DVS ProntoXway Installation instructions

ProntoXway Hardware Guide (Version 1.0)
Multi-channel Disk Recorder
ProntoXway
Hardware Guide

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ProntoXway
Hardware Guide
Introduction
Overview
Installation
Operation
Maintenance
Appendix
Index

Hardware Guide Version 1.0 for the ProntoXway
Copyright © 2008 by DVS Digital Video Systems AG, Hanover. All rights reserved.
The manuals as well as the soft- and/or hardware described here and all their constituent parts are
protected by copyright. Without the express permission of DVS Digital Video Systems AG any form
of use which goes beyond the narrow bounds prescribed by copyright legislation is prohibited and
liable to prosecution.
This particularly applies to duplication, copying, translation, processing, evaluation, publishing, and
storing and/or processing in an electronic system.
Specifications and data may change without notice. We offer no guarantee that this documentation
is correct and/or complete. In no event shall DVS Digital Video Systems AG be liable for any dam-
ages whatsoever (including without limitation any special, indirect, or consequential damages, and
damages resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, or business interruption) arising out of the use
of or inability to use the hardware, software and/or manual materials.
Those parts of this documentation that describe optional software or hardware features usually
contain a corresponding note. Anyway, a lack of this note does not mean any commitment from
DVS Digital Video Systems AG.
DVS is a registered trademark of DVS Digital Video Systems AG. Windows is a registered trademark
or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Any other product names mentioned in this documentation may be trademarks or registered trade-
marks of their respective owners and as such are subject to the usual statutory provisions.

Headquarters:
Support:
For the Americas:
Support:
DVS Digital Video Systems AG
Krepenstr. 8
30165 Hannover
GERMANY
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.dvs.de
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
U.S. Headquarters:
DVS Digital Video, Inc.
300 East Magnolia Boulevard, Suite 102
Burbank, CA 91502
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.dvsus.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Registration Form
Dear customer,
this product was developed and tested thoroughly. Unfortu-
nately, the possibility of problems and errors can never be ruled
out. To support us in helping you as fast as possible if such a
case occurs, please fill in this registration form and send or fax
it to the address on the right.
You may also use our online registration form which can be accessed from the following
internet page: http://www.dvs.de/support/further-support.html
Customer
Name:
Company:
Contact:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Vendor:
ProntoXway
Serial No.:
Remarks:
Connected devices
(Brand and type of edit controller, VTR, color grading system, etc.)
PLEASE SEND TO:
DVS
Krepenstr. 8
30165 Hannover
GERMANY
Fax: [phone]

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Contents
1Introduction ............................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Overview ............................................................................. 1-3
1.2 Target Group ........................................................................ 1-4
1.3 Conventions Used in this User Guide .................................... 1-4
1.4 Safety Instructions ................................................................ 1-5
1.5 Important Notes ................................................................... 1-7
2Overview .................................................................................... 2-1
2.1 Video Channels and Multi-Device ........................................ 2-2
2.2 Overview of the Front .......................................................... 2-3
2.2.1 The Front of the System ............................................... 2-3
2.2.2 Operation Items .......................................................... 2-4
2.2.3 HDD LEDs .................................................................. 2-5
2.2.4 Faceplate ................................................................... 2-6
2.2.5 Hard Disk Array .......................................................... 2-7
2.2.6 DVD Drive ................................................................. 2-9
2.3 Overview of the Rear ......................................................... 2-10
2.3.1 The Rear of the System .............................................. 2-10
2.3.2 Digital Video I/Os ..................................................... 2-11
2.3.3 Main Connector Panel ............................................... 2-12
2.3.4 ATX Connector Panel................................................. 2-15
2.3.5 Slot Panel Connectors ................................................ 2-16
2.3.6 Power Supply ........................................................... 2-18
3Installation ................................................................................. 3-1

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4Operation ................................................................................... 4-1
4.1 Starting the System .............................................................. 4-1
4.2 Shutting Down the System ................................................... 4-2
5Maintenance .............................................................................. 5-1
5.1 Hard Disk Maintenance ........................................................ 5-2
5.1.1 Introduction to RAID ................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 Replacing a Hard Disk .................................................. 5-3
5.1.3 Setting Up the Stripe Set .............................................. 5-7
5.1.4 Formatting the Main Storage ........................................ 5-8
5.2 Opening and Closing the Casing .......................................... 5-9
5.2.1 Opening the Casing .................................................... 5-9
5.2.2 Closing the Casing ...................................................... 5-9
5.3 Fan Maintenance................................................................ 5-10
5.4 Power Supply Maintenance ................................................ 5-13
5.5 Removal of the Faceplate ................................................... 5-15
AAppendix ....................................................................................A-1
A.1 Troubleshooting ...................................................................A-2
A.2 Technical Data ......................................................................A-4
A.2.1 General Technical Data ................................................A-4
A.2.2 Dimensions.................................................................A-5
A.3 Hardware Specifications .......................................................A-6
A.4 Video Rasters .......................................................................A-8
A.5 Signal In- and Outputs .........................................................A-9
A.6 Packing Instructions............................................................A-12
A.7 Conformity Declarations .....................................................A-14
A.7.1 RoHS Compliance .....................................................A-14
A.7.2 EC Declaration of Conformity (CE Marking) .................A-14
A.7.3 FCC Compliance Statement ........................................A-15
IIndex............................................................................................. I-1

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Introduction
This documentation describes how to use the hardware of the
ProntoXway of the Pronto disk recorder series manufactured by DVS.
ProntoXway is a powerful multi-channel disk recording system with
enormous flexibility. It offers two totally independent video channels in
a single system which share the same storage, and thus the functional-
ity of two disk recorders in one box. Whether you want to play out the
same or different content on both channels, perform a record operation
with one channel while already editing the recorded material with the
other channel, or effect a time-shifted play out of recorded material,
you will find the system supporting you every step on the way.
Based on the Windows operating system the ProntoXway stores the
material in its native resolution and mode in a selectable file format di-
rectly on the connected storage, making pre-conversion or compres-
sion unnecessary. Clips of any resolution, color space or bit depth can
be captured and the final output resolution can be configured freely as
well.
Furthermore, up to 16 different channels of audio can be in- or output
per video channel by the ProntoXway and all audio data can be access-
ed and processed with the software as easily as the video material.
The ProntoXway hardware can be delivered with various storage ca-
pacities and an upgrade of a ProntoXway from a smaller storage capac-
ity to a higher one is available as an optional feature. It can also be
connected to a DVS-SAN providing a large amount of data storage.
The ProntoXway system can be delivered with the following options to
adapt it to your special needs:
Disk-Upgrades Contains a set of hard disks to increase
the size of the storage (applicable only
when some HDD shafts are empty).
Disk-Upgrade Contains a complete set of hard disks
that replace the existing ones to increase
the size of the storage.

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FC/SAN Fibre Channel interface, for example, for
a real-time capable connection to an ex-
ternal Fibre Channel disk array.
10GE 10 Gigabit Ethernet connection interface.
InfiniBand InfiniBand connection interface.
Raster Customer tailored video rasters for in-
and output.
12 Bit Support of 12- and 16-bit file formats
(DPX and TIFF) for in- and output.
4K Workflow non-real
time
Non-real-time workflow with 4K materi-
al including capturing and play-out.
Variframe Enables a capture with Variframe. Frames
are skipped according to the Variframe
flag. Works in 720p, 1080i, 1080p, and
2K formats.
Special Raster Formats Some standard and non-standard for-
mats including Slow PAL 625i /24 and
Eureka 1980 × 1152i /25.
Teletext VBI 335 Enables capture and play of teletext in-
formation in line 335 of 625 lines rasters.
Dual-Link SDI &
1080p /50/60
Dual-link SD-/HD-SDI for input and out-
put for the ProntoXway, including cap-
ture and play-out of material in
1080p /50/60.
2K Workflow real time and
HSDL
Capture and play-out of 2K material ei-
ther in real time or via HSDL.

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1.1 Overview
This guide informs you about the installation of the ProntoXway hard-
ware, its operation as well as all connection possibilities. Furthermore,
it describes maintenance tasks that you may carry out on your own.
The chapters contain the following information:
Chapter 1 Begins with a short introduction to the
ProntoXway, followed by a note regarding the
audience this manual is written for and an ex-
planation of the conventions used in this man-
ual. Furthermore, it provides safety instructions
that you must adhere to and some important
notes that you should observe.
Chapter 2 This chapter gives a front and rear overview of
the system detailing all items, connectors and
interfaces. Additionally, it contains some fur-
ther information about the digital video in- and
outputs.
Chapter 3 Describes the hardware installation of the
ProntoXway.
Chapter 4 Explains how to operate the ProntoXway, i.e.
how to start and shut down the device.
Chapter 5 Details maintenance work, for example, in case
of a hard disk, fan or power supply unit failure.
Appendix Provides technical details and general informa-
tion about the ProntoXway hardware. Further-
more, it gives hints how to resolve irregularities
during operation.
Index This chapter facilitates the search for specific
terms.

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1.2 Target Group
To use this manual you should have experience in handling video and
computer equipment. Additionally, to use the ProntoXway in connec-
tion with other equipment, e.g. a camera or a VTR, you should know
how to handle this equipment.
When performing maintenance tasks on the ProntoXway hardware,
you must be qualified to work on, repair and test electrical equipment.
1.3 Conventions Used in this User Guide
The following typographical conventions will be used in this documen-
tation:
yTexts preceded by this symbol describe activities that you must per-
form in the order indicated.
– Texts preceded by this symbol are parts of a list.
Texts preceded by this symbol are general notes intended to fa-
cilitate work and help avoid errors.
You must pay particular attention to text that follows this
symbol to avoid errors and possible resulting damages there-
of.
Texts following this symbol you must pay particular atten-
tion to to avoid dangers and personal injuries.
“ ” Texts enclosed by quotation marks are references to other man-
uals, guides, chapters, or sections.

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1.4 Safety Instructions
To use the ProntoXway correctly please heed the following:
General
The ProntoXway has been built according to the applying safety regu-
lations. To minimize the possibility of a faulty operation of the device all
manuals and guides must be available at all times at the operation site.
Before installing and/or using the ProntoXway the manuals and guides
delivered with the ProntoXway must be read and observed.
– Use the ProntoXway only in apparent good technical order.
– The ProntoXway hardware works with voltages that can be hazard-
ous to your health. Never work on the system or access its interior
with the power cable(s) being plugged in. Make sure the power
supply is disconnected from the components you intend to work
on.
– Computer hardware contains components that are sensitive to elec-
trostatic discharge. If you touch them without precautionary mea-
sures, they can be destroyed. Use a wrist strap connected to ground
when accessing electronic parts and take care of grounding the sys-
tem. Avoid touching the internal components of the ProntoXway
whenever possible.
– Computer hardware contains components that are sensitive to
changing voltages. Connecting or disconnecting the ProntoXway to
or from peripheral hardware while any of them is switched on may
damage the hardware. Switch off all peripheral hardware before
connecting or disconnecting anything.
– Use, store and transport the ProntoXway only in compliance with
the technical data laid out in section “Technical Data” on page A-4.
– If fluids or solid objects get inside the casing, the ProntoXway must
be disconnected from the power supply immediately. Before using
the ProntoXway again, it has to be checked by authorized service
personnel.
– Only use a damp tissue without any cleaning agents to clean the
casing.
– The ProntoXway must not be misused, abused, physically damaged,
neglected, exposed to fire, water or excessive changes in the cli-
mate or temperature, or operated outside maximum rating.
Please read the following safety instructions carefully before
attempting any installation and/or performing any work on
the ProntoXway.
If the ProntoXway is not used in compliance with the safety
instructions, the warranty and all resulting liability claims will
be void.

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ProntoXway Hardware Guide
– Do not perform any changes or extensions to the ProntoXway
whatsoever.
Transportation
The ProntoXway is a very sensitive device. Especially the hard disks of
the system must be handled with greatest care. Therefore, observe in
case of transportation:
– Handle the ProntoXway with great care.
– Always use the original packing or a similar structured packing for
transportation as detailed in section “Packing Instructions” on
page A-12.
– Avoid shocks or vibrations during transport. For longer distances it
is recommended to use a lifting truck.
– Keep the ProntoXway as a transportation good dry.
– In the warranty period you have to keep the original packing and
use it in case of transportation.
Environmental Conditions
For error-free working and a long service life the ProntoXway needs
some basic environmental conditions:
– Do not expose the ProntoXway to sources of heat, such as direct
sunlight or a radiator.
– Do not cover or obstruct the ventilation holes of the system (front
as well as rear).
– When installing the DVS system in a rack, take care that warmed up
air is conducted to the rear of the rack and properly vented away.
– Avoid areas with high humidity or dust. Best operating conditions
are given in an air-conditioned site.
– Do not expose the ProntoXway to strong electric or magnetic fields.
– Avoid areas where the ProntoXway will be subject to vibrations or
shocks.

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1.5 Important Notes
The following provides information about warranty, a note about the
conformity of the product and some other general information.
Warranty Information
This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and work-
manship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. DVS ex-
tends this Limited Warranty to the original purchaser.
In the event of a defect or failure to confirm to this Limited Warranty,
DVS will repair or replace the product without charge. In order to make
a claim under this Limited Warranty, the purchaser must notify DVS or
their representative in writing of the product failure. In this Limited
Warranty the customer must upon DVS’s request return the product to
the place of purchase or send the defective device to a given address
for the necessary repairs to be performed. In the warranty period the
customer must keep the original packing and pack the DVS product in
it in case of a product return. If the customer is not satisfied with the
repair, DVS will have the option to either attempt a further repair, ex-
change the product or refund the purchase price.
This warranty does not cover:
– Products not developed by DVS Digital Video Systems AG.
– Products not used in compliance with the safety instructions
detailed in section “Safety Instructions” on page 1-5.
– Products on which warranty stickers or product serial numbers have
been removed, altered or rendered illegible.
– The costs of installations, removals, transportations, or reinstalla-
tions.
– Costs for transportation damages.
– Damages caused to any other item.
– Any special, indirect, or consequential damages, and damages
resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, or business interruption.
Declaration of Conformity
This product has been tested according to
the applying national and international di-
rectives and regulations. Further information
about this can be found in section “Confor-
mity Declarations” on page A-14.
You have to keep the original packing and use it in case of
transportation. Otherwise this warranty will be void.
RoHS
2002/95/EC

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Product Disposal (B2B)
Used electrical and electronic products should not be dis-
posed of with general household waste. At the end of its
service life you may return the DVS product after appro-
priate prior notification to either your local distributor or
DVS in Germany. DVS will then take the device free of
charge to a waste disposal organization which will recycle
and reuse it environmental friendly.
General Notes
Please observe the following general important notes:
The ProntoXway is delivered to you fully preconfigured and
optimized for a real-time in- and output of uncompressed vid-
eo streams. Changing any of the settings (e.g. the hardware,
software and/or BIOS settings) may lead to a loss of perfor-
mance or may even render the system unusable. Re-configur-
ing the system anew is in most cases a lengthy procedure. Do
not change any of the settings unless you are absolutely sure
of what you are doing and what the results would be.
Your DVS system has been tested thoroughly and is very reli-
able. However, because of the vast amount of third-party
software available, its reactions on the installation of such
could not be tested. The installation of third-party software
may disrupt the real-time capability and/or limit the function-
ality of your system.
RAID 0 systems: The hard disks of the ProntoXway’s main
storage are arranged as a stripe set without data protection. If
one hard disk fails, your data will be unrecoverable. There-
fore, it is strongly recommended to perform backups of your
video data at regular intervals.
Only use the designated storage to store video and audio data.
Other storage locations will be too slow for real-time opera-
tions.
Leave about 15 % of the overall main storage capacity empty
of data for real-time performance reasons.
Compared to other alarms sounded by the system the alarm
buzzer of the power supply is relatively faint. In a loud environ-
ment it may be drowned by other noises. When operating the
ProntoXway in a loud environment, it is recommended to
check the state of the power supply units (e.g. via their LEDs,
see section “Power Supply” on page 2-18) at regular intervals.

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Overview
This chapter provides a detailed overview of the ProntoXway hardware.
First, some particularities of the ProntoXway, i.e. about its video chan-
nels and the multi-device operation mode, will be pointed out. Then the
system will be shown in a front and a rear view and all its parts and con-
nectors will be described. For explanatory reasons the section about the
rear also contains some further information about the digital video in-
and outputs.

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2.1 Video Channels and Multi-Device
The ProntoXway is a disk recording system manufactured by DVS of-
fering two totally independent video channels in a single system, and
thus the functionality of two disk recorders in one box. Each video
channel can be controlled independently from the other with its own
user interface. They are also independent from the DVS software mod-
ule or operation mode (record/play-out) used, and can access either the
same or different material (shared storage).
The following table shows the amount of video channels that are avail-
able when using certain video formats. It assumes the usage of one au-
dio clip (multiple channel file) per video channel. Please note that some
video formats are available as optional features only.
For stereoscopic applications the video channels of the ProntoXway can
be synchronized. Then they can be controlled from the user interface of
one channel. For this you have to use the multi-device operation mode
which can be set up via the Configuration Tool of the DVS software.
Additionally, the two channels have to be interconnected as if they
were two separate systems (remote control: Out to In).
The software configurations and the hardware setup for the multi-de-
vice operation mode are described in the “Configurations” user guide
delivered with the ProntoXway.
Video Format Independent
Video Channels
NTSC 2
PAL 2
1280 × 720p /23.98/24/25/29.97/30 2
1280 × 720p /50/59.94/60 1
1920 × 1080i/p/psF /23.98/24/25/29.97/30 2
1920 × 1080p /50/59.94 1
2048 × 1080p /23.98/24/25 2
When using the ’RMT Out’ port (main remote output of the
master) to set up a multi-device operation, a crossover cable is
not required.