Avid NewsCutter Setup Guide • Part 0130-04395-01 Rev. A • November 1999
2
Contents
Using This Guide
Who Should Use This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
About This Guide
Symbols and Conventions
Using the Help System
If You Need Help
Related Information
If You Have Documentation Comments
How to Order Documentation
Audio Interface Connections
Video Interface Connections
Serial Digital Interface Connections
Connecting the Reference Signal
Controlling a Video Deck
Connecting a V-LAN VLX
Video Local Area Network
General-Purpose Interface
Starting Avid System Test Pro
Quick Start Dialog Box
Understanding the Main Window
Understanding the Avid System Test Preferences Window
Running the Standard Diagnostics Suite
Running the External/User Interaction Diagnostics Suite
External Diagnostics Audio Cabling
External Diagnostics Component Video Cabling
External Diagnostics Composite Video Cabling
External Diagnostics Serial Digital Video Cabling
External Diagnostics S-Video Cabling
Running the External Tests
Cabling the NewsCutter to the Workgroup
Connecting the NewsCutter and Playback Device for Ingest
Setting Up the Playback Device for Ingest
Setting Up the NewsCutter for Ingest
Transferring from the NewsCutter to the Playback Device
Transferring from the Playback Device to the NewsCutter
The Avid
system components. NewsCutter ships with Windows NT
Windows service pack, and the NewsCutter application loaded on the
internal hard drive. You should consult the AvidNotes, distributed with this guide, for any late-breaking information
that might apply to your system setup.
If for any reason the NewsCutter application needs to be reinstalled,
see the release notes for instructions on installing the application. For
instructions on how to install Windows NT, see your Windows NT
documentation.
®
NewsCutter® Setup Guide explains how to set up NewsCutter
Who Should Use This Guide
You should have some prior knowledge of computers before
attempting to install this product. If you are not familiar with
computers, you should obtain qualified help before installing any
hardware or software for this product.
®
4.0,
NewsCutter Release
10
About This Guide
Use this guide when you are connecting the peripherals and cables to
the NewsCutter. After you complete the installation, you might want
to consult this guide if you need to add external drives and video
decks to the NewsCutter system.
After you set up the NewsCutter and connect it to the A vid Meridien
input/output (I/O) box, see the chapter “Running the System
Diagnostics” to verify that your hardware is functioning properly.
Troubleshooting information is also provided to help if you encounter
any problems. To install the optional Meridien serial digital interface
board or to replace a subassembly in the Meridien I/O box, see
Appendix A.
The index helps you locate the information you need.
Symbols and Conventions
The AvidNewsCutter Setup Guide uses the following special symbols
and conventions:
1. Numbered lists, when the order of the items is important.
a. Alphabetical lists, when the order of secondary items is
important.
•Bulleted lists, when the order of the items is unimportant.
™
n
c
-Indented dashed lists, when the order of secondary items is
unimportant.
A note provides important related information, reminders, r ecommendations,
and strong suggestions.
A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to
your computer or cause you to lose data.
11
w
A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm.
Follow the guidelines in this guide or on the unit itself when
handling electrical equipment.
Using the Help System
T o open the Help system, start the NewsCutter application and choose
NewsCutter Help from the Help menu. The Help Topics dialog box
opens. Double-click a book icon in the Help window to display the
topics.
The NewsCutter application also provides context-sensitive Help.
While the NewsCutter window is active, press F1 to display
information about that window or tool. Right-click a screen object in
the NewsCutter application for a shortcut menu. Click What’s This? to
display a description of the screen object.
ToolTips are pop-up labels that appear when the cursor is over any
NewsCutter button. Y ou can turn on or turn of f the ToolTips feature by
choosing Show ToolTips from the Help menu.
If You Need Help
If you are having trouble using NewsCutter, you should:
1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that
task in this guide.
2. Check the documentation that came with your hardware for
maintenance or hardware-related issues.
3. Check the Customer Service and News + Publications sections of
the Avid Web site at www.avid.com for the latest FAQs, Tips &
Techniques, Broadcast Update, and other Avid online offerings.
12
4. Check the Avid Bulletin Board, “Avid Online,” for information on
product and user conferences. If you do not find the solution to
your problem, you can exchange information with other Avid
customers and Avid Customer Support representatives.
5. Contact the local support office in your region.
Related Information
The Help system and the following documents provide more
information about NewsCutter:
•Avid NewsCutter Getting Started Guide
•Avid NewsCutter Release Notes
•Avid Products Collaboration Guide
The most recent update of the Avid Products Collaboration Guide is
available in the Documentation section of the Avid Customer Service
Knowledge Center. To access the Avid Customer Service Knowledge
Center, click the Avid Customer Service link at www.avid.com and
select Knowledge Center.
If You Have Documentation Comments
Avid Technology continuously seeks to improve its documentation.
We value your comments about this guide, the Help, the Online
Publications CD-ROM, and other Avid-supplied documentation.
Simply e-mail your documentation comments to Avid Technology at
TechPubs@avid.com
Please include the title of the document, its part number , revision, and
the specific section you are commenting on in all correspondence.
13
How to Order Documentation
To order additional copies of this documentation from within the
United States, call Avid Telesales at 800-949-AVID (2843). If you are
placing an order from outside the United States, contact your local
Avid representative.
14
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
This chapter introduces the NewsCutter hardware. The introduction
includes an overview of the system and a list of the standard and
optional components.
The NewsCutter is a computer with an Avid peripheral board set that
lets you digitally record and compress high-quality audio and video
analog or digital signals to disk. This disk-based, nonlinear, random
access system is designed for editing news stories and other broadcast
needs.
The peripheral board set, referred to as the TARGA
fits into a full-length PCI slot and supports full-screen, full-motion
National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) video at 60 fields
per second or Phase Alternating Line (PAL) video at 50 fields per
second.
The Windows NT operating system and the Windows service pack
come preinstalled in the NewsCutter . Unpack the har dware (monitors,
Meridien I/O box, application key, and media storage) and connect
the components, as described in the following chapters. After you
connect all the hardware, install the NewsCutter application as
described in the Avid NewsCutter Release Notes.
15
®
2000 board set,
A User Interface (UI) monitor displays the user interface, including the
Timeline and bins. A customer-supplied Playback monitor displays
media the system is playing or recording. The Avid Meridien I/O box
is the interface for all the audio and video, input and output
connections.
n
If you have purchased the optional serial digital board for the Avid Meridien
I/O box, see Appendix A for installation instructions.
When the system is recording, it stores the audio and video media data
in digital format on a MediaDrive. The system plays back the digital
media from the drives.
NewsCutter System Features
The NewsCutter minimum system requirements include the hardwar e
listed in Table 1-1.
16
Table 1-1NewsCutter Features
EquipmentDescription
NewsCutter
Hard drive
Deskside computer system with optional rack-mount kit
Internal hard drive (see the manufacturer’s
documentation for details)
CD-ROM
Internal CD-ROM reader (see the manufacturer’s
documentation for details)
Floppy drive
Expansion slots
Internal 3.5-inch
PCI and ISA slots (see the manufacturer’s documentation
for details)
Keyboard
PS/2-style (with color-coded keycaps, branded with
icons, and linked to commands in the NewsCutter
application)
Mouse
Operating system
Small Computer
System Interface
PS/2-style
Microsoft
®
Windows NT 4.0 with service pack
A fast and wide external SCSI connector provided for
external MediaDrives
Avid and Truevision® designed board set, used to
interface with the Avid Meridien I/O box
MonitorColor VGA monitor that displays the user interface;
1024 x 768 pixels capability
Meridien I/O box Interface for the NewsCutter; provides industry-standard
input and output connectors for broadcast video and
audio
17
Table 1-2 lists the NewsCutter optional or additional equipment that
is purchased separately.
Table 1-2Optional Equipment
EquipmentDescription
Playback monitor Displays incoming video when recording. Also displays
playback material during the edit session.
MediaDrivesIndividual external A vid MediaDrive rS enclosures linked
in a SCSI chain. These drives are audio and video certified
with a 15-inch (38-centimeter [cm]) cable. The MediaDrive
rS enclosures can be rack-mounted or stacked on top of
each other.
MediaDock
™
An enclosure that houses up to eight 3.5-inch drives or up
to four 5.25-inch drives. The chassis can stand alone or be
rack mounted. Drives slide into slots and plug into a SCSI
bus in the chassis.
Video sourceA video deck or satellite feed can be used for recording
material to the NewsCutter. Recorded media can then be
transferred from the NewsCutter back to videotape.
Audio amplifier
and two speakers
®
V-LAN
VLXi®If a deck does not support Sony® direct serial protocol,
Hardware for monitoring audio. (An amplifier is not
required if the speakers are powered.)
control may be possible via V -LAN VLXi hardware, which
includes a transmitter and appropriate receivers.
General-purpose
interface (GPI)
(optional)
Timecode
(customersupplied house
or master clock)
Black burst
generator
Triggers external hardware to play or create effects,
generate characters, or create other special video effects
using a parallel control interface.
The timecode is used to synchronize all the input data to a
common clock time. The timecode is connected to the
Meridien I/O box, video decks, audio, and external
devices.
A stable video reference source is required for
synchronizing the system.
18
Meridien I/O Box Indicators
The Meridien I/O box provides six indicators along with a power
switch on the front of the box (see Figure 1-1
Meridien I/O box, the indicators will turn on and off as it goes
through its power-on self-test (POST). After the POST, the 48 kHz and
POWER indicators remain on.
44.1 kHzAUDIO SYNCPULL DOWN
). When you turn on the
44.1 kHz
48 kHz
48 kHzVIDEO SYNCPOWER
AUDIO SYNC
VIDEO SYNC
PULL DOWN
POWER
Figure 1-1Meridien I/O Box Indicators
Table 1-3
lists the indicator functions.
Table 1-3Meridien I/O Box Indicator Functions
IndicatorFunction
44.1 kHz
c
48 kHzThe 48 kHz indicator is on when 48 kHz digital audio is
The 44.1 kHz indicator is on when 44.1 kHz digital audio
is connected to the Meridien I/O box.
Do not use 44.1-kHz digital audio. The NewsCutter
accepts and outputs only 48 kHz.
AUDIO SYNCThe audio synchronized indicator is on when audio is
detected by the Meridien I/O box.
VIDEO SYNCThe video synchronized indicator is on when video is
detected by the Meridien I/O box.
PULL DOWN
POWERThe power indicator is on when the Meridien I/O box
The pulldown indicator is on when performing a telecine
film-to-tape transfer whereby 24-fps film material is
adapted to the 30-fps NTSC videotape format. Extra
pulldown fields are eliminated to achieve true 24-fps film
editing.
This function is not used in the NewsCutter.
n
power switch is in the on (I) position.
Example System Layout
Before you start to connect and install equipment for NewsCutter, set
up your system components, especially monitors and keyboards, in
positions that allow you easy access to them.
20
The sample layout in Figure 1-2 shows a fully configured NewsCutter
system, including a UI monitor, Playback monitor, video deck, Avid
Meridien I/O box, MediaDock, speakers, and amplifier.
Video deck
SpeakerUI monitor
Keyboard
Playback monitor
Speaker
Mouse
Amplifier
VLX
SCSI IDSCSI ID
Slots
Act
Wide
Dualbus
Fans
Pwr 2Pwr 2
Pwr 1Pwr 1
Figure 1-2Sample NewsCutter Layout
Checking the Installation Materials
When you purchase Avid NewsCutter, you should receive the
following items in the package. Make sure you have everything before
you start.
V-LAN VLXi
PULL DOWN
44.1 kHz
AUDIO SYNC
kHz
POWER
48
VIDEO SYNC
O
Meridien I/O box
l
O
l
NewsCutter
MediaDock
•NewsCutter system
A computer with specific peripheral boards for recording, editing,
and playing back clips. Included with the computer is a keyboard
and mouse. An optional rack-slide rail kit is available for
mounting the NewsCutter in a rack.
21
•NewsCutter application key
This copy-protection device (also called a dongle) attaches to the
parallel port on your computer. A parallel printer can be
connected to the application key if a local printer is desired.
•Meridien I/O box
In a separate package, you will find a Meridien I/O box that
connects to the NewsCutter. The Meridien I/O box provides the
video and audio interface connectors for the system.
•Audio and video cables
The TARGA 2000 board set includes a VGA interconnect (loop-
through) cable and a Meridien digital media cable that connects
the NewsCutter to the Avid Meridien I/O box.
•Serial adapter (Rosetta Stone)
A serial adapter is included for remote video deck control through
COM1 of the NewsCutter. The adapter converts the NewsCutter
RS-232 signals to RS-422.
•NewsCutter CD-ROMs (2)
One CD-ROM contains the NewsCutter application. The
NewsCutter ships from Avid with the application already loaded
on the system. If you ever need to reinstall the application, see the
Avid NewsCutter Release Notes for instructions.
The second CD-ROM provides you with a copy of the NewsCutter
application context-sensitive Help and an online version of the
printed documentation (in PDF format).
•NewsCutter documentation:
-Avid NewsCutter Setup Guide (this guide)
-Avid NewsCutter Getting Started Guide
-Avid NewsCutter Release Notes
-Avid NewsCutter Help
22
Other items you need to supply:
•XLR cables for audio connections
•Speaker wire (or cables) to connect speakers
•Broadcast-quality BNC cables for connecting video devices
•Flat-tip and #2 Phillips-head screwdrivers should be available for
component installation, setup, or attaching an optional rackmount kit to NewsCutter
•Wrist strap (recommended for grounding when handling circuit
boards)
Rack-Mounting Kits
If you have purchased an optional rack-mount kit for the NewsCutter,
install the kit before making any connections to the NewsCutter. A
stationary rail is attached to each side of the NewsCutter and the
sliding rails are attached to the rack. The NewsCutter typically
requires five rack units. Detailed instructions for attaching the rails are
included with the kit.
The Meridien I/O box also comes with two rack-mount brackets.
Allow three rack units for the Meridien I/O box in the rack.
23
Bracket
To attach the brackets to your Meridien I/O box:
1. Locate the two brackets and four screws that come with the
Meridien I/O box.
2. Position one of the brackets so that the two holes in the bracket
line up with the holes in the side of the Meridien I/O box (see
Figure 1-3
).
3. Secure the bracket with the screws provided.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the other side.
Meridien I/O box
Figure 1-3Meridien I/O Box
24
CHAPTER 2
Setting Up the NewsCutter
System
This chapter provides instructions for connecting the keyboard,
mouse, application key, UI monitor, and Avid Meridien I/O box to the
NewsCutter. These instruction use generic illustrations representing
the type of connector found on the back of the NewsCutter. For the
exact connector locations, see the documentation that is provided by
the computer manufacturer.
Install the NewsCutter into your rack before you connect any cables
(see Chapter 1 for more rack-mounting information).
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse
The NewsCutter uses industry-standard PS/2-style keyboard and
mouse input devices.
25
To connect your keyboard and mouse:
1. Plug the keyboard and mouse cables into the PS/2-style
connectors on the back of the NewsCutter (see Figure 2-1
The PS/2-style connectors have keyboard and mouse icons beside
the connectors or are color coded.
).
n
PS/2 connector
Use PS/2-style extension cables with the keyboard and mouse when the
NewsCutter is rack-mounted.
Figure 2-1Keyboard and Mouse Connection
Installing the Application Key
The application key (also called a dongle) is a copy-protection device.
Without the application key, the NewsCutter application will not run.
KeyboardMouse
To install the application key:
1. Plug the application key into the parallel port on the back of your
NewsCutter (see Figure 2-2
2. Secure the application key to the connector with the attached
screws.
26
).
c
Parallel port connector
Do not overtighten the application key screws.
Application key
Figure 2-2Application Key Connection
n
A local parallel printer can still be used even though the application key is
connected to the parallel port. The application key allows the printer signals
to pass to and from the printer.
Connecting the VGA Interconnect Cable
The video graphics array (VGA) interconnect cable has three
connectors. This cable is used to carry the video output from your
computer’s VGA board to the TARGA 2000 video board. The VGA
interconnect cable also connects to your VGA monitor cable (that
comes with your monitor).
27
TARGA 2000 label
To connect to your VGA monitor:
1. Locate the VGA interconnect cable (also known as a VGA “loop-
through” cable), labeled CA-206.
VGA label
Monitor label
Figure 2-3VGA Interconnect Cable
2. Connect the 15-pin male connector (labeled TARGA 2000) to the
VGA connector on the TARGA 2000 video board (see Figure 2-4
3. Continuing with the VGA interconnect cable, connect the 15-pin
male connector (labeled VGA) to the VGA connector on the
standard video board.
).
28
VGA connector on the
TARGA 2000 video board
VGA connector on the
standard video board
Monitor cable
Figure 2-4VGA Interconnect Cable Connections
4. Connect the 15-pin female connector (labeled Monitor) to the VGA
monitor cable (provided with the monitor).
n
Use a VGA-style extension cable with the UI monitor when the NewsCutter
is rack-mounted.
5. Make sure that the other 15-pin end of the VGA monitor cable is
connected to the back of the monitor . (For more information, check
the documentation that comes with your monitor.)
29
Connecting NewsCutter to the Meridien I/O Box
All audio and video interfacing with the NewsCutter is done through
a Meridien digital media cable. This Meridien digital media cable
connects the Meridien I/O box to the NewsCutter. The Meridien I/O
box is designed to provide a convenient way to attach many cables to
the NewsCutter system.
To attach the cable:
1. Locate the Meridien digital media cable. This 6-foot (1.8-meter)
cable ships with the NewsCutter.
n
c
An optional 50-foot cable can be ordered from Avid.
2. Plug one end of the Meridien digital media cable into the
connector labeled SYSTEM IN/OUT on the Meridien I/O box.
Tighten the screws on the cable to secure it in place (see
Figure 2-5
Do not overtighten the digital media cable screws.
3. Attach the other end of the system Meridien digital media cable to
the TARGA 2000 video board M port connector on the
NewsCutter. Tighten the screws on the cable to secure it in place
(see Figure 2-5
).
).
30
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