
Introduction =7
As standard equipment, the Image Server includes LTC and VITC time code capabilities,
closed-captioning, VDCP, P2 and Odetics 9-pin control, GPI inputs and outputs, and both 100 Mb
and Gigabit Ethernet ports.
Full Slate of Audio Features
The Image Server 2000 includes both analog and digital audio circuits, making it an
important part of the transition to digital broadcasting. It includes gold XLR connectors for audio
inputs and outputs, and each can be configured for either AES/EBU digital or +4 dBu balanced
analog. In digital format each video program can have four channels of audio, whereas analog I/O
provides two channels. (An AES/EBU line on a single XLR connector carries two audio channels,
so a given number of XLR connectors make more channels possible in digital format.)
360 Systems brings over 30 years experience in broadcast and pro-audio to the audio
design of the Image Server 2000. It utilizes a 24-bit word, and delivers a 20 dB improvement in
SNR (10 times) compared with older 16-bit audio systems. An insertable sample-rate converter is
included, plus input circuits with excellent hum and RF rejection, and 20 dB of headroom. 360
Systems’ Bit-for-Bit® design strategy guarantees that when a Dolby®-E, Dolby AC3, or any other
encoded program is recorded, it will play back correctly.
On-Screen Graphic User Interface
The Image Server’s On-Screen graphic user interface (GUI) gives fast access to key server
functions. It is controlled by a standard keyboard and pointing device (supplied) and requires only
a VESA-compliant VGA or SVGA monitor or flat-panel display.
The GUI displays a virtual control panel for each server channel, which includes transport
control buttons, clip file management, plus head and tail point trimming, allowing the Image Server
to operate as a self-contained VTR equivalent.
System configuration is clear and straightforward with the On-Screen GUI. It provides
access to MPEG-2 encoding parameters, audio channel settings and time-code assignments.
Whenever new server features are installed (using the built-in CD-ROM drive), new set-up
parameters and user-interface features are immediately accessible.
MXF Networking on Gigabit Ethernet
Image Servers move beyond providing just a simple base-band solution for video input and
output. MXF file transfers over Gigabit Ethernet open the door to new IP solutions for transferring
video across the room—or across the country—at exceptionally low cost.
By using economical switches, routers, and computer-industry infrastructure, the Image
Server’s Gigabit Ethernet design enables low-cost networking of broadcast operations from ingest to
storage, for editing, play-to-air, and archiving. The Image Server 2000 can move programs many
times faster than real time, saving time and streamlining operations.
360 Systems’ MXF implementation uses Operational Patterns 1a and 1b. It has been tested
for compatibility with MXF files from many other server manufacturers. 360 Systems can make
Image Server 2000 MXF files available for testing and evaluation through our FTP Site. Contact the
customer service department to arrange for access.