Avid ProEncode ® Setup and User’s Guide Release 1.
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.
Acrobat and Adobe are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Incorporated. Apple, Mac, Macintosh, and Power Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries, and QuickTime is a trademark used under license from Apple Computer, Inc. Media Cleaner is a registered trademark of Media 100 Inc. Netscape and the Netscape N and Ship's Wheel logos are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
Contents Using This Guide Who Should Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Symbols and Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 If You Need Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Related Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Encoding Workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 QuickTime Reference Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Using Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Chapter 2 Installing and Configuring ProEncode Installation and Configuration Check List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Preparing the Network Environment for ProEncode . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4 Using the DMS Administration Tool The DMS Administration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Opening the DMS Administration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Exploring the DMS Administration Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Using the DMS Jobs Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Opening the DMS Jobs Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix B Troubleshooting ProEncode Finding Solutions for Specific Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 General Troubleshooting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Checking the Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Figures Figure 1-1 ProEncode Components in an Avid Unity MediaNet Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 1-2 ProEncode Components in a LAN Environment . . . .
Tables Table 2-1 ProEncode Installation and Configuration Check List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Table 2-2 ProEncode Provider Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Table 2-3 ProEncode Client Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Table 4-1 ProEncode Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Table 4-2 DMS Jobs Page Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using This Guide Congratulations on your purchase of an Avid® ProEncode™ system. ProEncode takes a QuickTime™ reference movie, matches it with the parameters of your choice, and then sends it to multiple encoding stations for the simultaneous creation of different output formats, such as MPEG-2, RealSystem™, and QuickTime. The creation of output formats (encoding) is performed by Terran™ Cleaner 5™.
Symbols and Conventions Unless noted otherwise, the material in this document applies to the Windows NT®, Windows® 2000, and Macintosh® operating systems. When the text applies to a specific operating system, it is marked as follows: • (Windows) or (Windows only) means the information applies to the Windows NT or Windows 2000 operating system. • (Macintosh) or (Macintosh only) means the information applies to the Macintosh operating system.
c A caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to your computer or cause you to lose data. If You Need Help If you are having trouble using ProEncode, you should: 1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. 2. See Appendix B, “Troubleshooting ProEncode.” 3. Check the documentation that came with your hardware for maintenance or hardware-related issues. 4.
An electronic version of this guide is installed with each ProEncode component. For example, on a ProEncode Client system, you can find the guide in the following path: • (Windows) drive:\Program Files\Avid\ProEncode\Client\ProEncode User’s Guide.pdf • (Macintosh) Avid:ProEncode:Client:ProEncode User’s Guide.pdf You can view this document with Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, which is available from the Adobe Web site at www.adobe.com.
CHAPTER 1 ProEncode Overview This chapter provides an overview of the ProEncode application.
ProEncode Basics Today’s production houses face a rising demand for translating media into formats suitable for distribution via the Web, DVD, or CD-ROM — often at the same time. ProEncode software automates this computing-intensive process and lets you move the encoding operation to lower cost, dedicated workstations. These workstations, connected in a network and working simultaneously, serve as your “encoding farm.
Software Components ProEncode consists of the following software components: • ProEncode Client • DMS Broker • ProEncode Provider • ProEncode Registration Tool • DMS Administration Tool This section describes each component and how it functions. This section also describes the Cleaner 5 streaming media tool. For complete information about using the software components, see Chapter 3. ProEncode Client The ProEncode Client software resides on the Avid editing system.
The Add Jobs dialog box allows you to select the source movie and other specifications for the job. The ProEncode Client window displays information about the jobs that you have added to your batch.
DMS Broker The DMS Broker software resides on a computer other than the computer running the Client software. In most cases, this computer also performs the encoding, although you can install the Broker on its own computer. The Broker serves as a go-between: it matches encoding jobs and their corresponding settings with a suitable encoding station. The Broker chooses an encoding station based on which stations are available for use and which stations are configured for a particular type of encoding.
ProEncode Provider The ProEncode Provider software resides on the computer that performs the encoding (the encoding station or encoder). The Provider starts the Cleaner 5 application and sends it information about a job. The Provider then monitors the job and sends information about the job status to the DMS Broker. The ProEncode Provider window displays information about the status of the Provider and the job.
ProEncode Registration Tool The ProEncode Registration Tool resides on each encoder. You run the ProEncode Registration Tool to provide information to the Broker about each encoder. This information includes a name for the encoder and the Cleaner settings that exist on that encoder.
DMS Administration Tool The DMS Administration Tool resides on the same system as the DMS Broker. It is a Web-based application that you can access through a browser from anywhere on the Internet. The DMS Administration Tool provides information about the ProEncode system, such as job status, ProEncode Providers, and profiles (Cleaner 5 settings). It is also a tool for managing jobs, encoders, profiles, and users. For more information about the DMS Administration Tool, see Chapter 4.
Cleaner 5 Cleaner 5 is a cross-platform solution that supports all major streaming media formats, including RealSystem, Windows Media™, QuickTime, and MP3 as well as AVI, MPEG-1, and MPEG-2. c ProEncode requires Cleaner 5.0.2 or later. ProEncode does not support earlier releases of Cleaner or Media Cleaner® Pro. You install Cleaner 5 on each encoder, and then use the ProEncode Registration Tool to send information about the ProEncode Provider to the DMS Broker.
Configurations and Requirements You can configure ProEncode in two different network environments: • Avid Unity MediaNet • Local area network (LAN) The following sections describe these environments along with the ProEncode system and network requirements.
Avid Unity MediaNet Environment Figure 1-1 shows ProEncode components in an Avid Unity MediaNet environment. Figure 1-1 ProEncode Components in an Avid Unity MediaNet Environment The following sections describe system and network requirements.
System Requirements ProEncode components in an Avid Unity MediaNet environment have the following system requirements: • ProEncode Client: A computer running one of the following Avid editing applications: - Symphony™ Release 3.1 or later - Media Composer or Film Composer® Release 10.1 or later (Windows NT or Macintosh) - Avid Xpress Release 4.1 or later (Windows NT or Macintosh) - NewsCutter Release 2.0 or later - NewsCutter XP Release 2.
• DMS Administration Tool: A Windows system running Internet Explorer Version 5.0 or later, or a Macintosh system running Netscape Navigator® Version 4.08. Netscape Navigator is part of Netscape® Communicator Version 4.7. You can obtain Internet Explorer by downloading it from the Microsoft® Web site (www.microsoft.com). You can obtain Netscape Navigator by downloading it from the Netscape Web site (www.netscape.com).
Local Area Network (LAN) Environment Figure 1-2 shows ProEncode components in a local area network (LAN) environment. Figure 1-2 ProEncode Components in a LAN Environment The following sections describe system and network requirements.
System Requirements ProEncode components in a LAN environment have the following system requirements: • ProEncode Client: A computer running one of the following Avid editing applications: - Avid Xpress DV Release 2.0 or later - NewsCutter XP Release 2.0 or later Minimum hardware requirements are the same as the Avid editing application’s requirements. • DMS Broker and ProEncode Provider: A computer running Windows NT. Encoding systems require Cleaner 5.0.2 or later.
You can obtain Internet Explorer by downloading it from the Microsoft Web site (www.microsoft.com). You can obtain Netscape Navigator by downloading it from the Netscape Web site (www.netscape.com). Network Requirements ProEncode components in a LAN environment have the following network requirements: • Computers running the ProEncode Client and the DMS Broker need to be connected to the encoders in a local area network that uses the TCP/IP protocol.
3. Select the desired parameters, such as the Cleaner setting and priority, and submit the job. The Client sends information about the job to the DMS Broker. ProEncode performs the rest of the job automatically. 4. The Broker matches the job and corresponding settings with a suitable encoder, based on availability and specific hardware configurations (if applicable). When the ProEncode Provider on the encoder signals that the encoder is available, the Broker tells the Provider to start the job. 5.
QuickTime Reference Movies A QuickTime reference movie is a QuickTime movie that contains composition information but no movie data. Instead, the movie contains pointers to the original media in the OMFI MediaFiles directory on local or network media drives. Because the QuickTime reference movie does not contain media, the file is much smaller than a standard QuickTime movie.
Using Help You can get help and background information for tasks, windows, and dialog boxes through the ProEncode Help system. To open Help, do one of the following: t Click the Help button in a window or dialog box. t In the DMS Administration Tool, click Help in the mode selector bar. A Web browser displays a Help page with information specific to the window or dialog box. You can then use the Contents, Index, or Search button to find additional information.
CHAPTER 2 Installing and Configuring ProEncode This chapter describes how to set up your ProEncode system.
Installation and Configuration Check List Table 2-1 lists the steps for installing and configuring ProEncode, and where to find more information about each step. Table 2-1 ProEncode Installation and Configuration Check List Task Section Reference Before you begin: ❑ Check your configuration. “Preparing the Network Environment for ProEncode” on page 35 ❑ Set the location of the temporary file folder. “Setting the Location of the Temporary File Folder” on page 36 ❑ Set up sharing for folders.
Table 2-1 ProEncode Installation and Configuration Check List (Continued) Task ❑ ❑ Section Reference Register the Provider with the Broker. “Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker” on page 49 Configure the Provider and connect to the Broker. “Configuring the ProEncode Provider” on page 51 On each computer you will use as a ProEncode Client: ❑ Install the ProEncode Client software. “Installing the ProEncode Client Software” on page 54 ❑ Configure the ProEncode Client.
n If you have multiple workspaces, you need to map only one workspace to a drive. Avid Unity will allow access to other workspaces automatically. • Set the location of the temporary file folder, as described in “Setting the Location of the Temporary File Folder” on page 36. • Set up sharing for folders, as described in “Sharing Folders” on page 37.
In a LAN environment, this folder needs to be on a local drive. You must then set up the folder for sharing. See “Sharing Folders” on page 37. 5. Click OK. Sharing Folders To use Avid ProEncode, the Client and encoders need to access the following folders: • OMFI MediaFiles folder on media drives referenced by your clip or sequence. • Temporary folder, as set in the General settings of your Avid editing system (see “Setting the Location of the Temporary File Folder” on page 36).
about configuring Avid Unity MediaNet clients, see the Avid Unity MediaNet Setup Guide. Sharing Folders in a LAN Environment If you are working in a LAN environment, you must enable sharing for the temporary folder (see “Setting the Location of the Temporary File Folder” on page 36) and the destination folder (see “Configuring a ProEncode Client” on page 55). n You do not need to explicitly enable sharing for the OMFI MediaFiles folders.
Attaching the Application Key The application key, commonly referred to as a dongle, allows the ProEncode software to run on your system. It also lets you access only the number of encoders for which you have purchased licenses. The application key must connect to the parallel port at the rear of the system, and it allows you to connect other parallel devices (such as a printer or a second application key) to the port through the female portion of the application key.
Setting Up the DMS Broker For conceptual information about the Broker, see “DMS Broker” on page 18. Setting up a DMS Broker requires the following procedures: • Installing the DMS Broker Software • Configuring the DMS Broker Installing the DMS Broker Software To install the DMS Broker software: 1. Insert the ProEncode CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. If the installer doesn’t start automatically after you insert the CD-ROM, do the following: a. Double-click the My Computer icon. b.
2. Click Installers. 3. Click Install DMS Broker. 4. Follow the instructions in the installation program. 5. When the installation is complete, click Exit. Configuring the DMS Broker After you have installed the DMS Broker software, you can configure the Broker so that it sends an e-mail notification about the status of your encoding jobs. This configuration is optional.
To configure the DMS Broker: 1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Avid, and then select DMS Broker. The DMS Broker window opens. The DMS Broker window displays current information, including the host name for the system on which the Broker resides. The DMS Broker uses the host name to identify itself on the network. Note the Broker name because you need to supply it when you set up the ProEncode Provider and ProEncode Client. 2. Click the Settings button.
3. Supply information for mailing notifications from the Broker to the Client: a. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) Server: Type the name of your local mail server, such as mail.mycompany.com. If you don’t know your mail server, check with your network administrator. b. From Address: Type an e-mail address for the Broker, such as DMSBroker@mycompany.com. c. Click OK. Leave the DMS Broker window open while you install and configure the remaining ProEncode components.
n You can find the Broker name in the Name field of the DMS Broker window. The DMS Administration Tool login screen appears. 4. Type Administrator in the Login text box. 5. Click the Login button. The DMS Jobs page appears.
6. Click Administration in the mode selector. The DMS Administration page appears. Edit icon 7. Click the Edit icon to the left of the account name Administrator. The Edit User page appears. 8. Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box. Passwords are case sensitive and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores.
length. Passwords are optional, but Avid recommends a password for the Administrator account. c If you forget the Administration password, you need to delete and re-create all accounts. For more information, see “Reassigning Passwords” on page 93. 9. Click the Save button. 10. Close the DMS Administration Tool by closing the browser window. Setting Up an Encoder For conceptual information about the ProEncode Provider, see “ProEncode Provider” on page 19.
c ProEncode requires Cleaner 5.0.2 or later. ProEncode does not support earlier releases of Cleaner. To install and configure Cleaner 5 software: 1. Insert the Cleaner 5 CD and follow the on-screen or printed instructions. 2. Start the Cleaner 5 application. 3. Choose Preferences from the Edit menu. The Cleaner 5 dialog box appears. 4. In the News & Updates section, choose “Only when requested” from the pop-up menu. 5. In the Processing section, select the “Append setting to file name” check box.
This setting prevents the accidental overwriting of files. This might occur, for example, if you are processing for both MPEG-1 Video CD and MPEG-1web. 6. In the Streaming Server Paths section, type the streaming server paths you are using. If you select a streaming setting through ProEncode and these text boxes are blank, the job will fail. 7. Quit Cleaner 5. Installing the ProEncode Provider Software To install the ProEncode Provider software: 1. Quit all Windows applications 2.
decompress the Avid QuickTime reference movie and create the final encoded movie. n For more information about codecs, visit the Codec Central Web site: www.terran.com/CodecCentral. Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker You use the ProEncode Registration Tool to register each ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker. This process supplies the Broker with information about the encoder and a list of the Cleaner 5 settings that the encoder can process.
If the Registration Tool cannot find the Cleaner Settings folder, the settings are not displayed and the Select the Directory to Search dialog box appears. a. Select the Cleaner Settings folder (do not open it). b. Click the Select button. The dialog box closes, and the Cleaner 5 settings are displayed in the Registration Tool. n You need to start Cleaner 5 at least once to create the Cleaner 5 Settings folder. 3. Type a name for the encoder in the Provider Name text box. 4.
5. Click the Register button to send registration information to the Broker (the Broker must be running). The Password message box appears and asks you for the Administration password. 6. Type the password you set for the Administrator account, and then click OK. The encoder and settings are registered with the Broker, and the Registration Tool closes. n You can create custom settings in Cleaner 5, and then register them with ProEncode.
3. Click OK. The Provider Settings dialog box appears. 4. Specify the settings that you want, as described in Table 2-2. Table 2-2 ProEncode Provider Settings Setting Description Provider Name Type the Provider name that you supplied in the Registration Tool. If you need to change the Provider name, you can type the new name here, but you also need to change it in the Registration Tool and register the Provider again (see “Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker” on page 49).
5. Click OK. The Provider Settings dialog box closes. 6. In the ProEncode Provider window, click the Connect button to connect the Provider to the Broker. 7. After the connection is made, the Status line in the ProEncode Provider window reads “Waiting for Jobs,” and the History window displays the message “Connection Established.” The Connect button changes to Disconnect. n If the Provider cannot connect to the Broker, the Status line reads “Connection Error.
Setting Up a ProEncode Client Setting up a ProEncode Client requires the following procedures: • Installing the ProEncode Client Software • Configuring a ProEncode Client Installing the ProEncode Client Software To install the ProEncode Client software (Windows): 1. Insert the ProEncode CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. If the installer doesn’t start automatically after you insert the CD-ROM, do the following: a. Double-click the My Computer icon. b. Double-click the CD-ROM icon. c.
3. Accept the default installation location from the Install Location pop-up menu or choose another location. 4. Click the Install button. The installation starts. When it is complete, a message appears. 5. Click Quit. Configuring a ProEncode Client After you have installed the ProEncode Client software, you must provide the Client with the Broker name and, for Macintosh clients, the Avid Unity Server name.
To configure a ProEncode Client: 1. Open the ProEncode Client window: - (Windows) Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Avid, and then select ProEncode Client. - (Macintosh) Open the ProEncode folder, and then double-click the ProEncode Client icon. A message appears, informing you that you must supply the Broker name. 2. Click OK. The Client Settings dialog box appears. Windows Macintosh Specify the settings that you want, as described in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3 ProEncode Client Settings Setting Description Default Source File (Optional) Type the path and file name for the source QuickTime reference movie. You can click the Browse button to find and select the file. Default Destination (Optional) Type the path for the folder where you want the final encoded movies to be sent. You can click the Browse button to find and select the path. Default Batch Name (Optional) Type a name for the batch.
4. Click Quit. A message box appears and asks if you really want to quit. 5. Click Yes. The ProEncode Client window closes. Checking the Installation and Configuration To check the ProEncode installation and configuration: 1. Make sure the Broker is running. The Status line should read “The Broker is currently running.” If at least one Provider is connected, the History window shows the message “ListJobsWithInfo.” 2. Make sure the Providers and settings are registered with the Broker: a.
c. Click Profiles in the mode selector. You should see a list of folders for the Cleaner 5 settings you have registered. For more information about using the DMS Administration Tool, see Chapter 4. 3. Make sure each Provider is running. The Status line should read “Waiting for Jobs.
CHAPTER 3 Using ProEncode This chapter describes how to use the ProEncode application.
Encoding a Clip or Sequence There are two methods for encoding a clip or sequence: • Select the clip or sequence within an Avid editing application and send it to ProEncode. See “Sending a Clip or Sequence to ProEncode” on page 61. • Export a QuickTime movie or any other file that Cleaner 5 can process, and add it to ProEncode. See “Adding a File to ProEncode” on page 66. Sending a Clip or Sequence to ProEncode To send a clip or sequence to ProEncode: 1.
n The Avid editing system will automatically create a QuickTime reference movie that includes all tracks of an entire clip or sequence. If you want to use IN and OUT points or selected tracks, see “Exporting QuickTime Reference Movies to ProEncode” on page 95. You can also right-click (Windows) or Ctrl+click (Macintosh) a clip or sequence in a bin, and choose Send To ProEncode from the pop-up menu. 3. Choose Send To from the File menu and choose ProEncode from the submenu.
4. In the Add Jobs dialog box, the Source text box displays the location of the QuickTime reference movie created by the Avid editing system. Select the following parameters for the job: a. In the Destination text box, type the path for the folder that will hold the encoded movie or click the Browse button to find and select the folder. You can set a default destination in the Client Settings dialog box (see “Configuring a ProEncode Client” on page 55). b.
n To add a custom setting to the list maintained by the Broker, see “Adding Custom Settings to ProEncode” on page 67. c. Choose a priority for this job from the Priority pop-up menu. If there are multiple jobs, the priority determines which jobs are processed first. d. (Optional) Choose a specific ProEncode Provider for this job from the Provider pop-up menu. Selecting a Provider is necessary if you are sending a custom setting with the job.
7. If you want to delete or change a job, select the job and click the Remove Job button. You can then add the job again, using new parameters. 8. (Optional) Type a name in the Batch Name text box. A batch name identifies the group of jobs for notification. The batch name appears in any notification message sent by the Broker. Jobs are not identified by batch in the DMS Administration Tool. You can set a default batch name in the Client Settings dialog box (see “Configuring a ProEncode Client” on page 55).
11. Choose a user name from the User pop-up menu. The user name is associated with each job. You can filter the list of jobs in the DMS Administration Tool to see only the jobs that the user has submitted. 12. Click the Submit button. The Client sends information about all jobs in the batch to the Broker, which in turn assigns each job to a Provider. The Provider starts Cleaner 5, which processes the job. The Provider then sends information about the job to the DMS Broker.
Monitoring the Encoding For troubleshooting information, see Appendix B. After you submit the batch to be encoded, you can monitor the jobs using the following: • DMS Administration Tool: The DMS Administration Tool gives you the most information for monitoring and managing jobs. For complete information, see Chapter 4. • DMS Broker and ProEncode Provider windows: Each window includes a Status line and a History window. The History window includes information that you can use for troubleshooting.
To add custom settings to ProEncode: 1. In Cleaner 5, create a custom setting and save it in the Cleaner Settings folder. For example, if you created a QuickTime Progressive setting called QuickTime Customized, you could save it in drive:\Program Files\Cleaner 5\Cleaner Settings\QuickTime-Progressive. 2. Make sure the DMS Broker is running. 3. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Avid, and then select ProEncode Registration Tool.
If the Registration Tool cannot find the Cleaner Settings folder, the settings are not displayed and the Select the Directory to Search dialog box appears. a. Select the Cleaner Settings folder (do not open it). b. Click the Select button. The dialog box closes, and the Cleaner 5 settings are displayed in the Registration Tool. 4. Click the Register button to add the settings to the DMS Broker. The Password message box appears and asks you for the Administration password.
5. Type the password you set for the Administrator account, and then click OK. The encoder and settings are registered with the Broker, and the Registration Tool closes. The custom setting will appear in the Add Jobs dialog box and the DMS Administration Tool.
CHAPTER 4 Using the DMS Administration Tool The DMS Administration Tool lets you monitor and manage all aspects of your ProEncode system.
The DMS Administration Tool The DMS Administration Tool is the user interface for viewing and managing the DMS Broker. DMS (Distributed Media Services) is the software infrastructure on which ProEncode is layered. For more information about DMS, see “ProEncode Basics” on page 15. The DMS Administration Tool is a Web-based application that communicates with the DMS Broker’s built-in Web server. This communication lets you manage ProEncode through a browser from anywhere on the Internet.
2. Type a URL for the DMS Broker in the following form: http://broker_name:8080 For example, http://broker1:8080 3. Press Return. n You can find the Broker name in the Name field of the DMS Broker window. The DMS Administration Tool login screen appears. 4. Type your login name and password (see “Using the DMS Administration Page” on page 89). 5. Click the Login button. If the login name and password are accepted, the DMS Jobs page appears.
Exploring the DMS Administration Tool The DMS Administration Tool user interface consists of four areas: • Mode selector: Determines the DMS Administration Tool’s functional mode and which mode-related controls are displayed. • Navigation controls: Appear only on the Jobs page. The controls determine what jobs are displayed (see “Navigating the Jobs List” on page 79). • Control frame: Displays different options, depending on the mode in which you are working.
Table 4-1 ProEncode Modes Mode Description Section Reference Jobs Displays the status and other information about jobs submitted to the DMS Broker. Lets you cancel or retry jobs, depending on your level of privilege. “Using the DMS Jobs Page” on page 75 Providers Displays information about encoders that are running ProEncode Provider software. Lets you delete encoders, depending on your level of privilege.
Opening the DMS Jobs Page To open the DMS Jobs page: t Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). The DMS Jobs page appears by default after you log in to the DMS Administration Tool. If the DMS Jobs page does not appear, click Jobs in the mode selector. Mode selector DMS Jobs Page The DMS Jobs page displays information about jobs you have submitted to the DMS Broker. Table 4-2 describes the information displayed on the DMS Jobs page.
Table 4-2 Jobs Page Column DMS Jobs Page Information Description Status The colors and icons in the display indicate the status of the job: Yellow bar with no icon = Encoding is processing. Green bar with Check Mark icon = Encoding is completed. Gray bar with Stop icon = Encoding has been canceled. Red bar with X icon = Encoding has failed with an error. Gray bar with no icon = Encoding is pending or is in a queue.
To customize the Jobs list: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). The DMS Jobs page appears by default after you log in to the DMS Administration Tool. If the DMS Jobs page does not appear, click Jobs in the mode selector. 2. In the control frame of the Jobs page, choose ProEncode from the Service pop-up menu. 3. Choose All Users or a user name from the User Name pop-up menu. n The administrator account allows you to cancel any job.
Navigating the Jobs List The DMS Administration Tool displays jobs in blocks of fifteen jobs. It also organizes jobs in groups of 100. Using the following navigation controls, you can view the list of jobs. To view the previous fifteen jobs or the next fifteen jobs: t Click the Previous or Next button. To view the previous group or the next group of 100 jobs: t Click the Previous Group or Next Group button. The DMS Administration Tool displays the first 15 jobs of the group.
Purging the Jobs List All jobs submitted to the ProEncode Broker remain in the Jobs list until you purge the list. After you purge jobs, they are deleted from the Broker’s database. n You must be logged in as Administrator to purge jobs. To purge the Jobs list: 1. On the DMS Jobs page, click the Purge button. The Purge Jobs page appears. 2. Select which types of jobs you want to Purge. 3. Click the Continue button. The Jobs list no longer contains the types of jobs you selected.
Viewing Details About a Job To view details about a job: t On the DMS Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column. The Display Job Details page opens in a separate browser window. Some of this information is also shown on the DMS Jobs page. Table 4-3 provides information about all the entries on the Display Job Details page.
Table 4-3 Display Job Details Page Information Entry Description Job ID A number automatically generated by the DMS Broker. Job Name A name automatically generated by the DMS Broker, consisting of a combination of the file name (as submitted to the ProEncode Client) and Cleaner setting. State The current status of the job (see Table 4-2 on page 77). The background color of the display matches the status color. Service The DMS service; in this case, ProEncode.
Canceling a Job You can cancel a job that is in the Pending or Processing state. n You can only cancel jobs that have been submitted under your name. If you have logged in as Administrator, you can cancel any job. To cancel a ProEncode job: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2. On the DMS Jobs page, click the hyperlinked job name that appears in the Job column. The Display Job Details page opens in a separate browser window. 3.
The DMS Broker changes the state to Pending and places the job in the queue for the next available Provider. Using the DMS Providers Page The DMS Providers page displays information about computers that are running ProEncoder Provider software (encoders) and are registered with the ProEncode Broker. • DMS Providers Page Opening the DMS Providers Page To open the DMS Providers page: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2.
DMS Providers Page Table 4-4 describes the information displayed on the DMS Providers page.
Customizing the DMS Providers Display By default, the DMS Providers page displays all encoders that are registered with the ProEncode Broker. You can customize your view to show only the connected encoders. To customize the Providers display: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2. Click Providers in the mode selector. 3. In the control frame of the Providers page, choose ProEncode from the Service pop-up menu. 4.
3. Click the Trash icon to the left of the encoder’s name. A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to delete the Provider. 4. Click OK. The Provider is no longer registered with the ProEncode Broker. To register it again, you need to run the Registration tool (see “Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker” on page 49). n Deleting a Provider does not delete the Provider’s settings from the Broker.
The DMS Profiles page appears. DMS Profiles Page Table 4-5 describes the information displayed on the DMS Profiles page. Table 4-5 Profiles Page Column DMS Profiles Page Information Description Profile Name The names of the Cleaner 5 settings.The list includes all settings that are registered with the DMS Broker. Settings that are shared by more than one encoder are listed only once. Service The DMS service; in this case, ProEncode.
Deleting Settings n You must be logged in as Administrator to delete settings. To delete a setting: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2. Click Profiles in the mode selector. 3. Click the Trash icon to the left of the setting’s name. A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to delete the setting. 4. Click OK. The setting is no longer registered with the ProEncode Broker.
Opening the DMS Administration Page To open the DMS Administration Page: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2. Click Administration in the mode selector. The DMS Administration page appears, listing user accounts in the User Name column. Setting Up User Accounts To set up a user account: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2. Click Administration in the mode selector. 3.
The Create User page appears. 4. Type a user name in the User Name text box. User names and passwords are case sensitive and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores. They can be up to 255 characters in length. 5. (Optional) Type a password in the Password text box. Then, type it again in the Retype Password text box. Passwords are not required. 6. Click the Save button. n Password information is stored in the DMS.user.table file. By default, this file is located in the following path: drive:\P
Editing User Accounts To edit a user account: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2. Click Administration in the mode selector. 3. Click the edit icon to the left of the User name. The Edit User page appears. 4. Make any required changes. 5. Click the Save button. Deleting User Accounts n You must be logged in as Administrator to delete user accounts. To delete a user account: 1.
3. Click the Trash icon to the left of the Edit icon. A dialog box appears and asks if you are sure you want to delete the user account. 4. Click OK. The user account is deleted. Reassigning Passwords If a user forgets his or her password, you need to assign a new one. If the Administrator forgets his or her password, you need to delete and re-create all accounts. To reassign a user password: 1. Open the DMS Administration Tool (see “Opening the DMS Administration Tool” on page 72). 2.
4. Click the Edit icon to the left of the Administrator name. The Edit User page appears. 5. Type a password, and then retype it. 6. Click the Save button. 7. Re-create all user accounts (see “Setting Up User Accounts” on page 90).
APPENDIX A Exporting QuickTime Reference Movies This appendix describes how to export QuickTime reference movies from an Avid editing application, and then add them to ProEncode.
n The source folder, destination folder, and media must be on a shared drive or on shared storage. See “Sharing Folders” on page 37. Use this procedure if you have any of the following applications: • Symphony Release 3.1 • Media Composer or Film Composer Release 10.1 (Windows NT or Macintosh) • Avid Xpress Release 4.1 • NewsCutter Release 2.0 or later For other applications from which you are exporting, see their documentation. To export a QuickTime reference movie: 1.
Windows Macintosh 4. Select the Export settings by doing one of the following: t If you created a setting in advance, choose the setting from the Export Setting pop-up menu and go to step 10. t If you want to create or edit a setting, go to step 5.
5. Click the Options button. The Export Settings dialog box appears. 6. Choose QuickTime Reference from the Export As pop-up menu. The Export Settings dialog box displays the QuickTime Reference options.
7. Select the necessary QuickTime Reference options as described in Table A-1. If you want to create a movie with IN and OUT points, enabled tracks, or both, select the appropriate options in the upper right corner of the dialog box. 8. Click the Save As button. The Save Export Setting dialog box appears. 9. Type a name for the setting in the Setting Name text box, and click OK.
QuickTime Reference Export Options When you use the Send To ProEncode command to automatically send a clip or sequence to ProEncode, the Avid application creates a QuickTime reference movie that includes the following settings: • Flatten Video Tracks • Fill Spaces with Black • Render All Video Effects • Premix Audio Tracks • Use Network Media References • Add Shares for Media Drives • Pixel Aspect Ratio: Square If you want to use different options, export a QuickTime reference movie as describ
Table A-1 Export Settings Dialog Box QuickTime Reference Options (Continued) Options Description Flatten Video Tracks When this option is selected, the composition is exported as one video track. When this option is deselected, one QuickTime video track is generated for each video track in the composition, and you cannot select Fill Spaces with Black. Because most third-party applications do not understand multiple QuickTime video tracks, it is a good idea to select this option.
Table A-1 Export Settings Dialog Box QuickTime Reference Options (Continued) Options Description Use Network Media References When this option is selected, the exported movie uses the machine and share name of the media drive in the QuickTime reference movie instead of a drive letter. Select this option when the media files referenced by the movie are accessed remotely over the network.
APPENDIX B Troubleshooting ProEncode This appendix provides information on troubleshooting your ProEncode system.
Finding Solutions for Specific Problems See Table B-1 for problems, probable causes, and solutions. Table B-1 Problem Troubleshooting ProEncode Probable Cause Solution There is no application key or the application key is not working properly. Make sure the application key is properly connected (see “Attaching the Application Key” on page 39). Then, reinstall the Broker software (see “Installing the DMS Broker Software” on page 40).
Table B-1 Problem Troubleshooting ProEncode (Continued) Probable Cause Solution The Provider settings have an incorrect Change the settings for the name for Provider, Broker, or both. Provider (see “Configuring the ProEncode Provider” on page 51). The Provider does not start Cleaner 5. Cleaner 5 is not installed on the computer. Install Cleaner 5 (see “Installing and Configuring Cleaner 5” on page 46). On a Windows computer, Internet Explorer 5.5 is not installed.
Table B-1 Problem Troubleshooting ProEncode (Continued) Probable Cause Solution The Provider is not correctly registered Register the Provider (see with the Broker. “Registering a ProEncode Provider with the DMS Broker” on page 49). A job with a streaming Cleaner 5 has not been configured with setting does not encode, and default streaming servers. Cleaner 5 displays a dialog box. Configure streaming servers in Cleaner 5 (see “Installing and Configuring Cleaner 5” on page 46).
Table B-1 Problem Troubleshooting ProEncode (Continued) Probable Cause Solution The DMS Administration The destination folder specified in the Free up space or choose a Tool shows a job as complete, ProEncode Client Add Jobs dialog box different destination location. but no output file exists. is full. The destination folder specified in the Make sure the output folder ProEncode Client Add Jobs dialog box exists (see “Configuring a is incorrect or does not exist.
c. Click the Submit button. If the job encodes correctly, submit another job using the Send To ProEncode command from the editing application. Occasionally, there are problems involving network updating that are corrected after a short time period. 3. Make sure all media drives are correctly shared: a. In the Avid editing system, start your Avid editing application. b. Click the Settings button in the Project window. The Settings scroll list appears. c. Double-click General.
Checking the Log File You can also check the log file, which is located on the system that is running the Broker. The log folder is located in the path that you selected during installation, for example: drive:\Program Files\Avid\DMS\Broker\logs 109
Index ABCDEFGHIJLMNPQRSTU A B Accounts deleting 92 editing 92 setting up 90 Add Jobs dialog box described 17 using 63, 66 Adding custom settings to ProEncode 67 files to ProEncode 66 Administration page See DMS Administration page Administrator account setting password for 45 Administrator See DMS Administration Tool Amber Signal icon 63 Application key attaching 39 Avid codecs 48 Avid Unity MediaNet environment ProEncode network requirements for 26 ProEncode system requirements for 25 Batch names using
DMS Jobs page canceling a job 83 customizing display 77 information displayed 76 navigating Jobs list 79 opening 76 purging 80 retrying a job 83 updating Jobs list 79 viewing details about a job 81 DMS Profiles page deleting settings 89 described 87 information displayed 88 opening 87 DMS Providers page customizing display 86 deleting Providers 86 described 84 information displayed 85 opening 84 Dongle attaching 39 Configuring Cleaner 5 46 DMS Broker 41 ProEncode Client 55 ProEncode Provider 51 Create User
Exporting QuickTime reference movies 95 J F Job details 81 Jobs canceling 83 monitoring 67, 76 retrying 83 Jobs page See DMS Jobs page Files adding to ProEncode 66 Folders required access to 37 sharing in a LAN environment 38 sharing in an Avid Unity MediaNet environment 37 Temporary file folder 36 L LAN environment ProEncode network requirements for 29 ProEncode system requirements for 28 G M Green Signal icon 63 Monitoring jobs options for 67 through DMS Jobs page 76 H Help using 32 N Navigatin
Purge Jobs page 80 Purging DMS Jobs page 80 ProEncode adding files to 66 checking installation and configuration 58 configurations 23 described 15 encoding a clip or sequence 61 installation and configuration check list 34 network requirements for Avid Unity MediaNet environment Q QuickTime installed with ProEncode 48 QuickTime reference movies adding to ProEncode 95 described 31 export options 100 exporting 95 26 for LAN environment 29 sending a clip or sequence to 61 setting up 33 system requirements f
Sharing folders in a LAN environment 38 in an Avid Unity MediaNet environment 37 System requirements for Avid Unity MediaNet environment 25 for LAN environment 28 T Temporary file folder setting location for 36 Troubleshooting procedure 107 table 104 U Updating Jobs list 79 User accounts deleting 92 editing 92 setting up 90 114