Avid NewsCutter ® ® Setup Guide Release 2.
Copyright and Disclaimer Product specifications are subject to change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part of Avid Technology, Inc. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement. The software may not be reverse assembled and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.
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Footage Arizona Images — KNX-TV Production — Courtesy of Granite Broadcasting, Inc., Editor/Producer Bryan Foote. Canyonlands — Courtesy of the National Park Service, Harpers Ferry, VA. WCAU Fire Story — Courtesy of NBC-10, Philadelphia, PA. Paragliding — Courtesy of Legendary Entertainment, Inc. Renaissance Cruises Aegean I — Courtesy of Sondra Byington — Reel Art Productions, Irving, TX. Avid NewsCutter Setup Guide • Part 0130-04675-01 Rev.
Contents Using This Guide Who Should Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Using the Help System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 If You Need Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supported MediaDrives and MediaDock Storage Devices . . . 43 Connecting Avid Drives to NewsCutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Data Rate Calculations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Drive Striping Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Optional NewsCutter Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Local Area Network Workgroup Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . .
External Diagnostics Component Video Cabling . . . . . . . . 82 External Diagnostics Composite Video Cabling . . . . . . . . . 83 External Diagnostics Serial Digital Video Cabling. . . . . . . 84 External Diagnostics S-Video Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Running the External Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Understanding the Error Log Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Avid StorEx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connection Between the Playback Device, NewsCutter, and the Ethernet Hub or Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Transferring Files from NewsCutter to the Playback Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Transferring from the Playback Device to NewsCutter . . . . . 119 Transferring Media Files from NewsCutter for Play-to-Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix C Regulatory and Safety Notices FCC Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Canadian ICES-003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 European Union Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Australia and New Zealand EMC Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Taiwan EMC Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figures Figure 1-1 Meridien I/O Box Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Figure 1-2 Meridien I/O Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Figure 2-1 Configured System Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Figure 2-2 IBM IntelliStation Z Pro — Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Figure 2-3 Meridien I/O Box Rear Panel Board Slots . . . . . . . . . . 36 Figure 2-4 Keyboard and Mouse Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 4-1 Avid System Test Pro Quick Start Dialog Box. . . . . . . 76 Figure 4-2 Avid System Test Pro Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Figure 4-3 Avid System Test Preferences Window — Test Control Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Figure 4-4 Avid System Test Preferences Window — Video Subsystem Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Figure 4-5 Audio Test External Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figure 7-6 Connecting a VTR Emulator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Figure A-1 Meridien Audio Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Figure A-2 Meridien Video Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Figure A-3 Meridien Serial Digital Interface Connectors. . . . . . . 135 Figure A-4 Meridien I/O Box Thumb Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Figure A-5 Circuit Board Connector and Rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tables Table 1-1 NewsCutter Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Table 1-2 Optional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Table 1-3 Meridien I/O Box Indicator Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Table 2-1 Avid NewsCutter Expansion Slot Assignments . . . . . 35 Table 2-2 Meridien I/O Box Peripheral Board Locations . . . . . . 36 Table 2-3 MediaDrive and MediaDock Shuttle Information . . .
Table 5-9 No Video in Playback Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Table 5-10 Sequences or Clips Do Not Appear in the Source or Timeline Viewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Table 6-1 Workgroup Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Table A-1 Meridien Audio Identifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Table A-2 Meridien Video Identifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using This Guide The Avid® NewsCutter® Setup Guide explains how to set up NewsCutter system components. NewsCutter ships with Windows NT® 4.0, Windows® Service Pack, and the NewsCutter application loaded on the internal hard drive. You should consult the Avid NewsCutter Release Notes, distributed with this guide, for any late-breaking information that might apply to your system setup.
About This Guide Use this guide when you are connecting the peripherals and cables to the NewsCutter system. After you complete the installation, you might want to consult this guide if you need to add external drives and video decks to the NewsCutter system. After you set up the NewsCutter system and connect it to the Avid Meridien™ input/output (I/O) box, see Chapter 4, “Running the System Diagnostics” to verify that your hardware is functioning properly.
w A warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm. Follow the guidelines in this guide or on the unit itself when handling electrical equipment. Using the Help System You can get help and background information for tasks, windows, dialog boxes, and screen objects through the Avid Help system. The Help system is HTML-based and operates in a Web browser. To open the Help system, start the NewsCutter application and choose NewsCutter Help from the Help menu.
3. Check the release notes supplied with your Avid application for information on accessing the Avid Web site and the Avid Knowledge Center. 4. For customer support, contact your local Avid Reseller, or contact Avid Customer Support directly: • Broadcast customers — call 800-NEWS-DNG (639-7364). • Postproduction customers — call 800-800-AVID (2843).
• Avid NewsCutter Effects Guide This guide describes techniques for using digital video effects, titles, third-party plug-in effects, mattes, keys, and layering options. • Avid NewsCutter Quick Reference This folded card lists convenient keyboard shortcuts. • Avid NewsCutter Upgrade Instructions This document explains how to upgrade the hardware and software in NewsCutter systems in accordance with the latest feature and performance enhancements.
If You Have Documentation Comments Avid Technology continuously seeks to improve its documentation. We value your comments about this guide, the Help, the Online Publications CD-ROM, and other Avid-supplied documentation. Simply e-mail your documentation comments to Avid Technology at TechPubs@avid.com Please include the title of the document, its part number, revision, and the specific section you are commenting on in all correspondence.
CHAPTER 1 Introduction This chapter introduces NewsCutter hardware. The introduction includes an overview of the system and a list of the standard and optional NewsCutter components. NewsCutter is a computer with an Avid peripheral board set that lets you digitally record and compress high-quality audio and video analog or digital signals to disk. This disk-based, nonlinear, random-access system is designed for editing news stories and other broadcast needs.
Before you connect all the hardware, see the Avid NewsCutter Release Notes for the most up-to-date information about the system, including instructions on how to reinstall the NewsCutter application (if necessary). A User Interface (UI) monitor displays the user interface, including the Timeline and bins. A customer-supplied Playback monitor displays media the system is playing or recording. The Avid Meridien I/O box is the interface for all the audio and video, input and output connections.
NewsCutter System Features NewsCutter minimum system requirements include the hardware listed in Table 1-1. n See Figure 2-1 in Chapter 2 for a sample layout of a NewsCutter system. Table 1-1 NewsCutter Features Equipment Description NewsCutter Deskside computer system with optional rack-mount kit Hard drive Internal hard drive (see the manufacturer’s documentation for details) CD-ROM Internal CD-ROM reader (see the manufacturer’s documentation for details) Floppy drive Internal 3.
Table 1-1 Equipment NewsCutter Features (Continued) Description Meriden II digital Two PCI boards and a daughter board that provide a PCI media board set interface for direct memory access (DMA) on the system, carry out compression and decompression functions, and act as an interface to the Avid Meridien I/O box UI Monitor Color VGA monitor that displays the user interface; 1024 x 768 pixels capability Meridien I/O box Interface for the NewsCutter system; provides industry-standard input and output conn
Table 1-2 Optional Equipment (Continued) Equipment Description MediaDock An enclosure that houses up to eight 3.5-inch drives or up to four 5.25-inch drives. The chassis can stand alone or be rack-mounted. Drives slide into slots and plug into a SCSI bus in the chassis. Video source A video deck or satellite feed can be used for recording material to NewsCutter. Recorded media can then be transferred from NewsCutter back to videotape. Audio amplifier Hardware for monitoring audio.
Meridien I/O Box Indicators The Meridien I/O box provides six indicators along with a power switch on the front of the box (see Figure 1-1). When you turn on the Meridien I/O box, the indicators will turn on and off as it goes through its power-on self-test (POST). After the POST, the 48 kHz and POWER indicators remain on. 44.1 kHz AUDIO SYNC PULL DOWN O 48 kHz 48 kHz AUDIO SYNC PULL DOWN VIDEO SYNC POWER VIDEO SYNC Figure 1-1 l 44.
Table 1-3 Meridien I/O Box Indicator Functions (Continued) Indicator Function AUDIO SYNC The audio synchronized indicator is on when audio is detected by the Meridien I/O box. VIDEO SYNC The video synchronized indicator is on when video is detected by the Meridien I/O box. PULL DOWN The pulldown indicator is on when performing a telecine film-to-tape transfer whereby 24-fps film material is adapted to the 30-fps NTSC videotape format.
• Meridien I/O box In a separate package, you will find a Meridien I/O box that connects to the NewsCutter system. The Meridien I/O box provides the video and audio interface connectors for the system. • VGA cable The hardware items in the shipping box include a standard 15-pin VGA cable for connecting the UI monitor to the VGA adapter installed in the NewsCutter system.
• NewsCutter documentation: - Avid NewsCutter Setup Guide (this guide) - Avid NewsCutter Getting Started Guide - Avid NewsCutter Release Notes - Avid NewsCutter Upgrade Instructions - Avid NewsCutter User’s Guide - Avid NewsCutter Effects Guide - Avid NewsCutter Quick Reference - Avid NewsCutter Help Other items you need to supply: • XLR cables for audio connections • Speakers • Speaker wire (or cables) to connect speakers • Broadcast-quality BNC cables for connecting video devices
more.) Detailed instructions for attaching the rails are included with the kit. The Meridien I/O box also comes with two rack-mount brackets. Allow three rack units for the Meridien I/O box in the rack. To attach the brackets to your Meridien I/O box: 1. Locate the two brackets and four screws that come with the Meridien I/O box. 2. Position one of the brackets so that the two holes in the bracket line up with the holes in the side of the Meridien I/O box (see Figure 1-2). 3.
CHAPTER 2 Setting Up the NewsCutter System This chapter provides instructions for connecting the keyboard, mouse, application key, UI monitor, and Avid Meridien I/O box to NewsCutter. This chapter also provides instructions on connecting external SCSI storage devices to NewsCutter. The instructions in this chapter use generic illustrations representing the type of connector found on the back of the NewsCutter system.
Before You Begin Before you begin installing the system, do the following: • Unpack all the boxes that came with the hardware kit. • Check the contents of the hardware kit against the packing list to confirm that you have received all the parts. • Position the hardware components. Arranging Components Before you start to connect and install equipment for NewsCutter, set up your system components, especially monitors and keyboards, in positions that allow you easy access to them.
Playback monitor Video deck Speaker UI monitor Amplifier V-LAN VLXi Speaker VLX O AUDIO SYNC PULL DOWN VIDEO SYNC POWER l 44.1 kHz 48 kHz Meridien I/O box NewsCutter ID SCSI s Slot Act Wide bus Dual Fans 2 Pwr 1 Pwr Keyboard MediaDock Mouse Figure 2-1 Configured System Layout Assembling the System The system uses peripheral boards to support video, audio, compression, and improved data transfer to the hard drives.
The IBM IntelliStation Z Pro provides seven expansion slots. Slot 1, originally containing an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) board, has been removed by Avid and is not used in NewsCutter. The Ultra 160 SCSI LVD controller board, Meridien digital media board, and EDC board are pre-installed. Figure 2-2 identifies the slots and the installed boards for the IBM IntelliStation Z Pro. Table 2-1 lists the expansion slot assignments for the installed and optional boards.
Table 2-1 Avid NewsCutter Expansion Slot Assignments Slot a Description 1 AGP slot Empty (AGP board removed) 2 PCI slot (32-bit bus) SDTI adapter (option) or available slot 3 PCI slot (32-bit bus) Fibre Channel to Avid Unity/Fibre Channel to Playback device/Second SCSI LVD controller board 4 PCI slot (32-bit bus) First SCSI LVD controller board 5 PCI slot (32-bit bus) Digital media board with DV 50 daughter board 6 PCI slot (64-bit bus) Edit display controller (EDC) board 7 PCI slot (64-bit
Table 2-2 Meridien I/O Box Peripheral Board Locations Board Type Location Meridien two-channel audio interface boardsa Top and middle slots Meridien video I/O board Bottom slot Meridien serial digital I/O board (option) Attaches to the video I/O board a. The Meridien I/O box supports two 2-channel audio interface boards, labeled Channels 1 and 2 for the middle slot and Channels 3 and 4 for the top slot, which together provide 4-channel audio.
Connecting the Keyboard and Mouse NewsCutter uses industry-standard PS/2-style keyboard and mouse input devices. You must connect the keyboard and mouse to the connectors on the back of the NewsCutter system. The instructions to connect the keyboard and mouse are specific to the PC you are using and are located in the user documentation for your specific PC. To connect your keyboard and mouse, refer to your PC documentation before using the following general guidelines: 1.
Installing the Application Key The application key (also called a dongle) is a copy-protection device. Without the application key, the NewsCutter application will not run. To install the application key: 1. Plug the application key into the parallel port on the back of your NewsCutter (see Figure 2-5). 2. Secure the application key to the connector with the attached screws. c Do not overtighten the application key screws.
Connecting the UI Monitor The video graphics array (VGA) cable that comes with your UI monitor has two 15-pin connectors. This cable connects your UI monitor to the display controller board in the NewsCutter system and carries video signals from NewsCutter to the UI monitor. n The following instructions explain how to connect a monitor provided by Avid. Avid provides standard VGA connections for the UI monitor.
n Use a VGA-style extension cable with the UI monitor when NewsCutter is rack-mounted. 4. Attach the ac power cord to the ac power connector on the back of the monitor. 5. Plug the ac power cord into a power strip. For more information, check the documentation that comes with your monitor. Connecting NewsCutter to the Meridien I/O Box All audio and video interfacing with NewsCutter is done through a Meridien digital media cable.
4. Plug the power cords into the power connector on both NewsCutter and the Meridien I/O box. Plug the other end of each power cord into an ac power source.
drives). MediaDrives and MediaDock drives can also store nonmedia files. n Avid recommends that you use the standard 40-inch (101.6-cm), high-density, 68-pin to 68-pin SCSI cable supplied in the hardware kit for connecting the first SCSI drive to the system. An active SCSI terminator is also required for terminating the last drive in the chain. If you are connecting multiple external SCSI drives, connect Avid-approved drives according to the documentation that comes with the drives.
n To ensure proper NewsCutter performance on the IBM IntelliStation Z Pro platform, connect the SCSI cable to the dual-channel SCSI connector on the SCSI controller board installed in the PCI slot. Do not connect the cable to the system’s built-in SCSI port. NewsCutter will not operate correctly if connected to the built-in SCSI port.
If you need additional information or if you have any questions, contact Avid Customer Support at all 800-NEWS-DNG (639-7364). n The family name of your drive can be found on the front of the MediaDrive or MediaDock shuttle.
Connecting Avid Drives to NewsCutter To connect the SCSI cable to an external MediaDrive or MediaDock: 1. Align and connect one end of the 68-pin, high-density SCSI cable to the 68-pin SCSI connector on the first external SCSI drive. 2. Align and connect the other end of the 68-pin SCSI cable with the SCSI connector on the back of NewsCutter (see Figure 2-9 for a typical system). Connect the cable to the connector labeled Channel 1. 3. Secure the SCSI connector by tightening the two screws.
5. Turn on NewsCutter and wait for the Windows NT operating system to boot. Before you can store files on the Avid drives, you must format and partition them with the Windows NT operating system (see the documentation that comes with your drive). The NewsCutter application uses the NT File System (NTFS). n If you have more than one hard disk drive and performance is a high priority, you can use striping across multiple external hard drives. Striping increases the read and write speed.
Table 2-5 Drive Storage Capacities (Minutes) for PAL Video Resolution 9 GB 18 GB 36 GB 73 GB DV 25 Single-stream 50 100 200 400 DV 25 Dual-stream 25 50 100 200 DV 50 Single-stream 25 50 100 200 DV 50 Dual-stream 13 25 50 100 Table 2-6 Data Rate Storage Calculations for NTSC Video Megabytes per Second Megabytes per Minute Minutes per Gigabyte Single-stream, four-channel audio 4.0 240 4.3 Dual-stream, four-channel audio 8.0 480 2.1 Single-stream, four-channel audio 7.
Table 2-7 Data Rate Storage Calculations for PAL Video Megabytes per Second Megabytes per Minute Minutes per Gigabyte Single-stream, four-channel audio 3.2 192 5.3 Dual-stream, four-channel audio 6.4 384 2.7 Single-stream, four-channel audio 6.2 372 2.7 Dual-stream, four-channel audio 12.4 744 1.
Table 2-8 Drive Striping Requirements for NTSC Video Single-ended, Fast, wide iS9, iS18 Fast, wide iS LVD, iSPlus, rSPlus, rS LVD MediaDrives with Ultra 160 LVD SCSI DV 25 single-stream, four channels audio 1-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 25 single-stream, four channels audio/complex titling 1-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 25 dual-stream, four channels audio 1-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 25 dual-stream, four channels audio/complex titling 2-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 50 single-stream, four channel
Table 2-9 Drive Striping Requirements for PAL Video Single-ended, Fast, wide iS9, iS18 Fast, wide iS LVD, iSPlus, rSPlus, rS LVD MediaDrives with Ultra 160 LVD SCSI DV 25 single-stream, four channels audio 1-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 25 single-stream, four channels audio/complex titling 1-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 25 dual-stream, four channels audio 1-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 25 dual-stream, four channels audio/complex titling 2-way 1-way 1-way 1-way DV 50 single-stream, four channels
Optional NewsCutter Connections NewsCutter can work as a standalone system or as part of a broadcast network. In a broadcast network, NewsCutter can share media files with other systems connected to the network or send edited news sequences for broadcast to a remote play-to-air device.
Local Area Network Workgroup Configuration NewsCutter systems include an RJ-45 Ethernet network connector for setting up NewsCutter in a local area network. Avid recommends that you use a category-5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable when connecting the NewsCutter to a network. For more information on the installed network interface, see the documentation provided by the computer manufacturer. You can use the Ethernet network to set up NewsCutter in a workgroup environment.
AirSPACE NP Record AirSPACE NP Play-to-Air Incoming Feeds Baseband Connection Workgroup Newsroom Automation System Avid NewsCutter Edit Ethernet Figure 2-10 Ethernet Workgroup Configuration Fibre Channel Workgroup Configuration An optional Fibre Channel connection kit is available for connecting NewsCutter to a playback device in a Fibre Channel workgroup configuration.
n This information might change in accordance with feature and performance enhancements. Depending on your specific playback device, your configuration might differ.
Avid Unity for News Workgroup Configuration NewsCutter can work as part of a broadcast network such as the Avid Unity for News workgroup. The Avid Unity for News workgroup environment consists of the following functional components: n n • Supported Avid editing systems (such as NewsCutter). • Avid Unity MediaManager server to track and manage Avid Unity media files.
Figure 2-12 shows a flow diagram of a typical shared storage Avid Unity for News workgroup configuration. MediaNet File server Avid Unity shared storage Supported Avid editors Workgroup TransferManager server To another workgroup’s TransferManager server Ethernet Fibre Channel MediaManager server Figure 2-12 Avid WorkGroup Flow Diagram The purpose of the workgroup is to enable collaborative workflows by allowing multiple NewsCutter editors to share media files.
n For information on connecting NewsCutter in an Avid Unity for News workgroup, refer to the Avid Unity Workgroup Setup Guide. Playback servers Feed record server (ingest) News feed AirSPACE video server PDR400 video server Other workgroups TM MM Newscast PDR400 video server Newscast iNEWS BCS TransferManager server TransferManager server NC Fibre Channel Avid Unity shared storage NewsCutter NewsCutter VTR VTR ...
For more information about setting up NewsCutter in an Avid Unity for News workgroup, see the following documentation: • Avid Unity Workgroup Setup Guide • Avid Unity TransferManager Release Notes • Avid Unity TransferManager User’s Guide • Avid Unity MediaManager Release Notes • Avid Unity MediaManager User’s Guide • Avid Unity MediaManager Administrator’s Guide SDTI Connection The Serial Data Transport Interface (SDTI) was developed to provide a standard for digital audio, video, and data inte
For instructions on how to install the adapter board, see “SDTI Device Connections” on page 69. The SDTI option is active only for the Record tool and the Digital Cut tool in NewsCutter. Once you have set up SDTI as your input source (see the Avid NewsCutter User’s Guide), recording proceeds as it does for any other input source. NewsCutter automatically adjusts to one of the SDTI signal types listed in Table 2-10.
CHAPTER 3 Connecting Audio and Video Devices This chapter describes how to connect audio and video devices to NewsCutter. Topics include: • Avid Meridien I/O Box Connections • SDTI Device Connections This chapter includes instructions for connecting cables between the Meridien I/O box and the audio and video devices. The Meridien I/O box communicates with NewsCutter through the Meridien digital media cable. This cable provides all the audio, video, timecode, and reference signals to NewsCutter.
Avid Meridien I/O Box Connections The audio and video interact with NewsCutter through the Meridien I/O box. The Meridien I/O box provides connectors for all the standard audio and video input and output signals. The connections to the Meridien I/O box will vary, depending upon your deck and type of audio and video signals used.
The audio interface usually is connected to an amplifier with speakers for monitoring audio during recording and playback. Pay careful attention to the audio levels while you are recording. Use a mixer or amplifier to control the audio levels. Figure 3-1 shows the audio hardware connections. All audio cables are customer supplied. Speakers Speakers can connect directly or through an amplifier. (Speakers and amplifier are optional.
Video Interface Connections Figure 3-2 shows the connectors used to connect the customersupplied Playback monitor and video deck to the Meridien I/O box. These connectors are used for video input and output from decks, satellite feeds, or routers. A customer-supplied Playback monitor displays incoming video when the system is recording, or it displays edited material during playback. These analog video connections can be either composite or component.
Serial Digital Interface Connections The serial digital interface board is optional. If you need to install the optional serial digital interface board, see “Serial Digital Interface Board Installation” on page 137. Figure 3-3 shows the BNC connectors used to connect the serial digital video to the Meridien I/O box. These connectors are used for video input and output from decks, satellite feeds, or routers.
The video reference signal can be a black burst generator or the house black reference signal (see Figure 3-4). The reference signal connects to the Meridien I/O box, V-LAN VLXi controller, and deck. All cables are customer supplied.
A serial adapter kit, called the Rosetta Stone, is provided with NewsCutter. The serial adapter kit contains: n • An RS-232 to RS-422 serial adapter • Two serial cables; male 9-pin connectors at both ends If you need to connect and control more than two video decks, see “Connecting a V-LAN VLXi Controller and GPI Devices” on page 67. To connect the remote control: 1. Locate the serial adapter kit. 2.
n If the LEDs on the serial adapter do not light when the connections are completed with the equipment turned on, the serial adapter is connected backward. Before the remote control becomes functional, you must also choose the COM port in the Deck Configuration dialog box of the NewsCutter application (see the NewsCutter Help for more information). Connecting a V-LAN VLXi Controller and GPI Devices NewsCutter can control multiple video decks through a video local area network (V-LAN) VLXi deck controller.
The V-LAN VLXi deck controller and VLXi-GT connect to NewsCutter as shown in Figure 3-6. All cables are customer supplied.
The house master clock connects to the Timecode IN connector on the Meridien I/O box (see Figure 3-7). This timecode is used throughout the NewsCutter system. Timecode IN connector Figure 3-7 Timecode OUT connector (not functional) Timecode Connections SDTI Device Connections This section describes how to connect NewsCutter to a Serial Digital Transport Interface (SDTI) device.
You must install the optional SDTI adapter board in the correct PCI slot in your NewsCutter. See Figure 2-2 and Table 2-1 on page 35 for slot placement guidelines in an IBM IntelliStation Z Pro. n If your NewsCutter system is not an IBM IntelliStation Z Pro, see the Avid NewsCutter Upgrade Instructions for slot placement guidelines. SDTI audio and video interfacing is done through the breakout box and A/V cables (supplied by the SDTI device manufacturer) and the SDTI adapter board.
5. Install the SDTI driver software located on the CD-ROM that comes with the SDTI adapter. To install the software, follow the instructions that come with the SDTI option kit or in the Avid NewsCutter Release Notes.
CHAPTER 4 Running the System Diagnostics After you have set up NewsCutter, test the system to make sure that the Avid components and peripheral boards are functioning properly. Avid supplies a system diagnostics program (Avid System Test Pro) to help you verify that the Meridien II digital media board set and the Meridien I/O box are working properly. In addition, a storage exerciser (Avid StorEx) is supplied for testing the MediaDrives.
The Avid System Test Pro reads the Meridien I/O box default state when you start the diagnostics. These defaults are used during the diagnostics. An example default state could be NTSC mode, Composite In, and Component Out. To change the default state of the Meridien I/O box, run the Avid Video I/O Utility application.
Avid System Test Pro The Avid System Test Pro diagnostics are a set of tests that check the Meridien II digital media board set and the Meridien I/O box. Run these diagnostics before you begin editing with your NewsCutter.
The main window opens. To exit the Avid System Test Pro diagnostics, choose Quit from the File menu. Quick Start Dialog Box The Avid System Test Pro Quick Start dialog box appears when you start the Avid System Test Pro diagnostic program (see Figure 4-1). This dialog box tells you what you need to do to start testing the standard set of diagnostics using all test program defaults. The defaults include the use of NTSC video.
Pause button Stop button Toolbar Start button Test suite tabs Item name Item check box Test tree Expansion button Item status System status Figure 4-2 Avid System Test Pro Window The Avid System Test Pro window contains: • Toolbar — A VCR-like user interface that provides control over running the diagnostics. When you first start the diagnostics, only the Start button in the toolbar is active.
• Expansion button — Clicking an expansion button (+) switches the level of detail for a given item. For example, clicking + shows the groups within the item. • Item name — The name of the board being tested or the test name under that board if the item is expanded. • Item check box — Selects the item for testing. When the check box contains an X, the item is selected for testing.
Test Control Tab The Test Control tab allows you to select the manner in which errors are to be handled and how many times you want to repeat the test (see Figure 4-3). Figure 4-3 Avid System Test Preferences Window — Test Control Tab Video Subsystem Tab The Video Subsystem tab (see Figure 4-4) allows you to override the default video standard (NTSC, NTSCj, or PAL) of the Meridien I/O box. The Meridien I/O box defaults to NTSC in the United States.
Figure 4-4 Avid System Test Preferences Window — Video Subsystem Tab Running the Standard Diagnostics Suite To run the Standard diagnostics suite: 1. Start the diagnostics as described in “Starting Avid System Test Pro” on page 75. The Avid System Test Pro Quick Start dialog box appears, explaining how to run the Standard diagnostics using default settings. 2. Click OK. 3. Click the Start button in the toolbar in the main window.
• If any test fails, the Error Log window opens, showing which board failed the test. If this is the first time the tests have failed, see Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting” for possible solutions to the problem. If you have tried the solutions in Chapter 5 and the diagnostics still fail, contact your Avid Reseller.
• Composite video cable — One BNC connector at each end. • S-Video cable — One 6-pin, S-video connector at each end. Cable the Meridien I/O box as described in the following section, and then see “Running the External Tests” on page 85 for instructions. External Diagnostics Audio Cabling Connect the audio channel inputs to the audio channel outputs on the audio I/O boards with the audio test cable (see Figure 4-5). 1. Attach CHAN 1 OUT to CHAN 1 IN. 2. Attach CHAN 2 OUT to CHAN 2 IN. 3.
b. Attach one red wire BNC connector to the connector labeled R-Y OUT. c. Attach one blue wire BNC connector to the connector labeled B-Y OUT.
AUDIO OUT CHAN 4 CHAN 3 MIC IN COMPONENT IN IN COMPOSITE IN MIC CHAN 1 CHAN 2 IN GAIN 2 GAIN 1 -10 OUT S / PDIF +4 CHAN 1 OUT AES / EBU AUDIO OUT -10 IN CHAN 2 IN OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT IN OUT OUT 3 R-Y Y R-Y B-Y OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 B-Y OUT LTC Y IN OUT DIGITAL VIDEO REF n S / PDIF CHAN 4 +4 AUDIO IN Figure 4-7 -10 CHAN 3 AES / EBU GAIN 2 -10 GAIN 1 AUDIO IN COMPOSITE S-VIDEO SLAVE CLOCK SYSTEM IN IN / OUT S-VIDEO OUT OUT Composite Video External Cab
n To test OUT 2 and OUT 3, move the output end of the cable to the untested output and run the test again for each one. External Diagnostics S-Video Cabling Connect the S-Video cable to the video I/O board as shown in Figure 4-9. 1. Connect one end of the S-Video cable to S-VIDEO IN on the video I/O board. 2. Connect the other end of the cable to S-VIDEO OUT on the video I/O board.
4. Loop back the Meridien I/O box connectors as explained in the previous sections. 5. Click the Start button in the toolbar in the main window. The External/User Interaction diagnostics run with the status shown in the Item status boxes in the main window. 6. Answer any dialog box questions that might appear. 7. Do one of the following: • If the tests pass, choose Quit from the File menu and consider that your NewsCutter system is working properly.
The information in the Error Log window can be saved in text (.TXT) format by choosing Save Error Log from the File menu. Once you have saved the error log, you can open the saved file with any text editing application and print it. Avid StorEx Avid StorEx is a general-purpose, hard-drive exerciser program that verifies the operation of SCSI hard drives connected to a SCSI accelerator board or Fibre Channel (F/C), PCI-based NewsCutter. n StorEx runs with Avid drives only.
3. Select the devices you want to test by clicking the check box for each device in the Test display (see “Test Display” on page 91). 4. Choose Preferences from the Options menu, and select the preferences you need for the selected tests. c Avid suggests that you use the default settings in the Preferences window. You should not choose any destructive tests without first talking to your Avid Reseller. 5.
Menu Toolbar Test display Console display Figure 4-11 Avid StorEx Disk Test Window The window is divided into four areas: • Menu • Toolbar • Test display • Console display Menus The StorEx menus are at the top of the display and provide the following functions: • File — Allows you to quit the program by choosing Exit from the File menu. • View — Allows you to define what you want to see in the Console display.
• • • - Toolbar - Tests (also select by pressing and holding Alt+1) - Console (also select by pressing and holding Alt+2) Testing — Allows you to control the testing. The available choices are: - Start - Pause - Stop - Default Tests Options — Allows you to open the Test Preferences window (see “Test Preferences Window” on page 92) and to define the type of error that causes the test to stop: - Stop On Hard Error - Stop On Any Error Help — Lists the StorEx revision level.
Test Display The Test display (see Figure 4-13) appears by default in the Avid StorEx Disk Test window when you start StorEx. The Test display shows the SCSI buses and attached disks found by StorEx during the scan of the SCSI buses, the device status boxes, and the check boxes. To open the Test display, choose Tests from the View menu or press and hold Alt+1. To close the Test display, choose Tests from the View menu or press and hold Alt+1.
n The Test display is shown in Figure 4-13 with the status box and check box on the right side of the display. The Test display is really a window within the window and can be sized independently. If you make the window smaller without resizing the Test display, you can cut the status box and check box from view. If you want to make the window smaller, you should resize the Test display to the smaller size first, and then resize the window.
Figure 4-14 Avid StorEx Test Preferences Window — Tests Tab The nondestructive tests include: • Sequential Read — Reads data from every sector on the drive, starting at the first sector and ending at the last sector. The test verifies data integrity without destroying data and checks for error correction code (ECC) errors. • Random Read — Randomly reads data from sectors on the drive for a specified amount of time (see “Options Tab” on page 95).
• Converge/Diverge Read — Reads each sector on the drive, beginning at the opposite ends of the drive (the first sector and the last sector) and moving toward the center. It then repeats the test, reading from the center to the ends. The test checks the seek ranges of the drive, ensures that all sectors are read, and checks for ECC errors.
Options Tab When you click the Options tab (see Figure 4-15), the display area is divided into three panels: Reporting, Data Pattern, and Test Control. Each panel contains test options that you can select before you run Avid StorEx. Figure 4-15 Avid StorEx Test Preferences Window — Options Tab The three panels are: • Reporting — Allows you to create a log file containing all the information shown in the Console display. Creating a log prevents the loss of the results of a test run.
- Random writes a random data pattern to the hard drive by using the operating system random-number generator to create unique and unpredictable data. - All Zeroes writes all zeroes to the hard drive. - All Ones writes all ones to the hard drive. - Pseudo Incrementing - Alternating 1’s and 0’s The default is Random. • Test Control — Allows you to choose the number of times the test executes and the number of minutes per pass the test runs.
CHAPTER 5 Troubleshooting When you are installing NewsCutter and using it for the first time, you might encounter some problems. This chapter describes some of the common symptoms, the possible causes, and solutions to them. Table 5-1 No Display After Power-On Possible Causes Possible Solutions The VGA cable is not connected to Connect the VGA cable to the Meridien the Meridien II EDC board’s video II EDC board’s video port. See Chapter port. 2. AGP board is installed in NewsCutter.
Table 5-1 Possible Causes Possible Solutions The Meridien II digital media board set might be dislodged. Remove the cover according to the computer manufacturer’s instructions, and check that the circuit boards are seated properly. Vendor-supplied video board is installed in NewsCutter. Remove vendor-supplied video board from NewsCutter.
Table 5-3 Cannot Initialize Meridien II Digital Media Board Set Possible Causes Possible Solutions The Meridien II digital media board Be sure that the digital media board set is installed but not seated correctly set is installed correctly in your in the PCI slot. computer. NewsCutter has stopped running and has a condition that is preventing it from restarting. Contact your Avid Reseller for assistance. Error message 1. The base memory address could be conflicting with another device.
Table 5-4 UI Monitor Does Not Display Selected Resolution Possible Causes Possible Solutions The monitor is not able to support Check your computer manual to be sure the selected resolution. that your monitor supports the resolution you want to use. Avid recommends 1024 x 768, 75 Hz, with True Color in the Color Palette. The monitor is not adjusted correctly. The monitor might need adjustment. The controls that allow adjustment of the vertical and horizontal planes might need to be moved.
Table 5-5 Security Failure (Continued) Possible Causes Possible Solutions Parallel port is not enabled. 1. Make sure that the Parallel Port is enabled in the system BIOS; see the manufacturer’s documentation. Open the Administrative Tools Windows NT Diagnostics, and choose IRQ/Port Status. Look for ParallelPort0. 2. Determine if Sentinel.SYS is present and enabled in the Control Panel\ Devices folder. If not, restart the system and check again.
Table 5-6 MediaDrives Not Recognized by System Possible Causes Possible Solutions SCSI cable is loose. Check the SCSI cable connections. One or more SCSI devices are assigned the same SCSI address. Make sure that each SCSI device has a unique address. Hard disk drives are not partitioned Ensure that the drives are formatted and formatted correctly. correctly.
Table 5-7 Cannot Read NewsCutter CD-ROM Possible Causes Possible Solutions You have not typed the correct command or drive letter to install NewsCutter. Make sure you have typed the correct command to install NewsCutter. See the Avid NewsCutter Release Notes. The CD-ROM is not recognized by the operating system. Double-click the My Computer icon, and look for the CD-ROM. If the icon is not there, you might have a configuration problem. See the manufacturer’s documentation.
Table 5-8 Video Deck or V-LAN Not Recognized (Continued) Possible Causes Possible Solutions Serial adapter kit (Rosetta Stone) not configured. 1. Check that the serial adapter kit (Rosetta Stone) is used to convert the RS-232 to RS-422. The adapter attaches to NewsCutter, and then the serial cable connects the adapter to the V-LAN. 2. If the LEDs on the serial adapter are not lit, the adapter might be connected backward.
Table 5-10 Sequences or Clips Do Not Appear in the Source or Timeline Viewers Possible Cause Possible Solutions Sequences or clips are not valid; Media Offline is displayed. 1. Single step through the clip, frame by frame. Mark an IN point and an OUT point and create a subclip. Try to play the subclip. 2. Quit the NewsCutter application, and run the Avid System Test Pro diagnostics (see Chapter 4). 3. Ensure that the Meridien II digital media display driver is activated.
CHAPTER 6 Setting Up Workgroups This chapter provides hardware installation instructions for setting up NewsCutter in a standalone, peer-to-peer workgroup environment using serial, Ethernet, and Fibre Channel (F/C) connections. n For information on setting up NewsCutter in an Avid Unity for News workgroup environment, see the Avid Unity Workgroup Setup Guide. The following installation instructions include procedures for connecting NewsCutter to a playback device.
Using TransferMananger as a Peer-to-Peer Tool In a standalone, peer-to-peer workgroup, Avid Unity TransferManager software is used to transfer files, compositions, and media from one NewsCutter to another NewsCutter. For more information on using TransferManager software to transfer files between NewsCutter systems in a peer-to-peer workgroup, see the Avid Unity TransferManager User’s Guide.
Table 6-1 Connection From Connection To Workgroup Cable Connections Cable Type Comments Playback Device Component Connections (see Figure 6-1)a Playback device UI monitor 15-pin VGA cable The cable is typically shipped with the monitor. Playback device Black burst generator BNC video (or house reference reference cable signal) Cables are customer supplied. Playback device Audio connector panel Data cable Data cable is supplied with the playback device.
Table 6-1 Connection From Connection To Workgroup Cable Connections (Continued) Cable Type Comments Avid Component Connections (see Figure 6-1) Meridien I/O box Powered speakers or Configuration audio amplifier and dependent speakers (customer supplied) Powered speakers need an adapter to convert the 3-pin audio connector to an audio jack connector. Speakers that operate through an audio amplifier are wired to the amplifier. All cables are customer supplied. For details, see Chapter 3.
Table 6-1 Workgroup Cable Connections (Continued) Connection From Connection To Cable Type Comments NewsCutter External MediaDrives 68-pin SCSI cable Avid provides a SCSI cable with each MediaDrive. For details, see Chapter 3 and documentation that comes with the drive. NewsCutter Serial connector panel 9-pin serial cable (with adapter) Avid provides a serial cable with the serial adapter (Rosetta Stone). For details, see Chapter 3.
Connecting NewsCutter and the Playback Device for Ingest n For information on connecting NewsCutter to a playback device in an Avid Unity for News workgroup, see the Avid Unity Workgroup Setup Guide and the Avid Unity TransferManager User’s Guide. In a standalone, peer-to-peer workgroup environment, ingest of material from the remote playback device to NewsCutter requires audio and serial (baseband) connections between NewsCutter and the playback device via audio and serial connector panels.
Remote playback device UI monitor Audio connector panel Video Speakers Speakers R R L L Black burst generator BB1 BB2 BB3 Playback monitor Meridien I/O box UI monitor Ingest data NewsCutter l o 4 External MediaDrive Figure 6-1 RS-232 to RS-422 converter Serial RS-422 connector panel Audio, Video, and Serial Connections 112
Setting Up the Playback Device for Ingest To enable the remote playback device for ingest using the baseband connection, select these general settings from the playback device’s user interface: • Select BVW as the deck protocol. • Select the playback device COM port used for the serial connection. • Select the video I/O settings to match your hardware connections. • Select the audio I/O settings to match your hardware connections.
n NewsCutter does not currently support the Autoconfigure function for the playback device. If you choose Yes for Autoconfigure, NewsCutter will configure the playback device as a deck. 7. In the Deck Configuration dialog box, click Add Deck. The Deck Settings dialog box appears. 8. Choose the appropriate playback device from the menu, and then click OK. The dialog box closes and returns you to the Deck Configuration dialog box. 9. Click Apply.
Each NewsCutter connected to the switch requires a short wavelength (SWL) Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) between the switch end of the cable and the switch. Connection Between the Playback Device and the Fibre Channel Switch Use a copper Fibre Channel cable for the connection between the playback device and the switch. The maximum length of the copper Fibre Channel cable is 99 feet (30 meters).
NewsCutter systems Optical cable Ethernet hub/switch Fibre Channel switch Copper cable Playback device Figure 6-2 Fibre Channel and Ethernet Connections When you have connected the cables successfully to the Fibre Channel switch, the LED indicator lights will change to green. Yellow LEDs indicate a problem in the cabling.
Transferring Files from NewsCutter to the Playback Device To transfer a sequence from NewsCutter to the remote playback device using the serial (baseband) connection: 1. Add the TapeID heading to the Project bin window: a. Click the Fast Menu button and choose Headings. The Bin Column Selection dialog box appears. b. Select TapeID and click OK. NewsCutter adds the TapeID column to the bin columns. n For information on saving the TapeID column as a default setting or as a Site setting, see the Help. 2.
Play Digital Cut button Record to Tape pop-up menu Mark IN text box Tape name display Figure 6-3 Digital Cut Tool 4. Select Entire Sequence. 5. Select Remote. 6. Choose Mark In Time from the Record to Tape pop-up menu. 7. Choose a tape name as follows: a. Click the Tape name display. The Select Tape dialog box appears. b. Click New. c. Type a new name, press Enter, and click OK.
8. Establish a time for the IN point in the Mark IN text box. The time for the IN point must be equal to the preroll time. The default preroll time for the playback device is 1 second. For a preroll time of 1 second, type 01:00. 9. Click the Play Digital Cut button. n For more information on using the Digital Cut tool, see the Help or the Avid NewsCutter User’s Guide.
Transferring Media Files from NewsCutter for Play-to-Air n For information on transferring files between NewsCutter and a playback device in an Avid Unity for News workgroup, see the Avid Unity TransferManager User’s Guide. Avid recommends using the Fibre Channel network and TransferManager software to transfer between NewsCutter and a playback device configured for play-to-air. Fibre Channel is faster than baseband and has dual-send capabilities.
CHAPTER 7 Connecting Fader Controllers and a VTR Emulator This chapter describes the hardware cabling procedures for connecting an optional external fader controller or VTR emulator to NewsCutter. Topics include: • Connecting Fader Controllers • Connecting a VTR Emulator For information on how to use an external fader controller or VTR emulator, see the Avid NewsCutter User’s Guide.
Connecting Fader Controllers NewsCutter has a built-in MIDI (joystick) port that enables MIDI control on a compatible external fader controller. The location of the MIDI port depends on the platform you are using for NewsCutter. The IBM IntelliStation Z Pro 6866 platform provides a MIDI connector on the rear of the system (see Figure 7-1). n By default, this connector is disabled. To function in NewsCutter, the MIDI port must be configured in the PC BIOS with a valid IRQ assignment.
MIDI connector Figure 7-1 n IBM IntelliStation Z Pro — MIDI Connector If your NewsCutter platform is not an IBM IntelliStation Z Pro, refer to the setup guide or user’s guide provided by the platform manufacturer for information about the MIDI port in your system. For information on setting the BIOS to support MIDI port functions, see the Avid NewsCutter Release Notes.
NewCutter supports the connection of the following MIDI fader controllers: • JL Cooper FaderMaster Pro™ MIDI automation controller • JL Cooper MCS-3000X MIDI automation controller • Yamaha® 01V digital mixing console All fader controllers connect to the MIDI (joystick) port on the NewsCutter system using a standard MIDI-to-joystick cable. Connecting to the MIDI Port An example of the MIDI-to-joystick cable is shown in Figure 7-2.
3. Click OK. ON 4. If you are cabling the MCS-3000X fader controller, set switch 4 to the ON (down) position. The switch is upside down on the fader controller (see Figure 7-3). CTS 206-4 1 2 3 4 EXPANDER SELECT MIDI OUT MIDI IN ON POWER Figure 7-3 MCS-3000X Fader Controller Rear View 5. Locate a MIDI-to-joystick cable suitable for use on the system. 6. Plug the MIDI end of the 15-pin D-type connector cable into the port labeled MIDI (or Joystick) on the PC.
SELECT EXPANDER MIDI OUT MIDI IN ON POWER Out MIDI Out MCS-3000X FaderMaster Pro MIDI In Power 9VDC _ MIDI In MIDI In MIDI Out MIDI Out Switch In In Switch Out + Figure 7-4 Connecting JL Cooper Fader Controllers Initializing and Testing the JL Cooper Fader Controllers To initialize and test the JL Cooper fader controllers: 1. Turn on the system. 2. Start NewsCutter. 3. Choose Automation Gain from the Tools menu. The Automation Gain tool opens. 4. Click the Fast Menu button. 5.
Connecting the Yamaha 01V Mixer To connect the Yamaha 01V mixer: 1. Quit any open applications. 2. Shut down the system by pressing and holding Ctrl+Alt+Delete and selecting Shut Down in the dialog box. 3. Click OK. 4. Locate a MIDI-to-joystick cable suitable for use on the system. 5. Plug the MIDI end of the 15-pin D-type connector cable into the port labeled MIDI (or Joystick) on the PC. 6. Plug the end of the cable labeled In into the MIDI Out connector of the mixer (see Figure 7-5). 7.
Connecting a VTR Emulator Avid supports the connection of an optional VTR emulator to a serial port on NewsCutter. You need the following equipment to connect the emulator to the system: • • A serial adapter kit that contains: - A serial adapter - Two serial cables; one male-to-male 9-pin connector and one male-to-female 9-pin connector A VTR emulator cable; male-to-female 9-pin connector To connect the VTR emulator to the system: 1. Locate the three cables. 2.
4. Attach the male end of the VTR emulator cable to the serial adapter labeled RS-422. 5. Attach the female end of the VTR emulator cable to the male end of the male-to-male 9-pin serial cable. 6. Attach the other end of the male-to-male 9-pin serial cable to the VTR emulator.
APPENDIX A Servicing the Avid Meridien I/O Box This appendix summarizes the audio and video interface connections on the Meridien I/O box. In addition, it provides a procedure for replacing the internal boards in the Meridien I/O box. Meridien Connectors Figure A-1 identifies the audio connectors on the Meridien I/O box. Use the table following the figure for a description of each connector.
12 10 1 Number 11 13 15 2 4 6 3 5 18 16 14 17 8 7 Figure A-1 Meridien Audio Connectors Table A-1 Meridien Audio Identifiers 9 Label Function 1 AUDIO IN MIC Microphone audio input, female connector 2 AUDIO IN CHAN 1 Channel 1 audio input, female connector 3 AUDIO IN CHAN 2 Channel 2 audio input, female connector 4 AUDIO OUT CHAN 1 Channel 1 audio output, male connector 5 AUDIO OUT CHAN 2 Channel 2 audio output, male connector 6 AES/EBU IN AES/EBU digital input, female
Table A-1 Number Meridien Audio Identifiers (Continued) Label Function 9 S/PDIF OUT S/PDIF digital output, phono (RCA) jack 10 AUDIO IN MIC2 Microphone audio input 2, female connector 11 AUDIO IN CHAN 3 Channel 3 audio input, female connector 12 AUDIO IN CHAN 4 Channel 4 audio input, male connector 13 AUDIO OUT CHAN 3 Channel 3 audio output, male connector 14 AUDIO OUT CHAN 4 Channel 4 audio output, male connector 15 AES/EBU IN 2 AES/EBU digital input 2, female connector 16 AES/EBU
17 Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 Figure A-2 Meridien Video Connectors Table A-2 Meridien Video Identifiers 9 8 Label Function 1 COMPONENT Y IN Video Y component input, BNC connector. Connects to analog video output of decks, satellite feeds, or routers. 2 COMPONENT R-Y IN Video R-Y component input, BNC connector. Connects to analog video output of decks, satellite feeds, or routers. 3 COMPONENT B-Y IN Video B-Y component input, BNC connector.
Table A-2 Number Meridien Video Identifiers (Continued) Label Function 7 SYSTEM IN/OUT Audio and video I/O connector from NewsCutter. 8 LTC OUT Longitudinal timecode output, male connector. Master clock is used to synchronize NewsCutter to the house master clock (SMPTE for NTSC, and EBU for PAL). 9 LTC IN Longitudinal timecode input, female connector. Master clock is used to synchronize NewsCutter to the house master clock (SMPTE for NTSC, and EBU for PAL).
Figure A-3 identifies the optional serial digital interface board BNC connectors on the Meridien I/O box. See Table A-3 for a description of each connector. n For instructions on installing the optional serial digital interface board, see “Serial Digital Interface Board Installation” on page 137.
Meridien I/O Box Board Replacement Use the Avid System Test Pro diagnostics to confirm that the audio or video I/O boards in the Meridien I/O box need to be replaced (see Chapter 4). To replace a Meridien I/O board: 1. Turn off the Meridien I/O box; do not remove the power cord. 2. Put on an antistatic wrist strap, and connect it to a metal ground point on your Meridien I/O box (your power cord should be plugged in to ensure a proper ground).
4. Use the captive screws to pull the board out of its slot. 5. When you are replacing the board, make sure the board edges (or the metal base of the audio board) are in the guide rails before you slide it into the Meridien I/O box (see Figure A-5). 6. Firmly push the board completely into the slot. This will seat the board into its connector. 7. Tighten the thumb screws.
3. Remove the video I/O board blank panel by removing the two blank panel screws (see Figure A-6). Save the screws to secure the serial digital interface board. Video I/O board blank panel Serial digital interface board connector Blank panel screws Figure A-6 Video I/O Board Blank Panel 4. Position the serial digital interface board BNC connectors through the front panel of the video I/O board (see Figure A-7). 5.
6. Secure the serial digital interface board connector panel to the video I/O board front panel with the screws removed earlier. 7. Replace the video I/O board in the Meridien I/O box by aligning the video I/O board edges in the guide rails before you slide it in (see Figure A-5). 8. Firmly push the video I/O board completely into the slot. This will seat the board into its connector. 9. Tighten the thumb screws. c Do not overtighten the thumb screws.
APPENDIX B Supported Serial Control Video Decks NewsCutter systems support a variety of edit, record, and play decks using serial control protocol. This appendix provides lists of specific decks known to be supported by NewsCutter. Other decks not listed in this appendix might also work but have not been qualified by Avid. For the most up-to-date list of supported decks, check the Avid Customer Support Knowledge Center and search for “supported decks” using the Search tool.
General Deck Selection Recommendations Avid recommends that you choose decks with a serial remote interface and timecode-reader capabilities. Some decks have built-in timecode readers, while others require an optional upgrade kit from the deck manufacturer.
Edit Decks Table B-1 lists direct serial edit decks. Table B-1 Direct Serial Edit Decks Manufacturer Model No. Format Comments Ampex CVR-70, -75 Betacam SP® Broadcast - BTS BCB-70, -75 Betacam SP - PCB-2800 Betacam SP - D-25 DAT Setup 308 should be set to 001 (PCM-7050). D-30 DAT Set for Sony protocol (BVW settings). JVC® BR-S822 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. Panasonic® AG-7750 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board.
Table B-1 Manufacturer Model No. Tascam Direct Serial Edit Decks (Continued) Format Comments PVW-2800 Betacam SP Post Production - UVW-1800 Betacam SP Industrial - DVW-A500, -500 Digital Betacam® Setup 208 must be set to 9-pin protocol. Enable remote control by clicking the Remote 1 (9p) button on the VTR front panel. In digital cut, the cue track is armed with audio track A1. SVO-5800 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. DA-60MKII DAT Requires SY-88 synchronizer board.
Table B-2 Direct Serial Record Decks Manufacturer Model No. Format Comments JVC BR-S622 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. Panasonic AJ-D640 DVCPRO - Sony EVO-9800 Hi8 - VO-9800 U-matic SP Requires optional timecode board (part number BKU-704 or BKU-705). Play Decks Table B-3 lists direct serial play decks. Table B-3 Direct Serial Play Decks Manufacturer Model No.
Table B-3 Direct Serial Play Decks (Continued) Manufacturer Model No. Format Comments Sony DSR-60 DVCAM - BVW-60, -65 Betacam SP Broadcast - PVW-2600, -2650 Betacam SP Post Production - UVW-1600 Betacam SP Industrial - BVU-900, -920 U-matic SP Broadcast - V-LAN Decks The following sections list the V-LAN video decks that Avid software supports by manufacturers, models, and format. The NewsCutter RS-232 COM port is connected directly to the V-LAN VLXi deck controller.
Edit Decks Table B-4 lists V-LAN edit decks. Table B-4 V-LAN Edit Decks Manufacturer Model No. Format Comments Ampex CVR-70, -75 Betacam SP - VPR-3, -6, -80 1-inch - BCB-70, -75 Betacam SP - PCB-2800 Betacam SP - Fostex D-25 DAT Setup 308 should be set to 000 (NATIVE). JVC CR-850 U-matic Requires optional timecode board. BR-S822 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. KRM-M8600U MII - DS-DT900 DAT - AG-7750 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board.
Table B-4 Manufacturer Model No. Sony V-LAN Edit Decks (Continued) Format Comments BVH-2000, -2700, 1-inch -3000 - BVU-800 U-matic SP Requires TC-20 timecode board. BVU-820, -850, -870 U-matic SP - BVU-950 U-matic SP Requires optional timecode board (part number BKU-905). BVW-50, -70, -75 Betacam SP Early 50 record and edit models had problems in digital cut. DVR-18, -28 - D2 DVW-A500, -500 Digital Betacam Setup 208 must be set to 9-pin protocol.
Record Decks Table B-5 lists V-LAN record decks. Table B-5 V-LAN Record Decks Manufacturer Model No. Format Comments JVC CR-600 U-matic Requires optional timecode board. BR-S622 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. AJ-D640 DVCPRO Set ID Sel on the deck to DVCPRO. AU-640 MII - Panasonic Sony BVW-10, -15, -35 Betacam SP 10, 15, and 35 might not be frame-accurate. Problems have been reported on earlier models. EVO-9800, -9650 Hi8 Might not be frame-accurate.
Play Decks Table B-6 lists V-LAN play decks. Table B-6 V-LAN Play Decks Manufacturer Model No. Format Comments JVC BR-S522, -525 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. Panasonic AG-7650 S-VHS Requires optional timecode board. Sony AG-DS540, S-VHS -DS545, -DS840, - AU-620, -63, -W32H MII Requires optional timecode board. AU-630, -W33H MII Requires optional timecode board. BVU-900, -920 Requires optional timecode board (part number BKU-950 or BKU-920).
VTRs NewsCutter systems support VTRs for recording and performing digital cuts to tape. Some VTRs that support direct serial connection, such as Hitachi® and Toshiba, might also work with the V-LAN. n Direct serial VTRs work with V-LAN. Some VTRs work only with direct serial protocol for some functions.
APPENDIX C Regulatory and Safety Notices FCC Notice This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Canadian ICES-003 This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. European Union Notice Declaration of Conformity (According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014) Application of Council 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC.
Type of Equipment: Information Technology Equipment Product Name: Products for the Windows NT Operating System: Media Composer, Film Composer, Avid Xpress, Avid Xpress DV, Avid Unity, Avid|DS, NewsCutter, NewsCutter XP, NewsCutter DV, Symphony Products for the Macintosh Operating System: Media Composer, Film Composer, Avid Xpress, Avid Unity Base Model Numbers: None Product Options: All Year of Manufacture: 2000 (1) Products for the Windows NT Operating System: products were tested in a typical Me
Australia and New Zealand EMC Regulations N1709 John Kells, Australian Operations Manager Avid Technology (Australia) 166 Epping Road Lane Cove N.S.W.
Index ABCDEFGHIKLMNOPRSTUVWX A B Adapter, serial 28 Additional equipment 24 AES (Audio Engineering Society) 61 Analog audio channels 61 microphone 61 video 63 Application Avid StorEx 87 Avid System Test Pro 73 key 27, 38 problem 100 Arranging components 32 Audio amplifier 25 cabling 62 connectors 130 diagnostic cabling 82 diagnostics 81 digital media cable 28 interface 61 master clock connection 68 Audio Engineering Society (AES) 61 Avid StorEx See StorEx Avid System Test Pro 73 Basic system setup 32 Bl
S-Video cabling 85 Digital audio channel 61 Direct serial edit decks 142 play decks 144 protocol 25 record decks 143 Disk Administrator 102 Display problem 97 Dongle 38 Drive exerciser program 87 Composite diagnostic video cabling 83 video 63 Connecting black burst generator 65 deck control 67 JL Cooper fader controllers 124 keyboard 37 master clock 68 mouse 37 playback device 107 SDTI devices 69 S-Video 63 UI monitor VGA display controller board cable 39 VGA interconnect cable 39 VTR emulator 128 XLR 62 Y
drive striping 48 format 46 problem 102 Meridien digital media cable connection 40 length 40 Meridien I/O box audio board 81 audio connectors 130 audio interface 63 board replacement 136 connections 60 indicators 26 power connector 41 rack units 30 serial digital interface 64, 135 serial digital interface board installation 137 servicing 130 SYSTEM IN/OUT 41 turning on 27 video connectors 132 video I/O board 81 video interface 61 Meridien II board set design 24 diagnostics 73, 81 problems 99 Microphone conn
Power connector 41 PS/2-style connectors 37 keyboard 37 mouse 37 N Network connection 23, 52 NewsCutter CD-ROMs 28 deck control 65 documentation 29 features 23 included material 27 M port 40 power connector 41 rails 29 setup 31 turning on 74 R Rack units 29 Rail kit 29 Record decks 140, 143, 148 Recorded media 41 Reference signal connections 64 requirements 64 Remote control 66 Required equipment 23, 26 Resolution, monitor 98 Rosetta Stone 28, 66 RS-422 converter 65 Running diagnostics 75 O Operating sys
Testing 73 Timecode in connections 69 description 25 Transferring media files option 107 Transferring video to NewsCutter 119 to playback device 117 Troubleshooting 97 to 105 See also Diagnostics Turning on Meridien I/O box 27 NewsCutter 74 SDTI connection board installation 69 description 58 Serial adapter 28, 66 Serial digital interface board 64 board installation 137 connectors 135 diagnostic video cabling 84 Setting up 32 Settings monitor 98 playback device 113 Speakers 25 Split, volume 46 Standard boa
Video deck connections 67 control 67 edit 142, 146 play 144, 149 playback device 107 recommendations 141 record 143, 148 supported 140 Video local area network See V-LAN VLXi Video source 25 V-LAN problem 103 V-LAN VLXi control 67 deck connections 67 features 25 record decks 148 VLXi edit decks 146 play decks 149 Volume 46 VTR emulator 128 W Work environment 32 Workgroups 107 X XLR connectors 62, 81 160
