Pinnacle Systems iNews - 1.4 Installation Manual

iNEWS

™

Newsroom Computer System

Prep, Install, and Upgrade Manual

Version 1.4

iNEWS™

This manual is copyrighted © 2000 by iNEWS™ , a division of Avid Technology, Inc. (hereafter “iNEWS”), with all rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. All iNews products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and price change privileges reserved.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agr eement and is protected under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries.

U.S. GOVERNMENT USERS RESTRICTED RIGHTS: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restriction as set forth in subparagraph (b)(2) of the Technical Data and Computer Software-Commercial items clause at DFARS

252.211-7015, or in subparagraph (c)(2) of the Commercial Computer Software-Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19, as applicable.

Avid and iNEWS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. and/ or iNews. Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, MS, MS-DOS, Win 32, Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows NT Server, and the Windows operating system logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States of America and other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Group. All other trademarks and registered trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

iNEWS 6400 Enterprise Lane Madison, Wisconsin 53719 USA Tel: +1-608-274-8686 Fax: +1-608-273-5876

iNEWS Intec 1 Wade Road Basingstoke Hants RG24 8NE UK Tel: +44 1256 814300 Fax: +44 1256 814700

iNEWS Unit 6 2 Eden Park Drive North Ryde NSW 2113 AUSTRALIA Tel: +61 2 8877 6880 Fax: +61 2 8877 6881

iNEWS Tegel Forum Breitenbachstraße 10 Berlin 13509 GERMANY Tel: +49 30 5900993 0 Fax: +49 30 5900993 24

iNews NRCS Prep, Install, and Upgrade Manual Document # 0130-01500 March 14, 2001 Printed in the United States of America

(BBL)

iii

Contents

Preface

Who Should Use This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

Sections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Structure of Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Cross References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Keyboard Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii

Console Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii

If You Need Help…. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

…In Performing a System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

…With the Syntax of Console Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

…With UNIX, or Specific Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Other Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

iNews Newsroom Computer System Documentation . . . . . . . . xvi

Broadcast Control System Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

Other Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

If You Have Documentation Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

Section I Site Requirements & Hardware Preparation Chapter 1 System Overview and Site Preparation

NRCS Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Customer-Supplied Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

NRCS Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Console Multiplexor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Uninterruptible Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Peripheral Controller Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Ethernet Hub. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

Patch Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Station Network and Workstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Connectors and Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

9-Pin Serial Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-9

25-Pin Serial Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

iNEWS-Supplied Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

DigiBoard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Site Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Space Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Wire and Source Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Printing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Site Preparation Check List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Chapter 2 Installing Hardware

Connecting the UPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Setting up the Console Multiplexor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

DigiBoard Configuration for Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Configuring the DigiBoard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Installing the DigiBoard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Cabling the NRCS Servers to the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Cabling the Modem to the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Installing the Console Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Modifying the Console Configuration File. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Modifying the Autoexecutable Batch file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Configuring the NRCS Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15

Temporary Monitor and Keyboard Connections . . . . . . . 2-15

Reminders for Setting Up Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Connecting NRCS Servers to the Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Setting up a PC-PCU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Pre-Installation PC Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Network Card Installation and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

DigiBoard Configuration for PC-PCU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

PC/4 DigiBoard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

PC/8 DigiBoard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23

Installing the PC-PCU Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25

NRCS Server Configuration for PC-PCUs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27

PCU Kit Boot Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28

PC-PCU Kit Installation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30

Section II Software Installation & Upgrades Chapter 3 New SCO/SGI Installation

Assumptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Before You Begin the Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Installing NRCS at New Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Upgrade Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

Upgrade Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

For the SCO system only: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Installation Verification Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42

Functions to Test from NRCS Workstations and VTs . . . . 3-43

Functions to Test from the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44

Chapter 4 NRCS Client Installation

Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Using the Download Executable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Installing from the CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Installing from a Floppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

Installing from a Shared Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Using the Setup Executable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Installing from the CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

Installing from Floppy Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

Unattended Client Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

NRCS Silent Install Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Chapter 5 Upgrades on Existing Servers

Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Before You Begin the Installation Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Upgrading on Existing Servers... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Preparing Site for Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Preparation Details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Locate boot media: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Upgrade Preparation Timeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

Upgrading the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Upgrade Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Upgrade Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

Update FTS Components: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18

Post-Update Summary: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18

Upgrade Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Alternative Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

To mount the CD on a SCO system:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-25

To mount the CD on an SGI system: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Update system operator password on SCO system. . . 5-27

Update system operator password on SGI system . . . 5-28

For the SGI system only:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40

8-bit Character Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45

Using the Auto-Upgrade Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-53

Installing From Installation CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-54

To install from floppy diskettes: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-55

To install from a network share:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-55

Using software distribution packages:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-56

Update FTS Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-62

Alternative Reindexing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-68

Post-Upgrade Tasks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-70

Backing Up Existing System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-71

Backing Up the Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-71

Installation Verification Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-72

Functions to Test from NRCS Workstations and VTs. . . . . . . . 5-73

Functions to Test from the Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-74

Section III Reference Materials Appendix A PC-PCU Kit Information

Developers Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

ARP Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Minimum Hardware Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

Example Files: config.sys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Other Brands of Serial Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Contents of Boot PROMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

Switch Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11

Booting a Windows 95 PC to DOS Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Install.bat Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Examples of PCU Entries in Site Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18

/site/config. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

/etc/hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

/etc/bootptab (Ultrix systems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

/etc/bootptab (IRIX systems) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

/etc/bootptab (SCO Unix systems). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

/etc/inetd.conf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

/etc/services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

vii

Appendix B 8-bit Character Systems

Arabic and Eastern European Sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

/exc/.profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

/site/dict/shift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

viii

Glossary Index

Reader’s Comments

Preface

This installation manual provides information on how to prepare a site and install the iNews Newsroom Computer System (NRCS), consisting of:

•A console

• One or more servers

• Various clients, such as an NRCS Workstation and printer

It also provides minimum hardware and software requirements as well as information for sites that are upgrading to NRCS version 1.4, with either new or current servers.

Who Should Use This Manual

This manual is written for informa tion systems technicians, network administrators, or any other customer personnel responsible for purchasing the equipment, preparing a site for installation, and connecting NRCS to the network. This manual provides requirements and specifications for your system in the following areas:

• Environmental

• Minimum hardware and software components

• Electrical

• Installation and upgrade procedures

Use this manual to prepare for and set up your system on the network, after you have purchased the NRCS components according to iNews requirements and specifications. Before installing any equipment, the site must alr eady have a configu red network.

It is strongly recommended that system administrators have prior experience in or classroom knowledge of UNIX and doing the installation, you should work closely with iNews Customer Support personnel.

About This Manual

This manual provides information in the following format:

Sections

• Section I, Site Preparation and Hardwar e Re quirem ents, has: information about preparing a site for NRCS installation; hardware components for the NRCS console, servers, PCUs, and clients; data on cabling and connector pin assignments; and a site preparation checklist. It contains Chapters 1-2.

• Section II, Software Installation/Upgrade, has: a prior to installation overview; software requir ements; new installation proce dures on SCO/SGI servers and Windows

dures on existing servers; and verification checklists. It contains Chapters 3-5.

system administ ration . In pr eparin g for

-based clients; upgrade proce-

Preface

• Section III, System References has various data, such as non-English system information and a glossary of terminology. It contains Appendices A-B, the Glossary, Index, and the Reader’s Comments form.

Symbols and Conventions

This manual uses the following special symbols and conventions:

Structure of Text

1. Numbered lists, when the order of the primary items is important. a. Alphabetical lists, when the order of secondary items is

important or in the case of optional procedures.

• Bulleted lists, when the order of primary items is unimportant.

- Indented dashed lists, when the order of secondary items is unimportant.

Look here in the margin for tips and environment-specific information.

Cross References

In the margin you will find tips that help you perform tasks more easily and efficiently. You will also find information specific to a particular operating environment.

A note provides important related information, reminders, recommendations, and strong suggestions.

A caution means that a specific action you take could harm your computer or cause you to lose data.

Cross references are provided throughout this manual to give readers locations where additional—sometimes more detailed—information on a certain topic can be found. In some cases, the chapter name and number is provided. In most cases, a two-part page number is given along with the name of a section header. The first number in the page number is actually the chapter number.

For instance: See “Site Preparation Check List” on page 1-17 for more information.

Symbols and Conventions

xii

See “About This Manual” on page -x for more information on what chapters are in which sections of this manual.

In this example, information on how to prepare a site for your installation can be found on page 1-17 in Chapter 1 of this manual. Chapters are numbered consecutively; page number restart at one in each chapter. Section numerals are not provided in cross references. So, a cross reference that shows page 5-3, for instance, indicates that the information is in Chapter 5.

Keyboard Conventions

•CTRL-x means to press and hold down the Control key and then press another key on the keyboard, represented here by x. This is also used for other key-combinations such as ALT-x or Shift -x.

• “Type” in a command procedure means to type the command on the command line and then “press” the Enter key.

• “Select” means to choose an operation on a drop-down or pop-up menu.

• “Click” means to click the left mouse button, usually in response to a dialog box. “Right-click” means to click the right mouse button.

Console Conventions

Commands that you enter at the console, console screen displays, and console prompts are pr esented in a typewriter-style typeface called Courier:

• Commands that you need to type are in Bold Courier. For example, if you are instructed to type a console command, the instructions may appear as follows:

Type so at the login: prompt to log in as system operator.

Preface

xiii

• System messages or output to the console screen is in plain

Courier, such as the following display: NRCS-A: list s T11 miller A T23 stevens A T82 allen B

The following is an example of a combina tion display with a console command you must type and subsequent messages and feedback from the system:

NRCS-A: print 1 cat /site/config story for printer (1) in texfid (55833)

Lengthy console displays may be edited to emphasize only the most important information. An ellipsis (...) represents portions of the console display not shown in the text.

The console can display each server’s prompt based on the system ID (typically a station’s call letters) and the server’s computer name (typically a single alphabet, such as A, B, or C). Examples in this manual use a fictional station and system ID, NRCS. For instance, the following is the NRCS console prompt for a system operator on server A:

The iNews Newsroom Computer System was formerly known as Avstar NRCS.

NRCS-A:

There is another console prompt that appears whenever the user is logged in as a superuser:

NRCS-A#

Whenever the superuser console prompt—ending in a pound sign (#)—is shown in this manual, you must be logged in as a superuser to use the command. For more information on logging in as system operator and superuser, see Chapter 3 of the Newsr oom Comp uter System Operations Manual.

Unless otherwise noted, server A is the “master computer.” In some cases, this manual used the term “host computer,” which refers to each server on which the NRCS Server software is installed.

Symbols and Conventions

xiv

If You Need Help…

…In Perf ormi ng a System Opera tion

If you are having trouble performing a system operation, you should:

1. Repeat the procedure, carefully following the instructions provided for the task in this guide.

2. Refer to the documentation included with your hardware to review the maintenance procedures or the hardware-related issues.

3. Check the Support section of iNews’ We b site at

http://www.inewsroom.com for online technical publications and additional telephone support phone numbers.

4. Check iNews’ Web Bulletin Board, at http://support.inewsroom.com/~avstar for information about product and user conferences. If you do not find the answer to your question, you can exchange information with other iNews customers and iNews Customer Support representatives.

Preface

5. Maintenance Agreement contract customers can contact iNews’ Customer Support personnel at any of these 24-hour global telephone numbers:

• 1 800 547 8949 in the USA and Canada

• 1 800 869 7009 in the Americas

• 44 1256 814222 in Europe, Africa, and Mid-East

• 61 2 8877 6880 in Asia/Pacific Or online:

•e-mail support@inewsroom.com

• http://www.inewsroom.com/support/phone.html

(All products, except Newsview™)

…With th e Syntax of Console Commands

If you are at the console, and are unsure about the function of a console command, use the help command.

To view instructions about using a command, type help followed by the name of the command. For instance, type help dbvisit for an explanation of the dbvisit command. The following data appears:

dbvisit -<d or v> -{r or m name] -[s] [block# ...]

‘r’ for read only ‘s’ for “slow” to eliminate cache usage ‘m’ for machine name to disconnect

Because of the margin limitations of this manual, console command lines may appear wrapped to multiple lines. This does not neces sarily indicate the need to press an Enter key. Unless otherwise indi c ated, console commands should be typed on a single line, allowing the comput er to wrap the text whenev er the command line stretches beyond the screen margin.

…With UNIX, or Specific Devices

Your best source for more detailed information about UNIX® is the UNIX documentation for your operating system. Any UNIX features not mentioned in this manual are not supported in the iNews system.

For more information about any device connected to your iNews system, refer to the documentation included with the device.

For more information about ed, the UNIX line editor, which is used to edit various iNews system files, see Chapter 10 of the Newsroom Com- puter System Opera t io n s Man u a l.

If You Need Help…

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If You Have Documentation Comments

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Preface

SECTION I

Site Requirements & Hardware Preparation

This section introduces the iNews Newsroom Computer System and provides details on hardware and site preparation issues. The section consists of the following chapters:

• Chapter 1, System Overview and Site Preparation

• Chapter 2, Installing Hardwar e

CHAPTER 1 System Overview and Site Preparation

This chapter introduces you to the iNews Newsroom Computer System, its required components, and site preparation specifications. It contains the following major sections:

•NRCS Components

- Customer-Supplied Components

- iNEWS-Supplied Components

• Site Requirements

• Site Preparation Check List

1-2

NRCS Components

The iNews Newsroom Computer System consists of the NRCS Workstation (INWS) and NRCS Server components. All components work together as an integrated system and provide journalists, producers, and news directors with an array of digital tools for producing and monitoring shows.

Journalists sitting at NRCS Workstations can simultaneously monitor news wires, work on stories, scan archives, and access an array of online information sources. NRCS Workstations in your newsroom are linked together via a network so they can share information. When the NRCS Server receives new information, such as additions or changes to stories, it is immediately available to all newsroom personnel. Mail and messaging capabilities make group communication fast and efficient.

From their individual workstations, producers and news directors can plan a show and view the progress o f a predefin ed rundown. They can also create rundowns and display timing information for programs. Color highlights on the works tation screen show critical status information, such as overrun, unapproved, and video-ready segments, making it easy to determine the status of the show.

Authorized users can log in and access the story database using any standard Web browser. Users can also publish news stories directly to a Web server in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) with a single command.

NRCS Servers manage all the day-to-day activities of the newsroom. System administrators can create forms-based displays and customize rundowns specific to their newsrooms. The system features a fully mirrored database for immediate cut-over in the event of a system failure.

NRCS operates on industry-standard technologies, including Win-

95, Windows® 98, W indow s NT®, and Windo ws® 2000 personal

dows

System Overview and Site Preparation

1-3

computers (PCs), Intel® and Silicon Graphics® servers, and TCP/IP Internet network ing protocols.

Figure 1-1 shows a close-up of standard NRCS components. Mirrored NRCS Servers, controlled by the console multiplexor, are the core of

the newsroom computer system. The Ethe rnet™ hub, patch pane l, and PC-based Peripheral Controller Unit (PC-PCU) are components used to communicate with the users and devices through the network.

Console multiplexor with Internal DigiBoard Installed

External Modem

LINK STATUS

Industrystandard Rack

Patch Panel

Keyboard

Mirrored NRCS Servers

Figure 1-1 NRCS Layout

For the latest information on hardware specifications for and features of

NRCS can be obtained through the iNews Web site at:

http://www.inewsroom.com/products/ncs/ncs_specs.html.

Customer-Supplied Components

The following sections describe the customer-supplied components that make up the iNews Newsroom Computer System. Most are hardware components typically purchased from a third party vendor.

Ethernet Hubs

PC-PCUs (8 Serial Ports Each)

NRCS Components

1-4

NRCS Servers

Console Multiplexor

However, some items can be obtained through iNews. For more information, contact your iNews Sales Representative.

The NRCS Server consists of at least two servers that fully mirror the database for immediate cut over in the event of a server failure. Adding a third mirrored NRCS Server increases the client-load capacity. Depending on the server, the number of clients varies.

The NRCS Server stores the database and text created by users at NRCS W orkstations (clients).

The console multiplexor is typically located in the computer room near the NRCS Servers and is used by the system administrator to command and control the servers. The console multiplexor is a low-end computer that needs only the Microsoft system (MS-DOS) installed (version 6.22 or higher).

disk operating

The customer is responsible for supplying a con sole multiplexor computer for NRCS Servers. The console requires the components specified in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 Console Multiplexor Requirements

Device Minimum Require ment

CPU 66-MHz, 486 processor

Memory 8 MB of RAM

Hard drive

System Overview and Site Preparation

500-MB IDE ha rd drive

The 500-MB hard drive is more than enough to

run DOS and the simple console application.

1-5

Table 1-1 Console Multiplexor Requirements (Continued)

Device Minimum Require ment

Diskette drive 3.5-inch diskette drive; reads and writes to

1.44-MB diskettes

Operating system MS-DOS

Monitor Compatible monitor

DigiBoard* Required for the mirrored NRCS Server connec-

tions

Software* multiplexor application; runs in DOS

* Supplied by iNews.

Version 6.22

The console cannot be used to run the client software as an NRCS Workstation. Commands can be sent either to a single server or to all the mirrored servers at the same time.

Modem

Besides allowing the system administrato r to enter commands to NRCS Servers, the console multiplexor also displays status and error messages from NRCS Servers. These messages are recorded in log files.

The console software, in conjunction with an external modem, allows the station staff and iNews Customer Support personnel to remotely control, diagnose, and troubleshoot server and database problems.

The console multiplexor require s an external modem for r emote acce ss to NRCS Servers. The modem uses an analog telephone line. In addition to the dedicated phone line for the modem, the console operator or system administrator should also have a telephone situated near the console so it can be accessed while consulting with iNews Customer Service personnel.

NRCS Components

1-6

Uninterruptible Power Supply

Surge protection and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) are essential for NRCS. If the servers lose power even for a moment, the entire system will stop functioning. There must be one Alternating Current (AC) connector for each NRCS Server and each PC-PCU power supply. The circuit must have a dedicated circuit breaker and an isolated ground.

Most systems are designed to work with single-phase (three-wire) power cord with a grounded neutral conductor. To reduce the risk of electric shock, always plug the cord into a grounded power outlet.

For best performance, keep all system power connections on the same power feed distribution panel. Do not connect fans, lamps, coffee pots, or other equipment to the same outlet that is powering the NRCS equipment.

Peripheral Controller Unit

The PC-based Peripheral Controller Unit (PC-PCU) is a low-end com- puter connected between a server and one or more serial devices such as terminals, printers, and wire services. The PC-PCU relieves the server of routine communication with the devices.

Each PC-PCU provides up to eight serial device connections.

Ethernet Hub

The Ethernet hub routes data between the clients and the server. Ethernet hubs have multiple, 8-pin, RJ-45 connectors (as shown) that connect all of the network devices.

System Overview and Site Preparation

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Patch Panel

RJ-45 cable connectors and jacks are used with Category 5 UTP cables. “RJ” means Registered Jack and “45” specifies the pin numbering scheme. The connector is attached to the cable, and the jack accommodates the connector. The RJ-45 is commonly used for a network connection at the wall, the network interface board in the computer, or the Ethernet hub.

A 10Base-T Ethernet hub is acceptable for NRCS Workstations, but the 100Base-T hub is preferred. The PC-PCU will work only on a 10 Mbs connection. Typically, status LEDs on the hub show valid connections or network activity.

A patch panel is used as a junction box where all of the incoming connections from the workstations and network devices are centralized in the computer room. This is where the incoming connections access the system. Patch panels allow yo u to reconfigure and diagnose the system with minimal effort; failed computer components can easily be bypassed.

The system administrator should keep a log of each device connected to the patch panel.

The customer is responsible for running the cable from the computer room to the location of each serial device.

Station Network and Workstations

iNews Newsroom Computer Systems are designed to work over industry-standard Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN), using standard TCP/IP networking protocols. Workstations and PC-PCUs can operate over routers in a WAN environment.

The system can coexist with other industry-standard protocols, but some components, such as PC-PCUs, must be isolated from protocols such as IPX and NetBIOS. Typically, two network cards are installed on the servers and a separate, closed network for the servers and PC-PCUs is set up.

NRCS Components

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Workstations belonging to the newsroom staff (journalists, editors, assignment managers, and producers) should already be part of the

station’s network. NRCS Workstations require components specified in Table 1-2.

Table 1-2 Workstation Requirements

Device Minimum Requirement

CPU 200-MHz Pentium with PCI Bus

Memory

32 MB of RAM for Windows 95, 98, and ME 64 MB of RAM for Windows NT and 2000

NRCS v1.4 is approv ed for W indows M E; NRCS

v1.3 is not. Windows 95 will no longer be fully supported for NRCS v1.4.

Hard drive 1-GB enhanced integrated device electronics

(EIDE) hard drive If Windows NT is the operating system use NTFS

format

Diskette drive 3.5-inch diskette drive; reads and writes to

1.44-MB diskettes

Operating system Windows 95, 98, ME, Windows NT and 2000

Monitor SVGA color monitor (17-inch recommended)

Video board SVGA-compatible video board with 2MB of

VRAM. Must support:

• 1024 x 768 resolution

•256 colors

System Overview and Site Preparation

Table 1-2 Workstation Requirements (Continued)

Device Minimum Requirement

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Network board

Once the NRCS server software is running on the network servers,

install the NRCS client software on the staff ’s existing desktop computers to convert them into NRCS Workstations. Additional workstations can be added or removed at anytime, in compliance with licensing restrictions. Contact your iNews Sales Representative for more information.

Connectors and Pin Assignments

The following sections provide the industry-standard pin assignments for connectors that might be used in connecting the iNews Newsroom Computer System.

9-Pin Serial Connectors

The standard pin configuration for a 9-pin serial connector is shown in Figure 1-2.

TCP/IP-compatible 10 Mbs network board; required for network and server connections.

While a 10 Mbs board is the minim um require-

ment, a 100Mbs board is recommended.

Figure 1-2 9-Pin Serial Connector

NRCS Components

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Figure 1-3 and Table 1-3 show pin assignments for the 9-pin serial connector used with iNews Newsroom Computer Systems.

Figure 1-3 9-Pin Assignment

Not all serial devices use every signal.

Table 1-3 9-Pin Serial Connector Pin Assignments

Pin Signal

1 Data Carrier Detect (DCD) 2 Receive Data (RxD) 3 Transmit Data (TxD) 4 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) 5 Signal Ground (GND) 6 Data Set Ready ( DSR) 7 Request to Send (RTS) 8 Clear to Send (CTS) 9 Ring Indicator (RI)

25-Pin Serial Connectors

The PC-PCU panel provides up to eight serial connectors. The con sole multiplexor DigiBoard

System Overview and Site Preparation

provides four 25-pin serial connectors.

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