EVS GX User manual

USER MANUAL
Version 1.10

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GX server – Version 1.10 – User Manual
EVS Broadcast Equipment – September 2012
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Copyright
EVS Broadcast Equipment – Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only and subject to
change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information
contained in this user manual is accurate, up-to-date and reliable, EVS Broadcast
Equipment cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or errors that may appear in this
publication.
Improvement Requests
Your comments will help us improve the quality of the user documentation. Do not
hesitate to send improvement requests, or report any error or inaccuracy on this user
manual by e-mail to [e-mail].
Regional Contacts
The address and phone number of the EVS headquarters can be found by clicking the
icon in the user interface.
You will find the full list of addresses and phone numbers of local offices on the EVS
website on the following page: http://www.evs.tv/contacts
User Manuals on EVS Website
The latest version of the user manual, if any, and other user manuals on EVS products
can be found on the EVS download center, on the following webpage:
http://www.evs.tv/downloadcenter

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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................III
WHAT'S NEW? ............................................................................................................. V
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................1
1.1 GX Server Presentation ..............................................................................................1
1.1.1 General Description ................................................................................................................1
1.1.2 General Architecture and Workflow........................................................................................1
2. GX SERVER OVERVIEW .........................................................................................3
2.1 Chapter Overview .......................................................................................................3
2.2 Hardware Components ...............................................................................................4
2.2.1 Hardware Specifications.........................................................................................................4
2.2.2 Chassis ...................................................................................................................................4
2.2.3 Front Panel .............................................................................................................................6
2.2.4 Rear Panel..............................................................................................................................7
2.2.5 Safety, Compliance, and Operating Conditions .....................................................................8
2.3 Server Main Specifications........................................................................................10
2.3.1 Input Files .............................................................................................................................10
2.3.2 GX Clips................................................................................................................................10
2.3.3 Supported Video Standards .................................................................................................11
2.3.4 Controller ..............................................................................................................................11
2.4 Client Control PC ......................................................................................................12
3. GX SERVER SETUP .............................................................................................13
3.1 Chapter Overview .....................................................................................................13
3.2 Cabling .....................................................................................................................13
3.3 Installation.................................................................................................................15
3.3.1 GX Server Installation and Ghost Restore ...........................................................................15
3.3.2 Switching on versus Starting the Server ..............................................................................15
3.4 Gigabit Port Configuration.........................................................................................15
3.4.1 Uses......................................................................................................................................15
3.4.2 Constraints............................................................................................................................16
3.4.3 Typical Configurations ..........................................................................................................16
4. GX WEB INTERFACE............................................................................................18
4.1 Chapter Overview .....................................................................................................18
4.2 Server Configuration and Start..................................................................................19
4.2.1 Accessing the GX Server from a Remote PC ......................................................................19
4.2.2 Server Control Window.........................................................................................................19
4.2.3 Server Settings .....................................................................................................................20
4.2.4 Server Status Information.....................................................................................................21
4.2.5 Starting the GX Server .........................................................................................................23
4.3 Overview of Main Window.........................................................................................24
4.3.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................24
4.3.2 Import Area ...........................................................................................................................25
4.3.3 Manage Area ........................................................................................................................26
4.3.4 Server Control Button ...........................................................................................................28
4.3.5Rules for Row Selection .......................................................................................................28
5. OPERATION.........................................................................................................29

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5.1 Chapter Overview .....................................................................................................29
5.2 Managing Drives and Folders ...................................................................................31
5.2.1 Tree Structure.......................................................................................................................31
5.2.2 Automatic or Manual Display................................................................................................31
5.2.3 How to Connect and Disconnect a Network Drive ...............................................................32
5.2.4 How to Connect and Disconnect an EVS Server .................................................................33
5.3 Selecting and Importing Source Materials .................................................................35
5.3.1 Source Material List..............................................................................................................35
5.3.2 Fields in the Source Material List .........................................................................................35
5.3.3 How to Import Files on the GX Server..................................................................................38
5.3.4 Import Results.......................................................................................................................38
5.3.5 Display of Imported Elements on the User Interface............................................................39
5.3.6 Raw Materials Tab................................................................................................................40
5.3.7 Fields in the Raw Materials Tab ...........................................................................................40
5.3.8 Deleting a Material from the Raw Materials Drive ................................................................41
5.4 Managing GX Clips ...................................................................................................43
5.4.1 GX Clips Tab ........................................................................................................................43
5.4.2 Fields in the GX Clips Tab....................................................................................................43
5.4.3 Switching GX Clips Online or Offline ....................................................................................45
5.4.4 Deleting GX Clips .................................................................................................................46
5.5 Preparing GX Clips for Playout .................................................................................48
5.5.1 Edit GX Clip Window ............................................................................................................48
5.5.2 Editing GX Clips Parameters................................................................................................49
5.5.3 General Principles about TC Fields on the GX Server.........................................................52
5.5.4 General Settings in the Edit GX Clips Window.....................................................................53
5.5.5 Video Settings in the Edit GX Clips Window ........................................................................55
5.5.6 Audio Settings in the Edit GX Clips Window ........................................................................57
5.5.7 Clip Preview in the Edit GX Clip Window .............................................................................60
5.5.8 Command Buttons in the Edit GX Clip Window ...................................................................63
5.5.9 GX Clip Duration and Timecodes .........................................................................................63
GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................65

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What's New?
The changes linked to new features on GX Server version 1.10 are listed in the table
below, and are identified in the user manual by the 'New' logo in the margin .
Updates for GX Server - Version 1.10
Section 2.3.1 New video input format supported: combined fill & key
videos, encoded by the Apple Animation codec,
named with the .MOV extension
Support of compressed video files (supported by EVS
servers)
Section 4.3.2 Import raw materials from an EVS server

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1. Introduction
1.1 GX Server Presentation
1.1.1 General Description
The GX server is a 1U HD/SD fill and key playout server.
The source graphic and audio files can be imported from the built-in DVD drive, from
hardware connected to the USB or eSata ports, or from a PC or an EVS server via an
Ethernet connection. They will be imported in their original format, then transcoded into
GX clips on the GX server.
The GX clips can be published to an external control device through a standard protocol
like VDCP, and be played back under the control of these protocols on 2 SDI outputs (key
and fill).
The GX server allows the synchronized playout of uncompressed fill and key GX files,
and embedded audio. The server is able to handle separate video nested loops, with
user-defined loop points.
1.1.2 General Architecture and Workflow
Schema
The following schema provides an overview on the system architecture and general
workflow for the import of original files, the creation and the playout of GX clips on the GX
server. The schema is described below.
GX Server
Control PC
Mixing desk
GigE RS422
SDI FILL SDI KEYGENLOCK
eSATAUSB
DVD
drive
Original Files
2
2 31
4
4
GigE
EVS server

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Description
When the GX server is switched on, the users can control the GX server from a remote
PC via a web-based application using a local network connection.
1. Users configure the server parameters from the web interface on the client PC.
2. Users import the original files (fill and key, audio) to the Raw Materials drive (internal
HDD drive) from one of the following locations:
oWeb interface on the client PC
oDVD drive on the GX server
oHardware connected to USB or eSATA connectors on the GX server
oEVS server connected via an Ethernet connection
3. Users associate the original files, define synchronization parameters, and upload
them (switch them online) as GX clips onto the GX Clips drive (Solid State Disk
drive).
The files are then ready for playout.
4. When users start the GX server from the web interface, the GX clips that correspond
to the requested video standard are published to the switcher.
The operator can then select the requested GX clips and play them out using the
switcher. The switcher and the GX server communicate via a RS422 link, by means
of a control protocol like VDCP.
Important
The use of the web interface and the transcode operations are not possible
while the GX server is started.
Note
Information data about the GX server can be transferred on the network to an
XNet Web Monitor (or another managing device), using the SNMP protocol.

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2. GX Server Overview
2.1 Chapter Overview
What about… ? Section Page
Hardware Specifications 2.2.1 Page 4
Chassis 2.2.2 Page 4
Front Panel 2.2.3 Page 6
Rear Panel 2.2.4 Page 7
Safety, Compliance, and Operating Conditions 2.2.5 Page 8
Input Video Sequences - Page 10
Input Audio Sequences - Page 10
GX Clips 2.3.2 Page 10
Supported Video Standards 2.3.3 Page 11
Controller 2.3.4 Page 11

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2.2 Hardware Components
2.2.1 Hardware Specifications
The following table gives an overview on the hardware specifications of the GX server:
Component Specification
CPU Core i7
RAM 3 GB
Hard disk drive (Raw
Materials drive)
400 GB SATA
Solid-state drive
(GX Clips drive)
2 x 128 GB SSD
Playout board PCX3
2.2.2 Chassis
The following picture shows the 1U GX server. The schemas below provide full
information on dimensions.

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2.2.3 Front Panel
The front panel features the elements displayed in the picture, and specified in the table
below:
# Description
1. DVD Player
2. Power indicator
(green PWR light)
3. Server activity indicator
(orange PWR light)
4. eSata connector
5. Power switch
6. USB connector

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2.2.4 Rear Panel
The rear panel features the elements displayed in the picture, and specified in the table
below:
# Description # Description
1. Power supplies 9. Gigabit Ethernet connectors
2. Mouse connector 10. Fill BNC connector
3. Keyboard connector 11. Key BNC connector
4. n.a. 12. n.a
5. USB connector 13. n.a
6. RS422 connector 14. Genlock connector
7. n.a 15. n.a
8. VGA connector 16. n.a
Note
The two connectors labeled IN1 and IN2 (on the right of the Fill and Key
connectors) are not currently used.

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2.2.5 Safety, Compliance, and Operating
Conditions
CE Marking
The CE marking is affixed to indicate compliance with the following directives:
•89/336//EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Members States
to electromagnetic compatibility.
•73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the laws of the Members
States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits.
•1999/5/EC of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal
equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity.
Power Supply
This equipment is equipped with AUTOSWITCH and hot-swappable power supply.
Connection to supply: Pluggable equipment Type A (EN60950 §1.2.5): Equipment
which is intended for connection to the building power supply wiring via a non-industrial
plug and socket-outlet or a non-industrial appliance coupler or both. Correct mains
polarity must always be observed. Do not use reversible power plugs with this equipment.
Class of equipment: Class 1 equipment (EN60950 § 1.2.5): electric shock protection by
basic insulation and protective earth.
Rated voltage: 100 to 240Vac (single phase)
Rated frequency: 47-63 Hz
Related Current: 6 A (100 to 120 Vac range) 3 A (220 to 240 Vac range)
Input connector: CEE22/IEC 320 3-pin male receptacle
Important
The protective earth must be connected to the ground before powering up the
unit.

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Environmental Conditions
Temperature: 0°C to + 50°C (32°F to 104°F) ambient with free air flow
Relative humidity: 0% to 90% (non-condensing)
Cooling requirements: Forced air cooling air flow from front to back
Handling/movement: Designed for fixed use when in operation
Storage and transportation temperature: 0°C to +70°C (32°F to 158°F)
Storage and transportation relative humidity: 0% to 90% (non-condensing)
Hot-Swappable Power Supplies
Both power supplies are hot-swappable.
The second power supply should be connected to mains to allow automatic power
switching to the second power supply in the event that the first one fails.
Grounding
Ensure the disk recorder unit is properly grounded at all times to avoid electrical shock
hazard.
Ventilation & Rack Mounting
Adequate ventilation is obviously required for optimum performance. As a result of this
consideration, ensure no other equipment is located close to the mainframe.
Important
•Remember that fans are used to air cool the equipment and protect it
from overheating.
•Do not block fans intakes during operations.

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2.3 Server Main Specifications
2.3.1 Input Files
The original sequences are imported and stored onto the Raw Materials drive (HDD). A
database on the GX server manages information about the imported raw materials, and
the associated GX clips.
Input Video Sequences
The following static files with embedded alpha channels are supported:
•Combined fill & key Targa sequences, i.e. TGA files.
Uncompressed TGA files or RLE compressed TGA files are supported.
•Combined fill & key Tiff sequences, i.e. TIFF files.
Uncompressed TIFF files or LZW compressed TIFF files are supported.
•Combined fill & key videos, encoded in Apple Animation codec, and wrapped in
.MOV files.
•Video sequences of either fill or key, encoded in one of the following format:
oApple ProRes
oAVC-Intra Class 100
oAvid DNxHD
oDVCPro 50/HD
oIMX
oMJPEG SD/HD
Input Audio Sequences
The supported input audio files are stereo WAV files of 16-bit depth, 48 KHz, including
from 2 to 16 channels.
2.3.2 GX Clips
The GX clips are created in the database. The A/V material is stored onto the GX Clips
drive (SSD):
•The internal video files are stored in internal uncompressed formats, in the requested
video standard.
•The internal audio files are in raw 24 bits samples (per channel) format. They can
contain up to 16 embedded audio channels.

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2.3.3 Supported Video Standards
The fill & key GX clips must have been prepared in one of the video standards described
in the table below:
Num Common
name
GX server
name
Frame rate Field rate Resolution
0 SD NTSC (DF
or NDF)
525i60 29.97 fr/s 59.94 fl/s 720 x 480
1 SD PAL 625i50 25 fr/s 50 fl/s 720 x 576
2 1080i60
(DF or NDF)
1080i60 29.97 fr/s 59.94 fl/s 1920 x 1080
3 1080i50 1080i50 25 fr/s 50 fl/s 1920 x 1080
4 720p60
(DF or NDF)
720p60 59.94 fr/s 59.94 fl/s 1280 x 720
5 720p50 720p50 50 fr/s 50 fl/s 1280 x 720
Important
Only online clips having the video standard selected in the configuration are
visible from the control device. In other words, if the GX is configured in
720p59.94, you will not see online clips in 1080i50 standard from the control
device.
2.3.4 Controller
The following communication protocols between the GX server and the switcher are
supported for playout:
•VDCP
•Odetics

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2.4 Client Control PC
The GX web interface is running on Microsoft Silverlight on the client PC. If the Silverlight
framework is not installed on the client PC, users are requested to install it when they
launch the GX web interface for the first time.
The system requirements for Microsoft Silverlight are the following on Windows or Mac
operating systems:
Windows
•Operating System: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Service Pack 2
•Intel® Pentium® III 450MHz or faster processor (or equivalent)
•128MB of RAM
Mac OS
•Operating System: Apple Mac OS X 10.4.8 or above
•Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor
•128MB of RAM