in association with organizations such as the SMPTE, The European Broadcasting
Union (EBU) and the AAF Association.
Material Exchange Format is a wrapper or container format which encapsulates media and
rich production metadata into a single file, which is useful for media storage and exchange.
It is an open technology that can be implemented by any manufacturer.
MXF has been designed to be flexible enough for use in all stages of content creation, from
acquisition, to authoring, to distribution.The primary benefit of MXF is that it provides
greater workflow efficiency by preserving useful metadata as media files make their way
through the content creation process.The MXF format is independent of the type of content
that it contains, so an MXF file can contain video and/or audio at any resolution or
compression. In many instances, MXF files encapsulate media that is already formatted to
one of the existing industry standards.
MXF allows for easy exchange of material between file servers, tape streamers and digital
archives. MXF is an ideal interchange format to enable workflow efficiencies in news
broadcasting, post production, asset management, and archiving applications.
Media Destination Selection
The AirSpeed remembers the last storage destination set. Whether you initiate the capture by
manually pressing the front panel Capture button or by remotely controlling the capturing,
media is stored to the last selected Avid Unity network workspace. This feature allows you
to crash record using the front panel Record button for quick captures.
veloped by the Professional MPEG
Captured media is first stored on the internal drives of the AirSpeed and then copied to the
selected Avid Unity workspace. To avoid reaching the internal drive’s maximum storage
capacity, AirSpeed can be configured to automatically delete the media that has been saved
to a workspace. The Auto Delete setting in the Setup > System Config tab controls when to
delete the media and how much media to delete. For more information on setting the Auto
25
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
Delete, see “System Config Tab” on page 82. When the workspace is full, the AirSpeed
continues to capture until the internal drives are filled. Once the internal drives are full, the
AirSpeed stops capturing.
Headframes
This release of AirSpeed supports the display of headframes in asset management systems.
Clips transferred to the asset management system now display headframes.
Headframes
Playback
You can play back media previously captured by the AirSpeed. Two video streams of media
can be played back at the same time. Pressing the Channel Select buttons allows you to
switch between the two play channels. Navigation and playback of specific clips is initiated
by the AirSpeed UI and controlled using the Operational Control buttons. Load a clip in the
Play button of the AirSpeed UI and press the Play button on the front of the AirSpeed to
view the clip in the UI and playback monitor.
n
26
When working with HD and 1:1 uncompressed media, only single channel play out is
supported. You cannot select the second play out channel from the front panel or the
AirSpeed Pilot application. The Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is disabled and
the second play channel selection in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled.
Playout
Software Overview
Once you have edited your media, use the AirSpeed as a playout server. The AirSpeed
allows you to play out two channels at the same time. To select the dual channel control
options, see “Channels Tab” on page 89. In an Avid iNEWS environment, use the Avid
iNEWS ControlAir or Avid iNEWS
newsroom system, use the Avid INEWS Command or Avid AirSpeed CountDown
applications. For information on controlling clips on the AirSpeed, see the Avid AirS peed
Before you can send your sequence to the AirSpeed from an Avid editing system, you must
add the AirSpeed to your Send To Playback list in the Avid editing application. Adding an
AirSpeed to the Send to Playback list is done by adding the AirSpeed Host Name to the
TMClient.ini tab of the Transfer settings.
To send a sequence from an Avid editing system to playout:
1. Add the AirSpeed Host Name to the TMClient.ini tab in the Transfer settings. This
process is described in “Adding the Studio to Your WorkGroup” on page 166.
2. Connect to the AirSpeed by selecting Transfer > Reconnect to Server. This process is
described in “Connect to Playout Server or Studio” on page 169.
®
Command application. When using a MOS-enabled
3. Send a sequence to playout by doing one of the following:
tRight-click on the selected sequence and select Send To Playback > AirSpeedname.
tHighlight the sequence in your bin and select Transfer > Send To Playback >
AirSpeedname.
4. (Optional) Monitor the transfer status by selecting Transfer > Status Window (see
“Transfer Status Window” on page 171).
c
Do not delete the sequence or source media off of the Avid Unity workspace until you
are sure the transfers to the AirSpeed or Studio are complete.
Studio Playout
An Avid AirSpeed Studio consists of two to five AirSpeeds grouped together using the
network host names of the AirSpeed. When an Avid editing system sends a sequence to the
Studio, any AirSpeed member of the Studio can play out the sequence. If one or more
AirSpeeds in the Studio are offline, any other AirSpeed still online in the Studio can perform
the playout.
n
Standalone AirSpeed does not support Avid AirSpeed Studio Playout.
27
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
For detailed information on the Studio concept, configuration, and using the Studio, see
Chapter 7.
Play While Transferring
Play while transferring (PWT) is a feature that allows you to begin playing out media from
the AirSpeed as soon as 5 seconds of media has been transferred. You do not need to wait for
the transfer from the Avid editing system to finish. When PWT is not used, the media is not
available until the media is completely transferred. The PWT option is selected in the Avid
editing application when a clip is sent to playback.
c
The PWT feature is designed for time-sensitive playout needs. It is recommended that
you do not send all your playout media to the AirSpeed using the PWT option.
Closed Caption
Closed caption information is captured and supported on playout. This information is hidden
in the video signal, invisible without a decoder. Closed captions are stored in line 21 of the
vertical blanking interval (VBI) for NTSC. When the closed caption option is selected,
closed caption data is preserved. If deselected, this closed caption data line is left blank and
can be used for other data. To set the closed caption option, see the “System Config Tab” on
page 82.
Closed captioning is not displayed in the AirSpeed UI and playback monitor. To view closed
captions, connect a television that supports closed captioning decoding to the MON
connector on the back of the AirSpeed. Make sure that closed captions are enabled on the
television.
Frame Chase Editing
All Avid Workgroup and MXF capable editors can now view and edit SD and HD material
as it is being captured, with the current exception of Symphony Nitris.
n
Standalone AirSpeed does not support Frame Chase Editing.
28
Front and Rear Panels
Audio indicators and gain
controls (see “Audio Knobs
and LEDs” on page 35)
UI and playback
monitor
Operational controls
(see “Operational Control
Buttons” on page 38)
Headphone control (see
“Headphone Jack, Volume,
and Channel Select” on
page 38)
Channel Select buttons
(see “UI and Playback Monitor”
on page 32)
Built-in jog and
shuttle wheel
Mark IN and
OUT button
AirSpeed logo
AirSpeed uses industry-standard video and audio input and output connections in addition to
network and control connections. The AirSpeed is designed for a 19-inch (483-mm) rack
occupying three rack units (3U). For information on installing the AirSpeed into a rack, see
“Installing AirSpeed in a Rack” on page 43.
You can manually configure your AirSpeed by using the UI and playback monitor. “User
Interface” on page 67 lists the tab structure of the AirSpeed UI as seen in the UI playback
monitor.
Front and Rear Panels
n
Avid recommends using the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) application to configure the
AirSpeed when access to the AirSpeed is not available or when a keyboard and mouse are
not attached. For more information see, “Virtual Network Computing” on page 177.
The AirSpeed is available in two models; one with a front panel monitor and controls, and
one with a blank front panel that can only be configured and controlled with remote network
applications. The following sections describe the differences in the two front panels:
•Front Panel Controls
•Panelless Model
Front Panel Controls
The following figure shows the controls on the front of the AirSpeed.
Front Panel Layout
12 34567 8
29
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
You can lock the front panel controls and buttons disabling the Front Panel Control option in
the Setup > System Config tab in the AirSpeed UI; see “System Config Tab” on page 82.
When you disable the front panel, capture and playback functions are done through remote
applications. The following table describes the front panel controls.
Front Panel Controls
Control Description
UI and playback monitorThe UI and playback monitor displays the UI or video during playback and captures.
Configure or change settings in the UI using a keyboard and mouse connected to the
PS/2 port.
Channel Select buttonsThe channel select buttons are used to switch between the two play channels.
Channel one is the record channel as well as play channel one. Both channel one and
channel two can be playing video at the same time. Switch between the two channels
by pushing either Channel Select button. For more information on the buttons, see
“UI and Playback Monitor” on page 32
Manual audio gain
controls
Operational controlsSix buttons to the lower right of the UI and playback monitor match the buttons on a
Mark IN and OUTMark IN and OUT are set on-the-fly by pressing the IN or OUT buttons while
Headphone jack volume
control and channel select
The audio gain controls allow you to adjust the gain of the audio outputs. Audio
levels are displayed on the front panel LEDs. For more information on the knobs and
LEDs, see “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 35.
videotape recorder (VTR). For more information on the buttons, see “Operational
Control Buttons” on page 38.
capturing.
When you press IN again, the first mark IN point moves. Pressing OUT again moves
the mark OUT point. You cannot mark more than one mark IN and one mark OUT
point per clip.
You can have an IN point without having an OUT point.
n
Plug a headphone set into the headphone jack and use the knob above the jack to
adjust the volume. The headphone jack is a stereo output.
You can only hear two audio channels at a time through the headphone jack.
n
Select the audio channels you want to hear using the audio channel select
knob (see “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 35.
30
Panelless Model
a
AirSpeed logoPower and Mode LED
The following figure shows the front of the panelless AirSpeed. All configuration, capture,
and playback functions are done through remote applications.
Panelless Front Panel
There are two AirSpeed functions that cannot be performed with the panelless model that are
available on the full panel model. The two functions that cannot be performed on the
panelless model are:
Front and Rear Panels
•Retroloop
•Locators
All other front panel functions are performed in the following software:
•Virtual Network Computing (VNC) — used to access the AirSpeed UI and configure
the AirSpeed. For more information see, “Virtual Network Computing” on page 177.
•Avid AirSpeed Pilot — used to capture media and play it back. The application is also
used to set the audio gain. The audio gain controls only appear in the Pilot application
when accessing an panelless AirSpeed. For more information see, the Avid FlightPlan and Pilot User’s Guide or online Help.
•Avid AirSpeed FlightPlan — used to manage your captured media by moving,
renaming, or deleting clips. For more information see, the Avid FlightPlan and Pilot User’s Guide or online Help.
31
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
12345 67 8
User interface and
playback monitor
Channel Select buttons switch the
monitor between display modes
The LED on the front of the panelless system is a tri-colored LED that indicates when the
AirSpeed is in the following modes:
Panelless LED Functions
LED StateFunction
Constant Yellow Indicates the AirSpeed is powered on and idle
Blink RedIndicates an new clip has been created, and the AirSpeed is waiting to start
capturing
Constant RedIndicates the AirSpeed is capturing
Blink GreenIndicates a clip has been loaded, and the AirSpeed is ready to play out
Constant Green Indicates the AirSpeed is playing out
Visual Status Information
You can monitor a variety of status information using the UI and playback monitor, the
LEDs, and the operational control buttons. Monitored system components are displayed on
the Diagnostic button of the AirSpeed UI (see “Diagnostic Button” on page 77).
UI and Playback Monitor
The UI and playback monitor displays the AirSpeed UI conf
video, or play out video. You select the display with the Channel Select buttons; what you
see depends on if you are in the Capture or Play out mode. The setup and configuration
settings are explained in “User Interface” on page 67 and “Configuring the AirSpeed” on
page 79. The following figure identifies the monitor and buttons.
UI and Playback Monitor
32
iguration settings, the incoming
12
Front and Rear Panels
Use the Channel Select buttons to switch between the Capture mode or the two Playout
channels. You can either watch the video that is being captured or play back two channels of
video that were just captured.
Each time you press the Channel Select buttons, they cycle through the following functions:
•Press Channel Select button 1
-Capture mode (channel 1) — settings for capturing media
-Play mode (channel 1) — settings for playout on channel 1
-Video — view media that is being captured or playing on channel 1
•Press Channel Select button 2
-Play (channel 2) — settings for playout on channel 2
-Video — view media that is playing on channel 2
n
When capturing media, Channel Select button 2 has no function.
On Screen Display
The On Screen Display (OSD) on the AirSpeed monitor displays detailed information about
clips during recording and playback. The AirSpeed On Screen Display differs in networked
and in standalone modes.
Networked AirSpeed OSD
In a networked environment, the OSD displays the following information:
The OSD feature is supported in Avid Unity ISIS v1.3 and later only. In earlier versions, the
screen displayed the workspace and a time remaining of 0:00.
Audio Knobs and LEDs
The front panel provides audio LEDs and gain control knobs for each of the eight audio
channels. The audio knobs are recessed under each LED row and extend out the front panel
when pushed. Push the channel knob again to retract the knob to be flush with the front
panel. Turn the knob to adjust the output gain when playing media. The LEDs above the
knob provide a visual indication of the signal for each channel. Numbers under each knob
indicate the audio channel it controls.
The following figure shows the eight knobs that control the audio channel gain and their
LEDs. HeadPhone controls are also identified.
35
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
LEDs indicate
the audio level
Audio channel gain
control knobs
Audio channel 1 through channel 8
Headphone audio
channel select knob
Headphone jack
Headphone volume
control
Audio Controls
n
12 345 67 8
3-4 5-6
1-2
7-8
The LEDs reflect the current audio capture level. Use the gain control knobs to manually
adjust the audio gain during playout. Green and yellow LEDs help illustrate the audio levels.
You cannot adjust the gain of the audio being captured.
The audio LEDs on the front panel monitor audio display between –12 dB to –35 dB. The
following table compares the audio range with the markings on the front panel.
Audio LEDs in Full Scale Digital
Stenciled ScaleActual Value From Full Scale Digital
+3 dB– 12 dB
+1 dB– 14 dB
0 dB– 15 dB
– 1 dB– 16 dB
36
– 3 dB– 18 dB
– 5 dB– 20 dB
– 10 dB– 25 dB
– 20 dB– 35 dB
You use the eight audio gain controls when the AirSpeed is being configured, and not during
a broadcast. Typically you calibrate the AirSpeed to house gains, although there might be
other legitimate configurations.
Front and Rear Panels
To calibrate the AirSpeed audio for playout, press the audio gain control knob to extend it
out of the front panel and allow it to be adjusted. Each of the eight audio output channels has
a separate gain control.
Select the Play 1 channel by pressing the Channel Select button 1. Play a test tone clip and
use the audio gain control knobs to adjust the audio gain outputs on the rear of the AirSpeed
associated with that playout channel. The audio output channels map to the Play 1 and
Play 2 channels as described the “Channels Tab” on page 89.
The audio output channels depend on which Channels are selected in the Setup > Channels >
Audio Channel Selection During Playback setting. Audio could be set to 0, 4, or 8 audio
channels. If Channel 1 is set to eight, all eight audio gain controls are associated with the
Play 1 channel. If the Play 1 channel has four audio channels allocated to it, you can have the
other four channels allocated to Play 2. The Audio Channel Selection During Playback
setting maps which audio gain controls are associated with each Play channel.
Set the Audio Channel Selection During Playback setting so that all eight channels are
allocated to Play 1. Make sure the test tone clip has audio on all the relevant channels (if the
playback channel has all eight audio channels allocated to it, make sure you play a test clip
with eight channels of audio). The LEDs give you feedback as to which audio channels have
audio present. For more information on adjusting the audio gain with a scope, see “Adjusting
the Audio Playout Gain” on page 65.
n
Play the test tone clip on the Play 1 channel and adjust the gains so that output audio on each
channel is at the house levels. When you have finished setting the audio gain controls, push
them back into the recessed position to prevent inadvertent changes. While recessed, they
are flush with the front panel.
Changes to the gains happen in real time. As soon as you adjust the volume control, you see
and hear the signal change.
Reallocate all eight audio channels to the Play 2 channel using the Setup > Channels >
“Audio Channel Selection During Playback” settings. Select the Play 2 channel by pressing
the Channel Select button 2. Play a test tone clip on Play 2 channel and repeat the adjustment
process.
Audio Gain Precaution
If Channel Select button 1 is selected and you change audio gains on channels associated
with the Play 2 channel, or if you have Channel Select button 2 selected and you change
audio gains on channels associated with the Play 1 channel, the change does not occur until
the next time you load a clip on that Play channel. Only adjust audio gains on the Play
channels associated with the currently selected playback channel.
37
Chapter 1 AirSpeed Overview
Shuttle ring
Jog wheel
Headphone Jack, Volume, and Channel Select
A stereo headphone
jack is provided on the AirSpeed front panel. The jack provides output
for two audio channels at a time. Select channels 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, or 7–8 using the audio
channel select knob. Adjust the headphone volume using the headphone volume control.
Controls are identified in “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 35.
Shuttle Ring and Jog Wheel
The Shuttle ring and Jog wheel on the front pan
captured clips while viewing them on the UI and playback monitor. Turning the outer
Shuttle ring allows variable speed playback, both forward and backwards. The speed is
related to the extent of rotation away from the starting position of the wheel. Rotate the ring
clockwise for forward shuttle, rotate the ring counter-clockwise for reverse shuttle. The
shuttle plays the video forward or backward up to 5 times the real time speed. The clip
continues to move until the ring is released or returned to its center position.
The center wheel is the Jog wheel allowing you to view a clip frame-by-frame. The speed
and direction is directly proportional to the speed and direction that the wheel is rotated. The
following figure shows the Shuttle ring and Jog wheel.
Shuttle Ring and Jog Wheel
el allow you to quickly search and scan
12 345 67 8
Operational Control Buttons
The following figure shows the operational control buttons. These buttons have a backlight
to help determine the capturing state of the AirSpeed. The following table lists the functions
of these buttons; “User Interface” on page 67 lists all the front panel button functions.
38
3-4 5-6
1-2
7-8
Front and Rear Panels
Stop buttonPlay buttonFast for ward
button
Rewind buttonRecord button
Locator button
Operational Control Buttons
The following table lists the functions of the buttons that light.
Operation Control Buttons
ButtonIndicator and Condition
RecordSolid red when system is capturing.
PlayPlays out video from the AirSpeed. Two video clips can be played
out; one clip on each channel.
StopLit when system is paused.
Rewind/Fast ForwardLit when system is shuttling.
LocatorMark frames where you want to identify later while editing the
media. You can mark up to 8 frames per clip.
Rear Media Connections
The AirSpeed supports industry-standard inputs and outputs to provide flexibility for
individual requirements. The following table lists the inputs and outputs on the AirSpeed.
For details on each connector, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 181.
Video and Audio Connectors
Connector Description
Serial Digital
Interface
Analog Reference In
and Loop Out
Video Outputs1 composite output with overlay for monitoring the source video (1 BNC)
1 serial digital interface (SDI) input (1 BNC)
2 SDI outputs (2 BNC)
Audio Inputs8 digital audio AES/EBU inputs (4BNC, software configurable)
Audio Outputs8 digital audio AES/EBU outputs (4BNC, software configurable) 8 analog
Keyboard and Mouse
You need to provide your own PS/2 keyboard and mouse to navigate through the AirSpeed
UI. The keyboard and mouse plug directly into the PS/2 connectors rear of the chassis. For
more information, see “PS/2 Connections” on page 55.
Control Connectors
The following table lists the connections used for controlling the AirSpeed. For details on
each connector, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 181.
1 analog TC input (1 XLR)
audio outputs (25-pin cable included)
Control Connectors
Connector Description
EthernetGigabit (1000BASE-T) Ethernet data connection
Remote 1 and Remote 29-pin female RS-422 remote operational control connector
DNxchange HD Option
The Avid DNxchange™ is transcoder interface that converts high-definition (HD) media
from HD-SDI devices to Avid DNxHD media encoded in a Serial Digital Transport Interface
(SDTI) stream. The Avid DNxchange also transports 8 channels of embedded audio,
longitudinal timecode (LTC), and other ancillary data embedded in the HD SDI input
stream. This device enables you to move HD media through your existing standarddefinition (SD) serial digital interface (SDI) networks. This enables you to transport high
quality HD compressed media greater distances than with HD-SDI.
When the Avid DNxchange is connected to the AirSpeed you can capture HD into your SD
workgroup environment. The Avid DNxchange is a rack-mounted I/O device which can be
populated with two transcoder channels. Each DNxchange channel can be configured as
40
either an HD-to-SD transcoder (compression/capture) or as an SD-to-HD transcoder
(decompression/play). For more information on features and connections, see the Avid DNxchange Installation and User’s Guide.
HD Video With AirSpeed
The process for monitoring HD media using the AirSpeed is different than the way
SD media is monitored. The HD media is in an SDTI stream coming and going and from the
DNxchange channels. The HD playback and captured media cannot be viewed from the
input and output connections on the back of the AirSpeed or the AirSpeed UI and playback
monitor on the front. The HD embedded data needs to be played out through a DNxchange
channel to be decoded back into HD media. Although, Avid editing systems can view and
edit the HD media in the Avid Unity environment.
DNxchange HD Option
n
When working with HD media, only single channel play out is supported. You cannot select
the second play out channel from the front panel or the AirSpeed Pilot application. The
Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is disabled and the second play channel selection
in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled.
Monitoring HD Video During Capture
When capturing HD media you can monitor the captured HD media at the following two
locations:
•The easiest way to view the HD media coming into the DNxchange is to connect an HD
monitor to the HD Out connector on the same DNxchange channel that is doing the
capturing. As the media is being captured through the HD In connector, the video
(without audio and ancillary data) is looped back through to the HD Out connector.
•If you would rather see that the encoded HD media in the SD SDTI stream is being
captured accurately, connect the SDI Out (either SDI OUT 1 or SDI OUT 2) on the
AirSpeed to the SD In connector on a second DNxchange channel that is configured for
Play mode. This output stream includes the video, embedded audio, and ancillary data.
n
You must provide a reference signal to both DNxchange channels and make sure the
appropriate channels are configured for capturing or playing out.
Connect an HD monitor to the HD Out connector on the DNxchange play channel. As
the media is being captured through the HD In connector and the SDTI stream sent to
the AirSpeed it is looped back through to SDI Out connector. The SDTI stream is
decoded back to HD media with the DNxchange play channel and can be seen on the
HD Out connector of the DNxchange play channel. The HD output of the second
channel lags behind the HD input of the first channel by 12 frames. The following figure
provides a diagram showing both methods.
Cabling for Monitoring HD Video While Capturing
If you have several AirSpeeds capturing HD media, connect one of the SDI Out connectors
from each AirSpeed to a router. Also connect the router to a DNxchange channel that is
configured for Play mode. Use the HD Out of the DNxchange play channel to view the HD
media on each AirSpeed by selecting the AirSpeed source to route to the DNxchange play
channel.
SERIAL
SD
IN
IN
REFREF
HD
OUT
OUT
10/100 BASE T10/100 BASE TLTC
IN
OUT
HD
IN
IN
OUT
SERIAL
IN
OUT
SD
OUTLT C
42
Chapter 2
Installation
This chapter provides AirSpeed installation, connections, and system “power-up”
instructions. The AirSpeed requirements in the Avid Unity workgroup environment are also
listed.
n
c
You might want to configure the AirSpeed prior to rack mounting if the front panel access
limited in your rack location.
Do not connect multiple AirSpeed servers to your Avid Unity environment until you
have assigned a new unique IP address to each AirSpeed.
Installing AirSpeed in a Rack
The AirSpeed is designed for 19-inch (483-mm) rack enclosures and requires three EIA rack
units (3U), or 5.25 inches (133.4-mm) of rack space. The rail kit installs into rails that are
between 24 to 30 inches deep. AirSpeed provides rack nuts for those rack enclosures that do
not have threaded holes. Rack-nut clips position the rack nuts at the holes of the rack and are
used to secure the rack components in place.
The AirSpeed ships with slide rails, brackets, and rack-mount screws. When the inner slide
rails are mounted to the AirSpeed and the outer slide rails are mounted to the rack, you can
secure the AirSpeed in the rack so it doesn’t slide forward. If your rack has threaded holes,
you might have to supply your own rack fasteners. If your rack does not have threaded holes,
install the rack nuts included with the AirSpeed (see “Attaching the Outer Rails to the Rack”
on page 47).
n
The UI and playback monitor provides optimum viewing when positioned at eye level and
lower. If you are looking up at the UI and playback monitor, the clarity is impaired.
c
w
The AirSpeed is designed to be installed horizontally in a rack. Installing the AirSpeed
on an angle or in a sloped console causes the internal drives to wear faster than the
intended life of the drive.
To ensure the stability of the rack enclosure, start from the bottom when you install the
rack components in the rack enclosure.
Chapter 2 Installation
Rack-mount Requirements:
•Elevated Operating Ambient — If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the
operating ambient temperature of the rack environment might be greater than room
ambient. Therefore, consider installing the equipment in an environment compatible
with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified by the manufacturer.
•Reduced Air Flow — Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the
amount of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
AirSpeed airflow is from the front of the chassis enclosure to the rear. Make allowances
for cooling air to be available to the front panel surface and no restrictions at the rear.
•Mechanical Loading — Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a
hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
Make sure your rack enclosure is stable enough to prevent tipping over when one or
more AirSpeed systems are extended on the sliding rails.
•Circuit Overloading — Consideration should be given to the connection of the
equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have
on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment
nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.
•Reliable Earthing — Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be
maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connections other than direct
connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).
Checking the Contents of the Rack-Mount Kit
The rack-mount kit contains the following:
•2 – rack-mounting adjustable slide rails
•Assorted screws and nuts
-12 – rack-nut clips
-10 – 8-32 x .25” pan-head screws (not shown)
-4 – 10-32 x .75” flat-head screws (not shown)
-4 – 10-32 x .75” truss-head screws (not shown)
-4 – 10-32 x .75” black screws with nylon washers (not shown)
n
44
Use your own rack hardware if your rack has threaded holes or unique fasteners.
You need to separate the slide rails and attach the inner “movable” section to the AirSpeed
and the outer “fixed” section to the rack rails.
Installing AirSpeed in a Rack
To separate the slide rails:
1. Slide the slide rail completely open.
2. Press the spring clip on the inside of the slide rail.
3. Pull and separate the two halves.
4. Repeat these steps to separate the second slide rail.
Separating the Slide Rails
45
Chapter 2 Installation
5/8 in
5/8 in
1/2 in
5/8 in
5/8 in
1/2 in
5/8 in
5/8 in
1/2 in
5/8 in
5/8 in
1/2 in
1U
2U
3U1 3/4 in
1 3/4 in
1 3/4 in
Baseline position is between
two 1/2-inch holes.
Rack mounting rail
hole spacing
EIA rack unit
Rack mounting rail
AirSpeed
Rail kit mounting holes
AirSpeed bezel
mounting holes
Positioning the AirSpeed in the Rack
The following procedure helps you decide where to install the AirSpeed in the rack. If your
rack enclosure does not have threaded holes, install the rack-nut clips included with the rackmount kit where the slide rails and AirSpeed front panel secures to the rack enclosure. If
your rack enclosure has threaded holes, do not attach the rack-nut clips.
To position the AirSpeed in the rack enclosure and attach the rack-nut clips:
1. Select a position in the rack where you can mount the AirSpeed at eye level (or lower).
The AirSpeed needs to be positioned at the proper baseline position (see the following
figure).
If your rack enclosure has threaded holes, continue with “Attaching the Outer Rails to
the Rack” on page 47.
Positioning the AirSpeed
46
Installing AirSpeed in a Rack
Rack-nut clip slid
over hole
Rack enclosure
mounting rail
Use your own rack hardware if
your rack has threaded holes or
unique fasteners.
2. From the inside of the enclosure rail, slide the rack-nut clips over the holes where the
AirSpeed rails and front panel will secure to the rack enclosure; see the following figure.
Each front rack-mounting rail needs 4 rack-nut clips and 2 rack-nut clips for each rear
mounting rail.
Attaching Rack Nuts onto the Rack Enclosure
Attaching the Outer Rails to the Rack
After separating the slide rails as previously described (see “Separating the Slide Rails” on
page 45), attach the outer slide rails to the rack.
n
There is a post at each end of the slide rail bracket that allows you to hold the slide rail in
position while putting in the screws.
47
Chapter 2 Installation
Front mounting rail
Outer slide rail
Flat-head screws
(10-32 x .75)
Secure with rack-nut
clips (if necessary)
Rack-nut clips for
AirSpeed bezel
(if necessary)
To attach the bracket and rails:
1. Place one outer slide rail inside the rack mounting rails. The rail ends should be outside
of the front and back mounting rail surfaces.
2. Attach the front of the outer slide rail to the front mounting rail with the two flat-head
screws.
n
If you haven’t already attached the rack-nut clips for the AirSpeed bezel (if necessary), place
a rack-nut clip just above and below the holes used for the front slide rail. For more
information, see “Positioning the AirSpeed in the Rack” on page 46.
Attaching the Outer Rail Assembly to the Front of the Rack
48
Installing AirSpeed in a Rack
Rear mounting rail
Outer slide rail assembly
Rack-nut clips
(if necessary)
Truss-head screws
(10-32 x .75)
3. Attach the rear of the outer slide rail to the rear mounting rail with the two truss-head
screws.
Attaching the Outer Rail Assembly to the Rear of the Rack and Adjusting the
Support Rail
4. Repeat this procedure to attach the second outer slide rail on the other side of the rack.
49
Chapter 2 Installation
a
1 of 10 screws
(pan-head screws
8-32 x .25)
Attaching Inner Rails to the AirSpeed
After separating the slide rails as previously described (see “Separating the Slide Rails” on
page 45), attach the inner slide rails to the AirSpeed.
To attach the inner slide rails:
1. Position the inner slide rail against the side of the AirSpeed so that the tapered end and
release spring clip of the inner slide rail is toward the back of the unit.
2. Secure the inner slide rail to the AirSpeed enclosure with five pan-head screws.
Attaching the Inner Slide Rails
50
5-6
7-8
3-4
1-2
IO
AUD
3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2
3. Repeat this procedure to attach the other inner slide rail on the other side of the
AirSpeed.
Securing the AirSpeed in a Rack
AUDIO
a
1 2
3-4
1-2
7-8
5-6
345 6 7 8
1 of 4 black screws
with nylon washers
Rack enclosure
front mounting rail
Cabling
c
You should have someone helping you lift the AirSpeed while you are positioning it into
the slide rails.
To secure the AirSpeed to the rack enclosure:
1. Lift and position the AirSpeed so that the inner slide rails attached to the sides of the
AirSpeed align with the outer slide rails secured to the rack.
2. Push the front of the AirSpeed flush against the front mounting rail. Align the holes in
the AirSpeed bezel with the holes in the front mounting rail (see the following figure).
3. From the front of the rack enclosure, insert the screws with nylon washers through the
AirSpeed and front mounting rail, and tighten.
Front Panel Screws
Cabling
The following sections describe the cabling on the rear of the AirSpeed:
•SDI and Video Cables
•Audio Cable
•Timecode Cables
•Control and Communications Cables
•Power Cord
51
Chapter 2 Installation
SDI input
Two SDI outputs
Broadcast devices
House
Reference
To sync the input
of the AirSpeed
and broadcast
devices
Monitor
output
Component
output
Composite
output
SDI and Video Cables
The SDI and Video connections are marked on the rear of the AirSpeed; the following
procedure describes which connector to use. To find the exact location “Chassis 0010-
07109-xx” on page 181.
To connect video cables on the chassis:
1. Ensure that you have the proper digital AES/EBU (75 ohm-rated) and SMPTE 259M
serial digital interface coaxial cables available.
SDI, Reference, and Video Output Connections
DIGITAL AUDIO
IN
AES/EBU
CH 1-2 CH 3-4 CH 5-6 CH 7-8
GPIO
ANALOG AUDIO OUT
VIDEO OUTPUTS
REMOTE 1
REMOTE 2
n
52
OUT
REF IN REF OUT
SDI INSDI OUT1SDI OUT2
MON COMP P
R
/RY/GPB/BSMPTE
LTC INLTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2
KEYBOARD MOUSE
2. Connect a composite video reference source (house reference, black burst) to the Ref
input connector. If the AirSpeed is the last device in your reference loop, terminate the
remaining Ref Out connector with a 75Ω terminator. If the AirSpeed is in the middle of
your reference loop, connect the remaining Ref Out connector to the next device’s
reference input.
3. Connect the SDI input connector to your incoming digital signal. Two different SDI
outputs are available for sending SDI signals out to your other devices.
For information on selecting the component video format, see “Channels Tab” on page 89.
4. Connect the analog component video output connectors (Y, Pb, Pr) to your analog
component video monitoring devices as required.
5. Connect the COMP connector (composite output) to a composite analog monitoring
device if required.
6. Connect the MON connector (additional composite output) to an appropriate composite
Avid analog audio cable
provided with the AirSpeed
Avid provides an analog audio cable harness with the Avid AirSpeed. The cable uses a DB25 connector on one end, and eight industry-standard XLR male audio connectors on the
other end.
Analog Audio Output Cable
The connections between the AirSpeed and your source and destination equipment vary
depending on the type of audio equipment you have. The following figure identifies the
connections for your audio equipment. See “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 181 for exact
connector locations.
Cabling
Audio Input and Output Connections
To connect your audio equipment:
1. Connect the Avid analog audio out cable to the 25-pin Analog Audio Out connector.
2. Connect the eight analog audio out XLR connectors to the appropriate monitoring
devices.
3. Connect the Digital Audio In connectors 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8 to your AES/EBU
digital audio source.
4. Connect the four DIGITAL OUT connectors to your AES/EBU audio device.
53
Chapter 2 Installation
REMOTE 1
REMOTE 2
GPIO
ANALOG AUDIO OUT
LTC INLTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2
LTC in
REMOTE 1
REMOTE 2
GPIO
ANALOG AUDIO OUT
LTC INLTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2
LTC out 1 LTC out 2
Timecode Cables
To connect longitudinal timecode (LTC) in cables:
tConnect your LTC timecode source to the LTC IN connector.
LTC In Connection
To connect longitudinal timecode (LTC) out cables:
tConnect your LTC timecode source to the LTC OUT connectors.
LTC Out Connection
Control and Communications Cables
The following figure identifies the connectors used to connect the control and
communication cables. For the exact location of the control and communication connectors,
see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 181.
You need to provide a standard PS/2 compatible keyboard and mouse. The keyboard and
mouse plug directly into the rear of the chassis.
To connect the keyboard and mouse cables:
1. Connect the PS/2 compatible mouse to the connector with the mouse icon on the rear of
the Airspeed.
2. Connect the PS/2 compatible keyboard to the connector with the keyboard icon on the
rear of the Airspeed.
IN
B
/BPR/RMON REF OUT REF INSDI OUT 1
EXT VIDEO
ON OFF
MONITOR
OUT
USBUSB
REMOTE 1
REMOTE 2
SCSI
GPIO
ANALOG AUDIO OUT
LTC INLTC OUT 1 LTC OUT 2
Keyboard and Mouse PS/2 Connectors
MOUSE
KEYBOARD
GIG E
EXT VIDEO
ON OFF
MONITOR
USBUSB
55
Chapter 2 Installation
AirSpeed server
AirSpeed
CountDown PC
Digi serial card
and cable
DB-9 to RJ-45
adapter
RJ-45 to DB-25
adapter
RJ-45 (Cat 5) cable
Ethernet Connection
To connect the Ethernet cable:
tConnect an Ethernet CAT-5 cable with a RJ-45 connector from the GigE connector to an
Gigabit (1000BASE-T) Ethernet switch.
n
If the AirSpeed system is connected to only a single additional device (for example, a
network with a single node at each end), no switch is required when using Gigabit Ethernet
(GigE).
SMPTE Connection
To connect the SMPTE alarm cable:
tConnect the SMPTE Alarm (BNC) connector to your facility SMPTE Alarm loop or
other contact closure activated alarm system.
Remote Serial Connection
The following illustration shows the equipment needed to connect an AirSpeed CountDown
PC to an AirSpeed server, using standard RJ-45 Category 5 Ethernet cable. This cable must
be a straight cable with all eight conductors wired.
Avid supplies the following adapters for the Digi
Technical descriptionAvid part numberAvid description
RJ-45 (female) to DB-9 (male) adapter0070-03154-01“RS-422 deck”
RJ-45 (female) to DB-25 (female) adapter0070-03153-01“RS-422 Digi”
®
card:
These adapters use the following pinouts:
56
DB-9 (male) to RJ-45 (female) adapter RJ-45 (female) to DB-25 (female) adapter
AirSpeed DB-9 Pin NumberWire ColorDigi DB-25 Pin NumberWire Color
2 (TX–)Black16 (RX–)Black
3 (RX+)Red2 (TX+)Red
7 (TX+)Yellow3 (RX+)Yellow
8 (RX–)Green14 (TX–)Green
not usedBrownnot usedBrown
not usedGraynot usedGray
not used Bluenot usedBlue
not usedOrange1 (not used)Orange
To connect remote serial cables:
1. Connect one end of a 9-pin serial cable to either the Remote 1 and Remote 2 RS-422
connector.
Cabling
2. Connect the other end of the serial cable to your RS-422 device, such as an automation
system or edit controller. The remote ports can be used for:
-Remote control via VDCP protocol
-Sony BVW protocol
3. Connect the second remote port by repeating steps 1 and 2.
GPIO Connection
To connect a GPIO cable on the rear panel:
1. The general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface requires you to build a cable. Refer
to “GPIO” on page 193 for GPIO connector pin assignments and build a cable using a
25-pin D-type female connector on one end. The other end of the cable depends on the
GPIO interface on the device you are controlling.
2. Connect the 25-pin connector to the GPIO connector.
3. Connect the other end of the GPIO cable to the GPIO device.
57
Chapter 2 Installation
SCSI
Power cord
receptacle
SCSI
Powe r switch
Power Cord
An U.S. IEC power cord is shipped with the AirSpeed. If your local power distribution is not
compatible with the supplied cord, you must provide your own IEC power cable that is
compatible with your country’s power system. The power connector accepts 100 to 240 Vac,
50/60 Hz.
Power Connection
To connect power:
1. Attach the power cord to the power receptacle on the rear of the AirSpeed.
2. Connect the other end of the power cord to a properly grounded stable power source.
c
For maximum power protection, Avid recommends surge protected uninterruptible
power supply (UPS).
Turning the AirSpeed On and Off
To turn on up the AirSpeed:
tPress the AirSpeed power switch, located on the rear panel.
This is a spring-loaded switch that does not stay recessed after you press it.
Power Switch
n
58
Workgroup Requirement
Shutdown button
Shutdown
option
When the user interface appears on the front panel display, the system is ready to be
configured.
To turn off the AirSpeed:
1. Press the Channel Select button 1 until the UI is displayed.
2. Click the Shutdown button.
Shutdown Tab
3. Select the Shutdown option to completely turn off the software and hardware.
4. Click OK.
A variety of internal tasks such as file system clean-up are performed, and the console
screen appears. Wait until the operating system text stops scrolling on the UI monitor
and the word Reset displays twice.
The AirSpeed server turns off.
Workgroup Requirement
You must have the Avid Unity workgroup environment already operating before adding the
AirSpeed to the environment.
59
Chapter 2 Installation
Configuration
The AirSpeed is configured at each site as a network appliance. Site-specific settings need to
be applied for the AirSpeed to operate in your workgroup environment. Each AirSpeed
installed needs to be uniquely configured.
AirSpeed requires fixed internet protocol (IP) addresses for the network interface. As part of
a setup procedure, your administrator must first configure an administrative client system to
match the AirSpeed configuration IP address. Typically, a direct physical connection is
established using this IP address.
Program AirSpeed with the following:
•A site-specific host name/domain name
•A site-specific node IP address and mask for the network interface
•The DNS server IP address (required for Avid Unity ISIS)
•The NTP server IP address
•The Shared Storage Server
-PortServer Pro name (if DNS is present, if not use an IP address)
-System Director name (DNS required)
•MediaManager host name (if DNS is present, if not use an IP address)
n
c
Some setting changes require you to power cycle the AirSpeed. A message appears in the UI
and playback monitor when you must power cycle the AirSpeed for the changes to take
effect.
Do not connect any AirSpeed to your workgroup environment until you have assigned
a new, unique IP address to each AirSpeed.
Default IP Address
The AirSpeed chassis 0010-07109-xx is initially configured with the following default IP
address and Subnet mask:
•IP address: 192.168.1.101
•Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
n
60
The 0010-06715-xx chassis did not ship with an IP or subnet address preconfigured.
To avoid network IP address and subnet mask conflicts, connect one AirSpeed to your
Avid Unity environment at a time. S
et the appropriate IP address and subnet mask
settings in the Setup > Network tab for that AirSpeed and save the settings. For information
on the Network tab, see “Network Tab” on page 81. The
information must be provided to you by your network administrator.
Setting the Time Zone, Date, and Time
AirSpeeds are shipped from Avid with the default time zone set to Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT). When setting up the AirSpeed for the first time, you need to select your time zone,
then set the date and time.
Configuration
IP address and subnet mask
c
n
The AirSpeed must be idle when you set or change the date or time.
To localize the AirSpeed with the date and time.
1. Open a console window by simultaneously pressing
Ctrl+Alt+F1
.
2. Log in using:
-Login name —
-Password —
3. At the command prompt, type
ls
4. Type
, and press
maint
mars
Enter
cd /usr/share/zoneinfo
.
, and press
Enter
.
Find the correct continent or zone for your specific locale from the list. The following
list is displayed:
Africa Australia Etc MET WET
AmericaCET Europe MST posixrules
AntarcticaCST6CDTFactoryMST7MDTzone.tab
ArcticEETGMTPST8PDT
AsiaESTHSTPacific
AtlanticEST5EDTIndian SystemV
You must type the selection exactly as it appears in the list (upper or lower case).The time
zones for North America are listed in the directory with the daylight savings time zones
ending with DT.
5. At the command prompt, type
cd <region or zone>
For example, if your continent is America, type
/usr/share/zoneinfo/Asia
at the
6. At the command prompt, type
ls
and press
directory.
Choose the closest city file to your location.
7. At the command prompt, type:
cp <city> /etc/localtime
cd Asia
Enter
.
, and press
, and press
and press
Enter
Enter
.
. You are now
Enter
.
61
Chapter 2 Installation
For example, if your city is New York, type
/localtime
After pressing
To set the date and time:
1. While still in the console window, type
at the command prompt.
Enter
, the city file is copied into the /etc directory.
date
and time set.
2. To set the date, type
Enter
.
date
and enter the date and time in the following format and press
yymmddhhmm.ss
n
Do not use spaces or any characters between the numbers.
After pressing enter, the date and time display are displayed. Confirm that the
information is correct. If not repeat Step 2.
3. Close the console window by simultaneously pressing
4. Restart the AirSpeed by selecting Shutdown > Restart Entire System in the AirSpeed
UI.
5. Click OK.
Accessing the AirSpeed Through Telnet
cp New_York /etc
and press
Enter
to view the current date
Ctrl+Alt+F3
.
62
You can also access the AirSpeed console using remote systems on the Avid Unity network.
Telnet is a common way to remotely access the AirSpeed using a client system such as a
NewsCutter. You need to know the IP address and host name of the target AirSpeed. The
following information does not provide the details on how to completely set the time zone,
but advanced administrators might find this information helpful.
This procedure is one way to get to the a time zone utility in the AirSpeed console. This
procedure is not recommended because some selections are difficult to select without a color
UI. There are several free Telnet applications on the Internet that make it easier to use this
utility, for example, PuTTY.
®
Windows
HyperTerminal has also been used but you must make sure you select TCP/IP for
your connection. Avid has found that selecting VT100 provides the best results.
To access your AirSpeed using Telnet to select the time zone:
1. Make sure your AirSpeed is powered on.
2. From an Avid Unity Client system, click Start > Run.
3. Type
Telnet <AirSpeed host name>
and press
Enter
.
4. Log in using:
Configuration
-Login Name —
-Password —
5. Type
6. Select your region, country, and time zone.
7. Enter the date and time as previously described.
8. Close the Telnet application.
tzsetup
maint
mars
and press
Enter
.
Setting Up for Transferring to Unity
After setting up the appropriate Avid Unity settings for the AirSpeed in the Setup > Network
tab, enter the settings for the MediaManager and PortServer in the Setup > Send tab.
Remember to save the settings on each tab. Captures are complete when the clips have been
transferred to Avid Unity and are checked into MediaManager. After they are checked into
MediaManager; they are available for automatic deletion.
MediaManager System User Account
The AirSpeed must be a system user client on the MediaManager. Use the following
procedure to add the AirSpeed account to your MediaManager, see the MediaManager Help
for more information.
n
The MediaManager application now includes the AirSpeed System User account. However,
if your MediaManager does not already have an AirSpeed System User account, you must
create one.
To create a system user account on your MediaManager server:
1. Click Administration in the mode selector.
2. Click the New User icon in the Functions list.
The Create User window opens.
3. Specify the account attributes by typing in the appropriate text boxes.
-User Name —
-Password —
The built-in login password for all AirSpeed servers is “avid.”
4. Select the System User account privilege level from the Role list.
5. Click Save.
The account is created and added to the Users list.
airspeed
avid
63
Chapter 2 Installation
Interplay Environments
When you are adding an Avid AirSpeed server in an Interplay workgroup, the Interplay
engine server needs a Window user account (with Admin rights) with the user name airspeed
and password avid. You must use these exact user and password names.
Using Interplay Transfer
When you are adding Interplay Transfer into an Interplay workgroup, the Interplay Engine
server requires a user for the Interplay Transfer. Create the following user on the Interplay
Engine server:
•User name: transfermanager
•Password: avid
License Agreement
Once the AirSpeed is connected to the Avid Unity environment, you must accept the Avid
End User License Agreement. AirSpeed uses an Avid Unity Ethernet client license.
Multiple Domain Names and DNS servers
64
To configure a backup DNS server:
1. Click in the Network > Setup tab.
2. Click the DNS Server(s) option button.
3. Enter an IP address both for the primary and backup (secondary) DNS server in the
appropriate text boxes.
Primary and Backup DNS Servers
In the event there is a failure with the primary domain and DNS server, multiple domains
and DNS servers can be used as backups.
Static Mounted Workspaces
Avid recommends you use static mounted workspaces with the AirSpeed. You must disable
dynamically mounted workspaces on the Avid Unity PortServer.
To disable dynamic mounted workspaces:
1. Log in to your Avid Unity PortServer.
2. Double-click PortServerConfiguration.exe in the following location:
The Avid Unity PortServer Service Configuration window opens.
3. Deselect “Enable dynamic mounting of MediaNetwork workspaces” if selected.
4. Click OK and log off the Avid Unity PortServer.
Adjusting the Audio Playout Gain
The eight audio gain controls on the front panel are used to calibrate the AirSpeed for
playout. These audio gain controls do not provide any function during capture. Avid
recommends you play out a test tone on all eight audio channels for both Play channels.
There is a separate gain control for each of the eight audio output channels. While the tone is
playing, monitor the audio out on the rear of the AirSpeed with a scope to fine tune the
output audio. Use the eight audio gain control knobs to vary the output. For more
information see “Audio Knobs and LEDs” on page 35.
Configuration
Use the Channel Select buttons to select the playout channel. The audio gain controls only
adjust the audio for the Play channel selected and the audio channels allocated to that Play
channel in the Setup > Channels > “Audio Channel Selection During Playback” settings.
After you have made the adjustment, recess the audio gain control knobs back into the front
panel so they are not easily changed.
65
Chapter 2 Installation
66
Chapter 3
Dashboard
UI buttons
Button information
User Interface
This chapter introduces the AirSpeed user interface, and provides detailed descriptions of all
user interface sections and controls. This chapter includes the following sections:
•Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface
•Play Button
•Capture Button
•Setup Button
•Diagnostic Button
•Shutdown Button
Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface
The following figure shows the AirSpeed user interface (UI) with the Play button selected.
AirSpeed User Interface
Chapter 3 User Interface
Reference status
indicator
Channel status
indicator
Time of daySystem statusNetwork status
indicator
AirSpeed UI Buttons
The AirSpeed UI is divided into the following sections:
•Play button — allows you to play recorded clips that are on the internal AirSpeed drives.
You can play back clips on two separate channels. While playing back clips you can
enter Mark IN and Mark OUT points and create locators. See “Play Button” on page 70
for information on each setting.
•Capture button — allows you to capture media with or without the timecode. You can
remotely capture the media or manually press the Record button on the front panel and
start capturing the media instantly. You can also set the duration of the capture in
addition to setting Mark IN and Mark OUT points, and locators. See “Capture Button”
on page 73 for information on each setting.
•Setup button — allows you to set system parameters such as channel configuration,
video setup, network configuration and Controller Setup. For details, see “Setup
Button” on page 76.
•Diagnostic button — provides front panel, disk drive, CPU fan, network, and license
status. For details, see“Diagnostic Button” on page 77.
•Shutdown button — presents three different system level command options. For details,
see “Shutdown Button” on page 78.
Dashboard
The dashboard is always present at the bottom of the AirSpeed UI; regardless of which UI
button is clicked. It provides the AirSpeed status and also displays the internal clock. See the
following figure:
AirSpeed Dashboard
The dashboard display includes the following:
•Reference status indicator — Indicates (by color) the presence and quality of your
68
•Channel status indicator — Indicates (by color) the presence and quality of your SDI
reference signal. Red indicates no signal and green indicates usable reference signal is
present and the system is locked to it.
input signal. Red indicates no signal and green indicates usable input signal is present.
Introduction to the AirSpeed User Interface
•System status — Displays a scrolling text message indicating the status of the system.
Messages vary depending on the selected button and the operating state of the AirSpeed.
•Network status indicator — Indicates (by color) the presence of your network
connection.
-Green — Indicates a usable network signal and the TransferManager are present.
-Yellow — Indicates a network signal is present but the MediaManager or
TransferManager is not available.
-Red — Indicates no network signal.
n
The Network status indicator is red if the Ethernet cable is plugged into the wrong port. For
the exact location, see “Control Connections” on page 182.
•Time of day — displays the AirSpeed system’s internal clock. For more information see
“Accessing the Setup Subtabs” on page 79.
Common UI Buttons
The following buttons are used throughout the AirSpeed UI. Not all of the buttons are used
in each UI window and not all the button options are available in all releases. The meanings
of the common AirSpeed UI buttons are described in the following table.
Common AirSpeed UI Buttons
ButtonNameFunction
ActivateThe Activate button activates edited or new configuration
settings within the AirSpeed User Interface.
Create/EditThe Create/Edit button activates when a new Video ID
has been entered. Click Create to create a new file after
all the fields in the button are filled in as desired. Once
clicked, the Record button allows you to capture the file.
Used in the Capture window.
DeleteThe Delete button activates when a known Video ID is
entered, allowing you to delete the file. Used in the Play
and Capture windows.
UnloadThe Unload button clears all text fields in the window.
Used in the Play and Capture windows.
OKAccepts the information or selection and performs the
function. Used in the Shutdown window.
69
Chapter 3 User Interface
Common AirSpeed UI Buttons
ButtonNameFunction
SaveAccepts the information and saves the settings. Used in
the Setup window.
RevertReturns you to the information that was previously saved.
Once you click the Save button, the Revert buttons uses
the new saved information. Used in the Setup window.
BrowseOpens a window listing the available clips on the
AirSpeed internal drives. Used in the Play and Capture
windows.
NextOpens the next UI window of the active tab.
PreviousOpens the previous UI window of the active tab.
Play Button
The following figure shows the Play button. Channel 1 and channel 2 can have unique
information (two different clips) loaded at the same time. Switch between the clips using the
UI and Monitor buttons. For details on the Channel Select buttons, see “Button and Wheel
Functions” on page 151. AirSpeed can play only the clips that are on the internal drives.
70
Play Button
Delete buttonUnload button
Browse button
Displays the
available clips on the
internal drives.
Play Button
Most of the text boxes in the AirSpeed UI require input from a keyboard. After entering
information in a text field, press the Enter key to enter the data and advance to the next field.
The Tab key also advances you to the next user input field. Shift+Tab does not bring you
back to the previous field.
•Name — Type the name of the clip you want to view. You can type in the Video ID
instead. Once you press Enter, the Video ID displays.
•Video ID — Type the reference identification (ID) for the video you want to view. You
can type in the Name instead. Once you press Enter, the Name displays.
•Clip Duration — Displays the length of time between the Mark IN and Mark OUT
points. If no Mark IN and Mark OUT are set, the time matched the Total Duration text
box.
•Clip Type — Select the type of media from the menu. The choices are as follows:
-Virtual — Plays the entire clip regardless of the Mark IN and Mark OUT points. For
information on the differences between virtual and absolute modes, see “Timecode
Modes” on page 159.
-Absolute — Plays the clip from the Mark IN point to the Mark OUT point. If Mark
IN and Mark OUT points were not set, the entire clip is played.
•Total Duration — Shows the total extent of all media captured for the current clip (the
amount of time between the first captured frame and the last). This is the same as the
Clip Duration unless Mark IN or Mark Out points have been set.
71
Chapter 3 User Interface
•Time Code — Displays the timecode of the displayed frame.
•Mark IN — Displays the clip’s playback inpoint as entered during the capture or as
trimmed by an automation system. If no inpoint is marked, the text box is empty if in
Absolute mode. In Virtual mode, 1 hour is entered.
•Mark OUT — Displays the clip’s playback outpoint as entered during the capture or as
trimmed by an automation system. If no outpoint is marked, the text box is empty.
•Channel 2 — Is highlighted to indicate when the play channel1 button is lit and channel
1 is selected. This is not a button that selects the channels.
•Channel 3 — Is highlighted to indicate when the play channel 2 button is lit and channel
2 is selected. This is not a button that selects the channels.
To load and play a clip:
1. Access the AirSpace UI by pressing Channel Select button 1 or 2.
2. Do one of the following:
tType in the Video ID in the Video ID text box and press
tClick the Browse button, select a clip from the menu, and click OK.
Enter
.
c
72
3. Click one of the following buttons after viewing the clip:
tClick Unload if you want to clear the Play button window and view a different clip.
tClick Delete if you want to delete the clip from the internal AirSpeed drive. The text
fields in the Play button will also clear.
Clips that have been sent to the workspace are deleted. You cannot delete a clip that is
in the process of being saved on the workspace.
Capture Button
Delete buttonUnload button
Browse button
Displays the
available clips on the
internal drives.
The following figure shows the Capture button. Click the Capture button when you want to
configure your capture settings. The capture can be controlled both locally using the
operational control buttons on the front and by up to two remote control devices and by any
number of Pilot applications, all simultaneously. Make sure to avoid operational conflicts.
After you enter the data in this button, click the Create button.
Capture Button Selections
Capture Button
n
Most of the text boxes in the AirSpeed UI require input from a keyboard. After entering
information in a text field, press the Enter key to enter the data and advance to the next field.
The Tab key also advances you to the next user input field.
Select the Clip type (Virtual or Absolute mode) first, to avoid data entry loss.
•Name — Type the name you want for the clip. The Name can be the same as the Video
ID. Clip Names cannot contain spaces or these characters: *, ?, :, /, and \.
•Video ID — Type the reference identification (ID) you want for the captured video.
Pressing enter twice enters the text to the Name field. Video IDs can be up to eight or 31
alphanumeric characters in length. The Maximum Video ID Length is set in the Setup >
System Config window, see “System Config Tab” on page 82. Video IDs can not
contain spaces or these characters: *, ?, :, /, and \.
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Chapter 3 User Interface
•Clip Duration — Type in the length of time you want to capture. This text box allows
you to set up closed-ended captures for new clips and displays the playable clip duration
for existing clips:
-If you know when to stop capturing the media, enter the length of time you want to
capture. For example, if you know media you want ends in an hour, type
00:01:00:00.
-Leave this field blank if you are doing a crash record.
•Clip Type — Select the type of media from the menu. The choices are as follows:
-Virtual — Captures whatever media is coming in. Use this selection during a crash
record. When a new Video ID is created in Virtual mode, the Clip Duration
timecode text box is dimmed, allowing open-ended capture.
n
Crash records are only valid when in Virtual mode.
-Absolute — Captures media for the duration set in the clip duration. When a new
Video ID is created in Absolute mode, the Clip Duration timecode text box activates
and allows you to type the desired duration of the clip to be captured. After a
capture is initiated, it automatically terminates at this duration (a value greater than
0 must be entered in order to capture).
•Internal Time Code — Displays the current internal AirSpeed timecode.
•Source TC — Displays the current timecode information reflected in the frame when
capturing. The internal AirSpeed timecode is used when the media being captured does
not have an embedded timecode. The timecode source is selected in the Setup > Channel
tab, see “Channels Tab” on page 89. The Recorded TC Source selections are:
-VITC — the time base is taken from the SDI input. If no VITC is present, the
default starting timecode value is 02:22:22:22.
-LTC — the time base is taken from the LTC input on the rear of the AirSpeed. If no
LTC is present, the default starting timecode value is 01:11:11:11.
-Internal — the internal absolute timecode is used as the time base, the default
starting timecode value is 01:00:00:00.
-Manual — you must enter the starting timecode manually.
Consider the following capturing guidelines:
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•The AirSpeed can run for 24 hours per day for 7 days a week (four 6-hour captures per
day or eight 3-hour captures when using Avid Meridien editing systems).
Capturing for 24 hours does not mean one 24-hour master clip but multiple master clips
totaling 24 hours with a maximum of 6 hours per clip
To load and recapture a clip:
1. Access the AirSpace UI by pressing Channel Select button 1 or 2.
2. Do one of the following:
tType in the Video ID in the Video ID text box and press
tClick the Browse button, select a clip from the menu, and click OK.
3. Click one of the following:
Enter
Capture Button
.
c
tClick OK if you want recapture of an existing clip.
tClick Cancel to close the Video ID dialog box and return to the previous window.
Clips that have been sent to the workspace are deleted. You cannot delete a clip that is
in the process of being saved on the workspace.
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Chapter 3 User Interface
Save button
Revert button
Setup Button
The following figure shows the Setup button. The Setup button contains six subtabs that
divide the settings into groups. Once you enter your settings in a subtab, click the Save
button to save and enter the settings. If you make a mistake, click the Revert button to return
to the last saved settings. All Setup subtabs are described in Chapter 4.
Setup Button Selections
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Diagnostic Button
Click the Diagnostic button to display the system diagnostic report. When no problem is
detected, the Diagnostic button should look similar to the following illustration.
Diagnostic Button Information
Diagnostic Button
This button allows you to examine the status of the monitored AirSpeed subsystems. Alert
conditions are displayed at the bottom of all the windows as dashboard indicators. If a
system problem detected, a status indicator on the dashboard informs you where the problem
resides. For explanation of the dashboard indicators, see “Dashboard” on page 68.
The SMPTE output connector on the rear of the AirSpeed provides a alarm signal (SMPTE
269M) if the AirSpeed is in an error condition. For the location of the connector and a
description of the signal, see “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 181.
•Front Panel — The text to the right of Front Panel states OK when displaying
information for a AirSpeed with a full front panel. On panelless AirSpeed systems, “Not
Present” is displayed. For more information on the two models, see “Front Panel
Controls” on page 29 and “Panelless Model” on page 31.
•Network — The text to the right of Network states OK when all of your network
components are detected. If the Avid Unity MediaManager or the Avid Unity
TransferManager is not available, the missing server is displayed beside the Network
text stating a particular server is offline.
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Chapter 3 User Interface
•Ingest Frame CRC Errors (DNxHD only) — AirSpeed has the capability of detecting
frame cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors in the incoming SDTI encoded HD feed,
during captures. The frame containing the CRC error is discarded and the last known
good frame is used in its place.
n
DNxHD media is only available when you have the Avid DNxchange option, allowing you to
capture encoded HD media. For more information on this option, see “DNxchange HD
Option” on page 40.
Typically, CRC errors are caused by cable integrity. If a high number of CRC errors are
displayed, check your cable connections and lengths. If more than 200 CRC errors are
detected, the SMPTE alarm is triggered. CRC errors are automatically cleared when the
AirSpeed restarts. The clear button clears both the recent and total errors.
Shutdown Button
Click the Shutdown button to turn off or restart the AirSpeed. The Shutdown button is shown
below.
Shutdown Button Selections
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•Restart User Interface — Use to restart the software only.
•Restart Entire System — Use to restart both the system and the software.
•Shutdown — Use to completely shutdown the AirSpeed unit. A variety of internal tasks
such as file system clean-up will be performed before the operating system shuts down.
When completely turning off the AirSpeed, you must wait until the operating system text
stops scrolling on the UI monitor before pressing the power switch.
Chapter 4
Configuring the AirSpeed
This chapter provides information on each of the Setup tab parameters within the AirSpeed
UI. You can change the AirSpeed configuration settings remotely using the Virtual Network
Computing (VNC) application from any client on the Avid Unity Media Network. Use the
VNC application to configure the AirSpeed when access to the AirSpeed is not available or
when a keyboard and mouse are not attached.
After using the VNC application to remotely change the AirSpeed setting, you must restart
the AirSpeed before the changes are implemented. For more information on VNC see,
“Virtual Network Computing” on page 177. The following topics are discussed:
•Accessing the Setup Subtabs
•Network Tab
•System Config Tab
•Channels Tab
•Destination Template
•Software Tab
•Send Tab
•Maintenance and Troubleshooting
n
Prior to proceeding with AirSpeed configuration, ensure that your AirSpeed is installed and
connected using the information in “Chassis 0010-07109-xx” on page 181.
Accessing the Setup Subtabs
The Setup button allows you configure all aspects of the AirSpeed. Accessing this area
impacts all of the AirSpeed operations and should only be conducted by qualified personnel.
c
Changing AirSpeed setup parameters can cause interruption of playout and/or
destruction of media on the AirSpeed. However, viewing setup parameters can be done
without impacting the AirSpeed. Proceed with caution.
Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
Setup button tabs
You need a keyboard and mouse connected to the rear of the AirSpeed to select and enter
data using the AirSpeed UI; see “Control and Communications Cables” on page 54.
Alternatively you can also use the VNC application to access the AirSpeed UI. The
following figure shows the Setup button, which is divided into six subtabs.
Setup Button Tabs
80
The Setup button list six tabs that provide access to the various AirSpeed setup areas. The
tabs remains on the window while the setup parameter section changes accordingly. The
Setup button subtabs are used to perform the following:
•Click Network to configure the AirSpeed’s network parameters.
•Click System Configuration to change the audio and video format.
•Click Channel to configure your audio and video channels.
•Click Destination Template to create capture templates. Multiple templates can be
saved.
•Click Software to update AirSpeed software via the network.
•Click Send to identify your AirSpeed as a standalone AirSpeed.
Network Tab
Save button
The Network configuration tab allows you to set the network configuration parameters and
identify your DNS server. All network communication is done through the Gigabit Ethernet
(Gig E) connection on the rear of AirSpeed.
The following figure shows an example of the Network tab.
Setup Button — Network
Network Tab
n
n
Any changes you make to the current network settings do not take effect until you click the
Save button on each specific tab and then restart the AirSpeed.
If you are unsure about any network configurations, names, or setup values discussed below,
please contact your facility’s AirSpeed administrator for technical assistance.
•Host Name — Type the name you want to give the AirSpeed.
•Domain Name — Type the name of the domain for your Avid Unity environment
(option).
•Use the following IP Address — You are required to provide the following information:
-IP Address — Enter the IP address you want to assign to the AirSpeed.
-Subnet Mask — Enter your subnet mask values.
-Default Gateway — Enter the address for your network’s default gateway (option).
•DNS Server — Enter the address for your DNS server (optional).
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
Next button
Revert button
Save button
•Backup DNS Server — Enter the address for your backup DNS server (optional).
•NTP Server — Enter the IP address for your Network Time Protocol (NTP) server
(option). The NTP server synchronizes the time on your network and client to a
reference time source.
When you enter an IP address for a NTP Server, click the Save button and confirm you
want to make the changes by clicking OK in the dialog box. AirSpeed checks to see if
the NTP server is running. If the NTP server is not running or in a valid state, the NTP
Server checkbox is deselected, and the IP address is reset to NO.
Click Save to save your configuration and enable
configured, restart the AirSpeed to enable the changed settings.
System Config Tab
The System Config (Configuration) tab enables you to select the video standard, video and
audio format, and the method for deleting media off of the AirSpeed.
c
Modifying System Configuration Selections can invalidate media.
The following figure shows an example of the System Config tab.
Setup Button — System Config (First Window)
the network interface. After the network is
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When you click the Next button a second set of System Config selections become available,
see “Setup Button — System Config (Second Window)” on page 86. Click the Previous
button to return to the first window of the System Config selections.
System Config Tab
The first window of the System Config tab displays the following:
•Video Standard — Select standard definition (SD) NTSC or PAL or select a high
definition (HD) format. The following formats are available:
-SD NTSC (525 lines, television standard, normally Drop Frame)
-SD PAL (625 lines)
-HD 1080 Interlaced (available with the DNxchange option — MXF only)
HD 1080i/59.94 fields per second
HD 1080i/50 fields per second
-HD 720 Progressive (available with the DNxchange option — MXF only)
HD 720p/59.94 frames per second
-HD 720p/50 (available with the DNxchange option — MXF only)
HD 720p/50 frames per second
n
n
n
DNxHD media is only available when you have the HD media encoded using the optional
Avid DNxchange. When an HD Video Standard is selected, the Compression Type menu is
not available.
•Compression Type — Select the SD NTSC and SD PAL compression you want to
capture. The following types are available:
Changing the media format alters the available capture time. For example, if you change
from DV 25 to DV 50, your AirSpeed’s available capturing time is cut roughly in half.
-DV compression
DV 25 — captures the most DV media on your workspace
DV 50 — captures higher DV quality video using twice the space of DV 25
-MPEG I-frame-only compression
IMX 30 — captures the most MPEG media on your workspace
IMX 50 — captures higher MPEG quality video
-1:1 captures high quality standard definition uncompressed media (MXF only).
When working with 1:1 uncompressed media only single channel play out is
supported. You cannot select the second play out channel from the front panel or the
AirSpeed Pilot application. The Channel Select button 2 on the front panel is
disabled and the second play channel selection in AirSpeed Pilot is disabled.
In SD 1:1 uncompressed and DNxHD playback modes, AirSpeed limits the number of
simultaneous transfers to two: one play while transfer and one background transfer, or two
background transfers.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
•Chroma Format — Select either 4:1:1 or 4:2:0 format (chroma and luma ratio) when
PAL is selected as the Video Standard with a DV 25 Compression Type. This option is
not available when you have NTSC selected as the Video Standard.
•Audio Source — Select the appropriate Audio Source button to choose whether you
want the audio input to be embedded or discrete:
n
n
Discrete audio cannot be used with the DNxchange option. HD video, timecode, audio, and
ancillary data are embedded in the SD SDTI stream.
-Discrete — assigns up to eight channels of audio to be captured from the AES
digital inputs (AES 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 found on the rear panel).
-Embedded — assigns up to eight channels of 20-bit audio to be captured from data
extracted from the horizontal ancillary data embedded in the SDI video stream.
•Audio Resolution — Select if you want to capture at 16- or 24-bit audio:
-16 bit — for normal DV media compatibility.
-24 bit — for ultimate audio quality.
•TC Mode — Select whether you want Drop or Non-Drop frames:
Do not select Drop Frame if you are using PAL.
-Drop — is short for Drop Frame and puts the AirSpeed into Drop Frame mode
(only in NTSC format).
-Non Drop — is short for Non Drop Frame and puts the AirSpeed into Non Drop
Frame mode.
•Clip Deletion Mode — Select whether you want to manually or automatically delete
media off of your internal drives:
-Manual — lets you delete the media off of the AirSpeed internal drives when you
determine appropriate.
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-Auto — allows AirSpeed to automatically delete media from the internal drives (set
the percentage using the Auto Delete button).
•Maximum Video ID Length — Select the maximum number of characters allowed for
the video ID names:
-8 — Fixed number of characters supported with legacy VDCP controllers (Louth
protocol). The VDCP selection is under the Remote Control Protocol, see the
“Channels Tab” on page 89.
-31 — Maximum number of characters supported by AirSpeed when used with
extended VDCP controllers.
System Config Tab
c
n
All saved Destination Templates are erased when changing the Maximum Video ID
Length setting.
•Auto Delete — When Auto is selected in the Clip Deletion Mode, click the Auto Delete
button to set a high and a low percentage for deleting media. When media has filled the
internal storage capacity to the high percentage setting (percentage of storage used on
the internal drives), media is deleted until it reaches the low percentage setting.
Media is deleted after it has been transferred and saved to the Avid Unity workspace. If
AirSpeed is unable to transfer the media or if the workspace is filled, AirSpeed
continues to capture until the internal drives are filled. Once the condition is corrected,
and the media is transferred, media deletes as specified in the Auto Delete dialog box.
Clips are protected from the Auto Delete function under the following conditions:
-Clips that are in use
-Clips that are delete protected (Avid FlightPlan and Avid Pilot function)
-Clips that have not successfully transferred to a workspace (Capture mode only)
Media can be manually deleted using the Avid FlightPlan, Avid CountDown or
Avid iNEWS
for deletion of media. Refer to the application’s documentation for further details.
Auto Delete Dialog Box
®
Command applications. Any application using the PAPI interface may allow
-Delete Recorded Clips — Select this option to delete the captured media when the
drives reach the high percentage mark.
-Delete Send to Playback Clips — Select this option to delete the playout media
when the drives reach the high percentage mark.
-Delete All the Clips at Time (HH:MM) — Select this option and set the time (hour
and minutes) when you want the media to be deleted from the internal drives. All
candidate media is deleted from the internal drives every day regardless of the high
and low percentage settings.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
Previous button
Revert button
Save button
Click Save to save your configuration and enable the video mode settings, or Revert to
cancel any changes and return to the previous settings. After saving the settings, restart the
AirSpeed to enable the new settings.
When you click the Next button, a second set of system configuration selections become
available; see the following “Setup Button — System Config (Second Window)”. Click the
Previous button to return to the first System Config selections.
Setup Button — System Config (Second Window)
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86
The selections in this window allow you to adjust the SDI output timing.
The second window of the System Config tab displays the following:
•Genlock — Locks the video output signal timing to the analog reference input signal
provided to the rear panel connector.
•Lines — Allows you to advance or delay the video output by full lines.
•μsecs (Microseconds) — Allows you to slow down or advance the video timing relative
to the horizontal genlock timing source.
The recommended setting when using DV 25 and DV 50 with closed captioning is –2 μsecs.
Since the closed captioning line is beyond the standard DV display lines, changing the
timing shifts the display so that the closed caption line can be displayed.
•SDI — Locks the video output signal timing to the SDI video input signal provided to
the rear panel connector.
•Freeze Mode — When performing any operation other than playing and shuttling a clip,
select the behavior of the frame that is displayed when you stop.
System Config Tab
-Frame Freeze — The SDI and composite output alternate between the fields of a
frame.
-Field Freeze — The SDI and composite output play the first field of a frame.
•SDI — Locks the video output signal timing to the SDI video input signal provided to
the rear panel connector.
•Closed Caption — Enables and disables the line typically used in the media for closed
captioning. When selected this line includes closed caption data. If deselected, this
closed caption data line is left blank and can be used for other data.
•Front Panel Control — Prevents the operation control buttons, Mark In and Mark Out
buttons, locator buttons, shuttle ring, and jog wheel from functioning on the AirSpeed
front panel. Front panel control functions are described in “Operational Control
Buttons” on page 152. This option is not selectable on the panelless AirSpeed model.
•Freeze Mode — When performing any operation other than playing and shuttling a clip,
select the behavior of the frame that is displayed when you stop.
-Frame Freeze — The SDI and composite output alternate between the fields of a
frame.
-Field Freeze — The SDI and composite output play the first field of a frame.
•VDCP Cue TC:
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-Internal — Displays the internal time code. Internal time code begins at 00:00:00:00
and increments consecutively from that time stamp for the duration of the clip.
-Story — Displays the time stamp on the first frame of the clip and increments
consecutively from that time stamp for the duration of the clip.
•TC Shown On OSD — Provides an on-screen display (OSD) in the AirSpeed UI >
Capture > Source TC text box of how much time has past or is left during a capture.
-Elapsed — Displays how much time has passed since the capture started. Timecode
elapsed can be displayed in either Absolute mode or Virtual mode. In virtual mode,
the timecode continues until the capture or play is stopped.
-Remaining — Displays how much time is remaining on the internal memory of the
AirSpeed. Timecode remaining can be displayed only in Absolute mode. Virtual
mode denotes an endless tape and does not calculate the time remaining.
-Story — Displays the time stamp on the first frame of the clip and increments
consecutively from that time stamp for the duration of the clip.
The Channel Select buttons and the AirSpeed UI are not affected when the front panel
controls are disabled.
-Enable — Allows you to control the AirSpeed using the front panel controls and
buttons.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
-Disable — Restricts you from using the front panel controls and buttons on the front
panel. Capture and playback functions are done through remote applications.
•At End of VDCP Play — Select one of the following functions to be performed at the
end of the clip playout from VDCP:
n
This setting is only available when using VDCP protocol with an external controller.
-Cue to First of Next — Cues to the first frame of the next clip in the playlist.
-Wait in Black — Displays black after playing the clip. The output goes to black and
the AirSpeed does not advance to any other clip.
-Stop in Last Frame — Displays the last frame of the clip that was just played.
•Change Client Password — Click the Change Client Password button to set a password
for accessing the AirSpeed through Avid Pilot Avid FlightPlan, or VNC.
Avid Pilot, Avid FlightPlan, and VNC Password Requirements
When you change the default or the existing password, you must meet the following
requirements. The password must include:
•6 to 12 characters
•at least 4 distinct characters
For example, these passwords will work:
•AirSpeed
•StudioASp4
For example, these passwords will not work:
•Air4
•aaa44AS
Setting Passwords to Access AirSpeed
When you attempt to log into AirSpeed from the Avid Pilot, the Avid FlightPlan, or the
Virtual Network Computing (VNC) applications, you are prompted for a password. A
password is required even if you have not set one. The default password for Avid Pilot and
n
88
Avid FlightPlan is
the AirSpeed from the Avid Pilot, Avid FlightPlan, or VNC clients without entering a
password. For more information on VNC, see “Virtual Network Computing” on page 177.
The default password for VNC is mars but it does not follow the password requirements
previously described. Once the default VNC password is changed, you cannot return to the
default password of mars.
avid123
. The default password for VNC is
mars
. You cannot connect to
Channels Tab
Consider the following capturing guidelines:
•The AirSpeed can run for 24 hours per day for 7 days a week (four 6-hour captures per
day or eight 3-hour captures when using Avid Meridien editing systems).
Capturing for 24 hours does not mean one 24-hour master clip but multiple master clips
totaling 24 hours with a maximum of 6 hours per clip
To set or change the password:
1. Click Change Client Password in the Setup > System Config (second window).
Client Password Dialog Box
2. Select Pilot, FlightPlan, or VNC from the Select Client menu.
3. Type your password in the Password text box.
4. Re-type the password in the Confirm password text box.
5. Click Save to save the new password, or Cancel to not make any changes and return to
the previous settings.
The new password is required next time you log in to this AirSpeed with Avid Pilot,
Avid FlightPlan, or VNC.
After you save the new password, the change takes effect immediately. You do not need to
restart the AirSpeed or the AirSpeed UI before the new password is enabled.
Channels Tab
The Channels tab allows you to select the number of channels used while capturing and
playing back audio. This tab is also used to select your timecode source, remote control
configuration, and characteristics of your analog component video output.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
Next button
n
Channel configuration can be configured independently, with variations appropriate to
primary or secondary channel features.
The following figure shows an example of the Channels tab.
Setup Button — Channels (First Window)
When you click the Next button, a second set of channel selections become available, see
“Setup Button — Channels (Second Window)” on page 93. Click the Previous button to
return to the first window of the Channel selections.
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The first window of the Channel tab displays the following:
•Control Configurations — This menu allows you to control the AirSpeed through a
remote controller. AirSpeed supports the following remote controller configurations:
-Local/Network Record or Play — Local and network clients have full control of the
AirSpeed. These clients can perform capture and play operations.
VDCP or Sony BVW clients cannot connect to AirSpeed.
-Local/Network Play1 and VDCP Play2 — Local and network clients control
playout of Channel 1, and VDCP clients control the playout on Channel 2 of the
AirSpeed.
No capture functions can be performed and Sony BVW clients cannot connect to
the AirSpeed.
-VDCP Record — Video disk control protocol (VDCP) clients can control the
AirSpeed through the serial RS-422 remote connector. Only one VDCP client can
connect to AirSpeed and perform captures.
Channels Tab
Network, local, and Sony BVW clients cannot control the AirSpeed or perform
playouts.
-VDCP Play1 Play 2 — VDCP clients can connect to AirSpeed and use each of the
Play channels independently.
Network, local, and Sony BVW clients cannot control the AirSpeed and no captures
can be performed.
-Sony Play1 or Record — Sony BVW VTR protocol. Sony BVW clients can control
the AirSpeed through the RS-422 remote connector. One Sony BVW client can
capture or play using VTR type operations.
Network, local, and VDCP clients cannot control the AirSpeed and the Play2
Channel cannot be used.
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n
When using Sony BVW modes, use the Avid Pilot application to create, load, or unload clips
into AirSpeed. Sony BVW protocol has no provisions for such operations.
-Sony Play1 Play2 — Sony BVW VTR protocol. Sony BVW clients can control the
AirSpeed through the RS-422 remote connector. Two Sony BVW clients can
connect to the AirSpeed and initiate playout operations on Play1 and Play2
channels.
Network, local, and VDCP clients cannot control the AirSpeed and no captures can
be performed.
-Unrestricted VDCP — This setting uses absolute mode and allows both VDCP and
network clients to control the AirSpeed using the serial RS-422 remote (VDCP) and
network (PAPI) protocols. Sony BVW clients cannot control AirSpeed in this mode.
When capturing in this mode using the network or VDCP (serial port 1 only), you
cannot play a clip on either channel using any protocol.
When playing out on either channel 1, channel 2, or both channels, you cannot
perform a capture using any protocol.
You cannot initiate a crash record from the front panel with this setting. VDCP works only
with absolute mode, crash records are in virtual mode.
-Unrestricted Sony — This setting uses virtual mode and allows both Sony and
network clients to control the AirSpeed using the Sony BVW and network (PAPI)
protocols. VDCP clients cannot control AirSpeed in this mode.
When capturing in this mode using the network or Sony protocols, you cannot play
a clip on either channel using any protocol.
When playing out on either channel 1, channel 2, or both channels, you cannot
perform a capture using any protocol. Clips that you have loaded cannot deleted
clips.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
n
AirSpeed does not support using all three protocols (VDCP, PAPI, and Sony)
simultaneously. For example, you cannot access AirSpeed using VDCP through serial port
1, Sony through serial port 2, and PAPI using the network at the same time.
•Recorded TC Source — This menu allows you to select the timecode source while
capturing. When you use CaptureManager, this setting is automatically set by the
application and the current mode is overridden. The timecode selected in this menu is
displayed in the Capture > Source TC text box; see “Capture Button” on page 73.
-VITC — When this option is selected, the time base is taken from the SDI input. If
no VITC is present, the default starting timecode value is 02:22:22:22.
-LTC — When this option is selected, the time base is taken from the LTC input on
the rear of the AirSpeed. If no LTC is present, the default starting timecode value is
01:11:11:11.
-Internal — This setting uses the internal absolute timecode as the time base, the
default starting timecode value is 01:00:00:00.
-Manual — Use this setting to enter the starting timecode manually. The timecode
value is entered into the Capture > Source TC text box, see “Capture Button” on
page 73. The default value is zero.
•Analog Component O/P — Select whether you want Y, Pb, Pr or G, B R characteristics
for your video component output.
•Audio Channel Selection During Playback — These menus allow you to select how
many audio channels you want to output. The selections are:
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-0
-1 – 4
-5 – 8
-1 – 8
You can select a maximum of eight channels total, so if you select 1 – 4 channels of
audio output on one playback channel, you have 0 or 5 – 8 channels available for the
other playback channel. However, if you select 1 – 8 audio outputs on one of the
playback channels, you cannot select any audio output on the other playback channel.
•Capture — Select the number of audio channels you want to capture from the menu.
The choices are as follows:
-0
-1 – 2
-1 – 4
-1 – 8
Channels Tab
Previous button
Revert button
Save button
Internal storage display
When you click the Next button, a second set of Channel selections become available see
“Setup Button — Channels (First Window)” on page 90. Click the Previous button to return
to the first Channel selections.
Setup Button — Channels (Second Window)
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n
The second window of the Channel tab displays the following:
•Play 1 TC Source:
-Recorded - Clip plays out using the embedded time code originally recorded on the
clip.
This feature is not supported in DNx recordings with Airspeed.
-Internal - Clip uses the internal time code on the AirSpeed. Internal time code
begins at 00:00:00:00 and increments consecutively from that time stamp for the
duration of the clip.
-Story - Clips uses the time stamp on the first frame of the clip and increments
consecutively from that time stamp for the duration of the clip.
•Play 2 TC Source:
-Recorded - Clip plays out using the embedded time code originally recorded on the
clip.
This feature is not supported in DNx recordings with Airspeed.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
-Internal - Clip uses the internal time code on the AirSpeed. Internal time code
begins at 00:00:00:00 and increments consecutively from that time stamp for the
duration of the clip.
-Story - Clips uses the time stamp on the first frame of the clip and increments
consecutively from that time stamp for the duration of the clip.
•Retroloop Time — This numeric text box allows you to enter the amount of time (in
seconds) you want to capture before an unknown event occurs. You must select a
Retroloop Time between 60 seconds and 14280 seconds (approximately 4 hours).
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n
Enter the time for the Retroloop text boxes in seconds.
AirSpeed continuously captures media in a loop, using this predetermined amount of
time. Once the event happens, you trigger a normal Record mode and the capture
continues until stopped. The end result is a clip that contains material before and after
the event.
Transfers to Avid Unity begin when you trigger the normal Record mode.
The maximum allowed value cannot exceed the total amount of disk space on the
AirSpeed internal drives. When the internal drives are empty, the following table
provides the approximate seconds available per video and audio format.
Internal Drive Capture Time per Video and Audio Format
Resolution 16-bit Audio 24-bit Audio
DV 25
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
28620 seconds
(7 hours 57 minutes)
61260 seconds
(17 hours 01 minutes)
255120 seconds
(70 hours 52 minutes)
26820 seconds
(7 hours 27 minutes)
57420 seconds
(15 hours 57 minutes)
239160 seconds
(66 hours 26 minutes)
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DV 50
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
14280 seconds
(3 hours 58 minutes)
30600 seconds
(8 hours 30 minutes)
127560 seconds
(35 hours 26 minutes)
13380 seconds
(3 hours 43 minutes)
28680 seconds
(7 hours 58 minutes)
119580 seconds
(33 hours 13 minutes)
Channels Tab
Internal Drive Capture Time per Video and Audio Format (Continued)
Resolution 16-bit Audio 24-bit Audio
IMX 30 (MPEG 30)
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
IMX 50 (MPEG 50)
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
1:1
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
27480 seconds
(7 hours 38 minutes)
58740 seconds
(16 hours 19 minutes)
244680 seconds
(67 hours 58 minutes)
18300 seconds
(5 hours 05 minutes)
39180 seconds
(10 hours 53 minutes)
163140 seconds
(45 hours 19 minutes)
5820 seconds
(1 hours 37 minutes)
12360 seconds
(3 hours 26 minutes)
51720 seconds
(14 hours 22 minutes)
25740 seconds
(7 hours 9 minutes)
55080 seconds
(15 hours 18 minutes)
229380 seconds
(63 hours 43 minutes)
17160 seconds
(4 hours 46 minutes)
36720 seconds
(10 hours 12 minutes)
152940 seconds
(42 hours 29 minutes)
5760 seconds
(1 hours 36 minutes)
12180 seconds
(3 hours 23 minutes)
50820 seconds
(14 hours 7 minutes)
1080i/59.94
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
1080i/50
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
(24-bit audio only)
6180 seconds
(1 hours 43 minutes)
13260 seconds
(3 hours 41 minutes)
55320 seconds
(15 hours 22 minutes)
(24-bit audio only)
7260 seconds
(2 hours 1 minutes)
15600 seconds
(4 hours 20 minutes)
64980 seconds
(18 hours 3 minutes)
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
Internal Drive Capture Time per Video and Audio Format (Continued)
Resolution 16-bit Audio 24-bit Audio
n
720p/59.94
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
720P/50
36 GB drives
73 GB
300 GB
(24-bit audio only)
6660 seconds
(1 hours 51 minutes)
14220 seconds
(3 hours 57 minutes)
59280 seconds
(16 hours 28 minutes)
(24-bit audio only)
7260 seconds
(2 hours 1 minutes)
15600 seconds
(4 hours 20 minutes)
64980 seconds
(18 hours 3 minutes)
The number of channels selected for the capture does not affect the predetermined amount of
space. AirSpeed assumes eight tracks of audio are being captured in Retroloop mode.
For a description of Retroloop, see “Capture Mode” on page 22. For information on
using Retroloop mode, see “RetroLoop Mode” on page 158.
•Chunking Period — This is the period of time (in seconds) during which captured media
is made available for transfer from the AirSpeed to the workspace. Media is transferred
in chunks specified at this setting after the media has reached the Transition Interval.
96
For example, if the Chunking Period is set to 3 minutes, Transition Interval to 1 minute,
and Short Chunking period to 15 seconds, media checks in at 15, 30, 45, 60, 240, 420
seconds, etc. For more information, see “Chunking” on page 22.
•Short Chunking Period — The AirSpeed captures short chunks of media building up to
the Transition Interval. This setting allows media to be available seconds after you have
started the capture. See the example in the Chunking Period description.
•Transition Interval — The transition time specified (in seconds) is the point where the
Short Chunking Period switches to the Chunking period. See the example in the
Chunking Period description.
The following tables show the minimum and maximum chunking times.
Destination Template
Minimum and Maximum Chunking for DV 25 and MPEG 30 (IMX 30)
Chunking Setting Minimum Maximum
Chunking Period 3 minutes 9 minutes (DV 25)
6 minutes (IMX 30)
Transition Interval 1 minute 3 minutes
Short Chunking Period 15 seconds 3 minute
Minimum and Maximum Chunking for DV 50, MPEG 50 (IMX 50), HD, and 1:1
Chunking Setting Minimum Maximum
Chunking Period 3 minutes 3 minutes
Transition Interval 1 minute 3 minutes
Short Chunking Period 15 seconds 3 minutes
•VITC Input Line Select — The VITC Input Line Select control determines the line on
which to read the VITC timecode. Click the Up/Down buttons to select the line where
VITC is located on the input. The selections are 12 to 19.
Click Save to save your channel settings, or Revert to cancel any changes and return to the
previous settings. After the settings are saved, restart the AirSpeed to enable the changed
settings.
Destination Template
The Destination Template tab is used to quickly select capture formats and settings you use
on a regular basis. If you normally have several common media formats that you capture on
specific workspaces, save these settings as a template. When you want to capture a format,
select your saved template instead of configuring the settings again.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
The following figure shows an example of the Destination Template tab.
Setup Button — Destination Template
The Destination Template tab displays the following:
98
•Template — The information displayed in this text box displays the currently loaded
template.
-Active Template — This displays the active template.
tTo load a template, select a template from the Stored Template list, then click
Activate.
tTo create a new template, select a template from the Stored Template list, click Edit,
make your changes, give the template a new name and click Save. The new template
is added to the Stored Template list.
•Video ID — Displays the reference identification (ID) given to the clip. Type in the
name you want for the clip. When multiple clips are made, the base name stays the same
and a 001, 002, 003, etc. is added to the name.
•Name — Displays a second reference name for the clip. Type in a second name you
want for the clip.
•Tape Name — Displays the name given to the tape. Type in the name you want for the
tape.
•Stored Template list — When you have created and saved one or more templates, they
are listed in this scroll box. Select a saved template to load or delete it.
•Workspace — The information displayed in this text box displays the currently loaded
template.
Destination Template
•Workspace list — AirSpeed scans for workspaces on Avid Unity every few seconds to
check the workspace availability. When a workspace is added to Avid Unity, the scan
detects the new workspace and adds the name to the Workspace list on AirSpeed. If a
workspace has been removed from the Avid Unity, the workspace is deleted from
Workspace list. If the deleted workspace is being used by the current Template, transfers
are sent to the workspace in the default Template.
If no workspaces exist, the captured media is saved to the internal AirSpeed drives only.
The internal drives in the AirSpeed eventually fill up and the AirSpeed stops capturing.
To change the workspace for in a template:
1. Click Edit.
2. Select the new workspace in the Workspace list.
3. Click Save.
•Check Into method — Captured media can be associated with either a Project or
Catalog. Depending on the method you select, the following options are available:
-Project name — Type in the name of the project that you want used with the media.
-Bin name — Type in the name of the bin where the clips are stored.
-Catalog Name — Type in the name of the catalog where you want the bin and clips
saved.
n
The Project, Bin, or Catalog names do not have to pre-exist before you type in the name.
Typing in a new name will create the project and bin.
•Activate button — This button opens an existing template that you have previously
saved. Select a template from the Stored Template list, then click Activate. The selected
template is loaded.
•Edit button — This button allows you to make changes to an existing template. Select a
template from the Stored Template list, then click Edit. Make the changes and click the
Save button to save the template changes.
•Save button — This button saves changes you have made to an existing template or a
newly created template. Create a new template or edit an existing one, and click the
Save button to save the template.
•Delete button — This button deletes an existing template you have previously saved.
Select the template from the Stored Template list, then click Delete.
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Chapter 4 Configuring the AirSpeed
Software Tab
There are two ways to upgrade the Avid AirSpeed server, one by using the Software tab in
the AirSpeed UI and the other by using the Software Upgrade Application Utility. Both
applications work over the network and both applications allow the update and retrieval of a
pervious version of AirSpeed software via the network. To learn more about the Software
Upgrade Application utility see “Using the Software Upgrade Application” on page 102.
Software Tab
The following figure shows an example Software tab.
Setup Button — Software
100
The Software tab displays the following:
•Server — This text box is used to type the URL to a web page where the AirSpeed ISO
images are located.
•Available Versions — List the available versions of software in the location designated
by the Server text box.
•Update Version button — Loads a new or earlier version of AirSpeed software from a
network client.
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