Pinnacle Systems DS Nitris - 8.0 Installation Manual

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Avid® DS Nitris

Installation and Administration Guide

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Avid

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.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of Avid Technology, Inc.

The Avid DS Nitris application uses JScript and Visual Basic Scripting Edition from Microsoft Corporation.

The following disclaimer is required by Ultimatte Corporation:

Certain real-time compositing capabilities are provided under a license of such technology from Ultimatte Corporation and are subject to copyright protection.

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.

Trademarks

888 I/O, Adrenaline, AirPlay, AirSPACE, AirSPACE HD, AniMatte, AudioSuite, AudioVision, AutoSync, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid DNxHD, DAVIDdrive, AVIDdrive Towers, Avid Mojo, AvidNet, AvidNetwork, AVIDstripe, Avid Unity, Avid Xpress, AVoption, AVX, CamCutter, ChromaCurve, ChromaWheel, DAE, D-Fi, D-fx, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, DigiDrive, Digital Nonlinear Accelerator, DigiTranslator, DINR, D-Verb, Equinox, ExpertRender, FieldPak, Film Composer, FilmScribe, FluidMotion, HIIP, HyperSPACE, HyperSPACE HDCAM, IllusionFX, Image Independence, Intraframe, iS9, iS18, iS23, iS36, Lo-Fi, Magic Mask, make manage move | media, Marquee, Matador, Maxim, MCXpress, Media Composer, MediaDock, MediaDock Shuttle, Media Fusion, Media Illusion, MediaLog, Media Reader, Media Recorder, MEDIArray, MediaShare, Meridien, MetaSync, 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, Softimage, Sound Designer II, SPACE, SPACEShift, Symphony, the Avid|DS logo, 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.

iNEWS, iNEWS ControlAir, and Media Browse are trademarks of iNews, LLC.

All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Footage

Arri — Courtesy of Arri/Fauer — John Fauer, Inc. Bell South “Anticipation” — Courtesy of Two Headed Monster — Tucker/Wayne Atlanta/GMS. Canyonlands — Courtesy of the National Park Service/Department of the Interior. Eco Challenge British Columbia — Courtesy of Eco Challenge Lifestyles, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Eco Challenge Morocco — Courtesy of Discovery Communications, Inc. It’s Shuttletime — Courtesy of BCP & Canadian Airlines. Nestlé Coffee Crisp — Courtesy of MacLaren McCann Canada. Saturn “Calvin Egg” — Courtesy of Cossette Communications. “Tigers: Tracking a Legend” — Courtesy of www.wildlifeworlds.com, Carol Amore, Executive Producer. Windhorse — Courtesy of Paul Wagner Productions.

GOT FOOTAGE?

Editors — Filmmakers — Special Effects Artists — Game Developers — Animators — Educators — Broadcasters — Content creators of every genre — Just finished an incredible project and want to share it with the world?

Send us your reels and we may use your footage in our show reel or demo!*

For a copy of our release and Avid’s mailing address, go to www.avid.com/footage.

*Note: Avid cannot guarantee the use of materials submitted.

Avid DS Nitris Installation and Administration Guide • 0130-07502-01 • June 2006

Contents

Using Avid Support and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Using the Product Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Avid DS Online Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

How to Order Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Contacting Avid Customer Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

E-mail Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Web Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Upload Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Avid Community Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Avid Training Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installation Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Installing a Standalone Avid DS Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Setting up an Avid DS Workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installing New Avid DS Workstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Checklist: Preparing a New Avid DS Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Checklist: Installing a Standalone Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Checklist: Installing Multiple Workstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Upgrading Existing Avid DS workstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Checklist: Preparing your Workstation for an Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Checklist: Upgrading a Standalone Avid DS Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Checklist: Upgrading a Workgroup with Multiple Avid DS Workstations . . . . . . 27

Removing Avid DS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Checklist: Removing Avid DS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Managing a Workgroup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Adding a Workstation to a Standalone Avid DS Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting Other Workstations in the Workgroup to the Controller . . . . . . . . . 30

Designating a New Controller for the Workgroup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Separating a Workstation from the Workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Restarting a Workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Configuring the Network Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using Two Network Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Installing the Microsoft Loopback Adapter on aStandalone Station . . . . . . . . . 36

Microsoft Windows Workgroups: Account Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Microsoft Windows Domains: Account Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Naming your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Sharing Folders and Setting Permissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Sharing Folders in a Windows Workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Sharing Folders in a Windows Domain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Creating User Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Installing Avid DS Software Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Installing the Avid DS Controller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Loading Plug-Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Installing and Removing Fonts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Installing and Removing Type 1 Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Installing and Removing TrueType Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Installing Non-European Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Saving your Avid DS Nitris System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Chapter 4 Installing the Remote Processing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Remote Processing Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Minimal Requirements for Avid DS RP Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Network Hardware and Remote Processing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

CPU Usage on Avid DS RP Workstations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Installing Avid DS RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Avid Throttle Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

About the Avid DMS Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Installing Avid DMS Broker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Removing Avid DMS Broker 2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Installing Java v1.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Installing Avid DMS Broker 5.0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Attaching the Dongle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Starting the DMS Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Using the DMS Administration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Changing the Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Configuring Users in the DMS Broker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

DMS Administration Tool User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

The Jobs Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

The Providers Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

The Profiles Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

The Services Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

The Users Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Chapter 6 Licensing Avid DS Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Requesting a License File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Installing the Registered License File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Chapter 7 Managing Your Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Planning your Storage Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Sharing Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Configuring your Storage Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Creating Media Folders on your Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Configuring the Media Indexing Service on your Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Accessing Storage on another Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Checklist: Installing Avid DS with Avid Unity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Establishing the Project Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Maintaining Disk Space on your Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Striping your Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Creating a Stripe Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Importing Foreign Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

About your Local Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

The DS_v8.x Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

The DS Archives Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

The DS Projects Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

The DSPresets Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

The VideoStorage and AudioStorage Folders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

The DSSystem Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Chapter 8 Using the Recovery DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Installing the Recovery DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Completely Rebuilding the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Using Avid Support and Services

The following topics provide general information about documentation and support services:

• Using the Product Documentation

• Contacting Avid Customer Support

• Avid Training Services

Using the Product Documentation

The Avid DS Nitris documentation describes the features and hardware of all models within the Avid DS family. Therefore, your system might not contain certain features and hardware that are covered in the documentation.

Unless noted otherwise, the material in this document applies to the Windows XP operating system.

This book uses the following conventions for mouse and/or pen usage:

This Term Means This with a Mouse Means This with a Pen

Click Quickly click and release the left mouse

button. Always use the left mouse button unless otherwise stated.

Double-click Click the left mouse button twice

rapidly.

Right-click Quickly click and release the right

mouse button.

Drag Click and hold the left mouse button or

the wheel while you move the mouse.

Tap the tablet once with the tip of the pen, or touch the pen to the tablet with enough pressure to click.

Quickly tap the tablet twice in the same screen pixel or press the F5 key to go from single to double-click.

Press the top portion of the switch on the side of the pen or press the F6 key to go from left to right-click.

Press the pen to the tablet while moving the pen.

Using Avid Support and Services

This Term Means This with a Mouse Means This with a Pen

Alt+key, Ctrl+key, Shift+key, etc.

Press and hold the first key while you press the second key. For example, “Press Alt+F1” means to press and hold the Alt key while you press the F1 key.

Avid DS Online Library

The Online Library contains the Avid DS Nitris documentation in a single PDF file. This allows you to easily search through the file and print sections that you require.

If the online library was installed on your system, you can access it from the Help menu in Avid DS Nitris. You can also access it directly from the Avid DS Software and Drivers DVD, or download the most up-to-date PDF from the Avid DS Customer Support web site at http://www.softimage.com/avidds.

The PDF versions of Avid DS documentation require Adobe Reader 4.0 or later. If you need to install Adobe Reader, you can download a free installer from Adobe's web page at www.adobe.com.

To access the Online Library:

t In Avid DS Nitris, select Help > Online Library,

t Insert the Avid DS Software and Drivers DVD into your drive, and select Online

Library from the main menu.

How to Order Documentation

To order additional copies of the printed 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.

You can also download printable PDF versions of the documentation from the Avid DS Customer Support web site at http://www.softimage.com/avidds.

Contacting Avid Customer Support

Avid DS Customer Support offers assistance by phone, email, and the web. You are invited to send your support requests to any of these channels. For urgent issues taht require immediate assistance, use your local phone support channel.

If you are having trouble using your system:

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 the Avid DS Support Center at http://www.softimage.com/avidds for the latest information that might have become available.

E-mail Support

The e-mail address for Avid DS Customer Support is: dssupport@avid.com. You can use it for sending bug reports, usability questions, and avidds.cab audit reports for system analysis. All e-mails are logged in the support database and assigned a case number. Send one support request per e-mail.

Contacting Avid Customer Support

It is mandatory that you include your SID number in the body of your e-mail message for verification of your maintenance contract and case logging. Otherwise, response will be delayed.

Web Support

The Avid DS Support Center at http://www.softimage.com/avidds provides quick access to a wide range of resources from the Avid DS team—online documentation, tutorials, known limitiations and other late-breaking information.

All software and driver updates can be downloaded from the Avid Download Center http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/index.asp.

Upload Utility

For troubleshooting purposes, you can upload your files for Avid Customer Support personnel to examine. You can upload a project's archive, media files, or other necessary data. Simply zip the files that you need to upload and use a short name (for easy retrieval), such as archive.zip or Case274877.zip.

To upload your files:

1. Go to the Avid web site at http://www.softimage.com/avidds.

2. Select Support and Upload Tool from the left menu.

Avid Community Forum

Although the Avid DS community forum is frequently monitored by Avid employees, it is not part of the official support channels.

Using Avid Support and Services

The forum has proven to be quite useful for users, and there is a constant stream of new subscribers.

To subscribe, join the Avid community forums on the Avid web site at http://www.avid.com. Select Support > Forums.

Avid Training Services

Avid makes lifelong learning, career advancement, and personal development easy and convenient. Avid understands that the knowledge you need to differentiate yourself is always changing, and Avid continually updates course content and offers new training delivery methods that accommodate your pressured and competitive work environment.

To learn about Avid's new online learning environment, Avid Learning Excellerator (ALEX)

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).

, visit http://learn.avid.com.

Chapter 1

Setting up your Avid DS Environment

The information in this section describes the various ways in which you can set up your post-production environment with Avid DS.

Whether you are installing a new system or upgrading from an existing system, you must ensure that your workstation(s) is prepared with the proper operating system, drivers, and network and storage connections.

The Avid DS Customer Service web site http://www.softimage.com/avidds, has all the most recent software updates, hardware component and firmware drivers.

Installation Scenarios

Due to the various types of hardware platforms and Avid DS workgroup configurations, there are different installation checklists for upgrading your Avid DS workstation software. These checklists have specific steps that must be followed in the correct order. Each step will point you to an appropriate section with more detailed instructions. Return to the checklist each time that you complete a step.

This section shows different ways to set up your Avid DS workgroup, and where each of the various Avid DS software components or services should be installed.

Installing a Standalone Avid DS Workstation

When you have a single Avid DS workstation that is running alone, you only need to install the Avid DS software. A single workstation is it’s own controller running the project and media indexing services.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Setting up an Avid DS Workgroup

When you have two or more Avid DS workstations (even if one of them is an Avid DS RP workstation), then it is possible to connect them together in an Avid DS workgroup. In a workgroup, you can share projects and media between workstations or offload the media management and processing services to a dedicated workstation.

CONTROLLER

Could run any one of the following:

- Avid DS RP

- Avid DMS Broker

- Avid Throttle Manager

To optimize the operation of your workgroup, we recommend that you connect an ordinary machine (i.e. a non-Avid DS workstation) to your workgroup and designate it as the controller. The controller then manages all indexing and remote processing services, so that you can use your Avid DS workstations solely for editing tasks.

This workstation would have the same system requirements as an Avid DS RP—see “Minimal Requirements for Avid DS RP Workstation” on page 62.

In a more elaborate environment, you may have more than one RP workstation to provide services to several Avid DS workstations. (You can’t run Avid DS RP and Avid DS simultaneously on a workstation.)

CLIENT

Avid DS Workstation

Installation Scenarios

ADDITIONAL RP WORKSTATION

Running Avid DS RP

Each RP workstation added to the

workgroup should be configured

the same as this one.

Avid DS Workstation

CLIENT 3

Running Avid DS

Running:

- Avid DS RP

- Avid DMS Broker

- Avid Throttle Manager

CLIENT 1

Avid DS Workstation

Running Avid DS

Each Avid DS workstation added to

the workgroup should be configured

the same as this one.

CONTROLLER

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

CLIENT 2

Avid DS Assist Workstation

To properly configure an Avid DS workgroup, you should have a basic understanding of Windows user account management. All Avid DS workstations should be connected to the same Windows network so that they can access each other’s project files and media when necessary.

You should also refer to “Planning your Storage Locations” on page 93, for the different ways that your media storage can be configured. If you are using Avid Unity MediaNetwork as your storage, you may use it in any one of these workgroup scenarios.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Installing New Avid DS Workstations

Use the following checklists when installing new Avid DS workstations.

1. Checklist: Preparing a New Avid DS Workstation

2. Checklist: Installing a Standalone Workstation

Checklist: Installing Multiple Workstations

Checklist: Preparing a New Avid DS Workstation

Before you start to install the Avid DS software, you must prepare your workstation(s) with the proper operating system, drivers, and network and storage connections.

;



This checklist only applies to workstations on which you are installing Avid DS. It is not required if you are only installing Avid DS RP on the workstation—see “Install Avid DS RP on the appropriate Workstations” on page 22.

Follow these steps in the order that they are listed.

Step Refer to

Read the online release notes and pre-installation instructions on the Avid DS Customer Service web site.

Request an Avid DS license for each workstation on which you are going to install Avid DS.

Make sure the workstation is properly connected to any necessary peripheral and storage devices.

Start the workstation.

Go to http://www.softimage.com/avidds and select Download > Software.

“Requesting a License File” on page 91.

“Avid DS Overview and Site Preparation” in the Avid DS System Setup Guide.

Installing New Avid DS Workstations

;



Step Refer to

On new Avid DS systems, the Windows XP operating system is already installed, but you may need to enter your Windows XP product ID for license confirmation.

You will be asked to create a user account (other than Administrator).

After setting up a user account, switch to the administrator account to install Avid DS.

1. Press Ctrl+Atl+Del twice to get the Windows login dialog.

2. Type administrator for the User ID and leave the Password field blank.

3. After you log in as administrator, add a password for the administrator, so that the Avid DS indexing services function properly.

The workstation MUST have an unique IP address.

Make sure that you have a valid network connection for your Avid DS workstation whether it is connected to a network or running alone.

If you are running a standalone workstation,

and don’t have a valid network connection, you need to simulate one by creating a loopback connection.

“Creating User Accounts” on page 41.

Microsoft Windows online help. Click Start > Help and Support.

“Configuring the Network Connection” on page 33.

“Installing the Microsoft Loopback Adapter on aStandalone Station” on page 36.



Create user accounts for each person that will use the workstation.

• If you are part of a Windows Workgroup... “Microsoft Windows Workgroups: Account

Management” on page 37.

• If you are part of a Windows Domain... “Microsoft Windows Domains: Account

Management” on page 38.

Name your workstation to uniquely identify it within your Avid DS workgroup.

“Naming your Workstation” on page 39.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

;



Step Refer to

You must turn off ‘simple file sharing’, or other Avid DS software components will not be allowed to access the shared folders for data and media.

From Windows Explorer, select Tools > Folder Options... > View. Under Advanced settings, deselect the Use simple file sharing (Recommended) option.

Use some type of network timing software to maintain synchronization between the workstations within a workgroup.

Install the necessary drivers for your workstation.

When installing the drivers, reboot your workstation each time you are asked to do so.

If you purchased a new Avid DS Nitris system,

the drivers and firmware needed to run Avid DS Nitris are already installed on your system.

If the workstation has a local storage device, make sure the stripe volume has been created.

You are now ready to install Avid DS on your workstation(s).

Use the appropriate checklist for installing:

Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the the latest drivers from the Avid DS Customer Service web site: http://www.softimage.com/avidds (see Download area).

“Striping your Drives” on page 110.

• a single standalone Avid DS workstation “Checklist: Installing a Standalone Workstation” on page 19.

• more than one Avid DS and/or Avid DS RP

workstation(s) connected together

“Checklist: Installing Multiple Workstations” on page 20.

Checklist: Installing a Standalone Workstation

If you have a single Avid DS workstation that is running alone, you will only need to install Avid DS.

Step Refer to

;

Installing New Avid DS Workstations

Make sure that you have fully prepared your



workstation(s) for the install.



Install Avid DS. “Installing Avid DS Software Components” on



Install the latest Avid DS upgrades and/or fixes (if



any).

Follow the online instructions to install software updates, and then reboot your workstation.

Create the license file for this workstation. “Installing the Registered License File” on page 92.



Any new storage areas automatically have full



read/write access by any user on the network. To restrict access to your media, you can change the share permissions through Windows.

Configure the media storage areas on each Avid



DS workstation.

By default, the Avid DS installation configures one audio and one video storage on each workstation. Check your storage device configuration to set the Disk Controller Type and Disk Storage Type correctly.

“Checklist: Preparing a New Avid DS Workstation” on page 16.

page 45.

Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the software from the Avid Download Center http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/index.as p

Download the latest upgrades and/or fixes.

“Sharing Folders and Setting Permissions” on page 39.

“Configuring your Storage Locations” on page 99.

Set the path to your projects folder. “Establishing the Project Folder” on page 108.



Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Step Refer to

;

Test Avid DS by starting it and creating a new



project.

If you receive a Project Indexer message

when you create a new sequence, contact Avid DS Customer Service immediately to resolve the problem.

“Creating a New Project” in the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

Checklist: Installing Multiple Workstations

If you are upgrading an existing Avid DS workgroup, then follow the instructions in this section. The order in which you install the Avid DS software and services is critical, especially when configuring RP workstations.

Install the Controller

Step Refer to

;

Determine the workgroup configuration that



you are going to use.

In a workgroup, you must first install the



controller.

“Installation Scenarios” on page 13.

“Installing the Avid DS Controller” on page 50.

Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the software from the Avid Download Center http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/index.asp

If you installed the DMS Broker on this workstation:



1. Atttach the DMS dongle to the



After the controller has been installed, you can



install and connect other workstations in the workgroup.

workstation.

2. Start the DMS Broker. “Starting the DMS Broker” on page 73.

“Attaching the Dongle” on page 71.

Follow the checklist below on how to “Install Avid DS on the appropriate Workstations”.

Install Avid DS on the appropriate Workstations

Step Refer to

;

Installing New Avid DS Workstations

Make sure you have fully prepared each Avid



DS workstation(s) for the install.



Run the Avid DS Setup and install Avid DS.



In a workgroup environment, the

controller must be installed before you install Avid DS on the workstations.

Install the latest Avid DS updates and/or fixes



(if any).

Follow the online instructions to install these software updates, and then reboot your workstation.

Create the license file on each workstation



where Avid DS is installed.

Any new storage areas automatically have full



read/write access by any user on the network. To restrict access to your media, you can change the share permissions through Windows.

Configure the media storage areas on each



Avid DS workstation.

“Checklist: Preparing a New Avid DS Workstation” on page 16.

“Installing Avid DS Software Components” on page 45.

Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the software from the Avid Download Center http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/index.asp

Download the latest upgrades and/or fixes.

“Installing the Registered License File” on page 92.

“Sharing Folders and Setting Permissions” on page 39.

“Configuring your Storage Locations” on page 99.

Set the path to your projects folder. “Establishing the Project Folder” on page 108.



If you are using Avid Unity as your storage,



install the Avid Unity MediaNetwork software on each client workstation.

“Checklist: Installing Avid DS with Avid Unity” on page 107.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Step Refer to

;

Test Avid DS by starting it and creating a new



project.

If you receive a Project Indexer

message when you create a new sequence, contact Avid DS Customer Service immediately to resolve the problem.

Test remote processing on an Avid DS RP



workstation (if you have one in your workgroup).

1. Start Avid DS RP on the controller, and check the messages in the interface to make sure that no error is displayed.

2. Start Avid DS on any workstation in the workgroup.

3. Create a sequence, apply an effect on a short clip and send the job to be processed remotely. After processing is complete, verify that the processed effect plays back correctly on the timeline.

Install Avid DS RP on the appropriate Workstations

“Creating a New Project” in the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

“How Do I Process?” in the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

Select the Process Remotely option in the

Processing dialog box.

After the controller has been installed, you can install Avid DS RP on the workstations that will serve as remote processing workstations.

Step Refer to

;

Run the Avid DS Setup and install Avid DS RP. “Installing Avid DS RP” on page 64.



Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the software from the Avid Download Center http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/index.asp

Test remote processing on the newly installed



RP workstation.

1. Start Avid DS RP and check the messages in the interface, to make sure that no error is displayed.

2. Start Avid DS on any workstation in the workgroup.

Step Refer to

;

Installing New Avid DS Workstations

3. Apply an effect on a short clip and send the job to be processed remotely. After processing is complete, verify that the processed effect plays back correctly on the timeline.

If you have more than one RP

workstation in your workgroup, Avid DS will direct your request to the first available RP workstation. You can test individual RP workstations by closing Avid DS RP on the other RP workstations.

“How Do I Process?” in the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

Select the Process Remotely option in the

Processing dialog box.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Upgrading Existing Avid DS workstations

This section describes how to perform a software upgrade on either a Compaq EVO W8000, HP xw8000, or Avid Nitris DNA

If you only need to reinstall hardware component drivers or system firmware, refer to the Avid DS Customer Service web site at http://www.softimage.com/avidds for the most recent updates.

If you are upgrading from a version earlier than v7.5, refer to the Avid DS Customer Service web site for detailed instructions.

If you have an Equinox HP xw8000, and would like to upgrade your hardware to an Avid Nitris DNA system, contact your Avid DS Customer Service respresentative for instructions on changing your hardware boards. You must perform the hardware upgrade before installing the Avid DS v8.x software.

Use the following checklists when upgrading your Avid DS workstations.

1. Checklist: Preparing your Workstation for an Upgrade

2. Checklist: Upgrading a Standalone Avid DS Workstation

Checklist: Upgrading a Workgroup with Multiple Avid DS Workstations

™

workstation.

Checklist: Preparing your Workstation for an Upgrade

;



Before you upgrade your software, it is very important to archive your existing projects and save your Avid DS user preferences. You can then update your system drivers and firmware, and lastly, upgrade your software.

Step Refer to

Read the online release notes and Readme instructions on the Avid DS Customer Service web site.

Request an Avid DS license for each workstation on which you are going to install Avid DS.

Go to http://www.softimage.com/avidds and select Download > Software.

“Requesting a License File” on page 91.

Upgrading Existing Avid DS workstations

;



Step Refer to

Archive your existing projects.

You must NOT directly open projects from earlier versions of Avid DS without first archiving them. Once a sequence is opened in v8.0, it cannot be opened in a previous version. Therefore, it’s best to archive your projects before upgrading.

All media from v7.x onwards is compatible with v8, so you don’t need to archive the media. Caches, however, are not compatible and will have to be reprocessed in v8.

Save your current Avid DS layouts and preferences. “Saving your Avid DS Nitris System

Uninstall your previous version of Avid DS as well as any plug-ins.

All workstations must be upgraded to Windows XP Service Pack 2, or Windows Professional x64 Edition and Service Pack 1.

Install the latest Windows XP hot fixes from the Microsoft web site.

Download the latest drivers and firmware files for your workstations.

Install these files as instructed on the web site.

“Archiving Projects” in the Help.

Settings” on page 58.

“Removing Avid DS” on page 29.

http://www.softimage.com/avidds Home page

http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/e n/default.asp

Avid Download Center: http://www.avid.com/support/downloadce nter/index.asp



After the operating system and necessary hardware drivers have been updated, use the appropriate checklist below to install the software on:

• a single standalone Avid DS workstation “Checklist: Upgrading a Standalone Avid DS Workstation” on page 26.

• more than one Avid DS and/or Avid DS RP

workstation(s) connected together

“Checklist: Upgrading a Workgroup with Multiple Avid DS Workstations” on page 27.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Checklist: Upgrading a Standalone Avid DS Workstation

If you have a single Avid DS workstation that is running alone, you will only need to install Avid DS. The Project Indexer and Media Indexer are automatically installed.

Step Refer to

;

Make sure that you have fully prepared your



workstation for the install.

Insert the Avid DS Software and Drivers DVD into



your drive, OR Download the latest Avid DS software and updates from the web.

Install the necessary Avid DS components on this



workstation.

If there are any fixes for this version, install them as well.

Create the license file for this workstation. “Installing the Registered License File” on



Test Avid DS by starting it and creating a new project.



If you receive a Project Indexer message when you create a new sequence, contact Avid DS Customer Service immediately to resolve the problem.

Configure the Media Storage.



By default, the Avid DS installation configures one audio and one video storage on each workstation. If you had existing storage, you will notice that your storage areas are now shared using ds_media names (e.g. ds_media, ds_media_1, ds_media_2).

Determine the physical storage devices/drives to which these correspond, and that you are capturing your media to the correct location. You should also check your storage device configuration to set the Disk Controller Type and Disk Storage Type correctly.

“Checklist: Preparing your Workstation for an Upgrade” on page 24.

Avid Download Center: http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/ index.asp

“Installing Avid DS Software Components” on page 45.

page 92.

“Creating a New Project” on page 28 of the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

“Configuring your Storage Locations” on page 99.

Restore your Avid DS layouts and preferences that



you saved from your previous version.

“Saving your Avid DS Nitris System Settings” on page 58.

Upgrading Existing Avid DS workstations

Checklist: Upgrading a Workgroup with Multiple Avid DS Workstations

;



This checklist assumes that you are keeping your existing workgroup configuration. If you need to change the configuration of your workgroup (for instance, if you need to designate a different workstation as the controller), see “Managing a Workgroup” on page 30.

If you want to keep one or more workstations running earlier versions of Avid DS, then you must create a separate workgroup for these workstations.

Follow these steps to upgrade each workstation:

Step Refer to

Make sure that you have fully prepared your workstation for the install.

Insert the Avid DS Software and Drivers DVD into your drive, OR Download the latest Avid DS software and updates from the web.

Install the Controller

First, install the necessary Avid DS components on the controller.

If there are any fixes for this version, install them as well.

“Checklist: Preparing your Workstation for an Upgrade” on page 24.

Avid Download Center: http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/ index.asp

“Installing the Avid DS Controller” on page 50.

If the DMS Broker is installed on this workstation:



Make sure the DMS dongle is attached to the



workstation.

Obtain a new license for the dongle. .“Updating the Dongle” on page 72



Start the DMS Broker. “Starting the DMS Broker” on page 73.



“Attaching the Dongle” on page 71.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

;

Step Refer to

Install the Other Workstations

Install Avid DS on each workstation.



Create the license file for each workstation. .



Test Avid DS by starting it and creating a new project.



If you receive a Project Indexer message when you create a new sequence, contact Avid DS Customer Service immediately to resolve the problem.

Configure the media storage areas on each Avid DS



workstation.

If you are using Avid Unity as your storage, install the



Avid Unity MediaNetwork software on each client workstation.

Test remote processing on an Avid DS RP workstation



(if you have one in your workgroup).

1. Start Avid DS RP on the controller, and check the messages in the interface to make sure that no error is displayed.

2. Start Avid DS on any workstation in the workgroup.

3. Create a sequence, apply an effect on a short clip and send the job to be processed remotely. After processing is complete, verify that the processed effect plays back correctly on the timeline.

If you have more than one RP workstation in

your workgroup, Avid DS will direct your request to the first available RP workstation. You can test individual RP workstations by closing Avid DS RP on the other RP workstations.

“Creating a New Project” on page 28 of the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

“Configuring your Storage Locations” on page 99.

“Checklist: Installing Avid DS with Avid Unity” on page 107.

“Processing” on page 118 of the Avid DS Nitris Getting Started Guide.

Select the Process Remotely option in the Processing dialog box.

Restore your Avid DS layouts and preferences that you



saved from your previous version.

“Saving your Avid DS Nitris System Settings” on page 58.

Removing Avid DS

Checklist: Removing Avid DS

If you need to uninstall the Avid DS software, you MUST first remove any plug-ins or codecs that were installed on your system.

Removing Avid DS

;



If you uninstall Avid DS before uninstalling the plug-ins, the uninstall procedure will fail.

Step Refer to

Save your Avid DS layouts, presets, preferences, toolbars, and key command maps.

Remove all the Avid DS plug-ins or codecs.

1. Click the Start button, and select Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

2. In the Currently Installed Programs list, check for any installed plugs-ins.

3. Select the plug-ins one at a time, and click the Change/Remove button. Repeat this step until they are all removed.

If you cannot remove some plug-ins, continue with

the next one until completion, and then manually delete the \Plug-in folder.

Remove the necessary drivers and firmware via Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

“Saving your Avid DS Nitris System Settings” on page 58.

http://www.avid.com/partners/avx/ displayPartners.html for a list of Avid DS plug-in vendors.



Remove Avid DS.

1. Click the Start button, and select Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

2. In the Currently Installed Programs list, select the Avid DS software that you want to remove.

3. When the setup program starts, select the Remove option, and click the Next button.

4. Select Ye s to remove all components.

5. When all components are removed, click Ye s to restart the workstation.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Managing a Workgroup

If, at any point, you need to change the controller of your workgroup, connect more workstations, or create a new workgroup, then you can refer to the following sections.

Adding a Workstation to a Standalone Avid DS Workstation

To connect new workstations (either Avid DS or Avid DS RP) to a standalone workstation, you need to set up an Avid DS workgroup. In a workgroup, at least one workstation must be designated as the controller.

If you are connecting an RP workstation, we strongly recommend that you make your RP workstation the controller of the workgroup. This offloads the project indexing tasks from the Avid DS workstation onto a dedicated RP workstation.

Follow the instructions in “Checklist: Installing Multiple Workstations” on page 20.

Connecting Other Workstations in the Workgroup to the Controller

If you are installing a new workstation in the workgroup, then follow the checklist for “Install Avid DS on the appropriate Workstations” on page 21. (Assuming that you have already installed the controller for the workgroup).

If you already have an existing workstation with the necessary Avid DS components installed, and you simply want to connect it to the workgroup, then follow the instructions below.

To connect a standalone workstation to a workgroup:

1. On the workstation that you want to connect to the workgroup, click the Start button and select All Programs > Avid > Avid DS 8 > Configure DS Workgroup.

2. Click Join workgroup.

3. Select Join a different DS Workgroup, and click the Next button.

4. In the left pane, select the name of the appropriate Avid DS Workgroup on the network and click the Next button.

5. Validate the User Account and Password to authenticate the Avid indexing services (These must match the Controller User Account and Password entries). Click Next.

6. Do these same steps for any other workstation that you want to connect to the workgroup.

Designating a New Controller for the Workgroup

To designate a different workstation in the workgroup as the controller, you must first separate your existing controller from the workgroup.

To designate a new controller:

1. Separate the existing controller from the workgroup by following the instructions for “Separating a Workstation from the Workgroup” on page 31.

2. On the workstation that will be the new controller, click the Start button and select All Programs > Avid > Avid DS 8 > Configure DS Workgroup.

3. Select Install Avid DS Wo r k g r o u p C o n t r o l l e r.

Managing a Workgroup

Depending on the type of workgroup you are configuring, you may need to select other options in this setup—see “Installation Scenarios” on page 13.

4. Enter the name of the workgroup.

When the installation is complete, this workstation will be the new controller of the workgroup.

5. You can now connect the other workstations to this workgroup—see “Connecting Other Workstations in the Workgroup to the Controller” on page 30.

Separating a Workstation from the Workgroup

To separate a workstation from the workgroup:

1. On the workstation that is to be separated, click the Start button and select All Programs > Avid > Avid DS 8 > Configure DS Workgroup.

2. Click Work standalone and click the Next button.

This workstation is now no longer part of the workgroup.

Restarting a Workgroup

When restarting all workstations in an Avid DS workgroup, it is always good practice to start the controller workstation first. Once it is running, then others may be started.

If the controller is the only workstation that needs to be restarted, then one or more of the other client workstations may not remain connected to the Avid DS workgroup. As a result, access errors may occur. If this happens, restart the workstation in question.

If you have the DMS Broker in your workgroup, you also need to restart the Avid DMS Broker—see “Starting the DMS Broker” on page 73.

Chapter 1 Setting up your Avid DS Environment

Chapter 2

Configuring Windows XP

Avid DS Nitris is supported on both Windows XP Professional and Windows Professional x64 Edition.

Configuring the Network Connection

If you are installing a standalone Avid DS workstation with no network connection, then ignore this section, and see “Installing the Microsoft Loopback Adapter on aStandalone Station” on page 36. This simulates an active network connection.

If you are on a Microsoft Windows domain, then do only steps 1 to 4 to set up network connections on each of the workstations.

If you are part of a Microsoft Windows workgroup, follow all these steps to set up network connections on each of the workstations.

The Avid Project Indexer will not operate correctly if the network adapter or connection is not set properly.

To configure the network connection on Windows XP:

1. On the Windows desktop, right-click the My Network Places icon and select Properties.

The following window displays.

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP

2. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties.

A dialog box similar to the following displays.

The TCP/IP network protocol must always appear at the top of the list of protocols.

3. Double-click the TCP/IP protocol and click Properties.

4. Do one of the following:

t Windows workgroup: select Use the following IP address.

t Windows domain: select Obtain an IP address automatically.

5. On a private network, enter a valid IP address from your Internet Service Provider and the correct Subnet Mask.

6. Enter the Gateway address if required. Otherwise, leave it blank.

7. Click OK.

8. Repeat these steps for all workstations in the Windows workgroup.

To confirm that all workstations are part of the workgroup:

1. On the Windows desktop, right-click the My Network Places icon.

2. Click Computers Near Me.

You should see all the workstations that you just configured to be part of the workgroup. If not, restart the workstation to reinitialize the network adapter card.

Using Two Network Cards

If any of the workstations are configured with two active network cards, the Avid indexing services require small modifications to work properly.

1. Open the C:\Winnt\slp.conf file with the Windows Notepad application.

2. Locate this line at the bottom of the file:

net.slp.isBroadcastOnly = false

3. Change ‘false’ to ‘true’.

Configuring the Network Connection

4. Save the file and restart the workstation to reset the indexing services.

If the Avid DS RP workstation chooses the slower network adapter for processing, you can force Windows to use the fastest network adapter by doing the following:

1. Open the C:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts file with the Windows Notepad application.

2. At the bottom of the file, under the default 127.0.0.1 localhost line, declare the fast network adapter IP Address and computer name (example: 200.200.200.1 DS1).

3. Save the file and restart the workstation.

If that does not resolve the problem, open a Command Prompt window, type ROUTE PRINT and press Enter.

The result should display your two network adapters’ IP addresses. If you see only one address returned, you have a networking conflict to resolve.

Do not use the same IP class for both adapters. For example, the following is not valid:

100.100.100.1

and

100.100.100.2

The following is valid:

100.100.100.1

and

200.200.200.1

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP

Installing the Microsoft Loopback Adapter on aStandalone Station

If your Avid DS workstation will not be operating on a network, the Microsoft Loopback adapter must be installed and configured with a static IP address as directed here.

Before you begin, make sure that your workstation is disconnected from any network:

• the Local Area connection must be disabled (click Network Connections desktop icon), and

• the network cable must be disconnected.

To install the Microsoft LoopBack adapter:

1. Go to the Control Panel and double-click the Add Hardware icon.

The Welcome to the Add Hardware Wizard displays.

2. Click the Next button.

The wizard searches for installed components.

3. Select Yes, I have already connected the hardware and click the Next button.

4. Select Add a new hardware device and click the Next button.

5. Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced) and click the Next button.

6. Select Network Adapters and click the Next button.

7. First select Microsoft in the list on the left, then select Microsoft loopback adapter, and click the Next button.

8. Click the Next button again, and click the Finish button.

To test the Microsoft LoopBack adapter:

t In a Command Prompt window, type

computername is the name of the workstation).

The result should be:

Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

127.0.0.1 is the default Microsoft XP loopback address.

PING "computername"

(where

Microsoft Windows Workgroups: Account Management

A workgroup configuration is usually most appropriate for smaller facilities. The only difference is between a workgroup and a domain is that the Windows account management for a workgroup is decentralized and requires more complicated security configurations for the Avid DS software components.

When an Avid DS workgroup operates within a Windows workgroup, do the following:

• When setting up accounts, log on with the local administrator account. For example:

administrator or <computer_name>\administrator

After you log on, you must set a password for the administrator account.

• A user account must be created for each person on each Avid DS workstation. Each account must have the same username and password on all workstations. For example, if the Avid DS workgroup belongs to a Windows workgroup called POST, and if Alice, Bob, and Charlie are Avid DS operators, then the following accounts must be created:

Alice Bob Charlie

For information on creating Windows user accounts, see “Creating User Accounts” on page 41.

• Add the user account to the Administrators group, on each of the workstations in the Avid DS workgroup.

For example:

If a new Avid DS user, Mikayla, needs to be given access to the workgroup, then simply create a new account (Mikayla) on each workstation, and add this account to the Administrators group on each workstation.

If an existing user, Bob, must be removed from the Avid DS workgroup, then remove Bob from the Administrators group on each workstation.

• Enter a unique name for each workstation in the workgroup—see “Naming your Workstation” on page 39.

• Configure the network connection on each workstation—see “Configuring the Network Connection” on page 33.

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP

Microsoft Windows Domains: Account Management

A domain configuration is usually most appropriate for larger facilities where the Avid DS workstations are part of an existing corporate network. In a domain, the Windows account management is centralized and simplifies security configuration of all the Avid DS software components.

When an Avid DS workgroup operates within a Windows domain, do the following:

• When setting up accounts, log on with a valid domain and user account with local administrative privileges (<domain_name>\userid)

• Each person that will use an Avid DS must be given a separate Windows user account within the domain. For example, if the Avid DS workgroup belongs to a domain called POST, and if Alice, Bob, and Charlie are Avid DS operators, then the following accounts must be created:

POST\Alice POST\Bob POST\Charlie

Domain accounts must be set up by your network administration personnel. Avid does not provide nor support domain networking issues, as network environments differ from one company to the next.

• Add each user account to the Administrators group, of all workstations in the Avid DS workgroup.

By administrators group, we mean the local administrator of the workstation, not the Domain administrator. The Avid DS services and hardware require administrative privileges to run on Windows.

For example:

Once these accounts are properly configured, it becomes quite easy to add and remove new users from the workgroup. If a new Avid DS user, Mikayla, needs to be given access to the workgroup, then simply create a new account (POST\Mikayla) and add this account to the Administrators group.

If an existing user, Bob, must be removed from the Avid DS workgroup, then simply remove POST\Bob from the Administrators group.

• Make sure there is a proper network connection on each workstation. Your network administrator should perform this step.

Naming your Workstation

If your workstations are members of a Windows workgroup, each workstation should be given a unique name.

Also, it is better to give different names to the workstation, the Windows workgroup, and the Avid DS workgroup to avoid confusion.

To set your workstation name on Windows XP:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings > Control Panel.

2. Double-click the System icon.

3. Select the Network Identification tab, and click the Properties button.

4. Under Computer Name, type in a unique name for this workstation.

5. Select Member of: Workgroup.

6. For the workgroup name, type Workgroup or the name of your company.

Naming your Workstation

The workgroup name must be the same on all workstations.

Sharing Folders and Setting Permissions

The Avid DS Setup program creates folders to hold project data and media files. By default, these folders will inherit security permissions from the parent folder. In a default installation, these folders are automatically shared, and the default permissions give full access to everyone.

These permissions may be changed as needed:

Shared folder name Shared path Description

\DS_Projects F:\DS Projects\DS_v8.x Avid DS Nitris project

folder

\ds_media D:\VideoStorage Avid DS Nitris media

storage

\ds_media_1 F:\AudioStorage Avid DS Nitris media

storage

If a user creates new media folders or stores project data in other folders, then Avid DS automatically shares those folders. The share permissions and security of these folders should also be verified.

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP

For media and project folders, if permissions are not set properly on the share or the folder, you will get an error message.

Sharing Folders in a Windows Workgroup

To disable simple file sharing:

1. Open an Explorer window and select Too ls from the menu.

2. Select Folder Options.

3. Select the View tab.

4. Under Advanced Settings, deselect Use simple file sharing (Recommended).

5. Click Apply, and then OK to exit.

Now you can share folders over the network.

To set folder permissions:

1. Right-click the folder and select Properties.

2. On the Sharing tab, select the Share this folder option.

3. Enter the Share name.

4. Enter a comment: ‘Avid DS project for shared projects; DS Media storage for shared media’.

5. Click Permissions.

6. Select Full Control, then click Apply and OK.

Do not store or create projects outside of an existing DS Projects folder. For example:

F:\projectname is not valid

However,

F:\DS Projects\projectname is valid (where F:\DS Projects is shared)

F:\DS Projects\DS_v8.x\projectname is valid (where F:\DS Projects\DS_v8.x is shared)

Additionally, the Avid Project Indexer does not allow a shared project folder to reside within another shared project folder. You will get an error message from the indexer if you do so.

Sharing Folders in a Windows Domain

To share folders and set permissions on a computer that is part of a Windows domain:

1. In Windows Explorer, right-click the folder and select Sharing and Security.

2. Select Share this folder, and click the Permissions button.

3. Select Full Control, then click Apply and OK.

4. Add the user that runs the Project Indexer and allow full control.

Creating User Accounts

You can change your password, and create and modify user accounts by accessing the Windows XP Computer Management console, which lets you define security features, such as permissions, rights, accounts, user groups, and audit policies.

Avid recommends that all users within the Avid DS Workgroup have accounts in the Administrators group on each workstation in the workgroup.

When creating user accounts, make note of whether your workstation is part of a Windows workgroup or domain network.

Creating User Accounts

• If it is part of a Windows workgroup, log on with the local administrator account. For example: administrator or computer_name\administrator

The administrator account must have a password.

• If it is part of a Windows domain, log on with a valid domain and user account with local administrative privileges. For example:

domain_name\userid

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP

To create a user account:

1. On the Windows desktop, right-click the My Computer icon and select Manage.

2. Use the tree (left) to navigate to System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users.

3. Select Action > New User.

4. Enter the new user information and click the Create button.

5. Repeat step 4 until you’re finished adding new users and click the Close button.

The new user accounts display in the Computer Management console.

Creating User Accounts

To modify an account:

1. In the Computer Management console, navigate to System Tools > Local Users and Groups > Users.

2. Double-click the user account you want to edit.

The Properties dialog box for this user account displays.

3. Select the General tab to specify password options.

4. Select the Member Of tab to add the user to groups.

All Avid DS users must be members of the Administrators group.

5. Click OK when you’re finished.

Chapter 2 Configuring Windows XP

Chapter 3

Installing Avid DS Software and Services

This section describes how to install the various Avid DS products and services.

Before you begin installing Avid DS, all the operating system updates, required device drivers, and the stripe volume (for local storage), must be configured correctly—see “Setting up your Avid DS Environment” on page 13.

Installing Avid DS Software Components

To install Avid DS, you must log on with an account that has Administrator privileges.

To install Avid DS software components:

1. Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the Avid DS Nitris software from the Avid Download Center.

The installers for the software are also available from the Avid Download Center at http://www.avid.com/support/downloadcenter/index.asp.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file. You have the following choices:

- Av i d D S S o f t w a r e : to install Avid DS Nitris, Avid DS RP, Avid DMS Broker, the

controller, and/or other services.

- Drivers and Support Utilities: to install hardware drivers for your workstation.

- Avid Codecs: to install Avid codecs, plug-ins, and other utilities.

3. Click the Avid DS Software button.

4. Select Avid DS 32-bit Edition or Avid DS 64-bit Edition.

5. Select Install Avid DS.

6. When the Avid DS Installation Wizard displays, click the Next button.

Each time you run the Avid DS install program, it automatically detects your hardware and any previously installed Avid DS software.

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

If you already have Avid DS installed, the following Welcome dialog will display to let you remove any unecessary components, or install additional components.

7. Select one of the above options and click Next.

8. In the Select Main Components dialog box, select or deselect any component by clicking the checkbox beside it.

Refer to the Legend for an explanation of the icons that appear beside each component.

Installing Avid DS Software Components

With existing installations, note the following:

- If you deselect a component, it will be uninstalled.

- Components that are already installed, will not be reinstalled. If you need to reinstall any existing components, then choose the Repair option from the Welcome dialog.

After you select the components, a summary is displayed of the software components that will be installed or removed. If you are satisfied with the choices, proceed with the installation.

If you are installing the workgroup controller, go to “Installing the Avid DS Controller” on page 50.

9. In the License Agreement dialog box, read the End User License Agreement and accept the terms of the agreement to continue the installation.

10. In the Customer Information dialog box, enter your name and company name, and click the Next button.

11. In the Reseller or Dealer Information dialog box, enter the requested information and click the Next button.

12. Choose the default destination location to install Avid DS and click Next.

13. If you are installing Avid DS on a client workstation, you will be asked if you want to Work Standalone or Join Workgroup.

-Click Work Standalone if you only have one Avid DS workstation that will run on

its own.

-Click Join Workgroup if you want this workstation to be part of an Avid DS

workgroup. You can then remain in the existing workgroup or join a different workgroup. If you decide to Join a Different Workgroup, then you will be asked to select the name of the workgroup that you want to join.

14. When the Service Configuration window displays, enter the login profile of the user account that will run the Avid DS services on this workstation.

You must specify the computer name before the user id (that is, computer_name\userid).

If your workstation is part of a Windows domain, then you need to specify the domain name before the user id (domain_name\userid).

15. Click the Next button.

The second Service Configuration window displays.

t If you are part of a Windows workgroup, then you only need the Administrator in

this list.

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

t If you are part of a Windows domain, then all user names must be configured with

the domain name (domain_name\userid). If these user accounts are not configured correctly, then the services will not work.

For more information on domain versus workgroup accounts, see “Microsoft Windows Workgroups: Account Management” on page 37 or “Microsoft Windows Domains: Account Management” on page 38.

16. Determine the users or group that you want to access the Avid DS workgroup.

t To give everyone full read/write permissions, click Allow Everyone.

t To add new users or a new group, do the following:

- Click the Add button.

- Add individual user IDs/group names in the Add Names box.

- Select the Type of Access for each user/group.

t To remove a user or group:

- Select a name from the list, and click the Remove button.

t To change user or group privileges:

- Select a name from the list and click Change.

- Select the Type of Access for the user.

17. Click the OK button to save the user access permissions.

18. Click the Next button.

19. When the Start Copying Files dialog box displays, review your installation settings and if you’re satisfied, click the Next button.

If you need to change options, use the Back button to go as far back as you need to change the options.

A progress indicator displays while the Avid DS files are copied to your system.

20. The Storage Setup dialog box displays.

Installing Avid DS Software Components

- Video Storage: Select the actual drive letter for your video media.

If you are connected to Avid Unity, select None even if it is available in this list. It will need to be added later via the Storage Configuration dialog in Avid DS (using the full UNC path name).

- Audio Storage: Select the actual drive letter for your audio media.

- Projects Storage: Select the actual drive letter for your projects and presets storage area.

- Archives Storage: Select the actual drive letter for your archives storage area.

- Interactive Cache: Select the actual drive letter for your interactive cache storage area. The interactive cache location must be either one of the local video storage drives, or a drive partition other than your local system partition (An RP workstation will also return processed media to this location).

21. Change the storage locations if necessary, and click the Next button.

22. Select any additional components that you need to install.

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

23. When the Start Copying Files dialog box displays, review your installation settings and if you’re satisfied, click the Next button.

If you need to change options, use the Back button to go as far back as you need to change the options.

A progress indicator displays while the Avid DS files are copied to your system.

24. Click the Finish button.

25. Close the Avid DS Setup window by clicking the close (X) button in the top-right corner.

26. Restart your workstation if prompted.

If you are installing any updates or fixes, you must restart your workstation. Avid DS must first register all its original files prior to a new addition.

Installing the Avid DS Controller

Follow this procedure if you need to install the Avid DS workgroup controller. You must log on with an account that has Administrator privileges.

To install the workgroup controller:

1. Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the Avid DS Nitris software from the Avid Download Center.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file and from the main menu, click Avid D S S o f tware.

Installing the Avid DS Controller

3. Select Avid DS 32-bit Edition or Avid DS 64-bit Edition.

4. Select Install Avid DS.

5. When the Avid DS Installation Wizard displays, click the Next button.

The Avid DS install program allows you install, reinstall, and remove any Avid DS software components.

If Avid DS is not installed on a workstation, the following dialog displays:

6. In the Select Main Components dialog box, select Workgroup Components and, if necessary, expand the tree to see all subcomponents that can be installed.

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

7. Deselect Avid DS. We do not recommend that you install Avid DS on the controller as this workstation is designated to run the administrative services like Avid DS RP and Avid DMS Broker.

Other software components that can be installed on the controller:

- Avid DS RP—see “Installing Avid DS RP” on page 64.

- Avid DMS Broker: If you have one or more RP workstations in your

workgroup—see “About the Avid DMS Broker” on page 67. (The DMS Broker setup must be run separately.)

- Avid Throttle Manager—The Throttle Manager is only required when you have an

Avid DS RP workstation in your workgroup—see “Avid Throttle Manager” on page 66.

8. Click the Next button.

9. In the License Agreement dialog box, read the End User License Agreement and accept the terms of the agreement to continue the installation.

10. In the Customer Information dialog box, enter your name and company name, and click the Next button.

11. In the Reseller or Dealer Information dialog box, enter the requested information and click the Next button.

12. Choose the default destination location to install any Avid DS software and click Next.

13. Avid DS checks if this workstation was previously a controller.

If it was a controller, then choose:

- Keep existing workgroup configuration to keep the current workgroup settings.

Installing the Avid DS Controller

- Create a different DS workgroup if you want to create a new workgroup with this controller.

If this is the first time that you are installing the controller software on this workstation, then enter a unique workgroup name to which this controller will belong, and click the Next button.

14. If you have one or more RP workstations in your workgroup, you must install and start the Avid DMS Broker before installing Avid DS. For more information, see “Installing Avid DMS Broker” on page 68.

You need to tell Avid DS where the DMS Broker resides:

-Click Use local Avid DMS Broker if the broker is on this workstation.

-Click Use remote Avid DMS Broker to use the broker that has been installed on

another workstation in your workgroup. (You will be required to specify the workstation where it is installed.)

-Click Do not use Avid DMS Broker if you do not need the broker.

15. When the Service Configuration window displays, enter the login profile of the user account that will run the Avid DS services on this workstation.

You must specify the computer name before the user id (that is, computer_name\userid).

If your workstation is part of a Windows domain, then you need to specify the domain name before the user id (domain_name\userid).

16. Click the Next button.

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

The second Service Configuration window displays.

t If you are part of a Windows workgroup, then you only need the Administrator in

this list.

t If you are part of a Windows domain, then all user names must be configured with

the domain name (domain_name\userid). If these user accounts are not configured correctly, then the services will not work.

For more information on domain versus workgroup accounts, see “Microsoft Windows Workgroups: Account Management” on page 37 or “Microsoft Windows Domains: Account Management” on page 38.

17. Determine the users or group that you want to access the Avid DS workgroup.

t To give everyone full read/write permissions, click Allow Everyone.

t To add new users or a new group, do the following:

- Click the Add button.

- Add individual user IDs/group names in the Add Names box.

- Select the Type of Access for each user/group.

t To remove a user or group:

- Select a name from the list, and click the Remove button.

t To change user or group privileges:

- Select a name from the list and click Change.

- Select the Type of Access for the user.

18. Click the OK button to save the user access permissions.

19. Click the Next button.

20. When the Storage Setup dialog box displays, accept the default settings and click Next.

21. When the Start Copying Files dialog box displays, review your installation settings and if you’re satisfied, click the Next button.

If you need to change options, use the Back button to go as far back as you need to change the options.

A progress indicator displays while the Avid DS files are copied to your system.

22. If you want to install the DMS Broker, return to the main menu and select Avid DMS Broker.

Important: You MUST install and start the DMS Broker before setting up the other workstations in the workgroup.

Loading Plug-Ins

Avid provides some plug-ins for use with Avid DS Nitris. These plug-ins are automatically installed whenever Avid DS Nitris is installed on your workstations.

Should you remove these plug-ins and then need to reinstall them, follow the instructions below.

To reinstall plug-ins:

1. Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the Avid DS Nitris software from the Avid Download Center.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file and from the main menu, click the Avid DS Nitris Software button.

3. Select Avid DS 32-bit Edition or Avid DS 64-bit Edition.

4. Select Install Avid DS.

5. From the Welcome dialog box, choose Modify.

6. In the Select Main Components dialog box, choose Avi d D S and click the Next button.

7. Follow the online instructions until you see the Additional Components dialog. Select Plugins and click Next.

Loading Plug-Ins

8. Complete the installation.

Important: Any plug-ins that you install on your client workstation should also be installed on the RP workstation to ensure compatibility. The same applies to any third-party plug-ins.

Avid DS Nitris v7.5 supports AVX 1.0 and native Avid DS plug-ins. For a list of compatible third-party plug-ins, refer to the Avid DS Customer Support web site. Contact the vendor directly for compatibility with this version of Avid DS Nitris.

Avid DS Nitris also supports VST audio plug-ins. For details contact Avid DS Customer Service.

Installing and Removing Fonts

Avid DS Nitris includes 500 fonts from the Bitstream typeface library in the \Fonts folder of the Avid DS Nitris Software and Drivers DVD.

Avid DS Nitris supports the following typeface formats:

•Type1

• TrueType (PC-formatted)

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

Avid DS Nitris does not require any additional software to access TrueType fonts, but does require Adobe Type Manager (ATM) software to access Type 1 fonts.

Installing too many fonts on your workstation can noticeably degrade computing performance. Keep the number of fonts installed on your workstation to the minimum necessary to complete your projects.

Important: Any fonts that you install on an Avid DS workstation should also be installed on the RP workstation to ensure consistency between processed results in titles and graphics.

Installing and Removing Type 1 Fonts

Type 1 font support in Avid DS Nitris is available only if you have the Adobe Type Manager or Adobe Type Manager Deluxe software (version 4.0 or later) installed and active. Consult the documentation that came with the Adobe Type Manager or Adobe Type Manager Deluxe software for instructions on how to install and remove Type 1 fonts.

Installing and Removing TrueType Fonts

TrueType font support in Avid DS Nitris does not require any additional software.

To install TrueType fonts:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings > Control Panel > Fonts.

The Fonts window displays.

2. From the File menu, select Install New Font.

3. Whe Add Fonts dialog box displays, use the Folders and Drives lists to navigate to the folder that contains the TrueType fonts you want to install. On the Avid DS Nitris CD, they’re in the \Fonts folder.

The available TrueType fonts in the selected folder display in the List of Fonts list.

4. Select the fonts to install from the List of Fonts list, as follows:

- To select a single font, click the name of the font.

- To select a range of fonts, click the name of the first font. Then Shift-click the last

font in the range.

- To select all fonts in the directory, click Select All.

- To switch the selection of a font, press the Ctrl key and click a font name.

5. (Optional) You can use the selected fonts from their current folder by deselecting the Copy fonts to Fonts folder option. This will save disk space on your local workstation.

Installing and Removing Fonts

By default, fonts will be added to your workstation’s local disk space. If you are adding several fonts, consider using the fonts from their current locations to save local disk space.

6. Click OK.

The selected fonts are installed on your system.

7. If Avid DS Nitris is currently running on this workstation, restart it to access the newly installed fonts.

To remove TrueType fonts:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings > Control Panel > Fonts.

The Fonts window displays.

2. Select the fonts to remove.

3. Press Delete.

You are prompted to confirm the deletion of the selected fonts.

4. Click Ye s.

5. Close the Fonts and Control Panel windows.

6. If Avid DS Nitris is currently running, restart it to update the list of available fonts.

Installing Non-European Fonts

If you are working with a non-European, customized Windows operating system, such as Windows XP Japanese, you can use the DSFontSetting.exe application, which is distributed with Avid DS Nitris. You can use this application to change the default font used in Avid DS Nitris dialog boxes or reset it to default.

The new font is used only in dialog boxes; menus and toolbar buttons are not affected by this new information. You can customize the menu font size through the Windows Appearance tab of the Desktop Properties.

For non-European languages, Avid DS Nitris selects a font (by default) that comprises the European character set and is part of the character set of the foreign Windows system, such as Windows XP Japanese. However, the chosen font is very small and does not display properly, especially in dialog boxes. For regular systems, the default font for dialog boxes is Arial 11.

This application does not ensure that the font will fit properly in the dialog box. Whenever the new selected font is too large for the various text contents of the dialog box, a smaller default font will be used as in previous versions. You must be careful to choose a font that still contains a European character set, since the displayed text is still English. This new

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

feature is not restricted only to Asian systems; any customer of any country can change the Avid DS Nitris default font. However, layouts work best with the default font (Arial 11). Each time a new font is set or reset, you must restart Avid DS Nitris before it takes effect.

To install non-European fonts

1. Browse to the C:\Program Files\Avid\DS_7.x folder.

2. Double-click the DSFontsettings.exe file.

3. From the Settings menu, you can select one of two options:

- Reset Font to reset the fonts to their default setting.

- Set DS Font to choose the Font and size you want to use in the dialog click. Click OK.

Some Tips

• For best results, use a font size between 8 and 14 points.

• If the font selected is a little too big to be displayed in its designated area, it will be substituted by the default font size.

• If the font size is really too big, the layout will not appear correctly, and you may need to refresh the screen.

Saving your Avid DS Nitris System Settings

Before uninstalling Avid DS Nitris, save your preferences and presets by exporting them to a convenient folder. Then, after you’ve upgraded, you can import the presets into your new version of Avid DS Nitris.

Do not save your preferences to a network folder.

Saving your Preferences

The Preference Management dialog box in Avid DS Nitris lets you import and export preference sets. A preference set is a collection of Avid DS Nitris layouts, toolbars, combo views, and/or key maps. Importing and exporting preference sets lets you share customized controls with other users.

When you import or export a preference set, its internal hierarchy is preserved. For example, if you export an entire layout, any toolbars contained in the layout are automatically exported with it.

Installing and Removing Fonts

Preference sets with the same name are appended with a number to differentiate them.

When you export a preference set, you can only include the layouts and keymaps that you customized. You can export any toolbar.

To export a preference set:

1. Select Layout > Import/Export Preferences.

2. In the Preference Management dialog box, select the Export Preferences tab.

3. Select the invidual controls that you want to export (or Select All). Use the Type list to switch between the layouts, toolbars, and keymaps in the preference sets.

4. Click Export to export the selected controls.

5. Do one of the following:

t In the File Name text box, enter the path to the folder in which you want to save the

preference sets.

t Use the Avid Explorer to navigate to the folder in which you want to save the

preference sets.

6. Enter a name for the preference set in the File Name text box and click OK.

To import a preference set:

When you import a preference set, you can import all of the controls in the set, or you can select only the controls that you need.

When you import an entire layout from an existing preference set, its components are automatically imported as well. Some types of layouts are unsupported and cannot be imported.

Also, you cannot import preferences from a network drive.

1. Select Layout > Import/Export Preferences.

2. In the Preference Management dialog box, select the Import Preferences tab.

Chapter 3 Installing Avid DS Software and Services

3. Do one of the following:

t In the File Name text box, enter the name and location of the preference sets that

you want to import.

t Click Browse.

The Import Preferences dialog box displays.

4. Locate the preference sets that you want to import and click OK.

5. Select the controls that you want to import. Use the Type list to switch between the layouts, toolbars, combo views, and keymaps preference sets.

6. Click the Select All button to select all controls.

7. Click the Import button to import the selected controls.

You will be prompted to restart Avid DS Nitris when the import is complete.

If you imported a layout, additional layout buttons appear in the taskbar.

Saving your Avid DS Deck Presets

To export deck presets:

1. In the top panel of the Deck Configuration view, right-click and select Export Deck Presets.

2. Select the folder into which you want to export the presets.

3. Click the Select button to begin the export.

To import deck presets:

1. In the top panel of the Deck Configuration view, right-click and select Import Deck Presets.

2. Select the folder from which you want to import the presets.

3. Click the Select button to begin the import.

Chapter 4

Installing the Remote Processing Software

This chapter describes how to install software on an Avid DS Remote Processing workstation.

Processing, or rendering, is a normal and necessary part of the Avid DS workflow, as with any system that handles complex compositing and effects. Unfortunately for editors, artists, and their clients, processing takes up time and resources on the workstation being used, and can present frequent and lengthy interruptions to the creative process.

Instead of waiting for Avid DS to process your effects, you can send a processing job to a remote workstation that is running Avid DS RP and continue working on your sequence.

You can install the remote processing software on any number of workstations in your workgroup. When you send a job to be processed remotely, your job is routed by the Avid DMS Broker to the first available RP workstation. Avid DS RP processes the effects, returns the cache media to the Avid DS client storages, and notifies the client workstation when the job is complete.

This version of Avid DS RP cannot accept processing requests from earlier versions of Avid DS.

Remote Processing Concepts

Before you begin configuring your workstations for remote processing, there are a few terms you need to understand:

Client Workstation: This is the workstation on which Avid DS is installed. The client workstation is where the processing request is initiated. The request is sent to the remote

processing workstation, and the result is eventually returned to the client.

Remote Processing Workstation: This is the workstation where Avid DS RP is installed. The RP workstation handles requests from client workstation(s) and updates the clients’ timeline as each request is processed.

Chapter 4 Installing the Remote Processing Software

Each RP workstation keeps a log of the jobs that have been processed on that station. The log provides full details on each job sent to that station for processing. A shortcut to access this log (ds_server_log.txt) is available on the RP workstation desktop.

Minimal Requirements for Avid DS RP Workstation

The remote processing workstation must meet the following requirements:

• Supports Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Profession x64 Edition operating system.

• Intel Pentium 4 (single or dual CPU; MMX enabled).

AMD processors are now supported.

• 1.5 GB RAM (x86) and 4 GB RAM (x64 Edition)

• 1 GB of hard drive space

• SVGA monitor with a recommended resolution of 1280

• Network card with a minimum of Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps)

• Network protocol: All of the workstations being used for your workgroup must reside on a network that uses the TCP/IP protocol. Each workstation must be able to see the others over the network.

• OpenGL for 3D DVE: In Avid DS Nitris, only the 3D DVE layout uses OpenGL. An Avid DS RP workstation does not require an OpenGL card to process OpenGL effects. However, these effects will process significantly faster if the RP workstation has an OpenGL card.

It is recommended that you use the same type of OpenGL card in both the RP workstation and the client workstation.

×1024

Network Hardware and Remote Processing Performance

To optimize your network hardware and the performance of remote processing:

• The recommended minimum speed of your network card is Gigabit Ethernet and full duplex capability as this speed matches that of the client workstation.

The HP workstation uses an on-board Gigabit Ethernet adapter.

• A network switch is the best way to isolate the remote processing traffic from a corporate network. We recommend a minimum bandwidth of Gigabit Ethernet and full duplex capability, however, a gigabit switch is preferable. For the highest quality components, purchase brand name products, such as 3Com, Cisco, etc.

Minimal Requirements for Avid DS RP Workstation

Hubs are not recommended.

• Use 24AGW gauge network cable (category 5 and up). Connectors must be assembled properly, with a minimal length of unshielded wire on both ends.

CPU Usage on Avid DS RP Workstations

In some cases, you may find that the CPU usage on the RP workstation or the client workstation is low during processing. This may be more obvious when the RP workstation is a faster machine, and in some cases the CPU usage may be lower on the RP workstation than on the client workstation. This is a normal occurrence.

CPU usage is an indicator of processor activity. The faster the processor, the faster it completes its job (processing the current frame). If the CPU has to wait for the next frame read from disk to start processing the frame, the CPU usage is lowered.

This is normal, and it depends on the effect being processed. For simple light effects, such as color correction, the processing is fast enough that the CPU is actually idling most of the time. This appears as a low CPU usage value. These effects are said to be “I/O-bound”, meaning that the read/write operations for each processed frame are more significant than the actual processing. Because Avid DS is fully multi-threaded, the processing itself and the I/O operations are done in parallel. However, if the CPU is idling most of the time, a low CPU usage value is to be expected.

Most native Avid DS effects support multi-threading and, in addition to this, processing jobs can be divided among the CPUs available in the workstation. For example, when a blur effect is processed on a dual-CPU workstation, half the frame is processed on one CPU while the other half is processed on the other. This dramatically improves the overall processing time.

Some third party effects (such as all AVX effects) do not support multi-threading. In these cases, because only one of the CPUs is being used, the CPU usage never goes above 50%.

To verify if an effect is single or multi-threaded:

1. Click the Start button and select Run.

2. In the Run window, type perfmon to run the Performance Monitor.

3. Add one counter for each CPU Time.

For multi-threaded effects, the two curves move together while processing. In singlethreaded effects, they move in opposite directions.

Chapter 4 Installing the Remote Processing Software

CPU usage can be affected by the RP license (single or dual). An RP license for one processor will force the RP workstation into single-thread mode, and the CPU usage will never exceed 50%.

CPU usage usually appears higher on the client workstation (if it has the same processor type as the RP). This is because the read/write operations are faster on the client (local storage). As a result, the processor spends less time waiting for input frames before processing them.

Installing Avid DS RP

To install Avid DS RP, you must log on with an account that has Administrator privileges.

If you have one or more RP workstations in your workgroup, you must install and start the Avid DMS Broker before installing Avid DS—see “Installing Avid DMS Broker

5.0” on page 69.

To install Avid DS RP:

1. Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the Avid DS Nitris software from the Avid Download Center.

2. Double-click the Setup.exe file and from the main menu, click the Avid DS Software button.

3. When the Avid DS Installation Wizard displays, click the Next button.

4. In the Select Install Components dialog box, choose Av i d D S R P as one of your options.

5. Click the Next button.

6. In the License Agreement dialog box, read the End User License Agreement and accept the terms of the agreement to continue the installation.

7. In the Customer Information dialog box, enter your name and company name, and click the Next button.

8. In the Reseller or Dealer Information dialog box, enter the requested information and click the Next button.

9. Choose the default destination location to install Avid DS and click Next.

10. If this is a client workstation, then you will need to choose the workgroup to which you want to join.

If this workstation is the controller, then choose:

- Keep existing workgroup configuration to keep the current workgroup settings.

Installing Avid DS RP

- Create a different DS workgroup if you want to create a new workgroup with this controller.

11. When the Service Configuration window displays, enter the login profile of the user account that will run the Avid DS services on this workstation.

You must specify the computer name before the user id (that is, computer_name\userid).

If your workstation is part of a Windows domain, then you need to specify the domain name before the user id (domain_name\userid).

12. The Storage Setup dialog box displays.

On an RP workstation, set the Projects Storage to the actual drive letter where you will store your projects and presets. All other options (Video/ Audio Storage, Archives and Interactive Caches), can be set to None.

If you are connected to Unity, do not select the Unity storage to store your projects. The Unity is only for media storage.

13. Change the storage locations if necessary, and click the Next button.

14. Install any plug-ins and fonts that you may require for titling and graphics work on your Avid DS client workstation(s). The RP workstation also requires these fonts and plugins to process your Avid DS requests.

15. When the Start Copying Files dialog box is displayed, review your installation settings and if you’re satisfied, click the Next button.

If you need to change options, use the Back button to go as far back as you need to change the options.

Chapter 4 Installing the Remote Processing Software

A progress indicator is displayed as the Avid DS RP files are copied to your system.

16. Click the Finish button.

Avid Throttle Manager

The Throttle Manager is only required when you have an Avid DS RP workstation in your workgroup. The Throttle Manager is part of the Avid DS Services options and can only be installed on the Avid DS RP or workstation that will be the controller for the DS Workgroup.

Do not install the Avid Throttle Manager on a workstation running the Avid DS software.

On an Avid DS workstation, playback, capture, and output to tape are critical operations which require guaranteed bandwidth between the workstation and its storage. During these operations, the Throttle Manager will pause any RP workstations using the same storage for processing in order to maintain that bandwidth. Once the playback, capture, or output to tape operation is complete, the Throttle Manager restarts the processing on the RP workstations.

For instance, if you want to play back your sequence on the timeline, the Avid Throttle Manager temporarily suspends any processing requests to an RP workstation, or capture or output from/to a deck, to allow for the full bandwidth to be used for real-time playback. Once the sequence playback is complete, the Avid Throttle Manager resumes the other processes.

The Avid Throttle Manager also manages the bandwidth to shared storage locations for each workstation in the Avid DS workgroup. For example, since an Avid DS client workstation and an RP workstation can share the same storage, the Throttle Manager manages access to shared storages, so that the RP workstation doesn’t interfere with the client workstation during critical times such as playback, capture, and output to tape.

The Throttle Manager can only be installed on a Windows XP workstation.

Chapter 5

The Avid DMS Broker

This chapter describes how to install, configure and use the Avid DMS Broker.

If you have one or more RP workstations in your workgroup, you must install the Avid DMS Broker as this service is responsible for directing the remote processing requests within an Avid DS workgroup.

About the Avid DMS Broker

Avid DS v8 uses the Avid DMS Broker to distribute and monitor any remote processing requests in the workgroup.

When an Avid DS Nitris workstation submits a job for remote processing, the DMS Broker routes the processing job to the first available RP workstation. The RP workstation then starts to process the job, and reports the progress to the DMS Broker. When the job is complete, the RP workstation copies the processed media (caches) to the appropriate Avid DS client storage and notifies the DMS Broker that the job is complete (You can view the DMS Web page to monitor the RP jobs.). The caches generated from the processing are automatically linked back to your current project.

The main DMS Broker window displays current information about the status of the Broker including the computer name for the system on which the Broker resides. The DMS Broker uses the computer name to identify itself on the network. Any RP workstations in the Avid DS workgroup are configured to use this computer name when sending out RP requests.

The DMS Administration Tool is a Web-based application that is accessed through a browser. It communicates with the DMS Broker’s built-in Web server. This communication allows you to manage Distributed Media Services through a browser from anywhere using the Internet.

The DMS Administration Tool performs two types of functions:

• Provides detailed information based on lists of jobs, encoders, profiles, and users.

• Provides controls for managing and canceling jobs, and creating or deleting users.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

System Requirements

The DMS Broker software should not reside on the same computer as Avid DS. The DMS Broker software should be installed on a dual-processor machine if you are also using it as the RP workstation.

The DMS Broker runs on Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

If you are using an Avid Unity shared storage in your workgroup, then the DMS Broker is only qualified to run on Windows 2000.

The DMS Broker requires the following minimum specifications, running a Windows-based operating system:

•Pentium

• 512 MB of RAM

• 800 x 600, 16-bit display

•Microsoft

III class processor 1.2 GHz or faster

Internet Explorer 5.5 or later

Installing Avid DMS Broker

If you are upgrading your Avid DS Workgroup from a previous release, you must first remove the previous version of the Avid DMS Broker before continuing—see “Removing Avid DMS Broker 2.1” on page 68.

If you are installing the DMS Broker for the first time, go to “Installing Java v1.4” on page 69.

Removing Avid DMS Broker 2.1

To install and use the Avid DMS Broker 5.0 with Avid DS 8.0, you must first remove Avid DMS Broker 2.1 and update the dongle (application key).

To remove Avid DMS Broker:

1. From the Start menu, select Control Panel.

(The Control Panel is located under Settings if you are using the Windows Classic menus).

2. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.

3. Select Avid DMS Broker and click the Change/Remove button.

4. When the Broker is removed, restart the workstation.

Installing Avid DMS Broker

Remove the dongle (application key) and do not reconnect it to a USB port until you install the new DMS Broker.

To remove residual Broker files:

1. Browse to the C:\Program Files\Avid folder.

2. Delete the ProEncode folder.

To remove Java v1.2:

Since Avid DMS Broker 5.0 requires Java v1.4, you can safely remove Java v1.2.

Important: Java v1.3 is required for the Avid Storage Manager application and you should keep this version.

Installing Java v1.4

Avid DMS Broker 5.0 requires Java v1.4 to operate correctly.

To install Java 1.4:

1. Use the Avid DS Nitris Software & Drivers DVD, or download the Avid DS Nitris software from the Avid Download Center.

2. Run the Avid DS Setup program, and select Avid DMS Broker from the menu.

3. Select Java v1.4.

4. Select Run twice to launch the installer.

5. After its install, and if your workstation is connected to the internet, Java may prompt you for an update. We do not recommend that you install any updates as they have not been tested with Avid DMS Broker 5.0.

Installing Avid DMS Broker 5.0

The latest Avid DMS Broker requires the installation of the Microsoft SQL database. This will automatically be installed during the Avid DMS Broker installation.

Proceed with a default installation and do not change the default options.

Do not connect the dongle (application key) to a USB port until you install the DMS Broker.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

To install the Avid DMS Broker:

1. Double-click the Setup.exe file and from the main menu, click the Avid DS Software button.

2. When the Avid DS Installation Wizard displays, click the Next button.

3. In the Select Main Components dialog box, choose Av i d D M S B r o k e r.

You can check the state of the icon beside the DMS Broker to determine if it has already been installed on this workstation.

4. Click the Next button.

5. When the Service Configuration window displays, enter the login profile of the user account that will run the Avid DS services on this workstation.

You must specify the computer name before the user id (that is, computer_name\userid).

If your workstation is part of a Windows domain, then you need to specify the domain name before the user id (domain_name\userid).

6. When the Start Copying Files dialog box displays, review your installation settings and if you’re satisfied, click the Next button.

If you need to change options, use the Back button to go as far back as you need to change the options.

7. The DMS Broker install program will now run.

8. Choose United States for the country in which you purchased this product.

9. When the installation is complete, click Finish.

After the install is complete, you MUST start the DMS Broker before setting up the other workstations in the workgroup.

Configuring the Microsoft SQL Database

Before you start the Avid DMS Broker, you must run two batch files to complete the Microsoft SQL database configuration.

1. From the Start menu, select All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. If the Command Prompt does not open on the C: partition by default, type C: and press Enter.

2. Type cd "Program Files\Avid\DMS\Broker\DBScript" and press Enter.

3. Type DBInstall and press Enter.

The registered information displays.

4. Next, type DBUpgrade and press Enter.

The registered information displays.

Installing Avid DMS Broker

The Microsoft SQL database is configured and ready to be used by the Avid DMS Broker.

Attaching the Dongle

The dongle, also known as the application key, allows the DMS Broker software to run on your system. It also lets you access only the number of RP workstations for which you have purchased licenses.

Make sure you install the DMS Broker before connecting the application key (dongle) to the USB port.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

To attach the application key:

1. On the workstation that will run the DMS Broker, locate an available USB port.

2. Connect the dongle to the USB port.

3. Windows automatically detects a “USB dongle SuperPro” device.

The Found New Hardware Wizard displays.

4. Keep the Install the software automatically (Recommended) option, and click Next.

“Rainbow USB SuperPro” is detected and installed by Windows.

5. When the Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box displays, click Finish.

Updating the Dongle

Do not lose the application key. Your DMS software does not function without it. If you lose your application key, you must purchase another key from Avid.

6. If the dongle is programmed for Avid DMS Broker 2.1, you need to update the dongle for Avid DMS Broker 5.0—see “Updating the Dongle” on page 72.

If you were using a previous version of Avid DMS Broker, your USB dongle requires an update.

1. Run the Dongle Dumper (located in the /DMS_Broker/utility folder on the Avid DS Nitris Software and Drivers DVD) to extract the required information from your dongle.

2. Copy this information in the Avid DS License Request Form.

The license form is available on http://www.softimage.com/licensing/request

3. Submit the license request.

The dongle update package will be emailed to you from Avid.

4. When you receive the dongle update package, save it in a folder on the workstation where the dongle is attached.

5. Double-click the DongleUpdater.exe file.

This reprograms the dongle for Avid DMS Broker 5.0.

6. Click the Update (DMS Broker) button.

7. Click Quit to exit the utility.

Starting the DMS Broker

After the DMS Broker dongle is installed, you can start the service.

Starting the DMS Broker

The installation process automatically creates an Administrator account and uses the computer name of this workstation as the DMS broker name. Any client workstations in the Avid DS workgroup use this computer name when sending or processing RP requests. Similarly, you do not need to add any Avid DS users to the DMS Broker configuration as these will automatically be created when a user sends a processing request.

To start the DMS Broker:

1. Click the Start button, and select Programs > Avid > DMS Broker.

The welcome dialog displays.

2. Click Ok.

The Broker Settings dialog displays. For Avid DS, you do not have to fill out this dialog.

3. Click Ok.

You will receive the following message: “The Broker is currently running.”

4. Leave the service running; you can minimize the interface.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

The DMS Administration Tool performs two types of functions:

• Provides detailed information about DMS, based on lists of jobs, encoders, and users

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

• Provides controls for managing DMS such as canceling jobs, and creating or deleting users

Administrators can perform the following tasks:

• View details on any job

• Delete jobs submitted by any user

• Purge the jobs list of every user

Regular users can only perform administrative tasks on their own jobs.

The DMS Administration Tool may be used on any Windows-based computer that has an Internet connection to the workstation running the DMS Broker.

To open the DMS Administration Tool:

1. Do one of the following:

t In the DMS Broker window, click the Admin Tool button.

t In Avid DS, click on the RP button in the bottom right of the status bar.

t Open a Web browser, either on the computer running the DMS Broker or on another

networked computer. You must use Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher.

2. Type a URL for the DMS Broker in the following form:

http://computername:8080

The computername is the name of the computer where the DMS Broker software runs. For instance, a URL for the Broker may appear as follows:

http://broadcastPE:8080

The DMS Broker name is found in the Name field of the DMS Broker window. The numeric part of this URL following the colon (:) is the port number, 8080.

A firewall must allow connections to and from the system running the DMS Broker using port 8080 in order to run the DMS Administration Tool.

3. Press the Enter key. The DMS Administration Tool login screen displays.

4. Enter your User Name and Password. For more information, see “The Users Page” on page 87.

5. Click the Login button. If the User Name and password are accepted, the DMS Jobs page will display. For more information, see “The Jobs Page” on page 78.

Changing the Password

The DMS Administration Tool is installed at the same time as the DMS Broker. The default login for the DMS Administration Tool is the login name Administrator, with a blank password. This account should be given a password after installing the Broker software.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

Non-administrators can see and edit only their own user’s page. When using Media Browse, a user must be created which matches the Media Browse user designated for DMS.

To change the Administration Tool password:

1. Open the DMS Broker (Select Start > Programs > Avid > DMS Broker), and click on the Admin Tool button in the DMS Broker dialog.

The DMS Administration Tool login screen displays in the web browser.

2. Type Administrator in the User Name text box. You must login as an administrator to change the administrator password.

The Password text box is blank by default.

User names and passwords are case sensitive.

3. Click the User Name link for the user you want to edit. The Edit User window displays.

4. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

Passwords are case sensitive and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores. They can be up to 255 characters. While passwords are optional, Avid recommends a password for the Administrator account. If you forget the Administration password, it must be reset. Contact Avid Customer Support.

5. Type a Real Name as you want it to appear on the Users page.

6. (Optional) You may enter an e-mail address and a phone number.

7. If the user you are editing is an administrator, select the Is Administrator check box.

8. Click Save.

9. Close the Users page by closing the browser window.

Configuring Users in the DMS Broker

The user profile on an Avid DS workstation is automatically added to the DMS Administration Tool the first time a remote processing job is sent from that user.

You may create additional users from the DMS Users page. You must be logged in as an administrator to create users.

When you login, the DMS Jobs page displays.

To create users:

1. Click the Users tab. The Users page displays.

2. Click the Add button. The Create User window displays.

3. Type in the user name.

4. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

5. Type a Real Name as you want it to appear on the Users page.

6. (Optional) You may enter an e-mail address and a phone number.

7. If the user you are editing is an administrator, select the Is Administrator option.

8. Click Save.

For more information, see “The Users Page” on page 87.

DMS Administration Tool User Interface

The DMS Administration Tool user interface is made up of the following areas:

Using the DMS Administration Tool

Navigation Controls

Control Frame

Results Frame

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

Area Description Section Reference

Jobs tab Displays the status and other information about

jobs submitted to the DMS Broker. Lets you cancel or retry jobs, depending on your level of privilege.

Providers tab Displays information about systems that are

running Avid DS or Avid DS RP in the same Avid DS workgroup as the DMS Broker.

Profiles tab Reserved for future use.

Services tab Displays a list of services and service

information. Lets you install and delete services.

Users tab Displays a list of user accounts. Lets you create

and delete accounts, depending on your level of privilege.

Navigation Controls

Control Frame The Control frame displays different options,

Results Frame The Results Frame displays information based

The navigation controls appear on the Jobs page and determine what jobs are displayed.

depending on the mode in which you are working.

on the user’s login profile and the options selected in the Control Frame section. A user logged in as an Administrator is allowed to view all of the jobs in a queue, and other users are only allowed to view their own jobs.

See “Customizing the Jobs List” on page 80.

See “The Providers Page” on page 84.

See “The Services Page” on page 86.

See “The Users Page” on page 87.

See “Navigation Controls” on page 79.

The Jobs Page

The Jobs page displays information about jobs submitted to the DMS Broker, and allows the user to cancel, delete, and retry jobs.

To open the Jobs page:

t Open the DMS Administration Tool.

The Jobs page displays by default after you log in to the DMS Administration Tool.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

The following table describes the information displayed on the Jobs page.

Jobs Page Column Description

Status The colors and icons in the display indicate the status of the job:

• Yellow bar with no icon = Job is processing.

• Green bar with Check Mark icon = Job is completed.

• Gray bar with Stop icon = Job has been canceled.

• Caution icon = Job has failed with an error.

• Gray bar with no icon = Job is pending or is in a queue.

Service The name of the service to which the job was sent.

Job The file name submitted by the client to DMS. This may have a suffix (

determined by the particular service) appended to it.

User The name of the user who submitted the job. For instance, Proxy Transcode

jobs display the Media Browse user name.

Progress indicator (%) The percentage of the job completed.

Start Time The date and time that the job was sent.

End Time The date and time that the job was completed.

Navigation Controls

The navigation controls appear on the Jobs page and determine what jobs are displayed. The DMS Administration Tool displays jobs in blocks of fifteen jobs. It also organizes jobs into groups of 100. Use the navigation controls to view the list of jobs.

To view the previous fifteen jobs or the next fifteen jobs:

t Click the Previous or Next button.

To view the previous group or the next group of 100 jobs:

t Click the Previous Group or Next Group button. The DMS Administration Tool

displays the first 15 jobs of the group.

To view the beginning or the end of the entire list:

t Click the First or Last button. The DMS Administration Tool displays the first 15 or the

last 15 jobs of the list.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

Customizing the Jobs List

By default, the Jobs page displays all jobs that the DMS Broker is currently monitoring. You may customize your view to show only your jobs, to show jobs for a specific service, or to show only jobs in a selected state.

To customize the Jobs list:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool. For more information, see “Using the DMS Administration Tool” on page 73.

The Jobs page displays by default after you log in to the DMS Administration Tool.

2. In the Control frame of the Jobs page, click the Service list, and select a service.

3. Click the User Name list, and select All Users or a specific user name.

Updating the Jobs list

Users with Administrator privileges are allowed to cancel or delete any job. Users not having administrator privileges may only cancel or delete jobs submitted by that user.

4. In the Control frame, click the Status pop-up menu, and select one of the following:

- All States: Displays all jobs with their current status

- Processing: Displays only jobs that are currently being processed

- Completed: Displays only jobs that have been successfully processed

- Canceled: Displays only jobs that have been canceled by a user with administrator

privileges

- Error: Displays only jobs that have stopped with an error

- Pending: Displays only jobs that are waiting to be processed

5. Click the Filter button.

In the Results frame, the Jobs page displays jobs that meet the criteria you selected.

The Jobs list is automatically updated to show the progress and status of a job.

If any jobs have been added or deleted since opening the Jobs page, the Refresh button is enabled in the upper right portion of the interface.

To update the Jobs list, do one of the following:

t Click the Refresh button, if available.

t Click any navigation button.

Purging the Jobs List

The purge function is only available to users with administrator privileges.

To purge the Jobs list:

1. Log on as a user with administrator privileges.

2. On the Jobs page, click the Purge button. The Purge Jobs dialog box displays.

3. Click the Service list, and select the applicable service.

4. Click the Submitted By list, and select a particular user or Any User, depending on the jobs you want to purge.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

5. Select which States of jobs you want to purge.

6. Click the Purge button.

The Jobs list no longer contains the jobs you selected. If a purge fails, a dialog box opens with a list of the jobs that failed to delete and a reason for the failure.

Viewing Details About a Job

To view details about a job:

t On the Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column. The

Job Details window displays in a separate browser window.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

You must be logged in as the job owner or an administrator to see these details.

The following table provides descriptions of the type of job information displayed in the Job Details window.

Entry Description

Job Information

Name The name of the file submitted by a client to DMS. It may include

information appended to the file name, depending on the service requirements.

Service The DMS service for which the job was submitted; for instance, Avid DS RP

or ProEncode.

State The current state of the job.

Submitted By: The user name associated with the job, as submitted by the client.

Priority The priority of the job, as submitted by the client.

Provider (Not used by Avid DS) The name of the encoder, as registered with the DMS

Broker.

Entry Description

Requested Provider (Not used by Avid DS) The name of the provider requested, if one was

Job ID A number automatically generated by the DMS Broker.

Batch ID (Not used by Avid DS) The number of the batch containing the job.

Submitted At The date and time the job was submitted by the client to the DMS Broker.

Started At The date and time the DMS Broker picked up the job.

Completed At The date and time the job was reported as complete.

Progress The percentage of the job that has been processed.

Notification (Not used by Avid DS) Displays whether notification of job completed or

Canceling a Job

Jobs may be canceled during the Pending or the Processing state. A user may only cancel jobs that have been submitted under their DMS user name. An administrator may cancel any job.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

specified.

job error is enabled or disabled.

When a job is canceled, it may take a short time for the job to actually stop and the status change to be reflected. It is also possible that a job may finish before it can be canceled. In this case, you may receive a dialog stating that the DMS Broker was unable to cancel the job.

To cancel a job:

1. Open the DMS Administration Tool.

2. On the Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column.

The Job Details window opens in a separate browser window.

3. Click the Cancel button. A dialog box displays and asks if you are sure you want to cancel the job.

4. Click OK to cancel the job.

The job remains in the Jobs list but the state changes to canceled.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

Deleting a Job

To delete a specific job or all jobs on the Jobs page:

1. Open the Jobs page, select the specific job(s) to delete by clicking the checkbox next to the name of the job(s). You may select all of the jobs by clicking the Select All button.

2. Click the Delete button.

Retrying a Job

You may retry a job that is in the canceled state.

To retry a job:

1. On the Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column.

The Job Details window opens in a separate browser window.

2. Click the Retry button.

The DMS Broker changes the state to Pending and places the job in the queue for the next available RP workstation.

The Providers Page

The Providers page displays information about workstations that are running Avid DS RP and are registered with the DMS Broker. You may also view specific provider details and capabilities.

To open the Providers page:

t In the mode selector, click Providers. The Providers page displays.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

The following table describes the information displayed on the DMS Providers page.

Providers Page Description

Provider Name The name of the workstation, as registered with the DMS Broker.

Service The name of the DMS service that has been registered.

Host Name The computer name of the provider.

Application Name The name of the service provider application.

Status Indicates whether or not the workstation is connected to the DMS Broker.

Customizing the Providers Display

By default, the Providers page displays all Avid DS and Avid DS RP workstations that are registered with the DMS Broker (and within the same Avid DS workgroup as the DMS Broker). You can customize your view to show only the connected providers or providers of a particular service.

To customize the Providers display:

1. In the mode selector, click Providers. The Providers page displays.

2. In the Control frame of the Providers page, click the Service list, and select the applicable service.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

3. Click the Connection Status list, and select All Providers or Connected.

4. Click the Filter button.

In the Results frame, the Providers page displays providers that match your selections.

Deleting Providers

If a workstation is connected to the DMS Broker, the workstation may not be deleted until it has been disconnected and all processing jobs are stopped.

You must be logged in as an administrator to delete any workstations.

To delete a Provider:

1. In the mode selector, click Providers. The Providers page displays.

2. Click the check box to the left of the provider’s name, and click Delete.

A dialog box opens and asks if you are sure you want to delete the provider.

3. Click OK.

The provider is no longer registered with the DMS Broker and needs to be reregistered.

The Profiles Page

The Profiles page is reserved for future use.

The Services Page

The Services page displays information about the Distributed Media Services that are installed and allows the user to install new services or delete services that were previously installed.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

To display information about a specific service:

1. Click Services in the mode selector. The Services page displays.

2. In the Results frame of the Services page, click the name of the service about which you want information.

The specific information displayed on the Service Details page differs for each installed service.

The Users Page

The Users page lets you create and manage user accounts.The default login for the DMS Administration Tool is the user name Administrator, without a password. Avid recommends assigning a password to this account after installing the DMS Broker. For more information, see “Changing the Password” on page 75.

To open the DMS Users page:

t In the mode selector, click Users. The Users page displays with user accounts listed in

the User Name column.

Setting Up User Accounts

To set up a user account:

1. Click the Add button. The Create User window displays.

2. Type a user name in the User Name text box.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

User names and passwords are case sensitive and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores. They may be up to 255 characters.

3. (Optional) You may assign a password by typing a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

4. Click the Save button.

Deleting User Accounts

You must be logged in as an administrator to delete user accounts.

To delete a user account:

1. In the mode selector, click Users.

The Users page displays.

2. Click the check box to the left of the User Name for each account you want to delete.

3. Click the Delete button.

A dialog box opens and asks if you are sure you want to delete the user account.

4. Click OK.

Reassigning Passwords

To reassign a user password:

1. Log on as an administrator.

2. Open the DMS Administration Tool and click Users. The Users page displays.

3. In the User Name column, click the link for the user you want to edit. The Edit User window displays.

4. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box.

5. Click the Save button.

To delete and re-create all accounts:

1. On the Users page, click the Select All button.

2. Click the Delete button.

A dialog box opens and asks if you are sure you want to delete the user accounts.

3. Click OK.

The user accounts are deleted. To re-create user accounts, see “Setting Up User Accounts” on page 87.

Using the DMS Administration Tool

The user “Administrator” cannot be deleted. If you try to delete Administrator, you will receive an error message.

If a user forgets his or her password, a new one must be assigned. If you forget the Administration password, it must be reset. Contact Avid DS Customer Service.

Chapter 5 The Avid DMS Broker

Chapter 6

Licensing Avid DS Software

You can install your Avid DS software before licensing the product. However, you will not be able to run an Avid DS product, until you have a registered license. Avid DS will only start if the dongle identification number matches the information in the license file.

This chapter describes how to license an Avid DS, Avid DS Assist Station, or Avid DS RP workstation.

Requesting a License File

Avid DS uses a software license that is linked directly to the system where you have Avid DS installed. The license is an encoded string generated from the IDs of different hardware components on your system. Each workstation needs its own license file.

The licensing system allows you up to three hardware component changes. After you make the third hardware change, you will be notified that you need a new license.

To generate your license ID:

1. Go to the Avid DS Customer Service web site http://www.softimage.com/avidds and click Licensing.

2. Follow the online instructions to generate a Dongle ID, and submit a license request to Avid.

You must provide all the information requested in order to obtain your license in a timely manner.

Avid DS Customer Service does not generate permanent licenses. However, if your license is incorrect or if you haven’t received it within 72 hours of your request, Customer Service can generate a limited one-week license.

3. If you have other workstations in your workgroup for which you need to install licenses, click the Back to License Request button, and repeat the licensing instructions.

Chapter 6 Licensing Avid DS Software

Installing the Registered License File

1. When you receive your registered license from Avid, you need to save it to a folder (C:\DSLicense) on the workstation where you generated the Dongle ID.

2. Click the Windows Start button and select All Programs > Avid > Avid DS v8 > Licensing Instructions.

3. Follow the online instructions to install your license for this workstation.

Chapter 7

Managing Your Storage Areas

This section contains information on the storage connected to your Avid DS workstation and/or workgroup. It provides guidelines on the configuration and maintenance of your storage areas.

Planning your Storage Locations

Your Avid DS workstation typically includes a base tower with a storage device (disk array). The video media is stored on the drives in the storage device, while all software, projects, and audio media are stored on the local drive in the base unit. For more information on the software and project folders on your local disk, see “About your Local Storage Area” on page 113.

If your Avid DS workstation is operating on its own, then the storage configuration is simple. You just need to configure the storage device(s) connected to your workstation.

If your Avid DS workstations are connected in a workgroup, you can share media located on your storage device, and also use media on storage devices that belong to other workstations in your workgroup. Configure the appropriate storage devices for each workstation (local and remote).

Later in this section, you will learn how Avid DS uses the indexing services to manage these storage areas more efficiently.

Sharing Storage Areas

Sharing media saves you time and disk space as you only have to capture the media once. If other users in your workgroup want to use the media, they can import the sequence or master clip into their project. The clips will then link directly to the associated media.

Avid DS can also share compressed and uncompressed media with Symphony™, Media Composer Help.

and Avid Xpress® systems. For more information, see “Using AFE Files” in the

Chapter 7 Managing Your Storage Areas

In a workgroup environment, the location of your media and projects can make a big difference to your performance and processing times. For instance, if you are working in isolation on a project, then having the related media on your local storage gives you realtime playback of the sequences.

On the other hand, if you are working on the same project with other Avid DS workstations that need access to the same media, then it would be more efficient to store the media in one location (such as on Avid Unity storage). You save on storage space as there is no redundancy of media on each workstation.

When sharing media on storage areas connected on a network, there may not be sufficient bandwidth to provide real-time playback of the media. An Avid Unity storage, however, does have enough bandwidth to handle real-time playback.

Points to consider when sharing media:

• One workstation, preferably the controller, should hold all projects and take care of the indexing and processing services. The Avid DS indexing services will be configured to index media on all connected storage devices (including workspaces on Unity).

• If your workstations are sharing Avid Unity storage, then each workstation using this storage must have a fibre-optic cable connection to the Avid Unity system (for optimal performance).

• If many workstations are working on the same project and will be sharing the same media, then you should place all media on one storage device.

• You cannot share media between a Unity and other type of storage device within the same sequence. Avid DS cannot play back media that resides simultaneously on an Unity workspace and a local storage. The media used in a given sequence must reside on only one storage at a time. Either on your local storage or on a Unity workspace.

Points to consider when sharing projects:

• In a workgroup, a user can open a project from any Avid DS workstation in the workgroup.

• A project can only be opened by one user at a time.

• If you need to work on a sequence within a project that is already open by another user, you can import the sequence and link to media (so that you are still sharing the media). This sequence can later be imported back into the original project.

The Avid Indexing Services

The Avid Media Indexer and the Avid Project Indexer manage your projects and media more efficiently. These services actively monitor and index the storage areas that you’ve defined to allow for improved performance, better sharing of media across a network, and better interaction between Avid DS and an Avid DS RP (remote processing) workstation.

The Media Indexer can manage media of different formats, such as video, audio, source, cache, .gen files (the native Avid DS format), .omf files (the native Symphony and Media Composer format), and .mxf files (industry-standard format that encapsulates media and production metadata into a single file).

Each workstation has its own media indexer which indexes the audio and video storage areas on that workstation. The media indexing service on a workstation contains a list of storage areas that the workstation requires. These storages are accessed and indexed in the order in which they are listed.

Planning your Storage Locations

Actual path to storage area

Workstation Name

In a workgroup, the Project Indexer works with the media indexing service on each workstation and keeps an up-to-date index of the location of all media. So, for example, when the Purge command is executed from any workstation within the Avid DS workgroup, the correct media for the selected project is purged.

The following sections show the different workgroup setups, and explain how your media indexing services should be configured in each situation.

Chapter 7 Managing Your Storage Areas

Workgroup with Private Projects and Storage

This scenario is best used when you do not anticipate much sharing of media between workstations.

Each Avid DS workstation has its own local storage for project files and media.

Non-Avid DS workstation

CONTROLLER

Each workstation indexes

its own media

Controller indexes all

projects in workgroup

CLIENT 1

Avid DS Workstation

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

PROJECTS

MEDIA

PROJECTS

CLIENT 2

Avid DS Workstation

PROJECTS

For each Avid DS workstation, configure a media indexing service with video and/or audio local storage. For example:

• local video storage - d:\videostorage

• local audio storage - f:\audiostorage

If your controller is an RP workstation, you do not need to configure a media indexing service. It just needs permission to access the storage devices on each Avid DS workstation so that it can return processing requests.

Workgroup with Private Projects and Centralized Storage

This configuration is very similar to the one for “Workgroup with Private Projects and Storage” on page 96, except that workstations are using a shared central storage instead of their local storage. If you don’t anticipate much sharing of media, but would like all media for your workgroup to be on one storage device (that is an Avid Unity storage), then use this centralized storage scenario.

Planning your Storage Locations

Should you require sequences or media from any other workstation, you can import the sequence/clip and link to media on that workstation’s Unity workspace. You will also need to change the share permissions on that workspace to access the media.

CONTROLLER

Avid DS RP workstation

Controller indexes all

projects in workgroup

CLIENT 1

Avid DS workstation

Each workstation indexes

its own media on Unity

PROJECT

DATA

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

Avid Unity

MEDIA

CLIENT 1

workspace

MEDIA

CLIENT 2

workspace

PROJECT

DATA

CLIENT 2

Avid DS workstation

If the Avid DS workstations need to share projects and media on a more consistent basis, we recommend that you follow “Workgroup with Shared Projects and Storage” on page 98.

Before configuring the storage areas inside Avid DS, the Avid Unity storage needs to have a workspace for each Avid DS client (An RP workstation does not need a workspace since it processes directly to the Avid DS client workspace). The Avid Unity administrator can limit the permissions for each workspace to the client to which the media belongs.

The RP workstation also needs permission to access the Unity workspaces for each Avid DS workstation (for remote processing requests). For more information, see “Checklist: Installing Avid DS with Avid Unity” on page 107.

For each Avid DS workstation, configure a media indexing service with the client’s audio/video workspaces on Avid Unity.

Chapter 7 Managing Your Storage Areas

• Unity video storage - \\Unity\allocation\workspace_name\videostorage

• Unity audio storage - \\Unity\allocation\workspace_name\audiostorage

Workgroup with Shared Projects and Storage

In this scenario, media storage is also centralized on an Avid Unity storage. Use this scenario if you anticipate that there will be a large need to share projects and media between workstations.

CONTROLLER

Avid DS RP workstation

Controller indexes all

projects in workgroup

CLIENT 1

Avid DS workstation

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

CLIENT 2

Avid DS workstation

Avid Unity

Each workstation indexes

its own media and any

Unity workspaces to which it is connected

PROJECT

DATA

MEDIA

CLIENT 1

workspace

MEDIA

Media

Composer

workspace

Media Composer workstation

MEDIA

CLIENT 2

workspace

MEDIA

Symphony workspace

Symphony workstation

PROJECT

DATA

Configuring your Storage Locations

The Avid DS workstations can also directly access media created on Symphony or Media Composer, and stored on an Avid Unity workspace. For more information, see “Using AFE Files” in the Help.

For each Avid DS workstation, configure a media indexing service with the client’s audio/video workspaces on Avid Unity.

• Unity video storage - \\Unity\allocation\workspace_name\videostorage

• Unity audio storage - \\Unity\allocation\workspace_name\audiostorage

If you need media from another Avid DS client’s workspace, then add a similar storage connection to that client’s media indexing service.

If you need media from another Avid editing system’s (Media Composer or Symphony) storage workspace on Avid Unity, then add a storage connection to its workspace.

• Unity video storage - \\Unity\allocation\workspace_name\foldername

On other Avid editing systems, audio and video are stored in the same folder.

Configuring your Storage Locations

During installation, Avid DS configures a default media storage area on each workstation. After all workstations in your Avid DS workgroup have been set up and installed with the necessary software, you may decide that some storage areas need to be shared by other clients in the workgroup. This configuration of storage areas is done through the Media Storage Configuration tool in Avid DS.

Creating Media Folders on your Storage

Examples of different storage scenarios in a workgroup, and explicit storage configurations for each of these scenarios have been described earlier in “Sharing Storage Areas” on page 93.

If you already have digitized media that you need to capture, or link to, in Avid DS, then you should first organize these source files in separate folders on your storage device.

Chapter 7 Managing Your Storage Areas

For your DPX files:

1. Copy your DPX files onto a fast local storage device connected to your workstation. This allows you to link to the master and still get realtime playback in Avid DS Nitris for any DPX files.

2. Place the files in an appropriate folder under the \VideoStorage folder on the storage device.

D:\VideoStorage\DPX\Commercial\...

For your MXF files:

Avid DS Nitris requires separate storage areas (one for audio and one for video) to create MXF media.

1. Open a Microsoft Explorer window and create the following folders either on your local storage, or on an Avid Unity storage that you are sharing with other Avid systems:

- D:\Avid MediaFiles\VideoStorage

- D:\Avid MediaFiles \AudioStorage

2. Copy your audio files to the \Avid MediaFiles\Audio Storage folder.

3. Copy your video files to the \Avid MediaFiles\Video Storage folder.

100

If you want to share these files with other Avid editing systems, the folders need to be created as workspaces on an Avid Unity—see “Configuring Storages for Sharing MXF Files”in the Help.

For your OMFI files:

t Follow the same structure as for MXF files described above but name your folder OMFI

MediaFiles:

- D:\OMFI MediaFiles\VideoStorage

- D:\OMFI MediaFiles\AudioStorage

For other typical file formats:

t Copy your files to your local storage device.

Place the files in an appropriate folder under the \VideoStorage folder on the storage device.

D:\VideoStorage\AVl\Corporate\...

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