360 Systems MAXX User manual

For use with Software Versions from 3.01.300
Image Server MAXX
June 2006
Copyright © 2003-2006, 360 Systems.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.

Contents•i
Contents
Preface _______________________________________________________________ 5
Software and Operations Manual Revisions .................................. 5
Safety Notices _________________________________________________________ 6
Safety Terms and Symbols............................................................. 6
General Safety Caution ................................................................. 6
Personal Injury Precautions ........................................................... 6
Product Registration ...................................................................... 7
Product Improvements and Upgrades ........................................... 7
Trademarks ................................................................................... 7
Software Copyrights ...................................................................... 7
Video and Audio Copyright Reminder .......................................... 7
Introduction __________________________________________________________ 8
Key Features and Benefits 12
Applications for 360 Systems’ Image Servers 13
Available Models 14
Installation___________________________________________________________ 15
Unpacking 15
Rack Mounting 16
Important Installation Notes System Cooling 17
Important Installation Notes Power Conditioning 18
Important Installation Notes Operating Environment 19
About Image Server Software 20
Image Server Hardware Interface _______________________________________ 21
Front Panel Features 21
Power ON/OFF button................................................................ 21
Indicators .................................................................................... 21
Rear Panel Features 23
Video Inputs ...............................................................................23
Video Outputs ............................................................................23
Audio I/O....................................................................................23
Analog/Digital Audio Selection ................................................... 24
Serial Control Ports ..................................................................... 24
Gigabit Ethernet Port...................................................................25
GPI Control................................................................................. 25
Genlock Sync Reference .............................................................25
LTC Time Code Input.................................................................. 25
LTC Time Code Output...............................................................26
™

ii •Contents
Keyboard .................................................................................... 26
Mouse.........................................................................................26
Monitor.......................................................................................26
Power ......................................................................................... 26
Basic Operations______________________________________________________ 27
The Image Server Desktop 27
Launching the Graphic User Interface ......................................... 27
Shutting Down Image Server....................................................... 27
Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................................... 28
On-Screen Main Menu Bar 28
File.............................................................................................. 28
Transport..................................................................................... 29
Configuring the Image Server ...................................................... 29
Window Arrangement.................................................................29
About..........................................................................................30
Clip Transport Window 31
Menus.........................................................................................31
The Status Bar ............................................................................. 35
Transport Controls ......................................................................35
Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................................... 38
Recording 39
Setting up to Record....................................................................39
Using the Input Frame Synchronizer ........................................... 40
Making a Recording .................................................................... 40
Playing a Clip 42
Setting up Genlock for Playback ................................................. 42
Playing a Clip.............................................................................. 42
Editing a Clip 44
Edit-while-Recording................................................................... 44
Embedded Audio______________________________________________________ 47
Introduction ................................................................................47
Setup........................................................................................... 47
Configuration..............................................................................49
Audio Sample Rate Conversion................................................... 50
DV Video and Graphics________________________________________________ 51
Importing TARGA Graphics Files ................................................ 51
Animation Import........................................................................ 51
FTP File Transfers........................................................................ 52
Key/Fill Mode ............................................................................. 52
Still Frames .................................................................................53
Advanced Playlisting __________________________________________________ 54
Advanced Playlist Features and Benefits...................................... 54
The As-Run Log........................................................................... 61
NTP Time Stamps 65
Identify the DNS Name Servers................................................... 65
Verify Operation of DNS service................................................. 66
Identify the NTP servers ..............................................................66
Set Local Time Zone ................................................................... 66
Start NTP Service ........................................................................ 67
Verify Operation of NTP Service .................................................67

Contents•iii
Stopping NTP service.................................................................. 67
Editing a Clip 68
Automation Control ___________________________________________________ 70
Remote Serial Control 70
Controller Priority .......................................................................70
Communication Protocol Setup 70
VDCP Options ............................................................................ 71
Communication Port Parameters ................................................. 72
Tested Automation Controllers 72
Tested Remote Control Panels and Switchers 73
Remote Workstation Interface __________________________________________ 74
System Requirements .................................................................. 75
About the Remote Workstation Interface.....................................75
Operations..................................................................................75
Installation .................................................................................. 76
System Configuration__________________________________________________ 78
System ........................................................................................ 78
Date/Time ................................................................................... 78
Channels..................................................................................... 78
System Config Options 79
Timing Tab.................................................................................. 79
Channel Configuration 84
Input Configuration..................................................................... 84
Output Configuration.................................................................. 87
Hard Disk Management________________________________________________ 88
About RAID 5 .............................................................................88
Improved Write Performance ......................................................89
Managing Disk Arrays 89
Error Notification and Repair....................................................... 89
Log-In to the RAID Utilities ......................................................... 91
Determining the Condition of The RAID Array............................92
Displaying the Alarm Log of the Raid Array ................................93
Checking Status of the Drives...................................................... 94
Removing the Degraded Drive from the RAID Unit ....................95
Rebuilding the RAID Array.......................................................... 96
Replacing Hard Drives ................................................................ 96
Network File Transfers_________________________________________________ 97
MXF File Transfers ...................................................................... 97
Network Operations 97
Using the Image Server in a Large Network................................. 97
Transfer of Edited Segments ........................................................97
File Sizes Reported in Listing.......................................................98
FTP File Transfers........................................................................ 99
Gigabit Ethernet Hardware 100
Redundant Server Connection................................................... 100
Gigabit Ethernet Cable Quality.................................................. 100
Configuring Network Settings 100
Network Settings Tab ................................................................ 101
Saving Network Configuration .................................................. 102

iv •Contents
Maintenance ________________________________________________________ 103
Fault Diagnostics 103
Front Panel Indicators ...............................................................103
Gigabit Ethernet Indicators ........................................................ 104
Access to Components 104
Removing the Front Panel ......................................................... 104
Removing the Top Cover ..........................................................104
General Handling Precautions .................................................. 105
Installing/Removing I/O Cards................................................... 106
Accessing the Motherboard.......................................................106
Analog/Digital Audio Selection 107
Audio Level Calibration 108
Calibration Procedure ...............................................................108
Program Updates via CD-ROM 110
Replacing a Hard Drive 111
Factory Repair Policy 111
Regulatory Certifications 112
Safety ........................................................................................ 112
Laser Compliance .....................................................................112
Radio Interference Compliance.................................................112
Product Warranty____________________________________________________ 114
End User License Agreement___________________________________________ 115
Appendix A _________________________________________________________ 117
Connector Specifications 117
Audio XLR-3 Connector Pinout .................................................117
Serial Control Connector Pinout................................................ 117
BNC Connectors .......................................................................118
GPI Connector Pinout ...............................................................118
System Board Ports ...................................................................120
Appendix B _________________________________________________________ 121
Serial Command Protocols 121
VDCP Command Table............................................................. 121
P2 Serial Command Table.........................................................123
Odetics® Protocol .....................................................................125
Appendix C _________________________________________________________ 128
Technical Specifications 128
Keyboard Shortcuts 130
Appendix D _________________________________________________________ 131
Mechanical Drawing 131
Index_______________________________________________________________ 132

Preface 5
Preface
This manual provides installation, setup and operating instructions for 360 Systems’ MAXX
Image Server™. It is organized to provide quick access to topics of primary interest. An extensive
Table of Contents is provided at the beginning and a subject Index at the end, to assist in locating
information.
If you have already used hard disk video servers (or VTRs), you may find discussion of the
basic server to be covering familiar topics. However, it is strongly recommended that engineering
managers and staff members operating the Image Server read through this manual. Being familiar
with its operation can prevent operational mistakes, and will make all users aware of important set-
up and maintenance issues.
Software and Operations Manual Revisions
Software revisions are released from time-to-time that introduce new product features, or
improve the performance of the product. When such revisions are shipped in the form of a CD-
ROM, printed operational notes will be included. When revisions are introduced in the course of
product production, an updated Operations Manual will be shipped with new servers.
The title page of an Operations Manual indicates its revision number, which should always
match the software revision of the server with which it is used. Operations Manuals for the latest
revision may be obtained from 360 Systems Customer Service, or from 360 Systems’ web site.
Your comments are welcome. If anything in this manual seems unclear, please let us know
by sending an email to [e-mail].
Typographical Conventions
The following typographical conventions are used to clarify meaning:
•Connector or indicator labeling that appears on the unit is shown in Arial Narrow Bold.
•GUI menu items are shown in Arial Bold.
•GUI sub-menu paths are shown by the >symbol.

6 Safety Notices
Safety Notices
Safety Terms and Symbols
THE FOLLOWING WARNING SYMBOLS ARE USED IN THIS MANUAL:
ENGLISH ATTENTION: REFER TO OWNER’S MANUAL FOR IMPORTANT
INFORMATION.
FRANÇAIS ATTENTION: VEUILLEZ VOUS RÉFÉRER AU MODE D’EMPLOI
POUR UNE INFORMATION IMPORTANTE.
ITALIANO ATTENZIONE: FATE RIFERIMENTO AL MANUALE PER
INFORMAZIONI IMPORTANTI.
ESPAÑOL ATENTCION: FAVOR DE REFERIR AL MANUAL DE
OPERACION POR INFORMACION IMPORTANTE.
ENGLISH WARNING: ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD.
FRANÇAIS AVERTISSEMENT: DANGER DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE.
ITALIANO AVVERTIMENTO: PERICOLO DI SHOCK ELETTRICO.
ESPAÑOL ADVERTENSIA: PELIGRO DE CHOQUE ELECTRICO.
General Safety Caution
•Heed the following important cautions regarding the Image Server in order to avoid personal
injury or equipment damage.
•Only qualified personnel should perform installation and service. Refer to appropriate sections
of this product manual for instruction. Contact 360 Systems Customer Support for further
explanation, or to clarify any uncertainty.
•Disconnect the power cord before removing the cover.
Personal Injury Precautions
To avoid electric shock, do not operate this product with covers removed.
To avoid risk of fire, replace the power cord only with same type and rating as specified. Replace
damaged power cords immediately.
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric
shock, do not remove or modify the contacts on the plug.
Prevent the power cord from being walked on, pinched, or abraded.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Remove jewelry, such as rings, watches, or necklaces before servicing this equipment.

Safety Notices 7
Product Damage Precautions
•Image Server recorders contain hard disk drives and other fragile electronic and mechanical
devices. While this product is very reliable, it is still vulnerable to shock. Handle it with care,
and exercise caution not to drop or bump the recorder as damage to internal components may
result. Turn off power before moving the server.
•Do not obstruct air vents. Maintain an ambient temperature below 30°C (86°F).
•Clean only with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not spray cleaners or solvents directly
on the product.
•CAUTION: Replace only with the same, or equivalent, battery type. BR and CR Lithium
batteries are safe for disposal in municipal waste. Batteries should be fully discharged prior to
disposal. Check local laws regarding disposal of batteries.
•CAUTION: Never use the power supply switch to shutdown the Image Server. Doing so may
cause errors in the hard disk array. Should this happen, the array can be reinitialized without
any data loss; however, the process may take several hours. Shutdown the system only by
momentarily pressing the front panel power button, or through the On-Screen user interface.
Product Registration
Important — As the owner of new capital equipment, you will want to take advantage of product
information, enhancements, upgrades, or notifications issued by 360 Systems. Send in your
Warranty Card so 360 Systems can remain in contact with you. Mail or fax it to 360 Systems
offices in the USA at the address given below.
Product Improvements and Upgrades
360 Systems reserves the right to make changes and/or improvements to its products without
incurring any obligation to incorporate such changes or improvements in units previously sold.
Certain features mentioned in this document may not be present in all models. Image Servers are
not offered for sale in all countries.
Trademarks
MAXX Image Server, Multi-Format Image Server, 360 Systems, 360 Systems Broadcast, Bit-for-Bit,
and Direct Digital Import are trademarks or registered trademarks of 360 Systems in the U.S. and/or
foreign countries. Other trademarks referred to in this document are the property of their
respective owners.
Software Copyrights
Software in this product is based on the work of, or is copyright by, 360 Systems, SuSE® GmbH,
Montavista, Trolltech, and FreeType Team. Copyright 2003-2006 by 360 Systems.
Video and Audio Copyright Reminder
It is illegal to use this product to make copies of copyrighted material without the express
permission of the copyright holder

8 Introduction
Introduction
360 Systems’ MAXX Image Server™ is a multi-channel video recorder/server designed for
television broadcast and production applications. It can play three independent video streams at
once, and store up to 170 hours of MPEG-2 video, with four audio channels per video stream. It
occupies just 3½” of rack space. The server’s extensive feature set makes it an excellent choice for
VTR replacement, broadcast automation, remote trucks; production for PEG, corporate and house-
of-worship video; and live entertainment presentations. Image Server MAXX is produced in
separate NTSC and PAL models. References in this document to frame counts other than 29.97 or
30 frames should be understood as a PAL example.
The Transition to a Digital Plant
Image Server MAXX smoothes the transition to digital production and broadcasting by
providing both composite video and serial digital (SDI) interfaces, plus program file transfers over
Gigabit Ethernet. It’s never necessary to add outboard video A/D or D/A converters or MPEG
encoders; premium-quality codecs are included as standard equipment. The server’s dual analog
and digital personality—for both video and audio—makes it fit seamlessly into an existing analog
facility, or become part of a new digital build-out. Apart from serving its intended purposes, Image
Server MAXX is also valuable for its ability to convert between different analog and digital media
formats in real-time.
Exceptional Storage Capacity
The Image Server’s program storage is scaleable to suit the needs of both small and large
users. It houses four hard drives within its compact enclosure, providing either 112 or 170 hours
of storage at 12 Mb/sec. Storage time is proportional at other data rates. The server’s RAID-5 disk
array provides a high level of security for stored programs. By spreading parity information across
all drives, the RAID array helps keep the server in service—even with a failed drive. The multi-
drive storage array also generates the high data rates needed for multiple video streams at up to 50
Mb/sec, and enables fast program transfers through the Gigabit Ethernet port.
Drive Size Storage Capacity
(4 drives)
Time @ 12 Mb/s
2 audio channels
Time @ 8 Mb/s
2 audio channels
250 GB 1.0 TB 112 hours 150 hours
400 GB 1.6 TB 170 hours 250 hours
IMAGE SERVER MAXX STORAGE TIMES
The Image Server’s unique ability to play two video streams while recording a third, and at
the same time do file transfers over Gigabit Ethernet, make it far more than just a VTR replacement.
Image Servers Support Traditional VTR Functions
The Image Server is a perfect drop-in replacement for popular VTRs. It saves costs for tape,
machine maintenance, cassette prep, and storage. Its three output channels perform any