EVS GX User manual

User’s Manual
Version 1.00 - February 2011
Fill and Key Playout Server

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GX server – Version 1.0 – User’s Manual
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COPYRIGHT
EVS Broadcast Equipment – Copyright © 2011. 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 d[email protected].
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
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....................................................................................................................6
2.2.5 Safety, Compliance, and Operating Conditions...............................................................7
2.3 SERVER MAIN SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................9
2.3.1 Input Files.....................................................................................................................9
2.3.2 GX Clips .......................................................................................................................9
2.3.3 Supported Video Standards...........................................................................................9
2.3.4 Controller....................................................................................................................10
2.4 CLIENT CONTROL PC.........................................................................................................10
3. GX SERVER SETUP .............................................................................................11
3.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................11
3.2 CABLING..............................................................................................................................11
3.3 INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................13
3.3.1 GX Server Installation and Ghost Restore....................................................................13
3.3.2 Switching on versus Starting the Server.......................................................................13
4. GX WEB INTERFACE...........................................................................................14
4.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................14
4.2 SERVER CONFIGURATION AND START.............................................................................15
4.2.1 Accessing the GX Server from a Remote PC ...............................................................15
4.2.2 Server Control Window................................................................................................16
4.2.3 Server Settings ...........................................................................................................16
4.2.4 Server Status Information............................................................................................18
4.2.5 Starting the GX server.................................................................................................19
4.3 OVERVIEW ON MAINWINDOW...........................................................................................20
4.3.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................20
4.3.2 Import Area.................................................................................................................21
4.3.3 Manage Area ..............................................................................................................22
4.3.4 Server Control Button..................................................................................................23
4.3.5 Rules for Row Selection..............................................................................................24

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5. OPERATION..........................................................................................................25
5.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................25
5.2 MANAGING DRIVES AND FOLDERS...................................................................................27
5.2.1 Drive Tree Structure....................................................................................................27
5.2.2 Drive Display...............................................................................................................27
5.2.3 How toDisplay Folder Structure and Source Files........................................................27
5.2.4 How toConnect andDisconnect a Network Drive.........................................................28
5.3 SELECTING AND IMPORTING SOURCEFILES...................................................................29
5.3.1 Source File List...........................................................................................................29
5.3.2 Fields in the Source File List........................................................................................29
5.3.3 How to Import Files on the GX Server..........................................................................30
5.3.4 Import Results.............................................................................................................32
5.3.5 Display of Imported Elements on the User Interface.....................................................32
5.3.6 Raw Materials Tab......................................................................................................33
5.3.7 Fields in the Raw Materials Tab...................................................................................34
5.3.8 Deleting a File from the Raw Materials Drive................................................................35
5.4 MANAGING GX CLIPS.........................................................................................................37
5.4.1 GX Clips Tab ..............................................................................................................37
5.4.2 Fields in the GX Clips Tab...........................................................................................37
5.4.3 Switching GX Clips Online or Offline............................................................................39
5.4.4 Deleting GX Clips........................................................................................................41
5.5 PREPARING GX CLIPS FOR PLAYOUT...............................................................................42
5.5.1 Edit GX Clip Window...................................................................................................42
5.5.2 Editing GX Clips Parameters.......................................................................................44
5.5.3 General Principles About TC Fields on the GX Server..................................................47
5.5.4 General Settings in the Edit GX Clips Window..............................................................47
5.5.5 Video Settings in the Edit GX Clips Window.................................................................49
5.5.6 Audio Settings in the Edit GX Clips Window.................................................................51
5.5.7 Clip Preview in the Edit GX Clip Window......................................................................54
5.5.8 Command Buttons in the Edit GX Clip Window.............................................................56
5.5.9 GX Clip Duration and Timecodes.................................................................................57
GLOSSARY....................................................................................................................59

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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,
via the USB or eSata ports on the GX server, or via an Ethernet connection to a
PC. 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.

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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) using one of the following methods:
oWeb interface on the client PC
oDVD drive on the GX server
oUSB or eSATA connectors on the GX server
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 RS 422 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.

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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 6
Safety, Compliance, and Operating Conditions 2.2.5 Page 7
Input Video Sequences - Page 9
Input Audio Sequences - Page 9
GX Clips 2.3.2 Page 9
Supported Video Standards 2.3.3 Page 9
Controller 2.3.4 Page 10

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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)
400GB SATA
Solid-state drive
(GX Clips drive) 2 x 128GB 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
DVD Player Server activity indicator
(orange HDD light)
Power indicator
(green PWR light)
USB
connector Power switch eSata connector
2.2.4 REAR PANEL
Fill
Mouse
connector
USB
Power
Supplies
Keyboard
connector
Key N/AN/A
Genlock
N/A
N/A
N/A
RS422
GigE
Ethernet
GigE
Ethernet
VGA
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.
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)

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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).
INPUT VIDEO SEQUENCES
The following static files with embedded alpha channels are supported in release
1.0 of the GX server:
•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.
The file formats that include several video frames in a single file are currently not
supported.
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 drives (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.
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

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Num Common
name GX server name Frame rate Field rate Resolution
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
2.3.4 CONTROLLER
The following communication protocols between the GX server and the switcher
are supported for playout:
•VDCP
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

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3. GX Server Setup
3.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW
What about … ? Section Page
Cabling 3.2 Page 11
GX Server Installation and Ghost Restore 3.3.1 Page 13
Switching on versus Starting the Server 3.3.2 Page 13
3.2 CABLING
The GX server has to be cabled as shown on the schema below to allow:
•Users to import video sequences and audio files and to create the GX clips on
the server from the client PC.
•Operators to control the playout via the switcher.
Important
The GX server is connected to the protocol clients through the RS422
port. Once the GX clips are ready for playout, the GX server however
needs to be manually started
from the GX web interface for the
communication between the GX server and the protocol client to be
established.
For more information on starting the GX server, refer to the sections
3.3.2 ‘Switching on versus Starting the Server’, on page 13 and 4.2.5
‘Starting the GX server’, on page 19.

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The schema below shows how the GX server needs to be cabled before switching
it on. The table hereafter briefly describes the connections highlighted on the
schema:
# Description
1. Connect the power supply to mains.
Connect the second power supply to allow automatic power switching in case
of failure.
2. Connect the VDCP client to the RS422 port on the GX server.
3. Connect the GX server to the local area network via one of the GigE ports.
This will allow users to connect remotely to the GX server via the GX web
interface.
4. Connect the KEY and FILL connectors to the
video equipment that will
perform the keying of the GX outputs.
5. Connect the Genlock feed to the GLK connector to make sure the video
signals from the GX server are synchronized in your setup.
The mouse, keyboard and VGA connectors at the back of the server also allow
users to directly connect to the server, mainly to perform tests and checks.

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3.3 INSTALLATION
3.3.1 GX SERVER INSTALLATION AND GHOST RESTORE
The EVS staff will perform the initial installation of the GX server before the
server is delivered.
When the server is installed, a ghost image of the installed GX server is created in
the Restore folder (R: drive).
If you need to restore the ghost, please contact EVS support.
3.3.2 SWITCHING ON VERSUS STARTING THE SERVER
When the server is properly cabled, you switch it on using the power switch on the
front panel. Switching on the server does not mean starting the server.
Once the server is switched on, you still need to start it to allow external
controllers to connect to the GX server and to access the GX clips for playout. For
more information, refer to the section 4.2.5 ‘Starting the GX server’, on page 19.
Before you can start the server, you need to make sure that:
•The server is properly configured for the external controllers to access the GX
clips.
•The GX clips have been created on the GX server, and are online, ready for
playout.
All these steps are covered in the Installation and Operation sections.

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4. GX Web Interface
4.1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW
A dedicated web application, called the ‘GX web application’, makes it possible
create and prepare the GX clips from a remote PC. Then you can upload the GX
clips on the GX server, and eventually start the GX server.
This chapter gives an overview on the user interface of the web application, and
on the general workflow you will follow. It contains the following sections:
What about … ? Section Page
Accessing the GX Server from a Remote PC 4.2.1 Page 15
Server Control Window 4.2.2 Page 16
Server Settings 4.2.3 Page 16
Server Status Information 4.2.4 Page 18
Starting the GX server 4.2.5 Page 19
Import Area 4.3.2 Page 21
Manage Area 4.3.3 Page 22
Server Control Button 4.3.4 Page 23
Rules for Row Selection 4.3.5 Page 24