User`s guide

007-4403-003 1

Chapter 1

1. Overview of the SGI Media Server

This chapter describes the SGI Media Server, which provides real-time, frame-accurate

recording and playback of broadcast-quality digital media data. The SGI Media Server

manages video as data, distributing the ﬁles over the existing LAN/WAN

infrastructure—whether 100 Base-TX, Gigabit Ethernet, or enhanced video networks—

within a facility or between facilities.

The following topics are discussed in this chapter:

• “Functional Overview” on page 1

• “Software Overview” on page 3

• “Hardware Overview” on page 12

• “Supported SMPTE Standards” on page 18

Functional Overview

Digital media data is brought into the SGI Media Server by recording it from a live feed

or a videotape deck or copying it from a ﬁle. The data can then be played out to a

broadcast system, a video port, or a video tape recorder (VTR).

The SGI Media Server can be controlled using a Multiport Video Computer Protocol

(MVCP) application or through the use of a broadcast system automation controller,

which can control video servers using serial control protocols—such as the Video Disk

Communications Protocol (VDCP) or an edit controller that can control a VTR using the

Sony RS-422 VTR protocol.

For non-production, developmental activities, you can use the SGI Media Server control

graphical user interface (GUI).The GUI consists of screens that are used to record and

play digital data, determine status information, and manage digital media data stored on

the SGI Media Server.