iNEWSCommandICG

m a k e m a n a g e m ove | m e d i a ™ Avid ®

Avid® iNEWS® Command™

Installation and Configuration Guide

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Copyright and DisclaimerProduct specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Avid Technology, Inc.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement. You can obtain a copy of that license by visiting Avid's Web site at www.avid.com. The terms of that license are also available in the product in the same directory as the software. The software may not be reverse assembled and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.

Avid products or portions thereof are protected by one or more of the following United States Patents: 4,746,994; 4,970,663; 5,045,940; 5,267,351; 5,309,528; 5,355,450; 5,396,594; 5,440,348; 5,452,378; 5,467,288; 5,513,375; 5,528,310; 5,557,423; 5,577,190; 5,583,496; 5,584,006; 5,627,765; 5,640,601; 5,644,364; 5,654,737; 5,715,018; 5,719,570; 5,724,605; 5,726,717; 5,729,673; 5,745,637; 5,752,029; 5,754,851; 5,799,150; 5,812,216; 5,828,678; 5,842,014; 5,852,435; 5,999,406; 6,038,573; 6,061,758; 6,141,007; 6,211,869; 6,532,043; 6,546,190; 6,596,031; 6,636,869; 6,747,705; 6,763,523; 6,766,357; 6,813,622; 6,847,373; D352,278; D372,478; D373,778; D392,267; D392,268; D392,269; D395,291; D396,853; D398,912. Other patents are pending.

This document is protected under copyright law. An authorized licensee of Avid iNEWS Command may reproduce this publication for the licensee’s own use in learning how to use the software. This document may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes, such as selling copies of this document or providing support or educational services to others. This document is supplied as a guide for Avid iNEWS Command. Reasonable care has been taken in preparing the information it contains. However, this document may contain omissions, technical inaccuracies, or typographical errors. Avid Technology, Inc. does not accept responsibility of any kind for customers’ losses due to the use of this document. Product specifications are subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2007 Avid Technology, Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved.

The following disclaimer is required by Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics, Inc. for the use of their TIFF library:Copyright © 1988–1997 Sam Leffler Copyright © 1991–1997 Silicon Graphics, Inc.

Permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell this software [i.e., the TIFF library] and its documentation for any purpose is hereby granted without fee, provided that (i) the above copyright notices and this permission notice appear in all copies of the software and related documentation, and (ii) the names of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics may not be used in any advertising or publicity relating to the software without the specific, prior written permission of Sam Leffler and Silicon Graphics.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS-IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SAM LEFFLER OR SILICON GRAPHICS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER RESULTING FROM LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER OR NOT ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE, AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.

The following disclaimer is required by the Independent JPEG Group:Portions of this software are based on work of the Independent JPEG Group.

The following disclaimer is required by Paradigm Matrix:Portions of this software licensed from Paradigm Matrix.

The following disclaimer is required by Ray Sauers Associates, Inc.:“Install-It” is licensed from Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. End-User is prohibited from taking any action to derive a source code equivalent of “Install-It,” including by reverse assembly or reverse compilation, Ray Sauers Associates, Inc. shall in no event be liable for any damages resulting from reseller’s failure to perform reseller’s obligation; or any damages arising from use or operation of reseller’s products or the software; or any other damages, including but not limited to, incidental, direct, indirect, special or consequential Damages including lost profits, or damages resulting from loss of use or inability to use reseller’s products or the software for any reason including copyright or patent infringement, or lost data, even if Ray Sauers Associates has been advised, knew or should have known of the possibility of such damages.

The following disclaimer is required by Videomedia, Inc.:“Videomedia, Inc. makes no warranties whatsoever, either express or implied, regarding this product, including warranties with respect to its merchantability or its fitness for any particular purpose.”

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“This software contains V-LAN ver. 3.0 Command Protocols which communicate with V-LAN ver. 3.0 products developed by Videomedia, Inc. and V-LAN ver. 3.0 compatible products developed by third parties under license from Videomedia, Inc. Use of this software will allow “frame accurate” editing control of applicable videotape recorder decks, videodisc recorders/players and the like.”

The following disclaimer is required by Altura Software, Inc. for the use of its Mac2Win software and Sample Source Code:©1993–1998 Altura Software, Inc.

Attn. Government User(s). Restricted Rights LegendU.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.

Trademarks888 I/O, Adrenaline, AirPlay, AirSPACE, AirSPACE HD, AirSpeed, AniMatte, AudioSuite, AudioVision, AutoSync, Avid, Avid DNA, Avid DNxcel, Avid DNxHD, AVIDdrive, AVIDdrive Towers, Avid ISIS, Avid Learning Excellerator, Avid Liquid, Avid Mojo, AvidNet, AvidNetwork, AVIDstripe, Avid Unity, Avid Unity ISIS, Avid Xpress, AVoption, AVX, CamCutter, ChromaCurve, ChromaWheel, DAE, Dazzle, Deko, DekoCast, D-Fi, D-fx, DigiDelivery, Digidesign, Digidesign Audio Engine, Digidesign Intelligent Noise Reduction, DigiDrive, Digital Nonlinear Accelerator, DigiTranslator, DINR, DNxchange, do more, D-Verb, Equinox, ExpertRender, Face Robot, FieldPak, Film Composer, FilmScribe, FluidMotion, HIIP, HyperSPACE, HyperSPACE HDCAM, IllusionFX, Image Independence, iNEWS, iNEWS ControlAir, Instinct, Intraframe, iS9, iS18, iS23, iS36, LaunchPad, Lightning, Lo-Fi, Magic Mask, make manage move | media, Marquee, Matador, Maxim, MCXpress, Media Browse, Media Composer, MediaDock, MediaDock Shuttle, Media Fusion, Media Illusion, MediaLog, Media Reader, Media Recorder, MEDIArray, MediaShare, MediaStream, Meridien, MetaSync, MissionControl, NaturalMatch, Nearchive, NetReview, NewsCutter, Nitris, OMF, OMF Interchange, OMM, Open Media Framework, Open Media Management, PCTV, Pinnacle MediaSuite, Pinnacle Studio, Pinnacle Systems, ProEncode, Pro Tools, QuietDrive, Recti-Fi, RetroLoop, rS9, rS18, Sci-Fi, SecureProductionEnvironment, Show Center, Softimage, Sound Designer II, SPACE, SPACEShift, SpectraGraph, SpectraMatte, SteadyGlide, Symphony, TARGA, Thunder, Trilligent, UnityRAID, Vari-Fi, Video RAID, Video Slave Driver, VideoSPACE, and Xdeck are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Adobe and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Apple and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

FootageArizona Images — KNTV Production — Courtesy of Granite Broadcasting, Inc., Editor/Producer Bryan Foote.Canyonlands — Courtesy of the National Park Service/Department of the Interior.Tornados + Belle Isle footage — Courtesy of KWTV News 9.WCAU Fire Story — Courtesy of NBC-10, Philadelphia, PA.Women in Sports – Paragliding — Courtesy of Legendary Entertainment, Inc.

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 iNEWS Command v1.0 Installation and Configuration Guide • 0130-07792-02 Rev. A • June 2007

http://www.avid.com/footage

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Contents

Using This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Who Should Use This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

If You Need Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

How to Order Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Avid Educational Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chapter 1 Installing and Configuring the Command Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Checklist: Before you Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Checklist: Command Server Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Disabling Windows Media Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Installing Avid Interplay Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Configuring the iNEWS Command Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Configuring the System Administration Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Configuring the Time Synchronization Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Configuring the AirSpeed Device Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Configuring the Lookup Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Configuring the System Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Installing the Licensing Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Configuring the Licensing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Adding the Demo or Temporary Command License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Generate an Activation File for a Full Command License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Add the Permanent Command License. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Chapter 2 Installing the Command Workstation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Checklist: Installing the Command Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44


Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Workstation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Setting up Device Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Setting up Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Chapter 3 Installing and Configuring the Deko. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

System Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Checklist: Installing the Deko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71


Installing Command Deko Device Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Installing the DekoMOS Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Connecting the Net HASP Dongle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Installing the DekoMOS Gateway and Net HASP Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Confirming the NetHASP License Manager Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Installing the DekoMOS Macro Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Checklist: Configuring the Deko . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Configuring the DekoMOS Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Configuring the DekoMOS Macro Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Configuring Styles on the DekoMOS Macro Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Configuring the Deko Device Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Creating Graphic Environments in Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Chapter 4 Installing and Configuring the Thunder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Checklist: Installing and Configuring the Thunder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Installing Avid Interplay Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Installing Command Thunder Device Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Configuring the Thunder Device Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Configuring the Thunder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Creating the ThunderMOS.cfg File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Chapter 5 Integrating with Avid iNEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Editing the SYSTEM.MAP Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Editing the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Setting up the Plug-ins in iNEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Installing and Configuring Avid Thunder Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

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Installing and Configuring Avid Deko Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Configuring Gateway Settings from an ini File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Monitor Servers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Creating a Monitor Server for Each Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Queue Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Chapter 6 Configuring Playout Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Understanding Playout Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Disabling a Command Workstation’s Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Checklist: Setting up an X-keys USB Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Installing an X-keys USB Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Mapping Indices to Channel Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Programming the X-keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Assigning Channel-Specific Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Checklist: Setting up the GPI Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Configuring the GPI Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Restarting the GPI Device Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Mapping GPI Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Enabling the GPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Chapter 7 Integrating with ENPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Configuring ENPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

MOS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Chapter 8 Confirming Functionality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Monitoring System Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Viewing Status of Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Confirming Command Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Testing Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

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Using This Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of your Avid iNEWS Command system.

Avid iNEWS Command offers a considerable amount of functionality for the state-of-the-art newsroom, including newsroom system integration and playout control. With Command, newsroom personnel can easily create and manage playlists.

This publication provides information on how to use the Command system.

n The documentation describes the standard features of a basic system configuration. Therefore, your system might contain certain features and hardware that are not covered in the documentation.

Who Should Use This Guide

This guide is written for system administrators and various technical personnel responsible for installing and configuring the Command system in a broadcast newsroom. This guide is intended for advanced users.

It is strongly recommended that system users have prior experience in or classroom knowledge of Windows-based operating systems and networking.

About This Guide

This guide leads you through even the most complex procedures with task-oriented instructions, illustrated for a more realistic presentation of the actual icons and images you encounter. The information provides basic user procedures, while adding a complete explanation of all the tools and techniques required to create, apply, and adjust various settings, including useful tips, shortcuts, and custom options.

The Contents lists all topics included in the book. They are presented with the following overall structure:

• The Introduction helps you get oriented with beginning concepts and general workflow and provides valuable pointers to keep in the back of your mind as you proceed.

Using This Guide

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• The main body of the guide follows the natural flow of your work, with clear and comprehensive step-by-step procedures.

• Finally, a detailed Index helps you quickly locate specific topics.

This guide provides instruction for your system in the following areas:

• An overview of system architecture, services, and workflow

• Various installation and configuration procedures for iNEWS Command as well as other systems and devices with which it interfaces

Before installing any equipment or software, the site must already have a configured network.

Symbols and Conventions

Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:

Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action

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

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

w A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm. Follow the guidelines in this document or on the unit itself when handling electrical equipment.

> This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the order you select them. For example, File > Import means to open the File menu and then select the Import command.

t This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a list indicate that you perform one of the actions listed.

Italic font Italic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables.

Courier Bold font Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.

Ctrl+key or mouse action Press and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the mouse action. For example, Ctrl+drag or Ctrl+S. This also applies to Alt and Shift keys.

If You Need Help

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If You Need HelpIf you are having trouble using the Avid iNEWS Command 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 for the latest information in one of two locations:

- If release notes are available, they ship with your application.

- If ReadMe files are available, they are supplied in your Avid application folder.

n Release notes and ReadMe files are also available on the Avid Knowledge Base.

3. Check any printed documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for maintenance or hardware-related issues.

4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/onlinesupport. Online services are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find answers, to view error messages, to access troubleshooting tips, to download updates, and to read/join online message-board discussions.

5. For Technical Support, call 800-800-AVID (800-800-2843).

For Broadcast On-Air Sites and Call Letter Stations, call800-NEWSDNG (800-639-7364).

n For the latest product information, see the Avid Knowledge Base:www.avid.com/onlinesupport

How to Order Documentation

To order additional copies of any Avid documentation from within the United States, call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843). If you are placing an order from outside the United States, contact your local Avid representative.

Avid Educational Services

For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, visit www.avid.com/training or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843).

http://www.avid.com/onlinesupport

http://www.avid.com/support

http://www.avid.com/training

Using This Guide

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Chapter 1

Installing and Configuring the Command Server

Avid iNEWS Command is a device automation system that integrates with any iNEWS or MOS-enabled newsroom computer system (NRCS) and provides broadcasters precise control over a range of playout devices, including video servers, still stores, and character generators in a broadcast news environment. Backup services and mirrored playout make this system reliable while the user interface allows you to control multiple production devices. Avid iNEWS Command also works with Avid Interplay Framework applications and services to ensure you always have the best system performance.

This chapter contains the following main sections:

• System Architecture

• Checklist: Before you Begin

• Checklist: Command Server Installation

• Disabling Windows Media Sense

• Installing Avid Interplay Framework

• Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Server

• Configuring the iNEWS Command Server

• Installing the Licensing Service

1 Installing and Configuring the Command Server

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System Architecture

The basic iNEWS Command system is comprised of servers that run a variety of Command services, workstations that run the client software, and devices, such as Avid AirSpeed video servers, Thunder production servers, and Deko graphics systems.

Avid iNEWS Command is scalable and can adapt to work in traditional newsroom-based playlist creation to production-centric workflows where running orders are created inside the iNEWS Command playback application. All of the services can run on a single computer, or they can be spread out across multiple computers with redundant services configured as backups to take control if any or all of the primary services should become unavailable.

An example of a basic Command system architecture is shown in the following illustration:

Avid recommends having all primary Command services on one designated primary server with the backup services running on other backup servers. Command determines primary and backup roles based on the length of time the service has been running. The server that has been running longer is the primary. Therefore, to get all primary services on one server, it is necessary to start the primary server first; when all services have started, start the backup servers. This is the only way to ensure all services on the primary server take on the primary role, which allows for more consistent behavior during times when redundancy is needed, and it helps simplify any necessary troubleshooting efforts.

Checklist: Before you Begin

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Checklist: Before you Begin

Before you start to install software and configure the Command Server(s), ensure the following tasks are completed.

Other Interplay products, such as Instinct, Assist, and Access use Avid Interplay Framework. Avid iNEWS Command also uses Interplay Framework; however, the two versions may not compatible. Consult with Avid Customer Support to determine Avid Interplay Framework compatibility when other Interplay products are installed in the same workgroup. It might be necessary to:

! Tasks

" Assign a static IP address to each server.

" If the server has dual network cards, you must disable the unused connection.

" The Avid Interplay Framework relies heavily on DNS name resolution to discover and communicate with Avid Interplay Framework and Command services.

" Establish the DNS server and ensure all computers with Command services or applications are entered in the DNS table with reverse lookup enabled.

" Avoid the use of host files.

" Make sure that your TCP/IP settings have the correct primary and alternate DNS addresses.

! Tasks

" Use a separate workgroup for the Command system.

" Install Command on separate machines that run Interplay Framework compatible with Command.


16

Checklist: Command Server Installation

Determine which computer or computers will serve as iNEWS Command Servers and, if installing on a redundant system, decide which one will run the primary services; you should install on the primary server first, then the backup server(s).

On the Command Server, complete the following tasks in the order that they are listed. If you are viewing this checklist online, you can easily link to a topic that provides procedural details for the task. Return to this main checklist after you have completed each task.

! Tasks Refer to...

" Disable Windows Media Sense. “Disabling Windows Media Sense” on page 17

" Install Avid Interplay Framework. “Installing Avid Interplay Framework” on page 17

" Install Avid iNEWS Command. “Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Server” on page 23

" Install the Licensing service. “Installing the Licensing Service” on page 33

" Configure the Command Server. “Configuring the iNEWS Command Server” on page 26

" Set the system administrator password. “Configuring the System Administration Password” on page 27

" Configure the Time Synchronization service. “Configuring the Time Synchronization Service” on page 28

" Configure the AirSpeed device services. “Configuring the AirSpeed Device Services” on page 29

" Configure the Lookup tab in Workgroup Properties.

“Configuring the Lookup Tab” on page 29

" Configure the system name. “Configuring the System Name” on page 31

" Configure the Licensing service. “Configuring the Licensing Service” on page 36

Disabling Windows Media Sense

17

Disabling Windows Media Sense

Windows Media Sense must be disabled for Interplay Framework to function correctly.

To disable Windows Media Sense:

1. On the Command Server, start Registry Editor.

2. Locate the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters

3. Add the following registry enter to the Parameters subkey:

Name: DisableDHCPMediaSense

Data type: REG_DWORD (Boolean)

Value: 1

n This entry controls the behavior of Media Sensing. By default, Media Sensing events trigger a DHCP client to take an action. For example, when a connect event occurs, the client tries to obtain a lease. When a disconnect event occurs, the client might invalidate the interface and routes. If you set this value to 1, DHCP and non-DHCP clients ignore Media Sensing events.

4. Restart the computer.

Installing Avid Interplay Framework

Avid Interplay Framework consists of applications and services which provide dynamic discovery and lookup mechanisms, a scalable notification system, a centralized configuration tool, diagnostic logging for workgroup-enabled applications and services, system health monitoring, and so on. Some of the services are known collectively as Support services. The Support services are viewed, monitored, and configured using the Interplay Framework applications. Those most vital to iNEWS Command are:

Major Services Description Server Workstation

Core Components These services run behind the scenes and are required for any computer or device running any service in the Avid Interplay environment.

! !

Avid Lookup Service This service enables communication between all Command and Interplay services running in the workgroup. Without it, there is no communication between services. At least two should be installed in a workgroup.

!


18

Each computer (server and workstation) running Avid iNEWS Command software requires at least the core components of Interplay Framework and must be able to connect to a computer running the Avid Lookup service.

To install the Interplay Framework Software:

1. Insert the Avid iNEWS Command installation CD.

2. Double-click the program: install_interplayframework.exe.

The Introduction window opens.

3. Click Next.

The Select Country window opens.

System Configuration This service sets the configuration settings for all configurable services. The Avid Interplay Service Configuration application is used to enter configuration information that the System Configuration service will carry out and set in the registry. Without it, the workgroup cannot function. At least two should be installed in a workgroup.

!

Major Services Description (Continued) Server Workstation


19

4. Select the country in which the software is being installed.

The License Agreement window opens.

5. Read the license, then accept the license agreement, and click Next.

n If a previous version of Interplay Framework is detected, some additional dialog boxes will appear to conduct an uninstall before continuing with the current installation.


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6. When the Choose Install Folder window opens, do one of the following:

t Click Change to designate an install directory, and then click Next.

t Accept the default location by clicking Next.

7. When the Choose Shortcut folder window opens, accept the default values and click Next.

The Join a Workgroup window opens.

You can either create a new workgroup or join an existing one. If you are creating a new workgroup, make a note regarding the workgroup name so that it can be entered during other Avid Interplay Framework installations. You must use the same workgroup name on all Interplay clients that are connected in your Command architecture. The workgroup name is case sensitive.

8. Enter the name of your Workgroup and click Next.

c If you are updating the Interplay Framework software, the installer remembers the last installed value. If the workgroup name was changed after the install, the installer will not be aware of the change.


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The Choose Install Set window opens.

9. Select the appropriate components from the Install Set list. On the Command Server, you must ensure Core Components, Lookup Service, and System Configuration are selected. For more information see the table on page 17.

The following table includes additional applications and services that should also be installed on the server—since they do not take up any overhead and are useful in troubleshooting situations.

Applications and Services

Description

Configuration Utility This selection installs the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application, which is used to configure settings and host names for Interplay and Command services in the workgroup. For instance, configuring the Command system to work with a GPI panel requires defining certain parameters through the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application. Avid recommends installing this application on the Command Server.


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The following table describes some minor services that are generally considered optional. If concerned about overhead, you should not install these minor services.

10. Click Next and follow the installation instructions to complete the installation.

n You might be required to restart your system to complete the installation.

After installation, verify that the services are running on each computer where Interplay Framework services were installed.

Health Viewer This selection installs the Avid Interplay Health Monitor application, which allows you to see the status of Command and Interplay services health statistics throughout the workgroup. Avid recommends installing this application on the Command Server.

Diagnostic Log Viewer This selection installs the Avid Interplay Diagnostics application, which is used to view Avid log files (.aif) when troubleshooting. Avid recommends installing this application on the Command Server.

Machine Monitor This service reports machine information to the Health Monitor, including disk, memory, and network status. You can also monitor specific services on that local machine. Avid recommends installing this service on the Command Server.

Time Synchronization This service should be configured to synchronize the PC clocks of machines in the workgroup.

Applications and Services

Description (Continued)

Minor Services Description

Multicast Repeater This service is required when a workgroup must span subnets or domains. It is seldom installed on the Command Server.

Email Alerter This service sends a notification email if one of the services in the workgroup has a warning or critical status. It is seldom installed on the Command Server.

SNMP Gateway This service provides an interface to send health monitoring information to industry standard SNMP manager applications. It is seldom installed on the Command Server.

Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Server

23

Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the ServerTo install the software on a Command Server:

1. Insert the Command installation CD (or access the install program from the network).

The InstallShield Wizard starts and displays the Welcome screen.

2. Click Next. The License Agreement appears.

3. Read the License Agreement, accept the terms, and click Next.

n You can print the terms if you want to read them later or keep a copy for your records. If you do not accept the terms, the installation program will not continue.


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The Destination Folder dialog box opens.

4. Do one of the following:



The Options dialog box opens.

Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Server

25

5. Select Server Installation and click Next.

6. The Custom Setup dialog box appears with the default services selected for a server installation. However, you can modify the selections to customize your installation. To learn more about a service, click any service listed and view a Feature Description provided along the right side of the dialog box.

n By default, two Avid AirSpeed Device Services are installed as part of the Server Installation set. If more are needed, you can add them by clicking the plus [+] and selecting more.

Click here to expand and select more Avid AirSpeed Device Services if more than two are needed.


26

Although not selected by default with a server installation, Avid does recommend installing the Avid iNEWS Command Workstation software on the server as well, because it can be useful in some troubleshooting situations.

n If installing Avid iNEWS Command to interface with a MOS-based newsroom computer system, such as ENPS, you must select the Avid MOS Communication Service and deselect Avid iNEWS Communication Service.

7. Click Next.

8. When the Ready to Install the Program dialog box appears, click Install.

9. When the installation is complete, click Finish.

n To verify that installed services are running, you must use the Avid Interplay Framework Workgroup Properties application.

Configuring the iNEWS Command Server

After installation, come configuration is required on each iNEWS Command Server. This section covers defining the password for system administrators, configuring the system name, and some services—such as the Time Synchronization and AirSpeed device services.


27

Configuring the System Administration Password

Modifying system settings in Avid iNEWS Command requires an administrator password (if set), which is configured through the Service Configuration application of Avid Interplay Framework.

To change or set up the system administration password:

1. Click the Start button, and then select All Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid Interplay Service Configuration.

2. On the Hosts tab, navigate to and select the Avid System Configuration Service.

3. Select the Administrator Password tab.

4. Type in an alpha-numeric password and retype it.

5. Click Apply.

n Click the Reset button to restore to password to the default “blank” password.


28

Configuring the Time Synchronization Service

To configure the Time Synchronization service:


2. On the Hosts tab, navigate to and select the Avid Time Synchronization Service.

3. When prompted, enter the system administrator password and click OK. If you have not yet created one, leave the space blank and click OK.

4. Select the Master Mode check box.

5. Select the Get Time Sync reference from an NTP Server check box and enter the name of that server on your system.

6. Click Apply.

n After you configure the Time Synchronization service on the primary Command Server, you will need to install the service on all other Command Servers, workstations and devices, which will be in Slave Mode by default.


29

Configuring the AirSpeed Device Services

After any device service is installed for Avid AirSpeed video servers, some additional configuration is required, using the Avid Interplay Service Configuration and Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties applications of Avid Interplay Framework. For more information, see the Avid Interplay Framework User’s Guide.

To configure the AirSpeed device services:


2. On the Hosts tab, navigate to and select the AirSpeed Device Service.


4. On the Device Settings tab, enter the device name or IP address for the respective device.

5. Click Apply. You can then close the Avid Interplay Service Configurationapplication.

6. Click the Start button, and then select All Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties.

7. Click the Advanced button.

8. After the Avid Interplay Services dialog box opens, select the device, then stop and restart it.

Configuring the Lookup Tab

If setting up redundant systems that are in different subnets, you must add both server names to the Lookup tab in Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties. The following procedure should be completed on both the primary and backup Command Servers.

To configure the Lookup tab:


2. On the Lookup tab, click the Add button under the Workgroup section.


30

The Add Workgroup dialog box will open on top of the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties window, as shown:

3. Enter the name of the workgroup and click OK. It will appear in the Workgroup section of the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties window.

4. Click the Add button under the Lookup services section (above the Apply button).


31

The Add Lookup Service dialog box will open.

5. Enter the full domain name of the server, such as: cmdsvr1.avidbroadcast.com.

6. Leave the port setting as is.

7. Select the Expected check box.

8. Click OK.

9. Repeat steps 4 - 8 to add another Command Server.

10. Click OK on the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties window.

11. Click Yes, when prompted to restart all services.

Configuring the System Name

Multiple Avid iNEWS Command systems can belong to the same Avid Interplay workgroup. If you have a single Command system in an Avid Interplay workgroup, you can use the default system name, which is set to command, all letters lower-cased. If two or more systems are in the same workgroup, each of the Command systems must have a unique name.

n For Command version 1.0.1 or later, do not edit the XML file as described in this section. Instead, configure names via system aliases in the Command system settings.


32

Should you need to use a different name for the Command system, you must edit the commandsystemname.xml file, which by default is installed in the following location:

C:\Program Files\Avid\iNEWS Command

To change the system name:

1. Open the commandsystemname.xml file in Notepad.

The text in the file will appear as shown:

2. Change the word (shown highlighted in the graphic) located between the tags: <NAME> </NAME> to whatever you want to use for the system name.

c Do not change anything else in the XML file.

3. Select File > Save.

4. Close all workstation sessions and restart all Command and Avid Interplay Framework services throughout the environment.

Command system names other than the default will appear in the status bar of the iNEWS Command user interface.

Installing the Licensing Service

33


The Licensing service manages the site licenses for Command Workstations as well as CG and video devices that interface with the Command system.

This service must be installed on the computer running the Command Server software, but is not necessary on any other computer. Two instances of this service can be installed for redundancy.

To install the Licensing service:

1. Insert the Command installation CD in the Command Server’s CD-ROM drive (or access the program from the network).

2. Navigate to and run the Avid_Licensing_Setup.exe install program.

A splash graphic will appear briefly as the installer prepares the InstallShield Wizard. Then the Welcome dialog box appears.

3. Click Next.


34

The Destination Folder dialog box appears.


t Accept the default location for the destination folder by clicking Next.

t Click the Change button to select a different location, then click Next.

The Ready to Install the Program dialog box appears.


35

5. Click Install.

A new dialog box will appear indicating the progress of the install.

6. When the InstallShield Wizard Completed dialog box appears, click Finish.


36

Configuring the Licensing Service

After installing the service, some configuration is required, using the Avid Interplay Framework Service Configuration application. This application should already be installed on a PC on the same network, but might not necessarily be installed on the same computer as the Command Server software or the Licensing service.

Configuring the Avid Licensing service is a three step process:

• Adding the Demo or Temporary Command License

• Generate an Activation File for a Full Command License

• Add the Permanent Command License

Adding the Demo or Temporary Command License

To get you started with Avid iNEWS Command, Avid provides you with a Command demo or temporary (temp) license to use until your get your full Command license.

To add the demo or temp license:

1. Save the license file to My Documents on the Command Server.

2. Open the the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application.

3. On the Hosts tab, navigate to and select the Avid Licensing Service.

4. Click the Add License File button.

5. In the Add Licenses dialog box, select the demo license file and click Add Licenses.


37

Your license file information will appear.

6. Click Apply.


38

Generate an Activation File for a Full Command License

To generate an activation file:

1. Open the Avid Interplay Framework Service Configuration application.



4. On the Allow Unrestricted Security dialog, click Yes.

5. Click the Generate Activation File button.


39

6. Review and edit the required information, as well as contact information, if necessary. You can also add comments.

n Do not remove any information that is already supplied in the fields.

7. Click the Generate Activation File button to create the .act file and select where you want to save it on your PC.

8. E-mail that file to your respective Avid manufacturing site. Ensure the subject line of the e-mail contains your site name and Command Activation File.

Add the Permanent Command License

To activate the full license:

1. When you receive your permanent .lic file from Avid, save it to My Documents on the Command Server.

2. Open the the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application.



5. On the Allow Unrestricted Security dialog, click Yes.

6. On the Licensing Configuration tab, select all of the existing demo licenses.


40

7. Click the Delete Selected Licenses button.

8. Click Apply.

9. Click the Add License File button.

The Add Licenses dialog box appears.

10. Select the full Command license file, and click Add Licenses.


41

Your licensing configuration details will appear.

11. Click Apply.

12. Restart the Avid Licensing service.

n To verify that an installed service is running, you must use the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties application.


42

Chapter 2

Installing the Command Workstation

The Avid iNEWS Command user interface allows you to control multiple production devices from a single workstation running the client software.


• Checklist: Installing the Command Workstation


• Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Workstation

• Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties

• Setting up Device Channels

• Setting up Groups

2 Installing the Command Workstation

44

Checklist: Installing the Command Workstation

Complete the following tasks in the order that they are listed. If you are viewing this checklist online, you can easily access a linked topic that provides procedural details for the task. Return to this main checklist after you have completed each task.


Each computer and device running Avid iNEWS Command software requires at least the core components of Interplay Framework and must be able to connect to a computer running the Avid Lookup service.


1. Insert the Avid iNEWS Command installation CD in the computer’s CD-ROM drive.


! Tasks Refer to...

" Install the core components of Avid Interplay Framework on the Thunder.

“Installing Avid Interplay Framework” on page 44

" Install Avid iNEWS Command. “Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Workstation” on page 49

" Configure Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties. “Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties” on page 53

" Map the actual channels for the various production devices, such as Deko character generators or AirSpeed video servers, to names.

“Setting up Device Channels” on page 55

" Create channel groups. “Setting up Groups” on page 58


45


3. Click Next.




46









47






48


9. Select the following components from the Install Set list:

- Core Components

- Configuration Utility

- Diagnostic Log Viewer

- Health Viewer

- Machine Monitor

- Time Synchronization Service

For more information on these components, see the tables on page 44 and page 21.




Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Workstation

49


This section provides the standard procedure for installing the Command software on a Windows-based computer—Windows XP SP2 or Windows Server 2003—designated as a Command Workstation.

To install the software on a Command Workstation:







50






51


5. Select Workstation Only and click Next.

6. The Custom Setup dialog box appears with the default services selected for installation of client software. However, you can modify the selections to customize your installation. To learn more about a service, click any service listed and view a Feature Description provided along the right side of the dialog box.


52

n The Help button opens a dialog box that provides descriptions of the various install states available for a custom installation as indicated by the icons. The Space button opens a dialog box that provides information on whether the computer’s destination drive has enough disk space available to install the current selection of features.

7. Click Next.

Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties

53



After the installation, if you need to alter the system name from the default, which is command, see the procedure provided in “Configuring the System Name” on page 31.


If the Command Workstation is in a different subnet than the Command Servers, you must add the server names to the Lookup tab in Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties on the workstation.

To configure Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties:




54


3. Enter the name of the workgroup.

4. Click OK. The name you entered will appear in the Workgroup section of the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties window.


Setting up Device Channels

55

The Add Lookup Service dialog box will open on top of the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties window, as shown:

6. Enter the full domain name of the server running the Lookup service, such as: cmdsvr1.avidbroadcast.com.



9. Click OK.

10. Repeat steps 5 - 9 to add another server running the Lookup service.




Avid iNEWS Command enables system administrators to map actual channels from a device, such as an Avid Deko or AirSpeed video server to a name of your choosing. This name can then be used to create channel groups or assign channel-specific actions to keys on a USB keypad at the Command Workstation.


56

For more information on channel groups, see “Setting up Groups” on page 58. Also, see “Mapping Indices to Channel Names” on page 140 and “Assigning Channel-Specific Actions” on page 143 for more information on assigning channel-specific actions to keypad keys.

To map device channels to names:

1. Log in to a Command Workstation.

2. Select Tools > System Settings. The System Settings dialog box appears.

3. Expand Channel.

4. Select Device Channels.


57

5. Click Add.

6. Enter the channel’s name, which can be any alpha-numeric character(s), based on the following guidelines:

7. Select the name and type of the device from the lists. The device name is the host name for the device, such as deko3000. If it does not appear in the list, you must enter it.

8. Select the channel, using the Channel index spinbox.

Device Type Channel Index Channel Name Description

n All channel names within a single device type must be unique.

Deko 0 1 Avid Deko devices begin channel designations at zero (0); however, the name of the first channel can be one.Deko 1 2

n Both channel names for a Deko must be numeric to match the channel selection available through the Deko Select plug-in inside of the iNEWS newsroom computer system.

AirSpeed 2 A AirSpeed video servers begin channel designations at one (1); however, the first channel is reserved for video ingest. So the first available channel for playout or browse purposes would be channel 2.

AirSpeed 3 B

Thunder 1 aPlay Avid Thunder begins channel designations at one (1). The channel names must be in the following format: aPlay, bPlay, cPlay, 1, 2...8, or pgm (for program).

Thunder 2 bPlay

n Avid recommends against using numeric names for the Thunder to avoid confusion with channel names for any Avid Deko device.


58

9. Enter any notes you want, which can help identify the device should future alterations be necessary.

10. Click OK.

11. Repeat steps 5 through 10 for each device channel, as needed.

12. Click Apply (if you want the System Settings dialog box to remain open after settings are applied) or OK. The system will prompt you for the administrator password.

13. Enter the administrator password and click OK.

Until this procedure is completed, device channels cannot be added to a channel group.

Setting up Groups

A channel group is a cluster configured with one or more device channels composed from compatible video servers or character generators. Many channel groups can be created from the same pool of resources, and different groups can use the same resources to serve different operational needs.

n Each channel group must contain a single “type” of device. For instance, a channel group called AS is a grouping of channels from two or more AirSpeed video servers, while a different channel group named CG is a grouping of channels on a Deko character generator.

AirSpeed channels provide one of the best examples of the way in which channel groups provide control configurations; they do not guarantee media availability, which is the role of the AirSpeed studio configuration. For example, a station has two AirSpeed video servers, each with two channels that are numbered 2 and 3. (With AirSpeed video servers, the first

Setting up Groups

59

channel is reserved for ingest.) Let’s call the first AirSpeed AS1 and the second AS2. With channel groups on Command, the station’s system administrator can set up numerous different channel groups and call them anything, such as:

The following graphic shows a more visual example of how multiple channel groups can be created from the same four AirSpeed video server channels.

The first group shows a single channel group configured to create four playback channels called A, B, C, and D. The next set shows two groups, representing control rooms, with two playback channels each. Alternatively, the groups can be created from any combination of

Channel Group Channel Names Actual Device Channels Channel Type

AS-Noon A

B

C

AS1 - channel 2

AS1 - channel 3

AS2 - channel 2

Playout

Playout

Browse

AS-5PM A

B

C

D

AS1 - channel 2

AS1 - channel 3

AS2 - channel 2

AS2 - channel 3

Playout

Playout

Playout

Playout

AS-10PM A

C

B

D

AS1 - channel 2

AS2 - channel 2

AS1 - channel 3

AS2 - channel 3

Playout

Mirrored

Playout

Mirrored


60

channels and used to support simultaneous two-channel playout from two control rooms sharing the same resources. The last set shows four channel groups, each controlling a single channel.

The following graphic shows a more visual example of how channel groups are used to mirror playout for redundancy.

The first group creates a two channel playout solution with both channels mirrored on a secondary video server for maximum reliability. Whenever a video clip is cued and played on either of the primary channels, the same clip is also cued and played on the corresponding mirror channels. The other two groups depict single channel solutions with redundancy.

All of these channel groups can exist at the same time, although they cannot necessarily all be on air simultaneously.

Channels must be created before they can be assigned to channel groups. For more information on how to create channels, see “Setting up Device Channels” on page 55.

n The first eight (8) characters of a channel group’s name must be unique to match the eight-character device name in the iNEWS newsroom computer system. For instance, a channel group name in Command that is ASNoonMirrored will appear as ASNoonMi in iNEWS.

Setting up Groups

61

System administrators can create channel groups via the System Settings dialog box.

To create channel groups:


2. Expand Channel.

3. Select Groups.

4. Click Add.


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The Add New Channel Group to Playlist dialog box opens.

5. Enter the name of the new channel group and any notes you want. Names of channel groups can be upper or lowercased and contain any alpha-numeric character. Avoid using spaces in, before, or after the name.

6. Click Add to add a channel to the group.

n If channels have not been created, they cannot be assigned to channel groups; therefore, the Add button will be disabled if no channels exist in the system. For more information on how to create channels, see “Setting up Device Channels” on page 55.

Setting up Groups

63

7. In the Channel Detail section, select the following:

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 as needed. You can use the Up and Down buttons to rearrange the order of channels in the group.

9. Click OK. This will close the Add New Channel Group to Playlist dialog box. The new channel group will appear in the System Settings dialog box.



c Until the Apply or OK button is clicked and administrator password supplied, the channel group(s) are not created.

Channel Detail Description

Channel Type Select the appropriate channel type, based on:

Standard - This is the channel type selected for playout.

Browse - This is the channel type selected for changing In and Out points of pre-existing clips for preview or editing purposes only. This does not apply to playout operations.

Hotswap - This is the channel type selected for emergency backup channel assignment.

Primary Select the channel designated as the primary playout channel for the device.

Mirrored (Optional) If mirrored playout is to be used, select the device’s channel designated for mirrored playout.

Preview (Optional) Select which device channel to use for displaying the headframe of the next media event in the playlist.


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To edit a channel group:


2. Expand Channel.

3. Select Groups.

4. Select the channel group from the list on the right.

5. Click Edit.

Setting up Groups

65

The Edit Channel Group dialog box appears.

6. You can rename the channel group, add notes, rearrange the order of channels by using the Up and Down buttons, add or delete channels, or alter the channel details for each channel in the group.

7. After editing the channel group, click OK.



66


c Until the Apply or OK button is clicked and administrator password supplied, the changes in the system settings are not saved.

To delete a channel group:


2. Expand Channel.

3. Select Groups.

4. Select the channel group from the list on the right.

5. Click Delete.

Setting up Groups

67



c Until the Apply or OK button is clicked and administrator password supplied, the channel group(s) are not deleted from the system settings.


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Chapter 3

Installing and Configuring the Deko

The Avid iNEWS Command user interface allows you to control multiple production devices, such as Deko character generators. For the interface to work, however, some software installation and configuration is required.


• System Architecture

• Checklist: Installing the Deko


• Installing Command Deko Device Service

• Installing the DekoMOS Macro Server

• Installing the DekoMOS Gateway

• Checklist: Configuring the Deko

• Configuring the DekoMOS Gateway

• Configuring the DekoMOS Macro Server


• Configuring the Deko Device Service

• Creating Graphic Environments in Command

3 Installing and Configuring the Deko

70

System Architecture

Understanding the relationship of Avid iNEWS Command to other aspects of the newsroom environment, such as Avid Deko systems, is helpful.

Your newsroom computer system such as Avid iNEWS (or ENPS) organizes the newsroom.

There is two-way communication between the iNEWS Server and other workstations running the iNEWS and iNEWS Command client software in regard to production and management of playlists. Each iNEWS Workstation can have the Deko Select plug-in, functioning as part of the user interface that enables a journalist to drag and drop any Deko graphics template into a news story and alter replaceable text or graphics in the selected template. The Deko Select plug-in communicates with the DekoMOS Gateway.

The DekoMOS Gateway is the essential interface for integration of the newsroom computer system and Command with various Deko components in regard to the creation, modification, and playout of graphic elements in newsroom playlists. The DekoMOS Gateway manages configuration information and presents logs of DekoMOS activity and connections. The DekoMOS Macro Server, installed on all Deko devices used for playout, allows Command to communicate with the Dekos. The DekoMOS Macro Server receives and processes macro commands. It also acts as a client to the DekoMOS Gateway to retrieve a list of defined styles.

Through this integration, Command can control playback of graphics on Deko systems and drive up to nine channels of Deko across multiple systems from a single user interface.

n In this explanation, the term Deko refers to any one of these products: Deko 3000, Deko 3000 Hybrid, Deko 3000 HD, FXDeko II, Deko 2200, Deko 1000, Deko 1000 Hybrid, Deko 1000 HD, and Deko 550.

Checklist: Installing the Deko

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Checklist: Installing the Deko

Ensuring integration with devices, such as the Avid Deko, requires installation of various components and services, as well as some configuration. Using the Avid Deko as the example of a device, the following is a checklist of activities an installer should verify to ensure a successful installation.


After installation, some configuration is required. For more information, see “Checklist: Configuring the Deko” on page 82.

For more information on installation of the Avid Deko Select plug-in, see “Setting up the Plug-ins in iNEWS” on page 121.

! Tasks Refer to...

" Connect the Deko to the network. The documentation that came with your Avid Deko for more information..

" Install the Deko software.

" Install the core components of Avid Interplay Framework on the Deko.


" Install Deko device service from the Avid iNEWS Command software installation CD.

“Installing Command Deko Device Service” on page 76

" Install the DekoMOS Gateway on the Command Server. This requires a dongle.

“Installing the DekoMOS Gateway” on page 80

" Install DekoMOS Macro Server on the Deko. “Installing the DekoMOS Macro Server” on page 81


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1. Insert the Avid iNEWS Command installation CD in the Deko device’s CD-ROM drive.



3. Click Next.


73






74











75



- Core Components



- Health Viewer

- Machine Monitor







76

Installing Command Deko Device Service

The Command installation CD provides for installation of services associated with various production devices, such as the Avid Deko.

To install the Deko device service on the Deko:







77





5. When the Options dialog box opens, select Avid Deko.


78

The Custom Setup dialog box will appear as shown below:



79

6. Click Next.





80

Installing the DekoMOS Gateway

The Net HASP dongle, supplied by Avid, as well as the HASP License software and driver are part of the DekoMOS Gateway installation. Therefore, the procedure for installing the DekoMOS Gateway is three-fold:

1. Connecting the Net HASP Dongle

2. Installing the DekoMOS Gateway and Net HASP Software

3. Confirming that the NetHASP License Manager is Running and Properly Configured

The DekoMOS Gateway can not be installed on the iNEWS Gateway or ENPS Server. Avid recommends installing the DekoMOS Gateway on the Command Server. Otherwise, it must be its own dedicated computer with a network connection to the Deko. The selected computer should be running Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server operating system. Otherwise, because of Windows® limitations, the number of clients allowed to connect simultaneously is limited to ten.

Connecting the Net HASP Dongle

The Net HASP dongle included with your Deko system should be connected to the computer where you will install the DekoMOS Gateway software.

To connect the Net HASP Dongle, do the following:

t Connect the dongle to either the parallel port or one of the USB ports on the back of the machine. The Net HASP dongle enables the Deko Select option for the newsroom workstations.

The Net HASP License Manager, the driver for the Net HASP, installs automatically with the DekoMOS Gateway software.

Installing the DekoMOS Gateway and Net HASP Software

To install the DekoMOS Gateway on the Command Server:

1. Insert the Deko Select installation CD in the Command Server’s CD-ROM drive (or access the program from the network).

2. Navigate to and run the DekoMOSGateway.exe install program.

3. Click OK and follow the instructions on the screen to install the software.

Avid recommends selecting Service as the installation option for the Net HASP License Manager. After installing, you should confirm that the Net HASP License Manager is running and that it is configured to use TCP/IP.

Installing the DekoMOS Macro Server

81

Confirming the NetHASP License Manager Configuration

You will need to confirm that the NetHASP License Manager is both running and configured properly.

To confirm activation and configuration of the NetHASP License Manager:

1. Right-click the NetHASP License Manager icon in the system tray at the bottom of your screen and select Show.

The Net HASP License Manager window opens. You should see the words Server is listening to TCP/IP: Loaded and Net HASP License Manager is now - Active.

Installing the DekoMOS Macro Server

The DekoMOS Macro Server should be installed on each Deko used for playout to air.

To install the DekoMOS Macro Server on the Deko:

1. Insert the Deko Select installation CD in the Deko device’s CD-ROM drive.

2. Navigate to and run the DekoMOSMacroServer.exe program.

3. Click OK or press Enter.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.


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Checklist: Configuring the Deko

For integration between Command and Deko to succeed, some configuration is required. Complete the following tasks in the order that they are listed. If you are viewing this checklist online, you can easily access a linked topic that provides procedural details for the task. Return to this main checklist after you have completed each task.

! Tasks Refer to...

" Configure the DekoMOS Gateway. “Configuring the DekoMOS Gateway” on page 83

" Configure the DekoMOS Macro Server. “Configuring the DekoMOS Macro Server” on page 90

" Configure the styles in the DekoMOS Macro Server.

“Configuring Styles on the DekoMOS Macro Server” on page 91

" Configure Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties for the Deko.

“Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties” on page 93

" Configure the Deko device service. “Configuring the Deko Device Service” on page 94

" Add the MOS-IDs for Command channel group(s) to the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP story in Avid iNEWS.

“Editing the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP Story” on page 120

" (Optional) If you intend to use standalone playlists in Command or use the Avid Deko Select plug-in with ENPS and Avid iNEWS Command, create the same styles—configured in the DekoMOS Macro Server—as graphic environments in Command.

“Creating Graphic Environments in Command” on page 96

Configuring the DekoMOS Gateway

83


Templates exist on both the DekoMOS Gateway and the Deko device. The DekoMOS Gateway is then used to supply thumbnail graphics and handle file requests from plug-ins at multiple workstations, thus relieving such burden from the actual device that might be busy during playout. Duplication of assets on the gateway and device is not automatic; therefore, it must be maintained manually.

After the DekoMOS Gateway is installed, you need to configure various settings in the software. This section covers only those settings that directly impact integration with Command.

n For more information on how to configure the DekoMOS Gateway and for further explanation of the settings available for configuration that are not covered in this book, see the Avid Deko Select Installation and User’s Guide.

To configure the DekoMOS Gateway:

1. Determine if the DekoMOS Gateway is running.

- If the DekoMOS Gateway is not running, click the Start button and select Programs > Avid Systems > DekoMOS > DekoMOS Gateway.

- If the DekoMOS Gateway is running, right-click on the icon in the taskbar’s system tray to maximize the window.

2. If you have not previously configured DekoMOS Gateway, or if it is missing any required information, the DekoMOS Gateway Configuration dialog box will automatically open when the application starts.

If it does not open, do one of the following:

t Click the Configure button.

t Press Alt+C.

DekoMOS Gateway icon


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3. Select the General tab.

4. In the Paths area, enter settings as follows:

t In the XML Storage Folder text box, enter or browse to the pathname of the folder for storing active rundowns. If you enter a folder name that does not exist, when you click OK, the system will prompt you with a question asking if you would like the system to create this folder. This path should be local to the DekoMOS Gateway computer and therefore begin with a drive letter, such as C:.

t In the User Settings Storage Folder text box, enter or browse to the pathname of the folder for storing individual user client settings. If you enter a folder name that does not exist, when you click OK, the system will prompt you with a question asking if you would like the system to create this folder. This path should be local to the DekoMOS Gateway computer and therefore begin with a drive letter, such as C:.

n In most cases, these are left at the default settings. The remaining settings on the General tab can also be left at the defaults.

Paths area

Log Settings area


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5. Select the Connections tab.

6. In the Primary NCS area, enter localhost for the address.

7. Avid recommends leaving the port settings in the Primary NCS and Listening Ports areas set to the defaults.

8. In the Net HASP Settings area:

t The IP address text box automatically defaults to the address of the current computer. Ensure that the address is correct and belongs to the DekoMOS Gateway computer with the Net HASP License Manager software installed. If not, enter it.

t Keep the default setting of 475 in the Port field to indicate the port number where the Net HASP checks for connections. This can be changed if you receive an error message.

9. In the MOS IDs area, enter the Gateway ID and set the NCS ID to localhost.

n This setting enables every template that is dragged and dropped into a story to use the specified ID. The Gateway ID must match the MOS ID specified in the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP story in the iNEWS newsroom computer system.

10. Select the MOS ID per Ch radio button to enable users the ability to drag and drop templates into specific channels. Once you select this radio button, the dialog box changes to reveal the Assign Channel IDs button.


86

11. Click the Assign Channel IDs button. The Configure Channel IDs dialog box opens.

12. For each channel listed in the Ch column (that is, 1, 2, 3, 4...), in the Gateway ID column, enter a corresponding MOS ID for the channels you want to use.

n With MOS ID per Ch selected and channel IDs configured, the MOS ID of the templates that are dragged and dropped into a story will vary depending on the channel with which the template was dropped. The channel IDs configured in the DekoMOS Gateway must be added to the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP story in the iNEWS newsroom computer system. For more information, see “Editing the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP Story” on page 120.

13. Click OK to return to the DekoMOS Gateway Configuration dialog box.


87

14. Select the Reject items with unknown Gateway IDs check box unless you are using Deko Select with an ENPS system and MOS Redirection.

15. Click the Browser/Editor tab.

16. In the Graphic Browsers area, click the Add button.

The Add Graphic Browser dialog box opens.

17. Type <manual> in the Alias field.

18. Type <manual> in the AppID field.

19. Click OK. The settings you entered will appear in the corresponding columns in the Graphic Browsers area.

n Setting Graphic Browsers to <manual> enables the Deko Select plug-in for manual entry of replaceable graphic names or numbers.


88

20. Click the Client Styles tab.

21. Click the Add button. The Add Style dialog box opens.

22. Enter a style name in the Style Name text box (with no spaces) and click OK. This is the name that will appear in the Deko Select plug-in on the newsroom computer system workstations and in the Avid iNEWS Command Inventory.

n The Deko style is also referenced by the DekoMOS Macro Server and must be in the iNEWS SYSTEM.MAP story for each rundown using the Deko with Command. For more information, see “Configuring Styles on the DekoMOS Macro Server” on page 91.

23. If the style name you just added is not displayed in the Style Name text box on the Client Styles tab, click the Down arrow beside the text box to select it from a list of style names.


89

24. In each of the four Folder text boxes, enter the path that the style should reference or press the button to the right of each text box to navigate to the appropriate folder. All newsroom computer system workstations will locate the elements for display in these folders.

n Avid recommends that they reside on the computer where the DekoMOS Gateway is installed. All folders should be shared for Read Only access. This ensures that the graphics remain as they were created while allowing access to those graphics. For best performance, files for playout are stored on the Deko. Duplicate files stored on the DekoMOS Gateway are accessed by the Deko Select plug-in.

The path you enter must be a UNC path and not a drive letter path. The format for a UNC path is \\server\volume\directory and is not case-sensitive. For example: \\Shared1_svr\Shared1\WGroups

25. On the Control Room tab, enter a name for a control room.

26. Click OK.


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Configuring the DekoMOS Macro ServerTo configure the DekoMOS Macro Server:


t If the DekoMOS Macro Server is not running, access the configuration window by clicking the Start button and select Programs > Avid > DekoMOS > DekoMOS Macro Server.

t Double-click the desktop icon.

t If the DekoMOS Macro Server is running and is visible in the system tray, click the DekoMOS symbol in the system tray to maximize the application.

The DekoMOS Macro Server window appears. The top portion of the window displays a log of DekoMOS Macro Server activity. The XML commands that the DekoMOS Macro Server is executing are shown in the white text area. Blue text indicates that things are OK. Red text indicates that there is a problem. The Gateway/Style status icon appears green on connection; it does not stay green.

2. To specify that this log shows data communication in full xml view, select Details, near the bottom right of the window. Or, deselect Details to show a simple one line view. To clear the information displayed here, click the Clear button.

Configuring the DekoMOS Macro Server

91

3. In the Gateway Address text box, type the IP address or host hame of the machine running the DekoMOS Gateway.

4. The Playback Port text box and the Local IP Port text box are 10544 and 10543, respectively, by default. Do not change these port numbers unless you receive an error message. The Playback Port number must be the same number you typed during DekoMOS Gateway configuration as the Playback Port.

5. Click the Apply button below the Gateway Address text box.

6. Click Enable Logging if you want all logged information about DekoMOS Macro Server activity to be automatically sent to the folder Avid\DekoMOS\Logs.

7. Click Start Minimized to specify that upon starting the DekoMOS Macro Server will not display this window, but will appear in the system tray.

You can verify that the DekoMOS Macro Server is communicating with the Gateway. When the Macro Server is first started and correctly communicating with the DekoMOS Gateway, the Gateway/Styles status icon turns green for a few seconds, then appears grayed out. If there is no communication, it will appear red, indicating that there is a problem talking to the Gateway.

You can verify that the DekoMOS Macro Server can confirm the existence of scheduled graphics, graphic assets, and clips. The status icons next to Template Graphics File Monitoring, and Replacement Graphic File Monitoring should be green. The DekoMOS Macro Server must be able to monitor these files to communicate information to Avid iNEWS Command.

Configuring Styles on the DekoMOS Macro Server

The same style names, but with local paths, must be configured on the Macro Server as they were configured on the DekoMOS Gateway. For best performance, files for playout are stored on the Deko; duplicate files, stored on the Gateway, are accessed by the Deko Select plug-in.

To configure styles and corresponding local paths:


t If the DekoMOS Macro Server is not running, access the configuration window by clicking the Start button and select Programs > Avid > DekoMOS > DekoMOS Macro Server.

t Double-click the desktop icon.

t If the DekoMOS Macro Server is running and is visible in the system tray, click the DekoMOS symbol in the system tray to maximize the application.

The DekoMOS Macro Server window appears.


92

2. Click the Styles button.

The Deko Style Settings dialog box opens.

3. To configure styles defined in the DekoMOS Gateway, select the Style Name from the list and then set the appropriate paths that this style will use.

n Although you should use the same paths as set in the DekoMOS Gateway for that style, paths should be local to this computer for best performance.

4. In the Additional Macro Commands text box, type additional commands to send to Deko when the style is selected. This is useful for opening any show-specific presets or other files.

5. Click Apply to apply settings for a style.

6. Click OK when you have finished configuring styles.

To retrieve styles recently configured in DekoMOS Gateway and add them to the list of styles in the Deko Style Settings window:

t Click the Refresh Styles List button in the Deko Style Settings window.


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If the Deko device is in a different subnet than the Command Servers, you must add the server names to the Lookup tab in Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties on the Deko.

To configure Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties on the Deko:




3. Enter the name of the workgroup. It is case sensitive.




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6. Enter the full domain name of the server running the Lookup service for the workgroup, such as: cmdsvr1.avidbroadcast.com.



9. Click OK.

10. Repeat steps 5 - 9 to add another server running the Lookup service for the workgroup.



Configuring the Deko Device Service

After any device service is installed for Deko character generators, some additional configuration is required, using the Service Configuration application of Avid Interplay Framework. For more information, see the Avid Interplay Framework User’s Guide.

Configuring the Deko Device Service

95

To configure the device service:


2. Navigate to and select the Avid Deko device service.

3. When prompted for the administrator password, enter it.

4. On the Device Settings tab, enter the host name or IP address for the respective device.

5. Click Apply. You can then close the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application.



8. After the Avid Interplay Services dialog box opens, select the device, then stop and restart it.


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Creating Graphic Environments in Command

Graphics environments are known as styles in Avid Deko software.

If you plan to create and use standalone playlists at a Command Workstation or use a Avid Deko Select plug-in with ENPS integration, you must create graphic environments in Command that match the styles configured on the DekoMOS Macro Server.

To add an environment:

1. Select Tools > System Settings.

2. Select Playlist.

Creating Graphic Environments in Command

97

3. Click the Add button. An environment will appear in the list as shown:

4. By default, the name of any added environment is Environment, but that can be changed. To do so, double-click on the name in the list and retype the new name.



For more information on environments, known as styles, see the Avid Deko Select User’s Guide.

n The set of graphics environments specified in the system settings in the Playlist category will appear as options in various parts of the Command user interface, such as: the Default environment list (shown in the previous graphic), the Default graphics environment list in the the MOS > General category of the System Settings dialog box (see page 159), and in the Playlist Properties dialog box.

Click here to rename the environment.

Click here to add an environment.

After multiple environments are added, use this list to select which one the system should use as a default.


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Chapter 4

Installing and Configuring the Thunder

The Avid iNEWS Command user interface allows you to control multiple production devices, such as Thunder production servers. For the interface to work, however, some software installation and configuration is required.


• Checklist: Installing and Configuring the Thunder


• Installing Command Thunder Device Service

• Configuring the Thunder Device Service

• Configuring the Thunder

• Creating the ThunderMOS.cfg File


4 Installing and Configuring the Thunder

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Checklist: Installing and Configuring the Thunder

Ensuring integration with devices, such as the Avid Thunder, requires installation of various components and services, as well as some configuration. Using the Thunder as the example of a device, the following is a checklist of activities an installer should verify to ensure a successful installation and configuration.


! Tasks Refer to...

" Connect the Thunder to the network. The documentation that came with your Avid Thunder for more information.

" Install the Thunder software.

n Thunder integration with Command and iNEWS requires an SQL server and ODBC connection. For information on SQL server and ODBC configuration, see the Avid Thunder Products User’s Guide, and the Avid On-Air Graphics Setup and Configuration Guide.

" Install the core components of Avid Interplay Framework on the Thunder.


" Install Thunder device service from the Avid iNEWS Command software installation CD.

“Installing Command Thunder Device Service” on page 105

" Configure Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties for the Thunder.

“Configuring Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties” on page 108

" Configure the Thunder device service. “Configuring the Thunder Device Service” on page 110

" Configure the Thunder. “Configuring the Thunder” on page 112

" Create the ThunderMOS configuration file. “Creating the ThunderMOS.cfg File” on page 113


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1. Insert the Avid iNEWS Command installation CD in the Thunder device’s CD-ROM drive.



3. Click Next.


102






103











104



- Core Components



- Health Viewer

- Machine Monitor






Installing Command Thunder Device Service

105


The Command installation CD provides for installation of services associated with various production devices, such as the Avid Thunder.

To install the Thunder device service on the Thunder:







106





5. When the Options dialog box opens, select Avid Thunder.


107

The Custom Setup dialog box will appear as shown below:



108

6. Click Next.





If the Thunder device is in a different subnet than the Command Servers, you must add the server names to the Lookup tab in Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties on the Thunder.

To configure Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties:




109


3. Enter the name of the workgroup.




110


6. Enter the full domain name of the server, such as: cmdsvr1.avidbroadcast.com.



9. Click OK.

10. Repeat steps 5 - 9 to add another Command Server.



Configuring the Thunder Device Service

After any device service is installed for Thunder production servers, some additional configuration is required, using the Service Configuration of Avid Interplay Framework. For more information, see the Avid Interplay Framework User’s Guide.

Configuring the Thunder Device Service

111

To configure the device service:


2. Navigate to and select the Avid Thunder device service.

3. When prompted for the administrator password, enter it.

4. On the Device Settings tab, enter the host name for the respective device.

5. Specify the number of hardware channels.

6. Select the frame rate: either 30 or 25.

7. Specify whether you want to enable drop frames: yes or no.

8. Set ID selection to either Internal or Automation.

9. Click Apply. You can then close the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application.




112

12. After the Avid Interplay Services dialog box opens, select the Avid Thunder device service, then stop and restart it.

Configuring the ThunderTo configure the Thunder:

1. Open the Thunder software application.

2. Select File > Preferences > Protocol Setup to configure a MOS connection.

The Protocol Setup dialog box opens.

3. In the Protocol Setup dialog box, do the following:

- Select a channel (1-8) in the Channel area.

- Set Protocol to ThunderNET.

- If you intend to use a different database for the channel, enter it in the Database (Blank = default DB) field.

4. Leave the rest of the settings as is.

Creating the ThunderMOS.cfg File

113

5. Repeat step 3 for all physical channels, plus an extra channel that is used by Command to send inventory and transport commands.

6. Click OK.

7. Select File > Preferences > Channel Configuration.

The Channel Configuration dialog box opens.

8. Set the Hdw Channel to correspond to the channels you set protocols for in step 3. The physical channels should be set to Hdwr; the extra channel should be set to Soft.

9. Uncheck the channels in the MiniMon column that you will not be using.

10. Click OK.

11. In the Thunder directory, right-click on the database that you intend to use and set it as the default database.


If you intend to use the Thunder Select plug-in at your newsroom workstations, you must create the ThunderMOS.cfg file and configure it for each Thunder server.The ThunderMOS.cfg file contains information that allows workstations with Thunder Select plug-ins to find your various Thunder servers and browse their respective MOS databases. This information is set up in one line per Thunder server.


114

To configure the ThunderMOS.cfg file:

1. On the Thunder’s C drive create a folder called ThunderCFG, if one doesn’t already exist, and ensure it is shared across the network for read access.

n The cfg file can reside in any shared network folder, as long as every workstation with the Thunder Select plug-in can access that folder. However, Avid recommends that it reside on the Thunder for easy maintenance reasons. Only one cfg file is necessary per iNEWS newsroom computer system.

2. Ensure that the E drive is also shared across the network. This is because the cfg file will point the Thunder Select plug-in to the E drive for access to clips and the clip database.

3. Create a file called: ThunderMOS.cfg in the C:\ThunderCFG folder.

4. Open it with Notepad.

5. Add a line in the ThunderMOS.cfg with the following information:

- An arbitrary name for the Thunder that the journalists will easily recognize. This can be any name, such as: 5PM, Control Room A, Sports, and so forth.

- The MOS ID. This must be added to the MOS-Map story in the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP directory in iNEWS.

- The full UNC path to the Thunder database specified when you set up the MOS protocol.

Each of these values must be separated by a semi-colon and all be on one line.

n Due to the nature of the MOS configuration, you can only have one database per Thunder server. Although you can add multiple databases in the cfg file and the workstations will browse the databases correctly, the MOS metadata will not be properly transmitted between the iNEWS and Thunder servers.

5PM;MOSIDTHDR_A;\\ThxlxxA\E\5PM\5PM.pff

This part is seen in the drop-down list of the Thunder Select plug-in on the iNEWS Workstation.

This is the MOS ID. It should match the MOS ID in the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP story in iNEWS.

This is the full path to the Thunder database, including the database name. Make sure it corresponds to the Thunder specified in the MOS ID.


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6. If you:

- have a security database, type the correct path on a separate line below the Thunder lines.

- do not have a security database, delete the whole line starting with “SecurityDB=”

Your finished ThunderMOS.cfg file might look like this:

7. Save the ThunderMOS.cfg file.


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Chapter 5

Integrating with Avid iNEWS

To ensure proper integration between Avid iNEWS Command and the iNEWS newsroom computer system, certain configuration must be completed at the iNEWS Workstation. Those configuring iNEWS must have system administrator access and a working knowledge of the newsroom computer system’s administrative features.


• Editing the SYSTEM.MAP Story

• Editing the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP Story

• Setting up the Plug-ins in iNEWS

• Monitor Servers

• Queue Properties

Chapter 5 Integrating with Avid iNEWS

118

Editing the SYSTEM.MAP Story

In Avid iNEWS the Map story, which is the first one in the SYSTEM.MAP queue, contains monitor server settings for each newsroom rundown. For more information on monitor servers, see “Monitor Servers” on page 127.

The Map story can be edited like any other story in the newsroom computer system; however, access to it is typically limited to system administrators who already have access to SYSTEM.MAP directory in iNEWS.

To edit the Map story in iNEWS:

1. Log in to an iNEWS Workstation as a system administrator.

2. Navigate to the SYSTEM.MAP queue.

3. Double-click on the first story in the queue.

4. Modify the story as needed.

5. Click Save.

Here is an example of settings for Command as they might appear in the Map story:

The first line is a comment—as indicated by the semicolon—that helps system administrators locate the appropriate settings within the Map story.

The second line contains the following rundown information:

• Name of the rundown, such as nrcs.shows.rundown

• Directory that contains the rundown queue where event lists are created, such as nrcs.shows.

• Name of the Composite List queue. In none are configured, a hyphen is used, as shown.

• Name of the user group with access to monitor the rundown, such as monitors. Superusers are also permitted to start monitor servers.

;NRCS.SHOWS.RUNDOWN USES MONITOR 292

nrcs.shows.rundown nrcs.shows - monitor D200

wnasvr nrcs1 nrcs2 ca-composite

CG Deko1 - 1 6pm;Deko Device Channels

video AB - A;AirSpeed Device Channels

Editing the SYSTEM.MAP Story

119

• Monitor duration or quit time. A duration will automatically switch off the monitor server after the allotted time is achieved. For instance, D200 signifies the duration set to two hours, and no minutes. (This setting is not case sensitive.) A quit time, such as 2100, will automatically switch off the monitor server at the specified time, ensuring the integrity of the system. The quit time can be three to four digits, specifying an exact time on the 24-hour clock. When configured, this information appears in the iNEWS user interface at the bottom of the Monitor dialog box. See “iNEWS Integration” in the Avid iNEWS Command User’s Guide.

n Because monitor servers use large amounts of system resources, Avid recommends this setting be configured but, for best results, manually turn off monitor servers at the end of each show.

The third line contains the following server information:

• Server type - wnasvr specified a Command Server.

• Primary server’s name, such as nrcs1, which is the computer running the Avid iNEWS Communication service.

• Backup server’s name, such as nrcs2.

• Form name for the monitor server, such as ca-composite. A hyphen can be used as a placeholder.

Below the third line are device settings for channel groups in iNEWS Command.

Each line associated with a device begins with:

• Type of device, such as CG or video.

• Name of device’s channel group, such as Deko1 or AB.

• Alias for channel group. If none are used, hyphens can act as placeholders.

• For character generators, the next information in the line is the default channel, such as 1, which is assigned to an event when the user does not enter a channel in the story, followed by the style, such as 6pm. For Deko devices, this style must match the one configured on the Deko.

• For video devices, the next information in the line is the default channel, such as A, which is assigned to a clip when a user does not enter a channel in the story.

• Any comments can be added to the end of the lines following a semicolon.


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Editing the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP Story

The MOS-Map story, which is the first story in the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP queue, contains information vital to the integration of the plug-ins. To ensure that the Avid Deko Select and Avid Thunder Select plug-ins use the correct device designation, you must set the MOS ID and channel groups in the MOS-Map story.

The MOS-Map story can be edited like any other story in the newsroom computer system; however, access to it is typically limited to system administrators who already have access to SYSTEM.MOS-MAP directory in iNEWS.

To edit the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP story:

1. Log in to an iNEWS Workstation as a system administrator.

2. Navigate to the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP queue.

3. Double-click on the first story in the queue.

4. Modify the story as needed.

5. Click Save.

Here is an example of settings for Command as they might appear in the Map story:

The first line is the header. The second and third lines are comments—as indicated by the semicolons—that provides additional information or structure to the file to help system administrators.

The fourth line contains the following device information:

• The MOS ID of a Deko character generator, such as DEKO1. The channel names in this channel group must match the Gateway ID configured on the DekoMOS Gateway. See “Configuring the DekoMOS Gateway” on page 83.

• The channel group for the Deko, such as CG1. This, too, must match the channels IDs assigned and configured on the DekoMOS Gateway.

n You must enter a new line with MOS ID and channel group for each Deko channel group you configured in Avid iNEWS Command.

TABLE-START DeviceTable;MOSID AMCPDeviceName;==============================

DEKO1 CG1

MOSIDTHDR_A Thunder

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The fifth line contains the following device information:

• The MOS ID of an Avid Thunder production server, such as MOSIDTHDR_A. This must match the MOS ID configured in the ThunderMOS.cfg file. See “Creating the ThunderMOS.cfg File” on page 113.

• The channel group for the Thunder, such as Thunder.


Using plug-ins, such as Deko Select or Thunder Select, with Avid iNEWS and iNEWS Command is optional. The plug-ins are installed on iNEWS Workstations and are accessed through the iNEWS client software. The appearance of the plug-in(s) in Avid iNEWS depends on whether one or more were installed. For instance, when both Deko Select and Thunder Select are installed, the title of the workspace—shown on the title bar—is Avid Graphics Select, and the plug-in workspace will appear in the iNEWS window with each plug-in on its own tab, as shown:

If only one plug-in is installed, the Tools menu option will be the name of that plug-in: Avid Deko Select or Avid Thunder Select. Also, only one tab will appear in the plug-in workspace.

n If both Thunder and Deko plug-ins are being installed on an iNEWS Workstation, Avid recommends the Thunder service be installed first.

Installing and Configuring Avid Thunder Select

The Thunder Select plug-in allows iNEWS users to view thumbnails of video items on the Thunder and to drag-and-drop those items directly into an iNEWS story.


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To install and configure Avid Thunder Select:

1. Ensure that the iNEWS client software is not running.

2. At the iNEWS Workstation, run the Avid Thunder Select installation program called ThunderSelectClient.exe.

3. Copy the ThunderMOS.ini file from the C:\Thunder directory on your Thunder device to your local C:\Thunder directory.

n If you do not have a ThunderMOS.ini file, create it in the C:\Thunder directory, open it, and enter the UNC path to the the ThunderMOS.cfg file, such as:

4. Log in to iNEWS.

5. Select Tools > Plugins > Avid Thunder Select.

n If Avid Deko Select is also installed on the workstation, the menu option will be Tools > Plugins > Avid Graphics Select.

The first time you open Avid Thunder Select, three errors will appear.

6. Click OK.

The Setup Menu dialog box opens.

7. If it doesn’t, click the Options button in the top right corner of the plug-in.


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8. In the Setup Menu dialog box, select the interface, either iNEWS or ENPS, depending upon the newsroom computer system with which you are interfacing.

If you are integrating with an iNEWS system, the fields will be grayed out and populated according to the information you supplied in the ThunderMOS.cfg file.

If you are installing into an ENPS system, you must do the following:

- Type the Thunder name in the Avid Clip Server Computer Name (MosID) field, or browse to the Thunder by clicking on the ellipsis (“…”) button.

- Select File > Preferences > Protocol Setup, and browse to or enter the database that was set up on the Thunder.

9. Enter the Dongle ID and Dongle Password. If your Thunder system is a:

- ThunderXL or LT system, use the dongle ID and password of the dongle on the Thunder server.

- ThunderMX, HD, or HY system, use the dongle ID and password that was printed on the options letter which shipped with your ThunderMX/HD/HY software CD.

n The number of Thunder Select client licenses is controlled by the dongle on the server, and is determined by the number of client licenses that you purchased.

10. Click OK. The plug-in connects to the Thunder database, and you will see thumbnails of clips and stills. You can now drag and drop this media into an iNEWS or ENPS story or preview them by double-clicking.

n Once this setup information has been entered, it should not need to be reconfigured. However, if the dongle is removed, or for any other reason the data has changed, a warning dialog appears and the setup information will need to be reconfigured., enter the network path to the Thunder database and the Thunder license key.

11. Click the Options button again.


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12. Set the options, including View Type, Event Properties, and Channel.

n The channel value selected here must match the channel name entered when the device channels were set up for the Thunder. For more information, see “Setting up Device Channels” on page 55.

13. Click Apply.

For more information on Avid Thunder Select, see the Avid Thunder Select Installation and Configuration Guide.

Installing and Configuring Avid Deko Select

The Deko Select plug-in allows iNEWS users to create CG items directly at the iNEWS Workstation, including changing background graphics, editing replaceable text, and setting In and Out points.

To install and configure Avid Deko Select:

1. Ensure that the iNEWS client software is not running.

2. At the iNEWS Workstation, run the Deko Select installation program called DekoSelectClient.exe.

3. Log in to iNEWS.

4. Select Tools > Plugins > Avid Deko Select.


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n If Thunder Select is also installed on the workstation, the menu option will be Tools > Plugins > Avid Graphics Select.

The first time you open Avid Deko Select, an error message appears stating that Deko Select is not configured.

5. Click OK.

The Configuration dialog box opens.

6. In the Configuration dialog box, on the Gateway Configuration tab, enter the host name or IP address for the computer that is running the DekoMOS Gateway software.

7. Click OK. The initial Configuration dialog box will close.

8. Click the Configure button on the toolbar of Deko Select.

The Configuration dialog box opens with three tabs.


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9. Click the User Preferences tab, if it’s not already selected.

10. Select options to indicate what you want Deko Select to display.

11. Select the Preview Style you want to use as your default, then click the Set As Default button.

12. Click OK.

Configuring Gateway Settings from an ini File

Once you have configured the Gateway Settings on the first workstation, you can install them on additional workstations from an ini file.

Gateway settings, as configured via the plug-in’s Configuration dialog box, are stored in a file called DekoMOS.ini in C:\WinNT\System32 or C\WINDOWS\system32. After installing and configuring Gateway settings on one workstation, you can copy this DekoMos.ini file onto other computers rather than actually repeating the configuration procedure.

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Monitor Servers

Monitor server is a utility program—running on the iNEWS newsroom computer system—that checks a show’s event requests for errors, creates composite and event lists, and sends newsroom playlists to Avid iNEWS Command.

A monitor server must be assigned device and mailbox numbers—typically, these numbers are the same, which makes the configuration easier to remember. A device number is chosen for monitor server so iNEWS recognizes the server (utility) program as a valid device. The device number must be entered in the newsroom computer system’s configuration file. The mailbox number must be assigned to both the show’s monitor server and its rundown queue.

n A mailbox is an activation mechanism for a server (utility) program, so if a queue has a mailbox number matching a server program, then that server is the one activated whenever something happens to the queue.

The mailbox enables iNEWS to notify the monitor server of changes made to a rundown queue—the one sharing the same mailbox number—while that show is monitored.When on, monitor server checks its assigned rundown for machine control events, and builds playlists. The monitor server then sends updates to that rundown’s newsroom playlist in Command, and will continue to do so as long as the monitor is running and the newsroom computer system retains the lock on the playlist. It also updates composite and event lists, if necessary.The monitor server is turned on when a user at an iNEWS Workstation turns it on. The monitor server loads data to the iNEWS Command system or the MOS Gateway system when a user instructs it to do so from an iNEWS Workstation.

Creating a Monitor Server for Each Show

The procedures in this section assumes the user has a working knowledge of administration tasks associated with an Avid iNEWS system and that rundown queues for the shows being monitored already exist in iNEWS. If not, create them before continuing. For more information on how to create queues or further details regarding steps in this section, see the administration documentation that accompanied your iNEWS system.

To create and configure a monitor server:

1. Check the configuration file (/site/config) and choose the next available device number for the monitor server, from the range of 3-digit numbers reserved for use by your system’s server programs, such as 201 to 300.

n Valid standard mailbox numbers are 1 through 4096.

2. Choose an available mailbox number. For simplicity, this should be the same 3-digit device number. Do the following:


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a. Use the list console command to ensure no other device is using the mailbox number you have chosen. For instance, to check mailbox 266, type:

list mailbox=266 c

Information similar to the following appears:

n For other list command options for determining mailbox assignments of queues and servers, see “Using the list Command to View Assigned Mailboxes” on page 131.

b. If you see the device configuration header (as shown in step 2a) with no information below it, then no device has that mailbox and you can use that number. However, if configuration information for a device appears below the header, that device has the same mailbox as the one you chose. Therefore, choose another mailbox number and repeat step 2a.

n If the mailbox number is already being used, and you must choose another, you may want to try another device number for the monitor server as well. Typically, mailbox numbers match server program device numbers, although this is not required. However, the mailbox number you select must be assigned to the queue monitored by the server program. Multiple queues can share the same mailbox number, but care must be take to avoid conflicts. See “Using the list Command to View Assigned Mailboxes” on page 131 for more information.

3. Add the monitor server to the /site/config file on each iNEWS Server—such as server A and server B in a dual server system— by doing the following:

c Always back up the /site/config file before making any changes. Changing the configuration file requires the use of ed, the line editor. For more information on the line editor and Avid iNEWS configuration files, see the Avid iNEWS Setup and Configuration Manual.

a. At the console, select all iNEWS Servers.

b. Use the ed command to open and edit the configuration file, by typing:

ed /site/config

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After you press Enter, the editor responds by displaying a number, as shown, indicating the file size expressed as the number of characters, including spaces and returns.

DEV DEVICE_TYPE COMPUTER CCU PRINTER SPEED OPTIONS DEVNAME

Monitor Servers

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c. Add the monitor server’s device number to the servers line in the host definition for the iNEWS Server that will run the monitor server program. For instance:

servers 261 263 265 267

The device number 267 is added to the servers line in this example.

n Divide your server programs evenly among your iNEWS Servers to distribute the load they put on your system. For instance, put odd numbered programs on server A and even numbered ones on server B. Additionally, ensure that you also add the configuration line for the monitor server to alternate host definitions for your iNEWS Servers. This ensures it can run on the surviving computer should one of your iNEWS Servers stop functioning.

Do not confuse the configuration line, which starts with server, and the servers line mentioned in 3c on page 129, which lists device numbers.

d. Add a configuration line for the monitor server in the host definition belonging to the iNEWS Server that will run the server program. This line begins with the word server and contains the mailbox number assigned to the monitor server.

The format for server programs’ configuration lines are:

server <device#> <type> <mailbox> <device name>

Comments appearing after the semicolons (;) are optional.

Parameter Description

device # The device number assigned to the server program. This 3-digit number must also be listed in the servers line in a host definition.

type The type of server program is monitor.

mailbox The mailbox the server program uses. Valid standard mailbox numbers are 1 through 4096. This number typically matches the server program’s device number.

device name Monitor servers do not use a device name; enter a hyphen (-).


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The following are sample configuration lines for monitor server programs:

c Do not use an uppercase (W) in step 3e.

e. When you finish making changes to the configuration file, save your changes by typing:

w

f. When you press enter, a number will appear, such as 1279, indicating the file size. You can then exit the line editor by typing:

q

4. (Optional) Test your configuration changes.

n After editing the configuration file (/site/config), it should be backed up.

5. Reconfigure the system. When adding monitor server programs, you do not need to stop anything to reconfigure the system.

n Unlike other utility programs, it is not necessary to start a monitor server when you add it to the configuration file. It starts when someone uses the monitor on or monitor load command for the rundown queue to which you have assigned the monitor server. See the Command User’s Guide for more information on using monitor servers.

Mailboxes are assigned to queues in the same way other database traits are—using the Queue Properties dialog box. See “Queue Properties” on page 132 for more information.

6. After you choose the monitor server’s mailbox number and verify that it is not used by another device, you must also assign it to the show’s rundown queue, being monitored by the monitor server.

For instance, if the monitor server’s mailbox number is 267 and it will monitor the SHOWS.6PM.RUNDOWN queue, then that number must be assigned to that queue.

For more information on assigning mailboxes to queues, see the Avid iNEWS Setup and Configuration Manual.

server 264 monitor 264 - ;monitor server




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Using the list Command to View Assigned Mailboxes

Variations of the list command can be used at the console to determine mailbox assignments for specific devices, queues, and so forth.

Since multiple queues can share the same mailbox, you can list all queues and directories in the database that are using a certain mailbox, such as 267, by typing: list mailbox=267 d

To find out which monitor server mailboxes are assigned:

t Type: list c monitor

The system displays configuration information for your system’s monitor servers, similar to the following:

The mailbox number assigned to each monitor server appears in the PRINTER column and begins with the letter, N.

To see if any servers are assigned a certain mailbox number:

t Use the following format: list mailbox=<mailbox number> c

c Two rundowns queues can share the same mailbox, but they should never be monitored simultaneously. If two rundowns share the same mailbox number, ensure that both their monitor servers do not run simultaneously; otherwise, results could be unpredictable.

To check whether mailbox 267 is assigned to a server program:

t Type: list mailbox=267 c

DEV DEVICE_TYPE COMPUTER CCU PRINTER SPEED OPTIONS DEVNAME

S264 monitor A N264

S265 monitor B N265

S266 monitor A N266

S267 monitor B N267

NRCS-A$


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Queue Properties

To ensure seamless interaction between Avid iNEWS and iNEWS Command, the queue properties for newsroom rundowns must be configured properly. This section provides a few things to verify in the Queue Properties dialog box of Avid iNEWS. For more information on the Queue Properties dialog box, see Chapter 5 in the Avid iNEWS Setup and Configuration Manual.

To view the Queue Properties dialog box:

1. Log in to an iNEWS Workstation.

2. Navigate to a rundown associated with iNEWS Command.

3. Right-click on that rundown in Directory panel.

4. Select Properties.

The Queue Properties dialog box has multiple tabs; however, the ones of greater importance in regard to interaction with Command are: Forms, Maintain, and User Interface.

The queue form determines the look of the queue. The story form determines how an event request is displayed when you double-click it. The forms will only appear in the drop-down lists if they exist in the database. For information about how to create your own forms or modify existing forms, and about database traits, see Chapter 5 and Chapter 8 of the Avid iNEWS Setup and Configuration Manual. Users should log off and sign back on to view the new queue/story form settings.

On the Forms tab, ensure that the appropriate story form is chosen. The selected form must contain fields for all necessary media events.

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The Mailbox section does not apply to the e-mail feature of the iNEWS newsroom computer system. These mailboxes are “signal carriers” by which utility programs, called servers, are notified to perform a pre-defined task. The mailbox number assigned to the queue must match the device number of the server monitoring it, as defined in the iNEWS Configuration file (/site/config). Valid mailbox numbers are one through 4096. See “Using the list Command to View Assigned Mailboxes” on page 131 for more information.

Rundowns that load playlists to Command through monitor servers must be set to use a standard mailbox number.

Refresh must be selected to enable automatic updates from Command.


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Chapter 6

Configuring Playout Control

Playout control through Avid iNEWS Command varies from site to site depending on workflow. Some television stations might want to control playout through the software’s graphical user interface, while others choose to use USB or GPI keypads.


• Understanding Playout Control

• Disabling a Command Workstation’s Keyboard

• Checklist: Setting up an X-keys USB Keypad

• Installing an X-keys USB Keypad

• Mapping Indices to Channel Names

• Programming the X-keys

• Assigning Channel-Specific Actions

• Checklist: Setting up the GPI Panel

• Configuring the GPI Card

• Restarting the GPI Device Service

• Mapping GPI Events

• Enabling the GPI

Chapter 6 Configuring Playout Control

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Understanding Playout Control

Playout control from a Command Workstation is accomplished through the use of the tabbed workspace known as the Playlist Viewer. While some functionality is described in this section, for additional information such as customization options, see Chapter 4 of the Avid iNEWS Command User’s Guide.

Command uses various icons, as well as color, to indicate the status of machine control events (items) in the playlist. Some of which are shown in the following closeup graphic:

Icon representing a “Follow-On Playout” event.

Playout of this event is done.This event is playing now.

This event is cued.

This event is unavailable.

Cursor location can appear solid or as an outline; varies by field.

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137

There is no special installation or configuration needed to use the software’s graphic user interface to control playout of media from a Command Workstation with a standard keyboard and mouse.

Users can cue, play, pause or stop the playout of media from a Command Workstation, using the mouse to click control buttons on the Playlist toolbar or by using keys on the numeric keypad.

To control playout, using the numeric keypad on a keyboard:

1. Select the event in the playlist.


t Press the Decimal key (.) to cue the media.

t Press Enter to play the media.

t Press the Plus key (+) to pause the media.

t Press zero (0) to stop playing the media.

n Playout options are also available by right-clicking on the event and selecting the options from the Playout submenu.

Users can also set playout of an item in a playlist to automatically occur immediately following the completion of the previous item. This functionality is called follow-on playout and is indicated by an icon in the playlist that looks like a bent blue arrow. For more information, see the Avid iNEWS Command User’s Guide.


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Disabling a Command Workstation’s Keyboard

Some sites use alternative devices to control playout from Command, such as a GPI device or an X-keys USB keypad, and therefore do not want the computer keyboard at the workstation enabled.

To enable or disable the keyboard:

1. Select Tools > Options.

2. In Category, select Keyboard.


t Select Enable keyboard.

t Deselect Enable keyboard.

4. Click Apply.

5. Click OK.

n If the keyboard is disabled, the numeric keypad cannot be used to control playout from the Command Workstation. Disabling the keyboard does not affect the use of the keyboard for software on the workstation PC unrelated to the Command client software.

Checklist: Setting up an X-keys USB Keypad

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Checklist: Setting up an X-keys USB Keypad

Avid iNEWS Command interfaces with the X-keys® USB keypad for playout control. An X-keys USB keypad connects to the USB port the Command Workstation and offers up to twenty user-reprogrammable keys for one-button access to playout functionality.

n X-keys is a third-party hardware solution, so for more information on the X-keys USB keypad, see that manufacturer’s documentation on www.xkeys.com.

Setting up the keypad to control playout through Command requires the completion of the following tasks:

Installing an X-keys USB KeypadTo install an X-keys USB keypad:

t Plug in the keypad to a USB port on your Command Workstation.

! Tasks Refer to...

" (Optional) Disable the keyboard at the Command Workstation.

“Disabling a Command Workstation’s Keyboard” on page 138

" Install the keypad on the Command Workstation. “Installing an X-keys USB Keypad” on page 139

" Map Indices to Channel Names. “Mapping Indices to Channel Names” on page 140

" Program the keypad. “Programming the X-keys” on page 141

" (Optional) Assign channel-specific actions to keys.

“Assigning Channel-Specific Actions” on page 143


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Mapping Indices to Channel Names

Channel indices are a configuration feature used to map an index integer (1-16) to a channel name, which can be alpha or numeric, to enable assignment of channel-specific actions to certain keys on a keypad. This pre-configuration should be done before assigning the channel-specific actions to any keys. For procedures on assigning such actions to a keypad, see “Assigning Channel-Specific Actions” on page 143.

To map an index to a channel name:



3. Expand Channel.

4. Select Indices.

5. Enter the channel’s name in the Name column next to the appropriate index.

Programming the X-keys

141

n Avid recommends that if a channel name must be numeric, such as is the case whenever the ActiveX plug-in Avid Deko Select is used, assign it to the same Index number to avoid confusion.



Programming the X-keys

The following procedure should be conducted at the Command Workstation to which the X-keys USB keypad is installed.

To program the X-keys from the Command Workstation:

1. Select Tools > Options.

2. In Category, expand Actions and select X-keys.


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3. Select Enable X-keys.

4. Set the de-bounce period. Designed to avoid inadvertent repetition, this is the span of time (in milliseconds) during which the system should ignore duplicated signals.

n If you find that you are having problems with “double-hits” when you press a key, increase the de-bounce period.

5. Click on a gray box that represents (or corresponds to) the key on the keypad.

n Some sites might use key caps that cover 2 or 4 buttons on the keypad, turning a set of buttons into a single key. If that is the case, select the left box to set the “2-button” key. For 4-button keys, select the upper left box.

6. Assign an action to the key by selecting it from the list of those available in the Choose Action dialog box. The most commonly used actions will appear open for your selection already.

- The Playlist > Channel Group actions refer to channel group commands.

- The Playlist > Selection actions refer to selected items on the playlist.

- The Playlist > Channel actions refer to specific channels that correspond to a particular index as configured in “Mapping Indices to Channel Names” on page 140 and explained in “Assigning Channel-Specific Actions” on page 143.

Assigning Channel-Specific Actions

143

7. Click OK.

8. Repeat steps 5-7 as needed.

9. Click Apply.

10. Click OK.

The following graphic shows a closeup of the first row of keys after they were assigned to the four playout control options of play, cue, pause, and stop.

Assigning Channel-Specific Actions

Keys can also be assigned to an action associated with a specific channel on a device. An example of this would be for a key to initiate a play command on a single channel. Assigning the channel-specific actions affects only the keypad attached to the workstation at which the assignments are programmed.


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To assign channel-specific actions to a key:

1. Complete steps 1 - 5 of the procedure to program X-keys on page 141.

2. In Category, expand Actions and select Playlist, then Channel.

3. Select the action, such as Play.

4. Select the index, such as 01, that corresponds to the device channel.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click OK.

Checklist: Setting up the GPI Panel

A GPI panel is another alternative keypad device that can be used to control playout through Command. The GPI panel, such as a the one shown below, connects to a GPI card installed in the Command Server.

The GPI panel allows a user to select up to four channels, with each channel having its own set of Control buttons for play, cue, pause, and stop functionality.

Configuring the system to work with a GPI panel requires defining certain parameters through the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application, the Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties application, and the system settings in Command itself.

Checklist: Setting up the GPI Panel

145

Before configuration can begin, you should verify installation of all necessary applications and components. To ensure a successful setup of the GPI panel, complete the following tasks in the order that they are listed. If you are viewing this checklist online, you can easily link to a topic that provides procedural details for the task. Return to this main checklist after you have completed each task.

! Tasks Refer to...

" Verify installation of Avid Interplay Framework, which includes the Avid Interplay Service Configuration and Workgroup Properties applications.


" Verify installation of the GPI device service on the Command Server.

“Installing Avid iNEWS Command on the Server” on page 23

n Installation of the device service occurs during the installation of the Command Server software.

" Installing the GPI card on the Command Server. The installation instructions that came with your GPI card. See the latest Command ReadMe documentation for more information on which cards are supported.

" Configure the GPI card. “Configuring the GPI Card” on page 146

" Restart the GPI device service. “Restarting the GPI Device Service” on page 149

" Map Indices to Channel Names. “Mapping Indices to Channel Names” on page 140

" Map events to an actions. “Mapping GPI Events” on page 149

" Enable the GPI panel for playout. “Enabling the GPI” on page 152


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Configuring the GPI Card

Configuring the GPI card is a three step process, all of which is done using the Avid Interplay Service Configuration application. The procedure for each is covered in this section.

To define the GPI card’s board settings:

1. Start Avid Interplay Service Configuration by clicking the Start button and selectingAll Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid Interplay Service Configuration.

2. Navigate to and select the Avid GPI Device Service.

3. Select the Board Type—the GPI card installed on the PC running the Avid GPI Device Service.

4. Set the Board Number to the number of GPI cards installed. Options include 0-4, with the zero (0) representing the first card and four (4) representing the fifth card, which is the maximum.

5. Click Apply.

6. Click Add Panel.

Configuring the GPI Card

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The Add Panel dialog box appears.

7. Click OK. The new panel will appear as a tab.

8. (Option) Rename the panel in the Panel Name textbox.

9. Accept the default Debounce Time. This input threshold setting in milliseconds is 200 by default, which means the system will ignore any signal shorter than 200 milliseconds.

10. Click Apply.

11. Select the tab corresponding to the appropriate panel.


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12. Set First Input Pin. Options include 0-15, with the zero (0) representing the first pin and fifteen (15) representing the sixteenth pin, which is the maximum. This numerical value is card dependent.

13. Click Add Event. The Add New Event dialog box appears.

14. Select the type of event. Options include:

15. Enter a name for the event.

16. Click OK.

17. Repeat steps 13 through 16 to continue pin assignment.

18. Click Apply.

Trigger GPI output

Level GPI input. Extend on/off.

Toggle GPI input. Quick on/off.

Restarting the GPI Device Service

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Restarting the GPI Device Service

After configuring the GPI card, you must restart the device service.

To restart the Avid GPI Device Service:

1. Click Start and select All Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties.

2. On the Services tab, click Advanced.

3. Select Avid GPI Device Service.

4. Click Restart.

n Avid also recommends restarting the client software at the Command Workstation.

Mapping GPI Events

After you configure the GPI card and restart the device service, the GPI events must be mapped to playout actions. This is done at a Command Workstation in the System Settings dialog box.

n The channel number selected in step 6 of the following procedure corresponds to an index, which must be configured for this mapping to work. For more information, see “Mapping Indices to Channel Names” on page 140.

To map GPI events to actions:




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3. Select GPI.

4. Expand the panels to view each panel’s GPI events.

5. Double-click on an event. The Choose Action dialog box appears with the GPI options expanded by default.

n Users can select any of the actions in the dialog box, such as selecting Playlist > Selection > Next Item, which would configure a GPI button to advance the cursor in the user interface. However, Avid recommends mapping GPI events to GPI > Channel actions because these actions are communicated directly to the Playlist Controller, bypassing the user interface. Similar actions, such as Cue, Pause, Play, and Stop, also appear under Playlist > Channel, but those are provided for USB keypads, such as X-keys.

Mapping GPI Events

151

6. Expand the action, such as Play, and select a channel number, such as 01.

7. Click OK.

8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 as needed.



152


Enabling the GPI

After configuration of the GPI card for the Avid iNEWS Command system is complete, the GPI panel must still be enabled to control a playlist. A user can do this at any Command Workstation.

To enable a GPI panel to control a playlist:

1. At the Command Workstation, select Tools > Options.

2. In Category, expand Actions and select GPI.

3. Select a GPI panel from the list.

4. Click Apply.

5. Click OK.

n System administrators must configure system settings to provide a list of GPI panels in the Options dialog box. For more information, see “Mapping GPI Events” on page 149.

Chapter 7

Integrating with ENPS

To ensure proper integration between Avid iNEWS Command and the ENPS newsroom computer system, certain configuration must be completed within ENPS. Those configuring ENPS must have system administrator access and a working knowledge of the newsroom computer system’s administrative features.

n ENPS is third-party software. Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for more detailed information regarding the newsroom computer system.


• Configuring ENPS

• MOS Settings

Chapter 7 Integrating with ENPS

154

Configuring ENPS

You must configure the ENPS MOS settings on an ENPS newsroom computer system to enable integration with Avid iNEWS Command.

To configure the ENPS MOS settings:

1. Open the ENPS client interface.

2. Click the green Rover button on the Corporate folder at the bottom of your screen. This folder—fourth from the left—is typically labeled with your station call letters or corporate name. By default, it is labeled ENPS.

Green Rover button

Configuring ENPS

155

3. Select System Maintenance > Groups.

A dialog box with a list of configured groups opens.

4. Click the New button.

The ENPS dialog box opens.

5. Enter the name of the group and click OK. A new row appears in the list.

6. On that row, do the following:

a. Enter a description.

b. Select the server. This should be the primary ENPS server.

7. Click Save.


156

8. Click the green Rover button on the Corporate folder again.

9. Select System Maintenance > MOS Configuration.

A dialog box with a list of configured MOS plug-ins opens.

10. Click the New button.

The ENPS dialog box opens.

11. Enter the MOS ID. The information you enter here must match the iNEWS Command MOS ID in the Command system settings. For more information, see “MOS Settings” on page 158.

12. Click OK. A new row appears in the list.

Configuring ENPS

157

13. On that row, fill in the fields as shown in the following table:

n You might need to scroll to the right to view all fields that require modification.

14. Click Save.

15. Restart all ENPS client applications so that the new MOS ID information will appear as an option.

16. Restart the ENPS News Object Manager (NOM) to allow the new MOS ID to take effect and appear throughout the ENPS newsroom computer system.

Text Box Name Description

Description Enter the name that identifies this plug-in for users.

IP Enter the IP address of the Command Server running the MOS Communication service.

Program Select the group you created in step 5 on page 155.

MOS Version Enter the version used by your Avid iNEWS Command system. Versions 2.6 and 2.8 are supported.

Auto Create Ensure the auto create field is enabled.

Object Type Set the object type to VIDEO.


158

MOS Settings

The MOS category in the System Settings dialog box allows system administrators to configure the Command system to integrate with a MOS-enabled newsroom computer system, such as ENPS. A MOS-enabled newsroom computer system can send playlists to Command.

MOS (Media Object Server) is an industry-standard, XML-based protocol that is primarily used by a newsroom computer system (NRCS) to maintain running orders on a video server. MOS also enables servers to update the newsroom computer system with changes to the server’s media inventory. Command’s MOS support enables communication between the newsroom computer system and AirSpeed video servers, as shown in the following illustration.

MOS does not provide a means of controlling playout from a video server. Command supplies this function.

Under the MOS category are three subcategories:

• General - used to configure MOS and graphics environment settings.

• Channel Groups - used to identify channel groups for integration with MOS-based newsroom computer systems.

• Advanced - used for advanced MOS feature configuration.

n Avid strongly recommends contacting Customer Support before altering any of the advanced settings.

To configure Command’s system settings to work with a MOS-based newsroom computer system:

1. At a Command Workstation, select Tools > System Settings.

2. Expand the MOS category.

3. Select General.

NRCS Command AirSpeedMOS

messages

MOS Settings

159

4. Edit the MOS settings accordingly:

MOS Setting Description

iNEWS Command MOS ID

The ID that enables enables bidirectional communications between a MOS-based newsroom computer system and Command. For instance: avid.command1.mos or avid.command2.mos

Newsroom NCS ID Usually, this is set to the host name of the newsroom computer system’s server.

Newsroom Host Name Host name of the newsroom computer system’s server. The name entered in this field must be resolvable via the Domain Name Service (DNS); otherwise, an IP address can be used instead.

Newsroom BuddyID Usually, this is set to host name of the newsroom computer system’s “buddy” or backup server. The name entered in this field must be resolvable via the Domain Name Service (DNS); otherwise, an IP address can be used instead.


160

5. Set the default graphics environment for playlists loaded from a MOS-based newsroom computer system, if necessary.

n Graphics environments, known as styles in Avid Deko, are added at the Command Workstation via the Playlist category in the System Settings dialog box. If none are added, then the list in the MOS > General category will appear blank.

6. Select Channel Groups.

7. Click Add.

The Channel Groups dialog box appears.

8. Select a channel group.

9. Click OK.

The chosen channel group will appear in the list on the right side of the System Settings dialog box.

n If entering multiple channel groups, the device channels in those groups must not conflict.

Newsroom Buddy Host Name

Host name of the newsroom computer system’s “buddy” or backup server.

MOS version Determines which version of MOS protocol Command will use.

MOS Setting Description (Continued)

MOS Settings

161



To view advanced MOS settings:

1. Select Tools > System Settings.

2. Expand the MOS category.

3. Select Advanced.


162

While a newsroom computer system can use non-standard ports for the incoming and outgoing sockets and the advanced settings can be customized, Avid recommends that the default settings be used.

n Avid strongly recommends contacting Customer Support before altering any of the advanced settings.

The first four settings specify the port numbers for the sockets used to communicate with the MOS-based newsroom computer system. The defaults, as defined in the MOS protocol specifications, are: 10541 (upper) and 10540 (lower).

Chapter 8

Confirming Functionality

After software installation and system configuration is complete, you should verify proper functionality of components and ensure the success of the installation and integration.


• Monitoring System Status

• Viewing Status of Services

• Confirming Command Inventory

• Testing Workflow

Chapter 8 Confirming Functionality

164

Monitoring System Status

Once installation and configuration of the Command system is complete, you can check the status by using the Avid Interplay Health Monitor

To check the current status of the system:

1. Click the Start button and select Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid Interplay Health Monitor.

On the Hosts tab, services are listed by computer and device. The Processes tab lists by services.

2. Confirm that no problems are reported. Any problems on the system will appear with a red X.

Viewing Status of Services

165

Viewing Status of Services

Avid iNEWS Command uses Avid Interplay Framework as its structure for discovering and communicating with services.

To start Interplay Workgroup Properties:

1. Click the Start button and select > All Programs > Avid > Interplay Framework > Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties.

The Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties window opens.

When you start the Interplay Workgroup Properties application, the Services tab appears by default displaying the name of the workgroup, to which this computer belongs, in the Workgroup text box. Also shown, in the Status text box, is the status of all Avid services running on the local computer.

The Interplay Workgroup Properties application uses colored icons—in combination with text—on the Services tab to show the status of all Avid services. A user can click the Advanced button to see more information about individual services. The icons displayed provide fast, easy identification of the current status of an Avid service.


166

For more information on viewing Avid services using the Interplay Workgroup Properties application, see the Avid Interplay Framework User’s Guide.

Status Icon Status Icon Description

When all of the enabled Avid components are running on the local machine a green circle with a check mark in the center is shown next to the Status text box and the sentence—All enabled services are running—is displayed.

When some of the enabled Avid components are running on the local machine a caution symbol (yellow triangle with an exclamation mark in the center) is shown next to the Status text box and the sentence—Some services are enabled but not running—is displayed.

When none of the enabled Avid components are running on the local machine a red square is shown next to the Status text box and the sentence—No services are running—is displayed.

Confirming Command Inventory

167

Confirming Command Inventory

You should confirm that the inventory of media available to Command is appearing properly at a Command Workstation.

To confirm that the Avid iNEWS Command system is seeing inventory correctly:

1. Start the Command client application.

2. If the Inventory panel is not already open, select View > Inventory.

3. Click the down arrow (indicated in the graphic) and select a channel group from the list.

The Inventory panel shows the inventory (media) for a selected channel group in a table or spreadsheet-style format. You can see the media’s availability, clip ID, name (slug), duration, and the time when it was last modified.

n There can be a delay of approximately 10 minutes for the inventory to appear after creating a channel group. Also, ensure that you check both video and graphic (character generator) assets.

Down Arrow - Select this button to choose a different channel group.

Resize bar - Select to adjust division of list and detail sections of the Inventory panel.

Inventory list available through the selected channel group.

Details on selected media in the Inventory list.


168

Testing Workflow

The person testing the system’s workflow should have a basic working knowledge of the various systems that interact with Command, such as the newsroom computer system as well as the Command client application.

n For basic user information on Avid iNEWS, iNEWS Command, or other integrated Avid products, see the User’s Guides and help systems that accompany each product.

To test workflow:

1. Create a rundown with stories that contain graphic and video events.

a. If you use hand-entered machine control events, test that by entering some into new and existing stories.

b. If you are using a plug-in, such as Avid Deko Select or Avid Thunder Select, open the plug-in and test it as well by using it to insert events into stories.

2. Load the rundown. (For Avid iNEWS, this means to turn on and load the monitor server.)

3. At a Command Workstation, start the Command client application.

4. Confirm that the newsroom playlist associated with that rundown appears in the Playlist Explorer.

5. Open the playlist.

6. Lock all channel groups.

7. Play video and graphic events. Ensure that they appear as expected on the video monitors.

8. Rearrange stories in the newsroom rundown and ensure that the items in the newsroom playlist at the Command Workstation adjust accordingly.

Newsroom Playlists

Disconnected Newsroom PlaylistStandalone Playlist

Time of Day (Standalone) Playlist

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Index

169

Symbols/site/config 127

AAdd New Event dialog box 148Add Panel dialog box 146AirSpeed

channel designations 57channel groups 59configuring device services 29default device service installation 25

Avideducational services 11Knowledge Base 11

Avid Dekochannel designations 57configure the device service 95, 111device integration checklist 71installing device services 76styles aka environments 96

Avid documentation 11Avid Graphics Select 121Avid iNEWS

configuring 117mailboxes 133Map story 118plug-ins 121queue properties 132

Avid Interplay Diagnostics 22Avid Interplay Framework 17, 165

core components 17Diagnostic Log Viewer 22Email Alerter 22Lookup Service 17Machine Monitor 22Multicast Repeater 22Service Configuration 21, 36, 95, 111

starting 144, 146SNMP Gateway 22System Configuration service 18Time Synchronization 22

Avid Interplay Health Monitor 22Avid Interplay Service Configuration application 18,

21Avid Interplay Workgroup Properties 29, 95, 111,

144, 149Avid Thunder

configure the device service 95, 111device integration checklist 100installing device services 105

Avid_Licensing_Setup.exe 33

BBackup server 159

CChannel groups

creating 61defined 58deleting 66examples of 59redundancy 60rundundancy 60

Channel indices 140Channel-specific actions 143

assigning 143mapping 140

ChecklistsDeko configuration 82

Choose Action dialog box 151Command Server

installing software 23Command Workstation

alternative keypad device 144

Index

Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

170

disabling keyboard 138installing software 49using X-keys 139

configuration lines, example of 130Connections tab 85Console commands

iNEWS 128list 128variations of list 131

Core components 17Customer Support

contact information 11

DDebounce Time 147Deko

configuration checklist 82configuring device services 94integration checklist 71MOS ID 120user settings 84XML storage 84

Deko Select 121installing 124

DekoMOS Gatewayconfiguring 83installing 80Net HASP dongle 80

DekoMOS Gateway Configuration dialogue box 83DekoMOS Macro Server

configuring styles 91installing 81

Demo Command license 36Destination Folder dialog box 50Device numbers 127Device services

configuring 29, 94, 110viewing status of 165

Diagnostic log viewer 22Dialog boxes

Add New Event 148Add Panel 146Choose Action 151Choose action 143DekoMOS Gateway Configuration 83Destination Folder 50

Queue Properties 132System Settings 61, 149

dongle 80Duration 119

EEmail Alerter service 22ENPS

integration 153MOS settings 154News Object Manager 157

Event types 148

FFirst Input Pin 148

GGeneral tab 84GPI card 144GPI events, mapping 149GPI panel 144Graphics environments 96

setting default 160

HHealth Monitor 22

IiNEWS

/site/config 128configuring 117ed command line editor 128list command 128mailboxes 127Map story 118SYSTEM.MOS-MAP Story 120

iNEWS Commandinstall on workstation 49licensing 33MOS ID 159MOS support 158


171

training 11iNEWS Servers

configuration file 127host definition 129

Installationdetermining disk space 78, 107

Interplay Framework 17Interplay Workgroup Properties 165Inventory panel 167

KKeyboard

alternative keypad device 144disabling 138

Knowledge Base 11

LLevel 148License manager 80Licenses

activation file 38demo 36permanent 39temp 36

Licensing service 33configuring 36

list commandvariations of 131

Lookup service 17

MMachine Monitor service 22Macro server 81Mailboxes 133

assigning to rundown queue 130defined 127valid numbers 127viewing assignments 131

Map story 118Mapping GPI events to actions 149Mirrored playout 63

channel groups 60Monitor LOAD command 130Monitor ON command 130

Monitor server 119Monitor servers 127

listing assigned mailboxes 131MOS ID 120MOS protocol

defaults 162described 158version 160

MOS settings 161editing 159

MOS, defined 158MOS-based newsroom configuration 153MOS-Map story 120Multicast Repeater service 22

NNet HASP Connection Settings 85Net HASP dongle 80Net HASP License Manager 80Newsroom buddy host name 160Newsroom buddyID 159Newsroom host name 159Newsroom NCS ID 159

OOnline support 11

Ppaths 84Playlist icons 136Playlist Viewer 136Playout control 136

configuring 135Plug-ins 121Procedures

add an environment 96add the demo license 36add the permanent license 39assign channel specific actions to a key 144configure the DekoMOS Gateway 83configure the device service 95, 111configure the ENPS MOS settings 154configure the GPI card’s board settings 146configure the Licensing service 36


172

configuring Command for MOS-based NRCS 158confirm running of NetHASP License Manager 81connect the New HASP Dongle 80control playout with numeric keypad 137create & configure monitor server 127create channel groups 61delete a channel group 66edit a channel group 64edit the Map story in iNEWS 118edit the SYSTEM.MOS-MAP story 120enable a GPI panel to control a playlist 152enable or disable the keyboard 138generate an activation file 38install an X-keys USB keypad 139install Avid Deko Select 124install Avid Thunder Select 122install software on a Command Server 23install software on a Command Workstation 49install the DekoMOS Gateway 80install the DekoMOS Macro Server 81install the device software 76, 105install the Interplay Framework Software 18install the Licensing service 33map an index to a channel name 140map GPI events to actions 149programming X-keys 141start Interplay Workgroup Properties 165view advanced MOS settings 161view the Queue Properties dialog box 132

QQueue form, explained 132Queue Properties dialog box 132Quit time 119

RRedundancy 60Rover button 154

SServer type 119Service Configuration 36Services

Interplay Framework 17, 21

viewing status 165Site licenses 33SNMP Gateway 22Story forms, explained 132System Configuration service 18System settings

GPI 149indices 140MOS 159MOS advanced 161MOS channel groups 160Playlist 96

System Settings dialog box 61, 149SYSTEM.MAP 118SYSTEM.MOS-MAP 120

TTemporary Command License 36Thunder

configuring device services 110integration checklist 100MOS ID 121

Thunder Select 121installing 121

ThunderMOS.cfg file 121Time Synchronization service 22Toggle 148Training, ordering courses 11Trigger 148Troubleshooting 11

UUSB keypad 139Utility programs 127

VVideo server

channel designations 57channel groups 59

WWorkgroup Properties

restarting GPI device service 149


173

starting the application 165status icons 165

XX-keys 139

channel-specific actions 143XML-based protocol 158


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