Accom WSD/2XTREME User manual

Quick Contents
Chapter 1:
Getting to know
WSD/2X
TREME
• About this manual
• WSD/2Xtreme features
• System Inputs
• System Outputs
• External Control
• System Options
• Front Panel Layout
• WSD/2Xtreme Applications
• Image Transfer Considerations

1-2
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2X
TREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
AboutThis Manual
This manual provides installation and operating instructions for the
Accom WSD/2Xtreme
™
Video Disk Array. If your system is not yet
installed, refer to Appendix B,
Installation
. If you’ve already completed
installing the system, begin here in Chapter 1 to learn about operating
WSD/2Xtreme.
This manual contains:
nn
nn
Chapter 1,
Getting to know the WSD/2Xtreme
—system features,
capabilities, options, and applications.
nn
nn
Chapter 2,
Keyboard Controls
—overview of all the controls on
the Mini-keyboard.
nn
nn
Chapter 3,
Getting Started
—power up, power down, and setup.
nn
nn
Chapter 4,
Using the WSD/2Xtreme
—operation, including
timecode, recording, playback, segment play mode, and Macros.
nn
nn
Chapter 5,
Ethernet Operation
— An overview of
communicating with 2Xtreme through an ethernet connection.
nn
nn
Chapter 6,
SCSI Operation
— An overview of communicating
with 2Xtreme through a SCSI connection.
nn
nn
Chapter 7,
Auto Edit Function
—Auto Edit Function and edit
commands.
nn
nn
Chapter 8,
Ethernet/SCSI Commands
—structure, syntax, and
available options for each command.
nn
nn
Chapter 9,
Using WSD/2Xtreme Audio
—the audio option and
all phases of audio operation, including recording, playback, and
moving files between WSD/2Xtreme and the workstation.
nn
nn
Appendix A,
Command Summary
—An alphabetical list of
WSD/2Xtreme Commands.
nn
nn
Appendix B,
Installation
—hardware and software installation
instructions.

WSD/2Xtreme Features
1-3
1
Start Here
Index
Contents
WSD/2Xtreme Features
The WSD/2Xtreme Video Disk Array is a desktop real time digital
disk recorder. 2Xtreme is ideal for graphics work, animation, imaging,
and scientific visualization and is the perfect peripheral device for
workstation applications which involve processing or creating images
on a frame-by-frame basis. With 2Xtreme, rendered frames can be
played back in real time, allowing you to view the end result of a cre-
ative process in full motion. 2Xtreme eliminates the need to render to
tape-based or other network related devices, greatly enhancing speed,
quality, and productivity.
WSD/2Xtreme consists of an electronics chassis with floppy disk
drive, an AT-compatible mini-keyboard, and interconnect cables.
Control is through keyboard driven menus or
through ethernet or SCSI connections from
an associated workstation.
WSD/2Xtreme features include:
nn
nn
Pentium PCI Bus processing
nn
nn
8-bit or 10-bit digital video recording
nn
nn
5 minutes
uncompressed storage
with optional increased capacity
nn
nn
Variable speed playback in forward and reverse
nn
nn
Fast Ethernet and Ultra-SCSI implementations
nn
nn
Flexible control via Keyboard, SCSI, Ethernet, or WSD Virtual
Control Panel (WSDVCP)
Note: 10-bit input/output is provided when serial digital I/O option is installed. Other-
wise, 10-bit input/output is through Ethernet or SCSI only. 8-bit AD/DA conversion
only on component analog I/O.

1-4
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2X
TREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
nn
nn
Analog Video I/O
Component Analog I/O is standard (menu-selectable Betacam or
RGB).
nn
nn
ITU-R/BT601 Serial Digital Option
Optional ITU-R/BT.601 (CCIR 601) digital serial video I/O.
nn
nn
Image Transfer Flexibility
Two methods of transferring images between the workstation
and the 2Xtreme are provided:
Ethernet is standard. Pictures can be transferred using TCP/IP
protocol –
rcp
commands for image transfer and
rsh
or
rlo-
gin
commands for control. Refer to Chapter 4 for details
SCSI drivers for SGI Workstations are standard, allowing control
plus fast picture transfer. Transfer images and control 2Xtreme
from within applications that support the 2Xtreme SCSI inter-
face. You can also use the other 2Xtreme command line utilities
or the WSDVCP Virtual Control Panel to transfer files to and
from SGI Workstations and 2Xtreme.
For intensive SCSI use, consider the differential SCSI Board
Option. Software options are available to allow SCSI connection
to Macintosh and PC/NT computers.
nn
nn
Playback Segments
To take advantage of WSD/2Xtreme’s random access capability, a
playback range (as defined by a marked inpoint and outpoint)
may be defined as a segment and inserted into a segment list.
Each segment has an associated play speed (from -99.999 to
+99.999 times normal play) and direction (either forward or
reverse). The segment list may contain up to 100 segments, and
is saved in non-volatile memory. Segment lists can be edited and
rearranged as desired.

WSD/2Xtreme Features
1-5
1
Start Here
Index
Contents
nn
nn
Continuous Play Modes
2Xtreme offers two continuous-play modes: “Loop,” and “Ping
Pong,” which are active in Normal, Segment, and Cine play
operation. In Segment Play the In and Out points are defined as
either Segment IDs or as points on the Segment List Timeline.
The Loop mode allows continuous replay of a defined range of
images, in either forward or reverse directions.
The Ping Pong mode allows continuous replay of a defined
range of images by playing from start to finish, then from finish
to start in continuous repetition.
nn
nn
Timecode
The 2Xtreme internal disk timeline starts at zero (00:00) and
increments to the maximum record capacity of the disk array.
You can choose between timecode display (hours:minutes:sec-
onds:frames) or absolute “frames” display (0 to the maximum
number of frames storable on your array). You can offset the
timecode range to align 2Xtreme material to a Source tape.
nn
nn
Macros
Keystroke operational sequences can be stored into one of nine
on-line “macros.” Each macro can define up to 50 keystrokes.
Once stored, macro sequences can be played locally or triggered
by GPI input. Macros are saved in non-volatile memory. Macros
eliminate the need for repeated button presses and simplify
repetitive or complex procedures.
nn
nn
Fast SCSI mode feature
2Xtreme architecture is optimized to provide very fast SCSI
transfer speeds. For example, when transferring images from
2Xtreme to memory on the SGI O2 workstation, we achieve real
time (30 frame-per-second) transfer rates.

1-6
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2X
TREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
System Inputs
The standard 2Xtreme video input is Analog RGB/Betacam compo-
nent. An ITU-R/BT.601 (CCIR 601) serial digital video input is
optional.
Data and control connections include:
nn
nn
Mini-Keyboard connector
nn
nn
Two RS-422 connectors (one for an external edit controller, the
other to provide Sony-compatible VTR control from 2Xtreme)
nn
nn
Four GPI inputs and four GPI outputs
nn
nn
100Base-T or 10Base-T Ethernet (RJ45 connection)
nn
nn
Ultra SCSI-3
nn
nn
VGA display connector for standard PC VGA monitor
Refer to Appendix B,
Installation
for connector details.
System Outputs
2Xtreme provides:
nn
nn
One Analog RGB/Betacam component output
nn
nn
Two composite outputs for preview purposes (one video only,
the other with user selectable [on/off] control menu overlay)
nn
nn
One S-Video Output (with menu overlay, user selectable on/off)
nn
nn
Optional ITU-R/BT.601 (CCIR 601) serial digital video output
Refer to Appendix B,
Installation
for connector details.

External Control
1-7
1
Start Here
Index
Contents
External Control
External device interface includes RS-422 ports, GPI (General Pur-
pose Interface) triggers, Ethernet, and SCSI.
nn
nn
RS-422 Control— Two RS-422 auxiliary ports are provided:
Port 1 is a slave port that allows 2Xtreme to be controlled by an
external edit controller.
Port 2 is a master port used to control a VTR (Sony protocol).
nn
nn
RS-232 port— Diagnostic purposes only.
nn
nn
GPI— The GPI (General Purpose Interface) port allows simple
“trigger” control of internal and external functions. Four input
GPIs and four output GPIs are standard:
• Input GPIs trigger programmed macros 1 through 4
• Output GPIs are initiated from the 2Xtreme keyboard
nn
nn
SCSI port— When used as a SCSI “master,” the Ultra SCSI-3
port provides backup and restore capability to or from a
streaming tape drive.
When used as a SCSI “target,” the SCSI interface allows fast pic-
ture transfer and control with SGI Workstations, or with a PC or
Macintosh computer (requires optional software such as Animaq
Digital from Diaquest).
The Ultra SCSI-3 port is standard. For intensive SCSI transfers
or longer cable runs, the differential SCSI board option is recom-
mended.
nn
nn
Ethernet port— The Ethernet port facilitates external control of
WSD/Xtreme as well as image transfer. Remote Shell and
Remote Login protocols are available. An extensive command
menu is provided.
External control of 2Xtreme is well documented in later chapters
of this manual.

1-8
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2X
TREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
System Options
A variety of options are available:
nn
nn
Serial Digital I/O— The Serial Digital option provides ITU-R/
BT.601 (CCIR 601) Serial Digital input and output in addition
to the standard Analog Component I/O. Full-bandwidth 4:2:2
component digital video quality, 8-bit or 10-bit, provides the
highest quality interface to D1 recorders or other component
digital recording, processing, switching, image storage, and
monitoring devices.
nn
nn
SCSI Board— In addition to the standard Ultra SCSI-3 port, an
optional SCSI board supports differential SCSI. This board is
recommended for high volume SCSI use.
nn
nn
Audio Option— Realtime audio playback and record matched
precisely to video. The option includes utilities to transfer
computer .aif audio files via ethernet or SCSI. Audio is digitized
at 16-bit, 48kHz sampling. Audio inputs and outputs are analog.
Additional options include:
nn
nn
Buf Box with jog/shuttle knob for remote control
nn
nn
Charybda Driver software package for SGI workstations,
providing file format translation
nn
nn
Diaquest products for Macintosh and NT computers: Animaq,
3D Studio MAX, and Adobe Photoshop Plug-ins
nn
nn
Ethernet and SCSI cables and accessories
nn
nn
Shipping Case

Front Panel Layout
1-9
1
Start Here
Index
Contents
Front Panel Layout
Note: When using SCSI devices, including 2Xtreme, connected through a SCSI chain
to a workstation, ALWAYS power the workstation up last (after all SCSI devices) and
ALWAYS shut the workstation off first (before all SCSI devices). This protects against
accidental data loss and possible damage to the workstation or SCSI devices.
Floppy Disk Drive– Used to load new software from
3.5 inch diskette, or as an emergency boot drive.
The Reset button resets the CPU and causes a warm
boot to take place.
The Power button turns the unit on or off. The LED
lights when power is on.

1-10
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2X
TREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
WSD/2XtremeApplications
Primarily, 2Xtreme is used with graphics workstations. Graphics cre-
ated on the workstation are transferred to 2Xtreme for realtime play-
back. You can also record live video on 2Xtreme and transfer these
images to the workstation for rotoscoping or other manipulation.
2Xtreme is the ideal interface between computer imaging and video.
This section provides an overview of a typical system incorporating
2Xtreme.
This typical system includes:
nn
nn
Workstation— Any workstation used to generate computer
graphics. The workstation is typically connected to 2Xtreme
through ethernet for control and through SCSI for high speed
file transfer.
nn
nn
2Xtreme— records images transferred from the workstation.
2Xtreme is controlled via keyboard, ethernet, or SCSI.
nn
nn
Composite Monitor— connected to the 2Xtreme composite
output to view images during recording and playback. Also
displays the operating menus and displays.
nn
nn
Video Tape Recorder (VTR)— Video recording and playback.
Via Ethernet or SCSI, you control the 2Xtreme and the VTR
from the workstation. This allows you to quickly edit material
into a compiled, edited tape.
Video
Video
Audio
RS-422
VTR
Video Monitor
Computer
WSD/2Xtreme
Ethernet
SCSI
STOPPED +1.000 In= 01.06.20
RLen= 10.00 VA Out= 01.16.20
MENU SELECTIONS (H for help)
F1 MAIN Sh+F1 AUDIO
F2 EDITOR
F3 VIDEO
F4 MACROS
F5 SEGMENT
F6 SYSTEM
F7 BACKUP
F8 TRANSPORT
F9 REMOTE
F10 DISK ARRAY
NORM 15.12 F1V

Image Transfer Considerations
1-11
1
Start Here
Index
Contents
ImageTransfer Considerations
When you take a computer image created in one drawing program, of
a particular file format, and transfer to a different file format for use in
another drawing program, or convert a 525 line standard television
picture to a 625 line standard picture, there are always limitations
imposed by the transfer. The same is true when images transfer from a
computer to a television environment. Some of the more common
issues encountered in image transfer are discussed below.
nn
nn
Line Standards— Computers and workstations often use a
display standard of 1000 lines or more. Television line rates are
typically 525 for NTSC and 625 for PAL. When an image is
converted from one standard to the other, there may be some
loss of resolution. Consult graphics reference texts to learn how
to design graphics that will transfer as smoothly as possible.
nn
nn
File Formats— Computer images are usually in RGB format.
For use in video, RGB is converted to YUV (Y, B-Y, and R-Y)
format. Conversion between YUV and Raw RGB, SGI RGB, or
Targa are supported by 2Xtreme.
nn
nn
Aspect Ratio— A pixel is the smallest element of a picture
displayed on a television or computer screen. If you think of a
pixel as a brick, then, to build a picture, you need to stack
variously colored bricks one next to the other until you have a
complete image. Unfortunately, all pixels are not the same.
Computer pixels are square. They are basically as tall as they are
wide. NTSC pixels are rectangular. They are about 10% taller
than they are wide. PAL pixels are also rectangular, but, they are
about 10% wider than they are tall.

1-12
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2XTREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
This disparity affects you
when you build a graphic on
the computer which you
intend to use as a video ele-
ment in either an NTSC or
PAL program. On the com-
puter, the graphic is propor-
tioned just right, but when
you move it to the program,
it becomes distorted.
A work around for this is to
set the image size to 720 x
540 in 525, or 768 x 576 in
625, when creating the art in
the software package. Round
images appear round on the
workstation monitor. Prior to sending the images to 2Xtreme,
change the image size to 720 x 486 in 525 or 720 x 576 in 625.
The objects now appear squashed on the workstation monitor
but display correctly in the video image.
nn
nn Gamma Correction— Television images are Gamma corrected
to compensate for distortion introduced by the television picture
tube. Computer generated images may not be gamma corrected.
When you transfer images you may see compression of dark areas
on 2Xtreme.
0
0
10
10
0
0
10
10
0
0
10
10
Computer pixel
NTSC pixel
PAL pixel

Image Transfer Considerations
1-13
1
Start Here
Index
Contents
nn
nn Interlaced Scanning— A single, complete frame of video
consists of many horizontal lines of video information (525
lines for NTSC; 625 lines for PAL). Each frame consists of two
“fields” of lines, which, when interlaced by the television
screen’s momentary retention of information, “paint” a
complete frame. The field rate then, is twice the frame rate (60
fields per second for NTSC, 50 fields per second for PAL).
To understand what a field is, imagine that a video image is
painted from top to bottom in horizontal strokes using a narrow
brush. On the first pass down the canvas, the brush lays in odd
lines only (1, 3, 5,... through 525 or 625). When it reaches the
bottom of the canvas, one video field (Field 1) is complete. The
brush then snaps back to the upper left corner and makes a sec-
ond pass down the canvas, laying in only the even lines (2, 4,
6,.... through 524 or 624). When it reaches the bottom of the
canvas, the second field (Field 2) is complete. The information
contained in the two fields together completes one frame of
video.
Television uses interlaced scanning for image reproduction while
most computer monitors use non-interlaced scanning. When
you transfer images from your computer to 2Xtreme, they may
“flicker” due to interlaced scanning.
Field 1 Field 2 Complete Frame
+=

1-14
Chapter 1: Getting to know WSD/2XTREME
Start Here
Index
Contents
Table of contents