installation manual

3-095-219-06(1)

Networked Content Management SystemInstallation ManualBefore operating the system, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

HDXC-C030HDXC-B030HDXC-X030

Version 5.00

© 2006-2009 Sony Corporation

1st Edition (Revised 5)

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2

NOTICE TO USERS

© 2006-2009 Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. This manual or the software described herein, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, translated or reduced to any machine readable form without prior written approval from Sony Corporation.

SONY CORPORATION PROVIDES NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR SUCH OTHER INFORMATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL SONY CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL, THE SOFTWARE OR OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.

Sony Corporation reserves the right to make any modification to this manual or the information contained herein at any time without notice.

The software described herein may also be governed by the terms of a separate user license agreement.

Material data used for content creation, such as video, graphics, and text, may be copyrighted. Unauthorized distribution and/or playout of such content may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.

Also, the system allows you to use the fonts installed on the PC to create text material. Such fonts are copyrighted. Authorization or right of transmission is required to use them for playout.

Trademark notice

• Sony is a registered trademark, and HDXchange is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

• QuickTime is a trademark and QuickTime logo is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

• Red Hat and the Red Hat ‘Shadowman’ logo are registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc.

• "Linux" is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

• Other system names, product names and company names appearing in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. In this manual such names are not indicated by ® or ™ symbols.

Conventions used in this document

The following typographical conventions are used in this document:

• Bold text is used to identify text exactly as it appears on-screen or on the equipment (e.g. the File menu).

• Italic text is used to highlight a cross-reference to a heading within the same document or to another publication (e.g. see Error Messages on page 85).

• CAPITALS are used for general word emphasis (e.g. ensure the cable is NOT connected).

• Initial Capitals are used for software or equipment product names (e.g. Explore).

• Sentence case (in bold) is generally used for headings (e.g. Trademark notice).

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Table of contents

Chapter 1 Overview

About this document.......................................................................7Products covered by this document....................................................... 7Structure of this document .................................................................... 7Associated documents ........................................................................... 7

Introduction to HDXchange ............................................................8The HDXchange components ............................................................... 8The role of HDXchange ........................................................................ 8Using HDXchange ................................................................................ 9

Chapter 2 Client Installation (Windows)

Introduction....................................................................................11Client computer requirements ............................................................. 11

Before Installation .........................................................................12Powering up the system....................................................................... 12

Setting up Windows client machines ..........................................13Create user account, groups and profiles...................................16

Chapter 3 Client Installation (Macintosh)

Introduction....................................................................................17Client computer requirements ............................................................. 17

Installation overview .....................................................................18Establishing communications between the client and server .............. 18Mac client restrictions ......................................................................... 19

Setting up client components ......................................................19Operating System ................................................................................ 19Hardware specification........................................................................ 20Apple QuickTime ................................................................................ 20Web Browser installation .................................................................... 21Apple Final Cut Pro............................................................................. 21

Configuring OS X for use with HDXchange ................................22Configuring login ................................................................................ 22Configuring directory access............................................................... 24

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Set system date & time and time zone ........................................28User log on .....................................................................................29

Logging on .......................................................................................... 29Changing your password ..................................................................... 29If you forget your password ................................................................ 30

Create user account, groups and profiles...................................30

Chapter 4 NLE integration

Introduction....................................................................................31Sony Vegas Pro .............................................................................31

Installing HDXchange scripts ............................................................. 31Locating scripts ................................................................................... 32Importing to Sony Vegas..................................................................... 32Exporting from Sony Vegas ................................................................ 32

Apple Final Cut Pro .......................................................................33Choosing a scratch disk....................................................................... 33Importing to FCP................................................................................. 33Exporting from FCP ............................................................................ 34Exporting MXF files ........................................................................... 34

Chapter 5 Administration Web Pages

Introduction....................................................................................35Logon page ....................................................................................36Main page .......................................................................................37Users page .....................................................................................38Groups page...................................................................................44Profiles page ..................................................................................48Statistics page ...............................................................................52Events page....................................................................................53System pages.................................................................................55Restorepoints page .......................................................................56Configuration page........................................................................61

Configuration > Time page ................................................................. 62Configuration > Scheduled Tasks page............................................... 63Configuration > Search page............................................................... 65Configuration > Upgrade page ............................................................ 67Configuration > Licensing page .......................................................... 68Configuration > Archiving page.......................................................... 69Configuration > Shutdown/Restart page ............................................. 70

Diagnostics page ...........................................................................72Diagnostics > System RAID page....................................................... 73

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Diagnostics > Data RAID page ........................................................... 75Diagnostics > Server logs page ........................................................... 76Diagnostics > Quotas page .................................................................. 77Diagnostics > Upgrade History page................................................... 78Diagnostics > Services page................................................................ 79

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Introduction....................................................................................81Power and start-up problems .......................................................81Communications and network problems ....................................82Operational problems....................................................................82Support ...........................................................................................83

Appendix 1 Specification

Appendix 2 Archive FTP Settings

Default settings..............................................................................89

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Chapter 1

COverview

Overview

About this document

This document is intended for administrators of the HDXchange Networked Content Management System.

Products covered by this document

The products covered by this document are listed below:

Structure of this document

This document comprises the following chapters:

• Chapter 1: Overview - describes the main functions and features of the product.

• Chapter 2: Client Installation (Windows)- describes how to get the Windows client applications installed, set up and running.

• Chapter 3: Client Installation (Macintosh) - describes how to get the Macintosh client applications installed, set up and running.

• Chapter 4: NLE Integration - provides information on integrating with Non-Linerar Editing applications.

• Chapter 5: Administration Web Pages - describes the graphical user interface and typical operations (workflow) when using this application.

• Chapter 6: Troubleshooting - provides advice on troubleshooting technical and operating problems.

• Appendix 1: Specification - provides relevant technical details for operation and performance.

• Appendix 2: FTP Settings - details the FTP server setting to enable HDXchange to use a networked archive for media storage.

Associated documents

The following documents are available for HDXchange:

• HDXchange: Installation Manual (this document) - provides the instructions for installing the HDXchange client applications and configuring them for use.

• HDXchange: Explore Quick Reference Guide - provides a short overview of the Explore GUI, typical operations and useful keyboard short-cuts.

• HDXchange: Explore User Guide - provides instructions and procedures for using the HDXchange Explore application from a client machine.

• HDXchange: Logging User Guide - provides instructions and procedures for using the HDXchange Logging application from a client machine.

• HDXchange Server (HDXS-C200): Installation Manual - provides instructions for installing and setting up the HDXchange server.

Product Name Version Product Code

HDXchange Explore

Version 5.00 HDXC-B030/HDXC-X030/HDXC-C030

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Introduction to HDXchange

The HDXchange components

HDXchange server

The supplied HDXchange server is delivered with all the necessary software pre-installed on a specially selected server machine. All that is required is to site the server in a suitable location, make some simple connections and follow the setup instructions to configure the client machines for use.

Installation details for your HDXchange server are provided in a separate HDXchange Server Installation Manual.

HDXchange Explore network application (Windows & Macintosh)

The HDXchange server has the HDXchange Explore application installed on it, ready for use by client machines. The operation of this application is fully described in the HDXchange User Guide.

The Explore application is available for Microsoft Windows or Apple Macintosh operating systems (see “Client computer requirements” on page 11 for Windows and “Client computer requirements” on page 17 for Macintosh specifications). The graphical user interface is identical in each application and contains the same features with the following exceptions:

• Devices node is not available.

• Playback of SD-AVI full-resolution audio is limited to 1 channel.

• Playback of HD MXF full-resolution is only supported if FCP is also installed.

• Export node is not available

Web Administration tool (Windows & Macintosh)

The HDXchange server has the Web Administration tool installed on it, ready for use by client machines. The operation of this web-based application is fully described in Chapter 5, “Administration Web Pages” on page 35.

The Web Administration tool is available for Microsoft Windows or Apple Macintosh operating systems (see “Client computer requirements” on page 11 for Windows using Microsoft Internet Explorer and “Client computer

requirements” on page 17 for Macintosh using the Mozilla Firefox Browser).

NLE applications (Windows & Macintosh)

Additional Non Linear Editor (NLE) applications can be installed on client machines, as required. Those currently supported are:

• Sony Vegas Pro Version 9 (Windows)

• Apple Final Cut Pro Version 7 (Macintosh).

For installation of NLE applications, refer to the documentation supplied with the software. Any additional settings necessary to integrate the software for use with HDXchange client machines are described in Chapter 4, NLE Integration.

The role of HDXchange

Sony’s HDXchange is a networked content management system designed to facilitate the organisation and management of media, and non-media, files (called ‘assets’) created by Sony recording and playback devices, and other computers or general storage devices.

When your assets are brought into the HDXchange system, you can view media clips, create sub-clips, mark notable events, and add custom descriptions in the form of metadata to help you identify and locate them. You can also share your assets with other users in the same working group in the network.

Your annotated assets may then be used to build storyboards which can be exchanged with third-party Non-Linear Editor (NLE) applications. Alternatively, your assets can be exported to playout devices connected to the HDXchange system.

Editor workstations connect to the LAN or integrated network, and connect via the network share drives to open storyboards exported in the relevant editor format. Edited media files can be saved back onto the HDXchange server if required.

This uncomplicated content management system and collaborative pre-editing environment enables effective file-based workflow in the preparation of media for large workgroups, and flexibility in the choice of NLE workstation.

Environments which this system is designed for include:

• Programme production companies.

• Broadcast studios.

• Educational and training establishments.

• Information and advertising displays.


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Using HDXchange

The HDXchange server is configured by default to operate as a fully isolated island network server. Domain Name Service (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Domain Server services are built in.

A web-based Administration application is used to enable the following processes:

• Creation and maintenance of ‘users’ and ‘groups’.

• Creation and maintenance of ‘profiles’ for users.

• Configuration and maintenance of the HDXchange server.

To ensure good performance at workstations, and over the network, most operations work on low-resolution copies of the stored AV media, called ‘proxies’.

Data on the HDXchange server is stored on a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) data storage scheme for optimum data integrity and fault tolerance.

On some networks there may be separate near-line storage devices or servers for holding full-resolution and archived media.

Users

Users of the HDXchange can access HDXchange Explore from their client machines. When installed, users can use NLE software to produce finished material for archiving or playout.

Each user is given a ‘profile’ which may be set to allow access to some or all of the functions of the system. Each user is allocated an amount, or ‘quota’, of disk space. This can be adjusted to suit individual users’ needs.

Users may work in isolation on their own media, or they may be assigned to a ‘group’. This enables media to be shared amongst users.

Users may logon to any client machine with their individual username and password. Users cannot make

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changes to settings of the HDXchange, nor can they view system settings, statistics etc. These are only available to users aware of the administration password.

Groups

Users may belong to one or more groups. This means that they may access material which has been assigned to that group. Once a group has been created through one of the administrator web pages, material can be added to that group using the metadata panel, available in HDXchange Explore.

Material that has been added to the group is available only to users who are members of that group.

A quota of disk space can be assigned to each group. The size of this quota can be adjusted through the administration web pages.

Profiles

User profiles are used to define which HDXchange operations a user can perform. Profiles are managed through the Administration web pages.

Quota management

To provide disk management on HDXchange, quota management is used, allowing disk quotas to be configured for individual users and groups.

This flexibility makes it possible to give each user a small quota to handle ‘personal’ media while allowing the groups they are members of to have a larger quota.

By default, quotas are set as a percentage of the size of the RAID. When a new user or group is added the quota is set according to the table below.

When a user reaches their quota, the user is prevented from saving any further work until they have changed ownership of the clips to another group (if the user has write permissions) or deleted unwanted clips. Alternatively, the administrator can increase the amount of disk space available to the user by increasing the quota size.

Quotas set for groups apply equally to Personal and Shared bins. When a user moves a clip from a Personal bin to a Shared bin, they must change the ownership to another group to free up their quota.

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• If a change in owning group would exceed the size of the group’s quota, the change will not take place. Either the quota must be increased by an administrator or material must be deleted.

Disk usage

Quotas assigned to individual users and groups are used to allow sharing of the media RAID array. This can not, however, override the limitation of the overall storage space available within HDXchange server. As an example, if five users are each allocated 25% of the RAID, then clearly not all users will be able to reach their full quota without filling the RAID beyond its capacity. The same consideration will apply to group quotas.

HDXchange domain

All client machines must be logged on to the HDXchange domain before use.

Security

Your media data is valuable. The RAID storage built in to the HDXchange server gives one of the most cost effective ways of ensuring that data is preserved in the case of component failure. HDXchange is designed to avoid accidental loss of material by preventing users from deleting shared data, and by ensuring that the user is prompted to confirm the permanent deletion of data.

To prevent the loss of data through malicious acts, viruses, unauthorised operation etc., it is necessary to take steps to ensure security.

To prevent attacks from occurring via another network, the HDXchange server and client machines should not be connected to networks that can access other domains. No machines on the HDXchange domain should have access to the internet via dial-up, wireless or any other means. Anti-Virus checking software must not be installed on HDXchange clients as this may impact system performance. If HDXchange is used on a closed/private network with no internet access etc., then anti-virus software should not be necessary.

Many new computers come pre-installed with ‘trial’ versions of virus software such as Norton Anti-Virus etc. Such ‘trial’ software must be uninstalled from the client.

To prevent unauthorised changes to the HDXchange configuration, access to the Administrator password should be limited to those persons assigned to maintaining the system.

New User/Group Default quota

User 25%

Group 50%

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Introduction

This chapter describes how to install and configure your Windows HDXchange Explore Client.

An HDXchange system consists of an HDXchange server and one or more client machines. Storage and material capture devices may also be an integral part of your system. The server is delivered with all the necessary software pre-installed. Refer to the server Installation Manual supplied with the HDXchange server, then follow the procedures in this chapter to install and configure your client machines for use.

Explore client

The HDXchange Explore network application is the main application that needs to be run from client machines by users of the system.

Logging Tool client

The HDXchange Logging Tool is an optional network application that may need to be run from client machines.

Web Administration pages

The Web administration pages may be accessed by users using a web browser (Explorer or Firefox) on the client machines.

NLE applications

The supported NLE application (Sony Vegas Pro) may also be installed on your Windows client machine, if required. Please see the manufacturer’s documentation supplied with the application for the specification and installation procedures.

See Chapter 4 “NLE integration” on page 31 for details on configuring the importing and exporting media between the Explore and your chosen NLE application.

Client computer requirements

Microsoft Windows client specification

• Some administration tasks performed by the Web Administration application, e.g. transferring restorepoints (backups) to DVD, require at least one client to have a writable DVD/CD drive.

• The HDXchange server may be operated without a monitor, keyboard or mouse. However, it is recommended that these items are connected for initial system configuration.

Required third-party software componentsWhen the client workstation is connected to the HDXchange server for the first time, the following packages must be downloaded and installed:

• Quicktime 7.60.92

Instructions on installation are given later under the installation procedure section.

Use only the versions supplied by the server. If a different version is already present it must be uninstalled and replaced with the HDXchange server’s version.

Item Specification

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional (SP2)

CPU Pentium P4 2.8 GHz

RAM 2 GB

HDD 80 GB

Graphics 256 MB, DirectX 9, WDDM Driver, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware, 32 bits per pixel

IEEE1394 One or more ports for XDCAM or logging devices

Network GigE

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Other Microsoft redistributables may also be installed on your client machine. These are detailed in the release notes supplied on your application disc.

Requirements for NLEs

Please refer to the published recommended system requirements for these individual products.

Links may be subject to change. The links shown below are intended as guides only. Please navigate the manufacturer’s web pages to locate the System Requirements for your particular NLE software.

• Sony Vegas Pro 9http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com

Before Installation

Before installation ensure that all items listed in the hardware documentation have been supplied. In addition to the supplied items, to create a minimum system, a client PC is required.

For a detailed explanation of the hardware and its installation please refer to the server Installation Manual supplied with the HDXchange server.

• For normal operation it is not necessary to connect a keyboard and mouse to the HDXchange server as the administrator functions can be accessed from client machines connected to the network. It will be necessary to connect these items during a restorepoint restore operation.

• If a PS/2 keyboard and mouse are used they must be attached before Power On. USB devices may be attached at any time.

Powering up the system

Check that the HDXchange system is correctly connected with power and signal cables prior to powering up the system in the following order:

1 Gigabit ethernet switch. Power up the switch first so that it is ready to handle the communications between the various system components.

2 HDXchange server. Power up the server (see HDXchange Server Installation Manual for details). Check that the ON LED has been lit for at least five minutes to complete its boot-up sequence or that the server’s monitor (if connected) is showing the logon screen. The start up process is entirely automatic, all

prompts auto-answer. The HDXchange server must finish booting before proceeding with client configuration.

3 Client machines. Power up the client machine(s). Initially, the client may display a logon screen. If so, then log on with the administrator user name and password.

User: hdxadminPassword: hxXXXXXX (if using HDXS-C200 server) or hdxXXXXX (if using the HDXC-CORE server)

Where: The 6-digit “XXXXXX” (for HDXS-C200) is the serial number, printed on the server side panel sticker. The 5-digit “XXXXX” (for HDXC-CORE) is the software serial number, printed on the server rear panel sticker.

It is essential that you have local administrator privileges to be able to complete the configuration process.

4 Archive storage devices. power up any storage devices that are part of the system.

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Setting up Windows client machines

When logged on to the client machine, the following steps must be carried out before the system is ready for use.

• Join the HDXchange domain.

• Set date, time and time zone.

• Install software components.

• The screenshots and step-by-step instructions have been compiled and tested on Windows PCs that have had ‘clean installs’. If your client machine has been previously configured, then differences may be found as you follow the setup guides. There may also be differences in appearances between different vendors’ Windows installations. If you cannot find an item where it is described, then please ask a user who is experienced in Windows machines to assist with the setup.

• To ensure the instructions and screenshots in this section match those for your client machine(s), right-click Start button, then click Properties and select the Start menu radio button on the Start Menu tab.

Join the HDXchange domain

Ensure you are logged on as a local (Windows) administrator. This gives permissions to make changes on the client machine (not the same as HDXchange Administrator, described later).

Check network settings

By default, Windows enables the client’s network connection to use DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol). This allows the HDXchange server to allocate a unique IP address to each client machine. It will not be possible for the client to join the HDXchange domain if DHCP is not used. It is recommended that the following check is done to ensure DHCP control is enabled.

1 Click Start > Control Panel.

2 Double click Network Connections.

3 Right-click Local Area Connection > Properties.

4 Double click Internet Protocol TCP/IP (scroll down if necessary).

5 If the Obtain an IP address automatically radio button is not selected then select it, and click OK.

6 Click OK again to exit the window.

Set domain membership

1 From the Start menu, right-click on My Computer, then click on Properties.

2 Select the Computer Name tab and click on Change…

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3 Select the Domain radio button.

Where a client PC has already been configured as a member of a domain, you must first leave this domain and rejoin a workgroup before joining the hdxchange domain. In this case follow steps 4 to 10 below, Otherwise go straight to step 11.

4 Select the Workgroup radio button.

5 Enter the name: WORKGROUP.

6 Click OK.

7 When prompted to enter Username and password for the new Workgroup, leave blank and click OK.

8 When the ‘Welcome to the WORKGROUP workgroup’ message appears, click OK.

9 Follow the on screen instructions to restart the computer.

10When the computer has restarted, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, then follow the instructions from “Logging on” on page 36.

11Enter the domain name ‘hdxchange’, click OK.

12Enter the HDXchange administration User name and Password. The user name and password are case- sensitive.

User name: hdxdomain

Password: hxXXXXXX (if using HDXS-C200 server) or hdxXXXXX (if using the HDXC-CORE server)


If the machine has successfully joined the domain, then you will be prompted with the message "Welcome to the hdxchange domain". Click OK.

13The machine will then issue a prompt indicating that a restart is needed for the changes to take effect. Click OK.

14Click OK in the System Properties Window and when prompted, restart the PC.

15When the restart has completed, re-logon to continue with client configuration.

Set language and keyboard settings

When you log on as a new user for the first time, the default region and keyboard is set to UK.

If you are using this software in another country or are using another type of keyboard you must change the settings in order that you receive the appropriate language

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translation for the user interface and appropriate keyboard commands.

Keyboard and region options are stored on the local client PC. If you change to a new PC, you will need to enter these options again.

Set region

To adjust the region:

1 Click Start > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options.

2 Click Regional Options tab.

3 Select your region from the drop-down list.

4 Click OK to close the dialog box.

Set keyboard type

To adjust the keyboard settings:

1 Click Start > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options.

2 Click Languages tab > Details.

3 Select Keyboard > ‘your language’ and click OK to close the dialog box.

4 Click OK to close the dialog box.

Install third-party software components

Before using HDXchange the following software components must be downloaded and installed:

• Apple QuickTime

• Microsoft redistributables - see the release notes supplied on your application disc.

QuickTime

Before installing QuickTime the customer must obtain a QuickTime end user Licence Agreement from Apple. If this is not done the customer is in violation of the QuickTime Licence.

The QuickTime end user licence is available from the supplied HDXchange CD or http://developer.apple.com/softwarelicensing/agreements/pdf/qt7swsda.pdf

Two signed copies must be returned to Sony within fourteen days of receipt of your HDXchange server. Please address to:

HDXchange Order FulfilmentBroadcast & Professional Research LabsSony PSEJays CloseViablesBasingstokeRG22 4SBUNITED KINGDOM

To install QuickTime, run the installer.

1 Open a Windows explorer window and browse to Hdxchangeserver.

2 When prompted, log on using the HDXchange administrator user name and password (for details see “Logging on” on page 36).

.

3 Browse to: \\hdxchangeserver\hdxchange\Installers\Windows.

4 Double-click the QuickTime Installer to commence installation.

5 Follow the on-screen instructions.

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NLE installation

Windows users may use Sony Vegas Pro, Mac users may use Apple Final Cut Pro (FCP) for their Non-Linear Editor (NLE) software. These programs are not included with the HDXchange server.

If Sony Vegas Pro or Apple Final Cut Pro NLE software is to be used it may be installed now.

Follow the installation instructions provided with the software, then refer to “NLE integration” on page 31 for any additional NLE integration instructions.

Alternatively, it may be installed after the next section - Creating a profile and user account.

Create user account, groups and profiles

When a client machine has been set up, as described in the previous section, user accounts, groups and profiles may be added to the system using the Administration web pages (described in detail in “Administration Web Pages” on page 35).

The settings described below can only be configured when logged on as the HDXchange administrator.

Log on to Administration web pages

Log on to the Administration web pages from a client machine (see “Logon page” on page 36).

Create a profile

Create and modify a profile that specifies what the user is allowed to do, using the Administration web pages (see “Profiles page” on page 48).

Create a group

Create a group to allow the user to share their clips and other assets, using the Administration web pages (see “Groups page” on page 44).

Create a user

Create a user and assign them the previously created group and profile, using the Administration web pages (see “Users page” on page 38).

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CClient Installation (Macintosh)

Client Installation (M

acintosh)

Introduction

This chapter describes how to install and configure your Windows HDXchange Explore Client.

An HDXchange system consists of an HDXchange server and one or more client machines. Storage and material capture devices may also be an integral part of your system. The server is delivered with all the necessary software pre-installed. Refer to the server Installation Manual supplied with the HDXchange server, then follow the procedures in this chapter to install and configure your client machines for use.

Explore client

The HDXchange Explore network application is the main application that needs to be run from client machines by users of the system.

Logging Tool client

The HDXchange Logging Tool is NOT supported for the Macintosh.

Web Administration pages

The Web administration pages may be accessed by users using a web browser (Firefox) on the client machines.

NLE applications

The supported NLE application (Final Cut Pro) may also be installed on your Macintosh client machine, if required. Please see the manufacturer’s documentation supplied with the application for the specification and installation procedures.

See Chapter 4 “NLE integration” on page 31 for details on configuring the importing and exporting media between the Explore and your chosen NLE application.

Client computer requirements

Apple Macintosh client specification

• Existing users with OS X version 10.4 (Tiger) must upgrade to version 10.5 (Leopard). Version 10.4 is not supported by HDXchange version 5.0 (or later).

• Some administration tasks performed by the Web Administration application, e.g. transferring restorepoints (backups) to DVD, require at least one client to have a writable DVD/CD drive.

• The HDXchange server may be operated without a monitor, keyboard or mouse. However, it is recommended that these items are connected for initial system configuration.

Item Specification

Operating System Apple Macintosh OS X version 10.5 (Leopard). Version 10.5.6 verified.orApple Macintosh OSX version 10.6 (Snow Leopard). Version 10.6.1 verified.

CPU Dual processor 2.0 GHz PowerPC (G5.11) processor (NOT supported by snow leopard)Mac Pro Quad or Intel 2.0 GHz Dual-Core Xeon processor

RAM 2 GB

HDD 160 GB SATA Drive

Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics with 256 MB memory or NVIDIA GeForce 6600 LE with 128 MB of GGR SDRAM

Network GigE

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Required third-party software componentsWhen the client workstation is connected to the HDXchange server for the first time, the following packages must be downloaded and installed:

• Quicktime 7.6 (7.6.4 tested)

Instructions on installation are given later under the installation procedure section.

Use only the versions supplied by the server. If a different version is already present it must be uninstalled and replaced with the HDXchange server’s version.

Requirements for NLEs

Please refer to the published recommended system requirements for these individual products.

Links may be subject to change. The links shown below are intended as guides only. Please navigate the manufacturer’s web pages to locate the System Requirements for your particular NLE software.

• Apple Final Cut Pro 7http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/

Installation overview

When the Macintosh client machine has been installed with the correct components it may then be configured for use with the HDXchange server.

Establishing communications between the client and server

A ‘login hook’ tells the Macintosh operating system to run, or execute, a specified script when you log in to your computer. Unlike startup items that open when you log in, a login hook is a script that executes as root, i.e. with full access to your system.

In this case, the script tells the client computer to mount the HDXchange server’s drives using the open-source Samba suite program smbmount.

The smbmount program mounts the HDXchange server network drive using the Server Message Block (SMB) network protocol. ‘Root permissions’ are required to

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mount the networked server drives. When the drives are mounted they use the root user id by default.

When the HDXchange server drives are mounted, the file system is accessible to the Mac client user. Server drives are logically arranged and attached to a root directory.

Mac clients must create the login hook and perform the smbmount before configuring LDAP.

The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is the internet protocol used to access information from the server. LDAP defines the language for client-server communications, access permissions, data format and attributes.

When the client and server have been configured to work together, the client may execute the Mac Explore application and store and retrieve files from the HDXchange server. Follow the procedures given in this chapter to establish communications between your client and server.

Mac client restrictions

• During the installation process you may be prompted to authenticate using Name and Password. You must have local administrator rights to be able to complete the configuration process.

• Apple Mac clients can only use local users and groups (i.e. those defined on the Mac client) with IDs within the range 500-999 after the Mac is integrated into an HDXchange system. If an ID above 999 is used, then locally defined user / group IDs will clash with those defined on the HDXchange server in the LDAP directory.

• Apple Mac users should not use ‘fast user switching’. Using ‘fast user switching’ will result in unpredictable behaviour.

• If the Mac’s screen settings have been customised, or if additional programs have been installed, then the appearance of windows displayed on your Mac may vary from those illustrated in this manual.

• When users execute macconfig.sh, to establish a login hook, this will overwrite any existing hook.

Setting up client components

Use the following procedures to check that the required software components are installed on the Macintosh client, and update/install any components when required:

• OS X version 10.5 (Leopard) or OS X version 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

• Apple QuickTime Player version 7.6 (7.6.4 tested)

• Final Cut Pro (optional NLE) version 7.0

Operating System

Displaying the OS X version

To check the version of your machine:

1 Move the cursor over the icon, click to reveal the drop-down menu and then click on [About This Mac].

2 The current OS X version and hardware information is displayed.

If the Version shown is earlier than 10.5 then it must be updated before proceeding.

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If your Mac has an internet connection then you can update by clicking on the [Software Update...] button and following the on screen instruction, alternatively, download the updates on an a machine with internet connection and transfer to the Mac using removable media e.g. CD-R, or USB flash.

Updating the operating system

To update your version of OS X:

1 Go to http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/macosx_updates/

2 Navigate to the correct download and select the correct version for your Macintosh hardware.

3 Download the relevant update software package and transfer to your Macintosh.

4 When downloaded, locate and double-click the filename. When the package has been opened, double-click the (software package) icon and follow the on screen installer instructions.

Hardware specification

Click the More Info... button on the About This Mac window (shown above) to display details of your machine:

This window gives more information about the hardware of your Mac. Check that it exceeds the minimum hardware requirements, see “Client computer requirements” on page 17.

Apple QuickTime

Displaying the QuickTime version

It is essential that HDX client machines are installed with the appropriate QuickTime player. Incorrect operation may result if a different version of QuickTime is installed. Turn off ‘automatic updates’, to prevent QuickTime from being upgraded automatically. Note that QuickTime can be upgraded when other applications, such as Final Cut Pro, are installed. Once upgraded, the version of QuickTime cannot be downgraded.

From the same window as shown above, click on ‘Applications’ under the ‘Software’ heading in the Contents column to view the version of Apple QuickTime.

Scroll through the list of Application names and check that the QuickTime Player version matches the version stated in the release notes accompanying the HDXchange server. If it is different, then un-install the current version before proceeding.

Updating/installing QuickTime

To update/install QuickTime:

1 Go to http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

2 Find the correct download and select the correct version for your Macintosh hardware.

3 Download the relevant update software package and transfer to your Macintosh.

4 When downloaded, locate and double-click the filename. When the package has been opened, double-click the (software package) icon and follow the on screen installer instructions.

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Web Browser installation

If you intend to export a storyboard as Web (HTML), ensure that a suitable Web Browser and Quicktime plugin are installed.

Apple Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is an optional non-linear editor (NLE) which may be used to edit storyboards compiled using HDXchange Browse. A licensed copy of Final Cut Pro V7.0 must be purchased separately.

Follow the instructions provided with your Final Cut Pro installation CDs. Please note the information below on ‘Scratch Disk’ when Final Cut Pro is used for the first time.

Please read the following paragraphs which provides important installation and user information.

Scratch disk

When you first run Final Cut Pro, you will be asked which directory you want to use as a scratch disk. It is essential that you choose your home directory.

• By default, Final Cut Pro uses ‘share’ (the Samba mount point/Users/Shared/share).You MUST NOT use this default since this would store scratch media on the network. This can also lead to problems with permissions.

• If you use the Final Cut Pro default scratch disk by accident, this can be removed by deleting the file Final Cut Pro Prefs in the $HOME/Library/Preferences/Final Cut Pro User Data/folder.

Working with files larger than 2 GB

If you are working with files larger than 2 GB the scratch disk size must be increased from its default value.

1 Go to the System Settings window as shown below and change the value of:Minimum Allowable Free Space On Scratch Disks to the maximum size required.

2 Un-tick the:Limit Capture/Export File Segment Size Tocheck-box.

Support for HD MXF Files

To support HD MXF files in FCP you must:

1 Install QT-MXF plugin so that FCP can read MXF files.

2 Install XDCAM Transfer (XDT) so that FCP can write MXF files.

Installers for these plugins are available on the HDXchange server at://hdxchangeserver/hdxchange/Installers/Mac

Final Cut Pro (easy set up: CBR option)

When using the Final Cut Pro > easy set up window to assign the correct format to a sequence within Final Cut Pro, there is no CBR option for XDCAM EX. For this situation, you can select a format e.g. XDCAM HD 1080i50 CBR in place of XDCAM EX 1080i50 as they are equivalent.

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Configuring OS X for use with HDXchange

This section describes how to connect a Mac (OS X) to the HDXchange domain. Before configuration, ensure that the Mac client has all the latest software component updates.

Ensure the HDXchange server is connected correctly and powered on. Confirm that the ON LED (refer to the server Hardware Installation Manual) has been lit for at least five minutes to complete its boot-up sequence, or that the server’s monitor (if connected) is showing the Logon screen. The HDXchange server must finish booting before proceeding with client configuration.

Ensure that the client machine is connected correctly and is powered on. Initially the client will power up and may display the Mac logon screen. If so, then log on with username and password provided by your system administrator. It is important that the local administrator has a password, or configuration will fail.

Follow the instructions given in this chapter carefully to ensure the Mac and the Explore application are successfully configured. When logged on to the machine locally, you will complete the following steps to make the system ready for use.

1 Create a login hook to mount Samba shares.

2 Configure directory access to use the LDAP domain.

Although a Mac does not join the HDXchange domain in the same way that a PC does, provision is made via LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) to give access to Library and local media, and to the general network share on the server.

• Only Macs with the supported version of OS X should be used on the HDXchange network. See “Client computer requirements” on page 17.

Configuring login

It is important that the local administrator has a password, or else the creation of the login hook will fail.

Use the following procedure to integrate Mac (OS X) clients with HDXchange. The procedure ensures that when a user logs in, the HDXchange server file systems are mounted.

To create a login hook:

1 Log on to the Mac as a user with (local) administrative permissions. If the default automatic login account on the Mac is not an admin account, disable the account selecting the Login Options in the Accounts window and then select Disabled at the Automatic Login drop-down menu.

2 Run Finder.

3 Click on Applications, scroll down, then click Utilities and double-click Terminal.

4 A Terminal window is opened. At the $ prompt enter sudo followed by a space. For sudo to work you must ensure that your admin user does not have a blank password set, otherwise sudo fails silently.

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5 In the Finder menu bar, select the Go > Connect to Server... menu option.

6 A Connect to Server dialog is opened. Type smb://172.16.0.1 into the Server Address box and then click the Connect button.

7 Enter the HDXchange administration User name and Password. The user name and password are case- sensitive.

User name: hdxdomainPassword: hxXXXXXX (if using HDXS-C200 server) or hdxXXXXX (if using the HDXC-CORE server)


8 Select hdxchange as the volume you want to mount and then click the OK button.

9 The hdxchange volume is mounted, the Finder is automatically opened and the IP address of the mounted volume is now listed in the Finder under Shared.

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10In the Finder, navigate to hdxchange > Mac > macconfig.sh

11Drag-and-drop the macconfig.sh file into the Terminal window containing the command sudo.

12Press the Enter key, then (if prompted) enter the local administrator user password for the Mac. Press the Enter key again to see the following message: LoginHook script installed.

The above procedure ensures that when a user logs in, the HDXchange server file systems are mounted. Before you use HDXchange, confirm that this has been done successfully by carrying out the procedure in the following section.

Configuring directory access

Use the following procedure to configure the Directory Utility. If using OS X Leopard, start at step 1. If using OS X Snow Leopard start at go to 8.

1 Click on the Finder icon.

2 Click on Applications, scroll down, then click Utilities.

3 Double click Directory Utility to display the default (blank) Directory Utility page.

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4 Click on Show Advanced Settings, then Services. If necessary, click on the padlock to gain access.

5 Double-click LDAPv3, first ensuring that the service is ticked.

6 Ensure that the Add DHCP... box is not ticked, click the Show Options button.

7 Click the New... button and go to step 12 to continue configuration if using OS X Leopard.

8 If using Snow Leopard the Directory Utility is located in a different place. Go to System Preferences > Accounts and select Login Options.

9 Click the Join... button for the Network Account Server.

10Click the Open Directory Utility button for the Network Account Server.

11Double-click LDAPv3, first ensuring that the service is ticked.

12The following dialog is displayed.

13Click the New... button to define an LDAP service.


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14Enter 172.16.0.1 for the Server IP Address, tick Encrypt using SSL, Use for authentication, and Use for contacts.

15Click the [Manual] button and enter the config name hdxchange. Change the LDAP mappings to RFC 2307 (Unix). Enter Search Base (dc=hdxchange, dc=com)

16Choose HDXchange from the list, then click Edit.

17 Ensure that the Use custom port and Ignore Server Referrals and (leopard OS 10.5 only) Use LDAPv2 (read only) check-boxes are deselected (un-ticked).

18Click the Search & Mappings tab and then click on the triangle to the left of Users.

19Scroll down the list to Password.

20Select Password, click Delete, then click on OK.


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21Check that the Access this LDAPv3 server using pop-up menu remains set to Custom. Re-select this option if necessary.

.

Click OK to return you to the Directory Utility page. If a prompt for the local password is displayed at this point, enter the Mac password and click OK.

22On the Directory Utility page, select Search Policy and for both Authentication and Contacts change Search: to Custom Path and click [+] button to add /LDAPv3/172.16.0.1, then click Apply.

23If a prompt for the local password is displayed at this point, enter the Mac password and click OK.

24Close all dialog boxes and windows.

Checking the file systems are mounted

1 Restart the Mac, or log out from the Mac client.

2 When the Log in screen appears, log on to the hdxchange as Other... Note that this option does not appear on the Log in screen for approximately 10-15 seconds (only the local mac users are displayed initially).

3 A Mount HDXchange Media dialog is automatically displayed in which to enter your HDXchange password. This may be hidden behind the Finder window, which opens automatically.

4 Enter your password, and then click the OK button.


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5 Confirm that two new icons, My Media and Share, have now appeared in the Finder window.

Final Cut Pro

HDXchange will integrate with Apple Final Cut Pro (FCP) for the Mac and is configured to support Apple Mac client integration. This allows Mac users to:

• Log on using HDXchange user profiles.

• Read HDXchange library media, and have write access to both their own private directories and the shared area. HDXchange shared areas are accessed via Samba. Mac users will have the same degree of access to media as Windows users.

Storyboards created using HDXchange Explore can be exported in a FCP compatible format (FCP XML Interchange Format v4).

Set system date & time and time zone

HDXchange server is configured as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. NTP ensures that date and time are automatically synchronised within the HDXchange system. It is only necessary to ensure that clients are configured to use NTP, and that their time zones match that of the HDXchange server.

To check the Time Zone setting:

1 The Date and Time settings window can be opened by clicking on the date and time on the tool bar:

2 In the Date and Time settings window check the Set date & time automatically check-box and specify the NTP server as 172.16.0.1

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3 Click on the Time Zone tab.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to set your time zone.

5 Close the dialog box.

User log on

Logging on

Logging on to HDXchange is done using the normal Mac log on screen, however you must log on using your HDXchange user name and password, not your local Mac log on details.

1 When the Log in screen appears, log on as an HDXchange user.

2 A Mount HDXchange Media dialog is displayed in which to enter your password (passwords are case-sensitive).

3 Enter your password, and then click on OK. The relevant HDXchange file systems will now be accessible in the Finder.

When you log on for the first time using your HDXchange user name and password, or if the HDXchange password has changed since the last login on this Mac, a Mount HDXchange Media dialog is displayed and you will be asked for your HDXchange password.

Changing your password

When your user account is created, you are given a default password set by HDXchange. For security reasons, it is imperative that you change your password immediately.

Choose a password that is only known to you. Never give your password to another person.

1 While logged on to HDXchange, open a web browser page, enter hdxchangeserver in the address bar then press the Enter key. The following page will be displayed.

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2 Click on Change Password.

3 In the User Details section, enter your Username, Old Password, and your new password in both the New Password and Retype New Password boxes.

4 Click the Save button. A confirmation message will be displayed stating that your new password was accepted.

If an error message appears, correct the error and click the Save button again.

If you forget your password

If you forget your password, tell your HDXchange administrator, who will reset your password to the default. Log on to HDXchange using the default password and then change your password using the steps in the previous section,“Changing your password”.


When a client machine has been set up, as described in the previous section, user accounts, groups and profiles may be added to the system using the Administration web pages (described in detail in “Administration Web Pages” on page 35).

The settings described below can only be configured when logged on as the HDXchange administrator.

Log on to Administration web pages

Log on to the Administration web pages from a client machine (see “Logon page” on page 36).

Create a profile

Create and modify a profile that specifies what the user is allowed to do, using the Administration web pages (see “Profiles page” on page 48).

Create a group

Create a group to allow the user to share their clips and other assets, using the Administration web pages (see “Groups page” on page 44).

Create a user

Create a user and assign them the previously created group and profile, using the Administration web pages (see “Users page” on page 38).

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Introduction

This chapter describes how to integrate HDXchange Explore with supported Non Linear Editors (NLEs) to enable the import/export of Storyboards.

The following NLEs are supported:

• Sony Vegas Pro Version 9 (Windows) - SD/HD

• Apple Final Cut Pro Version 7 (Macintosh) - SD/HD

These applications must be installed on HDXchange client machines. Please refer to the documentation supplied with the NLE application for relevant installation information and operating procedures.

Sony Vegas Pro

HDXchange supports client integration with Sony Vegas Pro 9 for Windows. This is supported for standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD).

Storyboards are imported/exported between HDXchange and Sony Vegas Pro using pre-installed scripts which are run from the Sony Vegas Pro application.

Installing HDXchange scripts

Install Sony Vegas Pro following the instructions provided with the software, then follow the instructions below to install the necessary scripts for use with HDXchange applications.

1 Find your Vegas installation, e.g.:C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Pro 9.

2 Open the scripts directory, e.g.:C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Pro 8\Script Menu.

3 Create a sub-directory called ‘Standard Scripts’.

4 Move the standard scripts into this sub-directory.

5 Now create another sub-directory of ‘Script Menu’ called ‘hdxchange’.

6 Locate the master copies of the HDxchange scripts for Vegas in: P:\VegasScripts\Version9.

7 Copy the master scripts (*.cs) into the sub-directory. The scripts can be accessed by opening Vegas and going to Tools > Scripting > hdxchange.

8 If the hdxchange scripts do not appear to be present, click on Tools > Scripting > Rescan Script Menu Folder.

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Locating scriptsTo enable importing and exporting of media between Sony Vegas Pro and HDXchange, you must have the correct HDXchange scripts installed on your NLE workstation. Check that the HDXchange administrator has installed these scripts for you.

When installed, the scripts can be located by selecting Tools > Scripting > HDXchange

Importing to Sony Vegas

To import Storyboards from HDXchange to Sony Vegas Pro:

1 In HDXchange Explore, export the Storyboard using the Storyboard/Export menu option.

2 In Sony Vegas Pro, Select Tools > Scripting > HDXchange > Import HDXchange Storyboard (XML).

3 When prompted, select the Storyboard XML file and click Open. The Storyboard will now be imported and added to a timeline. The timeline replicates the HDXchange Explore Storyboard.

Exporting from Sony Vegas

This script is to be used after required editing has been done in Sony Vegas Pro and the finished piece is required back in HDXchange Explore.

To export clips to HDXchange from Sony Vegas Pro:

1 In Sony Vegas Pro, select Tools > Scripting > HDXchange > Export to HDXchange.

2 A dialog box will be displayed enabling you to select the required video format. HDXchange supports the formats specified in “Appendix 1, Specification”.

3 Press the Save button to export the Storyboard or press the Cancel button to stop the export process.

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Apple Final Cut Pro

HDXchange supports client integration with Apple Final Cut Pro (FCP) v7.0 for the Macintosh. This is supported for both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD).

• You can log on as a Mac user using HDXchange user profiles.

• You can read HDXchange media, and have write access to both Mac private directories and the shared area. HDXchange shared areas are accessed via Samba. Mac users have the same degree of access to media as Windows users.

• Storyboards created using HDXchange Explore can be exported in a format compatible with Final Cut Pro (FCP XML Interchange Format v4).

Choosing a scratch disk

When you first run Final Cut Pro, you will be asked which directory you want to use as a scratch disk. It is essential that you choose your home directory.

By default, Final Cut Pro uses share (the Samba mount point /Users/Shared/share).You MUST NOT use this default since this would store scratch media on the network. This can also lead to problems with permissions.

If you use the Final Cut Pro default scratch disk by accident, this can be removed by deleting the file Final Cut Pro 7.0 Prefs in the /Library/Preferences/Final Cut Pro User Data/ folder.

Importing to FCP

To import Storyboards from HDXchange to FCP:

1 Use HDXchange Explore to export the Storyboard file you require as a Final Cut Pro Project XML file, as described in the HDXchange User Guide.

You should save exported HDXchange Storyboards to your home folder under My Media/Storyboards or Share.

2 Select the File > Import > XML... menu option.

The XML file you exported from HDXchange should be located in your home folder under My Media/Storyboards or Share.

• XML files may be greyed out and non-selectable in the import dialog if non-ASCII characters are used in the file name. To open the files, in the Choose a file dialog, set the Show field to All Files.

• When exporting a Storyboard from Windows Explore (not Mac Explore) to FCP, with FCP open, you may not be able to see the XML files until FCP is restarted. To display the XML files without restarting, from FCP’s Open dialog click in the Search box and type .xml. Then click the Storyboards button to force a re-reading of the directory, which results in the files being displayed in the standard directory listing.

3 When prompted, choose to import the XML as a new project. HDXchange supports the formats specified in “Appendix 1, Specification”.

In addition, ensure the following settings are selected:

• Override with settings from XML checked

• Reconnect to Media Files checked

• Include Markers checked

• Include Audio/Video Effects checked

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4 Double-click the imported Storyboard (which has the same name as the Storyboard in Explore). The timeline view will open with all clips trimmed and ordered as in Explore.

Exporting from FCP

• Ensure that QuickTime MXF and XDCAM Transfer have been installed on Explore before attempting to use or export MXF files. The MXF Import is a component of QuickTime that allows Final Cut Pro users to move to an all-digital, file-based media workflow when ingesting from Sony XDCAM digital acquisition tools.

• Before exporting media, check that audio is set to 48 kHz and that the required number of channels are selected. Refer to FCP Audio Settings.

Exporting MXF files

• To export Sony MXF files, the Final Cut Pro sequence must be set to Dual Mono. This can be done in the Audio Outputs tab of the Sequence Settings dialog.

To export MXF files:

1 In FCP, select the File > Export > Sony XDCAM menu option.

2 At the Save As prompt, ensure that you set the file extension to .mxf. Then choose a format setting as appropriate, before clicking the Save button.

3 When Save is clicked a progress bar is displayed which reports the status of the Export process. When 100% complete is displayed, the file is exported.

4 In HDXchange Explore, import the clip by selecting the Asset > Import Asset menu option.

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Introduction

HDXchange is managed by Administration web pages. You can access these pages using a web browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox if using a Windows machine, or Mozilla Firefox if using an Apple Macintosh.

In this chapter the Web Administration tool is shown using Microsoft Internet Explorer running on a Windows client machine. However, the GUI windows, menus and features shown are identical to those displayed on a Macintosh client using the Firefox browser.

Logging on to the HDXchange domain with the username ‘admin’ will still require a separate administrator logon to access the Administration web pages.

Administration web pages

Categories of information are displayed on separate pages of the Administration application:

• Users - enables user accounts to be created, edited and deleted.

• Groups - enables groups to be created, edited and deleted, and group quotas to be set.

• Profiles - enables user profile configuration.

• Statistics - displays a summary of system usage.

• Events - enables pre-set event categories to be edited.

• System - provides a further menu of web pages for system configuration and diagnostic functions:

• Restorepoints - enables snapshots of the state of the database to be saved and accessed.

• Configuration - provides further menu of web pages for configuration of system parameters:

• Time• Scheduled Tasks

• Search• Upgrade• Licensing• Archiving• Shutdown/Restart

• Diagnostics - provides further menu of web pages for diagnostic functions:

• System RAID• Data RAID

• Server Logs• Quotas• Upgrade History• Service

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Logon page

To ensure secure access, the HDXchange server domain, and the Administration web pages, are protected with a user name and password.

There is only one administrator’s account, called ‘hdxadmin’.

• This is NOT the same as the local administrator of the client machine.

Logging on.

Do not logon as HDXchange administrator from more than one client machine at a time.

To open and log on to the Web Administration pages:

1 Double-click the Web Administration shortcut provided on the desktop (or single-click the icon on the Dock for Macintosh).

Alternatively, the Administration web pages can be accessed by typing the following URL into the browser's address bar (for convenience, you may wish to make this page the browser’s Home page):

http://hdxchangeserver/

The following page is displayed in the internet browser.

2 Click the button.

3 Click the button.

4 Before you can access the Administration web pages you will be asked to log on to the HDXchange server domain, if you are not already logged on. A dialog is displayed in which to enter your user name and password.

5 Enter the HDXchange administration User name and Password. The user name and password are case- sensitive.

User name: hdxadmin

Password: hxXXXXXX (if using HDXS-C200 server) or hdxXXXXX (if using the HDXC-CORE server)

Where: The 6-digit ‘XXXXXX’(for HDXS-C200) is the serial number, printed on the server side panel sticker. The 5-digit ‘XXXXX’(for HDXC-CORE) is the software serial number, printed on the server rear panel sticker.

For security reasons, ticking the Remember my password box is NOT recommended.

6 The main page is then displayed.

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Main page

This page is displayed after logging on. The main page displays the system version and serial number details.

Title bar icons (main)

Each icon in the title bar, when clicked, provides further web pages to enable administration of these functions.

These functions are detailed in the following sections.

Icon Task

Users: create, edit and delete user names and passwords.

Groups: create, edit and delete groups of users.

Profiles: create, edit and delete profiles.

Statistics: disk usage for users, groups and library.

Events: create, edit and delete event categories.

System: displays further menu options for configuration and diagnostics.

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Users page

From the main page, click on the icon in the title bar to view the list of HDXchange users.

A ‘user’ is someone allowed to use the HDXchange Explore client application. Users are allocated their own Personal node bins in which to store their clips and other assets. Groups and profiles may be added to their account to enable them to function within the HDXchange system.

From the Users page you can:

• add a new user

• view a user’s details

• delete an existing user

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Create a new user

Before adding a new user, ensure that a suitable profile already exists. Use the profile page to check that this has been set.

1 From the Users page, click the button, the Users > Add page will be displayed.

2 Enter the new user’s name.

• All user names must be lower case alphanumeric, e.g. hdxuser1, and no longer than 31 characters in length.

• Some names are reserved, e.g. news. Therefore, if a name entered is not accepted, even though it does not appear in the list of users, it may be a reserved name and cannot be used.

3 Select a profile from the drop down box.

4 Click to add the user and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without creating the user.

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Viewing a user’s details

From the Users page, click on a user name to display the user’s details and group memberships.

On this page you are able to view:

• assigned profile.

• allocated disk quota.

• quota used.

• group memberships.

• group quota details.

The quota information is also displayed graphically by percentage usage bars.

The colour of the bar indicates the amount used as follows:

• Black - no quota space used

• Green - quota space used 1% - 79%

• Amber - quota space used 80% - 94%

• Red - quota limit approaching

When red appears on the usage bar, users should either:

• delete any unwanted material

• move material to another group

• request an increase in quota

Material can be saved until the100% point is reached, but action to prevent this is recommended.

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Editing a user’s settings

1 From the Users page, click to change a user’s settings. The User > Name > Edit page will be displayed.

2 To change the user’s profile, click on the drop-down profile box and select a new profile from the list.

3 To change the user’s quota, enter a new value in the Quota box to increase or decrease a user’s Quota.

• Attempting to set an individual user’s quota between 50% and 100% may result in a smaller value than requested. Individuals quotas have an upper limit which is dependent on the total RAID capacity. To override this limit, a user may be allocated a 100% quota by entering a value of 0%.

4 To change the membership of groups, use the or to add or remove the user from the available

groups..

• Changes made here are updated immediately, and will remain at the settings displayed even if the button is used.

• If the user is logged on, the user should log out then re-logon to refresh their local details if changes are made to their group membership.

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5 To reset the user's password to the default setting (which is: password), tick the checkbox.

6 Click to accept the changes. After saving the changes the previous page will be displayed.

Click to cancel any changes made (except group changes) and return to the previous page.

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Deleting a user

A user cannot be deleted until the user's associated material has been deleted.

1 From the Users page, click the button to display the Users > Delete page.

2 Select the radio button next to the user’s name to be deleted.

3 Click to remove the user and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without removing the user.

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Groups page

From the main page, click on the icon to display this page.

A ‘group’ is used to categorise assets for use by a particular group of users. This page enables the administration of user groups to allow sharing of material.

From the Groups page you can:

• create groups

• view group details

• edit groups

• set group quotas

• delete groups

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Creating a new group

1 From the Groups page, click the button to add a group. The Groups > Add page will be displayed.

2 Enter a group name in the Group name box.

• All user names must be lower case alphanumeric, e.g. hdxgroup1, and no longer than 31 characters in length.

• Some names are reserved, e.g. news. Therefore, if a name entered is not accepted, even though it does

not appear in the list of groups, it may be a reserved name and cannot be used.

• A group name cannot be the same as an existing user.

3 Click to add the group and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without creating the group.

Available groups are shown on this page. Groups may exist that do not contain any members.

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Viewing a group’s details

1 From the Groups page, click the Group name to display the details of that group. The Groups > Name page will be displayed.

2 Click within the white Quota box, then enter the required quota value.

Attempting to set a group’s quota between 50% and 100% may result in a smaller value than requested. Group quotas have an upper limit which is dependent on the total RAID capacity. To override this limit, a group may be allocated a 100% quota by entering a value of 0%.

3 Click to update the new group quota and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without changing the group quota.

This pictorial representation is used for both users and groups and the representation is as follows:

The quota information is also displayed graphically by percentage usage bars. The colour of the bar indicates the amount used as follows:

Black - no quota space used

Green - quota space used 1% - 79%

Amber - quota space used 80% - 94%

Red - quota limit approaching

When red appears on the usage bar, users should either:

• delete any unwanted material

• request an increase in quota

Material can be saved until the100% point is reached, but action to prevent this is recommended.

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Deleting a group

• A group cannot be deleted if it contains ANY members. If the group you wish to delete can not be selected for deletion, check whether users are present in the group.

1 From the Groups page, click the button to delete a group. The Groups > Delete page will be displayed.

2 Select the radio button next to the group to be deleted.

3 Click to remove the group and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without removing the group.

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Profiles page


‘Profiles’ determine which HDXchange operations a user can and cannot run, and configures the settings for the Explore application.

A variety of Profiles may be created with combinations of the HDXchange operations, this allows users to have

access to only those features which are relevant to their workflow.

From the Profiles page you can:

• create a profile.

• edit a profile.

• delete a profile.

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Creating a profile

1 From the Profiles page, click the button to create a profile. The Profiles > Add page will be displayed.

2 Select the required features by clicking the appropriate radio buttons.

3 Enter a name for the profile in the Profile name box.

• Profile names must contain only alphanumeric characters without spaces, e.g. profilename.

4 Apply the required feature set (see “Profile Features” on page 50 for details) for the user profile by clicking the appropriate Enabled or Disabled radio button for each feature.


Click to return to the previous page without creating the profile.

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Profile Features Modifying a profile

The Profiles > Edit page provides the same options as when creating a new profile, discussed previously.

1 From the Profiles page, double-click the profile name to edit the features and access rights. The Profiles > Edit page will be displayed.

2 Modify the required feature set (see “Profile Features” on page 50 for details) for the user profile by clicking the appropriate Enabled or Disabled radio button for each feature.


Click to return to the previous page without creating the profile.

Feature Description

Profile name A unique name for the profile feature set.

Profile description A detailed description of the profile.

Inbox node Allows access to the Inbox node. Node will be hidden when disabled.

Devices node Allows access to the Devices node. Node will be hidden when disabled.

Export node Allows access to the Export node. Node will be hidden when disabled.

Shared node Allows access to the Shared node. Node will be hidden when disabled.

Recycle node Allows access to the Recycle node. Node will be hidden when disabled.

Logging Allows the user to launch the external logging tool.

Import files Allows the user to manually import files or directories using the Explore menu item. Hides menu item when disabled.

Recycle purging Allows the user to purge the recycle bin.

Launch external viewer

Allows the user to use alt-double-click to launch an external viewer for an asset.

Edit metadata (shared)

Allows the user to modify metadata (excluding ownership) for assets visible under Shared. Metadata is visible but read-only when disabled.

Change ownership (shared)

Allows the user to modify asset ownership for assets visible under Shared. Ownership field is visible but read- only when disabled.

Copy (shared) Allows the user to copy assets and bins that they can see under Shared.

Link (shared) Allow the user to create links to assets visible under Shared.

Move (shared) Allows the user to move assets and bins visible under Shared.

Delete (shared) Allows the user to delete assets and bins visible under Shared.

Create Bin (shared) Allows users to create bins under Shared.

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Deleting a profile

• In order to delete a profile it must NOT be assigned to any user. If the profile to be deleted cannot be selected for deletion, then check whether users are assigned that profile.

1 From the Profile page, click the button to delete a profile. The Profiles > Delete page will be displayed.

2 Select the radio button next to the profile to be deleted.

3 Click to remove the profile and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without removing the profile.

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Statistics page


The Statistics page displays summary information of system usage. The usage bars show an overview of how much space has been used up for the disk, user and group storage.

This page displays the disk usage quotas of users and groups both numerically and graphically (by Usage percentage bargraphs).

The colour of the bar indicates the amount used as follows:

• Black - no quota space used

• Green - quota space used 1% - 79%

• Amber - quota space used 80% - 94%

• Red - quota limit approaching

When a quota limit is approached (indicated by a red bar), users should be instructed to either:

• delete any unwanted material.

• move material to another group.

• request an increase in quota.

Material can be saved until the100% point is reached but action to prevent this is recommended.

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Events page

From the main page, click on the icon to manage your event types and categories.

‘Events' are places (times) of interest within media clips. When marking them, it is possible to label events as belonging to a pre-set category.

From the Events page you can:

• add a new event category.

• add a new type to a category.

• delete a category.

• delete a type.

Adding a new event category

1 From the Events page, click in the blank text box at the bottom of the list of existing Event Categories/Types.

2 Type a name for the new category.

3 Click the button at the right of the screen (under Actions), to add it to the list.

4 Use the and arrow buttons to move the newly created category to the required position in the list.

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Adding a type to a category

1 From the Events page, click the button to the left of an event name to show the existing types.

2 Click in the blank text box at the bottom of the list of existing types.

3 Type a name for the new type.

• Only alphanumeric, space and underscore characters can be used for category and event names.

4 Click the button to the right of the screen to add the new type to the list.

5 Use the and arrow buttons to move the newly created type to the required position in the list.

Deleting a category

1 From the Events page, click the button level with the category name to the right of the screen.

2 Check the confirmation message that the category name is the one you wish to delete.

3 Confirm by clicking OK.

Deleting a type

1 From the Events page, click the button to the right of the screen.

2 Check the confirmation message that the type name is the one you wish to delete.

3 Confirm by clicking OK.

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System pages

Clicking on the icon on the title bar enables advanced system functions to be accessed.

Title bar icons (system)

Each icon in the title bar, when clicked, provides further web pages to enable administration of these functions.

These functions are detailed in the following sections.Icon Task

Main: returns you to the main Administration web pages.

Restorepoints: create, upload, delete.

Configuration: time configuration, scheduled tasks, upgrade, licensing.

Diagnostics: creation and collation of logs.

Icon Task

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Restorepoints page

From the System page, click on the icon to manage your restorepoints.

A ‘Restorepoint’ is a snapshot of the database state that is written to the media RAID, and may be copied to a storage disk, to enable your system to be restored to a previous state in the event of problems.

The Restorepoints pages enable you to:

• create a new restorepoint.

• save a restorepoint to DVD.

• restore a restorepoint file.

• delete a restorepoint file.

When a restorepoint is created, the data is stored on the media RAID. It may then be transferred to an alternative location, or it may be burned directly onto DVD. A copy of the latest restorepoint file should always remain on the media RAID.

It is recommended that a fresh restorepoint is created before and after significant changes have been made to your system, such as changes to users and groups or before a server software upgrade.

In the event of having to restore the system using a stored restorepoint, the restore CD/DVD is required.

• Media RAID data is NOT backed up when a restorepoint is created.

• During factory installation of the HDXchange software, a restorepoint {v5.00 Baseline yyyy-mm-dd hhmm} is included. Using this restorepoint will restore the HDXchange to its initial supplied state. Any newer restorepoints stored on the HDXchange server will be unavailable.

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Creating a new restorepoint

1 From the Restorepoints page, click on the button to display the Restorepoint > Add Restorepoint page.

2 Highlight the New restorepoint: text box and type a new restorepoint name.

The restorepoint name entered should consist of alphanumeric and space characters only. The date and time will be automatically appended to the name when the restorepoint is created.

3 Click the button. The following screen is displayed.

• A restorepoint may take over 30 minutes to complete.

• While creating a restorepoint, avoid making any changes to settings, as this may cause the configuration data to be altered.

• Closing the window before completion will leave an incomplete/unusable restorepoint.

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4 When completed, a Close button will be displayed at the bottom of the window (scroll down to view). Click the Close button to close the window and return to normal operation.

Backing up a restorepoint

1 Click on the name of the restorepoint to be saved to a computer. A File Download dialog will be displayed.

2 Confirm this is the correct file, then click the Save button. A Save As dialog will be displayed.

3 Select the desired location, click Save to start copying to DVD or click Cancel to stop the transfer.

4 The progress of the download is displayed on a dialog. When the download is complete, click the Close button.

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Restoring a restorepoint file

The HDXchange restore requires an existing restorepoint file of the system to be present. This restorepoint file is stored onto the internal raid array of the HDXchange server during the restorepoint creation.

Server recovery by restoring to a restorepoint should only be done when where absolutely necessary, e.g. recovering from a System RAID failure.

• Restoring a restorepoint file can only be done from the HDXchange server.

• The HDXchange server will require monitor, keyboard and mouse connected for restoring a restorepoint.

1 Insert the restore boot-up CD/DVD into the CD/DVD drive of the HDXchange server.

2 Power on, or reboot the HDXchange server using the Configuration > Shutdown/Restart page.

3 The Knoppix boot-up screen will appear and will be displayed for approximately ten seconds. This allows the administrator time to cancel the restore. To continue the restore, wait ten seconds or press the Enter key.

4 When the boot-up has completed, the HDXchange restore desktop will be displayed.

5 Double-click the Restore restorepoint icon..

There will be delay before the GUI appears.

6 Select the desired restorepoint from the list.

7 Click the Restore button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed.

8 On the confirmation dialog, click Yes to start the restore process. (Clicking No will dismiss this message box).

9 When the restore is complete, click the Exit button.

10 When the HDXchange server has completed shutdown, and begins its automatic reboot, press eject on the optical drive and remove the recovery CD/DVD.

11When a Red Hat desktop appears, click the reboot icon and select option Reboot to re-initialise the server's network connectivity.

12When the HDXchange server has completed its reboot, all Windows client machines must leave and rejoin the hdxchange domain. Follow the instructions contained in “Join the HDXchange domain” on page 13.

.

Steps 4-10 which describe leaving a domain must be followed precisely.

13Log into the HDXchange Administration system as user 'hdxadmin', open the Profiles page and click the Save button.

The HDXchange server system RAID and the installation Profiles are now fully recovered and are ready to use.

• After the restorepoint restore reboot, the following message may appear:

'RAID array is not clean -- starting background reconstruction'.

During this reconstruction of the system RAID the system will remain usable, although a small reduction in performance may be apparent. This activity will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes to complete: do NOT reboot the HDXchange server until the rebuild process has completed.

• PC users created since the utilised restorepoint was created will not be present in the server's user database after the restore process. For such users to regain access to material stored on the data RAID they must be re-defined to the HDXchange server in the usual way. No access or permissions issues are expected in such cases.

Mac users created since the utilised restorepoint was created will not be present in the HDXchange server's user database after the restore process. All such users should be removed from Mac clients before the restore and then re-defined in the usual way afterwards. Failure to do this may result in a Mac user not having the correct file permissions for material retained on the data RAID.

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Deleting a restorepoint

1 From the Restorepoints page, click on the button displays the Restorepoints > Delete page.

2 Select the radio button next to the restorepoint to be deleted.

3 Click to remove the restorepoint and return to the previous page.

Click to return to the previous page without removing the restorepoint.

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Configuration page

From the System page, click on the icon to display this page.

The Configuration pages enable you to:

• modify the date and time settings.

• schedule task options.

• set the library search indexing to Non-CJK or CJK.

• HDXchange software upgrade.

• licensing configuration of HDXchange applications.

• archiving configuration.

• remote restart/shutdown.

Click the right-side of the window to access the relevant function.

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Configuration > Time page

From the Configuration page, click on the button to display the this page.

The Configuration > Time page enables the setting of date and time.

• Setting the time zone here does not affect a client PC or Mac time zone setting. The correct time zone must be set individually on all client machines.

• If the time zone of a client PC and the server match, then the date and time on the PC will match the server's date and time.

• If a large change is made to the HDXchange server’s time setting users that are currently logged on to the HDXchange domain should log off and log on to aid synchronisation of client machines with the server.

Changing the date and time settings

1 Ensure the relevant TimeZone is selected in the drop-down box.

2 Set the correct date and time setting by clicking the individual drop-down boxes.

3 Click to confirm the changes.

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Configuration > Scheduled Tasks page

From the Configuration page, click on the button to display this page.

The scheduled tasks page allows a number of different tasks to be configured:

• configure proxy generation

• configure transfer to archive

• configure retrieval from archive

Each of the tasks can be individually scheduled, allowing processes to be configured to better meet the different workflow demands and provide improved load balancing of HDXchange processes.

Proxy generation

In HDXchange Explore, proxies are used to reduce bandwidth. If no proxy is available then the original high quality images will be displayed.

To change the interval for scheduled Proxy Generation:

1 Select the radio button corresponding to the chosen proxy generation intervals.

2 Click to confirm the new setting.


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Transfer to archive

In the Explore application the Asset menu can request clips to be moved to archive. This occurs as a scheduled task.

To change the interval for scheduled Transfer to Archive:

1 Select the radio button corresponding to the chosen transfer intervals.


Retrieve from archive

Clips which have previously been archived can be retrieved at scheduled intervals.

To change the interval for retrieval from archive

1 Select the radio button corresponding to the chosen retrieval interval.


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Configuration > Search page


The Configuration > Search page can be used to monitor the status of the search facility and change the language setting of the search. There are two settings for western or east asian characters:

• Non-CJK - (Chinese Japanese Korean) includes all western languages

• CJK - includes east asian characters

The set of search characters must match the locale setting on the client machines.

Changing the search language

1 Select the required radio button.

2 Click the button to start the Re-indexing process. During re-indexing the Search index status will change from COMPLETE to INDEXING:

3 This web page does not automatically update, therefore navigate away from this page then return, or use the browser’s refresh button to ensure the current status is displayed. When re-indexing has completed the status will change to COMPLETE.

• Users should be made aware that re-indexing is occurring, and that the locale of their client machines matches the new setting.

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• During the re-indexing period, searches will only return results which have so far been processed with the new setting.

• The re-indexing period will depend on the number of clips in the database. The re-indexing time can be estimated as clips will be processed at approximately 20,000 clips per hour.

Search indexer service status

The Search indexer service status will normally display the status as: RUNNING. If the indexer is halted the following status is displayed,

To restart the indexer service manually, click the button.

If users report that there are known clips, which do not have entries in the database, use the button to refresh the index.

Search index status

As described previously, when re-indexing is in progress the status will change to:

Refresh the page to ensure the current status is displayed.

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Configuration > Upgrade page


The Configuration > Upgrade page allows the upgrading of the HDXchange software from an earlier to later version.

The upgrade is done with a set of Redhat Package Manager (RPM) software packages supplied on DVD.

Upgrading the HDXchange software

1 Ensure all users are logged out of their client machines.

2 Place the supplied DVD in the DVD/CD drive of the client PC.

3 Click the button and locate the upgrade RPM file(s) on the DVD.

4 Click to transfer the RPM to the HDXchange server. Repeat the selection and upload for all remaining RPMs.

5 When prompted, click to commence the software installation.

6 When the Close button appears the upgrade has successfully completed.

7 Shutdown and reboot the server for the new upgrades to take effect.

8 Where applicable, new versions of integrated files should be applied to client machines. Check the release notes supplied with the upgrade for details.

• The list is automatically cleared after the upgrade is completed.

Uploading a new RPM adds its name to the list. To clear the list click the button.

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Configuration > Licensing page


The HDXchange software is constrained by a licensing system. It is constrained on a per application basis rather than a per PC basis.

In the example below, Explore has 5 licences. Therefore, only 5 occurrences of the HDXchange Explore client application may run at any one time. Any other client PCs will be unable to run the application until at least one instance of the application is closed.

The page is split into two sections. The top section consists of a table which displays the current licences on the system.

The lower section is used to add the new licence key. To obtain a new licence key contact your Sony sales office.

Adding licences to HDXchange

1 Enter the new licence key in the Add New Licence Key text box.

2 Click to complete the action. A new page will appear confirming the licence change.

If difficulty is experienced adding new licences, recheck the details entered. If problems persist please contact your Dealer or Sony sales office.

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Configuration > Archiving page


Before using the archiving Available setting, ensure that the archive server is connected and configured. See“Default settings” on page 89.

This setting determines whether archiving to an external store is available for users running the HDXchange Explore application.

If changes are made to this setting, users already logged on must log off and then log on for their Explore settings to be updated.

Click the appropriate radio button to select whether archiving is to be available or unavailable. Changes made to this setting take effect immediately. Navigating away from this page will leave the currently selected setting active.

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Configuration > Shutdown/Restart page


The server can be shutdown either remotely from a client PC or directly from the HDXchange server (if a keyboard, mouse and monitor have been connected).

Remote shutdown from a client is only possible when logged in as the administrator.

Shutdown and rebooting

Shutdown/reboot will occur one minute after the Shut down or Reboot button is pressed. In that time the administrator must close Internet Explorer and log off. All other users of the system must be logged off when shutting down or restarting.

• Always follow the correct Shutdown procedure. DO NOT turn off by disconnecting the AC power.

1 Inform all users that shutdown/reboot is about to occur and check that they are logged off the HDXchange domain.

2 Click to power off the HDXchange server.

Click to close and restart theHDXchange server.

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• After a remote shutdown from a client, the Shutdown/Restart window will remain open but inactive. To restart the HDXchange server after a remote shutdown, press the power button on the server unit.

Shutdown from the HDXchange server

1 On the HDXchange server login screen, click on shutdown.

2 When you are prompted Are you sure you want to shut down the machine?, click on the Shut Down button.

• If, after three minutes, the server has not powered down automatically and a message Power Down Now is displayed on the screen, then turn off the server manually by pressing and holding the Power button located on the inner front panel. Refer to the server Installation Manual supplied.

Shutdown the HDXchange server from a client PC

1 Log on to the Administration web pages as administrator.

2 Click on the System icon to display the system menus.

3 Click on the Configuration icon to display the configuration options.

4 Click on the Shutdown/Restart button to display the shutdown/restart page.

5 Click on the Shutdown button to shutdown the server (or Restart as required).

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Diagnostics page

From the System page, click on the icon to display information about the system OS and media data RAIDs.

The Diagnostics pages enable routine checking of disk usage and degradation by the administrator, allowing action to be taken quickly to prevent possible data loss if problems arise.

The administrator may also collate Server Logs that can be sent back to the HDXchange Support team for analysis, check disk usage quotas for users and groups, check for corrupted files and other diagnostic functions.

Click the corresponding buttons on the right hand side to access the required function.

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Diagnostics > System RAID page

From the Diagnostics page, click on the button to display this page.

This duplicated system disks provide security for the operating software and settings. This page displays the status of the two system operating disks.

The system RAID hard drives are located inside the HDXchange server unit and require the unit to be powered off before any servicing is done. This should be carried out only by qualified service personnel.

Each disk is split into three partitions (boot, swap and root) which are displayed as green, when operating normally.

In the event of a problem, one or more partitions may be displayed as red. Should this occur, prompt action should be taken to correct the condition.

Refresh

Click the button to refresh the display.

Maintenance

Click the button to display a more detailed summary of the System RAID. If any problems are indicated, refer to the troubleshooting chapter for details.

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Messenger service

A client machine can be nominated to receive messages from the RAID controllers to advise of any RAID storage problems that have been detected. See example image shown below.

The Messages to: field allows a client machine’s name or IP address to be entered. The machine entered will receive a message containing the status of the System RAID if a problem is detected.

To nominate a client.

1 Click in the field and enter the local name of the client machine, or its IP address.

2 Click the button to add the client to the list.

3 Click the button. This will cause a pop up window on the client machine confirming that the new name has been added successfully to the client list.

To receive status messages from the RAID controller the client machine must have Windows Messenger enabled. To activate this service.

Activating messenger service on a client Windows PC

1 Ensure you have local administrator privileges for the client machine.

2 Click the Windows Start button.

3 Click Control panel.

4 Click the icon (click on Switch to Classic View if you cannot see the icon).

5 Click the icon.

6 Scroll down to the Messenger entry.

7 Double click the Messenger entry.

8 Select Automatic from the drop-down menu.

9 Click OK.

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Diagnostics > Data RAID page

Click the button to display the 3ware web-based administration page of the internal RAID drives in a separate Internet Explorer page.

The username and password for this page are “user” and “3ware”, respectively. It is important to check this page periodically for degraded/faulty components of the RAID. The media RAID drive components are 'hot-swappable', so replacement/removal of disk drives may be performed when the HDXchange server is still powered.

The following 4 screenshots show an example of a degraded controller containing a degraded unit containing a faulty/absent drive.

To find out more about why a controller (in the example case controller 2) is reporting a warning click on the ID of that controller.

Click on a unit to get more information about the drives that compose the unit.

This page indicates that the disk on port 4 of controller 2 (the first controller) is 'degraded'. This disk should be replaced urgently. See the Hardware Installation Guide to determine which physical drive the port & controller information refer to.

To learn more about the RAID page click on Help then click on 3DM 2 Online Help (near the top left of the page).

Messenger service

If a problem is detected with the Data RAID a message will be broadcast. This will be displayed on any Windows client which has Messenger Service enabled. To enable this service refer to “Activating messenger service on a client Windows PC” on page 74.

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Diagnostics > Server logs page

From the Diagnostics page, click the button to display this page.

The Diagnostics > Server Logs page may be used to collect logs generated within HDXchange for use by the HDXchange support team. The logs will contain important information for diagnosing problems.

The support team may request one or more types of logs. Follow the steps below to collect the required log information.

Server logs can collate installation logs, main server logs and Linux log files into a single compressed tar file.

It is also possible to selectively save into separate files. The generated file will appear on the user's L Drive. It is recommended that the user selects . This

will produce a file with the following name and date/timestamp:

All_Logs_yyyymmddhhmmss.tar.gz

To collect the log information into three smaller tar files, Installation Logs, Media Server (Core) Logs or Linux Logs can be collected separately. This will produce files called respectively:

Install_Logs_yyyymmddhhmmss.tar.gz

Core_Logs_yyyymmddhhmmss.tar.gz

Linux_logs_yyyymmddhhmmss.tar.gz

• Click to produce the All Logs file.

• Click to produce the Installation Logs file.

• Click to produce the main Logs file.

• Click to produce the Linux Logs file.

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Diagnostics > Quotas page


This feature is used to maintain the accuracy of the quota database. While this can be run on a regular basis, it is used more specifically when the HDXchange server file system has not been cleanly unmounted, for example in the event of power failure.

• The quota check process takes several minutes to complete.

• During quota check, quotas are disabled and there will also be a reduction in performance of the system.

• It is recommended that the this process should only be run when there are no users logged on.

.

Performing a quota check

1 Request users to log off HDXchange.

2 Click Quotas to display the quota check page.

3 Click the Quota Check button to commence checking. The following page is displayed.

4 Scroll to the bottom of the window, when the Close button appears, the quota check is complete.

Notes

77Diagnostics page

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Diagnostics > Upgrade History page


The Diagnostics > RPMs page displays the dates that any software upgrades have been applied, and the name of the .rpm file (Redhat Package Manager) used for the upgrade.

Within this page is the option to review the log file generated at the time of upgrade. This may viewed to confirm that the upgrade was successful, or to check for any occurrences of upgrade failure.

Click the button to see the associated log. The log will open in a separate window and will display the screen information that was displayed at the time of upgrade.

Diagnostics page

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Diagnostics > Services page


The Diagnostics > Services page displays the status of various core services, including:

• Proxy.

• Archive.

• Retrieve from Archive.

The status of each service may be indicated as follows:

• Running (green)

• Stopped (red)

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hapter
CTroubleshooting

Introduction

Use this chapter to resolve problems that are apparent when using HDXchange Explore.

Each HDXchange system is configured to the users’ individual requirements. It is important to establish if a problem originates within the HDXchange server or is due to something external.

Investigating apparent fault symptoms

When a problem arises, examine the symptoms fully and try to establish if it is:

• a hardware problem.

• a software problem.

• a configuration or operation problem.

• a communications or network problem.

• a (multiple) client machine problem.

If the system has been successfully commissioned and has been operating satisfactorily, find out if any hardware, software or configuration changes have been made. If so, then these changes should be undone to see if that has caused the problem.

If the problem is clearly connected with the server hardware, then the Troubleshooting guide in the server Installation Manual should be followed.

Power and start-up problems

The server will not power up

There may be a fault with the server hardware. Please refer to the server Installation Manual.

The server shuts down during operation


Unable to join domain

Check the following:

1 HDXchange has completed booting sequence.

2 Domain name has been entered correctly.

3 Connections to network switch.

4 The network hub is powered on.

5 Client installation and network settings.

Unable to logon as user or HDXchange administrator


1 HDXchange has completed booting sequence.

2 Spelling of username and password (check Caps Lock is not on).

3 Network connections and that network hub is lit.

4 Ethernet switch specification (should be 1 Gb/s).

81Introduction

82


Communications and network problems

Slow network/application


1 That the recommended number of users is not exceeded.

2 Client machine has sufficient free disk space.

3 Client machine specification is adequate.

4 Condition of RAID.

5 Ethernet switch specification (Must be 1 Gb/s).

Operational problems

The server is producing a continuous tone alarm or other audible beeps


System performance is degrading


Applications are not available


1 Application shortcut has not been removed from the desktop.

2 Profile of user.

Material cannot be found


1 If a user’s group membership has been changed that the user has logged off and logged on to update their account.

2 If material been moved or deleted.

3 External archive (if installed) is available.

Following a restorepoint restore, Mac users created after the restorepoint was created will not appear on the HDXchange user database. These users should be removed from the Mac client machine before trying to log back on.

Unexpected behaviour of HDXchange applications

Check the Troubleshooting chapter of the HDXchange Explore User Guide for problems encountered in the HDXchange Explore applications.

Check the Troubleshooting chapter of the HDXchange Logging User Guide for problems encountered in the HDXchange Logging applications.

Further information is included in the Release Notes (Readme.txt) on the documentation CD provides with your application.

Communications and network problems

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Support

EUROPE

Within Europe contact Prime Support on:

+44 (0)1256 686850

Before calling please ensure that you have registered your product online at:

www.sonybiz.net/primesupport

For full details of your Prime Support cover please check the documents supplied with the product

USA

Contact:

POSC: Product Operational Support Center800-883-6817

Customer Service866-766-9272

South America

Contact:

Sony Latin America, Inc.Broadcast & Professional Latin America Division 5201 Blue Lagoon DriveSuite 400Miami, FL 33126

Telephone: (305) 260-4000Fax: (305) 260-4020

Canada

Contact:

Telephone: 1-800-361-5535Fax: 1-800-370-7713E-mail: [email protected]

For latest HDXchange information and updates visit:

USA, South America and Canadahttps://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/

All other countries www.sonybiz.net/

83Support

84


Support

) [ ] p

ppendix
ASpecification
Appendix 1 S

pecification

System

* whichever is greater (GOP = Group of Pictures)

Metadata

NLE Storyboard formats

Number of clips on server (max.) 200,000

Clip duration (min.) 5 s - or 2 x GOP*

Clip duration (max.) 4 hours

Clip size (max.) 64 GB

Number of clips per bin (max.) 1000 clips

Number of bins per user (max.) 25 bins

Number of users (max.) - subject to licence 50 users

Number of export list (playlist) channels 25 channels

Depth of sub-bins 25 levels

Number of inboxes 20 inboxes

Number of characters in user-defined fields (Max.) - single line fields)

75 characters

Number of characters in Notes fields (Max.) - multiple line fields

1500 characters

Sony Vegas (Version 9.0) HD & SD XML Storyboard format

Apple Final Cut Pro (Version 7.0) HD & SD XML Storyboard format

85

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pecification

Supported file types

The following file types are recognised by HDXchange. See the following table for actual video supported video formats. Please contact your Sony representative to define new file types.

XDCAM/XDCAM EX video formats

Type Format Description

Data ZIP Compressed file format.

Image JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group file format.

BMP Windows device independent bitmap image file format.

TIFF Tagged Image File Format.

TGA/TARGA Truevision Advanced Raster Graphics Adapter image file format.

GIF Graphics Interchange File format.

PNG Portable Network Graphics format

Audio WAV Waveform audio file format.

MP3 MPEG-1 audio layer 3 file format.

Video AVI Audio Video Interleave video file format.

MXF Material Exchange Format.

MOV Quicktime movie file format.

M2T MPEG-2 Transport Stream File.

Document PDF Portable Document Format File.

DOC Microsoft Office Document File.

XLS Microsoft Office Spreadsheet File.

PPT Microsoft Office PowerPoint File.

Project Vegas Sony Vegas Project File.

AAF Advanced Authoring Format.

FCP FInal Cut Pro project file.

Video Profile or Profile@Level

Def Stored Size (Field)

Pixel Aspect Ratio

MXF Display Rect (field)

Native Display Size (Frame)

Display AspectRatio

Native Display Size CFAR (Frame)

NomBit Rate(Mbps

CBR / VBR

Frame Rate

Scan Mode

Audio

DV 4:1:1 / 525 DV 720 x 240 8:9 720 x 240 720 x 480 4:3 640 x 480 25 CBR 59.94i I 4x16

DV 4:2:0 / 625 DV 720 x 288 16:15 720 x 288 720 x 576 4:3 768 x 576 25 CBR 50i I 4x16

IMX50 4:2:2 / 525 IMX 720 x 256 9:10 720 x 243 720 x 486 4:3 648 x 486 50 CBR 59.94i I 4x24 / 8x16

IMX50 4:2:2 / 625 IMX 720 x 304 16:15 720 x 288 720 x 576 4:3 768 x 576 50 CBR 50i I 4x24 / 8x16





MP@H-14 HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 25 CBR 23.98p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@H-14 HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 25 CBR 25p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@H-14 HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 25 CBR 29.97p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@H-14 HD 1440 x 544 4:3 1440 x 540 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 25 CBR 50i I 2x16 / 4x16

MP@H-14 HD 1440 x 544 4:3 1440 x 540 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 25 CBR 59.94i I 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 23.98p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 25p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 29.97p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 544 4:3 1440 x 540 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 50i I 2x16 / 4x16

) [ ] p

Appendix 1 S

pecification
Supported devices
VCAM (Logging application)

HDV (Logging application)

MP@HL HD 1440 x 544 4:3 1440 x 540 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 59.94i I 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 17.5 VBR 23.98p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 17.5 VBR 25p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 1088 4:3 1440 x 1080 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 17.5 VBR 29.97p P 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 544 4:3 1440 x 540 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 17.5 VBR 50i I 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1440 x 544 4:3 1440 x 540 1440 x 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 17.5 VBR 59.94i I 2x16 / 4x16

MP@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 35 VBR 23.98p P

MP@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 35 VBR 25p P


MP@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 35 VBR 50p P


MP@HL HD 1920 x 1088 1:1 1920 x 1080 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 35 VBR 23.98p P

MP@HL HD 1920 x 1088 1:1 1920 x 1080 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 35 VBR 25p P

MP@HL HD 1920 x 1088 1:1 1920 x 1080 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 35 VBR 29.97p P

MP@HL HD 1920 x 1088 1:1 1920 x 540 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 50i I

MP@HL HD 1920 x 1088 1:1 1920 x 540 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 x 1080 35 VBR 59.94i I

MP@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 25 CBR 23.98p P 8x24

MP@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 25 CBR 50p P 8x24

MP@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 25 CBR 59.94p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 50 CBR 23.98p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 50 CBR 50p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1280 x 720 1:1 1280 x 720 1280 X 720 16:9 1280 x 720 50 CBR 59.94p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1920 x 1080 1:1 1920 x 1080 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 50 CBR 23.98p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1920 x 1080 1:1 1920 x 1080 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 50 CBR 25p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1920 x 1080 1:1 1920 x 1080 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 50 CBR 29.97p P 8x24

422P@HL HD 1920 x 1080 1:1 1920 x 540 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 50 CBR 50i I 8x24

422P@HL HD 1920 x 1080 1:1 1920 x 540 1920 X 1080 16:9 1920 X 1080 50 CBR 59.94i I 8x24

DSR-11 DVCAM Digital Video CAssette Recorder

DSR-25 Mini DV Video CAssette Recorder

DSR-45/45A Mini DV Video CAssette Recorder

DSR-1500A Mini DV Video CAssette Recorder

HVR-A1E/A1U HDV Camcorder/Player

HVR-Z1E/Z1U HDV 3CCD Hand-held Camcorder/Player

HVR-M10E/10U Professional DV/DVCAM/HDV Video Tape Recorder/Player

HVR-M15 Professional DV/DVCAM/HDV Recorder

HVR-M25 Professional DV/DVCAM/HDV Recorder

HVR-V1E/V1U Compact HDV Camcorder/Player

HVR-1500 HDV Source Feeder/Recorder

Video Profile or Profile@Level

Def Stored Size (Field)

Pixel Aspect Ratio

MXF Display Rect (field)

Native Display Size (Frame)

Display AspectRatio

Native Display Size CFAR (Frame)

NomBit Rate(Mbps

CBR / VBR

Frame Rate

Scan Mode

Audio

87

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Appendix 1 S

pecification

XDCAM

Contact your Sony representative for updates to this list.

PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX SxS Professional HD Camcorder

PDW-HD1500 XDCAM HD Deck

PDW-1500 XDCAM Compact Deck

PDW-F30 XDCAM HD Deck

PDW-F70 XDCAM HD Deck

PDW-F75 Dual Layer XDCAM HD Deck

PDW-U1 XDCAM external USB Drive

) [ ] g

ppendix
AArchive FTP Settings
Appendix 2 A

rchive FT

P S

ettings

Default settings

To enable HDXchange to use a networked archive for media storage, the archive must appear as an FTP server. This requires that the archive be accessible at an IP address known to HDXchange.

If the servers settings are set to the defaults shown below, then no changes are required to the HDXchange.

FTP Server settings (for archive store e.g. Petasite)

These settings are as follows:

• ftp-server=172.16.0.220

• ftp-user=hdxchange

• ftp-password=sony2006

• ftp-remote-path=/mfs1 (set as writeable)

If the FTP settings cannot be adjusted to suit the default of the HDXchange then contact your Sony dealer or Sales office.

When using archive, logon to the Administration Web Page then:

Click on System > Configuration > Archiving

Ensure that the Archiving radio button is enabled. If this setting is changed, users must log off and on to update their settings.

Note

89Default settings

) [ ]

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