FAB Media Encoder User manual

MEDIA
ENCODER
FAB

F.A. BERNHARDT GMBH
Teletext & Subtitling Products Group
FABMediaEncoder
FT-MEDIAENC1
Part
1

i
T E L E T E X T & S U B T I T L I N G P R O D U C T S G R O U P
FAB Media Encoder FT-MEDIAENC 1
User Manual
F.A. Bernhardt GmbH
Melkstattweg 27 • 83646 Bad Tölz, Germany
Telephone [phone] • Fax [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
http://www.fab-online.com
The data in this document is subject to change without notice.

ii
Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................3
Benefits.......................................................................4
Subtitle Preparation System ......................................5
Installation .........................................................................8
Hardware and Software Installation..........................8
Hardware Requirements .......................................................................... 8
Hardware Installation............................................................................... 8
Software Installation................................................................................. 9
Cabling ......................................................................10
Operation .........................................................................13
Encoding Session .....................................................14
Checking the Encoded Media File ...........................16
Configuration ............................................................17
Defaults.................................................................................................... 17
Timecode ................................................................................................. 19
Encoder.................................................................................................... 20
Examples of Bitrates .............................................................................. 21
Copy ......................................................................................................... 22
Troubleshooting...............................................................23
Hardware Problems ..................................................23

3
Introduction
Aquickoverviewof FAB Media Encoder FT-MEDIAENC 1
FAB Media Encoder is a system for recording of video, audio and timecode to
Windows Media Format 9 files. It is designed as a replacement for the recording
VCR in the tape duplication process. The Media Encoder can be equipped with
a CD/DVD recorder so that media files can be recorded in real time during the
encoding process onto CD and DVD media.
For subtitling or dubbing purposes a tape duplication process is used to prepare
a copy of the tape that will be subtitled. The tape copy is sent to the subtitler that
is using a VCR to play the tape and prepare the subtitles according to the video
and timecode contained on the tape.
Example of the traditional tape duplication process
Chapter
1
O V E R V I E W
Information
VCR (Tape) VCR (Tape)
Video
Audio & Timecode

4
FAB Media Encoder replaces the recording VCR
VCR(Tape)
Video
Audio & Timecode
FT-MEDIAENC1
FAB Media Encoder
Disk DVD
VDCP
Automation System
(i.e. Louth)
FAB Media Encoder records video, stereo audio and timecode into a single
media file. The resulting media file can be used for subtitling preparation by
using FAB Subtitling Preparation Software.
Benefits
Using FAB Media Encoder to produce media files instead of tape copies results
in major benefits in the subtitling preparation process.
Benefits for the broadcaster
-One VCR less is required in the copying process.
Therefore there is no maintenance cost for the VCR. Generally at least video
heads have to be replaced regularly, if a non-professional VCR is used then
often the complete VCR has to be replaced.
-Media files can be stored on a file server.
Departments in larger organizations can easily access media files on a file
server by using the corporate computer network.
-No damages when using postal mail.
CD ROMs and DVD ROMs with media files can be mailed easier as tapes as
they can not be damaged as easy.
-Media files can be downloaded via Internet.
Media files can be made available for download on an FTP server. External
subtitlers can easily download media files via Internet and upload or e-mail
resulting subtitle files. Using postal mail to deliver tapes to subtitlers is not
required any more. Because downloading media files is much faster than
postal mail external subtitlers can also produce subtitles for programmes
broadcasted on the same day.
B E N E F I T S
Information

5
-Lower cost of subtitling
The cost of a subtitling system and the maintenance is much lower because
there is no special hardware required. All that is required is a normal PC with
CD ROM/DVD reader. This results in larger number of subtitlers, more
competition and lower subtitling prices.
Benefits for the subtitler
-Lower cost of a subtitling system
The subtitling system consists of a normal PC only. No special hardware like
VCR, timecode reader and video in a window card is required. No
video/audio cables have to be connected. This means that no special
knowledge is required for connecting cables.
-Faster subtitling process
Working with media files is much faster than using a VCR with a tape. For
example a few seconds of the programme can be repeated with a single
keypress and frame accurate IN/OUT timecode definition can be done very
fast.
-No additional TV set is required
Because the video is displayed on the computer monitor with overlaid
subtitles and audio is played by the computer speakers/headphones the
additional TV set is not required.
Subtitle Preparation System
By using media files the subtitling preparation system becomes much simpler,
easier to set up and also less expensive.
Please note that this description does not describe the FAB Media
Encoder System. It describes a system for preparation of subtitles.
S U B T I T L E
P R E P S Y S T E M
Information

6
Example of a traditional subtitling system
A traditional subtitling system consists of
-Video recorder/player
-TV set for preview of video
-PC with timecode reader card and video in a window card
Having to connect all these components results in a number of cables with
unprofessional connectors that are difficult to connect and often cause
problems.
The system built in this way is generally unprofessional because of the number
of cables and unprofessional connectors. Many of such systems are installed at
homes of subtitlers where even unprofessional cables are used.
VCR (Tape)
Video + VITC Timecode
LTC Timecode
Timecode
reader PC
Video in a
window card
TV
Video Audio

7
Example of a subtitling system based on media files
The subtitling system based on media files consists of a normal PC with
following components:
-Windows operating system
-500MHz Processor, 128MB RAM
-VGA card with color key capability (i.e. Matrox G400)
-Audio card and speakers
-CD-ROM / DVD-ROM reader
-USB port
It is obvious that the system is a PC that can be bought off the shelf with no
special components. The advantages are very clear:
-No special cables
-Standard software: FAB Subtitler, Windows operating system
-Easy maintenance and integration into corporate network
-Easy replacement of hardware if necessary
PC DVD
Mouse
Keyboard
Left speaker Right speaker

8
Installation
Installation of FAB Media Encoder FT-MEDIAENC 1
This chapter will describe how to install the FAB Media Encoder system.
Generally the system comes with preinstalled hardware and software. In such
case you can skip the section with hardware and software installation and
continue with “Cabling”.
Hardware and Software Installation
In case that the system has been delivered with hardware and software installed
proceed with the section “Cabling”.
Hardware Requirements
The following hardware is required for FAB Media Encoder:
-PC with 2.5 GHz Processor, 256 MB RAM, VGA Card
-2 free PCI slots
-Windows operating system
Hardware Installation
To install the hardware for FAB Media Encoder, open the PC and install the
following cards:
-Video in a window card into a PCI slot
-Timecode reader card into a PCI slot
-In case that you will be using a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM writer also install
the writer and connect it
Close the cover of the PC and proceed with software installation.
Chapter
2
I N S T A L L I N G
Information
H A R D W A R E &
S O F T W A R E
Information

9
Software Installation
In case that the system has been delivered with hardware and software installed
proceed with the section “Cabling”.
To install the software for FAB Media Encoder use the following procedure:
-Install Windows
-Install the driver for the Video in a window card
-Install the driver for the timecode reader card
-Install FT-MEDIAENC 1 FAB Media Encoder software from the FAB
CD ROM
When installing FT-MEDIAENC 1 FAB Media Encoder you will be prompted
to install the driver for the timecode reader card. You should do this only the
first time when installing the software. When installing software updates this is
not required. The timecode reader card driver should be installed according to
the jumpers that are set on the card. Make sure not to use any IRQ for the
timecode reader card.
S O F T W A R E
Information

10
Cabling
Connect the cables according to the following drawing:
Timecode reader
LTC Out
Audio Out
Video Out
LTC In
VITC In
Video in a window
Video In
Audio
Line In
Sound card
VTR
BNC-T
Connector
FAB Media Encoder
FT-MEDIAENC 1
Following cables should be connected:
-Video output of VTR to the
oVITC input of the timecode reader card.
oVideo input of the video in a window card
oUse a BNC-T connector connected to the input of the timecode
reader card. This input has high impedance and is not terminated by
75 Ohm. If there is a DIP switch on the timecode reader set it to high
impedance.
-Audio output of the VCR to the audio LINE IN input of the sound card.
-LTC output of the VCR to the LTC input of the timecode reader card. The
LTC input consists of 2 RCA connectors. If the LTC signal is unbalanced
then use the upper RCA only. If the LTC signal is balanced then use both
RCA connectors.
By making the above connections all 3 cards should have their inputs connected.
The VITC/LTC connections are only necessary if VICT/LTC timecodes are
used.
You will see a view of the back of FAB Media Encoder on the following page.
CABL I N G
Information

11
POWER
SUPPLY
230V COM2 COM1
VGA
Video in a window
Timecode reader
VGA
Output
Fast
Ethernet
(RJ45)
Audio In
unbalanced
VITC In
(BNC)
LTC In
balanced/
unbalanced
(2xRCA)
Keyboard
Mouse
Video
Input
(RCA)
1
2
ON
The timecode reader card has two DIP switches.
SW1
LTC Input
ON
Asymmetrical input on lower RCA connector
OFF
Symmetrical input on upper and lower RCA connector
Make sure to select the correct setting depending on whether you have
connected symmetrical or asymmetrical signal. Input is 100mVpp to 5Vpp
SW2
VITC Input
ON
Termination 75 Ohm active
OFF
High impedance
Make sure that SW2 is set to OFF

12
VDCP Connection to Automation System
FAB Media Encoder can be used as a remotely controlled video disk recorder.
The VDCP (Video Disk Control Protocol) protocol is supported on the serial
port.
This enables you to connect FAB Media Encoder to the automation system (i.e.
Louth) and control recording/encoding of media files with a media gathering
station that is used to record programmes into the automation system. In case of
Louth Automation System the Media Client can be used to control the Media
Encoder remotely.
The VDCP protocol requires an RS422 interface. To connect FAB Media
Encoder to the automation system use a RS232 <-> RS422 converter and
connect the Media Encoder’s COM port to the RS422 port of the automation
system. In addition the COM port has to be enabled for VDCP in the Media
Encoder settings that you will find in Options/Setup.
FAB Media Encoder does not replace a Video Disk Recorder/Player because it
does not have a video output. If the automation system will instruct FAB Media
Encoder to playout a recorded file FAB Media Encoder will simply not do
anything because there is no video output.
FAB Media Encoder may start and stop encoding with a short delay after it was
instructed to do so by the automation system. This however is not important for
the application because the file will never be played out frame accurately by the
automation system. The timecode in the encoded Media file will however always
be encoded frame accurately even if the encoding started with a short delay.
A U T O M A T I O N
SYSTEM
Information

13
Operation
Operation of FAB Media Encoder FT-MEDIAENC 1
This chapter describes how to use FAB Media Encoder. The operation is very
easy as there is only one “record” button available, the same as on a standard
VCR.
Later in this section also the configuration of the software is described to allow
adapting it to requirements of the actual installation.
Chapter
3
O P E R A T I O N
Information

14
Encoding Session
After the software is started the following is displayed on the screen:
Before starting the encoding process the user has the possibility to enter the
following data:
-Duration of the encoding session
The encoding process will be stopped automatically when the specified
duration has been reached.
-Filename of the media file that will be created
Do not enter the extension because the extension .wmv will be added
automatically. If the path is not specified then the path specified in
options will be used automatically
-Type of timecode: VITC Block / VITC Lines / LTC
These settings can not be changed after the encoding session has been started.
E N C O D I N G
Information

15
To start the encoding:
click on the “ENCODE” button or press ENTER
To stop the encoding:
click on the “STOP” button or press ENTER
After the file has been encoded a window will be displayed which allows you to
copy the file to CD/DVD or to any folder (i.e. on a file server). Depending on
the settings in options the copying will be done automatically immediately after
the encoding process has finished.

16
Checking the Encoded Media File
After the media file has been encoded and stored to hard disk or to a CD/DVD
disc it can be checked.
The FAB Media Player program is provided to check the encoded media file.
You can open the encoded media file and play it. The timecode is also displayed.
Encoded media files can also be played by using the Windows Media Player but
timecode is not displayed in the Windows Media Player.
M E D I A F I L E
C H E C K
Information

17
Configuration
In the menu Options you will find an option “Setup” which will allow you to
configure FAB Media encoder and adapt it to the requirements of the current
installation.
Defaults
Default folder
Is the folder where media files will be stored. Do not specify a folder which
resides on a CD/DVD or on a file server. It is safer to encode the file on the
local hard disk and copy it to CD/DVD and file server after the encoding
process.
Video standard
Select between PAL (625/50) and NTSC (525/60).
Default duration
Is the duration which will be suggested when the program is started.
Overwrite existing files without prompting
When the encoding process is started by clicking on “ENCODE” FAB Media
Encoder checks if the file with the same filename exists. If this setting is not
checked then a warning will be displayed.
C O N F I G U R I N G
Information

18
Allow manually stopping encoding without prompting
When the encoding process is stopped by clicking on “STOP” before the
duration is reached a warning will be displayed if this setting is not checked.
Control VTR with Sony 9-pin protocol on COMx
FAB Media Encoder can be connected to a VTR over a serial port. In such case
the VTR can be controlled with Play, Pause, … buttons displayed by FAB
Media Encoder. Also the VTR will be put into Play mode automatically when
the encoding process is started in FAB Media Encoder.
Allow remote control by VDCP protocol on COMx
FAB Media Encoder can be connected to an automation system (i.e Louth
Media Client). In such case the automation system will control the encoding
process remotely. Select the COM port that will be used for the VDCP protocol
and make sure that you have a RS232/RS422 converter because the VDCP
protocol is using RS422.